Thermal underwear: comfort and warmth in any weather
Today you do not need to put on "a hundred clothes" in order not to freeze in cold weather. Lightweight, practical and beautiful thermal underwear itself regulates body temperature, removes sweat and provides the greatest comfort for a person.
Criteria for choosing the best thermal underwear
Thermal underwear type
In order for thermal underwear to please its owner, you need to choose it strictly for the intended purpose. Thermal underwear is:
- sports, or moisture-wicking. It is intended for active physical activity in the fresh air.
- everyday, or heat-saving. Its main function is to retain body heat and is also suitable for light physical activity.
- hybrid. Combines the properties of the two previous types by combining materials with different characteristics.
According to the cut and design, the underwear is divided into men, women and unisex. Children's thermal underwear stands apart: it has increased requirements for comfort and heat-saving properties. Manufacturers, as a rule, produce three types of children's underwear: for passive, semi-active and active walks.
Materials and composition
For sports thermal underwear, 100% synthetic materials are used: they better remove moisture and are more durable. For everyday linen, cotton and wool are used, which have high heat-saving properties, but they wick away moisture worse and wear out faster. The warmest underwear is from the wool of merino sheep, but when choosing 100% woolen underwear it is worth making sure that it does not prick the body!
To improve consumer characteristics, silk and bamboo fibers are added to the thermal underwear. Linen with mixed properties (hybrid) also has a mixed composition: natural fibers plus synthetic in different proportions, most often 50/50.
Important: thermal underwear is not a heating pad, but a convenient way to wick moisture away from your skin and keep your body warm. Without the "correct" outerwear (membrane suit and, if necessary, fleece underwear, Polartec), thermal underwear will not work as efficiently as stated by the manufacturer.
Manufacturers of quality thermal underwear
When choosing the best thermal underwear, you need to understand that you will not be able to assess "by eye" the presence of high technologies in a product. Therefore, "Price Expert" advises instead of inexpensive products of one-day firms to give preference to well-known brands that have been on the market for many years and value their reputation. Famous companies Craft, ODLO, X-bionik, Marmot and others offer a very wide range of thermal underwear, relying on sports and casual options: men, women, children. The most popular brands: Norveg(Germany) and Guahoo(Finland-China) - offers for the whole family and any situation can be found.
The principle "the more expensive the better" when choosing thermal underwear is often triggered, but not always. In the inexpensive segment, there are also good models, for example, everyday underwear. Comazo(Germany) and sports Brubeck(Poland). But Russian manufacturers have nothing to boast about: their cheap thermal underwear in fact most often turns out to be ordinary underwear without special properties. The only exception is products RedFox and " Alloy».
Rating of the best thermal underwear - TOP-9
"Price Expert" has selected 9 products of the most popular and time-tested brands.
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Name |
Estimated price of the set (T-shirt + underpants) |
Peculiarities |
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Craft active |
the most comfortable and functional synthetic thermal underwear |
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high-quality thermal underwear made from natural materials |
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Norfin Nord |
excellent fleece thermal underwear for fishing and hunting 9.7 |
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Joha cotton / wool |
the best thermal underwear for children |
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the most popular thermal underwear |
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Brubeck Webster Termo |
sports thermal underwear for the price of everyday |
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ODLO Warm Trend |
excellent selection of women's thermal underwear for sports and leisure |
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classic men's thermal underwear for everyday wear |
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good budget thermal underwear |
Let's take a closer look at each selected model.
1. Craft Active
the most comfortable and functional synthetic thermal underwear
Photo: www.finkult.ru
Average price in the Russian Federation: 2100 r.
Craft thermal underwear is made of a very thin, almost weightless polyester thread, but it keeps you warm just fine. All the "fault" of the special technology of weaving threads and the features of tailoring. The linen fits perfectly to the body and does an excellent job of removing moisture. "Price Expert" recognizes it as the most efficient, comfortable and ideally combining price and quality.
Pros:
- wide range of;
- perfect fit;
- flat elastic seams;
- sold in both sets and units.
Minuses: not found.
Typical reviews aboutthermal underwear CraftActive:
“Craft Active thermal underwear is the best - it is very comfortable, retains heat well and actively removes moisture! Indispensable for active winter fun and walks with a child. "
“Sits like a glove! The trousers are exactly in height (as stated in the size chart), the belt does not pinch, the shirt fits the figure, the sleeves also cover the arms completely. "
2. Janus
the best thermal underwear made from natural materials
Photo: www.emy-teplo.ru
Average price of a set in the Russian Federation: 6000 p.
The visiting card of the Norwegian company Janus is the production of thermal underwear only from natural fibers: merino wool, cotton and silk. These are high quality and not cheap clothes for a comfortable stay in the cold for adults and children of all ages.
Pros:
- natural;
- hypoallergenic;
- variety of assortment and design.
Minus: price.
