For the seasoned hunter, success hinges not only on skill and knowledge but also on the right gear. While camouflage and functionality are paramount, achieving optimal performance outdoors starts with understanding clothing fit types. The way your garments hug or drape around your body significantly impacts layering, comfort, and ultimately, your ability to make the perfect shot.
Let’s delve into the benefits of various fit types and how they can improve your layering strategy.
Next-to-Skin Fit
The next-to-skin style is the tightest option, serving as the foundation of your layering system. Often made from moisture-wicking fabrics like merino wool or synthetic fibres, it draws sweat away from your body, keeping you dry and comfortable throughout the day. Close-fitting yet breathable, it can be used as a stand-alone layer in warm weather, or as a base layer in cooler climates.
Layering Advantage: Ideal for base layers or thermal underwear. Limits the amount of additional layers you can comfortably wear underneath.
Trim Fit
This is looser than the next-to-skin fit while offering a more streamlined silhouette compared to a regular fit. The trim fit provides a good balance between mobility and layering capability. It allows some room underneath for additional lightweight layers while maintaining a close-to-the-body feel.
Layering Advantage: Allows you to comfortably wear a base layer underneath and an outer shell for a complete layering system in milder climates.
Regular Fit
The most versatile option, a regular fit neither restricts nor feels overly loose. It offers a comfortable amount of room for movement, allowing you to layer freely without feeling restricted. It’s the most adaptable option, suitable for various weather conditions and activity levels.
Layering Advantage: Provides the most flexibility for layering. You can comfortably wear a base layer, extra insulation pieces, and a waterproof outer shell for maximum protection in cold climates.
Relaxed Fit
This is the loosest option, offering maximum freedom of movement. This loose-fitting style allows for multiple layers underneath, making it perfect for a loose-fitting outer shell or a heavy insulation layer. However, it can be cumbersome for high-mobility activities.
Layering Advantage: Allows for layering multiple thick garments underneath. It’s ideal for layering bulky clothes in cold weather.
Confidence starts with comfort
Well fitting hunting clothes becomes an extension of yourself, providing the comfort and performance you need to push your limits
Choosing Your Clothing Fit type
The ideal fit depends on several factors, including your activity level, the expected weather conditions, and your personal preference for comfort and mobility. For all-around versatility, a regular fit offers a good balance for various layering combinations.
Here’s a quick guide:
- Activity Level: High-mobility hunts benefit from trim or regular fits, while stationary hunts can utilise relaxed fits.
- Climate: Colder temperatures necessitate layering capabilities, favouring regular or relaxed fits. Milder conditions allow for a trim or next-to-skin fit.
- Personal Preference: Comfort and layering preferences play a significant role.
By understanding these clothing fit types and their impact on layering, you can assemble your own set of hunting clothes that can adapt to different conditions and activities. Remember, the perfect fit is the one that allows you to focus on the hunt, not your clothing.