It's time for a proper sweatshirt!

While summer may have seemed endless, the autumn chill is already letting us know that we need to start adding layers. Today we'll focus on the second layer, insulation. If you haven't picked out a proper autumn or winter sweatshirt yet, whether for the outdoors, exercise or the city, come and browse the current Rigad range with us!

Second layer. What do we want from it?

1. Quality insulation

While the task of the first functional layer of clothing, which we wear directly on the body (underwear, thermal underwear), is to effectively wick away sweat, dry quickly and, in the best case scenario, also prevent odour, the second layer (i.e. sweatshirts and sweaters) is mainly expected to provide insulation. In other words, quality insulation that retains body heat. 

At the same time, we need this layer of clothing to be breathable and effectively continue to wick moisture away from the body, not hinder movement, and maybe even have a few practical features.

2. Functional materials

In terms of materials, as with the first layer, we can choose between natural materials and synthetics.

• Merino wool is a natural material with excellent properties. It is comfortable to wear, wicks away moisture and prevents odour during long and frequent wear. It keeps you warm to a certain extent, even when it gets wet. Compared to synthetics, however, it tends to be heavier and bulkier. It also has a lower mechanical resistance. Merino sweatshirts and sweaters usually start at around 200 g/m2, while warmer ones are around 300 g/m2. They are best suited to activities that do not involve a high intensity of movement.
  

• Cotton is often used, but it is not the best choice for outdoor and sports. It doesn't wick away moisture effectively, but instead absorbs it and dries slowly, quickly losing its otherwise good thermal insulation properties. A sweaty cotton sweatshirt is simply too cold.
  

The autumn weather includes a high-quality second layer that ensures thermal insulation, maximum comfort and optimal breathability.

• For synthetic materials, we most often encounter polyester, sometimes with admixtures (e.g. nylon, spandex, polyamide). Fleece, which has good insulating properties, has proved particularly useful. However, it is also available in different versions, some of which are heavier and have better thermal insulation, while others are more breathable and stretchable. Depending on the type, processing and weight, they are suitable for a wide range of activities.

• Mixed materials combine the advantages of different materials. In outdoor sweatshirts and sweaters, we often see merino wool with a blend of synthetic fibres that increase mechanical resistance and overall durability. 
  

• The two-layer construction usually consists of a layer of natural material (usually merino) and a layer of functional synthetics. The synthetic layer provides faster moisture drainage, while the natural layer has better thermal insulation properties. However, this is not a rule, it can just as well combine two layers of synthetic materials with different properties. Such clothing is also perfect for winter conditions.
  

• The combination of materials according to the bodymapping principle consists in using a material with a higher grammage and thermal insulation in places that are sensitive to cold, while panels made of lighter and more breathable material that wicks away moisture are inserted in places where people sweat more. Some sophisticated models also feature reinforcement in the most stressed areas (e.g. elbows and shoulders).

3. Maximum comfort and functional features

The right size of the sweatshirt is essential, but it must also fit well in motion. For maximum comfort, rely on quality construction that respects the body shape and anatomically cut sleeves. When trying it on, bend over and make a few movements with your arms. Doesn't the sweatshirt roll up? Doesn't it pinch or restrict movement? Doesn't the sleeves roll up?

Other features that increase functionality and comfort include:

• extended back part,

• a raised collar that protects the neck from the cold,

• chin guard at the end of the zipper,

• cuffs at the ends of the sleeves and thumbholes,

• air vents,

• anatomically shaped hood - spacious with drawstring, or small and shaped (under the helmet),

• conveniently placed pockets,

• YKK zippers, velcro panels.

• etc.

This autumn's hits

This autumn season offers several stalwarts, but also carefully selected new models that are worth exploring. Although they are all well-made and are mostly different variations of fleece materials, each sweatshirt stands out for something different. Here are some highlights of this year's offerings:

Firebase Operators from Vertx^® in tactical style

This sweatshirt features an athletic fit and plenty of gadgets and tactical features. The main material is a blend of nylon, polyester and spandex and is stretchable in 4 directions, ensuring maximum functionality and freedom of movement. The lining is a polyester mesh with a spandex blend. It is mechanically resistant to minimize wear and tear, for example during concealed carry or weapon handling. 

