Winter sports require a special approach to equipment. One of the most important elements is thermal underwear – the first layer, which is responsible for warmth, comfort and moisture wicking. The wrong choice of thermal underwear can lead to hypothermia, overheating or discomfort during activity. How to choose the right thermal underwear for winter sports? Let’s take a look in this article.
Materials of thermal underwear: natural or synthetic?
The main thing for thermal underwear is what material it is made of. There are several basic types of materials with their pros and cons.
Natural wool
Underwear made of natural wool, especially merino wool, is ideal for outdoor activities. This material retains heat perfectly and has good moisture-wicking properties. Wool does not cause unpleasant odours and keeps you warm even when wet. However, thermal underwear made of wool can be quite expensive and requires careful care.
Synthetic materials
Polypropylene, polyester and other synthetic fabrics are used to create thermal underwear designed for intense physical activity. They quickly wick moisture away from the body, allowing the skin to stay dry. Synthetic fabrics are lighter and often dry faster, but they can retain unpleasant odours after prolonged use.
Mixed materials
Some thermal underwear combines natural and synthetic fibres, combining the best qualities of both types of fabrics. This provides a balance between warmth, moisture-wicking properties and comfort.
Levels of thermoregulation: activity-based choices
Thermal underwear varies in terms of thermoregulation and is designed for different levels of physical activity. To make the right choice, it’s important to consider the type of winter sport you plan to participate in.
Light level
This thermal underwear is designed for low-level physical activity, such as winter walking or sledging. It retains heat well, but is not designed for intense exertion as it does not have high moisture-wicking properties.
Medium level
Suitable for moderate activity such as skiing or snowboarding. This level of thermal underwear has balanced thermal insulation and moisture wicking properties, allowing you to maintain a comfortable body condition during prolonged physical activity.
High Level
This thermal underwear is designed for intensive activities such as cross-country skiing or mountaineering. It efficiently wicks away moisture and provides high breathability to prevent overheating. This thermal underwear is usually used by professional athletes and is suitable for extreme conditions.
Important details: How to choose the right thermal underwear?
The correct fit and functional features of thermal underwear play a big role during winter sports.
Body fit
The right thermal underwear fits snugly but does not restrict movement. Underwear that is too loose will not effectively wick away moisture and keep you warm, and underwear that is too tight will restrict movement and cause discomfort. When trying on, pay attention to how the underwear fits when bending, turning and active movements.
Seams and their location
It is better to choose thermal underwear with flat seams or seamless models. Such variants exclude rubbing of the skin during intensive movements, during long training sessions or sports competitions.
Sleeve and trouser length
Make sure that the thermal underwear covers your wrists and ankles and does not ‘bounce’ when you move. Some models have additional inserts on the cuffs and trousers for a snug fit and protection from cold air.
The choice of thermal underwear for winter sports is an important task, which depends not only on your comfort, but also on your safety on the slopes and tracks. The right thermal underwear will help to keep you warm, prevent hypothermia and provide freedom of movement. Taking into account the type of activity, climatic conditions and material features, you will be able to find the ideal set for your winter training and entertainment.