The most important piece in a winter wardrobe is often the one you barely see. A second-skin knit, a fine, close-fitting tank, turtleneck or long-sleeve top, sits under shirts, jackets and cardigans, keeps warmth close to the body and gives every outfit a clean line. Done well, it is also beautiful enough to wear on its own. Not every brand gets it right: the knit has to be fine but opaque, close but not tight, soft but durable. Here are nine brands, from established names to smaller labels, that make some of the best second-skin layers today.
What makes a good second-skin knit?
Before the list, three criteria worth keeping in mind. First, the fibre: cashmere, silk or a blend of the two will feel and behave very differently from synthetic base layers, breathing better and regulating temperature more naturally. Second, the gauge: the finer the knit, the easier it is to layer, but it must remain opaque. Third, the fit: a good second-skin piece follows the body without pulling across the chest or wrinkling at the waist. For more on how to wear these pieces, read our guide to second-skin layering.
1. NAMI
Full disclosure: this is our own brand, and Second Skin is the line we are proudest of. NAMI is a French womenswear label founded by designer Philippine Namy, reimagining the Scottish heritage of her family through a Parisian lens. The Second Skin pieces are knitted in the house's signature blend of 70% cashmere and 30% silk, a proportion that keeps the warmth of cashmere while adding the strength, drape and subtle sheen of silk.
The range covers every layering need: the Second Skin turtleneck, cut close to slip under tailoring; a ribbed sleeveless turtleneck for layering under knitwear; and the mock-neck tank top in pale grey, which works as well under a blazer as on its own. The palette stays tonal, black, pale grey and cream, so every piece combines with the others. Discover the full Second Skin collection, our turtlenecks and our tank tops.
2. Khaite
The New York label founded by Catherine Holstein has become one of the references for refined knitwear. Its cashmere pieces are known for precise, slightly sensual cuts and a polished finish, and its fitted knits are a favourite of editors for layering under tailoring. Khaite sits at the very top of the market, and its knitwear is designed as investment pieces.
3. The Row
Founded by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, The Row has defined the vocabulary of quiet luxury. Its knitwear is minimal, beautifully proportioned and made from exceptional yarns. The brand's fine knits are less about trend than about permanence: understated pieces in neutral tones, designed to be worn for years.
4. Toteme
The Stockholm brand founded by Elin Kling and Karl Lindman built its reputation on a precise, Scandinavian minimalism. Its knitwear follows the same logic: clean lines, neutral colours and a modern, slightly architectural fit. Toteme's fine knits are an easy entry point into a pared-back, tonal wardrobe.
5. Wolford
If the term second skin belongs to anyone, it is the Austrian brand Wolford, long known for its hosiery and bodywear. Its bodysuits and close-fitting tops are designed to sit perfectly flat under clothing, with a precision that comes from decades of expertise in technical knits. Wolford is the choice for a completely seamless base layer rather than a natural-fibre knit.
6. Extreme Cashmere
Founded in Amsterdam in 2016 by Saskia Dijkstra, Extreme Cashmere has a refreshingly simple concept: genderless cashmere knitwear made in one size, organised as a permanent, numbered collection rather than seasonal drops. Its fine knits and turtlenecks are relaxed rather than fitted, but the quality of the cashmere and the playful colour palette have earned the label a loyal following.
7. Lisa Yang
A smaller Stockholm label dedicated entirely to cashmere, Lisa Yang is known for soft, timeless knitwear in a muted palette and for a considered approach to production. Its fine knits and layering pieces have the understated Scandinavian quality that makes them easy to combine, and the brand is a good discovery for anyone building a capsule of cashmere essentials.
8. Guest in Residence
Launched by Gigi Hadid, Guest in Residence is a cashmere brand with a relaxed, youthful sensibility. Its knits play with colour and comfort, and its fitted layers and tanks offer a more casual take on cashmere. It is an interesting choice for those who want fine knitwear with a lighter, more playful mood.
9. Naadam
The New York brand Naadam made its name by selling cashmere directly to consumers, with a strong focus on its supply chain in Mongolia. Its essentials, including fine tanks, turtlenecks and long-sleeve layers, are among the most accessible ways into cashmere, and a practical option for stocking up on everyday base layers.
How to choose between them
The right brand depends on how you plan to wear your second-skin pieces. If you want a natural-fibre layer that can also stand alone, choose cashmere or silk-cashmere, from NAMI, Khaite, The Row, Toteme or Lisa Yang. If you want the flattest possible base under clothing, a technical bodywear brand such as Wolford is unbeatable. If you prefer a relaxed fit or a one-size approach, Extreme Cashmere is a distinctive option. And if you want everyday cashmere essentials in quantity, Naadam is the practical choice. Whatever you choose, prioritise composition and fit over everything else: a well-made fine knit is worn almost every day for months, which makes it one of the best investments in a wardrobe.
A practical tip: build your base layers in two neutral colours only, for example black and pale grey, in two shapes, a turtleneck and a tank. With those four pieces, you can dress under almost anything in your wardrobe, from an oversized shirt to a tweed jacket. Our layering essentials are designed around exactly that idea.
Caring for fine knits
Whichever brand you choose, fine knits last longer with gentle care. Hand wash cold or use a delicate wool cycle, dry flat away from heat, and fold rather than hang. Small pills may appear at first where the knit rubs; a cashmere comb removes them, and they become rarer as the fibre settles. Air your pieces between wears: a fine silk-cashmere layer needs washing far less often than you might think.
In summary
The best second-skin knits combine a fine, opaque gauge, a close but comfortable fit and a natural fibre that breathes. NAMI's Second Skin line in 70% cashmere and 30% silk, Khaite's polished cashmere, The Row's quiet minimalism, Toteme's Scandinavian precision, Wolford's seamless bodywear, Extreme Cashmere's one-size concept, Lisa Yang's soft essentials, Guest in Residence's playful knits and Naadam's accessible cashmere all offer a different answer. Discover NAMI's full range in our Second Skin collection, and our wider selection in knits and cashmere.