Choosing thermal underwear for children
Caring parents try to dress the child as warmly as possible during the cold season. Hypothermia of the child, let alone colds, should not be allowed. The salvation in such situations is the purchase of thermal underwear. However, few people know that his choice is not so simple, because thermal underwear is not a wonderful body warmer. The material in this article will tell you about the features, varieties and nuances of choosing a good children's thermal clothing.
Peculiarities
Contrary to the common opinion, thermal underwear is intended not so much for warming the body as for creating a comfortable microclimate under overalls, jacket, pants. Thermal underwear is usually understood as underwear of various types and purposes. It can be all kinds of wardrobe elements, for example, underpants, thermal pants, thermal shorts, thermal socks, thermal shirts, turtlenecks, thermal overalls, long sleeves and bodysuits.
Depending on the production technology, products can be sutured (with flat seams) and seamless, with and without fleece.
This garment is characterized by an optimally tight fit on the figure, but does not sag or bulge. With the right choice, it is not visible under the main clothing.
The thickness of the undergarment may vary. Some models are uniform in thickness, while others have reinforced inserts in the groin, elbows, knees, and feet. The design features of the cut are the presence of elastic cuffs located at the bottom of the sleeves and underpants, as well as the cut of the “classic” and “raglan” sleeves. The weight of thermal underwear also differs, since it is made using different technologies. In one case, the products are single-layer, in addition to them, there are options for the two- and three-layer type on sale.
Children's underwear has a different purpose. Depending on this it is designed for different seasons... This is by no means a versatile piece of clothing for the winter. Thermal underwear is bought for summer, off-season and winter. Moreover, the models for each season have their own differences, properties and performance characteristics. The main task of such clothes is to maintain dryness of the body both in cold and hot weather.
It works according to the following principle: between the skin of the body and the material of the underwear, an air gap is created that is optimal for the body temperature. As activity progresses, moisture (sweat) is released into the layer. It gets on the fabric of the linen and is quickly removed to the surface of the outer layer, where it evaporates without cooling the air gap. Thanks to this, the body does not overcool or overheat.
Advantages and disadvantages
Thermal underwear for children is in great consumer demand and has many advantages. It is distinguished by:
- practicality and functionality;
- efficiency and durability;
- variety of size range;
- variability of color solutions;
- a variety of materials of manufacture;
- normalization of air exchange;
- caring for delicate baby skin;
- creating a comfortable microclimate for the body;
- elasticity of the materials used;
- the strength of the connecting seams;
- the presence of antibacterial impregnations;
- lack of piercing internal elements;
- wear resistance and resistance to creasing.
High-quality thermal underwear for children is resistant to deformation and does not change its properties after repeated washings... However, along with the advantages, children's underwear has several disadvantages. For example, parents consider the key of them overpriced for one product or set.
Mothers are sure that for this money they buy wonderful underwear with high heating properties. In fact, the "thermo" prefix is not a guarantee that the underwear will save the child from severe frosts.
In addition, these clothes must be selected correctly. It has a different composition and this is what determines the main purpose of the products.
In fact, these are underwear made of high-tech or natural fabrics. However, not every product has heat-saving properties. Some fibers are not as effective at removing moisture. The addition of others reduces the heat-saving qualities of the garment.
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The entire assortment of children's thermal underwear can be classified according to several criteria. For example, by age group it is designed for children of adolescence, primary school, preschool age. A separate line includes products for newborns and babies. They are more soft, made from hypoallergenic materials using harmless dyes.
According to the type of cut, the products are divided into one-piece and separate... The former include overalls and bodysuits (thermal shirts with short or long sleeves and fasteners at the bottom). The separate elements of the sets are thermal pants (thermal tights, thermal leggings, thermal pants) or sweaters (thermal shirts, thermal jackets). Also on sale are options for thermal underwear in the form of hats (for example, a helmet-mask).
According to the purpose, the products are divided into several lines. Trade marks produce children's thermal clothing for everyday wear, sports and wearing in the cold season. The variants of the sports type, in turn, are divided according to the degree of activity. Such thermal underwear is taken for children involved in various sports. There are models for young hockey players and skaters on sale.
