The Gentleman's Guide to Layering This Autumn & Winter


Why We're Writing This

After decades in menswear ( Anthony and I have more years than we care to remember in this game) of helping men look their best, we've learned something important: the difference between looking good and looking great isn't about spending more. It's about knowing what works.

In Ireland, where you can leave the house in autumn sunshine and come home in sideways rain, what works is layering so long as its done properly.

This isn't about fashion for fashion's sake. It's about having a wardrobe that genuinely works for your life, whether that's client meetings, weekend breaks, or just getting through a Tuesday looking halfway decent.

Understanding Irish Weather (And Why Layering Matters)

Let's be honest: Irish weather doesn't follow rules. That's exactly why layering is your secret weapon.

Here's what proper layering gives you

  • Adaptability 

    Strip down when you're warm, add back when the temperature drops

  • Practicality 

    Move between heated offices and cold streets without sweating or freezing

  • Better value

    Three versatile pieces work harder than one heavy coat

  • Professional Polish

    Look put-together whether your jacket's on or off

The Three-Layer System That Actually Works

Forget complicated fashion rules. Think of your outfit in three simple layers:

Layer One: The Foundation

This is what's next to your skin. Get this wrong and nothing else matters.

What you need: A proper shirt or fine-knit base that's comfortable enough for all-day wear but smart enough to be seen without your jacket.

Our recommendations:

For the office or meetings

Olymp Luxor non-iron shirts

Olymp Luxor non-iron shirts

These are brilliant. Proper cotton, stays crisp through long days, and honestly, you could pack one in your car for a month and it’d still look fresh. The fit is spot-on for Irish builds too.

Eterna Modern Fit shirts

Eterna Modern Fit shirts

Slightly softer cotton than Olymp. If you're someone who finds most shirts a bit stiff, try these. The collar holds its shape without being uncomfortable.

For smart-casual days:

Maerz fine-knit roll necks

Maerz fine-knit roll necks

Traditional quality. The kind of piece your father probably wore, but updated. Perfect over a shirt when you want warmth without bulk.

Alan Paine V-necks

Alan Paine V-necks

Traditional quality. The kind of piece your father probably wore, but updated. Perfect over a shirt when you want warmth without bulk.

The Rule: If you wouldn't be comfortable answering the door in just this layer, it's not the right base.

Layer Two: Adding Warmth and Character

This is where your personality shows through. It's also where most men get it wrong by choosing pieces that are too thick or too casual.

What you need: Knitwear or overshirts that add genuine warmth without turning you into the Michelin Man. They should be substantial enough to work on their own, light enough to sit under a coat.

Our recommendations:

For reliable warmth

Maerz merino crew necks

Maerz merino crew necks

German quality, Irish practicality. These sit flat under a jacket, keep you genuinely warm, and last for years. We've customers wearing ones they bought five years ago that still look new.

GANT half-zip sweaters

GANT half-zip sweaters

Versatile doesn't begin to cover it. Over a shirt with chinos for casual Friday. Under a wax jacket for weekend walks. One piece, multiple uses.

For texture and interest:

Gant cable knits

Gant cable knits

Organic cotton, so they breathe properly. Chunky enough to look substantial but not so thick you overheat indoors. Great with dark denim.

Carhartt WIP overshirts

Carhartt WIP overshirts

These bridge the gap between shirt and jacket. Rugged enough for proper wear, refined enough for town. Popular with our younger customers but work at any age.

The Rule: Your mid-layer should never restrict movement or create bulk. If it does, size up or choose something lighter.

Layer Three: The Weather Shield

This is what people see first. It's also what keeps you dry, warm, and looking like you've got your life together.

What you need: A coat that works for multiple situations. Not "smart" or "casual"—genuinely versatile.

Our recommendations:

For town and business

Strellson Darijo jacket

Strellson Darijo jacket

Modern design, timeless craftsmanship. This slim-fit piece blends sharp tailoring with casual versatility. The quilted zip-in layer adds depth and warmth, while the stand-up collar and clean-cut sleeves give it an edge that’s perfect for city wear or weekend outings.

Roy Robson hybrid blouson

Roy Robson hybrid blouson

Quiet confidence meets modern function. The knitted construction and full-zip design deliver comfort without compromise, while the mock neck and tailored fit keep things sharp. A smart choice for those who value practicality and polish in equal measure.

For country and casual:

Barbour Corbridge wax jacket

Barbour Corbridge wax jacket

The classic. We sell more of these than almost anything else, and for good reason. Properly water-resistant, ages beautifully, and never looks out of place. Works over everything from suits to chunky knits.

Barbour Prestbury

Barbour Prestbury

Smarter than the Ashby, still practical. Better for days when you need something that bridges town and country. Good choice if you're only buying one jacket.

For heritage and style:

Belstaff Trialmaster

Belstaff Trialmaster

Investment piece territory, but if you're someone who keeps clothes for years, these are worth considering. Luxurious leather with classic styling. The kind of jacket that improves with age.

The Rule: Your outer layer should have enough room to move comfortably with your mid-layer underneath. Always try both together before buying.

