If you’ve ever layered up in the morning only to feel bulky, sweaty, or somehow still cold… you’re not alone. Picking the right pieces for cooler temps isn’t just about what looks cute—it all starts with choosing the right fabrics.
In this guide, we’re diving into the best fall and winter fabrics so you can build a closet that’s stylish and functional even when the temps drop.
Whether you’re bundling up for frosty mornings or trying to stay warm without overheating indoors, the fabric you choose makes all the difference.
I’ll walk you through the layering fabrics for cold weather that work best (without the bulk), which ones to avoid, and how to spot high-quality materials when shopping.
From cozy fabrics for fall like brushed cotton and corduroy to warm fabrics for winter like cashmere and fleece, you’ll learn how to dress smarter (and feel better) in every outfit!
Ready to learn about the best fall and winter fabrics? Let’s get into it.
*This post contains affiliate links. Which means I receive a small commission if you shop for anything at no extra cost to you. Thanks in advance for supporting Ways of Style!
Estimated reading time: 17 minutes
Why Fabrics Matter in Cold Weather (And Why Your Closet Deserves Better)
Let’s be real… fall and winter fabrics can make or break your outfit and your mood. You can have the cutest sweater in the world, but if it feels like sandpaper or doesn’t actually keep you warm… what’s the point?
When it comes to dressing for cold weather, fabrics are everything! They are the secret behind outfits that feel cozy, breathable, and put-together—without the bulk, the itch, or the sweaty regret.
Here’s why it matters:
✅ Warmth without weight: Some fabrics (like merino wool or fleece) are total MVPs because they trap heat without adding bulk. Others? Not so much. Polyester blends can leave you sweating one minute and freezing the next.
✅ Breathability = comfort: The best breathable winter fabrics keep you warm and let your skin breathe, so you’re not peeling layers off the second you walk indoors.
✅ Smart layering starts with the right base: If you want to layer like a pro, you need to know which layering fabrics for cold weather actually work together (and which will just make you feel like a burrito).
✅ Not all coziness is created equal: That super fuzzy sweater you bought on sale? If it’s 100% acrylic, it will not keep you warm. Let’s upgrade those “looks warm” pieces with ones that actually are warm.
Bottom line? Understanding all the fall and winter fabrics helps you shop smarter, dress easier, and actually enjoy your outfits (yes, even on those freezing mornings when getting dressed feels like a chore).
So, let’s talk about the best fabrics for fall and winter—what they’re great for, what to avoid, and how to spot the good stuff when you’re shopping.
1️⃣ Wool:
✨ What it is: Wool is one of those classic fall and winter fabrics that everyone knows—but not everyone loves at first touch. It’s a natural fiber known for being super warm, moisture-wicking, and naturally insulating.
- One of the warmest fabrics for winter
- Naturally breathable = no overheating indoors
- Great for layering without bulk
- Comes in many types (more on that in a sec!)
- Odor-resistant (great if you’re a chronic re-wearer like me 😅)
👎 Cons:
- Can feel itchy if it’s low quality or unlined
- Some types shrink if you toss them in the wash
- High-end wools can be pricey
⭐️ Best for: Sweaters, coats, scarves, socks, base layers (especially merino wool), gloves, and even structured pants.
🔥 Style tip: Not all wool will make you itchy! Merino wool is ultra-fine and feels soft against the skin—perfect for layering under everything from button-downs to cardigans. I love it for long-sleeve tees that keep you warm without looking like a thermal.
- Quince has great merino wool basics for under $50
- Everlane often uses recycled wool in coats and structured sweaters
2️⃣ Cashmere:
✨ What it is: Cashmere is the cozy queen of all fall and winter fabrics—and for good reason. It’s buttery soft, lightweight, and shockingly warm for how thin it looks. (this one is my favorite fabric for traveling)
- Incredibly soft and luxe
- Super warm without the bulk
- Great for layering fabrics for cold weather
- Instantly makes any outfit look elevated
👎 Cons:
- Can be expensive (especially 100% cashmere) *but not with QUINCE*
- Needs gentle care—this one’s not going in the dryer
- Lower-quality versions may pill or feel scratchy
⭐️ Best for: Sweaters, turtlenecks, cardigans, scarves—even joggers if you’re feeling extra cozy.
