There was a time when you had to put on several layers of clothing, and therefore look like the Michelin Man, to keep warm. Nowadays, there is thermoregulatory clothing, which is more practical and comfortable. But you still have to choose them carefully.
What is a thermoregulating technical garment?
Putting on several layers of clothing to keep warm is not a very good idea. Not only because it looks bad, but also because it is not comfortable. Indeed, putting on too many layers of clothing can limit freedom of movement.
Thanks to advances in technology, researchers have succeeded in developing fabrics that keep the body warm while allowing moisture to escape: the technical garment was created. A thermoregulating technical garment was designed to combine two garments into one. Thanks to its technical nature, it helps the body to maintain a more natural temperature, i.e., around 37°C, to avoid hypothermia or hyperthermia. Thanks to this type of garment, the wearer feels comfortable, regardless of the outside temperature conditions. In addition, freedom of movement is optimal, perspiration is easily evacuated and the wearer is protected from the cold.
In the past, these technical garments were designed especially for professional sportsmen and women, but today they are available to everyone, to adventurers, to amateur sportsmen and women and to people who work in cold environments.
What material should I choose for my thermoregulatory technical clothing?
Technical clothing is made of natural fibres, synthetic fibres or a mixture of both.
Wool: this is not the garment that grandmothers once knitted, but Merino wool. Merino is a breed of sheep found mainly in New Zealand. This type of wool is much finer than traditional wool. It is also an excellent thermo-regulator, keeping you warm in cold weather and comfortable in warm weather. In addition, this wool does not itch, does not smell and is lighter than other materials. However, merino wool is more expensive and can wear out faster than synthetic materials.
Synthetic fibres: the material can be made of elastane, polyester, polypropylene or polyamide. Synthetic materials are breathable and dry faster than natural materials. They also keep you warm. The biggest drawback is that they can retain odours.
Blends: Thanks to technological advances, there are now garments designed with a mixture of natural and synthetic fibres. These garments combine the advantages of each material.
What are the criteria for choosing a thermoregulating technical garment?
Choosing a technical garment is not a task to be taken lightly. Indeed, many criteria must be taken into account:
Breathability: you should prefer a garment that allows perspiration to evaporate easily. This allows for better heat retention.
Comfort: the elasticity of the garment, its cut, the presence or absence of visible seams, all of this must be taken into account to feel comfortable.
Care: before buying a technical garment, don't forget to find out how long it takes to dry and how hot it can be washed. If it does not require ironing, even better.
Price: don't hesitate to compare prices, as they can vary considerably from one supplier to another.
More and more brands are now offering thermo-regulating clothing. Akammak technical clothing, for example, is one of the best known and most widely sold on the market.