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Garment layeringIn addition to high-tech outerwear, what you wear underneath your jacket and bibs is even more important as it is closest to your body.
If you take nothing away from this article, remember: NEVER WEAR COTTON! Jeans and a sweatshirt underneath your outer layer just don't cut it. Here's a quick overview of what you should be wearing under your jacket and bibs.
Base Layer: Next to your skin. This layer should be strictly moisture wicking materials that wick moisture away from the skin keeping the rider dry. Staying dry creates comfort, which allows you to ride longer and harder with less fatigue.
Klim has a Qwikdry system incorporated into its undergarments, but anything like Coolmax, Climate or other simple running and active garments from Nike, Adidas or UnderArmor will work better than cotton. What you want to stop is "after-exercise chill." Cotton t-shirts and other common underwear capture the moisture, and after your body has already stopped sweating, the wet cotton will keep cooling your body and in most cases will make you much colder after your ride. In extreme cases, it can lead to a faster onset of hypothermia.
Mid Layer: Designed to control heat, this layer also should be a synthetic material that will not hold moisture like cotton, and that will transport moisture to the outside. Tech fleeces, polyester or nylon-based clothing are standard. Garments should be easy to take on and off depending on body temp. The purpose of this layer is to retain body heat, stop wind and help wick moisture out.
Outer Layer: Comprised of waterproof breathable materials designed to allow moisture to exit the clothing while keeping outside moisture out. It provides strong protection from the elements, chafing, cuts, scrapes, scratches and other outside damage. It must be flexible and light to move with your body.