If you're looking for the warmest material for your winter wardrobe, you can't go wrong with down. It's lightweight, keeps your core temperature high, and has excellent mobility. Men and women can both wear it with equal comfort. Another option for a warm winter coat is aerogel. This revolutionary material was developed in the 30s by NASA for spacesuits. It's composed of 96% air and silicon di oxide. Aerogel is a thin layer of insulation, making it warmer than 1.5 inches of down. Read our article about which material is warmer for thermal underwear, silk or wool.
Silk
Silk is one of the warmest and thinnest materials known to man. It has many desirable qualities, including its ability to absorb dyes easily and its beauty when draped. In addition, silk clothing is comfortable to wear and will take up minimal space in a suitcase. Silk is also very durable, which makes it a good choice for many clothing products. Silk thermals are one of the best.
Silk is used in a variety of products, including bicycle tires and decorative wall hangings. The material is also used in medical devices. It is a great material for summer clothing as it wicks moisture away from the skin and has a low thermal conductivity. It is also used for formal clothing, such as dresses, and has an appealing drape.
Down
Down is nature's finest insulator, providing the most warmth with the least weight and bulk. It is lightweight and warm, and is easy to pack. However, down won't insulate if it is damp, so consider buying a jacket that is water-resistant or made of synthetic materials. Some synthetic materials have the same fill power as down, but are not as warm as down.
Down comes in two types: regular down and water-resistant down. Water-resistant down is more expensive, but still extremely warm. A down jacket can cost up to $130, while a hat can cost as little as $20. Another popular choice is PrimaLoft, a patented synthetic microfiber developed for the military in the 1980s. This material is also thin enough to make a slim-warm jacket.
Wool
Wool is one of the warmest and thinnest materials available. It offers many benefits including water resistance, breathability, and quick drying properties. It also regulates your body temperature, keeping you warm in cold weather and cool in hot weather. Furthermore, it has antibacterial and odor-fighting properties. Wool can be worn for weeks at a time before requiring a wash. However, the durability of wool can be a concern for some people.
There are many different types of wool. Some are softer than others. Alpaca and merino wool are among the softest types.
Cotton-acrylic Blend
Acrylic is a type of synthetic fiber that is both strong and warm. It is commonly used in outdoor gear such as tracksuits and warm gloves. While it is not as breathable as polyester, it does retain heat well. However, its lack of breathability makes it unsuitable for lightweight summer clothing.
Acrylic is a synthetic material, made from 85% acrylonitrile and a lesser percentage of other synthetic compounds. Depending on the blend of the acrylic compounds, it can have different characteristics. Acrylic was first developed in the 1940s by the American DuPont Corporation. It was soon mass produced.
Viscose
Viscose is one of the most breathable and warmest materials. It is available in a wide variety of fabrics. While thin viscose fabrics may not be as warm as wool, thick viscose sheets may offer better comfort and warmth. Blends of cotton and viscose provide the warmth and feel of cotton while being lighter in weight. Viscose and cotton can be recycled and used again as they break down into cellulose fibers, which are useful in new fabrics and upholstery. However, viscose fabrics may take a long time to break down.
Viscose sheets are not machine washable, so they should be dry cleaned. You should also avoid using harsh cleaners, as they may damage the viscose fabric. Instead, you should hand wash viscose sheets in cold water, then hang them indoors or on a clothes line to dry. It is not recommended that you expose them to sunlight because UV rays can deteriorate the material.
Thinsulate Fibers
Thinsulate fibers are 15 micrometers in diameter and are the thinnest, warmest material on the market. These fibers are extremely light and thin, yet extremely warm - up to two times warmer than conventional polyester. Thinsulate is composed of 50 percent recycled materials and is extremely soft and flexible.
Thinsulate fibers are used in many high-end winter coats, hats, and outerwear. This type of fabric can trap and retain heat but also allow moisture to escape. Thinsulate is available in various lines and types. One type uses patented synthetic microfiber developed for the U.S. military. The other kind of thin, warm material is made from a polyester/cotton blend fabric.
