New Technique – Textured Layering

Last week in the fashion news we touched upon the textured clothing trend that ASOS are pushing really hard right now. This winter, men’s fashion has seen an influx of new pieces which make use of more textured fabrics that are often more extravagant than the standard cotton or fine knit clothing you might have in your wardrobe. Some of the new fabrics we have seen become increasingly popular throughout all age groups are: suede, velvet, thick wool, moleskin and faded/aged leather. This is not just limited to fabrics however – you can add texture to your outfits by using different forms of existing items like high shine patent shoes, ripped jeans or cord trousers.

All these fabrics are truly special in their own way. There is a lot more emphasis on quality now a days from all the major designers and the high street are following along as well. This can only be a good thing for our wardrobes and it means we can invest in high quality items that will last a long time and still look amazing. What it also means for our outfits is that we can use these items to create a new technique which I have called textured layering.

Textured layering is basically the same as standard layering techniques, but it calls for mixing these new textured items to not only create a layered outfit but different finishes and textures throughout the outfit. Fabrics like suedes, velvet and even cords have a distinct feel and add “depth” to an outfit. It is hard to explain but it makes your outfit become more three dimensional because you are using different thicknesses and textures in each section of your look.

The key rule to abide by when mixing these extravagant items together is subtlety. You want to use these fabrics to provide the focal points to each outfit, not to be completely over the top and in your face. So think about how you would personally put together your own outfit and then mix in key items. If you like the rocker look you could mix in a beautiful slim fit velvet jacket with your skinny jeans and graphic tee, then finish off with some high shine patent Chelsea boots. The jacket and your shoes become two real focal points to the outfit here but your overall look still remains the same. For the worker wear trend you might pick up a thick wool plaid over shirt and mix it with some destroyed/aged leather boots to create your standard look, then mix in the faux fur lined trapper hat. Again you have 3 different textures going on here without being over the top. Tone down the rest of your outfit with simple plain jeans and a basic t-shirt layered under your over shirt and you are good to go. The key to this is to pick 2 or 3 different textures and then keep the rest muted so you have eye catching extravagance in different sections of your outfit.

If using such extravagant items is not your style, you can still create some depth to your look through accessories and linings or trims. You can easily mix in a great suede belt or a mac with a velvet collar lining without changing your look at all, but it shows that you care about the details. These little soft touches will set you apart from the other guy who is wearing basic versions of the same item.

So now there has never been a better time to experiment with your looks and outfits. There are plenty of great examples of textured clothing available right now, so look for not just high quality fabrics but also different finishes like cord, high shine, destroyed or aged effects. Below you will find a collection of textured clothing from a variety of shops online. There is so much variety out there right now that it would be hard to show you everything, but this was an article that I hoped would inspire you to use items you normally wouldn’t touch and increase your vision about how your outfit not only looks in layers but a more rounded three dimensional approach.

Textured Clothing

Topman

All Saints

ASOS

Urban Outfitters

MyWardrobe