Typical reviews of thermal underwearJanus:
“The best thermal underwear! I am buying the second season. Slim, pleasant even on a naked body, not small, due to its elasticity it fits well on the figure. "
“Very high quality thermal underwear, I advise everyone, especially those who are allergic to synthetics. And if you get a discount, then the price is acceptable. "
3. Norfin Nord
the best fleece thermal underwear for fishing and hunting
Photo: arealhunt.ru
Average price in RF: 3500 RUB
The all-round underwear is designed for very cold weather and moderate physical activity and is rated well for winter fishing and hunting. Material - 100% microfleece (NORfeece Micro) allows you to quickly remove moisture and retains warmth during sedentary activities. Norfin Nord can be successfully used with high physical activity, simply by putting on additional thin thermal underwear under it.
Pros:
- warm and soft;
- it washes perfectly and dries quickly;
- elasticated cuffs and waistband.
Minuses: narrow assortment.
Typical reviews of thermal underwearNorfinNord:
“I have been using it for winter fishing for four years and have never regretted the purchase. The size was how they sewed me, very comfortable, dry, warm. "
"My personal conclusion, Norfin Nord thermal underwear is worthy of attention and perfectly justifies its purpose!"
4. Joha cotton / wool
the best thermal underwear for children
Photo: brendkids.ru
Average price in RF: 3200 RUB
Joch's underwear is especially respected by knowledgeable parents. It not only really works, keeping warm and removing moisture, but also provides maximum comfort for little caprice. Joha does not prick, does not press, very soft, hypoallergenic, and a wide range allows you to choose "uniforms" for children of any age, starting from birth.
Pros:
- high quality;
- wide range of;
- various colors.
Minus: low wear resistance.
Typical reviews of thermal underwearJoha:
“The linen is very soft, pleasant and well-made, with flat seams. After many washes, the appearance remains the same - everything is white, not deformed and without pellets. "
“We have been wearing Joha thermal underwear since birth and are happy, the price is lower than that of many other brands, and the quality is on par. I was only upset by the fact that over time puffs appear on the fabric, but this does not affect the protective properties. "
5. Norveg
the most popular thermal underwear
Photo: www.merinos24.ru
Average price in RF: 5600 RUB
A very popular and varied thermal underwear made in Germany, designed for men, women, children, babies and pregnant women! All Norwegian models are thin, light, completely imperceptible on the body and not visible under clothing. At the same time, this thermal underwear performs the heat-saving function “perfectly”. The main materials are thermolite synthetics, merino wool, cotton, there are also models with the addition of silk.
Pros:
- lightweight quality material;
- flat seams;
- anatomical shape
- Sold in both units and kits - easy to fit.
Minuses:
- price;
- some color schemes.
Typical reviews about:
“We were very satisfied! I never got wet, it was always warm and pleasant to the touch. The most important thing is that it is thin and does not carry any additional load on the body. You can say you don't feel it on yourself! "
“The best thermal underwear is very soft, thin, completely different from wool and very warm. I wash it in the car, it does not roll. Flat seams "!
6. Brubeck Webster Termo
the best sports thermal underwear for the price of everyday
Photo: static12.insales.ru
Average price in RF: 2900 RUB
Brubeck Webster Termo thermal underwear consists of polyamide, polyester and elastane. It is all-season and can be used in cool weather up to -10 for skiing, hockey and other winter sports, as well as in warm weather up to +20 for running, mountaineering, cycling and motorcycle riding. The main purpose is to release sweat and maintain the microclimate of the body.
Pros:
- durable;
- seamless;
- there are zones of enhanced ventilation;
- perfect fit;
- bacteriostatic.
Minuses: does not retain heat (but it is not intended for this).
Typical reviews of Brubeck thermal underwearWebsterTermo:
“For this money - quite a working tool, zoned synthetics, designed for active loads. Application experience has shown that this underwear works for its money. "
“I would never have believed that synthetics could be better than natural fabrics in terms of properties if I had not bought a Brubek set of thermal underwear. It is not felt on the body, it is light, and during skiing it very quickly removes moisture from clothes. "
7. ODLO Warm Trend
the best women's thermal underwear for sports and leisure
Photo: www.snowinn.com
Average price for a set in the Russian Federation: 5500 RUB
Thermal underwear of the Swiss brand ODLO differs not only in quality and durability, but also in striking design. It is made of innovative synthetic materials of the company's own development. Different types of cuts, spectacular colors and finishes, perfect fit make this thermal underwear especially attractive for the fair sex.
Pros:
- high quality;
- wide range of models and colors;
- size range (XS-XL).
Minus: price.
Typical reviews of thermal underwearODLO:
"Very soft, bright, warm longsleeve, took an L, sits tightly, beautifully, the neck is pressed, but does not press, there is a fleece inside, very light, I am satisfied !!!"
