How Does Thermal Clothing Work?

In our previous articles, we have guided you through seven workwear essentials for the winter season, and we have presented our safety tips to fight hot temperatures during the summer. Today, we are going to focus on a particular type of clothing that can keep you warm in winter and cool in summer: thermal clothing. We have all heard about it, but what is it exactly? How does thermal clothing work? Keep reading to find out!

What is thermal clothing?

The word “thermal” identifies something that is related to heat and temperature. When talking about thermal clothing, in fact, we refer to garments that are specifically designed to keep the body at its natural temperature. These garments are designed to provide insulation, whilst also absorbing moisture. As thermal t-shirts and trousers are often used as an under-garment, they are commonly referred as   “long underwear”. However, all types of garments can have thermal properties, from jackets to coats and boots.

How does thermal clothing work?

Thermal clothing trap body heat through a layer of air that is kept between the skin and the underlayer. It is usually made of a two-ply fabric and features a particular type of weave called ‘honeycomb weave’. The effectiveness and level of performance of the item depends on the type of fabric that is used. While fabrics like wool, silk and cotton can be considered to be thermal as they keep the body warm, but when it comes to thermal wear synthetic fabrics are preferred. Breathable fabrics such as polyester, nylon, spandex and lycra not only insulate the body, but also absorb sweat and move it away from the skin.

One last thing to consider in answering the question how thermal clothing works, is the thickness of the garment. Depending on it, the heat retention or the moisture-expelling property is enhanced. Thick thermal garments are ideal for retaining air, making them perfect to be worn during the winter to trap heat. Thin thermal garments that fit the body tightly, instead, work better to remove the sweat and cool you down

Now that you know what thermal clothing is and how it works, browse our website and discover the best Workwear for all your needs!