During the colder months of the year, choosing the right underwear can make the difference between feeling comfortable and protected or spending a day filled with discomfort. In this context, the terms thermal clothing and thermoregulatory clothing often come up as popular options, but what's the difference? We break down the 5 main differences between
thermal clothing and thermoregulatory clothing , so you can choose the perfect option for your needs.
Thermal and thermoregulatory clothing: 5 differences you should keep in mind
Both thermal and thermoregulatory clothing
serve key functions to protect you from the cold and maintain your comfort . However, the choice will depend on your needs, your activity level, and the weather conditions you face. Knowing the differences between these two types of clothing will help you make your purchasing decision.
1. Primary objective: heat retention vs. temperature regulation
The main difference between thermal and thermoregulatory clothing is their function:
-
Thermal clothing : Designed to retain body heat and protect you from extreme cold. It's ideal for low-activity conditions or very cold environments.
-
Thermoregulatory clothing : This goes further, as it regulates body temperature. This means it not only retains heat, but also prevents overheating by allowing moisture and sweat to dissipate.
Therefore, if you need a garment that adapts to different temperatures or activity levels, a thermoregulatory garment is the most versatile choice. In another blog post, we tell you about Abanderado's
smart thermoregulatory fabric , which you can find in the
Regul'Activ line of T-shirts, part of the Technical collection.
2. Materials used
The materials also differ between both types of garments:
-
Thermal clothing : This is usually made from fabrics such as polyester, wool or cotton, which form a layer that traps warm air close to the body.
-
Thermoregulatory clothing : combines technical materials such as nylon, elastane, and advanced fabrics that allow breathability and evaporation of sweat, keeping the skin dry.
In
Abanderado's Thermal collection, we work with
winter cotton (100% cotton with unstitched Interlock fabric and a plush interior),
winter fiber (a blend of cotton and polyester with a plush interior), and
Termaltech fiber (a blend of cotton, polyamide, viscose, and elastane).
For its part,
in the Regul'Activ line, cotton is also the protagonist , although always combined with a small percentage of elastane.
3. Recommended activity levels
When choosing men's underwear, we always recommend considering what it will be used for: everyday wear, exercise, activities in extreme cold, etc.
-
Thermal clothing : Designed for people who will spend long periods of time in cold environments and with little physical activity. For example, it's ideal for winter hikes or outdoor activities in cold climates.
-
Thermoregulatory clothing : perfect for those who alternate between different activity levels. If you play sports or have an active lifestyle, this clothing prevents you from overheating or sweat buildup, providing greater comfort.
4. Adaptability to varied climates
Choosing
thermal clothing for traveling to cold destinations isn't the same as opting for thermoregulatory shirts for everyday wear in winter. Considering the weather is crucial when making decisions. For example, on a day when temperatures start cold in the morning and rise by midday, thermoregulatory clothing will be your best ally.
-
Thermal clothing : This works best in extremely cold climates, as it's designed solely to retain heat. However, it can become excessively hot if temperatures change or the environment becomes warmer.
-
Thermoregulatory clothing is designed to adapt to varying climates thanks to its ability to adjust the body temperature appropriately. This makes it ideal for people who face constant temperature changes throughout the day.
5. Feeling of use
At Abanderado, we believe comfort is key, which is why all our thermoregulatory and thermal garments are designed to offer you maximum comfort.
-
Thermal clothing : Although it protects from the cold, it can cause a feeling of suffocation or discomfort in less cold environments or during prolonged activities.
-
Thermoregulatory clothing : Provides a more balanced feeling, as it prevents overheating and allows the skin to breathe. This translates into greater comfort all day long.
In short, when should you choose one or the other?
Both options have their advantages, but it's important to choose the one that best suits your specific needs.
-
Choose thermal clothing if you live in an extremely cold climate, engage in low-intensity outdoor activities, or need an extra layer of warmth for a trip.
-
Choose thermoregulatory clothing if you need versatile garments that adapt to different activity levels and changing climates, as well as for your everyday life.
At Abanderado, we know that every man has unique needs, and that's why we offer a range of men's underwear that includes everything from thermal garments to thermoregulatory options, so you can always find what you need.