🔥 Style tip: A simple cashmere crewneck is my go-to for looking polished with zero effort. It layers beautifully under coats, dresses up jeans, and is breathable enough to wear indoors. If 100% cashmere feels out of budget, go for a cotton-cashmere blend—it’s just as soft but way easier on your wallet.
🔗 Where to shop for it:
- Quince offers 100% Mongolian cashmere sweaters for $50+ (yes, really!)
- Everlane has great recycled cashmere in classic cuts
- Eileen Fisher uses luxe responsibly sourced cashmere—splurge-worthy, but timeless
3️⃣ Alpaca:
✨ What it is: Alpaca is one of the most underrated fall and winter fabrics out there. Unlike regular wool, it’s lighter, softer, and hypoallergenic, making it ideal if traditional wool makes you itchy.
- Warmer than wool (but lighter!)
- Doesn’t itch or irritate sensitive skin
- Naturally water-resistant and breathable
- Super durable and long-lasting
👎 Cons:
- Can be more expensive than wool (this store has fair pricing)
- Not as easy to find in stores
- Some alpaca blends aren’t as soft—check the tag!
⭐️ Best for: Chunky sweaters, wraps, scarves, ponchos, and soft winter accessories.
🔥 Style tip: If you want something as warm as wool without the scratchy feel, alpaca is your fabric soulmate. It’s perfect for oversized sweaters and layering pieces that feel cozy but still breathe—especially on days when temps keep changing.
- Quince has a whole line of 100% alpaca sweaters that are luxe, lightweight, and under $60. You can’t beat this!
💭 Not sure if your current closet is working for the season?
If you’re constantly layering the wrong pieces or feel like your sweaters just don’t do their job, your closet might be due for a refresh —take my free closet quiz to find out. I can help :)
In 2 minutes, you’ll find out if it’s time for a closet refresh and based on your results, you’ll get personalized tips to build a wardrobe you actually love wearing all year round!
Get started right away ⬇️
4️⃣ Cotton (Brushed, Thermal & Flannel)
✨ What it is: Cotton is one of the most familiar fall and winter fabrics, but not all cotton is made for cold weather.
Enter brushed cotton, thermal knit, and flannel—three versions that are softer, warmer, and way cozier than your basic cotton t-shirt. They’re perfect for layering and lounging, especially during fall.
👍 Pros:
- Breathable and gentle on skin
- Great for layering (without overheating)
- Easy to care for and budget-friendly
- Brushed and flannel versions feel extra soft and cozy
👎 Cons:
- Not the warmest option on its own in very cold temps
- Can shrink if not washed carefully
- Some thinner versions can lose shape over time
⭐️ Best for: Long-sleeve base layers, thermal tees, flannel button-downs, casual dresses, and even pajamas.
🔥 Style tip: Use thermal or brushed cotton pieces as your base layer for layering fabrics in cold weather—they’re breathable but warm, so they play well under sweaters or cardigans.
And flannel shirts? They’re basically fall in fabric form. Tie one around your waist or layer over a tee for that cozy-but-cute look.
🔗 Where to shop for it:
- Madewell has super cute flannel tops and brushed cotton staples that layer beautifully
- Everlane also has a few cute and timeless flannel options
- Quince offers soft cotton thermal basics at great prices
5️⃣ Fleece:
✨ What it is: Fleece is a synthetic fabric made from polyester (or a poly blend), but don’t let that scare you—it’s one of the most popular fall and winter fabrics for a reason. It’s designed to mimic the insulating properties of wool, but it’s softer, lighter, and faster-drying, making it a favorite for casual cold-weather dressing.
- Incredibly soft and cozy
- Lightweight but surprisingly warm
- Dries quickly and resists moisture
- Affordable and widely available
👎 Cons:
- Not super breathable (can get sweaty if layered too tightly)
- Can pill or lose softness over time
- Not great for dressier outfits
⭐️ Best for: Pullovers, jackets, loungewear, sweatshirts, joggers, and casual layering pieces.
🔥 Style tip: Fleece is perfect for cozy layering days or chilly weekends when you want to feel warm and comfy. Try layering a fleece zip-up or half-zip under a denim jacket or over a cotton tee for the easiest fall outfit ever. Just pair with jeans or leggings and you’re set.
Another tip? Always size up on your jackets for easy layering!
- Quince carries fleece zip-ups and sweatshirts that are cozy without being overly bulky
- Everlane often drops fleece pullovers or sherpa styles each season
- Looking for something ultra soft? Marine Layer has fleece loungewear that feels like a hug!
