Thermal underwear is a type of garment that retains warmth, prevents fabrics from getting wet, or instantly removes moisture to avoid getting wet.
They are actively used in cold regions, in strong winds, during sports. The functionality and effectiveness of such garments depends on the material. The composition of good thermal underwear consists of wool, synthetics or mixed components.
What functions does thermal underwear perform?
The name "thermal underwear" often misleads buyers. The prefix "thermo" is often added to words that have a heating principle. Such underwear does not warm in the literal sense of the word, but insulates a part of the body, keeping it warm.
Thermal underwear has the following functions:
- Repulsion of water. Sweat or rain when wet accelerates cooling, which can lead to discomfort during sports or just walking.
- Keeping the body warm.
These functions are possible thanks to the porous linen base. When it gets on the fabric, moisture is absorbed into the top layer, from where it quickly evaporates. Thus, the fabric does not have the harmful effects on the body, as in its water-repellent counterparts, but at the same time leaves the skin dry.
Material and composition of good thermal underwear
All thermal underwear is divided into 2 main types: wool and synthetics, but there are also mixed fabrics.
Natural materials - wool, cotton
The main advantage of such material is quality. It is recommended to wash frequently, but natural woolen fabrics have antibacterial properties. Thus, a missed wash does not threaten an unpleasant odor or an abundance of germs.
Such linen keeps heat well due to the density of the fabric. A similar situation with the cold: the task of thermal underwear is not only to keep the temperature warm, but also to keep it cool in the summer. Thick woolen fabric will not cause any inconvenience. It does not deform during washing or carelessness.
Best use of wool thermal underwear during long walks, windy weather or sedentary activities. In extreme humidity, dries slightly slower than synthetics. In addition, one of the disadvantages of such fabric is the price. Woolen options are much more expensive.
Synthetic fabrics - polyester, elastane, polypropylene
Synthetics are more often used for sports purposes. It dries instantly, dries quickly in hot weather. But when the wind blows, its effectiveness decreases. With any use, it does not deform, does not lose temperature in heat and cold.
Most synthetic items soon develop an unpleasant odor due to the large number of bacteria. In addition to aesthetic discomfort, this also threatens with diseases of a different nature. Therefore, a synthetic item must be washed frequently. Of the clear advantages is the reduced price.
Mixed fabrics
Blended fabrics can include different materials. The most popular blend is synthetics with bamboo fibers. This makes the linen natural, water-repellent and warm even in windy conditions.
Since it is a win-win alternative, the market value is higher than conventional synthetics or wool. When worn and washed, it does not deform, it partially absorbs odors, but does not completely remove bacteria, as is the case with wool.
How to choose good thermal underwear - tips
- The most important advice when choosing is to decide on the further purpose of use. You cannot choose universal underwear that will suit both walks in a blizzard and a marathon run. For any sports, it is recommended to purchase synthetic underwear or a combination of fabrics where synthetics are at the base. This type of fabric repels moisture faster without leaving a wet feeling. Wool does a better job of keeping warm and repelling wind or bad weather. If the second function is still suitable for sports, then the increased degree can interfere with races.
- Pay attention to combination and design. At the first impression, sportswear looks similar - there are certain areas highlighted in different colors or drawn geometric shapes. This design is functional in that it is a mixture of fabrics in different areas. This improves heat retention, wind and water repellency, and improves performance during workouts.
- Treatment. Good thermal underwear should be treated with antibacterial sprays, so that even a synthetic item does not cause fungus to form when worn for a long time. It is worth noting that the spray is washed out after a certain number of washes, therefore, with constant wear, it is recommended to wash the item more often.
- The seam. Thermal underwear fits snugly to the body, which often results in unpleasant chafing on the seams. In modern models, this disadvantage is provided by a "secret" cover. The principle is taken from clothing for newborns, whose skin is too delicate and easily rubbed. Completely smooth linen is pleasant to the body.
