Time to warm up: a complete guide for men’s thermal underwear

Winter has come, which means it’ll only get colder every day. In order not to freeze in the fierce frosts and thus experience full comfort, you need thermal underwear. And so that you do not get confused among the huge range, in this article we have collected all the important information about such clothes.

When a person sweats in the cold season, the sweat doesn’t evaporate. He soaks his clothes, and they stick to his body, making him uncomfortable and taking away the heat. That’s why we freeze, and that’s what thermal underwear solves the problem. It has a water-repellent property – it removes sweat, but it doesn’t soak itself. The skin is dry and can breathe, so the quality thermal underwear is warm and comfortable.

That is, the main task of such clothes is to absorb excess moisture, rather than create heat. With this body perfectly copes with itself. And the special structure of the fibers of the fabric contributes to the fact that the air traps there. It heats up from the heat of the body and creates a warming layer between the skin and the upper layers of clothing.

Underwear with a thermal effect – just mastkhev at minus temperatures and in any winter sports or hiking – where there is no opportunity to change clothes.

It is possible to conditionally divide thermal underwear into three categories:

to keep warm;

to remove sweat;

hybrid type.

It is not difficult to guess that the first variant well retains the natural heat of the body, the second – to get rid of sweat, and the third – combines both effects. Different models of each type differ in manufacturing material (natural fibre, synthetics, mix); density of fabric (one or more layers); and also in functionality – different underwear is suitable for different sports.

Which thermo-effect model should you choose for sure to be warm?

Let’s start with the fabric. Usually it is considered that natural is always preferable, but here this principle does not work. Wool and cotton are materials that are undoubtedly warm. But they have a significant disadvantage: they are completely unsuitable for moisture removal. After the slightest physical activity, a wool or cotton thing will simply soak up sweat and cool you down instead of keeping you warm. So 100% natural fabrics for thermal underwear are not the best choice.

But synthetics is different. It will collect extra sweat, and will last longer with regular washing. And wash thermal underwear is often, especially synthetic. Microfiber, polyester, lycra, fleece – these are the most optimal materials. However, in such a long walk is not necessary, 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 package, which means hippoallergenicity. In general, the combined composition is considered universal.

The number of layers is also important. For sweat removal, one is usually used. Single-layer kits are not only suitable for winter. In the tropics, where air humidity often reaches 100%, they are also indispensable. Off-season models are marked with the word “Cool”. But in order to feel comfortable in the cold, choose multi-layered things. The word “Warm” indicates that you can fully rely on thermal underwear in the cold to -25.

It’s true that a few layers can handle sweat absorption worse than one. It’s not exactly suitable for some winter activities.

So let’s see what thermal underwear is worth choosing for different sports:

skiing and snowboarding is a hybrid type;

winter fishing – high wool content;

hockey – a lot of elastane in the composition;

mountaineering – all made of polypropylene;

rafting and surfing – 100% synthetic.

If you choose it for every day, it’s easier. The main thing is that it is comfortable for you, and the fabric is pleasantly adjacent to the body. Well, if you have at least two sets: for a normal day in town and outdoor activities. Note that thermal underwear must necessarily be matched to the size. Take into account sleeve length, chest and waist circumference. Too narrow will keep you from moving normally. And if you take “grown up,” the folds of the fabric will collect sweat.

Choosing a thermocouple, do not trust the sellers on the word, because they often sell under the guise of winter sports lingerie ordinary pants and shirts. Study the label: the composition of the fabric, layers, pay attention to the notes. Move: raise your hands, sit down – make sure that nothing is shaking or hanging.

The last important detail is the stitches. The smaller the sutures, the better. For some models, elbows and knees are denser for greater durability and sweating areas are thinner. If you’re planning to play an active sport, you’d better take one.

A little about care

Thermal underwear, like many other parts of the “bottom” wardrobe, requires delicate washing. It is better to do it manually, or in the most gentle mode of your machine. The temperature of water should not exceed 40 degrees. After laundry, laundry must not be squeezed and ironed. Drying on a battery is not desirable either.

If you choose your set correctly and follow the rules of care, it will serve you faithfully for several seasons. Thermal underwear is something you should not save on, especially if your winter is always very active.