“Cool, the best thermal underwear - stylish and fits the body perfectly. It's nice that you can choose from a variety of colors exactly what you like. "
8. Guahoo
best men's thermal underwear for everyday wear
Photo: rs01.idealprice.ru
Average price in RF: 5000 RUB
The Finnish brand Guahoo has been known in Russia for over 10 years. Classic thermal underwear for every day and for sports is produced under this name. Viscose-acrylic synthetics (wormsoft) in combination with cotton or merino wool is the best solution for any weather from cool to very cold. The manufacturer offers 5 options for underwear for different temperature conditions and 3 options for different degrees of physical activity.
Pros:
- variety of models for different situations;
- flat seams;
- wide range of colors.
Minuses: the cut and quality of the seams are not ideal.
Typical reviews of thermal underwearGuahoo:
“The best thermal underwear for every day. Stretches well, fits high and wide, erases without problems. The knees are stretched out, but this is not critical. "
“Dry, warm, comfortable, thin knitwear, flat seams allow you to put on underwear under tight-fitting clothes and look presentable. Minuses: weak elastic band and a little strange cut. "
9. Comazo
good inexpensive thermal underwear
Photo: www.kolgotki-e.ru
Average price in RF: 1500 RUB
German underwear Komatso is inexpensive, but it works according to all the rules of thermal underwear: it removes sweat and retains heat. The assortment includes 3 types of linen for different temperature conditions from -10 to -35 degrees.
Pros:
- price;
- acceptable quality.
Minuses:
- it stretches over time;
- "Bigger".
Typical reviews aboutComazo:
"This thermal underwear is not for active sports (too warm), but calmly walking to work and home is the best option for that kind of money."
“The linen is very pleasant to the touch. Does not dangle, but also does not fit like underwear. You just need to take one size smaller - it measures more, and after washing it also stretches. "
So what is the best thermal underwear to buy?
As you can see, thermal underwear is no longer exotic: there is a lot of it on the Russian market, and day by day it becomes more and more popular, and the assortment is growing. Before buying, the "Price Expert" advises especially clearly to define for what purposes thermal underwear is purchased, and then it will be really effective and will give warmth and comfort. Happy shopping!
When the cold and frost come, people begin to be interested in the choice of thermal underwear. Previously, such products were purchased only for sports activities, but now this underwear is quite affordable for various occasions. This term has become entrenched in modern use and has long been overgrown with a huge number of myths regarding which thermal underwear is better to choose for everyday wear. This article will consider this issue.
The main purpose of thermal underwear is thermal insulation, as well as the function of removing moisture. The best material for manufacturing is polypropylene fabric, which absolutely does not absorb moisture. And in order to make the product pleasant to wear, cotton or wool is often added to it.
How to choose the right one?
In order to correctly approach the choice of thermal underwear, you should decide what tasks such a product is designed to perform for a particular person. Here are the most important categories of such underwear:
- For kids. Here you should take into account the degree of activity of the baby at the time of walks, and also the fact whether it will be convenient to wear a certain thing: for example, a narrow neckline on a T-shirt is not the best option. You cannot purchase a product for growth. The size of the underwear must necessarily correspond to the growth of the baby at the time when he begins to wear it;
- For men. Now on sale there is a huge assortment of goods for males. Men don't like to wrap up their bodies and put on many layers of fabric, but it is important to keep warm in winter. Therefore, a warm T-shirt or underpants made of a special material will help to stay protected even in the most severe frosts. Heat-resistant shorts in the Russian winter are not at all a luxury or a whim, but a necessity;
- For women. Women try to choose products made of elastic fabric, which perfectly supports and fits the body and does not interfere with wearing their favorite clothes. It is this underwear that is presented in the largest assortment. Products for women are rich in shapes and colors. Can d Even find such clothes with silk, satin or lace trim. These products will not only repel moisture and retain heat, but also give a beautiful appearance.
Varieties of thermal underwear
During the purchase of thermal underwear, one should soberly approach the choice of the type of matter, its general structure and cut. This will make it easier to decide which thermal underwear is best for everyday wear. According to the type of fabric used, all things can be divided into the following categories:
- Synthetic products. Such underwear will drain moisture well, therefore it is most often used. for people involved in sports, as well as all those who experience strong physical overload with a lot of sweating. Synthetics keep the body dry and help the body maintain temperature balance. These clothes dry quickly. The fabric is made up of polyamides, polypropylene and elastane;
- Heat-saving clothes . These things have thermal insulation properties, therefore they retain heat for a long time. These things are made by means of special volumetric weaving, and it creates an excellent layer of air. The larger and wider such a layer is, the warmer the clothes will be. This underwear also provides good ventilation of the skin, without creating unpleasant sensations even during prolonged wear. It is intended for daily use and is designed for low mobility and cold weather;
- Hybrid or moisture-wicking thermal underwear, which is considered universal, because it meets the most stringent requirements: it is very light, but at the same time durable, strong, it wicks away moisture well, but also maintains body temperature. Such things most often have several different layers. Internal (required specifically for moisture removal) is created from a special p polypropylene and thermolite, and the outer part consists of merins wool (which warms the human body well). The clothes are suitable for those who are engaged in active sports, and also love winter fishing and hunting;
- Moisture-wicking products are able to quickly and easily remove residual moisture from the surface of the body. In many cases, these clothes are made of synthetics. The best fabric composition is polypropylene. Air, warm from contact with the skin surface, passes through the fabric and removes it along with both molecules of the moisture that has already evaporated. Matter is non-hygroscopic, therefore it will not retain moisture in itself, which means it will not get wet. For this reason, such clothing is good to purchase during vigorous fitness activities.