6️⃣ Corduroy:
✨ What it is: Corduroy is a textured fabric made from cotton, known for its raised “wales” (aka the ridged lines running down the fabric). It’s one of the most iconic fall and winter fabrics, giving you both warmth and structure—with a side of retro charm.
It’s personally one of my favorite fabrics for warm *yet stylish* bottom pieces.
- Warm and sturdy—great for chillier weather
- Adds texture and depth to outfits
- Durable and holds its shape well
- A fun alternative to denim in the fall
👎 Cons:
- Can feel stiff at first (but usually softens with wear)
- Not ideal for very cold or wet weather
- Heavier styles can feel bulky if layered poorly
⭐️ Best for: Pants, skirts, shackets, jackets, jumpsuits, and blazers.
🔥 Style tip: Corduroy pants are a cute swap for jeans in fall—they feel more seasonal and add that cozy texture we all love. Try pairing wide-leg corduroys with a tucked-in thermal top or cropped sweater. You can also rock a corduroy jacket over a midi dress for a fun, layered vibe.
- Quince occasionally carries corduroy outerwear or pants—check their seasonal drops
- Madewell always has great corduroy pieces, from pants to button-downs
7️⃣ Denim:
✨ What it is: Denim is one of the most iconic year-round fabrics, but it really holds its own in the cooler months. Denim is one of those fall and winter fabrics that works best when layered or paired with warmer pieces.
- Durable and versatile
- Adds structure to any outfit
- Easy to dress up or down
- Pairs well with almost every other cold-weather fabric
👎 Cons:
- Not very warm on its own
- Can feel stiff or restrictive in some cuts
- Not the best option in very cold or wet climates unless layered smartly
⭐️ Best for: Jeans, denim jackets, skirts, shackets, and shirt dresses.
🔥 Style tip: Denim shines in the fall when you use it to balance cozy textures. I love pairing high-waisted jeans with an alpaca or wool sweater—it’s an easy outfit that feels polished.
- Quince offers premium organic cotton jeans at super reasonable prices
- Madewell is the popular go-to brand for denim with thoughtful fits and seasonal styles
8️⃣ Polyester & Acrylic Blends:
✨ What it is: Polyester and acrylic are both synthetic fibers that show up everywhere in fall and winter fabrics—especially in affordable knits, linings, and blends.
On their own, they’re not the coziest or most breathable, but when mixed with natural fibers, they can help lower the cost, add stretch, or improve durability. That’s why I decided to include them in this blog post!
- Very affordable
- Helps garments keep their shape (especially in blends)
- Easy to wash and care for
- Often used in fleece, sherpa, and sweater knits for extra softness
👎 Cons:
- Not super breathable
- Can feel plasticky or itchy in high percentages
- Prone to pilling, especially with wear or friction
- Traps heat and sweat if the fit is too tight
⭐️ Best for: Sweaters, fleece pullovers, leggings, linings, and coats—if the blend is right.
🔥 Style tip: If you’re buying a polyester or acrylic blend, always check the tag! Look for blends with cotton, wool, or viscose if you want that cozy feel without the clammy side effects. I like these fabrics for layering pieces that don’t touch my skin directly—like oversized sweaters or coat linings.
- Quince offers responsibly made basics with thoughtfully balanced blends
- Everlane and Madewell include polyester or acrylic blends in their sweaters and coats, often blended with natural fibers for better texture
- Just skip anything that’s 100% acrylic if you want it to last past one season 😉
9️⃣ Sustainable Fabric Options:
✨ What it is: If you want to stay warm and shop with a conscience, these are the fall and winter fabrics to look for. Sustainable fabrics are made using eco-friendly processes, recycled materials, or renewable fibers—and many of them are naturally cozy, breathable, and perfect for layering.
PS: all the brands I’m recommending in this blog post are sustainable.
🧵 Fabrics to look for:
- Organic Cotton – Grown without harmful pesticides
- TENCEL™ (Lyocell) – Made from wood pulp using a closed-loop process
- LENZING™ Modal – Ultra-soft fiber made from beech trees
- Recycled Polyester – Gives plastic waste a second life
- Recycled Wool & Cotton – Diverts waste and lowers energy use
- Bamboo Viscose (from closed-loop production only!) – Lightweight, breathable, and soft
👍 Pros:
- Better for the planet—less water, energy, and waste
- Often softer and more breathable than traditional options
- Most are vegan and cruelty-free
- Perfect for layering and everyday basics
👎 Cons:
- Can be more expensive (but worth the longevity!)
