As soon as the temperature drops, we reach for our warm sweaters, winter coats and thick socks again. But what you wear underneath your clothes, that all-important first layer, is just as important. A good base layer helps retain your body heat without making you feel too warm when you arrive at work after cycling, only to find the heating turned all the way up. And that's exactly why merino wool thermal clothing is so popular. But what makes this wool so special? And why is merino wool often combined with bamboo viscose?
What exactly is merino wool?
Merino wool comes from merino sheep, a breed known for its exceptionally fine wool. While traditional sheep's wool can sometimes feel coarse or itchy, merino fibres are much finer and more flexible. This allows them to bend more easily, making clothing made from merino wool surprisingly soft, even when worn directly against your skin.
But merino wool has even more special properties. The fibres naturally have a slightly wavy structure, creating tiny pockets of air between them. These air pockets act as insulation, helping to retain your body heat. At the same time, merino wool can absorb and release moisture in the form of water vapour, making it particularly suitable as a base layer.
How does thermal clothing work?
Thermal clothing is often associated with winter sports, but you certainly don't need to hit the ski slopes to enjoy its benefits. Whether you're taking a refreshing walk through the woods, cycling to work or simply getting through a cold day, thermal clothing can make a big difference.
The secret lies in the layers you wear.
The first (thermal) layer, which sits directly against your skin, helps regulate warmth and moisture. A second layer, such as a sweater or fleece jacket, provides extra insulation. And your outer layer protects you from wind and rain. Unless you get caught in an autumn storm with nowhere to shelter, of course. Then you're simply out of luck.
Good thermal clothing shouldn't just keep you warm. It should also remain comfortable when you're more active or when temperatures change. That's why choosing the right material, or combination of materials, is so important.
Why combine merino wool with bamboo?
Merino wool has plenty of appealing properties, but that doesn't mean thermal clothing always has to be made from 100% wool. By combining different fibres, you can create a fabric that offers a different balance of warmth, softness and comfort. At Bamboo Basics, for example, we combine merino wool with bamboo viscose – a soft, flexible textile fibre made from bamboo cellulose.
Merino wool contributes to the fabric's insulating properties and, as we mentioned earlier in this article, can absorb and release moisture. Bamboo viscose adds a wonderfully soft feel and gives the fabric a smooth, flowing drape. Together, they create a material combination that's ideal for soft, comfortable T-shirts and leggings on colder days.
Is thermal clothing only suitable for very cold days?
Definitely not! The great thing about a thin base layer is how easily you can combine it with other clothing. Think of the layers we mentioned earlier, such as a thermal shirt underneath a lightweight cardigan. And when it gets really cold, you can simply add a warmer sweater and winter coat.
Thermal clothing can also be incredibly comfortable indoors. For example, when you're working from home in a slightly cooler room, spending a long day at your desk or relaxing on the sofa with a good book. And if that extra layer already keeps you comfortable, there's no need to turn up the heating. Win-win! What's more, thermal shirts and leggings don't have to be thick to provide warmth and comfort, so you can easily wear them discreetly underneath your everyday clothes without anyone noticing.
What's the best way to wear thermal clothing?
Thermal clothing works best when the fabric fits snugly against your body without being too tight. This gives you a comfortable and practical base layer that won't easily bunch up or shift around and allows you to wear other clothing over it.
A long-sleeved thermal shirt, for example, is ideal underneath a shirt, blouse or sweater. You can wear thermal leggings under trousers when spending longer periods outdoors, or under a skirt with knee-high boots. And on days when comfort is at the top of your priority list, you can simply wear your thermal clothing as loungewear.
Discover the Merino-Bamboo collection from Bamboo Basics
Whether you love spending time outdoors, commute to work by public transport in all kinds of weather or simply enjoy an extra-soft layer on cold days, the comfort of thermal clothing really depends on the materials it's made from.
At Bamboo Basics, softness and comfort always come first. That's why, for our Merino-Bamboo collection, we've chosen to combine the special properties of merino wool with the softness of bamboo viscose. The collection includes short-sleeved and long-sleeved T-shirts and comfortable seamless leggings. So you can stay cosy on colder days without compromising on comfort.
Discover the Merino-Bamboo collection from Bamboo Basics and experience for yourself just how comfortable an extra-soft layer can be during autumn and winter.