The sleeves are interestingly designed. There are thumbholes at the ends of the sleeves, reinforcements to protect the palms and a watch slot, so you will always have comfortable access to the display. The central YKK zipper is not reversible, but it is of high quality and well placed. The entire construction has flat seams to maximize comfort, plus you won't find any in the shoulder area where any seams could cause chafing when wearing the backpack. The small hood fits under the helmet.

The pockets are also interestingly designed. Sleeve pockets are removable, held on velcro panels. The 2 side pockets are relatively spacious, they have zippers inside, which make it easier to access e.g. your belt or create internal pockets. They also include a grommet for cables or headphones.

Polarfleece Sherpa from 4-14 Factory^®: functionality and insulation

The Polarfleece Sherpa sweatshirt is one of the top of what 4-14 Factory has to offer. It is very warm, yet provides complete freedom of movement. The dense fleece insulates well. The material on the shoulders is abrasion and moisture resistant. On the sides, you'll find panels of gridded fleece that wicks moisture, stretches and ventilates well.

The sleeves does not roll up and have thumbholes. The relatively small hood fits under the helmet. The whole construction of the hoodie has flat seams, which increase the comfort of wearing even in combination with other outdoor and tactical material.

The two-way YKK zipper is finished with a chin guard on the high collar. The hoodie has a total of 5 pockets - chest pocket, 2 sleeve pockets with velcro panel and daisy chain, 2 side pockets composed of outer and inner part and filled with mesh for better ventilation.

Lightweight and breathable sweatshirt Alpha Tactical from Helikon-Tex^®

This lightweight stretch sweatshirt is made of gridded fleece. It dries quickly, wicks sweat away from the body and won't let you down even during intense activity. These features are further enhanced by a comfortable mesh lining that further increases wearing comfort. The lightweight material makes it easy to pack.

The sweatshirt's quality construction is complemented by a two-way YKK zipper, an extended back, a raised collar with chin guard (so you don't have to worry about your well-groomed beard or scratching your chin), and cuffs at the ends of the sleeves to prevent them from rolling up.

The sweatshirt has a total of 5 pockets, 2 spacious side pockets, 2 sleeve pockets (for right and left handers) with velcro panel and one chest pocket with headphone outlet. Read the full review in this article.

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Impact sweatshirt from Snugpak^®: simple and clean design

Snugpak is really good at cold weather gear. The Impact hoodie with its simple, clean design and precise cut is designed as a pullover with a high collar. The YKK zipper reaches to just under halfway up the top and is of course finished with a chin guard at the top end.

The Impact hoodie is made of 260 g/m2 fleece, so it is thicker and warmer. Anti-pilling treatment on the inside and outside increases the durability of the fabric even with frequent wear and washing.

Fleecová jacket Husky from Texar^® is ideal for winter

The Husky hoodie from Texar is also fleece and stands out because it is very warm, its grammage reaches 320 g/m2. You will be comfortable in it even in several degrees above zero. Despite the high grammage, it retains a modern anatomical cut that ensures maximum freedom of movement.

Heat leakage is further prevented by cuffs at the ends of the sleeves, an extended back and a shaped drawstring hood with a small peak that follows the face well. The main centre zip is robust and durable. The hoodie has ventilation holes on the sides.

The shoulders are reinforced with durable material. The hoodie has a total of 5 pockets - 2 sleeve pockets with velcro panels, 2 side pockets filled with soft and warm fleece inside and one chest pocket.

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Sophisticated sweatshirt Stratus from Helikon-Tex^®

When designing the Stratus sweatshirt, Helikon-Tex based the design on the time-tested construction used by the US armed forces. It has not only adopted this design, but also improved it with additional functional elements.

The main material is a dense fleece with a weight of 320 g/m2, so it is suitable for cold weather. It is reinforced in the stressed areas of the elbows and shoulders. There are ventilation holes in the armpits.

The sweatshirt has a high collar and a full-length YKK two-way zipper with chin guard. There are a total of 4 pockets, including 2 sleeve pockets with velcro panel and 2 spacious chest pockets with mesh inside to aid ventilation.