Thermal underwear: manufacturer rating
- Comazo - the optimal ratio of cost and quality of products. The German brand Comazo is incredibly popular in the family wear section. In its assortment, the company offers clothes for different temperature regimes: from -10 to -40 degrees. Comazo is not very suitable for active sports, but for everyday wear it is ideal. The average cost of Comazo is 1,500 rubles.
- Guahoo's thermal clothing is the very first warm clothing company to enter the domestic market. This is a wonderful representative of the classics for everyday wear. The advantages of such clothes are a huge variety of models, soft seams and stylish shades. Manufacturers can offer several variations of Guahoo underwear for a wide variety of weather conditions and three more options for different types of physical activity. The average cost is about 4500 rubles.
- Red Fox products are created by a corporation from Russia. At the same time, the manufacturer offers two different types of linen: thin and quite dense. The first option is ideal for removing moisture, and is designed specifically for vigorous activity, and the second - it will be good to keep body temperature. Advantages of the Red Fox company: invisible seams, cut specially for the anatomical structure of the body, reliable elastic band. The cost of Red Fox varies from 1,500 to 4,000 rubles.
- Norveg things are the most famous thermal underwear in the territory of the Russian Federation. In total, this brand offers a choice of seven series of different functions: Soft and Winter, Wool + Silk and Active Kids, as well as stylish Hunter, Classic and Merino Wool. At the same time, the choice of shades is rather narrow. But the products fit perfectly to the body. The average cost for a set of linen will be about 5500-6000 rubles.
- Craft clothing has been created since 1977 in Sweden. The huge selection of such thermal underwear includes sweatshirts and stylish T-shirts, men's underpants, shorts, and also a special series for cyclists. The most outstanding features of Craft underwear are almost flat seams, soft threads, as well as three-dimensional and very flexible (elastic) fabrics, a huge assortment of colors and shades. The cost of Craft thermal underwear varies from 1,000 to 6,000 rubles.
If a person's life goes on in constant physical exertion, or he is a fan of outdoor activities, then thermal underwear will become his reliable companion. It will also help those who are constantly freezing. We hope you were able to determine for yourself which thermal underwear is best for everyday wear. High-quality clothing will last for many years, so the costs will be fully justified. If you have experience and you know how to choose thermal underwear, leave your feedback and recommendations in the comments below.
Thermal underwear is one of the main elements in clothing for sports and outdoor activities, designed to control your heat transfer. On how correctly the thermal underwear is selected, it largely depends on how comfortable you will be during sports, and therefore what results you can achieve.
Together with an expert from AlpIndustria Yura Serebryakov we figure out how to choose thermal underwear that suits your conditions.
The principle of layering in clothing
In clothing for sports and outdoor activities, it is customary to adhere to the principle of layering, or, in other words, the concept of three layers. Thermal underwear is the first, base layer and is designed to control heat transfer. Thermal underwear should fit snugly to the body (it is often called a second skin) in order to ensure proper thermoregulation, but at the same time not squeeze muscles and not restrict movement. Thermal underwear is followed by a second, middle layer of clothing designed to keep warm, for example, a fleece or a down sweater. Then comes the third, outer layer, which also removes excess moisture outside, allows the body to breathe under clothing and protects from external influences, precipitation and wind. For example, a jacket with a Gore-Tex membrane.
In order for the equipment to work correctly and create comfortable conditions, and not cause inconvenience, you must carefully select each layer and clearly understand for what tasks and conditions you choose clothes. Let's start by choosing a base.
What is thermal underwear, and what is it intended for
The main function of thermal underwear is to control heat exchange by removing moisture. When you sweat during intense movement, thermal underwear does not accumulate sweat in itself, but removes excess moisture from the body and does not allow you to “cook” under clothes. If you find yourself in cold conditions and / or not actively moving, thermal underwear helps keep you warm. It is this functionality that distinguishes specially designed thermal underwear from ordinary cotton and synthetic clothing.
For the manufacture of thermal underwear, technological synthetic fibers, high-quality soft wool, most often merino wool, or a combination of these materials are used. Cutting thermal underwear often involves combining materials with different composition, density and properties (ventilation, insulation, muscle support) in different zones.
