Buyers Guides
Purchasing Technical Sailing Clothing can be a daunting prospect. With so many brands and product designs, together with changes in technology, it can be confusing and hard to keep up! We provide a selection of detailed and updated buying guides to cover each of the main areas of sailingwear.
Meeting Individual Requirements
We cover everything from sailing jackets and marine footwear to those all important Lifejackets. We explain the choice of fabrics available, the pros and cons of all the varying designs and recommend to you the best products on the market. Our expert assistance should help you to find the perfect garments to meet your requirements.
Mid Layers
The mid layer provides vital insulation between the base layer and outer waterproof clothing. It must be breathable as its function is to allow moisture to be transported away from the body whilst also trapping warm air in cold conditions. Multiple thin layers are recommended, as they produce a warmer mid layer as they trap multiple layers of heat.
Microfleece Mid Layer
Most mid layers are crafted in fleece, such as Polartec, however there are more efficient fabrics such as Microfleece that allow more room for multiple layers. Nowadays most sailing manufacturers offer multi-faceted mid layers, sporting features such as windproof fabrics, fleece with waterproof outer shells and the famous Gore-tex design to keep you in peak condition.
Combination Jackets
Other mid layer options includes long sleeve stretch polyester (Henri Lloyd) and gilets that zip into the jacket giving more freedom of movement for the arms. Using both of these together is popular practice for many as the arms are also protected with two layers for the body.
Value Fitted Mid Layer
A basic mid layer suit costs around £100 going up to £250 for a Gore-tex fitted design. Your mid layer should be a snug fit to seal in the maximum amount of warm air, but not so tight that perspiration cannot move through.
Click here for mid layers
