You've Been Using @layer in Tailwind CSS Wrong This Whole Time

If you're using Tailwind CSS with Next.js or other modern frameworks, you've likely come across directives like @layer base, @layer components, and @layer utilities. But what's the difference between them, and how should they be used?

This article explains each of them with practical examples to help you better structure your styles using Tailwind.

@layer base

For global resets and initial styles

This is the first layer loaded. Ideal for:

• Resetting styles
• Setting global fonts
• Basic element styles like body, h1, button, etc.

@layer base {
  h1 {
    @apply text-3xl font-bold text-gray-900;
  }

  body {
     @apply bg-background text-foreground font-sans;
  }
}

@layer components

For reusable components (buttons, cards, badges, etc.)

Loaded after base and before utilities. Perfect for blocks of combined utility classes:

@layer components {
  .btn {
    @apply px-4 py-2 bg-purple-600 text-white rounded-md;
  }

  .card {
    @apply shadow-md rounded-lg p-4 bg-white;
  }
}

@layer utilities

For custom utilities

The last layer to load. Best used for specific, override-style utilities:

@layer utilities {
  .text-shadow {
    text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1);
  }

  .scrollbar-none {
    scrollbar-width: none;
    -ms-overflow-style: none;
  }
}

Load order summary

@layer base        <- Global styles
@layer components  <- Reusable components
@layer utilities   <- Specific utilities (highest priority)

Practical tip

Use each like this:

• base: for tag resets and global defaults
• components: for .btn, .card, .input, etc.
• utilities: for .text-shadow, .scroll-smooth, etc.

Practical example with menu UI

@layer components {
  .promo-price {
    @apply text-purple-600 font-bold;
  }

  .add-button {
    @apply px-4 py-1 bg-gray-200 rounded text-sm font-medium;
  }
}

Have you been using them correctly? Share your thoughts! 🚀