Today, there are more warm artificial fabrics than natural ones. Of course, it is not yet possible to completely switch to synthetics, but work on the development of new technologies is constantly underway. What do we have now? What materials can not only become a worthy alternative to wool, but also surpass it in a number of important parameters?
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Outfit for cold weather should have polar qualities: to keep you warm when you are outside and not to make you languish in the heat indoors. Ideally, things should be waterproof and impermeable. This includes both underwear and outerwear. In each case, certain materials (in terms of composition and method of manufacture) will be optimal, as they have different functions to fulfill.
1. acrylic
Artificial wool is a light, soft, pleasant to the touch yarn. All things that are made of natural fiber can also be produced from synthetic fiber. The fabric is very strong, smooth, elastic and wear-resistant. Why? The raw material is natural gas and the chemical compounds it contains.
Polyacrylonitrile is produced from acrylonitrile by polymerization in the presence of catalysts. From the resin solution dyed in the process, fiber is molded as a continuous filament. Afterward, clothing and textiles can be made. The fabric does not deform when washed. It also does not burn out.
What is being made? Sweaters, hats, scarves, knitted dresses, suits.
2. Fleece
It is a soft, dense and lightweight synthetic fabric with a fleecy surface. It dries quickly and has good vapor permeability. Cons: it accumulates static electricity and is wind-blown.
Fleece is often used as a lining for demi-seasonal and winter outerwear. It comes in different thicknesses and densities. Usually things made of it serve as an insulating layer.
What is made? Thermal underwear, home kits, tracksuits, sweatshirts, warm dresses.
3. Polofleece
This is a lightweight, soft and pleasant to the touch non-woven material with high thermo-regulating properties. Externally and tactilely it resembles fleece, but the structure of the fabrics themselves is multi-layered. All planes are made of loose polyester fibers. Between them there is a knitted base. The advantage of the material is to keep warm at low temperatures even when wet. At the same time, the skin can “breathe”.
What is made? Jackets, raincoats, insulated suits, cardigans, jackets, jackets, blazers.
4. Thermal fabric
It is a two-layer fabric with a cellular structure of different composition. The inner layer is made of natural fibers – cotton or wool. It keeps warm and collects moisture. The outer layer is similar to a honeycomb. It has in its composition polypropylene, polyamide or polyester fibers. They provide hydrophobic properties of the matter.
What is made? Lining for ski suits, clothing for hunting, fishing or outdoor activities.
5. Thermobiflex
There are many types of biflex. The most popular is smooth. For warmth, fleece is used, which has a composition: polyamide – 85%, elastane – 15%. It has a very good level of thermoregulation. Synthetic textiles are made from polyamide and lycra fibers. This fabric is knitted from loops connected to each other in different directions. Why? So that the fabric has the ability to stretch.
What is made? Thermal underwear, tight-fitting tracksuits, turtlenecks and tights.
6. Knitted fur
Artificial material is made in several ways: woven, stitched or glued. There may be different components in the composition: cotton, wool, synthetic, blended materials, leatherette, acrylic, polyester or nylon pile.
What is manufactured. Long-pile fabrics – eco coats, hats, coats, vests, shortened jackets and accent shoes; short-pile fabrics – dresses, jackets, hats.
7. Membrane
Materials in this category do not warm themselves, but they do not let cold air in. They are not blown by the wind. Why? It’s all about the increased density of the weave of the threads. The membrane is waterproof and vapor permeable. It lets sweat out, and inhibits water from the outside environment.
What is being made? Jackets, raincoats, coats, down jackets, overalls, hats, tracksuits. This material is popular for the production of children’s clothing. Things not only protect from the cold, they last longer and are easy to clean from dirt.