Clothing is key when it comes to fully enjoying your winter outdoor activities. You don’t want to be too hot, nor do you want to be too cold. The solution rests in layering: Wearing clothes that – ideally – are breathable, durable, versatile and comfortable, be it on a cross-country ski trail or when gathered around a late-night fire.
Find out how to master the art of layering, and what the go-to items are, from Head of Design of Parmi Lifewear, Virginie Brunet.
What is layering?
To use an analogy, think of an onion’s composition. “Layering entails putting on several items of clothing to quickly adapt to different situations,” Virginie said. There are three main layers (the base layer, the mid-layer and the outer layer) that can be worn at the same time or individually depending upon weather conditions and the type of activity. Each layer has a distinct role, and it is important to understand those roles to ensure maximum comfort.
Here are three main principles to help you master the concept of layering.
1. The base layer should fit close to the body.
All it takes is getting to a red light while jogging in winter to appreciate the importance of staying dry in your sports clothes. When trapped, moisture from sweat produced by the body can quickly make you feel cold. That’s why the base layer is so important. Worn directly against the skin, it absorbs perspiration and wicks moisture to the outer layers. “Merino wool is an ideal base layer fabric. It absorbs moisture while retaining body heat, even when wet. And it doesn’t retain odours!” Virginie said.
These items can be worn as a base layer:
- Merino crew neck
- Women’s Free Range Merino long sleeve
- Men’s Free Range Merino long sleeve
- Men’s Merino mock neck
2. The mid-layer should be able to adapt to the activity you are engaged in.
There are several types of mid-layers, ranging from insulated coats to Merino wool sweaters: Choose the one that best suits your activity. “The mid-layer’s function is to trap heat. When you are participating in a sport that is less cardio-based, like downhill skiing, you can go with down jackets or synthetic fibre jackets,” Parmi Lifewear’s head designer said. “These are effective in retaining body heat, they’re lightweight and can even be layered over another mid-layer.”
In slightly warmer conditions or when engaging in aerobic activities, such as cross-country skiing or running, Virginie recommends turning to thinner mid-layers like a Merino wool sweater. Cotton should be avoided, as it easily absorbs perspiration and quickly cools the body.
These items can be worn as a mid-layer:
- Women's Explore Jacket
- Men's Explore Jacket
- Polartec High Loft Jacket
- Merino crew neck
3. Choose an outer layer that provides protection from the elements.
Wind, snow and freezing rain can quickly ruin outdoor fun if our clothing is not appropriate. Often referred to as a “shell,” the outer layer’s function is to provide protection against these external elements. There is a wide assortment of outer layers that are designed for different uses, like a windbreaker, a soft shell or a waterproof jacket: Ideally, it’s best to find one that has all the necessary qualities to move comfortably throughout the colder months. “A waterproof, breathable and stretchy outer layer that provides protection from the elements – while also allowing moisture particles to escape so as not to compromise the functionality of the first two layers – is ideal,” Virginie said. “The outer layer should also be loose enough so it can be layered over the base and mid layers without compromising movement, but at the same time not so loose as to allow heat loss.”
These items can be worn as an outer layer:
- Depanneur Cafe Anorak
- Women's All Weather Jacket
- Men's All Weather Jacket
Layering is super-easy and lets you appreciate every moment of your outdoor winter adventures, whatever your favourite activity happens to be. “The benefit of layering is that it allows you to get the perfect combination,” Virginie said. “It’s really so simple: Just adapt each layer’s thickness depending upon the activity and the weather conditions.”
