Underwear
Thermoactive kits - the right choice with the Sportano shopThermal underwear is one of the most important items of clothing for anyone planning to be active outdoors, especially in difficult weather conditions. It acts as the first layer of clothing, directly adhering to the skin, and is designed to regulate body temperature, wick away perspiration and provide thermal comfort. This is crucial for those doing hiking or mountaineering, where proper thermoregulation and comfort are essential for good performance and enjoyment of the activity.
In the Sportano sports shop you will find sets of thermal underwear from proven brands such as Viking, Reima, UYN, CMP or 4F.Materials
used in production: what determines the quality? The quality of thermal underwear is closely linked to the materials from which it is made. High-quality materials have a major impact on functionality, performance and comfort, so it is worth paying special attention to them. Below I will discuss the most common types of materials and their properties.
Polyesters and polyamides: synthetic materials such as polyester and polyamide are commonly used in the manufacture of thermal underwear. They are lightweight, durable and quick-drying materials. Polyester is known for its ability to wick moisture away from the body, which is crucial for temperature regulation. Polyamide, on the other hand, offers higher strength and flexibility, which can be beneficial in intense forms of physical activity. Synthetic fabrics are also less prone to bacterial growth and odours, although they are no match for merino wool in this aspect.
Merino wool: merino wool is a natural material that is gaining popularity in the context of outdoor clothing. It is known for its thermoregulatory properties: it provides warmth in winter and helps to wick away excess heat and moisture in summer. It also has natural antibacterial properties and is able to neutralise unpleasant odours. Despite its softness, merino wool is very durable and can last for many years.
Material blends: it is also becoming increasingly common to find thermal underwear made from a blend of different materials. This solution aims to combine the best properties of the individual fabrics. For example, a blend of polyester and merino wool can offer both excellent wicking ability and natural odour resistance.
Fabric construction: in addition to the type of fabric itself, the construction of the fabric also has an impact on the quality of the underwear. High-quality thermal underwear often has fabric of varying thicknesses or different types of weave in different parts of the body. This helps to optimise thermoregulation, allowing, for example, better wicking of moisture where it is most likely to accumulate.
Principles
How does thermal underwear regulate body temperature? The principles of thermal underwear are based on several key mechanisms that make up its ability to effectively regulate body temperature. As the first layer of clothing, thermal underwear is in direct contact with the skin and therefore plays an essential role in managing our body microclimate. One of the most important mechanisms is moisture transfer, or wicking. The materials used in the manufacture of underwear are designed to attract moisture from the skin and move it to the outer surface of the fabric, where it can evaporate. This not only helps to keep the skin dry, but also helps to regulate body temperature, as evaporating moisture requires heat energy.
As well as wicking away moisture, good quality thermal underwear also provides adequate thermal insulation. In colder conditions, the microscopic air pockets formed in the fabric structure act as an insulator, trapping body heat. As a result, the body remains warm, even during cold temperatures. In warmer conditions, thermal underwear, on the contrary, enables effective thermal conduction, which helps to carry excess heat away from the body to the outside.
Another important aspect is the breathability of the material. Not only does it allow moisture to evaporate, but it also allows air to flow through the fabric, which further helps with temperature regulation. Some modern fabrics and fabric constructions are capable of responding to changes in body and ambient temperature, adjusting their insulating and breathability properties according to current needs.
All these mechanisms work together to maintain an optimal microclimate around the body. They help to maintain thermal balance, regardless of external conditions or intensity of activity. This makes thermal underwear indispensable for a wide variety of outdoor activities, from hiking on mountain trails and cycling to skiing and snowboarding.Types
Thermal underwear: from T-shirts to trousersThermal underwear includes not only T-shirts, but also different types of trousers, leggings and even specialised underwear for specific sports. T-shirts can be short or long-sleeved, with different types of collars and zips, and trousers can come in the form of leggings but also in a looser cut. In addition, sports bras, socks and gloves made of thermo-active materials are also available on the market. Depending on what activity you are interested in - running, hiking, cycling, skiing - it makes sense to choose the right underwear that best suits your needs.How to
choosing the right kit: tips and adviceChoosing the right thermal underwear is not an easy task, especially for people who are just starting out in outdoor activities. The first and most important rule is to choose according to the type of activity. For example, if you are planning a trip to the mountains in winter, it is better to choose underwear with higher insulating properties and better moisture wicking. Conversely, for summer, when higher temperatures prevail, it is worth opting for lightweight and breathable underwear.
Sizing is equally important. Underwear that is too small will restrict movement, while underwear that is too big will not regulate temperature or wick away moisture effectively. It is worth paying attention to the manufacturer's sizing chart and, if in doubt, consult the experts, whether in shop or online.
Let's also not forget about additional features and technologies, such as ventilation panels in strategic places, flatlock seams to eliminate the risk of chafing, or antibacterial fabric finishes. All this makes thermal underwear not only comfortable, but also functional at the highest level.
Last but not least, testing is a piece of advice. If possible, it is worth trying on a few different types of underwear before deciding to buy, to see which one best meets your expectations. It is also worth reading the opinions of other wearers and experts to make the most informed choice.
By keeping these tips in mind, finding the right set of thermal underwear will certainly become an easier and more efficient task. This way, we can enjoy comfort and functionality during a variety of outdoor activities.
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