Composition: thermal underwear made of wool, synthetics and combined materials
Wool, in general, has better thermal insulation properties than synthetics, but absorbs moisture more actively. Under intense loads (jogging, freeriding) this will become a tangible disadvantage: a person sweats a lot, thermal underwear absorbs a large amount of moisture, which does not have time to be taken out and lingers in clothes - a person begins to "cook" and experience discomfort. Therefore, for intense loads, it is preferable to choose synthetic thermal underwear, which will properly remove moisture and control heat transfer, preventing overheating and hypothermia. If you are facing less intense loads, passive rest, being in very low temperatures, you are looking for thermal underwear for the city or you are freezing quickly, give preference to a base layer made of wool, with its good thermal insulation properties.
Please note that in some cases, woolen thermal underwear can cause irritation, especially on sensitive baby skin. Therefore, we recommend that adults try on clothes before buying, and for children, choose synthetic models.
Thermal underwear for men, women and children
In general, women's and men's thermal underwear does not differ much from each other. The cut of specialized female models takes into account the peculiarities of the female figure and, since girls usually feel more cold, has more insulated zones.
For the manufacture of children's thermal underwear, synthetics are often used, because wool can cause discomfort to the sensitive skin of a child. As a rule, the main task of children's thermal underwear is not to remove moisture, but to keep warm, so it is usually denser than "adult" models.
In general, the models of thermal underwear differ from each other in composition, in the presence of compression properties, in the recommended temperature regime and in design features. When choosing, you should be guided by several points:
- Exercise intensity / high, medium or low activity
- Temperature Range
- Your individual cold tolerance
Thermal underwear temperature range
As a rule, manufacturers indicate the recommended temperature regime and preferred activities in the name or description of the product. For example, the Swiss brand Odlo divides its models of thermal underwear into several lines:
- Ultra-lightweight thermal underwear from the Cool line is designed for the hottest weather
- Models marked Light are designed for summer sports, they are lightweight clothing made from thin fabric, the main task of which is to wick moisture away from the body
- Warm - insulated thermal underwear for cold weather and winter sports
- Models marked X-Warm are designed for the coldest temperatures
The choice of thermal underwear depending on the activity and intensity of the load
First of all, when choosing thermal underwear, you should focus on the degree of activity: whether it will be high, with intense constant loads (freeride, trail running), medium (mountaineering, hiking) or low (walking in the city, fishing). The main task of thermal underwear for outdoor activities and sports is to control heat exchange due to the timely removal of moisture from the body in order to prevent overheating or hypothermia. With low activity, sweating is less, so the main task of thermal underwear for passive rest is to keep warm.
For low activity it is recommended to choose thermal underwear made of wool, for example, Bergans. It retains heat better than synthetics and does not lose its properties over time, is well suited for everyday wear. Synthetic thermal underwear is also worth considering. Its advantages are density, good moisture removal and ease of maintenance.
Thermal underwear for outdoor activities and sports can be divided into compression and non-compression. Compression provides support for the muscles, stimulates blood circulation - the muscles work correctly and are not overloaded. Such underwear usually has a zonal design (X-Bionic, The North Face). Each area of clothing is responsible for a specific process: improved moisture removal (under the arms and in the abdomen), increased heat retention (in the chest, lower back, shoulders), etc. Compression creates discomfort at low activity. High activity non-compression thermal underwear usually consists of synthetics (Odlo, Arcteryx, The North Face) or synthetic wool blend (Peak Performance) and works best when you move. By the way, as a basic, universal thermal underwear (or, if you are buying thermal underwear for the first time), the Peak Performance model is almost ideal: in areas with increased sweating, synthetics are used with its good moisture-wicking properties, and in areas that freeze faster than others, wool is used with its the ability to keep warm.
Generally, for hiking, trekking and mountaineering suitable for medium or high density thermal underwear, with good breathability and without compression. You can take two sets for the ascent: one for the ascent / assault, the second, more insulated, for changing at the base camp (or as a backup option). For winter mountaineering and high-altitude ascents, as well as for winter expeditions, you can consider Power Stretch thermal underwear: it is designed for low temperatures and can even be used as a middle layer.
For downhill skiing, on prepared slopes or off-piste, and trail running and running training, it is worth choosing a compression thermal underwear. It will support the muscles and stimulate blood circulation, which is important with constant movement and intense exertion. For these sports, high levels of moisture management and breathability are also important. Thermal underwear for winter sports, as a rule, has a zonal design - a combination of zones with insulation (for example, in the area of the shoulders, chest and lower back), reinforcement (for example, in places of increased wear, in the area of the elbows) and ventilation zones (in places of increased sweating). Base layer for summer activities will have a lower density in order to accelerate the removal of moisture from the body.
