Layers explained
It's not always obvious what the best outdoor clothing is to support effective outdoor play and learning. In this guide we look at the various elements of clothing required, with a focus on layering.
Outdoor clothing introduction
Why is the correct outdoor clothing so important? And it's not just for kids.
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There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.Alfred Wainwright
The best classroom and the richest cupboard is roofed only by the sky.Margaret McMillan
Appropriate and effective outdoor clothing is crucial to support rich and satisfying outdoor play and learning
The only thing as important is the attitudes of the adult supervisors and the setting.
Even with the smallest outdoor space, with the support of enthusiastic and supportive adults, and effective clothing, children can access the outdoors for sustained periods, become involved in fascinating play and have the opportunity to connect to nature.
Maintaining a comfortable temperature is key to spending sustained periods of time outdoors. If children and adults are physically comfortable outdoors they can start to explore, play and learn. Over time they will become much more emotionally comfortable and confident being outside and will benefit from the positive health and wellbeing opportunities of being outdoors.
Clothing is as important for adults as it is for children
Adults need to be comfortable in order to facilitate good quality outdoor play and learning. They need to be able to move easily and to regulate their temperature to remain comfortable. If this is not the case and a leader becomes cold, they can become less interactive, less alert and often cut the outdoor play short even though the children are happy and contented playing outside. Overheating can have a similar effect.
Temperature regulation & waterproofing
A range of layered clothing can be used to regulate temperature, see our layering section for more information.
A waterproof outer layer prevents water from making the thermal layers damp and ineffective. There is a lot of confusion about how waterproof clothing is. Our waterproof ratings section explains it in simple terms.
Waterproof ratings guide
We believe outdoor clothing is the most important piece of kit you can have to enable sustained play and learning outdoors. Through your feedback, over the last decade, we have developed a range of waterproof clothing meeting the diverse needs of many different types of settings.
Read More about Waterproof ratings guideSee also
How to get ready
For many group leaders, putting outdoor clothing on, particularly with young groups, can be quite an arduous task. This section offers some suggestions on how to get your group organised and outside more easily and speedily.
Read More about How to get ready
Outdoor clothing buying guide
Muddy Faces developed this guide to give practitioners honest practical information to help make sure their budgets for outdoor clothing are spent in the most effective way.
Waterproofs care guide
Waterproof clothing, if maintained in the correct way, should last for a long time, giving good value for money. However, you can very quickly reduce the effectiveness of waterproof material, so it is important to understand the clothing and how to care for it correctly.
Outdoor clothing in the Muddy Faces shop
There is no such thing as poor weather. Our enjoyment of the outdoors relies on good quality clothing and an effective clothing policy. Take a look through this section to find outdoor play and Forest School clothing for early years, children, youth and adults.
For more information about outdoor clothing explore the Outdoor Clothing section of the OUTDOOR HUB. You'll find information about layering, waterproof ratings, care and buying guides and much more.
Further reading
Reclaiming snack time
Cooking and eating in the open air are part of life’s simple pleasures and an essential part of outdoor sessions. Yet a focus on snacks and food has not had the attention it deserves. It’s time to think more deeply about the role of snack time for children's physical and mental health and wellbeing.
Dr Mel McCree makes a case for inclusive practice for nurture through food and nutrition in this indepth, 8-page article.
Read More about Reclaiming snack time
Going to the loo & hygiene outside
How-tos, guides & tips for spending time and spending a penny (or more!) outdoors safely & hygienically.
Read More about Going to the loo & hygiene outside
The Outdoor Practitioner magazine
Our themed magazines feature articles, ideas & activities to support you to work, learn & play outdoors.
- Full of contributions from real-life Outdoor Practitioners
- Perfect for Early Years, primary schools, Forest School & outdoor settings old and new
Issue 5: Risky Play Focus: available in our shop.
Issues 1-4: access online for FREE below - download or read online with our fancy flipbook tool.
To contribute to the Outdoor Practitioner magazine or reproduce one of our articles in your newsletter or magazine, email editor@muddyfaces.co.uk