What to wear with thermal tops – the cosiest and most comfortable trend this season .

The concept of trends can make some men feel uncomfortable. A trend suggests something that someone has decided must be followed – and no one likes being dictated to. And buying into a “trend” can often mean making a statement, whether apparent (the huge embroidered rose on your lapel) or implied (I read fashion blogs). For AW16, we are seeing a lot of heavy embellishment, shearling and some rather wild prints (read more here). All of which can be a bit tricky to get on board with, especially if you identify with the points made above. But there is another way.

Every so often, a trend comes along that can please everyone. And this season, we suggest the everyman trend is thermals. We know they’re an “essential”, a “basic” item if you will, but, depending on how you wear them, such pieces can transcend their lowly status to take centre stage. Thermals bring associations of travel – they were worn by those adventurers and explorers who crossed new frontiers and reached new heights of discovery. And below, we show you three ways to wear them well, wherever you may be headed.

When you picture a thermal long-sleeved T-shirt, it probably looks something like this one from Sunspel. Light, comfortable and warm, this particular piece is made with Viloft fibres, which create air-pockets to provide thermal insulation (and also mean the fabric is particularly soft). This is the kind of practical piece you can layer under almost everything. It’s thin enough to sit comfortably beneath a chunky knit sweater, for example, to keep you cosy when sat by the door of your local pub. Try this contrast trim piece from Antwerp-based brand Howlin’, who has been crafting its exemplary knitwear in Scotland since 1981. The tactile new wool will ensure you’ll never be cold, and should your temperature start to rise as you head indoors, the Sunspel shirt is stylish enough to hold its own.

If you’re the kind of gentleman who likes to mix things up sometimes, you might fancy choosing a henley over a regular tee on occasion. The classic design – complete with buttoned placket and crew-neck – takes its name from the attire worn by the rowers at the Henley Royal Regatta. It has since become a staple of rugged labourers: miners hauling coal, or unbuttoned, like Mr Ryan Gosling’s oil-splattered driver in the imaginatively titled Drive. So, a henley can add a bit of masculinity to your casual weekend style. Try this dusty grey piece from Alex Mill, in a pleasing (and warm) waffle knit, peeping out from beneath a nice flannel shirt from all-American brand Gitman Vintage, who takes archive designs and update them for the modern man.

Now we all know by now that thermals are versatile. But Faherty – the namesake ethically sourced brand founded by outdoorsy brothers Messrs Mike and Alex – has taken this one step further with this mélange top. A mottled grey on one side, the top can be reversed to reveal a deep mossy green tone on the other side, which means a lot of bang for your buck. Cut for a relaxed fit in a substantial cotton-jersey fabric, this top will work just as well as a sweater as it will as a tee. Pair it with an indigo denim chore jacket from artisanal Japanese brand Chimala and some chinos for a workwear-inspired casual look.