What do I need to pay attention to when buying thermal underwear?
Not all thermal underwear is the same. When you buy a new set, it’s important to think about what you’ll be using it for and make sure everything fits properly. Here are a few important aspects at a glance:
- Freedom of movement: maintaining your temperature is important, but when you’re out and about, you mainly want to be able to move freely. Your thermal clothing should not restrict your movement, especially during intense activities such as skiing, running, hiking and cycling.
- Fit: to do justice to the properties of your thermal clothing, it is important that everything fits properly. If it does, it will optimally wick away perspiration and keep you warm. It shouldn’t be too tight or too loose.
- Material: you can choose between synthetic materials and a natural material like merino wool. Synthetic thermal clothing is lighter and keeps you drier, but will start to smell unpleasant pretty quickly. Merino wool, on the other hand, is antibacterial and keeps you warm even if it gets a little wet.
The three-layer system explained
The ultimate lifehack for those who spend a lot of time outdoors in changing conditions: layers, layers, layers. The three-layer system keeps you dry and warm in all conditions, and thermal underwear is a crucial part of it.
Mix and match these three layers, and you’ll stay as fresh as can be during every season:
- A thermal base layer effectively maintains your body heat and quickly wicks away perspiration.
- A warm mid-layer provides extra insulation.
- A waterproof and windproof outer layer protects you from rain, wind, and snow.
Adjust the thickness of your technical underwear and your mid-layer to suit the weather conditions. Feel too hot? Take off your mid-layer and quickly stow it in your backpack. Is it starting to rain? Put on your raincoat and just keep going!
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about thermal underwear
A set of thermal underwear will help you maintain your body temperature in all conditions. That means it will keep you warm in winter and cool you down in summer or during strenuous activities.
You can choose between two materials, or a mix of both, depending on your activity and the features you are looking for:
- Merino wool: natural, antibacterial, temperature-regulating, and it insulates even when wet.
- Polyester/polyamide/elastane: synthetic, moisture-wicking, and ideal for heavy physical activity.
Thermal underwear is made to retain the body heat you generate and quickly wick away your sweat. The thicker your thermal clothing, the more air it holds and the warmer you’ll be. If your thermal clothing is thinner and tighter, your sweat will be wicked away faster.
It is therefore important to find thermal clothing that suits your activity. Don’t go running in a thick thermal shirt that is extremely insulating and don’t go on a winter sports holiday with a thin thermal shirt that only wicks away sweat.
Want to enjoy your favourite base layer for a long time? Then be sure to maintain it well on a regular basis. The most important thing to consider is the material.
Merino wool
If you have a merino wool base layer, then your washing machine won’t have much work to do. This type of wool is naturally antibacterial, so unpleasant odours don’t stand a chance. However, it is important to let it air out properly on a regular basis. And if it really is time for a wash, wash it at a low temperature with a special wool detergent.
Synthetic
Ideal for more strenuous activities, as it wicks away sweat at lightning speed and dries quickly. The downside: sweat odours tend to stick more to synthetic clothes. It is best to throw your base layer in the washing machine after each activity to prevent the salt in your sweat from harming the fabric. Use a special detergent and conditioner, such as the Nikwax Basewash.
Choose from our many top brands
At A.S.Adventure you will find a wide range of thermal underwear. Choose from our many top brands - like Icebreaker, Craft, Patagonia and Odlo- and find the suitable base layers.
Do you still have questions about the purchase of your thermal underwear? Our customer service is at your disposal every day.
