Thermal clothing is worn to either prevent over-heating of the body or to insulate the body against the cold. There are several types of thermal clothing such as thermal T-shirts, thermal jackets, thermal socks etc., but the best known thermal clothing is the range of thermal underwear available.

Thermal clothing’s everyday use is for keeping warm during long, cold winter months. This clothing works on the principle that the body’s moisture needs to be drawn away from the body and that the body’s heat needs to be trapped against the skin, thus keeping the body warm. This is usually achieved by wearing many layers of clothes. However, layers of clothes are bulky and very uncomfortable to wear and often not practical for outdoor activities (such as working or hiking).

It is for this reason that thermal clothing is made of blends of synthetic and natural fabrics that work together to obtain the ideal combination of wicking and insulation. When choosing outer thermal clothes, the most popular blends are wool with a synthetic like polyester or just Angora silk. For thermal socks, wool is the best option – especially in very cold conditions.