Sport and cold: tips for choosing your insulated t-shirt - Vital
How to choose a sports t-shirt that keeps us dry and warm without making us sweat more? Here are the criteria to check:
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High-tech at the service of our silhouette
Material and technology
Each brand has its own thermal insulation and thermoregulation technology and often offers several degrees of protection, depending on the temperatures and activities planned. Whether made of synthetic, natural fibers or a mixture of the two, the t-shirt must be pleasant on the skin. If it is worn under other clothes, it is better that it is thin and that it contains a little elastane.
The size and the cut
It must be in contact with the skin, therefore adjusted (even tight-fitting), in particular if it is worn as an "underlayer" for winter sports or for engage in outdoor activity. In the city, a model close to the body does the trick. For the cut, it is better to opt for a T-shirt that goes down to the top of the buttocks and with long sleeves, especially for outdoor exercises.
Antibacterial treatment
It reduces the development of bacteria in textile fibers and prevents the fermentation of bacteria in the skin, responsible for body odor. A particularly useful option for garments made of synthetic fibers. This treatment is not necessary for T-shirts made of natural material such as merino wool, which retains less odor.
Seams
They should be flat (or facing outwards) and few in number to avoid friction on the skin. And we make sure that the integrated pockets and the zips are well placed: it would be a shame to be bothered by a zip that rubs the chin, for example.
"Breathability"
To prevent the T-shirt from getting damp, opt for a breathable model. The breathability of a material is its ability to evacuate water vapor generated by perspiration. It is measured in RET (thermal evaporative resistance) or in MTVR (water vapor transmission rate). The lower the RET coefficient, the better the evacuation of humidity. The higher the degree of MTVR, the more the fabric breathes.
Our selection
The sportiest
It is antibacterial treated, it effectively wicks away perspiration and its breathable jersey mesh protects from the cold up to? 5°C. Its extra-flat seams and longer cut at the back make it comfortable. Perfect for moderate outdoor sports activities.
Easy Body degree 3, Damart, €34.90, www.damartsport.com
The hottest
Ideal for winter sports or in extreme cold (up to ? 30°C), it contains 20% high quality merino wool. It prevents the growth of bacteria and fungi, it is guaranteed odorless and it wicks moisture very well. Zipped collar, flat seams and thumb loops.
Merino zip 2, Cimalp, €69.90, www.cimalp.fr
The most urban
To wear every day, it is very soft and comes in several colors and cuts. Composed of a blend of intelligent synthetic fibers that absorb moisture from the body and transform it into heat, it creates a self-heating circuit for continuous insulation.
Heattech extra-warm round neck, Uniqlo, €19.90, www.uniqlo.com
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