With a knowledge also of the properties of certain materials we choose clothes made from a wide range of man-made and natural fabrics. The sub-Antarctic is cool and wet whilst the Antarctic continent is drier and very cold. In most circumstances several layers of lightweight clothes are better than one or two layers of thick, heavy clothes. The layers allow good ventilation, and at the same time the trapped air acts as good insulation against the cold. The number of layers can be adjusted according to how cold the temperature is and the activity of the wearer.
Footwear epitomises the variety of Antarctic activities and conditions.
Double insulated mountaineering boots are used for skiing and work on rock. Thigh length waders have been used on the ships and on some Antarctic Peninsula ice shelves where deep wet soft snow is a problem in the summer. Snow shoes, which have similarities to the structure of tennis racquets, are also available.