Thermal underwear and its role in a sports wardrobe

Sport is not only physical activity, but also the desire to achieve better results. In this desire, every detail matters, including clothing, footwear, accessories. It is obvious that sportswear has evolved to better meet the requirements of sports disciplines and the active lifestyle of people. And one of the important elements of this evolution is thermal underwear. At first glance, it may seem like just an extra layer, but its purpose and function extends much further than just keeping you warm.

From thermal insulation and thermoregulation to comfort and moisture protection, thermal underwear is a reliable partner for those who strive for high athletic results. In this publication, we will tell you what thermal underwear is and its role in a sports wardrobe, including:

• The purpose and functions of thermal underwear in sportswear.
• Materials and technologies for the production of thermal underwear.
• Types of thermal underwear: outerwear and underwear.
• Correct selection and wearing of thermal underwear.
• Care and storage of thermal underwear to extend its service life.

The purpose and functions of thermal underwear in sportswear.

Athletes, regardless of their level of training, understand that the right equipment is an integral part of a successful workout. Therefore, thermal underwear occupies a special place in the world of sports fashion. Thermal underwear is a functional type of clothing that provides reliable protection from low temperatures, promoting comfortable and safe training in a variety of conditions. Let's look at the purposes and functions of this clothing.

The purpose of thermal underwear.
The main purpose of thermal underwear is thermoregulation, that is, ensuring optimal body temperature during active physical activity. This is especially important in variable weather conditions, when the athlete has to deal with cold, wind or humidity. Thermal underwear creates a thermal barrier, keeping heat close to the body and preventing hypothermia.

Thermal underwear functions:

1. Thermal insulation. Thermal underwear provides effective retention of body heat, practically without adding extra volume or weight to the athlete. This is especially important when training outdoors on cold days.
2. Moisture wicking. Active sports involve increased sweating. Thermal underwear is made of materials that can effectively wick moisture away from the body, which helps maintain a comfortable level of humidity. Regular underwear gets wet quickly in such conditions. It is very uncomfortable to train in such underwear, and staying in it for a long time can lead to hypothermia.
3. Elasticity and fit. Thermal underwear has good elasticity, providing freedom of movement. It is comfortable for both high-intensity and low-intensity exercises, such as running and gymnastics.
4. Muscle support. This is compression thermal underwear that can provide additional support to muscles. This can reduce the risk of injury and speed up recovery after training.
5. Protection from external factors. Thermal underwear serves as an additional protective barrier against harmful environmental influences, such as wind or frost, which is especially important for winter sports.

Understanding the purposes and functions of thermal underwear will help each athlete choose the optimal set for their training, which will provide optimal conditions for achieving the best results.

Materials and technologies for the production of thermal underwear.

Thermal underwear is made from high-tech materials that effectively retain heat, wick moisture away from the skin, and do not restrict movement. Here are some common materials used in the production of thermal underwear:

1. Polyester is a synthetic material. It is considered the best option for thermal underwear - pure or with impurities. The structure of polyester fibers is similar to cotton. But unlike cotton, they do not absorb, but remove moisture, dry quickly, are lightweight, wear-resistant and durable.
2. Nylon is a synthetic material that provides good thermal insulation and moisture wicking. It can be used in combination with other materials to improve performance.
3. Elastane (Spandex) is an elastic fiber added to the fabric of thermal underwear to provide support and comfort. Thanks to elastane, thermal underwear stretches in different directions, but does not stretch, that is, it retains its shape.
4. Merino wool - natural merino wool fiber has unique thermoregulatory properties, providing warmth in cold weather and coolness in hot weather. In addition, it is pleasant to the body and perfectly wicks away moisture.
5. Fleece. This material retains heat well and provides ventilation, which makes it an excellent choice for thermal underwear.

To ensure high performance and comfort in various climatic conditions, the production of thermal underwear involves the use of innovative sewing and processing technologies. These are flat seams, compression, antibacterial protection and ventilation zones.

Flat seams. Using flat seams prevents chafing and irritation of the skin, providing maximum comfort when wearing. Seams can be hidden in the fabric (this is a hidden seam - Flat Seam). And some manufacturers use laser technology to cut and weld the edges of the fabric, which creates a flatter and smoother surface.

Compression technology. Some types of thermal underwear use compression technology (general or zonal) to improve blood circulation and reduce muscle fatigue during active exercise.

Antimicrobial treatment of thermal underwear. This means the use of special technologies and substances to destroy or inhibit the growth of bacteria on materials used to produce thermal underwear. The use of such technologies maintains hygienic conditions, prevents the growth of bacteria and can help reduce unpleasant odor associated with sweating. Antibacterial treatment may involve the use of special antimicrobial substances or technologies, such as silver ions, which slow the growth of bacteria.

