Thermal underwear

A few more things to know about thermal underwear

In the family of PPE, let's talk about thermal underwear. It is part of category 2 of the PPE which protects against intermediate risks, and like all its peers, this equipment has the role of protecting an employee from any risk that could threaten his safety or health. In this case, it will be a question of protecting the latter against the cold. Many brands today offer outfits adapted to each need, it will then be enough to choose the model that best suits the worker and the conditions he faces.

The functions of thermal underwear

Before talking about the standards that govern the making of thermal work underwear, let's start by defining what this equipment is and then we let's say more about the uses it can have. As the name suggests, this gear is worn as a first layer under clothing. It sticks to the skin and has the purpose of regulating body temperature, thus providing its wearer with the necessary warmth to carry out their work in good conditions.

It is generally made with synthetic or Merino wool, ideal materials for keeping warm. The latter is particularly prized for its softness and comfort.

The different kinds of thermal underwear on the market

Here is a list of the types of underwear currently on the market:

- The thermal set that covers the body from the feet, through the arms and up to the torso.

- Thermal pants

- Under-sweater with turtleneck

- The Work T-shirt, available with short or long sleeves

-The thermal underpants which, unlike classic underpants, go all the way to the calves

- The leggings some know as tights

The range of Oxwork thermal underwear - Anti cold for men and women

For men and women in all sectors of activity, Oxwork offers a selection of thermal underwear that serves as a second skin to keep professionals warm. Essentially made of wool, bamboo, polyester, elastane, polypropylene, they can be categorized into 2:

• Undergarment tops: long-sleeved and short-sleeved work t-shirts, with high necks or round necks; long-sleeved turtleneck undershirt; long-sleeved work sweater; long or short sleeve jerseys
• Underwear bottoms: thermal pants, long underwear, leggings

There are also sets of thermal underwear (pants and long-sleeved t-shirt).

The particularity of this equipment from Oxwork is the fact that it combines several protective capabilities. Not only do they provide warmth, but they are also flame retardant, antibacterial and multi-standard.

Thermal underwear design standards

Worn during periods of intense cold or for work in a cold room, the underwear keeps the employee warm by maintaining their body temperature, thanks to the air retained in the equipment. Although used in a low temperature environment, it is designed to be breathable and quickly wick away moisture (sweat), since the body is kept warm. It is also made to be elastic, with the aim of not hindering the wearer in their activities and offering them optimal comfort.

But like all personal protective equipment, thermal underwear is also governed by strict standards to be effective. These underwear that protect against the cold are subject to the EN 342 standard, which is a standard that complements two others against cold climates: EN 343 and EN 14058.

Three characteristics define this standard: The level of breathability, the level of wind protection and the level of insulation. For this PPE to be adapted according to the particular circumstances encountered during working hours, there are often pictograms (X, Y and Z) and numbers that define the different levels of the characteristics mentioned above.

The X evaluates the level of perspiration wicking, the Y concerns the impermeability against the wind and the Z refers to the thermal resistance of the underwear. The level is scored between 1 and 3 and allows you to choose the ideal underwear in relation to the conditions encountered, or to limit the worker's exposure time in an environment.

A few more things to know about thermal underwear to keep you warm

Because workwear plays a very special role in relation to everyday wear, PPE clothing is now designed to be aesthetically beautiful.

It should also be noted that the underwear is always dark in color (black, gray or dark blue), in order to keep as much heat as possible.