People who work outdoors or in the cold alternate moments of effort with long still phases: you load a pallet, move some equipment, then stand around waiting. It's in those still phases that the sweat you've built up cools on your skin. That's why good work underwear isn't just warm: it has to stay dry for the whole shift.
Why cotton doesn't work
The classic cotton vest absorbs sweat and holds on to it. After an hour of hard work it gets damp and stays that way until evening. A technical polypropylene base layer, on the other hand, absorbs very little water: in DryHeat Lab tests its weight increases by only 0.13% after absorbing liquid.
What to look for when choosing
- Close fit. The base layer must be in contact with your skin to carry sweat away.
- Warmth when still. If your work involves a lot of standing still, for example in cold stores or yard inspections, choose a top with merino such as DH Drywool.
- Seams. Over an eight-hour shift you feel seams that rub. A seamless garment or one with flat seams is better.
- Frequent washing. DryHeat garments wash at 30 °C and air-dry quickly: you can wash them in the evening and wear them again the next day.
The system for the shift
- Base layer: thermal top and leggings, upper and lower body.
- Mid layer: a thermal sweatshirt or gilet, to take off during effort.
- Accessories: a helmet liner under your hard hat and a neck gaiter, because head and neck get cold first.
Browse the DryHeat Professional selection or discover the line for people who work in the cold. For business supplies write to info@dryheat.it.