As you add and remove layers in cold weather climates, you rely on your garments to offer both protection and dryness.
But how exactly is prolonged warmth achieved in cold weather climates?
You may be surprised to hear that there is research and science supporting the best way to maintain warmth, dryness and protection in variable temperatures and conditions. From the fiber construction of your garment to the air circulation that helps dissipate moisture, understanding how it all works together can help you layer for optimal, long-term protection outdoors.
Moisture Wicking Fibers Are Essential for Warmth
You’d think that adding more layers in the cold will help you stay warm, but unless the layers you add work together with your moisture wicking base layers, you may end up feeling cold, damp and uncomfortable.
Why? Because the fibers of your apparel make all the difference when it comes to moisture and warmth management.
In the simplest of terms, moisture wicking fibers are designed with hydrophilic and hydrophobic fibers to pull moisture away from your skin and move it to the outer layer of a garment to spread and dry.
What is the best fabric for cold weather apparel?
Recent studies indicate that a garment that offers a 60/40 fiber split (with a higher percentage of hydrophobic fibers and a lower percentage of hydrophilic fibers) will provide you with optimal moisture wicking capabilities. A garment with 100% of any fiber along with claims of moisture wicking identifies the presence of a fabric with a chemical finish that will eventually wash away.
An FR garment constructed with permanent moisture wicking fibers is essential to absorb and push moisture and sweat away from the body and pull it through the garment to the outside surface to spread and dissipate quickly. As you layer, it is important that you start with a moisture wicking base layer and that every additional layer added offers moisture wicking capabilities so moisture can move through the fabrics effectively to keep you feeling dry and warm.
If one component of the layering system lacks moisture wicking capabilities, your layering system will lose effectiveness.
As your activity level increases, you shouldn’t notice a difference in overall dryness. Permanent moisture wicking fibers in your layering system should work to keep you dry with every added layer, so you never feel wet on the job.
- As temperatures fluctuate, your layering system should work with you to keep you both dry and warm.
- Your mobility level should not be compromised by your FR clothing. A layering system designed to function effectively in every climate, regardless of activity level, is the ultimate goal.
- Stay focused on the task at hand and safe on the job with a layering system that performs for you in every possible scenario.
Layering systems are not created equal. From base layer to outer layer, make sure your layering system offers permanent moisture wicking technology.
Rethink How You Layer for Warmth
Layering is not just about adding warmth — layering should be strategic to keep you dry, warm and protected, all while maximizing your mobility on the job.
Stay Dry. With permanent moisture wicking fibers in your base layer, moisture will be pulled off of your skin quickly, so you never feel wet on the job. Lakeland FR apparel absorbs moisture up to 7x faster than competitive brands and moves an average of 50 percent more moisture to the exterior of the fabric, creating a drier zone next to your skin.
Stay Warm. From base layer to outer layer, you should never worry about your sweat turning cold when you stop activity. Stay comfortable and warm with a layering system designed to pass moisture through each layer quickly. A superior layering system means all garments contain moisture wicking fabrics to pull moisture through the fabric to the outer layer, all while keeping the elements out. Lakeland’s outerwear provides water and wind resistance with moisture wicking.
Stay Mobile. Staying dry and warm is essential for optimal performance, but adding more bulk as you layer is often a drawback. Consider selecting lightweight, maneuverable fabrics that add the protection you need without the bulk and weight that contributes to increased muscle fatigue and slows you down. Windproof, water resistant, moisture wicking Lakeland FR outerwear garments offer the lightweight protective layers you’ve been waiting for.
Ensure the garments you include in your layers are designed to work together to keep you warm and protected with: permanent moisture wicking capabilities and lightweight, maneuverable fabrics.
Designed by linemen for linemen, Lakeland FR high performance combines superior moisture wicking fibers, style and functionality. Only Lakeland offers a layering system with permanent moisture wicking technology in every single layer. From base layer to button up shirt, hoodie to outer jacket, Lakeland’s layering system offers moisture wicking technology that will never wear out, wash out, or stop performing for you.
Superior Performance, Protection and Comfort.
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