1 B1 informal
To put on several layers of clothing one on top of another to stay warm.
"It's going to be freezing at the match, so make sure you layer up before you leave."
inseparable
layer up
B1 informal inseparable intransitive
To put on multiple layers of clothing, especially to stay warm in cold weather.
In plain English
Wear lots of clothes on top of each other so you don't get cold.
What does "layer up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 neutral
To build something up in distinct layers or strata (used in cooking, art, or construction contexts).
"Layer up the lasagne by alternating pasta sheets with meat sauce and béchamel."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To add layers (of clothing) upward, stacking them on your body.
Actually means
Wear lots of clothes on top of each other so you don't get cold.
Usage tip
Common in everyday conversation about cold-weather dressing. Also used in outdoor sports, hiking, and travel contexts. Often used as a practical instruction or advice: 'Make sure you layer up before heading out.'
Words that pair with "layer up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
clothing sweater jacket cold outdoors winter
How to conjugate "layer up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
layer up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
layers up
he/she/it
Past simple
layered up
yesterday
Past participle
layered up
have + pp
-ing form
layering up
continuous
Hear "layer up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "layer up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.