- Not all “eco” labels are created equal—some are just marketing
- Still emerging in cold-weather outerwear (but improving fast!)
⭐️ Best for: anything!
🔥 Style tip: Look for blend tags like TENCEL™ + cotton or recycled poly + wool for pieces that feel amazing and wear well. These fabrics are great for those everyday items you reach for over and over—and they layer beautifully without feeling bulky or stiff.
🔗 Where to shop for it:
- Quince uses TENCEL™, organic cotton, and recycled poly in many of their fall basics
- Everlane has tons of elevated essentials made from TENCEL™ and recycled materials
- Eileen Fisher is leading the way in recycled and regenerative fabrics (pricey, but investment-worthy!)
- Madewell’s “Do Well” line includes denim, outerwear, and tees made from organic and recycled fabrics
⭐️ Quick Recap: 9 Fall & Winter Fabrics to Know About!
1️⃣ Wool – Super warm, breathable, and perfect for layering
2️⃣ Cashmere – Lightweight, soft, and luxe
3️⃣ Alpaca – Hypoallergenic and ultra-cozy without the itch
4️⃣ Cotton (Brushed, Thermal, Flannel) – Breathable and soft—ideal for base layers *vegan*
5️⃣ Fleece – Affordable, cozy, and lightweight (great for casual wear) *vegan*
6️⃣ Corduroy – Adds texture, structure, and fall charm to any outfit *vegan*
7️⃣ Denim – Sturdy, stylish, and a layering staple (look for lined or brushed versions) *vegan*
8️⃣ Polyester & Acrylic Blends – Budget-friendly and shape-holding, but best in blends *vegan*
9️⃣ Sustainable Fabrics – Like TENCEL™, organic cotton, recycled poly—good for the planet and your closet *vegan*
There are many other fabrics out there like leather, sherpa, and various knits—but these are the most popular and versatile ones you’ll run into when shopping for your cold-weather wardrobe.
The goal isn’t to memorize a million names. It’s simply to understand what you’re buying and why it works (or doesn’t) for your lifestyle and personal values.
🛍 Quick Shopping Tips:
- Check the fabric tag before anything else—knowing what it’s made of helps you predict warmth, comfort, and care needs.
- Avoid 100% acrylic if possible—it tends to pill quickly and doesn’t breathe well.
- Layering is key, so stock up on base layers in cotton, modal, or TENCEL™, and build up from there.
- Don’t fall for looks alone—a chunky sweater may not be warm if the fabric isn’t right.
- Buy fewer, better pieces in fabrics that feel good and hold up over time.
Final Thoughts:
You don’t need to be a fabric expert to build a wardrobe you love. You just need to pay a little more attention to what things are made of. Once you do, you’ll notice your outfits feel better, last longer, and actually keep you warm when it counts.
So here’s to smarter shopping, cozier layers, and feeling confident in every outfit. Because the fabric of your clothes? It’s kind of the fabric of your life, too 😉
Thanks for stopping by!
XO,
Aimara
PS: take the closet quiz today! By simply answering 7 questions, I can assess the state of your closet and tell you exactly what to do next. It’s free, it takes 20 seconds and it will change your closet forever!
👋 Hi, I’m Aimara!
I’m a former over-shopper turned capsule wardrobe enthusiast—and I now live full-time out of a 20-inch carry-on bag. Yep, really. That means every single piece I own has to work hard, feel amazing, and layer well—especially in colder weather.
I created this blog to help women simplify their wardrobes and feel confident getting dressed, whether they’re staying local or packing for their next trip.
If you found this guide helpful, I’ve got plenty more where that came from—think closet clean-out tips, capsule wardrobe guides, and travel outfit formulas you’ll actually wear. Feel free to keep reading, exploring, and building a wardrobe that fits your life (and your suitcase).
These are some of my most popular blog posts:
- The fall 2025 fashion trends you’ll actually want to wear
- How to create a fall capsule wardrobe
- 7 timeless pieces every woman needs in her closet
- How to use outfit formulas to get dressed fast every day
- 34 cute winter outfits for every occasion!
🧳 Traveling somewhere soon and want to travel with carry-on only? Check out the travel styling category here. I’m sure you’ll find something useful in there!
Did you learn a ton about fall and winter fabrics today? Share it on Pinterest!
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