No matter how many layers you wear, you sometimes can’t seem to keep the cold at bay. Wearing the right fabric is just as important as layering. In fact, layering too much of the wrong fabric can make you sweaty and uncomfortable. Let’s take a look at the five warmest fabrics to wear in cold temperatures if you want to step up your layering game.
Merino Wool
Due to the natural crimp of merino wool fibers, this fabric is great at creating air pockets that trap body heat. These pockets allow moisture, such as sweat, to evaporate, making merino wool garments excellent for active wear. Part of why it is used so often in thermals is because you don’t need thick layers of merino wool to keep warm. It can be just as light, thin, and warm as synthetic fabric.
Fleece
Each side of fleece has a layer of cut fibers, also known as a double-sided pile. This creates air pockets, and much like merino wool, they trap body heat and hold warmth. Fleece is light, warm, flexible, and durable and wicks moisture from the body so you can stay warm and comfortable.
Microfleece
Fleece and microfleece share the same general characteristics; what’s the difference between the two? The answer lies in the fibers! Fleece fibers are made from spun plastic, and the spun fibers for microfleece are thinner than silk. It maintains all the wonderful properties of fleece while being even lighter and more comfortable.
Silk
Silk is a wonderfully paradoxical fabric, as it can keep you warm in cold temperatures and cool in hot temperatures. Much like the other fabrics we discussed, the air pockets created by the fibers trap body heat, keeping the warmth close enough to your skin that you stay warm. As temperatures increase, the silk fibers allow heat to disperse, leaving you feeling refreshed and cool on those surprisingly warm days.
Hemp
Hemp fibers have hollow inner cores, creating those lovely heat-trapping air pockets that we see in other warm fabrics. This means it has natural thermoregulating properties, acting as a breathable insulator. Much like silk, hemp fabric also allows heat to disperse, so you can stay cool as you transition to warmer temperatures.
With this list of the warmest fabrics to wear in cold temperatures, you’re ready to stay active and comfortable all winter! To help you bulk up on winter wardrobe essentials, Polarmax sells merino wool thermals designed to help you stay comfy and toasty all winter long.