Thermal underwear - how does it work and which one is best to choose?
Thermal underwear is especially useful in the fall and winter, although we also use this type of clothing in the summer, albeit in a slightly different version. In the summer, a thermal shirt protects us primarily from overheating, while in the fall and winter, it protects us from both overheating and hypothermia.
Thermal underwear and clothing - what is it?
Thermal clothing is often confused with thermal insulation, but these two types of clothing differ significantly. First and foremost, we expect thermal underwear to help us maintain a constant body temperature and maintain thermal comfort. T-shirts and leggings are primarily intended to keep us warm. Thermal underwear has a different goal. These garments are designed to respond to body temperature, especially during intense exertion, and help keep skin dry and protect against overheating. Even at low outside temperatures, exercise increases body temperature, creating moisture. Thermal underwear's ability to wick moisture away and keep the skin dry protects against overheating, and therefore against rapid cooling when exercise ceases.
Why is it worth wearing thermal clothing?
Maintaining a proper body temperature during outdoor activity in the fall and winter is absolutely crucial. This is especially important because elevated body temperature during exercise combined with low ambient temperatures is, unfortunately, often a recipe for health problems, or at best, a few days of infection.
Thermal underwear, primarily by protecting the body from moisture and thus from rapid cooling after finishing skiing or stopping after a long jog or mountain trek, allows for the safe practice of winter sports. It also provides some thermal insulation, though not as high as typical thermal underwear. In this case, the clothes primarily wick away sweat, protect against overheating, and thus reduce the risk of rapid cooling after exercise.
It's no wonder then that the ODLO I-THERMIC men's sweatshirt or the Energizer 4.0 women's 3/4 long johns are considered an absolute must-have in the fall and winter season not only by skiers.
Ski underwear - your must-have on and off the slopes
Thermal underwear can be made from a wide variety of materials. Often, they are synthetic garments that effectively wick moisture away from the skin. Thermal underwear for skiers is like a second skin, acting as a first layer, over which, depending on the conditions and the type of ski jacket, another layer is worn – an insulating layer or the jacket itself. This type of clothing is absolutely essential on the slopes. Outdoor conditions are very demanding, and the level of physical activity is high. Therefore, underwear that will work with the body is essential.
It's worth realizing, however, that the type of thermal comfort provided by wearing thermal underwear isn't just beneficial for skiers. Thermal clothing is a valuable solution for anyone who engages in moderate to vigorous physical activity during the fall and winter months and is therefore at risk of both overheating and hypothermia.
How to choose good thermal underwear?
Thermal underwear is available in a wide variety of models. Increasingly advanced options are emerging, with technologies that analyze and regulate body heat using intelligent thermal sensors woven into the garment. Models with silver ions in thermal underwear are also available. Silver ions have antibacterial properties, allowing clothes to stay fresh longer and eliminate the smell of sweat. Thermal underwear made with seamless technology is also available. Material with flat seams is also a great option. You can wear such a shirt without worrying about irritation or chafing. However, the most important thing is that the shirt or long johns provide the best protection against overheating and hypothermia, so it's worth checking the level of breathability and sweat wicking efficiency. Protection also depends on the fit, so it's crucial to carefully check the size and exact measurements, and if shopping in-store, try them on. The better the fit, the better the protection against the cold.