Manufacturers regularly develop models for specific sports: taking into account the specifics of loads, their average intensity, as well as seasonality. However, choosing thermal underwear is a very individual process. It depends on your personal characteristics (how you tolerate the cold), your activity in a particular sport. Someone in -10 ° C in the city is cold even in Power Stretch thermal underwear and a puff, for others a model with medium insulation will be enough for a harsh winter expedition. Someone prefers to have a separate set of thermal underwear for each type of activity, another will choose 1-2 of the most universal sets for all cases.
Thermal underwear options for alpine skiing, off-piste skiing and ski tour
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Peak Performance Multi LS180 Thermal T-shirt A versatile model made of combined material. Suitable for both riding and passive use. Good value for money.
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Thermal coveralls Peak Performance Multi SJ180
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Women's The North Face Hybrid Long Sleeve Crew Neck Universal model. Optimal fit, light compression and maximum breathability.
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Warm, quick-drying polyester model. Under the armpits, inserts made of lighter and more breathable material.
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Women's thermal shirt Odlo X-Warm A good choice for those girls who value comfort and love warmth. Thanks to the zonal fleece insulation, you will not freeze on the lift. Thinner material is used in areas of increased perspiration, so you will stay dry while riding.
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Mountaineering thermal underwear options
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Arcteryx Phase AR Crew LS Men's Thermal T-shirt A good option as a basic kit for climbing in not the most extreme conditions. Medium-density thermal underwear, optimally removes moisture and effectively maintains the correct temperature balance.
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Arcteryx RHO AR Zip Neck Thermal T-shirt Mid-weight thermal underwear made from Polartec® Power Stretch® technical fleece. Elastic, anatomically shaped and with good moisture management. And the corporate laconic design and the unique color from Arc "teryx.
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Elastic thermal shirt for the winter season.
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Thermal underwear options for trail running
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Arcteryx Phase SL Crew LS Men's Thermal T-shirt Thermal underwear made of lightweight, thin synthetic fabric. Provides maximum breathability. Very elastic, does not hinder movement.
Let's start with a trivial advice that we all often neglect - follow the manufacturer's recommendations. They can usually be found on a sewn-in garment tag or in the accompanying instructions, as well as on the brand's website. There are also some general rules for the care of thermal underwear. The base layer is in contact with the skin, actively absorbs sweat and odors and therefore needs regular care: |
If you like to be outdoors even in the cold season, do winter sports, extreme fishing or just went to relax at a ski resort - you cannot do without thermal underwear. If you have not yet encountered such a miracle of modern industry, then after reading this article, you will learn how to choose the right thermal underwear and what it is all about. As you probably already understood, this is an unusual underwear, and its properties are also unique.
Thermal underwear - what is it?
Before answering the question of which thermal underwear is better to choose, let's figure out why it is worth buying for everyone who leads an active lifestyle and who at least sometimes sees readings below zero on the thermometer outside the window.
There is an opinion that the best and highest quality underwear should be made from natural fabrics. However, this is not quite true. Natural underwear, of course, is good - it is hypoallergenic, pleasant to the body, does not cause irritation and other unpleasant consequences, absorbs moisture well, but is not suitable for active outdoor activities. Especially in cold weather. Therefore, it is very important to understand how to choose the right woman or child, how to wear it correctly and why you need it.
Think of your child's wet jersey after playing snowballs in the yard. The fact is that during any physical activity, our body sweats, while all the moisture is absorbed into the underwear, but not removed from the skin. As a result, you get a wet shirt and a wet back - and not far from pneumonia. The main feature of thermal underwear is that it can not only absorb moisture, but also take it away from the body. In addition, it dries very quickly.
Different thermal underwear for different purposes
Resolved - choose thermal underwear! How to choose the right set, how not to get confused by the offered variety? The fact is that thermal underwear can be different not only in composition, but also in purpose:
- for long and active walks;
- for practicing various sports;
- for hot weather;
- for cold weather;
- for daily wear.
Therefore, before going to the store, you need to decide for what purpose you need it.
Composition and materials: natural or synthetic
So, we choose thermal underwear. How to choose one or another option correctly can be understood by finding out what it consists of and how the "thermo" effect is obtained. Remember, thermal underwear does not warm - it simply does not allow you to freeze due to its specific properties.
Thermal underwear, as a rule, consists of two different layers: the first wicks moisture away from the skin surface, and the second retains body heat. Sometimes you can find three-layer underwear. It is specially designed for people prone to various allergies. The third, inner layer is made of special hypoallergenic materials, and the first two are the same as in ordinary thermal underwear.
The inner layer is necessarily made of artificial materials. It can be polypropylene or polyester, and their amount can be up to 100%. Oddly enough, the better the thermal underwear, the more synthetics it contains. But the outer layer can be made of cotton, wool, or combinations thereof. Or it can also be synthetic. The warmest is the linen, the top layer of which is made of New Zealand merino wool. In addition, such wool does not absorb odors at all, and you can wear thermal underwear without removing it for longer. This is very important if you, for example, went on a hike and do not have the opportunity to take a shower for a long time.
