rash decisions/ thermal underwear

[emordnilap]

Knowing how totally prepared everyone here is for this chilly weather, a question or two for those of you who wear thermal underwear:

Have you or has anyone you know experienced any skin problems which might have been caused by that underwear?

If yes, what has been done about it, if anything?

Lastly, what thermal underwear would you recommend acquiring/avoiding?

I know this has been pursued in older threads but I'd like to hear of any recent experiences and recommendations.

[contadino]

Tight underwear can be the cause of a type of dermatitis if you're used to alternatives with more air flow. The solution? Wash more often.

P.S. Why is it that the UK doesn't yet understand the beauty of the bidet?

[JohnB]

I've got a set of thermals from British Thermals, and two cheap pairs from a market stall. I think I'll buy the next lot from British thermals.

I haven't experienced skin problems, but get the feeling that it's a possibility*. I slept in mine for a few nights, before I sussed out that my duvet with my Slanket on top was warm enough, except when getting out of bed to turn on the heater!

* Added after seeing Emordnilap's comment. I do find the tightness a bit uncomfortable at times, especially as my cheap ones are a bit short and small. Spending a long time in heated buildings would make them more uncomfortable I think.

[Bandidoz]

So use moisturiser then

[contadino]

Tight underwear can be the cause of a type of dermatitis if you're used to alternatives with more air flow.

I take your point, though I'm not specifically referring to tight underwear - though many thermal undergarments are, ermmm, 'snug'. Contadino, do you have some medical knowledge of this dermatitis or perhaps an authoritative link?

The solution? Wash more often.

Might not this too be detrimental? Frequent washing can dry out skin.

Thanks for your input, c.

It's something I needed to look up several years ago, so no, I can't provide a link. Now I wash down there at least 4 or 5 times a day using Contadina's olive oil soap. No problems, but I think our soap is quite easy on the skin.

[emordnilap]

So use moisturiser then

Thanks, B.

Soap and moisturiser, hmmm, it all seems self-defeating somehow.

[contadino]

So use moisturiser then

Thanks, B.

Soap and moisturiser, hmmm, it all seems self-defeating somehow.

Castille soap doesn't dry out skin, so you won't need moisturiser

[alternative-energy]

Ice Breaker seriously expensive - seriously good merino

[emordnilap]

Ice Breaker seriously expensive - seriously good merino

It sounds like you have experience.

[adam2]

Cheap thermal underwear, like cheap clothes in general tends to be smaller than expected and therefore tight, buy a size larger than you think you need.

Cheap thermal underwear is usually polyester and far from comfortable in use, I avoid it.
Washing both the underwear and the user more frequently helps to a limited extent.

Cotton is far more comfortable and I would allways recomend cotton for cold DRY conditions such as indoors in unheated buildings.
Cotton is unsuitable for camping, hiking, or outdoor emergencies as it looses virtually all the insulating qaulities if wet.
I would however recomend cotton for cold dry conditions such as indoors with limited heating.

100% cotton long underwear is not widely sold, but can be obtained if you search on ebay etc.
Another possibility would be stretch all cotton pajamas, made of similar material to t-shirts. These are widely sold at relatively low prices.

Wittman textiles in the USA sell good qaulity all cotton underwear and nightwear. The all cotton long underpants are good qaulity, and even after air freight, reasonable in price.
They also sell long sleeved cotton nightshirts, like a t-shirt but longer.
Although sold to wear in bed, they are very suitable for winter daytime wear under a shirt, pullover or overalls. Most so-called vests sold today are in fact t-shirts and not long enough to stay tucked in, the 45inch long garments sold to wear in bed are much more suitable.
Link below.



Edited long after the original post to delete links that no longer work.

New link
http://www.wittmanntextiles.com/

[adam2]

* Added after seeing Emordnilap's comment. I do find the tightness a bit uncomfortable at times, especially as my cheap ones are a bit short and small. Spending a long time in heated buildings would make them more uncomfortable I think.

Yes, more than about 90 seconds in warmer suroundings can be uncomfortable if wearing garments that are tight, and probably entirely poly or other fake material.
Fine for emergency or short term use, but for regular winter wear, not suited in my view.

[re]

Ice Breaker seriously expensive - seriously good merino

I've heard good things about the performance of Icebreaker stuff. Though obviously not suitable for vegans, I think their required standards of animal welfare seem better than most. A lot of other merino wool comes from Australia where mulesing is carried out, often without anesthetics. Icebreaker source their wool from New Zealand.
I agree with Adam2 that cotton is good in a dry environment or where you can change if you get wet/sweaty. I think some bamboo stuff is pretty good as well.

[biffvernon]

I've got Icebreaker. Expensive but nice.

[alternative-energy]

Ice Breaker seriously expensive - seriously good merino

It sounds like you have experience.

12 years mountaineering experience. Use icebreaker now for all base layers instead of polyprop. Leggings are fantastic.
Paramo gear best for salopettes, jackets - again expensive but amazing drying properties, can be a little hot if exerting heavily.

[woodpecker]

I have both merino (used on the hoof/cycle and at home) and M&S standard man made fibre (at home only). Merino is great in all weathers and it breathes. The other stuff is fine for hanging around indoors, but you don't want to sweat in it.

At night I go for warm and loose - winceyette - to make a change from all the closer fitting stuff.