layering

American  

[ley-er-ing] / ˈleɪ ər ɪŋ /

noun

1. the wearing of lightweight or unconstructed garments one upon the other, as to create a fashionable ensemble or to provide warmth without undue bulkiness or heaviness.

2. Tailoring. the trimming of multiple layers of fabric at the seam allowance of a garment so as to prevent a ridge on the face of the garment when the seam is sewn.

3. Horticulture. Also layerage a method of propagating plants by causing their shoots to take root while still attached to the parent plant.

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layering British  

/ ˈleɪərɪŋ /

noun

1. horticulture a method of propagation that induces a shoot or branch to take root while it is still attached to the parent plant

2. geology the banded appearance of certain igneous and metamorphic rocks, each band being of a different mineral composition

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Etymology

Origin of layering

layer + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Hadid was one of just 15 models working the show with 60 outfits, where each time the outfit was broken down to reveal new possible looks through layering.

From Barron's • Feb. 26, 2026

How do you balance layering up for the cold versus dressing for hard work and sweat?

From Slate • Feb. 24, 2026

If that is the case, he argued, stronger defaults — higher starting deferrals, automatic escalation or more aggressive communication — might achieve similar results without layering on an additional 40 basis points annually.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 20, 2026

But she gives tartan a fresh look by using it in modern outfits like maxi dresses and matching sets, and by layering tartan skirts over jeans.

From BBC • Jan. 31, 2026

I love it when it gets cool enough for me to start doing interesting things with layering.

From "The Serpent King" by Jeff Zentner