And how to wash your outerwear

To dress a playful kid with the right clothes when it's cold outside can be a real struggle. You've probably heard about the multi-layer principle, but how does it work? Here we'll explain it to you. Plus, we will give you 5 useful tips on how to make the outerwear last longer. You don't need to buy new clothes when the old ones can be inherited, right?

The multi-layer principle

The well-known multi-layer principle is a smart and flexible method for dressing the kids for cold, wet or windy weather. It provides an adaptable protection against rain, debris and cold and it's easy to take on and off. There are four layers you should know about.

The first layer

The first layer is worn close to the body to divert wetness from the skin. Moisture leads cold and the body cools down if the moisture is not diverting. The first layer means long underwear, briefs/panties, socks and inner gloves. The garments should have a tight but comfy fit. Choose materials with good breathability. The best materials when it's cold outside is wool or merino wool. At warmer temperatures you can choose garments made of bamboo, wool and synthetic, or just synthetic. Avoid cotton as it will not keep you warm at all if it gets wet.

The second layer

The purpose of the intermediate layer is to transport the moisture further outwards, but at the same time keep the heat retained. Select garments depending on the temperature; A thinner synthetic sweater/synthetic jacket, a thick and soft fleece jacket or a thick wool sweater. If the kid's not too active, a thin down jacket can do the work, but worth knowing is that down doesn't warm very well if it gets wet and it dries slowly.

Wear the same material on your legs as on the upper body. It's a plus if the garment's got zippers or openings, so you can adjust the temperature.

The third layer

The third layer should be both a wind and water-repellent shell in a durable material that support plays and adventures. That means a soft-shell jacket, soft-shell pants or a soft-shell overall. The function of the third layer is to retain the heat inside and at the same time release the moisture. It should protect the head, neck, wrists and ankles. Make sure the garments have taped seems, so no water or cold can pass through the small holes of the seam. It's only a plus if the outer garments are little too big, so the thermo jacket (the fourth layer) will fit underneath.

Taking care of the outerwear means they can last longer and be inherited to other kids without losing the garment’s functions on the way.

If you want to maintain the garment’s waterproofness and breathability, you shouldn't wash it too often. It's better to use a damp cloth to wipe off stains and dirt, or just rinse off the dirty area.

Wash your functional outerwear with ordinary detergent. Don't use softeners, as it can clog the pores of the fabric and destroy the functions of the garment. (Softeners are not very eco-friendly either)

Impregnate the garment to keep it better protected. You will find smooth impregnation sprays in most sports stores.

Close all buttons, Velcro tapes, zippers and buckles. Then wash the garments inside out. Doing this, you will reduce wear on the outer fabric.

Use a low temperature when drying Lindex functional outerwear in a drying cabin.

Lindex outerwear has got tags with symbols that describe the functions of the garment. This makes it easier for you to find what you are looking for.

 Waterproof

One specific definition of waterproof requires the fabric to withstand a water pillar over 2000 millimetres of water pressure without leaking. Many of our garments can withstand 10 000 millimetres of water pressure. They will keep your child dry, for sure.

Windproof

The fabric doesn't let the wind through. It stops the wind and keeps the insulating air by inner layers of clothes inside of the garment. A wind proof garment is very useful to keeping the wearer warm.

Breathable

The garment is breathable and moves sweat from the body to the fabrics outer surface where it can evaporate. This function helps the wearer to keep dry.

Taped seams

Seam sealing covers the tiny holes made by the needle in the sewing process, so they don’t leak, using a heat application of thin waterproof tape. Inner leg seams are covered backwards for better durability against abrasion.

YKK Zipper

YKK is one of the world's largest zipper/zip manufacturers and are known to have very high quality and durability. The front opening and the zipper are long enough to enable easy dressing and undressing.

Reflective details

Parts of the garment have reflective stripes. For FIX and Wallride it’s even 3M reflective. The wearer becomes much more visible in the dark.

Drying cabinet

The garment can be dried in drying cabinet at low temperature.