The conditions of Antarctica mean that protective clothing is of particular importance. These conditions are of two main types: wet-cold and dry-cold.
Wet-cold conditions prevail on sub-Antarctic islands, and around parts of the Antarctic coastline. In these conditions, staying dry is vital so outer layers, and especially footwear must be reasonably waterproof.
On the Antarctic continent itself, conditions are generally dry-cold, with lower humidity and much lower temperatures. In these conditions adequate ventilation is crucial. Otherwise too much sweat builds up and freezes, creating a layer of ice on or inside the clothing.
Early Antarctic explorers adopted clothing that had used in Arctic exploration, or mountaineering expeditions. Much of this clothing was not well suited to the dry-cold conditions of Antarctica and proved to be too bulky and not sufficiently ventilated.
Established after World War II, the Australian Antarctic division initially sourced nearly all of its clothing from military surplus, from Australia, Britain and the USA. As experience with Antarctic conditions grew, clothing items began to be specifically designed by the Division, although footwear and handwear were particularly difficult items and continued to be purchased from military supplies for some time.
Today Australian Antarctic Division clothing is obtained from both off-the-shelf sources, as well as being manufactured to Antarctic Division specifications. Although new synthetic fibres have greatly changed the look and feel of much Antarctic clothing, many basic items have proved themselves of enduring value.
Wet-cold conditions prevail on sub-Antarctic islands, and around parts of the Antarctic coastline. In these conditions, staying dry is vital so outer layers, and especially footwear must be reasonably waterproof.
On the Antarctic continent itself, conditions are generally dry-cold, with lower humidity and much lower temperatures. In these conditions adequate ventilation is crucial. Otherwise too much sweat builds up and freezes, creating a layer of ice on or inside the clothing.
Early Antarctic explorers adopted clothing that had used in Arctic exploration, or mountaineering expeditions. Much of this clothing was not well suited to the dry-cold conditions of Antarctica and proved to be too bulky and not sufficiently ventilated.
Established after World War II, the Australian Antarctic division initially sourced nearly all of its clothing from military surplus, from Australia, Britain and the USA. As experience with Antarctic conditions grew, clothing items began to be specifically designed by the Division, although footwear and handwear were particularly difficult items and continued to be purchased from military supplies for some time.
Today Australian Antarctic Division clothing is obtained from both off-the-shelf sources, as well as being manufactured to Antarctic Division specifications. Although new synthetic fibres have greatly changed the look and feel of much Antarctic clothing, many basic items have proved themselves of enduring value.
ANTARCTICA: Then & Now
Modern day travellers to Antarctica use natural and synthetic clothing, maximizing their warmth by layering their clothes, but also allowing for breathability. Layering keeps the wearer warm or allows them to take off some clothes if they are too hot. The foundation layers are warm, soft and absorbs moisture quickly, while the insulate middle layers can be easily removed when necessary. The outer layers are weatherproof and windproof. It is essential to keep warm, as frostnip and frostbite occur when parts of the body (usually the fingers or toes) are exposed to cold conditions which can freeze the skin in seconds. Furthermore, when cold, people can develop hypothermia - which is when the entire body is chilled. Hypothermia is a lifethreatening condition, where the body temperature of a person is lowered. Many victims do not recognise the early danger signs of hypothermia. They just become very tired and sleepy, but they can suffer death 
Accessories are vital, boots, gloves, head and eyewear for Antarctica
so limiting what can be achieved
When fully dressed for extreme cold, there should be no cold-spots, there should be no way you can move around (fairly normally) and expose flesh or just a single layer at the wrists, neck or midriff.
The outer layer should be just that, the outer layer at ALL times, don't try to use an inner jacket/layer as the outside one, you'll be far too cold by the time you realise it's not working very well. With goggles on and a good hood drawn about the face and a balaclava, it is possible to have no exposed flesh at all.
Also important is to be able to vary the clothing easily, draw-cords can allow for ventilation when loosened or insulation when pulled close, hoods, balaclavas and hats can be added or removed according to changing weather and activity.
Generally Antarctic gear appears rather too big when seen in isolation. Sleeves are long, shirt / jacket / sweater "tails" are long, boots and mittens are long and hoods are large. Over trousers / pants in particular seem vast as they are designed to be put on when outdoors if the weather gets particularly bad. In such conditions, you can't sit down and calmly take your boots off first. The outer layers quickly go over everything underneath and then zip / draw / tie, closer to the body to keep the heat in.
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