Winter is the season that demands style without sacrificing warmth. With plummeting temperatures, sudden snowfalls, and winds that cut right through you, staying comfortable while looking sharp is a daily challenge. Whether you’re spending the cold season in the city, in the countryside, or in the mountains, the secret to staying warm lies in the right materials. With the wrong fabrics you’ll either freeze or sweat – needless to say, neither of which is a desired outcome in winter. Enter performance fabrics: technical materials designed to keep you comfortable in even the harshest conditions. We’ve broken down the best options – from fleece to merino wool – so you can stay effortlessly warm, functional, and stylish this winter. Spoiler: Merino wool is about to become your winter wardrobe’s MVP.
Performance fabrics are functional materials designed to tackle extreme conditions. They combine key properties like breathability, moisture-wicking, insulation, and durability to keep you at the perfect temperature. A solid performance fabric can make the difference between a winter that feels like a warm hug and one where you’re counting down the minutes until spring. Here are the seven most popular fabrics to see you through the season – and their pros and cons.
The Top 7 Performance Fabrics in Winter at a glance:
1. Merino Wool
2. Cashmere
3. Wool
4. Heavy Cotton
5. Fleece
6. Thermal Fabrics
7. Softshell
1. Merino Wool: The All-Rounder
Merino wool is the gold standard of performance fabrics. This natural fibre, sourced from Merino sheep, is a marvel of nature’s engineering. It’s lightweight, insulating, and even performs when wet, thanks to its ability to trap air within its fibres. Merino is also odour-resistant, so you can wear it for days without needing to throw it in the wash. A simple airing out will often do the trick, saving time and energy – and helping your clothes last longer. Plus, its temperature-regulating properties mean it keeps you warm when it’s cold and cool when you’re active. The only downside? It’s pricier than synthetic alternatives, but its durability, eco-friendliness (it’s biodegradable), and ultra-soft feel make it worth the investment.
SANVT's merino collection is made from Australian Super-Geelong wool – an ultra-fine fibre with cashmere-like softness but significantly greater durability. Geelong merino combines high density, thermoregulation and durability, making our knitwear extraordinarily soft and functional. In addition, our merino wool is RWS-certified, which emphasises animal welfare and the elimination of mulesing.
2. Cashmere: The Luxury Option
Talking about cashmere-like softness, real cashmere is lightweight yet warm and ideal for refined occasions where style and comfort are equally important. However, cashmere requires delicate care and is less durable than other fabrics, making it only suited for sophisticated events rather than active adventures. While cashmere delivers on warmth and elegance, it’s not the most practical option for everyday wear – especially given its cost. For a more versatile alternative, merino wool provides a similar level of softness without the same level of fuss.
Find out more about the advantages of merino wool compared to cashmere and traditional wool here.
3. Wool: The Classic Choice
From merino wool and cashmere now to traditional wool. Wool is the sturdy and proven classic among natural materials in winter. Even our grandparents swore by it, and rightly so. The thick fibres provide excellent insulation and are naturally water-repellent as they are coated with lanolin - a natural wool fat. This makes wool hard-wearing and durable, which is why it is perfect for chunky knit jumpers, stylish winter coats and tweed. However, in addition to the many advantages, there is one major drawback in terms of comfort: wool can be quite itchy, therefore you should always wear a heavy longsleeve t-shirt underneath, protecting your skin from irritation. Wool is also heavier than modern alternatives and less breathable. Last but not least, traditional wool is usually unethically harvested and always raises alarm bells among animal welfare activists.
4. Heavyweight Cotton: The Everyday Staple
Dense, heavyweight cotton is another versatile choice for winter. Its natural comfort and durability make it ideal for casual settings, and it performs especially well in dry, mild conditions. However, cotton has a major weakness: it retains moisture and dries slowly, which can be a problem in wet or freezing environments. For urban winter looks, it’s a solid option, but for outdoor adventures, it might be problematic.
To avoid these issues, discover SANVT’s sweat collection, made from 100% certified organic and combed cotton. Our fine organic cotton is woven into a heavy 400 g/m² diagonal ‘loopback’ French terry, with loops on the back to absorb moisture and channel it into the inside of the material. It also features our specially engineered diagonal loopback that reduces the escape of body heat in colder weather, to keep you nice and toasty.
5. Fleece: The Synthetic Alternative
Fleece has re-entered the style conversation, transitioning from purely functional to a winter streetwear staple. It’s lightweight, insulating, and dries quickly, making it a reliable choice for outdoor activities or layering under jackets. Especially if you’re searching for a budget-friendly, low-maintenance option. That said, fleece struggles with breathability and sustainability. Made from synthetic fibres, it sheds microplastics during washes, which isn’t great for the environment. Read more about that here.
6. Thermal Fabrics: Modern Wonders
Thermal fabrics are the high performing heroes of extreme winter conditions. Engineered for maximum warmth, they wick moisture and provide exceptional insulation. If you’re heading into sub-zero territory or engaging in high-energy activities and winter sports, thermals are a smart choice. On the downside, most thermal fabrics are synthetic, making them anything but eco-friendly. They can also lose functionality if not cared for properly and tend to create pilling, so check the care instructions before committing.
7. Softshell: The Technical Performer
Softshell fabrics are flexible, lightweight, and weather-resistant, making them ideal for activities like hiking or running in cool, damp conditions. They offer decent insulation without sacrificing mobility, thanks to their stretch. However, softshell materials fall short in extreme cold and, like other synthetic fabrics, aren’t sustainable. They’re a fair choice for specific outdoor needs but less versatile for everyday wear. If you ask us, softshell is rather a no-go and definitely not the most stylish choice.
How to Choose the Right Performance Fabric
The best fabric for winter depends on your lifestyle and activities. For outdoor adventures, opt for merino wool or technical fabrics like thermals. These will keep you warm without overheating. For everyday wear, heavyweight cotton and merino wool strike the perfect balance of style and practicality. If there’s one fabric that does it all, it’s merino wool. From its natural temperature regulation to its eco-friendly credentials, it’s an investment that pays dividends in warmth, comfort, and longevity.
Performance Fabrics in Winter: Our Takeaway
Choosing the right performance fabrics isn’t just about staying warm – it’s about doing so with style and efficiency. After all, the more functional your fabrics, the less layering you’ll need, and the sharper your look. Merino wool stands out as the ultimate winter companion, combining practicality, sustainability, and timeless appeal. This winter, don’t just layer up – level up with Merino knitwear. Your wardrobe (and your comfort) will thank you.