layered clothing#wicking-materials

Often, clothing combines two adjacent layers, as in the case of warm undergarments that provide both comfort and insulation. Layered clothing usually consists of three layers. They are identified as follows:{{Citation needed|date=March 2024}}

• The inner layer provides comfort by keeping the skin dry. Also called base layer or first layer.
• The mid layer provides warmth. Also called an insulating layer.
• The shell layer protects the other two layers from wind and/or water. Also called the outer layer.

The purpose of the inner layer is to draw sweat away from the skin to the outer layers to make them feel warmer. If a piece of clothing does not transfer moisture well, it is not strictly an inner layer garment but simply a mid-layer garment. Wool has a combination of wicking and water-repelling properties{{cite web|title=What Makes Wool So Special?|url=http://www.woolrevolution.com/virtues.html|website=The wool revolution.|accessdate=11 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160407114422/http://www.woolrevolution.com/virtues.html|archive-date=2016-04-07|url-status=dead}} and is highly odour-resistant.{{cite web|url=http://gearjunkie.com/wool-base-layer-test|title=Best Merino Wool Base Layers|date=31 January 2006|work=gearjunkie.com}}

The mid layer is to provide additional insulation. Mid layer material includes wool, which provides insulation and has the capacity to absorb moisture. Synthetic fiberfill, such as polyester fiber, is used similarly to down.

Image:Hard-shell-jacket.jpg

The outermost clothes are called the shell layer, but only if they block wind or water or have good mechanical strength. Both "soft" and "hard" shell jackets and layers exist. Hard shells are commonly woven fabrics and do not rip. Soft shells may rip more easily. Examples of a shell layer include plastic raincoats and water-repellent coatings, which are often used. Before waterproof-breathable shells were invented, the "60/40" (60% cotton, 40% nylon) parka was widely used. Soft shells are not "waterproof".

The term soft shell is used to describe garments that combine partial or full water resistance with partial or full wind-breaking ability. Soft shell fabrics can come with a wicking layer. In many cases, insulation is combined.

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In fashion, combining different garments in layers can be used to create a variety of outfits. The wearer can shed layers according to changes in temperature.{{cite web|url=http://fashionstyleadvice.com/how-to-layer-clothing-and-look-fashionable/|title=How To Layer Clothing and Look Fashionable|work=Tasty Pretty Things|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100925035906/http://fashionstyleadvice.com/how-to-layer-clothing-and-look-fashionable/|archivedate=2010-09-25}}

In the New Testament, Jesus in Mark's Gospel counsels his apostles to "put on sandals but not to wear two tunics".{{bibleverse|Mark|6:9|NET}}: New English Translation Commentators find the meaning unclear, discussing whether the apostles should "not put on two coats; that is, at a time; an inner and an outward one, or one at one time, and another at another".Gill, J. (1746-63), [https://biblehub.com/commentaries/gill/mark/6.htm Gill's Exposition] on Mark 6:9, accessed on 23 November 2024 Some translations suggest the words refer to a change of clothes;For example, {{bibleverse|Mark|6:9|CEV}}: in the Contemporary English Version the equivalent texts in Matthew's Gospel and Luke's Gospel are generally treated as referring to extra clothes.Nicoll, W. R., [https://biblehub.com/commentaries/egt/mark/6.htm Expositor's Greek Testament] on Mark 6, accessed on 23 November 2024

• {{annotated link|Waterproof fabric}}
• {{annotated link|Durable water repellent}}
• {{annotated link|Heated clothing}}
• Lagenlook - Layered clothing fashion style

• [http://www.judgedgear.com/blogs/snowmobile-gear-articles/68530819-don-t-get-hot-and-you-won-t-get-cold Don’t Get Hot and You Won’t Get Cold]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20080512152309/http://www.abc-of-hiking.com/hiking-apparel/three-layer-system.asp ABC of Hiking][https://www.judgedgear.com/blogs/snowmobile-gear-articles/layering]

Category:Clothing by function