gb-flag
EUR

System 3 layers


slide: Vrstvy

In sport, our bodies have to cope not only with physical exertion, which causes increased production of body heat and moisture, but often also with changing weather or even the elements. Enjoying sports in comfort and with a feeling of physical comfort can be helped by appropriate functional clothing. Come with us to find out what to choose and how to layer it correctly so that we don't overheat unnecessarily or, on the contrary, shiver with cold.

PROGRESS functional clothing respects the principle of the three-layer system, which ensures a perfect body microclimate, which is the basis for our optimal performance. Each layer has its own distinctive and important role, and together they form a sophisticated functional chain. Sweat is wicked away from the skin and the body remains dry and ready to continue to maintain the ideal temperature. The prerequisite for all this, then, is to learn how to assemble these functional elements of clothing in a way that best suits our individual requirements.

1st layer
1st LAYER - TRANSPORT

The base layer is essential. It efficiently wicks the sweat from the skin to its outer side, from where the sweat evaporates into the air or into the next layer. The base layer should closely fit to the body and be used in all activities.

2nd layer
2. LAYER - INSTULATING

The second insulation layer retains body heat and further transports moisture in the form of water vapour to the other layers and further into the surroundings. In cold conditions, this layer helps us to achieve optimal thermal comfort according to our individual needs. The second layer is usually made of sweatshirts made of different types of technical materials.

3rd layer
3rd LAYER - PROTECTIVE

The outer third layer is our protective shield against the elements. This layer is the most demanding, it ensures that moisture does not penetrate the body, but at the same time it must be breathable to ensure that excess heat and sweat from the lower layers is transferred to the outside. It protects against cold, rain and wind. The resistance of the material to mechanical damage is also important. As a rule, this layer consists of jackets and trousers made of characteristic materials designed specifically to provide these properties.

How to dress right

  • Layers are always a good idea. Two t-shirts keep you warmer than one thicker T-shirt, and in an emergency you can share one with somebody.
  • Try to combine your layers so that all of them really can draw moisture as far from the body as possible.
  • If you can’t give up cotton, it’s better to put on a functional t-shirt and a cotton sweatshirt than a cotton t-shirt and a functional sweatshirt! A sweatshirt will get soaked, but a functional t-shirt will always insulate you from moisture (i.e. cold, too). 
  • If you’re heading out for some short but strenuous activity in cold weather, dress so that you’ll feel cooler rather than warmer as you leave the warmth of your home. When you get yourself warmed up to "working temperature", you’ll feel good and will not sweat too much.
  • A spare t-shirt, socks and perhaps a cap in a pocket of your backpack might add a bit of weight, but they could help save you or your colleagues.
  • Backpack straps and Velcro could damage your clothing (if this happens, it could result in a claim being rejected – see our Complaints Procedure).