In some cases, when playing active sports or working in cold weather, it is impossible to do without thermal underwear. This type of clothing fully warms the body and removes excess moisture from the skin, providing the most comfortable conditions for varying degrees of physical activity.
Definition
Thermal underwear is functional underwear with a minimum number of seams, tightly fitting the body and designed to conserve heat or remove moisture. Such underwear, with a fairly insignificant weight, corresponds in its ability to retain heat to two or more layers of ordinary clothing.
Reference! Thermal underwear was invented in the last century and was originally developed for astronauts and athletes.
Main types of thermal underwear:
- heat-saving - used when it is necessary to retain heat in conditions of cool, low or extremely low ambient temperatures;
- moisture-wicking — ensures the removal of excess moisture from the surface of the skin, maintaining body temperature at the required level;
- hybrid — this option combines the qualities of heat-saving and moisture-wicking thermal underwear.
Properties of thermal underwear
Many people mistakenly believe that thermal underwear simply warms the human body. It will be useful to know that the main function of this type of clothing is to provide a comfortable temperature. Such underwear protects the body not only from excessive hypothermia, but also from overheating.
The performance characteristics of clothing of this kind are determined mainly by the properties of the materials from which they are made. The most effective are considered to be two-layer products, the inner layer of which is made of moisture-wicking materials made from raw materials of synthetic origin, and the outer layer is made of heat-saving or moisture-absorbing material.
Reference! Thermal underwear can be made from polypropylene, polyamide, polyester, cotton, natural wool or a combination thereof. Products made from synthetic materials last longer and wick away moisture better. Thermal underwear made of wool or cotton is more comfortable and suitable for daily use.
Thermal underwear allows the human body to save energy spent on warming the body. This type of underwear perfectly protects against colds. But in cold weather, this type of clothing acts as the base layer of a three-layer clothing system. Without properly selected outerwear, the effectiveness of such underwear will be noticeably reduced. For active outdoor sports, as well as for hunting and fishing, clothes that are responsible for thermoregulation should be worn over the underwear, and on top - a layer that can reliably protect from the wind.
Application of thermal underwear
Thanks to its unique properties, thermal underwear can be useful in a variety of cases. Underwear of this kind can be used for a variety of sports, both in winter (often used by lovers of snowboarding, alpine and cross-country skiing) and in summer (for kayaking, rafting or during outdoor activities). In addition, such underwear is considered an indispensable assistant for mountaineering, hiking, as well as during hunting and fishing.
Often, thermal underwear is used by many people for everyday wear in the cold season, for morning runs in cold weather, as well as during long stays in low temperatures, since it perfectly protects against hypothermia even in the most severe frost. This type of linen is an excellent option for residents of regions with harsh winters (for example, the Far North and similar areas).
Operating principle of thermal underwear
Air is considered the best heat insulator. The thermal underwear material has a loose three-dimensional structure. The air contained in the fibers of the material, upon contact with the body, is heated to the optimal temperature for the human body. As a result, a special layer of warm air is formed between the external environment and the skin. This provides a heat retention effect.
Important! Thermal underwear should fit the body tightly enough, without folds. This is necessary to prevent sweat from accumulating in the folds, which invariably leads to cooling of the body and discomfort.
Smart textiles for winter underwear are made in a special way. This allows it not only to remove excess moisture, but also to have a fairly high thermal resistance.The property of the material that does not allow it to absorb moisture ensures that all heat-protective properties are preserved under any conditions.
Selection rules
When selecting products of this kind You should focus on the physical activity in which you plan to use them:
- for low physical activity (hiking at a slow pace, long periods of standing or sitting), it is recommended to choose thermal underwear with a high wool content;
- for active sports in winter, it is better to purchase combined options made from 100% synthetic materials, characterized by balanced heat conservation and moisture removal;
- For active movement in warm weather, as well as for indoor sports training, lightweight synthetic moisture-wicking products are suitable.
Competent care
In order for thermal underwear to retain its original appearance and useful characteristics longer, it must be properly cared for. For this the following recommendations should be followed:
- wash (in a washing machine and by hand) at a temperature not exceeding 30° C;
- Do not use detergents and bleaches containing chlorine;
- You cannot dry such products on a radiator or by machine drying;
- Thermal underwear cannot be ironed;
- Products with fleece are best washed inside out.
Important! If you wash thermal underwear at a temperature of more than 60° C or iron it, it will absolutely lose its amazing properties.
Modern thermal underwear not only has a number of useful qualities and functions, but also looks quite stylish. This makes it an independent type of clothing.
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