Playing sports in regular clothes is not always convenient. Sometimes such clothing can impede movement or provide insufficient warmth when it comes to winter sports. The solution to such problems can be the use of thermal underwear. This is one of the main elements of sportswear, designed to control heat transfer. But how to choose such products correctly?
Distinctive features of thermal underwear
The main function of such underwear is considered to control heat transfer by removing moisture.
In cold conditions, thermal underwear allows you to keep warm, and in hot conditions, you don’t get wet from sweat. This functionality is the main difference between thermal underwear and conventional clothing made of cotton or synthetics.
In the manufacture of this type of underwear, high-tech synthetic fibers, high-quality wool (mainly merino sheep wool) or a combination of such materials are used.The cut of such clothing often involves a combination of materials with different composition, properties and density (muscle support, insulation, ventilation) in various areas.
Why do you need thermal underwear for sports?
The need to use such clothing for sports training is primarily due to its unique characteristics.
The materials used in the manufacture of this functional underwear have an amazing ability to retain heat and provide complete thermal protection for the entire body in models designed for both beginners and experienced athletes.
The most important feature of such underwear in this case is considered to be the removal of moisture from the entire body. This is especially true during active sports training outdoors in winter. In cold weather, the body, which is fairly sweaty as a result of high physical exertion, cools down sharply, which in turn can provoke a severe cold.
What composition of thermal underwear is best for sports?
Although heat-saving products provide warmth, they do not solve the problem of excess moisture. Therefore, models made from natural materials (wool and cotton) cannot be considered a suitable option in this case.
Thermal underwear for sports training should be made from high-tech synthetics. Suitable composition of thermal underwear for sports is considered to be 100% polyester, polypropylene, polyamide, combinations of polyamide and polyester.
Reference! Typically, synthetics begin to emit an unpleasant odor with prolonged use, but high-quality thermal underwear does not absorb the smell of sweat, so it is enough to wash it once a week.
Thermal underwear made of synthetic materials has a number of advantages.Such products completely remove moisture, leaving the body dry. You won't feel hot in these clothes even during intense workouts. Items made from these materials do not fade or stretch during washing. In addition, synthetic thermal underwear is more wear-resistant than its natural counterparts and weighs significantly less.
Factors influencing the choice of underwear
When choosing such underwear, it is necessary to take into account what kind of sport it is purchased for.
Different types of thermal underwear are suitable for different sports:
- for running - completely synthetic, moisture-wicking products;
- for surfing - quick-drying models;
- for figure skating and speed skating - very thin and tight-fitting products;
- for skiing - models with enhanced protection against hypothermia in the groin area.
In addition, it is also recommended to take into account the degree of individual intolerance to cold.
Depending on what sport the thermal underwear is intended for, it may have appropriate inscriptions. Thus, underwear labeled “Running” is intended for various types of running, products labeled “Nordic Walking” are for leisurely walks, models labeled “Road Bike” are an excellent choice for cycling training, and thermal underwear labeled “Mountain Bike” is for long bike rides in the mountains in the fall.
Size selection
Each manufacturer has its own size chart, but When choosing, you can adhere to the most common markings:
- S - corresponds to sizes 46-48 for men and size 44 for women;
- M - matches size 48-50 for men and size 46-48 for women;
- L - equal to size 50-52 for men and size 50 for women;
- XL - approximately corresponds to sizes 52-54 for both sexes;
- XXS and XS are children's sizes corresponding to sizes 128-134 and 140-146 (in smaller models the size is indicated in accordance with the age of the child.
Important! Thermal underwear should fit on the body like a second skin, without sagging anywhere. The size of such products must be selected clearly, without reserve.
What does a person feel in such underwear?
Depending depending on the type of physical activity a person wearing thermal underwear can experience a variety of sensations. If such underwear has been chosen correctly, even during intense exercise (for example, while jogging), there should not be a sensation of a trickle of sweat running down your back or a wet area forming on your lower back.
If thermal underwear is used during a hike, when physical activity is rather “ragged” in nature, at moments of maximum intensity a feeling of moisture may appear, but only for a few minutes. There is no need to dry clothes while camping. Such clothing not only dries the body, but also dries itself quickly enough.
Important! To ensure that thermal underwear does not irritate the skin during use, it is necessary that it has a minimum number of seams and all of them must be flat and soft. Labels and tags must be on the outer surface. The ideal option is seamless thermal underwear (labeled Seamless).
The best manufacturers
The modern thermal underwear market offers an impressive number of brands specializing in the production of this type of product.
The main leading companies producing thermal underwear include:
- Brubeck (Poland) — products of this brand are produced in several series for various conditions.
- X-Bionic (Switzerland) — produces products with design features that take into account the anatomical structure of a person.
- NORVEG (Germany) — thermal underwear is made from merino sheep wool and is dyed exclusively with natural substances.
- Janus (Norway) — the production uses merino wool that has undergone special processing, as well as safe dyes.
- Guahoo (Finland) — Thermal underwear from this manufacturer is distinguished by a special weave of fibers and a wide range of models.
With skillfully selected thermal underwear, any physical activity, both in hot and cold weather, will be a joy and will not bring any discomfort or unpleasant consequences.
0
