Without sounding like a protagonist lifted from the pages of a Dickens novel, this biting winter is not for the faint of heart. The trees are barren, the skies are perpetually grey, and the temperatures are frigid enough to make you consider your sanity. Though we have the comfort of a cosy pub fire and our electric blankets set at their highest levels, it’s not enough to see us through the endless cold days on the horizon. Enter: the best thermal layers.

Those who have become accustomed to the freezing winds and blistering chill will already have a robust arsenal of thermal layers to see them through the season, knowing that it’s these fundamental base pieces that are truly the difference between staying warm whilst still appearing stylish. For the uninitiated, thermal layers are a specific category of clothing designed to trap and retain your body heat, meaning that you can remain toasty and cosy without relying on bulky coats, scratchy knits or fleeced-lined leggings that can certainly weigh you down.

Natural fibres like wool or cashmere do this inherently, but thanks to textile innovations, many brands like Uniqlo, Calzedonia and Intimissimi are ensuring their materials are crafted with a second-skin effect that both absorbs and keeps any warmth you emit. (Because you didn’t see a pink-haired Addison Rae could just roam around on the black sand beaches of Iceland in Intimissimi’s dune coloured boat neck top and think she wasn’t wrapped up in one of the best thermal layers around, did you?)

Speaking to Alexa Dagmar and Linda Juhola, the co-founders of Almada Label, a Finnish-based minimalistic luxury brand revered for its well-edited and foundational approach to fashion, the pair tell me just why thermal layers are such an important investment for those battling icy climates. “Having high-quality basics you can easily throw on in the morning is essential,” they explain. “With the right accessories, these staple pieces like turtlenecks, jumpers and T-shirts can be dressed up or down, making them incredibly versatile and effortless to wear.”

When shopping for the best thermal basics, they recommend to “always gravitate toward materials that are easy to care for and truly stand the test of time”, like knitwear. “A perfect winter layer should keep you warm without making you overheat, which is why I love pairing a very thin, chic turtleneck with a thicker knit,” they add. “You can wear a lightweight turtleneck underneath for warmth, and if you get too hot, simply remove the chunkier layer while still looking put-together,” they note. “When we designed our [iteration], we wanted it to be seamless and refined, so it could be dressed up or down and wouldn’t resemble performance wear, which is often the case with very thin knits.”

That last note is one that I, especially as someone who grew up in Sydney but now calls London home, find the most relevant. Thermal layers can sometimes make you feel like you’re dressing for a day on the slopes. (Read: Gwyneth Paltrow in Deer Valley Resort circa 2016.) But I often find the best thermal layers to be the ones that can suit mountainous environments just as well as a cityscape.

Switching out ski jackets for funnel-necks and alpine pants for a pair of jeans, the best thermal layers will be basic enough to suit all settings, but ensure you still feel snug wherever you are. Just make sure you opt for more generous cuts to allow room for these initial layers, and you’re all set.