The basics of winter layering

By: Diana Posted on: Dec 29, 2022

Introduction

With winter winds gusting stronger, it is time to dress up in layers. It’s important to know how to layer up clothes for the chilly season. This guide will walk you through the basics of layering so that you will never have to guess what to put on.

Generally, winter layering consists of each component, base, mid, and outer layer - each with a distinct purpose. Let us take a look at each of these layers, features, and purposes, along with recommendations on the best products and materials for them.

Base Layer

The purpose of the base layer is primarily moisture management and temperature regulation to some extent. This means that this layer should wick away the moisture while keeping you warm.

Fabric choices for Base Layer

With the base layer, you have a broad spectrum of fabric choices, ranging from synthetics like polyester and nylon to natural ones like wool and silk. As this layer comes in direct contact with your body, it is best to use lightweight, breathable, and comfortable material. This includes a wide range of fabric options such as polyester and nylon.

Fabric Weight for Base Layer

You can choose lightweight, midweight, or heavyweight shirts as the base layer depending on the weather conditions and the type of activity you want to engage in.

Generally, lightweight fabrics wick sweat better and dry faster. They function well in mid to cool conditions, even for activities like running or cycling.

In cooler conditions, a mid-weight base layer can be worn as a second layer, over another base layer, or on its own.

Heavyweight base layers are a must-have for extremely cold conditions. These are typically worn over other base layers to add warmth.

Recommended Products:

Gildan G2400 Wholesale Long Sleeve T-Shirt

Shop EGildan G2400 Long Sleeve T Shirts Wholesale

This 100% cotton t-shirt from Gildan is a great choice for the base layer. At 6 oz, this mid-weight t-shirt offers enough warmth and comfort for the base layer.

Sport-Tek ST350LS T Shirt Wholesale

Shop Sport Tek ST350LS T Shirts Wholesale

Lightweight, roomy, and highly breathable, these moisture-wicking, value-priced tees feature PosiCharge technology to lock in color and prevent logos from fading.

Mid Layer

Over the base layer comes the mid layer to provide insulation. It works by trapping the heat generated by your body from escaping. The more effectively this layer traps in that heat, the warmer you’ll be. Ideally, the mid-layer should be slightly more loose-fitting than the inner one, allowing insulating air to stay between the layers.

Best Materials for Mid-Layer

Polyester Fleece: Unlike cotton, fleece can keep you warm even if it is damp. Besides, it is fast-drying and breathable. Fleece offers exceptional air flow and moisture management. The texture of the fabric is soft, which makes it very comfortable against the skin. A fleece works best when worn under a protective shell and offers the least stand-alone weather protection of all the options.

Blank Jackets with down or synthetic insulation are also effective as the mid-layer. Down has the highest warmth-to-weight ratio and compresses easily into a very small volume for highly efficient packing. The downside is that it dries slowly and is cold when wet.

Synthetic fill is durable, lightweight, dries quickly, retains heat when wet, and is easy to care for. The downside is it is less breathable and doesn’t pack as small as down.

Recommended Products:

Port Authority F217 Jacket Wholesale

This exceptionally soft, midweight fleece jacket will keep you warm during everyday excursions and it's offered at an unbeatable price. This polyester jacket also features an open hem with a drawcord and toggles for easy adjustment.

Sport-Tek LST241 Full-Zip Jacket Wholesale

A classic jacket style created from moisture-wicking, anti-static polyester fleece. This jacket has self-fabric cuffs& hem and a gently contoured silhouette that adds a layer of style to your winter layering.

Outer Layer

Finally, we have the outer layer that offers you protection from elements such as wind, rain, and snow. Typically, the outer layer also allows for some perspiration to escape. Sometimes called the shell layer, this essential layer comes in a few main forms

Waterproof Breathable Shells (Hard Shell)

These types of jackets are made with waterproof and somewhat breathable materials. Their fundamental component is a light, permeable layer that blocks water, but allows sweat to pass through.

Water-resistant Shells (Soft Shell)

The outer fabric of softshell jackets is also treated with a water-repellent coating. Although they do not offer complete waterproofing they can protect you from light rain and snow. However, they are generally more breathable and comfortable, lighter, and cheaper than completely waterproof outerwear.

Wind Jackets

This outerwear style focuses on breathability. Most of them offer stretchable fabric for extra convenience during athletic activities. You can also find wind jackets that integrate light rain and wind protection along with a low level of insulation. In short, they fuse two layers into a single product.

Recommended Products:

Port Authority J790 Soft Shell Jacket Wholesale

One of the most popular jackets in our collection, this softshell jacket is constructed from a polyester stretch woven shell, which is then bonded to polyester microfleece with an added laminate film insert to repel water. The result is a wind-resistant, water-resistant jacket with stretch that's perfect for corporate or weekend wear.

Eddie Bauer EB500 Wind Jacket Wholesale

The wind was the inspiration for this compact layer. Featuring a hood with locking drawcords for adjustability, a contrast reverse coil zipper, underarm vents, a packable zippered chest pocket, front unzippered pockets, elastic cuffs, and an open hem, this jacket offers complete protection from the winter weather.