Thermal clothing began with insulating underwear designed to trap the heat of the wearer’s body, keeping them at a constant but comfortable temperature in winter with the added qualities of keeping them cool in summer.
Since its humble beginnings, it now encompasses many different items of clothing, all working on the same principle – that of keeping you warm without the restriction of heavy jumpers and jackets.
Thermal clothing available today still includes undergarments but also jackets and coats, ski-wear, nightwear, even hats, scarves, gloves, and socks, all designed to help you shrug off the coldest of winters. The designers and manufactures have come up with inventive items, too, that increase their insulating qualities without adding yet another bulky layer; for example, scarves that can be pulled up over the head to cover the necks and ears, and provide an extra layer to wear under a hat, and gloves that can be adapted to free the fingers when necessary yet keeps them covered when not.
For those who enjoy outdoor activities there is a great choice of thermal clothing, some of which can even be folded and packed into a small space making them ideal for hiking, cycling and camping. There are baselayers which work like close-fitting vests and are ideal for wearing next to the skin under outer clothing when skiing or mountaineering, as are trousers and ski pants which have cuffs designed to keep the warmth in around the wrists and ankles. Worn with thermal socks and insulating boots, they ensure that you keep warm and dry in all weather conditions.
All the thermal clothing on the market these days is available in comprehensive ranges for men, women and children, ensuring that the whole family can carry on with their daily lives in comfort whatever the winter weather throws at them, whether they are relaxing indoors or enjoying physical activities outside.