For the strong and the brave
Now let's talk about how to choose the right thermal underwear. Menswear usually consists of underpants and the weaving of such underwear is quite dense, and in some places even reinforced. Often, men lead a more energetic lifestyle and are more often engaged in extreme sports, so thermal underwear is more relevant for them.
A huge number of firms are launching a variety of models of "smart" underwear on the market. But they can be divided into two main groups. This is a daily thermal underwear for sports. For sports, the zonal option is more suitable. This is a kind of thermal underwear that has a different weave in different parts of the body. Agree, the forearms and chest sweat in a completely different way than the armpits and back, which means that the ability to drain moisture in these places should be different. All this is taken into account by the zonal thermal underwear. It should only be synthetic.
For daily use, a simpler version is suitable, consisting of 1/3 of natural fibers.
For lovely ladies
Let's also consider how to choose the right women's thermal underwear. Since the differences do exist. "Smart" lingerie for ladies should be not only practical, but also beautiful. Therefore, the line of women's thermal underwear is much more diverse. Here you can find bodysuits, shorts, T-shirts, T-shirts and overalls. All this variety is decorated with ribbons, lace, satin and velvet, so that often such masterpieces can be worn almost under an evening dress. At the same time, fashionable women's “smart” underwear remains no less functional and perfectly retains its thermoregulatory qualities.
Literally from the cradle
When thinking about which thermal underwear is best for a child, it is imperative to take into account his age and level of physical activity. If your offspring is still small and spends almost all the time in a stroller, then it is better for him to purchase heat-saving underwear made from the most natural fabrics. For an older child, a combined model with a warmed top layer is suitable, it will not only remove moisture from the body, but also warm your baby well. Well, if your child does not sit still for a second, loves outdoor games and spends all his free time on the street, then thermal underwear with a synthetic inner layer is suitable for him. The outer layer should also not be too warm, cotton is fine.
It is, of course, not easy to decide how to choose thermal underwear, which one is best for your child, but do not try to make a decision based on the thickness of the fabric. In this case, this rule does not work. Quite the opposite: the thinner the thermal underwear and the better it fits the body, the warmer your child will be.
How to care for smart laundry
It is very important to know which thermal underwear is better to choose. But it is equally important to understand how to properly care for him. First of all, you need to remember that you can wash thermal underwear at a temperature not exceeding 40 ˚С and preferably with your hands. You can add an antistatic agent to the water. If you use a machine wash, then choose a delicate cycle. In no case should you squeeze, twist and iron such linen. After washing, hang it up and let the water drain off on its own. Thermal underwear should not be dried in the sun, a radiator and near open fire sources. Also, automatic drying in the washing machine is prohibited.
Choose thermal underwear strictly according to your size. It should fit like a second skin. If this is not the case, all thermal effect is lost.
Pay attention to the seams - the fewer the better. In any case, try on the kit, bend down, sit down, raise and lower your arms. Nothing should bother you, the seams should not be felt in any way. By the way, they should be located outside.
If you want to buy thermal socks, choose only seamless patterns, otherwise you risk rubbing your feet regularly.
High-quality thermal underwear has a lower density and a special thinned weave, and the elbows and knees are additionally strengthened to prevent rapid wear.
Good thermal underwear has antibacterial impregnation, since its threads are treated with copper or silver ions. This allows you to wash your laundry less often, because the smell of sweat is not felt at all. However, do not rely heavily on this function, with each wash there is less and less impregnation.
It's up to you, of course, which thermal underwear is better to choose, but even the best and most expensive will not protect you from the cold if you do not adhere to the principle of layering in your clothes.
In this article, we will tell you in detail what thermal underwear is, how to choose it correctly and take care of it.
It is most commonly used by athletes because it combines two remarkable properties: wicking moisture away from the body and retaining heat. Initially, thermal underwear was intended specifically for sports, but nothing prevents you from using it in everyday life - after all, it is really comfortable.
Depending on the fabrics used in thermal underwear and their weaving, the properties of thermal underwear will manifest themselves to one degree or another. What is the best thermal underwear for everyone personally? We suggest that you familiarize yourself with this issue in this material.
What is thermal underwear
Thermal underwear looks like ordinary underwear. For men, underpants and long-sleeved T-shirts are produced, and for women, in addition to T-shirts, short-sleeved T-shirts, shorts (so that a skirt can be worn) and leggings (analog of underpants) are also offered.
Thermal underwear is completely invisible under clothes and can be worn every day.
At the same time, as we have already said, Thermal underwear has two remarkable properties: it seems to be filled with air, and this air creates a layer that does not allow the body to cool down.
