Winter gives men more fashion opportunities than any other season. With coats, layers, and heavier fabrics, it’s the best time of year to look put-together and express your style—but only when you know how.
As temperatures drop across Australia, now’s the perfect time to reassess your wardrobe and give your warmer clothes a new life. In this article, we’re sharing timeless tips for dressing with style as a man during winter, plus some expert tailoring tips, because fit never goes out of style.
Tailor your layers to avoid an uncomfortable fit
Layers can quickly feel restrictive or bulky if they don’t sit right. Shirts that bunch under jumpers, knits ride up at the back, and jackets that pull awkwardly at the chest. If your clothes don’t fit well together, it’s hard to stand tall.
Tailoring helps your layers sit properly so you stay warm without feeling overly bundled up. Start by looking at your base layers. Wool, cashmere and merino all respond well to tailoring. If they feel loose or bunch at the waist, you can taper them in slightly so they sit closer to the body.
The easiest way to upgrade your winter coat
A winter coat should feel warm, stylish and easy to throw on with a moment’s notice. However, if the shoulders sit too wide, the sleeves hang long, or the body feels tent-like, you might feel sloppy, not sharp.
Tailoring helps fix these issues so your coat sits properly and complements the rest of your outfit. For example, you might bring in the sides for a tapered shape, lift the shoulders to give you more structure, or shorten the sleeves so they line up neatly with your layers.
Even minor fixes like fixing some worn lining, replacing a lost button or adjusting the collar can also make an uninspiring coat your new favourite.
Another hot tip is to look for a quality second-hand coat and get it tailored. Often, older coats were made with better materials than the average coat sold today. With this trick, you can get quality fabric and the perfect fit for a fraction of the cost.
Adjust your trousers to match your winter footwear
Winter is the time of year to get back into your favourite boots. However, most men don’t realise that the wrong trousers can let down a great pair of boots. If the fabric’s pooling around your ankles or sitting too high, it detracts from your great shoes.
Luckily, this is one of the easiest fixes a tailor can make. Start by checking the hem of your pants. If it’s dragging, a simple shortening will help them sit neatly over your boots if it’s dragging. If the pant leg feels too wide, tapering below the knee can create a sharper, cleaner line. You can also add a cuff to give the fabric some weight and help it fall better. A good tailor can guide you through all of these options.
Work with the pieces you already love
The best wardrobe is the one you already have. Instead of replacing old favourites, consider repairing or reshaping them. A stretched-out knit, a torn seam, or a worn-in jacket can all be brought back to life with the proper care.
At LookSmart, we offer expert services like knitwear mending, seam repair and discreet patching, so you can keep wearing your tried-and-true staples for years to come.
Choosing to repair over replace keeps textiles out of the landfill and reduces demand for fast fashion. It’s better for the planet, easier on your wallet, and far better for your style to invest in the pieces you already love.
Dress for the occasion, not just the temperature
Winter calls for more than just warmth; you need clothes that suit your day. An oversized ski jacket might keep you warm, but it won’t look right at a dinner or in the office.
The trick is to invest in versatile pieces that you can dress up or down. A wool coat, for example, works over a shirt and trousers for work, but also looks sharp with jeans and a jumper on the weekend. A good pair of leather boots can carry you from a casual outing to a smart event.
You don’t need a separate wardrobe for every occasion. A few well-fitted pieces in good fabrics can be adapted easily with the thoughtful tailoring, so your winter outfits feel right no matter where you’re going.
Choose LookSmart for tailored winter fashion
At LookSmart, we specialise in high-quality tailoring, alterations, and clothing repairs. Whether you need to reshape a winter coat, taper trousers to suit your boots, or repair a favourite knit, our expert tailors know how to bring your piece back to life.
We treat every garment with precision and care, helping you get more wear from the pieces you already own. Many of our locations also offer express turnaround for faster service when you need it. Find your nearest store at: looksmartalterations.com.au/locations.
FAQs
What are some essential pieces for a man’s winter wardrobe?
Start with well-fitted outerwear, like a wool coat or padded jacket, and build around staples such as merino wool jumpers, lined trousers, and quality leather boots. Layering pieces like thermal tees and button-down shirts helps adapt your clothes to the colder temperatures.
Is merino wool a good option for winter clothes?
Yes! Merino wool is breathable, warm, and naturally odour-resistant, making it ideal for layering in colder weather. It also regulates body temperature better than most synthetic fabrics, keeping you comfortable indoors and out.
What’s the difference between original fit and slim fit winter wear?
Original fit garments offer a more relaxed cut, which can be more comfortable when layering. Slim fit styles are more tailored and closer to the body, which can look sharp as a base layer but may need adjusting if worn over thicker layers.
How can I make my winter wardrobe more versatile?
Focus on wardrobe essentials that mix and match easily, neutral trousers, classic coats, merino wool knits, and boots that suit both casual and smart settings.
