The biggest winter layering mistake people make — and what to do instead

This sleek top works well layered under a sweater, but it's also polished enough to wear under a suit if your office is more formal. It's made from 100% superfine merino wool and comes in a wide range of colors.

More than 2,900 shoppers have given it a five-star review, with one calling it, "A staple item worth the cost." They went on to share, "I originally purchased this as a base layer for a trip to Iceland. I have continued to wear it ever since. It fits close enough to my body to be easy to layer, but not so close or clingy that I feel self-conscious wearing it on its own."

There's nothing quite like being traumatized by freezing cold jeans touching your bare skin. Talk about a wake-up call! If you're wearing loose-fitting or wide-leg jeans on an especially frigid day, consider layering these merino tights underneath. They're thin enough not to add extra bulk, but they really do work wonders for keeping your legs warm.

"I love these merino leggings so much!" a toasty shopper raved. "I have two pairs that I switch out. They are so soft and warm. I also love that they're thin enough to wear under jeans and pants. I wear these all winter long!"

Looking for a merino piece that has some style? You can't go wrong with this flattering ribbed find. Gorgeous color choices aside, this piece is fitted at the waist to accentuate your shape, and the slightly higher neckline is perfect for chilly days and nights.

"Thin, light sweater perfect for layering or mild winters. The merino wool feels light, no scratchiness at all, and the colors are rich," one reviewer shared.

Cotton socks will just hold on to the water from your sweaty feet, so this merino wool style is a better option. It will wick away moisture so those toes stay toasty no matter the temperature.

"My feet always get cold. I am wearing these socks now and they feel comfortable and my feet are warm. They are a good thickness for just regular shoes or if you want to put winter boots over them that would work too. I would definitely buy these again. They were a good value for the money," one commenter wrote.

Nearly 7,000 Amazon shoppers swear by this buttery soft merino wool beanie. The adjustable cuffed design means you can pull it low to cover your entire forehead and ears, or roll it higher to let some air in when you feel like you're overheating. There are more than 20 colors, and the design works for both women and men.

"I wore in windy 30°F temperatures and was comfortable and warm. Great price, quality, color and warmth. Highly recommend," one customer shared.

Another added, "Great hat. Soft. Lightweight. Crazy warm. Wicks sweat perfectly. Just what I wanted."

Those cotton undershirts you're used to wearing? Give 'em rest and slip into this luxe merino wool top instead. The fabric is smooth, not itchy, and it'll keep you better insulated when you're out and about.

"The perfect wool thin base layer that's warm!" a shopper said. "My husband is allergic to lots of fibers, [but] he loves this base layer. It's super warm, super soft and very durable. I like how thin it is, while also providing a good warm layer. He immediately wanted to see if there were other colors offered. It was so much cheaper than some of the other online brands. Super happy with this purchase for him."

Enter your quarter-zip era with this handsome, stylish sweater that comes in nine colors. Shoppers give it high marks for fit, feel and quality.

"Beautiful material, perfect fit, looks very expensive," a reviewer wrote. Another noted, "Looks good. Feels good. I have broad shoulders and the fit is much better than other brands."

Whether for hiking, camping or watching an outdoor sporting event, these thin, warm pants are a must for any guy who spends a lot of time outside when it's frigid. They're not so tight that they're constricting like leggings, but they are thin enough that you'll forget you're even wearing them under jeans or joggers.

"This is my first pair of merino long underwear. I must say these felt great and are very warm and thick compared to the cotton ones I own. No itching with this wool. I immediately ordered a second pair as they were on sale," a repeat buyer raved.

Ankle socks that feel as thin as paper and slip inside your sneakers and boots with every step? Those aren't going to cut it. Instead, invest in this soft, warm Woolrich pair that has won over hundreds of shoppers.

Here's what one fan had to say: "[These] socks have been a blessing. I work outside in the southeast, and we had many days in the 20s. My feet stayed very warm in wet, windy conditions. The socks had no shrinkage and held their shape. The value is good, and the socks function as described. I wore them all winter and starting in another winter, they are just like new. They feel great on your feet."

Smartwool is beloved for its durable, high-performance merino wool products, and this fan-favorite beanie is a bestseller. It has a stretchy fit that accommodates most head sizes, but more importantly, it keeps your noggin nice and warm when it's not so nice outside.

"So comfortable," one buyer said. "Lightweight but warm enough. Soft, not tight, not loose. Top-notch quality. I use it casually, as in I don't ski, climb mountains or hike across the arctic tundra. I use it to keep my ears warm when it's cold out. It does so perfectly. Ya get what you pay for. Worth the money in my opinion."