How I Stay Warm Under Skirts and Blazers in -20°C Winters: Thanks to This High-Street Brand
If you live in a cold climate like I do, this article is for you. Winter isn’t just about coats and boots; it’s about what you wear closest to your skin. And no other high-street brand has mastered this quiet layer of winter dressing quite like Uniqlo. Their Heattech line has become a seasonal essential for anyone who wants to look stylish and stay warm. Warmth without sacrificing style is possible with Heattech.
I live in Canada, where winters are long and unforgiving. The base layer is not an accessory here; it’s a matter of life and death. But more than that, it’s also the secret to pulling off elegant winter outfits. When your warmth is handled underneath, you can wear your favorite skirts, blazers, or lighter outerwear without shivering. That’s the power of a good base layer.
Why Base Layers Matter
Think of a base layer as the foundation of your outfit. Just as good skincare enhances the appearance of makeup, a solid base layer makes everything you wear over it more comfortable and practical. Without it, even the best wool coat or cashmere sweater can feel inadequate in -20°C winds. With it, you can dress as you like — not just as the weather dictates.
Uniqlo’s Heattech collection is built around this idea. Instead of piling on bulk, their fabrics work with your body to trap heat, wick away moisture, and stretch comfortably under tailored clothing.
✨ If you’ve ever wondered why Uniqlo has become a minimalist favorite worldwide, don’t miss our article: The Rise of Uniqlo: Why Minimalists Are Obsessed with This Brand.
The Three Levels of Heattech
Uniqlo doesn’t take a one-size-fits-all approach to winter. Their base layers come in three levels, each designed for different climates, lifestyles, and outfits.
1. Heattech – The Everyday Essential
This is the lightest version, perfect for layering under regular clothing. It’s soft, breathable, and feels almost like a second skin. For me, this is the one I wear most often. I slip a Heattech top under my blouses and pair their tights with skirts and blazers — even in the middle of a Canadian winter. It gives me just enough warmth without bulk, so my outfit still looks sleek.
Best for:
- City winters with moderate cold
- Layering under workwear or everyday outfits
- Wearing indoors when you still want comfort
2. Heattech Extra Warm – The Step Up
When temperatures drop further — think icy mornings or long walks outside — the Extra Warm version becomes essential. It’s about 1.5 times warmer than the standard Heattech and slightly thicker, but still smooth enough to sit under sweaters or slim coats.
This is my go-to for weekends when I’m out running errands, strolling downtown, or heading to dinner in the middle of January. It’s also the sweet spot for those who want something versatile — neither too light nor too heavy.
Best for:
- Subzero days in cold climates
- Layering under knits and wool coats
- Travel to colder cities where you’ll be outdoors more often
3. Heattech Ultra Warm – The Cold-Climate Armor
Finally, there’s Ultra Warm — the one you turn to when winter feels endless. It’s the thickest, warmest, and most insulating option, about twice as warm as the standard Heattech. Designed for extreme cold, it functions almost like thermal ski gear, but with a sleek, minimalist finish.
If you’re skiing, snowboarding, or spending hours outdoors, this is the layer you want. But even if you’re not an outdoor-sports person, Ultra Warm is worth having in your wardrobe. For me, it’s what I reach for on the coldest Canadian days, when the wind feels sharp enough to cut through anything else.
Best for:
- Ski trips and winter sports
- Extreme cold climates (Canada, Scandinavia, Northern US)
- Long commutes or outdoor events in mid-winter
Heattech Comparison at a Glance
| Type | Warmth Level | Thickness & Feel | Best For | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heattech | Light, everyday warmth | Thin, second-skin soft | Office wear, layering under blouses, skirts, blazers, indoor comfort | Tops, tights, camisoles |
| Heattech Extra Warm | Almost 1.5× warmer than standard | Medium weight, still sleek | Subzero city days, layering under sweaters and wool coats, cold-weather travel | Crewnecks, turtlenecks |
| Heattech Ultra Warm | Almost 2× warmer than standard | Thickest, thermal yet flexible | Ski trips, outdoor sports, extreme cold climates, long commutes outdoors | Base tops, leggings |
Find the Uniqlo Heattech layer that matches your winter.
Fabric and Feel
Without going into technical detail, what makes Uniqlo’s base layers stand out is the balance of warmth and elegance. They’re designed to be worn invisibly — with no bulky seams and no stiffness. The fabrics stretch comfortably, wick moisture, and stay soft against the skin.
Unlike heavy thermal wear of the past, Heattech feels refined. You can tuck it under silk, wool, or even fitted dresses without ruining the line of your outfit. That’s why I consider it a seasonal staple rather than just functional gear.
How to Style Heattech Without Compromise
One of the best aspects of these layers is how seamlessly they integrate into a polished wardrobe. Here are a few styling notes from my own winter dressing:
- Under Skirts & Blazers: Heattech tights are a game-changer. I often pair them with skirts and a fitted blazer — a professional yet warm look.
- With Dresses: A Heattech turtleneck can be hidden under a sleeveless dress, transforming a summer favorite into a winter piece.
- Weekend Casual: A long-sleeve Heattech under a chunky sweater provides cozy warmth without adding extra bulk.
- Travel-Friendly: Because they’re thin and packable, I always bring them when traveling to colder destinations.
Why It Belongs in Your Wardrobe
The beauty of the Uniqlo base layer system is its versatility. You don’t need to overhaul your winter wardrobe — you just need the proper foundation. Whether you’re dressing for the office, walking through city snow, or planning a ski trip, there’s a Heattech level that works.
For me, Uniqlo’s Heattech has been the difference between dreading the cold and feeling prepared for it. When I know I’ll be warm, I can focus on style instead of survival. And that’s the kind of elegance I want every season to have.
Final Thoughts
Winter doesn’t have to limit your style. With the right base layers, you can dress as the woman you want to be — elegant, polished, and prepared — even in the coldest climates. Uniqlo’s Heattech system gives you that flexibility.
So if you live in a cold climate like I do, consider this your reminder: the most potent part of your winter wardrobe is the layer no one sees.
Stylish Heattech
