Introduction to Layering

The 3 Layer Clothing System

Sounds confusing but the logic of dressing to suit your environment has long been cast in stone way back when your Mum told you to “wear your vest” in cold weather, she was absolutely right.  In recent years, the establishment of new fabric technologies has created a wide range of “Technical Apparel” to suit all conditions and lifestyles and it is this area of Technical Apparel that Baselayer excels.

So lets us explain the logic behind the “3 Layer Clothing” system.

Layer 1 The “Base Layer”

This is the Base Layer or Foundation Layer that's worn next to the skin. 

Moisture Management or Wicking, is a key element for this primary layer to eliminate moisture from the skin which natural fibres such as cotton, cannot achieve due to high absorbency. 

The Base Layer should be reasonably tight or Compression Fitting and fit all the contours of the body to work efficiently in cold conditions but can also be a loose variety if preferred for warmer environments.  This layer should provide the key element of “Wicking” to remove moisture away from the skin surface caused by perspiration and also have good Thermal properties for cold conditions to help maintain the body’s Core Body Temperature. 

Wicking takes moisture away from the skin to the outside of the garment where it evaporates easily thereby keeping you dry and comfortable.  Compression Base Layers are widely used in the sports sector to improve performance and recovery of the body under extreme excursion in both Hot and Cold conditions.  Witness Olympic athletes in tight fitting running gear in warm conditions or Skiers on frozen mountain slopes. 

Their compression fit garments are assisting them in muscle efficiency and the protection & recovery of core muscle groups as well as providing body temperature regulation.  Base Layer garments should be very comfortable with “Flat Lock Seams” to minimise abrasion and are constructed of a man made materials.

Layer 2 The “Mid Layer”

Mid-Layer garments should provide a considerable amount of additional Thermal Insulation and are generally constructed in a loose weave allowing for pockets of warm air to be created by the body’s own temperature. 

The Mid Layer will, however, be far less effective if the Base Layer is not efficient to start with.  Mid Layer’s should also be Moisture Wicking so that any moisture is transported to the outside of the layer for easy evaporation.  Mid Layer garments are generally light in weight due to the fabrication and are ideal for mid climate conditions or as a lightweight prtective layer used following exercise. 

The Mid Layer will be susceptible to external weather conditions though, as wind can easily penetrate the fabric to replace the warm pockets of air created by the body’s core temperature.  A light cool breeze can reduce temperatures by up to 10° and on a 0° day this creates an effect of -10° temperatures on the body.  This is often referred to as the Wind Chill Factor. To avoid this, a quality and efficient Top Layer should be used as well.

Layer 3 The “Top Layer”

The Top Layer is the weather protective layer. These fall into two categories, the Shell Layer for changeable conditions but not excessively wet or cold and the Outer Layer which is designed for more severe conditions. 

It is essential that the Top Layer is adequate for the conditions you face but should also be of a breathable Moisture Wicking construction and well ventilated to allow the whole 3 layer system to work efficiently. 

Most quality Top Layer garments will be constructed to allow for good ventilation and often with extra Vented Zones at key hot spots on the body such as under the arms, thereby increasing the rate of moisture evaporation into the air.