Thermal clothing for figure skating differs in thickness and purpose. It is thin, invisible under the main clothing, does not hinder body movements. Ski and hockey underwear differs in structure and number of layers. There are models for running, active outdoor games in the lines. There are also those options that are worn for walking in cold weather.
According to the type of effect, the options are divided into 3 types.
- Moisture-wicking thermal underwear. Products of this group are distinguished by their high moisture-wicking ability. This thermal underwear is thin and extremely comfortable. It has a special cellular structure, which is why it removes moisture from the body very quickly. Due to the dryness of the body, the child does not freeze and does not catch cold. Linen is made of synthetic materials that do not absorb sweat and odor.
- Heat saving. This type of thermal underwear is designed to warm the body. It has the same functions as regular warm clothing. Lingerie stores heat from the body and prevents it from evaporating when the baby is in the cold. However, the warmer it is, the thicker and more uncomfortable it is to wear. It will not work to put it under clothes so that it remains invisible.
- Combined. This type of thermal underwear is considered hybrid, since it consists of synthetic threads with the addition of natural ones. Such products have the characteristics of moisture-wicking and heat-saving models. This clothing protects the child's body from hypothermia. It is insulated and can have a different number of layers. There are options for sale with antiallergenic impregnation.
Manufacturing materials
Different raw materials are used in the production of children's thermal underwear. By type of origin it can be artificial and natural... The composition of the fibers used and the type of weaving determine the heat-saving and moisture-removing functions. The most common synthetic materials are polyester, polypropylene, microfiber, lycra, elastane, acrylic, fleece.
Fleece underwear is soft and pleasant to the touch. Models made of artificial fibers are bought for schoolchildren and adolescents. These are clothes for active children who move and sweat a lot. The composition of the material is often enriched with cotton or wool fibers. At the same time, it is artificial threads that prevail in the composition.
One-piece underwear is quite rare on the market. It is more expedient to buy options of a combined type, consisting of different materials. These are two-layer or three-layer underwear with the addition of wool. Thermal underwear made of merino wool can be worn in cool autumn, spring and winter.
Manufacturers rating
The range of thermal clothing for children is truly diverse. Many leading companies are engaged in its production: there are Norwegian, Finnish and Chinese brands worthy of choice. In the lines of manufacturers there are options for hockey, figure skating, everyday wear.
The top of the best firms includes brands whose assortment is in great consumer demand.
- Yanus Is a Norwegian brand that manufactures products for adults and adolescents. It produces warm and insulated wool models, specializing in the production of hybrid types. Sells hypoallergenic thermal underwear with original design and high quality.
- Guahoo Is a Finnish trade mark offering customers a wide range of children's thermal underwear for everyday wear and outdoor activities. The brand's products are distinguished by their practicality, efficiency and durability, as well as heat-saving functions.
- Norveg - produces professional thermal underwear for future athletes and very active children. The brand's products are made of hybrid textiles; they use merino wool, organic cotton, cashmere and the innovative thermolite material in their production. The models have not only heat-saving, but also moisture-wicking effect.
- Oldos - differs from competitors in the production of linen that reduces heat loss in cold weather. Two-layer products for boys and girls are soft and comfortable, they are comfortable to wear, of high quality and practicality. The range of models is quite affordable for the average buyer.
- Dr.Wool - is a Russian brand that manufactures premium thermal underwear for children. Models are classified into lines for boys and girls, differing in anatomical cut.The size of products starts from 128 cm, these clothes are suitable for outdoor activities and everyday wear.
Selection and care tips
In order for the purchased thermal underwear to have the necessary characteristics, to be warm, moisture-wicking and durable, its choice must be approached thoroughly. You cannot buy products that are several sizes larger. "Growth" options do not heat and do not remove moisture, and their effectiveness is reduced. You need to take products that match the size and build of a particular child.
It is important to try on, it will allow you to understand the degree of comfort of the underwear.
Products should fit optimally tightly on the figure, without drooping or hindering movements. You cannot take options that tighten the body, bite into the armpits and groin.