Three Practical Outfits for Real Life

The Monday Morning Meeting

Professional polish without looking like you tried too hard

Why it works: You can strip to the crew neck in the office and still look polished. The coat elevates the whole outfit without being overly formal. Everything's comfortable enough for a full day, smart enough for any meeting.

The practical bit: Keep the coat on for outdoor photos. Take it off indoors. The crew neck over shirt is perfectly acceptable in modern Irish business.

The Saturday in Town

Smart enough for lunch, comfortable enough for browsing shops, casual enough for a print

Why it works : Layers you can adjust as you move between warm shops and cold streets. The overshirt adds interest without trying too hard. Everything's hardy enough for real wear.

The practical bit : The gilet is your secret weapon. Too warm? Take it off. Cold East wind? Put it back on. Fold it in a bag if needed.

The Sunday Drive and Walk

Proper weather protection that still looks intentional, not agricultural

Why it works : This is layering at its most practical. The cable knit provides real warmth. The wax jacket keeps weather out. You look like someone who's got their wardrobe sorted, not someone wearing "walking gear."

The practical bit : The wax jacket is genuinely waterproof, not water-resistant. Big difference when you're caught in proper Irish rain.

The Fabrics That Actually Matter

Look, we could talk about thread counts and weaving techniques, but here's what genuinely makes a difference:

  • Merino wool

    Your best friend in Irish weather. Naturally temperature-regulating, doesn't hold smells, looks smart. Worth paying for quality.

  • Barbour Sapper Waxed JAcket - Curtis & Dunne

    Waxed cotton

    Specifically Barbour's. Properly waterproof, not just resistant. Lasts decades if you maintain it. We reproof them here in the shop.

  • Pure cotton

    For base layers and casual shirts. Breathes properly, comfortable all day, ages well. Avoid blends unless there's a practical reason.

  • Strellson Danjel - J 2 Jacket - Curtis & Dunne

    Wool blends

    For overcoats. Pure wool sounds premium but good blends often perform better and crease less. Strellson knows what they're doing here.

  • Barbour Wool Cashmere Scarf - Curtis & Dunne

    Cashmere 

    Luxury, yes, but also genuinely warmer than regular wool for the weight. Maerz does excellent cashmere without the silly pricing of fashion brands.

Getting the Fit Right

This is where we earn our keep. Anyone can sell you clothes. We make sure they actually fit.

The golden rule: Each layer should be slightly looser than the one underneath, but never baggy.

What this means:

  • Your shirt should fit well but not be tight

  • Your mid-layer should glide smoothly over the shirt without pulling or bunching

  • Your coat should accommodate both underneath with room to move naturally

Our approach:
We won't sell you something if the fit isn't right. Seriously. We'd rather you leave empty-handed than wearing something that doesn't work. That's not noble it’s sensible. You'll only come back if we get it right the first time.

Caring for Your Layers

Quality clothes cost more. But they also last longer—if you look after them properly.

Daily care

  • Hang everything when you get home. Five seconds now saves money later.
  • Let wool air between wears. It naturally refreshes.
  • Empty pockets. Stretched pockets ruin the line of any garment.

Regular maintenance

  • Brush wool coats weekly. Removes dirt before it embeds.
  • Reproof wax jackets annually. We do this in the shop.
  • Wash knitwear only when needed, not after every wear.

Professional care

  • Good dry cleaning is worth it for coats and suits
  • Repairs cost less than replacements
  • We can handle most alterations here

Why We Stock What We Stock

We're often asked why we carry certain brands and not others. Fair question.Every brand we stock has earned its place by meeting three criteria:

1.Quality that lasts – We're not interested in stuff that falls apart
2.Proper fit for Irish builds – Some European brands cut too slim, some British brands too traditional
3.Genuine value – Not always cheap, but always worth what you pay

We've been burned before by brands that looked good on paper but disappointed in practice. The labels in our shop now are there because they've proven themselves, season after season.

The Curtis & Dunne Difference

Here's what we actually do differently:

Lightweight Merino Knits

We won't sell you something that doesn't work

If it doesn't fit right, if the colour's wrong for you, if there's something better, we'll tell you. We'd rather have a customer for twenty years than a sale today.

Heavier Knitwear Alternatives

We explain the why, not just the what

Anyone can show you products. We explain why one merino is worth more than another, why certain cuts work better for Irish weather and why some brands last and others don't.

Outerwear for All Occasions

We're here after the sale

Need something altered? Want advice on care? Unsure about a new combination? We're here. That's not marketing, it's how we've stayed in business.

Shopping Online vs In-Store

Online shopping from us means:

  • Free delivery over €50 within Ireland
  • Same expert selection, just different delivery
  • Easy returns (28 days, no quibble)
  • Order tracking
  • Still get our advice through phone or email

Shopping in Drogheda means:

  • We fit everything properly before you buy
  • Try combinations you might not have considered
  • Immediate adjustments if needed
  • The benefit of our experience seeing what works
Both work. But if you're investing in proper outerwear or trying a new brand, come see us. There's no substitute for getting it right in person.