View source for Talk:Clothing/@comment-184.98.144.36-20171209202731/@comment-12.139.117.51-20180101084617

They take effect if there's no outer layer. Say you're walking around in your socks and undies. Granted I still don't see why their windproofing and protection values don't add to your stats when realistically thinking whatever item you wear is another layer between you and whatever it is that's trying to harm you.

Chalk it up to game mechanics I guess. Allows for a little more choice in your gearing.