Ventilation zones. Adding ventilation zones to thermal underwear (mesh or perforation) promotes better air circulation, which is especially important during intense physical activity.

Types of thermal underwear: outerwear and underwear.

The main types of thermal underwear are top and bottom elements. Top thermal underwear includes: thermal T-shirts, thermal polo, long-sleeved thermal T-shirts and thermal sweatshirts. Thermal T-shirts and thermal polo provide excellent thermoregulation, retaining heat and wicking away moisture. Such elements are ideal for an active lifestyle and sports. For severe weather conditions, it is recommended to use thermal sweatshirts.

The main element of thermal underwear is thermal pants. Not the main, but important - are thermal socks. Both elements create a reliable barrier between the body and the cold, keeping the legs warm. Thermal pants can be used as an independent element or under other clothing.

And for those who prefer a single base layer, the best choice would be a thermal suit. It provides complete protection from the cold. An ideal option for winter sports and outdoor activities. You can choose either a full thermal suit or a semi-overall. The downside of such an element is the inconvenience when visiting the toilet.

Correct selection and wearing of thermal underwear.

Choosing and wearing thermal underwear correctly can affect not only the results of training, but also the overall well-being of the athlete. Let's consider several important aspects that will help make an informed choice and ensure comfort in the coldest conditions.

• Materials and technologies. When choosing thermal underwear, pay attention to the materials used. Microfiber, merino wool or synthetic fibers are considered optimal, as they can effectively retain heat and remove moisture from the body.
• Equipment. Thermal underwear comes in different types, from light to warm. Choose a layer depending on the temperature and conditions in which you plan to be active. Equipment is important: underwear with a high collar and long sleeves is suitable for extreme conditions, and breeches and T-shirts are for moderate ones.
• Correct size. Thermal underwear should be worn close to the body to ensure maximum effectiveness. Avoid wearing it too loosely, as the air gap reduces heat retention. However, make sure that the underwear does not restrict movement.
• Thermal insulation properties. How warm or cold the underwear is is shown by the density characteristic - g/m². The higher the value, the warmer the underwear. Before choosing, you need to evaluate how cold or warm the climate will be in the place where you are staying.
• Thermal underwear for different types of activity. Manufacturers produce four types of thermal underwear: "Silk" - the thinnest, for very high activity. "Medium" - for training, where high activity alternates with periods of low activity. "Heavy" - quite thick fabric. Just right for snowmobile and ice fishing enthusiasts, i.e., where motor activity is practically zero. "Polar Weight" are the thickest models. These are ideal for the case when you have to spend the night in the snow.

Wearing rules.
Thermal underwear works effectively when it is worn as part of a multi-layer set. The main goal of the multi-layer concept is to ensure optimal thermal comfort in various climatic conditions. This principle involves the use of three different layers.

1. Base layer (first layer): This layer is in direct contact with your skin and is responsible for wicking moisture away from your body to prevent cooling and hypothermia. Typically, this is thermal underwear made from materials that promote ventilation and moisture wicking, such as polyester, nylon, or merino wool.
2. Insulation layer (second layer). This layer is designed to retain heat. It can be composite, including several layers depending on the weather conditions. Examples of materials for the second layer include fleece, a thin down vest, and a puffer jacket.
3. Outer layer (third layer). This layer protects against wind, rain, snow and other atmospheric influences. It can also serve as additional insulation. The outer layer should be water-repellent and windproof. An example of such a layer can be a jacket made of a membrane or with a water-repellent coating.

The three-layer principle allows you to adjust your thermal balance to changing weather conditions. This is especially useful for active outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing or mountaineering.

Care and storage of thermal underwear to extend its service life.

Nowadays, thermal underwear has become an indispensable companion for fans of active recreation and winter sports. However, in order for it to serve for a long time and flawlessly, it is necessary to pay attention to proper care and storage. Let's consider several important aspects that will help extend the service life of your thermal underwear.

1. Washing. One of the key points in caring for thermal underwear is proper washing. It is important to use mild detergents intended for linen and avoid conditioners that can damage the insulating properties of the material. It is advisable to wash thermal underwear by hand or in a machine using the delicate wash cycle.
2. Drying. After washing, it is recommended to air dry thermal underwear. Avoid using tumble dryers and radiators, as high temperatures can damage the fabric. Remember that thermal underwear is best dried horizontally, such as on a clothes dryer, to avoid stretching and deformation.
3. Storage. Proper storage of thermal underwear also plays an important role. This can be a closet or a dressing room. It is important that the storage place is dry and ventilated. The set can be stored on a shelf or on hangers.
4. Avoid chemical exposure. Try to avoid contact of thermal underwear with chemicals such as oils, paints or solvents. These substances can damage the fabric and reduce its thermal insulation properties.