An early session has three temperatures. Cold when you walk in. Warm by the end of the warm-up. Hot by the main set. Dress for only one of them and you spend the other two either shivering or overheating.
The fix is not a heavier hoodie. It is three thinner layers, each with its own job, that you can take off in order.
Three layers, three jobs
Layer one: next to the skin
The base layer moves sweat away from your skin and dries fast. That means a synthetic knit, not cotton. Cotton holds water, and a damp cotton tee is what makes you cold again once the session ends.
For us that is an AirKnit tee or tank in a Regular fit, or a CoreFlex compression tee if you prefer something close to the body. It should be thin enough that you forget it is there.
Layer two: the warm-up
This is the layer that does the most work in the first 15 minutes. A TerraFleece hoodie traps warm air while you are still cold, and it is soft enough to wear on the drive in.
Choose a Relaxed fit so it sits easily over the base layer without pulling at the shoulders. Take it off as soon as you feel warm, not when you start to sweat. Once fleece is damp, it is harder to put back on comfortably at the end.
Layer three: the outside
On mornings below 50°F, or if you train outdoors, add a light shell or vest. A vest keeps your core warm and leaves your arms free for mobility work. A shell blocks wind on a run to the gym or a session in the park.
The outer layer should be the first thing off and the last thing back on.
Putting it back on
The end of a session is where layering pays off. Your base layer will be damp. If you have a dry spare tee, swap it. Then the fleece goes back on straight away, before you cool down, and the shell over the top for the walk out.
A simple checklist
- Base: AirKnit tee or CoreFlex compression tee
- Mid: TerraFleece hoodie, Relaxed fit
- Outer: shell or vest when it is below 50°F or windy
- Spare: a dry tee in your bag
You can compare the three fabrics side by side on our Fabric & Fit page.