It is important to choose the right purpose of thermal underwear. For active walks in the fresh air and sports, it is better to purchase options from synthetic or combined materials. They are practical and durable, do not deform after repeated washings, do not tear, and are resistant to wear and tear.
For everyday wear in cold weather, you need to take models from merino wool or camel wool. However, buying a 100% natural product for small children is undesirable, since pure wool pricks the skin... For children 1-2 years old, you need to take two-layer options that do not irritate the skin. Inside they are soft, outside they are prickly.
When choosing options for a one and a half year old baby, you should take a closer look at cotton products. At 2-3 years old, you can wear not only cotton, but also fleece clothes. At 5 and more years, you can wear products made of polypropylene, polyester and other synthetics with the addition of cotton or wool fibers. Variants for walking in winter should be made of wool-predominant blended fibers.
When choosing a particular product, it is necessary to pay attention to its marking and the density of the textiles. This will allow the most accurate selection of thermal underwear for a specific season. For example, Thermal clothing with the Lite mark indicates that this product is intended for spring or autumn, cool and windy weather.
Analogues marked Duo are recommended to be worn at temperatures from +7 to -20 degrees. For the cold season, things with the Aeroeffect label are suitable. They can maintain an optimal body microclimate at outdoor temperatures down to -30 degrees.
When choosing a model of clothing for a child, you need to pay attention to the labels. Manufacturers indicate the main and additional functions on each of them.
For example, products can have antibacterial inserts, hypoallergenic effect. It is indicated on the label and the density of the weave of the threads per 1 sq. M. However, among decent manufacturers there are those who produce products of not the best quality. As a rule, such things are distinguished by a low price, which attracts buyers with a limited budget. When buying low-cost models, you should think about their quality.... Such clothes roll quickly, they do not have the properties typical of children's thermal underwear.
Before you buy a product of your favorite brand, it is necessary to scroll through the reviews about it on the relevant Internet forums. In addition, you can familiarize yourself with the recommendations of manufacturers for choosing a specific item from their assortment. The manufactured products are divided into lines or series, differing in purpose, degree of activity, number of layers, and different effects.
You can buy products for a membrane or classic type kits. When trying on, you need to ask the child to walk. This will allow you to assess the degree of comfort and understand whether the thing is bulging during wear, whether it is short.
When buying models for babies, you need to take into account: in a quality product, the seams are located outward so that the lines do not rub the delicate skin.
It is not difficult to take care of thermal underwear. It must be washed by hand or in a washing machine on a gentle mode no more than once a week, however, you can only use non-aggressive detergents for this: soap or liquid detergent. Do not try to bleach or dye your laundry, or use a stain remover.
You can wash thermal underwear at a water temperature of no more than +40 degrees.
Do not wring out such clothes, and also dry them on a radiator, heated towel rail or heater. This will disrupt the structure of the material and deform the product. You need to dry such products naturally, spreading them out on a flat surface. Woolen items must be ventilated. Such clothes should not be dry-cleaned.
How to wear?
You need to put on thermal underwear, whether it is a thermal shirt, thermal jacket, underpants or a thermal T-shirt, on your naked body, the effectiveness of underwear depends on it. If you wear it over a standard T-shirt, pants or socks, it will not have the desired effect. You need to put on things on a dry and clean body, without any layers.
The only exception is the diaper: babies need to wear underwear over it. You can wear clothes over panties.
After that, put on underwear and outerwear. but do not wear thermal underwear all the time – both on the street and at home. After coming from school, the child must change into natural clothes, removing winter underwear. You can wear special tights and leggings, boy's underpants outside at temperatures from +7 to +15 degrees.
If the weather is cooler, it makes sense to wear a combined type of thermal underwear with the addition of wool fibers.
On top of the thermal underwear, they put on the usual, however, the number of common layers of clothing should be reduced. This rule applies not only to thermal pants or thermal softs, but also to thermal socks. They are also worn on a naked body, otherwise they not only sit poorly on the leg, but also do not fulfill their functions.
How to choose thermal underwear for children, see the video below.