During the cold season, few people like to wrap themselves in several layers of warm clothing. Walking like this is not very comfortable and even difficult. But there is no need to freeze in a light jacket or cardigan, since such a functional wardrobe item as thermal underwear has long been invented. It is a high-tech clothing that allows you to retain body heat, remove excess moisture and keep you warm in cold weather, even in the most piercing wind.
How not to make a mistake in choosing “your” set?
Thermal underwear is a comfortable set of clothes that looks like a combination of a turtleneck and leggings. In some cases, it may consist of tight shorts and a T-shirt. Based on this, before purchasing, you need to determine the purpose for which you will wear thermal underwear.
It is also important to decide for yourself what function you expect from a heating set, and make a purchase accordingly.The following types are distinguished:
- thermal underwear that retains heat. This type of clothing, due to the porous structure of the fabric, retains heat well from the human body, thereby creating an air protective layer;
- water-repellent underwear allows you to remove sweat and other moisture from the surface of the body;
- the combined type combines both of the above functions, therefore it is the most functional. When purchasing, it is better to give preference to him.
In order not to make a mistake when choosing a set, you need to pay attention to many other factors: size, material, quality of fabric and seams, etc. A carefully considered purchase will bring you much more benefit and warmth than an incorrectly selected set.
Rules for wearing thermal underwear
In order for thermal underwear to really warm well, not lose heat and not get wet, you need to follow some important rules. Let's get acquainted with the most basic of them.
In what cases is thermal underwear recommended?
In the modern world, thermal underwear can be used in a variety of situations. We want to feel comfortable during any outdoor activity: both on a regular walk and during active recreation. Based on this, we can conclude that you should wear warming underwear when you are going to:
- take a walk on a cold autumn or winter day;
- engage in winter sports: skiing or skating, snowboarding, etc.;
- go to a recreation center, hike, winter fishing or hunting;
- work outdoors (for example, construction, installation work, etc.).
Thus, it is recommended to wear thermal underwear in cases where you plan to be outside for a long time, and putting on several layers of warm, woolen clothing is inconvenient and impractical.If it is important for you to maintain warmth and comfort during active pastimes, choose thin but warm turtlenecks and leggings.
When is it better not to wear it?
Modern women's and men's thermal underwear is made from very high-quality synthetic materials, so you should not be afraid to wear it even for a long time. Fabric fibers are often hypoallergenic and have antibacterial impregnation, so they should not cause irritation or itching. However, it is not recommended to wear underwear for a long time for people who do physical labor outdoors all day, for example, workers.
In this case, it is better to give preference to natural breathable fabrics or to have a replacement set of thermal underwear with you.
How to put it on correctly?
One of the main rules, subject to which thermal underwear will perform its functions, is the following: it should always be worn only on a bare and dry body. No need to wear an extra T-shirt or tights underneath. Performing this trick is a direct road to catching a cold, because you will sweat, the clothes under your thermal underwear will get wet, and you may get cold.
Remember: thermal clothing is worn on a naked body (of course, you can leave underwear on) and should fit tightly, but not squeeze. It is in this case that the effect of retaining heat from the human body and skin is created.
When to shoot?
Warm underwear is ideal for long periods of exposure to low temperatures. If you understand that, in addition to open air, you will also be in a warm room for a long time, then it is better to refuse this set or remove it, because there is a real risk of overheating.
Which materials are compatible and which are not?
To further insulate your winter outfit, you need to think about which fabric is best to combine warming underwear with. Pay attention to the composition of your underwear: if you plan to engage in active sports in synthetic thermal underwear, and you will be wearing a cotton bra underneath, an unpleasant situation may occur. Natural fiber will get wet due to the created “greenhouse” effect, which can lead to blowing and colds.
As for clothes that can be worn over thermal underwear, then give preference to fleece products. They conduct moisture well, are lightweight and comfortable to wear.
The principle of wearing thermal underwear
Even if, even after wearing thermal underwear, the cold wind makes you feel uncomfortable, pay attention to the principle of layering. Its essence is that each layer performs its own protective function, thereby retaining heat more effectively. Ideal equipment should consist of three layers:
- the bottom one - the actual thermal underwear to retain heat from the body and remove moisture;
- middle, which also removes water to the upper layers of clothing. A fleece jacket is best suited as this layer;
- outer membrane layer. It is responsible for protection from adverse weather conditions: wind, rain or snow, and also removes excess moisture. Typically a windproof jacket or raincoat is used as the top layer.
How to wear thermal underwear for children?
Children, just like adults, can and should wear warm underwear for a walk. When choosing a product, you need to take into account both the child’s age and his outdoor behavior. If your baby leads an active lifestyle, constantly runs around and does not sit still on the street, then feel free to buy underwear with a high content of synthetic fiber.
It conducts moisture better, does not absorb it, and at the same time the skin breathes well in it. If the child is still very small and constantly lies or sits in a stroller or sled, then give preference to a set with a good content of natural fiber, for example, merino wool. The ideal combination for such an occasion is underwear made from a combination of wool and polyester.
Important! Never buy thermal underwear for children to grow into! It won't do any good. The set must fit the body tightly enough, otherwise all the useful functions of this clothing will be lost.
Deciphering the labels
When purchasing a new set of thermal underwear, pay attention to the label or tag on the product. It is there that you can find markings indicating the functions that this thing performs. For example:
- warm - clothing suitable for low temperatures in winter. You can wear it and not freeze down to -25 °C;
- extra warm - warms even at temperatures below -25 °C;
- cool light is a fairly light and thin underwear that is universal in nature. It can be worn in both cold and warmer weather. It is practically not felt on the body;
- antibacterial - this marking means that the fabric is impregnated with antibacterial impregnation or the fibers have antibacterial properties;
- allergic - the product is suitable for people prone to allergic reactions, as it is made from hypoallergenic fiber.
Clothes care
In order for a set of linen to serve for a long time and delight you with its appearance, you must follow simple rules for caring for the item. Among them are the following:
- Hand wash or delicate machine wash only;
- The temperature should be between 30–40 °C. After washing at high temperatures, thermal underwear will lose its moisture-repellent properties;
- Most often, the linen has some inserts on the inside, so before washing, turn the leggings and turtleneck inside out;
- Do not use detergents containing chlorine and other bleaching ingredients for washing;
- rinse the fabric very well: if detergent remains between the fibers of the fabric, the laundry may lose its absorbent, breathable properties;
- Do not twist things when spinning so that the thin fabric does not become deformed. It is better to leave them in the bathroom until the excess water drains on its own;
- It is better to dry thermal underwear under normal conditions, and not on a hot radiator.
Important! Wash your laundry at least once a week.