As we’re still in the throes of winter with little signs of milder weather just yet, we still have to make sure we keep as warm as possible when we go outside to brave the elements. Especially if you’re an avid outdoorsy type, you may find that you need to take extra defences against the blustery, wet and wintry weather.
Sometimes throwing on as many layers as possible isn’t the answer – it restricts our movement and can feel uncomfortable. Also, if you don’t layer with the right fabrics, then cold air can easily penetrate through your clothes to your skin which still sets you shivering. So what’s the answer? Base layers.
Base layers act as thin thermal layers to wear under our clothes, keeping us warm and toasty when hiking up hills and rambling along riverbanks. But apart from being just another layer, base layers function in other ways too.
Wicking
Wicking is the process of drawing moisture away from your body, so it will be absorbed in the fabric of the base layer instead of sitting on the skin which can cause itching and discomfort. Most base layers are made up of elastane materials, as well as polyester or nylon which gives layers their wicking properties.
Most base layers, as well as a lot of gym clothing, are sold as having a ‘quick dry’ feature, which is a term used to describe the evaporation of sweat inside the material, thus keeping the body dry during exercise and exertion.
Temperature
Base layers are used primarily to keep you warm, especially for colder weather, and are available as thermal tops and leggings so that you can have full coverage under your looser clothing.
These layers are designed to fit snugly, trapping warm air between the clothing and skin which makes a welcome addition to daily dog walks and colder climates in general.
Muscle Compression
Base layers tend to be particularly tight fitting, so when your muscles compress, the snug fabric reduces the build up of lactic acid. Lactic acid build up is what causes your body to stiffen up and ache after exercise, but by wearing compression layers you can help your body recover quicker.
Base layers also help prevent muscle strain, which is why so many athletes wear tighter base layers during high-energy activity.
At JC Country, we supply a wide range of clothing in classic country style. Whether you’re looking for practical items for time spent outdoors, or you’re looking for traditional quality clothing for everyday, we stock plenty of brands such as Kanyon Boots for a smarter, tailored look, or Muck Boots to tackle tougher terrain. For enquiries about any of the stock that we hold, feel free to contact us on 01524 791 362 to speak to a friendly member of staff.
