CHILDRENSALON'S GUIDE TO . . .
With winter approaching, now’s the perfect time to stock up their drawers with the cosiest thermals and kids’ base layers. But how does thermal clothing work? And what thermals are best for your child? We answer all of your questions in this handy guide.
Thermal clothing is clothing that is designed to keep your little ones warm on a cold day. They can be made from both natural and synthetic fibres, and offer the perfect base to wear under outer garments to lock in an extra layer of warmth. Our collection includes everything from leggings and long-sleeved tops to socks and thermal underwear from brands like Joha, Smalls Merino and Deux par Deux.
Your kids’ thermal clothing keeps them warm in a few ways. Firstly, the actual fibres of the fabric are woven in structures that trap tiny air pockets, like waffle and plain weaves. As air is a poor conductor of heat, the loss of body heat is slowed down drastically. Kids’ thermals also work by wicking away moisture from their skin. The body loses a lot of heat when sweat evaporates; thermal fabrics quickly pull this moisture away from the skin to the outer layer, keeping them dry and toasty warm.
Let’s start with one of nature’s best insulators: wool. This clever fibre is naturally crimped, creating millions of tiny air pockets, which we know trap in body heat. And that’s not all! The exterior of wool fibre is hydrophobic, meaning that it’s resistant to water, whilst the inner layer is hydrophilic and can absorb water without feeling damp. Coupled together, these features ensure that your child stays warm and dry on a cold day. Look out for Smalls Merino when browsing our thermals collection, the brand creates beautiful everyday basics and thermal base layers made from this wonder wool. Some synthetic fabrics, like polyester and nylon, are also fantastic insulators of heat, due to their moisture-wicking properties. They are also lightweight and quick drying, making them ideal as base layers for skiing and other sub-zero activities.
As the temperature drops, the number of layers your child wears will increase. The key is to avoid overheating, so don’t be tempted to dig out the thermals in temperatures above 10°C.
As a general guide:
In addition to the previous guidelines, a good rule of thumb to follow is that your child should wear one more layer than you are wearing in the same temperature. So, if you’re wearing a jumper and a jacket, then your little one should wear a vest or thermal top, a jumper and a jacket. You should also consider their activity level. For example, if your child is running around outside or doing an energetic activity in the snow, then fewer layers may be required, or at least they should be easy to take on and off as needed — zippered thermal tops are a good option! Indoors, kids’ thermal loungewear is ideal for wearing around the house. They are buttery soft, stretchy and warm, so they are perfect for hunkering down on a cold winter’s day.
The answer is: somewhere in the middle! Your child’s thermals and base layers should fit snugly against their body, creating a “second skin” that locks in the warmth and wicks moisture away from the skin. Base layers that are too loose will trap cold air and sweat, making your child colder, faster, and if their base layers are too tight, it will restrict movement and be uncomfortable.
No, cotton is not considered thermal and is therefore not a good material for children’s thermal wear. This fibre, whilst natural like wool, is hydrophilic, meaning it absorbs and retains water. And damp fabric next to the skin will feel cold and uncomfortable, especially on a winter’s day.
Kids’ synthetic thermal clothing is effortlessly easy to care for. Our polyester and poly-blend base layers can be washed at 30°C and will dry quickly. And, maybe somewhat surprisingly, many of our merino wool thermals can also be washed in the machine at 30°C and even above. We recommend looking at the care labels closely, and if you’re unsure, always use the delicates or hand-wash cycle on your machine with a gentle detergent. And if you want to be extra careful, an old-fashioned hand wash will ensure their woollen winter layers will stay in the best condition.
Thermal underwear for kids is a great option to take their layering to new levels of cosiness. Our collection includes the bare necessities, like knickers and boxer shorts, along with simple vest tops, tees and socks, all made from thermal materials. Ideal for extra cold climates and outdoor activities like skiing and hiking, our range of Merino wool underwear for kids by Danish brand Joha is crafted from the softest Woolmark® certified yarns and can be washed easily, making them perfect for the everyday.
Yes, you’ll be pleased to know that, on the whole, as well as warm, thermal kidswear is breathable too. Take wool for example. Thanks to those clever hydrophobic fibres, these warm yarns wick away moisture from the skin and release it away from the body. This will leave your child feeling cosy rather than clammy on a wet and freezing day. Merino wool is also fantastic at odour control, so even after a day slaloming on the slopes or playing in the snow, your little ones will feel as fresh as a daisy. Synthetic fabrics, while still excellent at moisture control, are slightly less breathable due to their tightly woven structure. In terms of overheating, if you follow the guidelines for temperature vs number of layers, then your child should be perfectly comfortable when outdoors. However, it is important that you remove a layer or two when you head indoors to avoid your child overheating.
Yes, when layered correctly, thermal baby clothes are perfectly safe for newborns and babies. From birth and up to 6 months old, babies cannot effectively regulate their own temperature, which means that on a cold day, they’ll need a helping hand to stay warm. If your due date falls in the winter months, be sure to stock your hospital bag with our Merino wool rompers, bodyvests, baby leggings and baby joggers — they’ll keep your newborn cosy and warm in their carrier when travelling from the hospital to their new home. We also have an adorable range of thermal bonnets and mittens to keep their heads and tiny fingers covered too. Again, remember to remove additional layers and monitor your baby’s temperature when going from the cold outdoors into a warm inside environment. The Lullaby Trust recommends checking your baby's temperature by "putting your hand on the skin on their chest or the back of their neck" rather than using their hands or feet as a guide as "they will always feel cooler than the rest of their body."
If the weather is cold enough for you to add a coat, then you will likely be dressing your baby in a pram suit. And if the temperature dips even further, then you will probably upgrade this to a padded snowsuit. And for the underlayer, a breathable thermal bodysuit or babygrow is ideal for locking in the warmth. Again, just ensure that the number of layers your child is wearing is appropriate for the temperature and always remove layers when inside, especially if the heating is on.
So, you’re heading to the slopes for the first time and wondering whether kids’ ski thermals are necessary. The answer is yes and, yet again, layering is key! You’ll want to invest in a good technical base layer, like our styles from Perfect Moment, Deux par Deux and Roarsome, which come as matching thermal top-and-bottom sets for kids that can be layered under their salopettes and ski suits. Our range of Merino wool basics are also a good choice for the snow scene. Just add a cosy thermal balaclava under their helmet, and our snoods and neckwarmers are also fantastic for covering up those draughty gaps between their clothes.
There’s no clear winner here; both wool and synthetic thermal fabrics work just as effectively for keeping your kid warm in the snow and on the slopes. If anything, wool does become heavier when wet, due to the hydrophilic inner layer of the fibres which absorbs and retains water, but unless their thermals get completely drenched, which isn’t likely, it’s not something you need to worry about.
Here are a few pros and cons for both to help you decide:
Merino Wool Thermals:
Synthetic Thermals:
