It can be worn like a T-shirt, yet it never feels short. In addition, while providing protection from the cold, it also has excellent breathability and stretchability, making it useful in a wide range of situations, from chilly days to when the weather gets sweaty. Thermal fabrics, such as waffle and honeycomb, are favored for their ease of use. In this article, we will explain the characteristics and origins of thermal fabrics, and the differences between waffle and honeycomb fabrics. Finally, we will introduce 12 recommended tops using thermal fabrics.
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What is Thermal?Thermal is a fabric characterized by an uneven surface that is cold-resistant, breathable, and stretchable
Thermal is an English word meaning heat or temperature. In fashion, it refers to items with an uneven fabric surface. The unevenness of the surface of the fabric allows air to enter between the skin and the fabric, making it difficult for body heat to escape, thereby providing thermal protection. The unevenness also ensures breathability, so even in high temperatures, the garment is not stuffy and feels dry to the touch. Another feature of this material is its excellent stretchability.
In the 20th century, its functionality was recognized and it was adopted as underwear for military wear and outdoor wear, such as undershirts for U.S. military personnel during activities in extremely cold regions. It is now used as underwear for military wear and outdoor wear.
Today, it is not only used as underwear, but also as a top that can be worn as an inner layer of a jacket or shirt, or as a single piece of clothing. The simple look and feel of this item is accented by the unevenness of the fabric, making it a popular item that does not make you feel that you are lacking something.
Two types of fabrics used for thermals!Which to choose? Waffle OR Honeycomb
Here is an overview of the different types of fabrics used in thermals, including their appearance and characteristics.
Waffle fabricFeatures square irregularities reminiscent of waffles in baked goods
Waffle fabric, as the name suggests, is a rough-looking material with rough, square irregularities reminiscent of waffles in baked goods. It is the most popular thermal fabric in the modern era. It is a standard fabric that offers the appearance and functionality of thermal in an easy-to-understand way.
honeycomb fabricFeatures hexagonal irregularities reminiscent of a beehive
Honeycomb is a fabric derived from honeycomb, which means beehive. Honeycomb has an irregularity similar to a hexagonal shape, and items with finer irregularities are more common than waffle. It was often used as military undershirts, and it is said that many old thermal items on the vintage market are made of honeycomb fabric. Now that waffle fabric is the mainstream, we recommend this item for those who want to enjoy a different atmosphere from the standard.
Here is a selection of recommended tops that use thermal fabrics!
Recommended Thermal Wear 1
ENTLEMAN PROJECTS’ “WADE” is just right for adults on holiday who feel that a T-shirt is not enough but a shirt is a bit too pretentious. It is just right for adults on their days off. While retaining the masculinity characteristic of henley necks, the decoration that tends to lean toward military or sports has been stripped away, so that cleanliness and sex appeal naturally coexist. The waffle knit is a cross between super high-twisted cotton and Japanese paper yarn.
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Recommended Thermal Wear 2
This piece we picked up from Hanes is finished with a real thermal feel derived from underwear. The waffle fabric combines the feel of cotton with the quick-drying properties of polyester, giving it a lightweight texture. The slightly slim silhouette makes it easy to match with shirts and jackets as innerwear. The henley neckline adds a nice accent when worn alone.
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Recommended Thermal Wear 3
From Healthknit, the T-shirt we picked up is a honeycomb fabric piece. Based on the three-dimensional honeycomb thermal structure developed by the U.S. Navy for activities in the Arctic, where temperatures drop below freezing, this T-shirt uses custom-made yarns based on analysis of vintage from that time. In addition, a 4-needle flat seamer machine is used for sewing, which reduces the thickness of the seam allowance.
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Recommended Thermal Wear 4BEAMS PLUS 'Crew Thermal 30/-'
BEAMS PLUS thermal T-shirts are made of a finer count yarn than usual and are made lighter and smoother by using more processes to make them fuller. and smoothness by using a finer count yarn than usual and increasing the puffiness of the yarn. The ribbed cuffs use multiple knitting patterns, and while simple, the intricate details are appealing, making this a piece that is typical of BEAMS PLUS, which offers modern utility wear based on the American uniforms of the 1940s and 1960s.
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5 Recommended Thermal Wear
The piece we picked up from RRL features a thin, moisture-wicking texture and a washed finish for a soft vintage feel. Classic details such as the three-button placket and ribbed sleeve ends are still present. It can be worn on its own or as an inner layer of a shirt or jacket to create an RRL-like atmosphere.
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Recommended Thermal Wear 6Patagonia 'Men's Work Waffle Crew'
Patagonia’s workwear-derived piece is made of 56% organic cotton, 41% Tencel Lyocell and 3% polyurethane. The stretch waffle knit is both durable and comfortable. It has the functionality typical of an outdoor brand, and as street wear it will work well as an inner layer for jackets and the like.
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Recommended Thermal Wear 7Goldwin 'Waffle Light Long Sleeve Tee Shirt'
From Goldwin, we pick up a highly functional piece that is typical of the brand. The material is “DELTA SLX Waffle” which utilizes the kickback property of SOLOTEX, and the silhouette does not easily lose its shape even after repeated wear and washing. It is also wrinkle-resistant and easy-care, making it useful as a cut-and-sew garment to take with you on your travels or business trips. In addition, the UV-protecting and antibacterial/odor-preventing Polyzine Stay Fresh finish makes it comfortable to wear even during the sweaty season. It can be worn in any season, from street wear to outdoor activities.
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Recommended Thermal Wear 8DAIWA PIER39 'W's TECH THERMAL CREW S/S'
From DAIWA PIER39, a short sleeve thermal T made of wrinkle-resistant 100% polyester. Pick up. The waffle structure utilizing stretch yarns with a bimetallic structure gives the fabric a good return while stretching well. The hem is a classic round cut, useful for layering in early spring and early summer.
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Recommended Thermal Wear 9
From Snow Peak, we pick a short-sleeve crew-neck type thermal T-shirt. teijin’s highly balanced materials The waffle fabric is a fusion of “Delta” and “SOLOTEX,” and has a good balance of stretch and kickback, and is resistant to losing its shape. The sleeves and body are gusseted to allow for arm lift, making it comfortable to wear even in active situations.
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10 Recommended Thermal Wear
From Stone Island, we pick up this organic cotton waffle fleece This is a crew neck sweatshirt made of organic cotton waffle fleece. The thick waffle fabric allows the wearer to enjoy the unique unevenness of the thermal even more. The back has raglan sleeves, with ribbed inserts on both sides and underarms for ease of movement around the arms. In addition, the overlock stitching and badge on the left sleeve serve as the brand’s signature accents. It can also be used as the main feature of a coordinate.
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Recommended Thermal Wear 11
From Carhartt WIP, we choose a short-sleeved T-shirt made of heavyweight cotton waffle fabric. The fabric has thickness and expression, and the logo is placed on the chest, so it looks great even when worn alone. The garment-dye process gives it a soft feel and unique coloring, and it is also attractive for creating a cozy atmosphere.
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Recommended Thermal Wear 12
From Stüssy, we picked up a piece with the brand’s classic logo. This one is made of 100% cotton thermal fabric and garment-dyed. The basic logo on the chest and back is effective and can be worn with simple pants to complete a street style outfit. This is a piece that combines the practicality of a thermal with a graphic Stussy-esque feel.
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Recommended Thermal Wear 13
From MAGIC STICK ENTERTAINMENT, a special polyester waffle material This is a piece of clothing made of a special polyester waffle material. The color-coded waving stitches highlight the structural lines, creating a technical mood different from that of plain thermals. With a stable silhouette based on the brand’s CORE line, it has a balance of design and ease of everyday use. Recommended for those who find basic thermals insufficient.
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