New Year's Eve and what to wear beneath your party clothes
Short answer: New Year's Eve is a long evening of warm rooms, cold minutes outside watching the fireworks and many hours in the same clothes. What you wear closest to the skin decides whether you are still comfortable at one in the morning, and it deserves as much thought as the shirt or dress on top.
An evening of big temperature changes
Most New Year's Eves move between a warm dining room, an even warmer dance floor and a walk out into the frost at midnight. The body sweats a little indoors and cools quickly outside. That is why it makes sense to think in layers. A thin base layer that moves moisture away from the skin makes each change less noticeable. Cotton holds on to moisture for a long time, while viscose from bamboo and wool tend to feel a little better when you go from warm to cold several times over the evening.
The base layer under a smart shirt
A white or pale shirt quickly shows what is underneath it. Choose a thin base layer in a colour close to your skin tone so it does not show through. The sleeves should be short in case you roll the shirt up later in the night. The shirt itself should fit so you can lift your arms and sit down without the buttons pulling across the chest. A bamboo shirt for men is soft and drapes calmly, which many people appreciate after midnight.
Outside for the fireworks
The ten minutes outside at midnight are often the coldest of the whole evening. Take a jacket and something for your neck, even if it feels unnecessary while you stand in the hallway. Cold air on a damp back can bring on an unpleasant chill. Keep gloves in your pocket as well. Stand well back from the fireworks, wear glasses, and remember that synthetic fabrics can melt when sparks land on them, while natural fibres usually burn rather than stick to the skin.
Shoes and socks for a long night
Many people choose smart shoes they rarely wear the rest of the year. Feet swell a little as the evening goes on, especially if there is dancing. Thin socks without tight cuffs help, and a spare pair in your pocket is a sensible idea. Dry feet keep their warmth far better when you walk home through the cold afterwards. Wear the shoes around the house for a few days beforehand so they have softened a little.
When the party clothes come off
At two or three in the morning the party clothes come off, and it is pleasant to have something soft waiting. Many people lay out a set of homewear before they leave, so it is the first thing they see when they get back. Have a look at home and homewear in bamboo if you want ideas for that part of the night. A clean, dry layer after a long evening helps the body settle down and makes it easier to fall asleep.
New Year's Day
The day after, most people take a walk in the cold air to clear their heads. A warm top with a hood is a simple choice, because the hood can be pulled up if the wind is sharp. A bamboo hoodie for men works for the walk and for the sofa afterwards. Wash the party clothes according to the care label, and let the shirt dry on a hanger so it needs less ironing before the next occasion.
Frequently asked questions
What should I wear under a white shirt
A thin base layer in a colour close to your skin tone. White under white is often more visible than a neutral shade.
Do I really need a jacket at midnight
Yes. A few minutes outside are often enough to get cold, especially if you have been sweating indoors.
How do I wash party clothes made of viscose
Follow the care label. Usually a gentle wash at 30 degrees, no tumble dryer and drying on a hanger.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
