How to choose thermal underwear correctly?

Thermal underwear in winter is an indispensable and very necessary item! After all, the cold season is no reason to stay cooped up inside. If you often go out of town, you know how beautiful it can be there, and it’s a shame not to roll around in untouched snow or knock snow caps off spruce branches. But to do all this comfortably, and not run home frozen after half an hour, you need to wear thermal underwear. In this article, we will figure out how to choose it correctly and what to pay attention to.

What is special about thermal underwear

It differs from ordinary underwear by a special weave of threads, which creates an air layer that helps retain body heat. Thermal underwear contains wool in varying amounts, depending on its purpose.

Thermal underwear differs in its purpose:

• skiing
• for figure skating
• mountaineering
• cycling
• hockey
• speed skating
• simply for hiking
• for hunting and fishing
• for water sports.

For skiers, for example, there’s an insulated groin area; for surfers, it’s quick-drying; for figure skaters, it’s very thin; and for hikers, it has special hygienic requirements, as they might not take it off for several days. In general, everything is thought out to the smallest detail.

How to choose thermal underwear

It all depends on what you will be doing. If you are going for calm and long walks, choose a set with a high percentage of wool content. If you plan to move actively or play sports in the cold, choose a set with a low percentage of wool content or specifically designed for your activity, as we mentioned above.

How to wear it correctly

Important rule #1: thermal underwear must be worn directly on the bare skin, not over a T-shirt, for example. After all, the main goals of thermal underwear are to wick moisture away from the body’s surface and retain warmth. Therefore, the underwear should fit snugly but not constrict the body.

Important rule #2: choose thermal underwear according to your size. If there’s a choice between two sizes, it’s better to take the smaller one, as it will stretch out anyway. Of course, this is only if you are comfortable in the smaller size and it doesn’t restrict movement.

Note that thermal underwear has markings that will help you understand its best use. The inscription COOL means that such thermal underwear is universal — it can be worn in summer and winter. The inscription WARM indicates lower temperatures; it is suitable for -20 degrees and below.

How to care for thermal underwear

For the set to last longer, it needs proper care. Specifically:

• DO NOT dry clean
• DO NOT iron
• DO NOT tumble dry
• DO NOT wash with chlorine-containing detergents
• Hand and machine wash at a temperature not exceeding 30 degrees.

Accessories

In addition to classic thermal underwear, there are accessories: thermal socks, gloves, knee-highs, insoles. If you equip yourself completely, no frost will be scary!