How to Dress in Winter if You Have Hyperhidrosis

June 5, 2026

Winter can be harder to dress for than Summer, because even if it’s cold, we still sweat. And that sweat makes us even more cold because of the ‘chill factor’. My sweaty hands get freezing as the air cools them down. I’m sure you’ve also experienced this at some point.

So, what do you wear in Winter if you have excessive sweating?

Layers are key!

The Basics

If you live in a warm climate your Winter outfit might only need to be jeans with a shirt under a cardigan or jacket. And maybe a scarf for extra measure.

But if you live in a cold climate, you’ll need more layers.

Base Layers & Shirts

What I’d recommend as base layers for hyperhidrosis.

WOOL

Choose a quality merino wool set (can be both top and bottoms depending what climate you’re in and how warm you need to be). You can find this at outdoor stores like Kathmandu and Decathlon. Merino wool is also naturally odour-resistant so perfect for those of us with axillary hyperhidrosis because it won’t stink after one wear.

Merino wool is also a common material used by fashion brands during the Winter season. One of my favourite items I've purchased is this babywool top from Scanlan Theodore, pictured above. I bought it in a red, which is highly unusual for me, as I don’t like to wear block colours. But I couldn’t resist, it’s such a beautiful colour. I also only got it because it’s in a fine weave that will allow the sweat to evaporate, and won’t be too soaked that I’d be embarrassed by the pit stains if they show up. Unlike sweat marks in a plain red coloured satin fabric (which would look so obvious). Example of the babywool top wet below.

Here are four merino wool tops available this season:

Country Road - Wool Silk Roll Neck Top

(dupe for the red Scanlan Theodore one I have pictured above)

Kathmandu - Merino Long Sleeve Base Layer

Scanlan Theodore - Babywool Polo

Assembly Label - Wool Long Sleeve Top

VISCOSE / TENCEL / SILK

For a warmer Winter climate, I like these fabrics for sweat friendly shirts, worn under a jacket or jumper. They’re breathable, thin and quick drying. Two good options are below:

Assembly Label - Silk Knit Tee

Mister Zimi - Viscose Shirt

Mid Layers

What I'd recommend as a mid layer over your base layer or shirt for hyperhidrosis.

CASHMERE / WOOL / COTTON

These materials are great mid layers for warmth. Cashmere and wool hold smell less than the cotton, so they can go further without needing to wash them, and instead just airing them out. Recently I’ve been drawn to buttoned knitwear as it’s easier to regulate temperature. Unbuttoning a cardigan lets air flow in but keeps me warm, instead of needing to remove an entire jumper to cool down only to feel cold again and put it back on. Here are two of my favourites for this season:

Silk Laundry - Wool Cropped Cardigan

Assembly Label - Merino Wool Cardigan

Outer Layers

What I'd recommend as an outer layer over your base or shirt, and/or mid layer for hyperhidrosis.

DENIM

Self explanatory. Denim is a perfect layer for milder climates. Easy to layer with a jumper underneath. This style from Henne has a cool adjustable detail at the back which I like.

Henne - Denim Jacket

WOOL

Wool jackets are the best for Winter. They're breathable and won’t harbour smells (unlike a puffer jacket). Look for wool jackets or coats that are unlined for easier care. Usually the lining is polyester (I try to avoid) and it's hard to find ones that are 100% viscose or silk. Sometimes the lining is 50% viscose 50% polyester and I can cope with that, it's usually a bit better for sweating at least. Assembly Label has a beautiful wool bomber jacket and has 100% viscose lining for the sleeves and 100% cotton lining for the body!