How can I dress on a sailing boat? How to dress on a motor boat? What if I go in small boats like dinghies instead?
Our advice is to dress like an onion, also called the 3-layer method. We therefore recommend using one or more layers, depending on the season (hot, cold, if it rains or if the weather is good). In cold environments, for example, we recommend dressing in at least two layers, a baselayer and a midlayer. In hot but rainy environments, however, we suggest you wear only a baselayer and a waterproof layer (outer layer). There is therefore no fixed rule for how to dress.
BASELAYER
It is that layer in contact with the skin, which protects the epidermis. Avoid jeans and clothes that contain cotton as they are slow to dry. Instead, opt for synthetic fibers like polyester, nylon, polypropylene, and linen. Polyester and nylon are great at not absorbing water and dry quickly. Merino wool, even if it is not water-repellent like polyester and nylon, is excellent for retaining body heat: in fact, this natural material, ultra-light and breathable, insulates and at the same time wicks away humidity, therefore perfect for activities that require endurance in cold environments. As first layers we recommend garments such as: spandex lycra, polyester or merino wool tights.
MIDLAYER
The second layer or midlayer is the intermediate layer, the one that allows the body to retain heat and expel humidity towards the outside. This middle layer is insulating and can be made up of several pieces depending on the intensity of your activity and the cold. Logically the more still you stand, the thicker your clothes should be. Different choices of materials are available in this category: Polartec, fleece, down and cashmere. For high intensity activities, we recommend polartec, fleece, wool or even cashmere. For activities that require less intensity or are carried out in very cold climates, synthetic materials or down are the best insulators but at the same time lose effectiveness when wet. Don't forget that in order for your body to breathe and regulate its temperature, you need to opt for clothes that are close-fitting, but not too tight. There must be a gap between the base layer and the middle layer.
OUTER LAYER
The last layer is the one that will protect you from bad weather (wind, rain, snow, etc.), allowing the moisture from the previous layers to evaporate easily. It is essential that this layer is breathable and waterproof. Therefore, depending on the expected weather conditions, the type of materials to be used may vary.