It never ceases to amaze me that anglers will spend $300+ on a state-of-the-art "Breathable" wader and then put them on over a pair of cotton Jeans! Not only is this uncomfortable due to the "Bunching" effect and possibility of getting a hard seam positioned against a sensitive area (i.e., your shin or ankle!), but it completely defeats the concept of "Breathable" waders!

The primary reason anglers buy "Breathable" waders (at a premium price to boot!) is so that the perspiration can be carried away from your body and out of the wader! This eliminates that "Clammy" feeling one gets when your waders are wet on the inside (i.e., non-Breathable "Lightweights" and "Neoprene") while helping to reduce chafing (few ailments are worse that "Wader Rash"!).

Wearing "Cotton" (or any non-Wicking material) under your waders simply does not make sense. While the "Jean" scenario is an extreme, many unsuspecting anglers who realize Jeans are not the answer still make the mistake of wearing cotton long-underwear under their waders. While not as uncomfortable as Jeans, the effect on "Breathability" is the same (the moisture will not be carried away from your body!)

The best thing to wear under your waders and next to your skin is unquestionably a thin pair of long-underwear made of a material that "Wicks" moisture away from the body such as Polartec Power Dry, Capalene, Polypropylene, or any synthetic "Fleece". As for staying warm, simply put the name of the game is "More of the Same" (i.e., layers of "Wicking" underclothes in varying thickness)

The same rules applicable to long-underwear holds true for socks with a couple of notable exceptions. First is that the feet of most "Breathable" waders are not breathable (refer to "Neoprene Feet"). In addition, where "Breathable" material is used on the feet, in my opinion it is to no avail due to the fact that your foot is inside of a boot (i.e., it would take a lot of "Wicking" to release the moisture through a boot!)

In addition, many anglers pile on the socks in an attempt to keep their feet warm. While this can work if done reasonably, it often has the opposite effect by cutting off the circulation to your feet! Next time your feet are cold, try loosening your boots and see what happens. If your feet get warmer, you either have your boots too tight or more often, too many socks on!

The simple rule in regard to socks is to wear a thin "wicking" sock next to your foot to carry the moisture away from your skin, and no more than one additional pair to provide warmth. More often than not, the extra pair of socks results in little if any benefit and frequently, it is what makes your feet cold! Don't forget that you have a "Neoprene" booty on which provides more warmth than is usually needed.