The best thermal underwear - rating, prices
Norveg
Norveg has a wide range of clothing classifications:
- For sports, outdoor activities.
- For daily wear.
- During pregnancy.
- Tights.
All clothing is also divided into men's, women's and children's varieties. Children's thermal underwear is mostly made of wool.
Women's and men's clothing is made from a mixture of fabrics, depending on the purpose of use. When playing sports, a combination of thermal light, wool and lycra is actively used. Does not wear off, the seams are smoothed and do not chafe the skin. Among the disadvantages: the appearance of pellets is possible.
Price: 6-8 thousand rubles.
Guahoo
Guahoo's line of sports thermal underwear is intended for lovers of an active lifestyle. The general composition allows you to instantly evaporate moisture in the layer between the body and the top layer of fabric. Most of the products are made of polyamide and polyester. Some types of clothing have antibacterial and massage functions.
Price: 3-4 thousand rubles.
Craft
The budget segment of the market is occupied by Craft. Perfect for short sessions or frequent washing. The most budgetary options do not have antibacterial treatment. All products are divided into types of weaving of fabrics, which have the corresponding color.
Thermal underwear can have a seamless cut. One of the advantages is the use of a unique narrowing effect on certain parts of the body, depending on the type of clothing. This prevents the laundry from slipping.
Price: 2-3 thousand rubles.
X-Bionic
Most of the X-Bionic range has advanced functionality, for example:
- Unpleasant odor blocking technology
- Stimulation of blood circulation,
- Reducing vibration when driving.
The company specializes in sportswear, so synthetic fabrics such as polyester, polypropylene, elastane are often included in the composition.
It keeps heat well, repels moisture from the body, preventing its occurrence. When using sweatshirts, the T-shirt protects against wind penetration in the neck area.
Price: 6-8 thousand rubles.
Red fox
RedFox produces thermal underwear for passive and active spending time. The composition changes depending on this. For a relaxed lifestyle, a composition mixed with wool is used. For sports, the composition is extensive, combining polyester, spandex and polartec.
It is water-repellent and keeps warm well. Strong seams, threads do not protrude for maximum efficiency. Among the disadvantages - pellets may appear.
Price: 3-6 thousand rubles.
Arcteryx
Arcteryx is profiling on sportswear that blocks sweat, the feeling of phlegm and coldness from the wind. All types of products are treated with an antibacterial spray to prevent odor and fungus. The key feature of the company is 100% polyester. This material is considered the best among synthetic analogues.
It should be noted that it is ideal for sports, walking and even sedentary work, but it is not recommended to rest or sleep in it. The constant wearing of synthetic thermal underwear leads to dry skin.
Price: 3-6 thousand rubles.
Athletes reviews
I use Norveg Soft with a warming effect. Great for the cold season.
Alesya, 17 years old
I have been running for a long time. In winter, it is inconvenient to run in ordinary clothes: frost, wind. If you sweat a lot, then there is a high probability that you will be sleeping with a cold. Therefore, recently I began to use Red Fox thermal underwear. Simple, inexpensive, effective.
Valentine, 25 years old
Thermal underwear is the key to a successful cyclist. While driving, catching pneumonia is as easy as shelling pears. That's why I always wear Guahoo thermal underwear. Perfectly saves in such situations.
Kirill, 40 years old
When I wore Craft all the time I came across irritations on the skin, no matter how often I wash. I tried to change the powder, wear it to dry cleaning, but in the end there is always one reaction. I replaced my thermal underwear with X-Bionic and I don’t face such a problem.
Nikolay, 24 years old
It is very rare to find Arcteryx thermal underwear. It is instantly sold out due to its low price and high quality. It does not let moisture through, doing fitness in nature is a pleasure.
Lyudmila, 31 years old
When choosing thermal underwear, it is recommended to pay attention to the material and composition. Ideally, it should be composed of a combination of different tissues in different areas of the body to absorb moisture and retain heat as efficiently as possible.
