Want to enjoy boating all year round? No problem if you are equipped with the proper attire, say the boating experts at Marisafe.com, an online boating resource. Marisafe suggests choosing layering garments that are easy to adjust as conditions change.

According to boaterslife.com, another online boating resource, you should never wear cotton, particularly as the base layer, which is for wicking away moisture. Other parts of boating attire include the mid layer, the insulating layer and the outer weatherproof layer.

Today, buoyancy aids and life jackets are covered by strict standards. They must have specified amounts of buoyancy, fit well, be tough and most definitely stay on when you fall in the water.

Most dinghy sailors want as much freedom of movement and as little bulk as possible, using one of two types – a conventional zipped vest or a pull-over-the-head type. The zipped vest is easier to put on but is slightly longer than the pullover, which seems to be the most popular.

Freedom of movement is improved by using as many pieces of closed cell foam as possible so that the jacket bends around the contours of the body.

Drysuits are available in front back-zip versions. The back-zip version is less bulky across the middle, and it is lighter and easier to move around in. The main argument against them is that help is sometimes needed to do up the zipper correctly. Zipping up the last half inch on either a front or back zip suit is essential. At that point a drysuit is literally sealed at every opening.

Wetsuits are also available in a variety of weights and styles. Look for suits using different thicknesses of neoprene in different areas, depending on whether warmth or flexibility is the main criteria. Also look for blind stitching that is waterproof, and flat seaming that will not press against the body.

The big difference between a wetsuit and drysuit is that with a drysuit, the warmth and protection comes by staying totally dry, whether in the water or out.

A wetsuit works on the principle that even though wet, body heat will not escape through neoprene. Any water in the suit will warm up. Overall, a wetsuit on its own may be lighter and more flexible, if you don’t mind the initial cold feeling when falling into the water.

For the base layer, a crew or zip-neck top and leggings made in a thermal stretch fabric, woven into a two yarn “bi-polar” system to enhance moisture vapor management is best. This quick-drying fabric moves moisture away from the skin and traps air in the weave to keep you warm.

A fleece jacket, or smock and bottom, or a micro fleece top and pant, or both is best for the mid-layer of clothing. In extremely cold conditions, the micro fleece can be used as an additional layer or, in milder conditions, as the mid layer.

For the waterproof layer there are a number of choices. For around $150, you can buy a breathable, fully waterproof, lined jacket with a hood that folds into its own fleece-lined collar, with soft adjustable inner cuffs and outer wrist tabs.