What is Thermal Clothing?

When it comes to clothing for the winter season and the colder temperatures that come with it, one term you’re bound to come across is thermal clothing. It’s considered one of the best categories of clothing to have in your pack or on your person during outdoor excursions. But why? Do thermals keep you warm? Read on to find out about thermal clothing, including what it is and how it works to keep you warm in the bitter cold.

About Thermal Clothing

What is thermal clothing, and how do thermals keep you warm? Let’s break it down.

Thermal means heat, or caused by changes in temperature. This type of extreme cold weather gear is made from breathable, moisture-wicking fabric that works by trapping your body heat and preventing it from escaping. You’ve likely noticed that thermal shirts, pants, and other clothing have a unique honeycomb weave appearance. It’s for a good reason: that weave helps create little pockets of air that trap the heat!

Your Base Layer

The most effective way to keep warm in cold weather is by layering your Army cold weather gear, which starts with an important foundation: the base layer. Like a second skin, the base layer is the innermost layer of your clothing. It soaks any and all sweat to maintain your body’s temperature. Sound familiar? That’s because thermal clothing is a very common type of base layer that hikers, hunters, and outdoor enthusiasts wear when trekking through the cold.

What is it that thermal clothing and other base layers do? They absorb sweat extremely well and dry quickly. Our bodies sweat to help regulate our body temperature to an average of around 98 degrees Fahrenheit. But with a base layer of thermal clothing, instead of being evaporated into the skin (which will make you feel cooler), sweat is evaporated into the thermal clothing. That’s why base layers like thermal clothing need to be so form-fitting; it’s to absorb the sweat so your body is at its proper temperature.

How do Thermals Keep You Warm?

Do thermals keep you warm? Absolutely. But the important distinction to make here is they don’t make you warm. Think about a thick coat or a pair of wool socks. Generally speaking, they’re made to warm up your body. Thermal clothing, however, prevents you from ever getting cold by trapping your natural body heat in the fabric. It’s not going to generate the heat – just trap it. If your body is already cold when you put on thermal clothing, it’ll take a little longer for it to work efficiently since the clothing needs your body to build up enough heat to trap in its honeycomb weave.

What is Thermal Clothing Made Of?

Thermal clothing is usually made of a two-ply fabric, such as wool, polyester, nylon, silk, or spandex blends. Unlike clothing made of classic cotton, these materials are more effective at quick drying and insulation. Remember: you want your clothing to dry faster so you don’t get cold! These material blends are also better at balancing moisture-wicking and warmth.

Taking Advantage of Thermal Clothing

Now that you know what thermal clothing is and how it works, you may be wondering if it’s actually necessary. While it might seem less important than your outer shell or even your middle layer, the thermal clothing base layer is just as important – especially if you’re in extreme cold weather. You want your body to both retain heat and warm up, which the outer layers can’t do on their own. Optimizing your cold-weather gear by layering will keep you warm, comfortable, and agile in the cold.

When should you wear thermal clothing? They’re essential to wear when the temperatures are low, and you’re planning on being active. You get warm when you’re moving, causing you to sweat. Thermal underwear will help ensure you don’t get cold from sweating while you’re on the move.

Be Prepared for Any Weather

Do thermals keep you warm? And if so, how do thermals keep you warm? Thermals are base layers constructed of moisture-wicking and heat-retaining fabric that are designed to trap your body heat so you don’t get cold when the temps drop. Knowing what thermal clothing is means that it’s time to get ready to venture into the cold with the right gear on! Shop thermals and military clothing for every type of weather condition now at Army Surplus World.