Many people put their silk away when the temperature drops, but knowing how to wear a silk shirt in winter keeps one of your best pieces in rotation all year. Silk is a natural protein fibre that feels cool in summer and, worn close to the body, helps hold warmth in colder months. Its sheen also brings light and texture to a winter wardrobe that can easily lean heavy and matte.

Here are six ways to wear a silk shirt from November to March, plus tips on colour and care.

Why silk works in winter

• Temperature regulation. Silk is a poor conductor of heat, so a silk layer close to the skin helps keep body warmth in.
• Thin and light. It adds almost no bulk, which makes it ideal for layering.
• Contrast. A smooth, lustrous silk against wool, loopback or fleece creates a richer outfit than matte fabrics alone.

1. Under a heavy knit

Wear a silk shirt buttoned to the top under a crew-neck jumper, letting the collar sit just above the neckline and the cuffs peek out at the wrists. A patterned knit like the Minoan Jumper, a jacquard in 100% Italian wool, pairs well with a plain silk underneath.

2. Under a sweatshirt

The same trick works with a heavyweight sweatshirt for a more relaxed look. A collar emerging from a loopback crew neck instantly makes a casual piece feel considered. Try it with the Staple Sweatshirt or browse our sweatshirts and jumpers.

3. Open over a tee or roll neck

Wear the shirt unbuttoned as a light overshirt over a fitted tee or a high neck. This works especially well with printed silk, where the pattern frames a plain base. The Pearlescent Tee makes a good foundation, and for real cold, the tall neck of the Snoodie adds warmth; read what a snoodie is.

4. With joggers for the evening

A silk shirt is the fastest way to dress up a relaxed outfit. Pair it with well-cut joggers in a dark shade and a coat, and the look works for dinner as easily as for a quiet evening. Find a pair in our joggers and trackpants.

5. Under a coat or bomber

Under an overcoat, a silk shirt keeps the outfit light and elegant. Under a textured bomber or a gilet, it adds contrast. Explore our jackets and coats, including pieces crafted from Italian deadstock fabrics; learn what deadstock fabric is.

6. Tucked, with a layer on top

Tuck the shirt into trousers or joggers and add a vest or gilet over it. The silk shows at the collar, arms and cuffs, and the outer layer keeps your core warm.

Which silk shirt for winter?

Printed silk

Prints bring colour to darker winter outfits. The Matiasma Silk Shirt, inspired by the evil eye of Greek and Ottoman textiles, and the Gaia Silk Shirt, with botanical motifs inspired by the goddess of the Earth, both work beautifully under neutral knitwear. Discover the story behind the Matiasma in the evil eye: meaning and history.

Plain or embroidered silk

For a quieter look, choose a solid colour. The Parhelion Silk Shirt, in navy or ivory, carries an embroidered patch on the back, which shows when worn open or under an unbuttoned coat.

All our silk shirts are cut from 100% satin silk and crafted in London. Browse them in silk shirts and shorts.

Colours that work in winter

• Navy and black for a sharp, evening-ready base.
• Ivory and beige to lift darker knitwear and coats.
• Prints to add warmth and colour to a neutral palette.

If you are building a wardrobe around a few colours, our guide to building a capsule wardrobe explains how to keep everything working together.

Caring for silk in winter

Winter layering means more friction and more contact with wool, so a little extra care helps. Wear a base layer if you want to wash the silk less often, let it air between wears and avoid spraying perfume directly onto it. When it does need washing, follow our step-by-step guide on how to wash a silk shirt.

In short

A silk shirt can be worn all winter. Layer it under a heavy knit or sweatshirt with the collar showing, wear it open over a tee or high neck, pair it with joggers and a coat for the evening, or tuck it under a gilet. Silk adds warmth close to the skin without bulk, and its sheen lifts matte winter fabrics. Explore our silk shirts, or read our guide to choosing a men's silk shirt.