In fashion, layering is the addition of items of clothing over each other in order to create a unique outfit and to make best use of the aesthetic or functional properties of different garments. Wearing layers of clothes allows the wearer to shed or add layers according to changes in weather conditions, activity level and body temperature. Layering is mainly used in the winter months, where it is almost essential to layer, but layering can also be used in summer. Layering is often recommended for outdoor activities such as hiking.
Practical use
Participants in outdoor pursuits such as hiking, fishing, etc. often make use of layering to create a practical outfit that can protect against wind, rain and cold while regulating the wearer's body temperature. Practical layering is usually based around a system of three layers or more.
- Inner layer or base layer - close-fitting garments designed to draw away sweat. Typically polyester, polypropylene, silk and other fibres with good wicking properties are used.
- Wind layer - A thin breathable nylon windshirt blocks some wind and some rain. The windshirt is more breathable than the outer shell, and more rain resistant than the mid layer. For many combinations of mild weather, light wind, and light precipitation the base layer and the wind layer provide adequate protection.
- Mid layer or insulating layer - looser-fitting garments worn to trap air and aid in retaining body heat. Garments made from fleece, wool or synthetic fibres are typically used.
- Outer layer or outer shell - weatherproof jacket and pants to keep rain and wind out, while remaining breatheable. Gore-Tex is a popular material for weatherproof outer clothing, though many other fabrics are suitable.
It is not always necessary to wear all layers, and the choice of how many to wear and what garments to use depends very much on the activity and the weather conditions likely to be encountered.
Fashion use
Combining different garments in layers can be used to create a variety of outfits. This provides similar practical benefits to practical layering, in that the wearer can shed layers according to changes in temperature, and is also a way of making use of clothing to produce different looks and mix colours in various ways.
