topic Re: Random question about thermal wear in Community Chat

Random question about thermal wear

pommom — Fri, 09 Jan 2015 14:45:24 GMT

When I wear thermal wear bottoms, the skin on my knees get chafed/sore esp the next day. I have a pair of microfiber and another in cotton waffle weave. Both of them rub on my knee caps and it comes to the point that I'd rather be cold than wear them.

I've tried hiking up my pants (mostly sweats) to keep them from pressing against my knees when I sit down. I don't wear tight jeans or fitted slacks when I'm home so it's not because of form fitting bottoms.

Any tips?

Re: Random question about thermal wear

Still Raining — Fri, 09 Jan 2015 16:02:22 GMT

How weird, I never associated the chafing with a fiber. I get it in the summer from whatever yoga type pants are made of, polyester and spandex? Now I think of it is gone in the winter with wearing more sweats around the house and jeans outside.

Re: Random question about thermal wear

JustJules — Fri, 09 Jan 2015 16:43:53 GMT

That's odd, are they loose fitting thermals? Since you have the same reaction from both microfiber and cotton it's probably not the material, but perhaps you need to wear something more form fitting? There is a brand called HotTotties by Terramar that is a merino wool blend so they would be soft. I used to wear thermals under my ski pants but they had to be snug fitting otherwise the materials would rub. That is the only thing I can think of that would be causing your discomfort. It's probably more noticeable on your knees because those are pressure points. Maybe talk to a salesperson in a sporting goods store that sells them and has more experience with the different styles and fibers. They make thermals for bikers and runners in the cold weather, and those can't chafe since they're in constant motion. Hope you find a solution so you can keep warm and comfortable.

eta: Found the HotTotties offered at Kohls for $39

Re: Random question about thermal wear

pommom — Sat, 10 Jan 2015 02:28:17 GMT

JustJules - you're right. The cotton thermals get baggy but the microfiber are form fitting and very close to the body. Still….

Re: Random question about thermal wear

Kalli — Sat, 10 Jan 2015 04:04:43 GMT

I have a set of cuddl johns by cuddl duds and I love them. They're 80% cotton and 20% polyester. I use them under my jeans when I ride my horse and they're very comfy. I have silk long johns from Cabelas but don't like them as much.

I can see where the waffle-like thermals might irritate your skin but my cuddle johns don't. I've had them for at least 5 years and for as often as I wash and wear them all through the winter months, they've really held up.

I just searched for them but couldn't find the name "cuddle johns" just cuddl duds. My tag says cuddl johns.

-Kalli

Re: Random question about thermal wear

violann — Sun, 11 Jan 2015 00:48:21 GMT

I think thermals ARE rough. I just found 32DegreeHeat long undies and shirts at Costco, and they're both very warm AND gentle to the skin.

Re: Random question about thermal wear

Montana — Sun, 11 Jan 2015 04:25:50 GMT

Amazon has a brand called Thermasilk that is smooth instead of the waffle texture. I also used to get a catalog featuring Wintersilks - smooth winter wear in varying warmth levels.

Re: Random question about thermal wear

bells4me — Sun, 11 Jan 2015 18:05:10 GMT

Weird.

Re: Random question about thermal wear

sidsmom — Sun, 11 Jan 2015 18:36:09 GMT

I'm still scratching my head how thermal underpinnings can be irritating to the skin. Aren't they designed to be close fitting & made with a thinner fabric? It's kinda/sorta like saying leggings are irritating to the knees...it just doesn't happen. If said thermals are too large...and baggy @ the knee, that might be the cause, but just buy a smaller size.

Under Armour has many different styles to wear under athletic gear...they even had a tactile line to wear under service (EMT, police, military) uniforms. They HAVE to be comfortable.

Re: Random question about thermal wear

occasionalrain — Sun, 11 Jan 2015 19:52:32 GMT

There is an anti-chaff product called Skin-Lube you may want to try.

Re: Random question about thermal wear

AnikaBrodie — Sun, 11 Jan 2015 20:21:28 GMT

I have the silk underwear pants from LL Bean and love them for those cold winter days in PA. In fact, I'm wearing them today for temps in the low teens. They provide comfort and warmth without bulk and are great for both active and casual wear. They keep my legs warm in the coldest of days. Machine wash, dry flat. DO NOT dry in dryer.

Check their website at www.llbean.com for more information.

Re: Random question about thermal wear

JustJules — Sun, 11 Jan 2015 20:54:07 GMT

On 1/9/2015 pommom said:
JustJules - you're right. The cotton thermals get baggy but the microfiber are form fitting and very close to the body. Still….

pommom, Just a thought that crossed my mind, but have you tried wearing pantyhose underneath your thermals? If you can wear hose without irritation at least it would provide a barrier between your skin and the thermal material.

Re: Random question about thermal wear

Lilysmom — Sun, 11 Jan 2015 22:56:40 GMT

Like Montana, I use and love Thermasilk.

Re: Random question about thermal wear

Madisson — Mon, 12 Jan 2015 14:30:55 GMT

Pommom, waffle weave thermals are very coarse, and I could see them being abrasive. Cuddl duds make some fleecewear products that are plushy soft and the warmest under products I have ever worn. You can wear them as regular leggings or as underwear...no abrasiveness. They are on sale right now...great sale at Kohl's! I use them when we go skiing, and they are warmer than waffle weave or silk underwear.

Re: Random question about thermal wear

esmeraldagooch — Mon, 12 Jan 2015 15:45:08 GMT

We buy under armour.