Wearing thermal underwear for a few years won't keep you warm anymore

Generally, wearing thermal underwear for 2-3 years will gradually weaken its insulation effect. The decrease in thermal insulation performance is mainly related to factors such as fiber aging, washing methods, wearing frequency, sweat corrosion, and friction loss.

1. Fiber Aging

The insulation layer of thermal underwear is often made of fiber materials such as acrylic and wool. Long term wearing and washing can cause the fiber structure to break and the fluffiness to decrease. The ability of fibers to store air inside is weakened, resulting in a decrease in thermal insulation performance. Natural fibers such as wool can also lose their elasticity due to protein denaturation.

2. Washing method

Frequent machine washing, especially high-temperature washing, can accelerate fiber damage, and the mechanical force of the washing machine can cause fibers to entangle and become tangled. Using alkaline detergents can damage the molecular structure of protein fibers such as wool. It is recommended to choose neutral detergents for hand washing to avoid vigorous rubbing and dehydration.

3. Wearing frequency

Continuous daily wearing will accelerate fabric wear, and salt and sebum in sweat will penetrate into fiber gaps, affecting its breathability and thermal resistance. Suggest preparing 2-3 pieces for rotation to give the fibers time to recover their elasticity and extend their lifespan.

4. Sweat Corrosion

The acidic components in human sweat can corrode metal fibers and coatings, and sweat residue may also cause fiber mold. After exercise, it should be replaced and cleaned in a timely manner to avoid prolonged accumulation of sweat. Silver ion antibacterial fabrics should be cleaned in a timely manner, especially.

5. Friction Loss

Friction generated during daily activities can cause pilling on the surface of the fabric and damage the fluff structure. The friction between the outer layer and the jacket will thin the fabric in key areas such as the elbows and knees. Choose a jacket with a smooth inner layer to reduce static electricity and minimize friction damage.

To extend the service life of thermal underwear, it is recommended to use a moisture wicking cotton base underneath to reduce stains caused by direct contact with the skin. When washing, flip it over and put it in a laundry bag, and choose a special program for wool or fine fabrics. Avoid compression and folding during storage, keep dry and ventilated. When it is found that the underwear has significantly become thinner, the elasticity has disappeared, or the insulation effect has decreased, it should be replaced in a timely manner. Special functional underwear such as self heating models may lose their heating material with increasing washing times, so it is important to update them in a timely manner.