Secondly, thermal underwear is very moisture-permeable. When we sweat, ordinary underwear simply absorbs sweat, gets wet and we begin to freeze from the contact of the body and wet fabric. A thermal underwear allows moisture to pass through itself, without preventing sweat from evaporating from the skin, but at the same time it remains dry.
There are different types of thermal underwear designed for different loads. So, thermal underwear can simply keep warm - this property is possessed by pure-woolen or cotton underwear. More "advanced" and technologically more complex is underwear made of synthetic fabric, which not only retains heat, but also removes sweat from the surface of the skin.
Both beneficial properties are fully utilized in thermal underwear intended for winter sports. It is made in two layers: the inner layer wicks sweat away from the skin, and the outer layer retains heat, however, without interfering with sweat evaporation. For allergy sufferers, a three-layer thermal underwear has been developed. Its inner layer is made of hypoallergenic natural material. And the middle and outer layers are the same as for any other type of linen.
How to choose the right thermal underwear
When shopping for thermal underwear, look at the composition of the fabric.
Thermal underwear made of polypropylene (best of all wicks moisture away from the body) is intended for active physical work in the open air. For example, for mountaineering or yachting. The climber is busy with strenuous muscular work, the body sweats a lot, and ordinary underwear gets wet quickly. In addition, when practicing mountaineering, there is no opportunity for frequent changes of clothes, you have to walk in the same more than one day, so your underwear should always remain dry. In the case of water sports, in addition to active perspiration during intense exercise, moisture also gets on the clothes and from the outside. A wet fabric does not retain heat; on the contrary, it only cools the skin. Therefore, thermal underwear made of 100% polypropylene is most suitable for these needs. This material almost does not absorb moisture, due to which it dries very quickly, and at the same time perfectly removes moisture from the body. Polypropylene thermal underwear can dry directly on the body without causing any inconvenience. Therefore, it is recommended to use such thermal underwear for summer sports (running, cycling), but with less dense weaving of the fabric, because in this case, there is no need to save heat. Thermal underwear made of polyester is also offered as an alternative to polypropylene, but its ability to wick moisture is still slightly inferior.
For those sports in which a period of intense load alternates with a less mobile period (alpine skiing, snowboarding) and there is no need for continuous wear for several days, we recommend choosing thermal underwear made of polypropylene with the addition of wool or cotton. Such underwear not only wicks sweat away from the skin, but also retains heat better thanks to the natural material. In addition, natural materials are still more pleasant for the body. But, as you know, natural materials absorb moisture quite well, therefore, after 7-8 hours of active action, thermal underwear will get wet and will need to be changed. Nevertheless, this option is quite suitable for people who are fond of fishing and hunting. Thermal underwear made of propylene will not only wick away moisture, but also keep warm quite well during the entire time of hunting or fishing.
In principle, any thermal underwear is suitable for everyday wear. But since in such cases the moisture-wicking properties of the fabric are not so important, preference should be given to more comfortable natural materials. The main thing is to take into account that in the cold season you will need more densely woven thermal underwear - these are underpants and a long-sleeved T-shirt. And for the summer, it is better to take thinner thermal underwear (subjectively, it is immediately felt by the lower weight), as a rule, it is a short-sleeved T-shirt and shorts (instead of shorts, there can be capri pants or underpants).
It is worth noting here that the quality of the linen will depend on what kind of wool is used in its manufacture: ordinary wool makes the linen heavy and prickly, extremely unpleasant for the skin. And if the composition of the linen contains Merino wool, collected from New Zealand merino sheep, then the linen will keep warm very well. Merino wool has another good feature: it does not absorb the smell of sweat. Thus, the laundry does not have to be washed after each use. Wool-blend underwear is useful for those who like jogging in the morning, as well as for roller skaters and cyclists.
Fitting is required
When buying thermal underwear, be sure to try it on. Don't rely on a label claiming it's your size. After all, the underwear will be worn on the body, which means that the body should be good in it. Therefore, try on, raise and lower your arms several times, move your body from side to side.
You should not feel any seams in a thermal underwear that suits you perfectly, the underwear should not rub or squeeze. High-quality thermal underwear has seams (and even labels) made from the outside, and you will never rub them on your skin.
How to properly care for thermal underwear
When purchasing thermal underwear, you must know and remember the rules of caring for it. Thermal underwear is so unique that it needs special care. In order for the laundry not to lose its properties, it must be washed only by hand or, if in an automatic machine, then in the “delicate wash” mode.
Temperature is also important - no more than 40C. Chlorine powders and bleaches destroy the original structure of the thermal underwear and cannot be used. Dry cleaning is also detrimental to thermal underwear.
After washing, thermal underwear is not squeezed out and dried without additional heat sources. Expensive propylene linen will lose its properties forever if it is heated above 60C or ironed with an iron. If you regularly wash your thermal underwear at a low (+ 30C) temperature, it will not coarsen and shrink. And frequent washing will not affect its service life in any way.