What is Thermal? From its features to recommended models at a glance

For those who wish they had a top that is more than a long tee and less than a knit sweater, we recommend the thermal cut and sewn. It is a reliable item that can be expected to be used throughout the year, as it has excellent heat retention properties while being comfortable on the skin, and is also breathable. Many of you may have seen or heard of thermals, but are actually unfamiliar with them. In this issue, we will introduce the features and recommended products under the theme of “thermals.

Thermal is a full-scale winter wear with military and outdoor origins!

Thermal” refers to cut and sewn clothing made of waffle or honeycomb fabrics with an uneven texture. Originally, the word “thermal” meant “heat” or “temperature,” and the unique uneven texture creates a layer of air to keep you warm, hence the name “thermal. It is also warm, yet feels dry on the skin, with a small surface area in contact with the skin, and is highly breathable, making it less likely to become damp. They are also highly stretchable, so they fit well and are easy to move around in, making them an excellent item in every way.

Such thermals are items that originated in the military. It is said to have been used as undershirts for soldiers of the U.S. military when they visited extremely cold regions, and is a full-fledged thermal wear. Later, it came to be used as outdoor underwear, and became widely available to the general public. Today, it transcends the boundaries of genres and has become a standard item for both men and women.

There are two types of fabrics used for thermals! Waffle or thermal?

There are two main types of fabrics used for thermals: waffle and honeycomb. Let’s take a look at the differences between the two, not only in appearance but also in characteristics.

Thermal dough (1) “Waffle

As the name suggests, waffle fabric is characterized by square bumps like waffles in sweets. Waffle fabric is so widely used that it is often referred to as “waffle when it comes to thermal cut and sewn. It has excellent water and moisture absorbency, so it does not become sticky even when sweating, and it is comfortable to wear due to its moderate heat retention and stretchiness.

Search for waffle fabric thermals

Thermal fabric (2) ” Honeycomb

Honeycomb fabric is a fabric with a three-dimensional hexagonal pattern reminiscent of a beehive. Also called honeycomb mesh, it is often used for spring and summer wear as well as fall and winter items. Compared to waffle, it is characterized by its stretchiness on both sides. In addition, honeycomb fabrics are often seen in vintage thermals on the market. Now that waffle fabrics are the mainstream, honeycomb fabrics are recommended if you want to enjoy a different atmosphere from waffle fabrics.

Search for honeycomb fabric thermals