A complete guide to men’s thermal underwear

Why you need thermal underwear

In order not to freeze in severe frosts and at the same time experience complete comfort, you need thermal underwear. And so that you do not get confused among the huge assortment, in this article we have collected all the important information about such clothes.

When a person sweats during the cold season, the sweat does not evaporate. It permeates the clothing, and that, sticking to the body, creates inconvenience and takes away heat. Because of this, we get cold, and this is the problem that thermal underwear solves. It has a water-repellent property-it removes sweat, but does not get wet itself. The skin is dry and can breathe, so it is warm and comfortable in high-quality thermal underwear.

That is, the main task of such clothes is to absorb excess moisture, and not to create heat. The body copes with this perfectly on its own. And the special structure of the fabric fibers contributes to the fact that air is trapped there. It heats up from the body heat and creates a warming layer between the skin and the upper layers of clothing.

Underwear with a thermal effect – just a must in any winter sports or hiking-where there is no possibility to change clothes.

You can conditionally divide thermal underwear into three categories:

for heat preservation;
to remove sweat;
hybrid type.

It is not difficult to guess that the first option retains the natural body heat well, the second-eliminates sweat, and the third-combines both effects. Different models of each type differ in the material of manufacture (natural fiber, synthetic, mix); the density of the fabric (one or more layers); as well as in functionality – different underwear is suitable for different sports.

What model with a thermal effect to choose, so that you are sure to be warm?

Let’s start with the fabric. It is usually assumed that natural is always preferable, but this principle does not work here. Wool and cotton materials without a doubt the warm. But they have a significant disadvantage: they are absolutely not suitable for removing moisture. After the slightest physical activity, a wool or cotton thing will simply become saturated with sweat and will cool you instead of warming you. Therefore, 100% natural fabrics for thermal underwear are not the best choice.

But synthetics are another matter. It will also collect excess sweat, and will last longer with regular washing. And it is worth washing thermal underwear often, especially synthetic ones. Microfiber, polyester, lycra, fleece-these are the most optimal materials. However, such a long walk is not worth it, and some people are allergic to synthetics.
If this is about you, choose a combination of natural and artificial fibers. And look for the word “Allergic” on the packaging, which means hippo-allergenic. In general, the combined composition is considered universal.

Use several layers

The number of layers is also important. To remove sweat, one is usually used. Single-layer sets are suitable not only for winter. In the tropics, where humidity often reaches 100%, without them, too, can not do. Off-season models are marked with the word “Cool”. But in order to feel comfortable in the cold, choose multi-layered things. The mark “Warm” indicates that you can fully rely on thermal underwear in the cold up to -25.

However, several layers are worse at absorbing sweat than one. For some winter activities, this is not quite suitable.

What thermal underwear should be chosen for different sports:

skis and snowboards – hybrid type;
winter fishing – high wool content;
hockey – a lot of elastane in the composition;
mountaineering – completely made of polypropylene;
rafting and surfing – 100% synthetic.

If you choose it for every day, it’s easier. The main thing is that you are comfortable, and the fabric fits nicely to the body. It is good if you have at least two sets: for a normal day in the city and outdoor activities. Please note that thermal underwear must be selected according to the size. Consider the length of the sleeve, chest and waist circumference. Too narrow will not allow you to move normally. And if you take it “for growth”, sweat will gather in the folds of the fabric.

How to choose underwear

When choosing a thermal kit, do not trust the sellers at their word, because they often sell ordinary long johns and T-shirts under the guise of underwear for winter sports. Study the label: the composition of the fabric, the layers, pay attention to the markings. Move around: raise your hands, sit down-make sure that nothing is tight and does not hang.

The last important detail is the seams. The fewer of them, the better. In some models, for greater wear resistance, the elbows and knees are made denser, and the areas of increased sweating are thinner. If you plan to actively engage in sports, it is better to take this one.

Read more: HOW TO RUN IN WINTER