The colder winter season presents a vastly different set of challenges to those at other times of the year. Apart from the negative physical and psychological impacts on our bodies, there’s also the increased likelihood of injury due to reduced blood flow to the extremities, muscles, and connective tissues.

At KYMIRA our approach extends far beyond merely warming the body. Whilst insulating is important, we saw a need to develop smart fabrics - ones that don’t just heat the body, but thermoregulate. The difference is that KYMIRA will help keep you warm when it’s cold, but cool when the temperature rises

The comfort and practical aspects are fundamental to KYMIRA clothing. If insulation was the primary goal, we’d simply make fabrics thicker and heavier, but that would have a significant impact on how the garments wear and limit your ability to incorporate them alongside the rest of your wardrobe comfortably.

In this article we’re looking at the insulating and properties of KYMIRA and how it benefits us during winter months in a variety of ways.

The KYMIRA KYnergy fabric is a unique material in the way it regulates heat. Despite being lightweight, it warms up quicker than other fabrics and retains heat for 63% longer than fabrics of an equivalent weight. When it comes to long-term wear during cold weather this is invaluable. If you’re going to be outside for hours at a time for example, you need to ensure you’ll be kept warm.

The construction method of the KYnergy fabric is what affords these unique set of properties. The ceramic additives have been shown to positively affect thermal efficiency, summarised by this statement from this investigation:

‘Textiles containing ceramic additives, which are able to absorb and emit back the thermal energy from the human body, can be used to improve the thermal properties of the fabric.’ [1]

The type of construction methods used in producing infrared fabrics leads to increased temperatures in those wearing them. Thermal investigation [2] into the effects of infrared fabrics has shown that they can be up to 2.11 degrees Celsius warmer, which is a dramatic difference, especially when it comes to considering winter clothing.

Finally, the ‘recipe’ used to create infrared fabrics has been shown to effect on the warmth of the garment [3]. This process occurs by adjusting the emissivity of the infrared, which in turn has a knock-on effect on the stimulation of circulation and ultimately the thermoregulatory effects of the fabric on the wearer. Wearing infrared fabrics will ultimately boost your circulation and keep you warm and comfortable through whatever the winter months throw your way.

The fit of the fabrics is also important. We know from research that proximity to the skin of fabric is important for the thermal efficiency. Research on air movement [4] in clothing at low temperatures shows that looser fitting clothing allows a larger heat transfer and therefore quicker heat loss.

KYMIRA’s technical clothing is closer fitting and as such retains heat more efficiently than ordinary t-shirts, looser fitting trousers and the like. When the harsh cold of the winter hits, many find their time spent outside cut short by the discomfort that comes from the cold, or that they aren’t able to warm up as effectively once inside.

One of the primary drivers of heat in the KYMIRA fabric is the circulatory benefits of the infrared. The infrared technology has been shown to dramatically boost blood flow, which is key to promoting and retaining heat in all areas the body.

In terms of pain and comfort levels being optimised, we should investigate the effects of cold exposure to the extremities because these are the most affected parts of the body by the cold, and the most common cause for discomfort. From research [5] we understand that cold exposure forces a very strong vasoconstriction response which manifests itself in the following ways (paraphrased from the study itself):

…impaired tactile sensitivity, manual dexterity, and muscle contractile characteristics while increasing pain and sympathetic drive, decreasing gross motor function and occupational performance.

All these symptoms are incredibly problematic for day-to-day function and comfort, so to maximise these absolutely requires a thermoregulatory solution. Thankfully infrared has evidence in support of its ability to boost circulation to the extremities [6], helping to maximise blood flow where it lacks in the cold.

When it comes to winter, it’s simply not practical to rely on thicker, heavier fabrics when the trade-off is reduced comfort and dexterity. That’s why KYMIRA clothing is the ideal practical solution for your winter wardrobe – it has remarkable thermoregulatory properties yet maintains its light weight making it perfect for almost any challenge.

With a wide range of products available for the whole body, KYMIRA will keep you feeling your best all through the winter. For even the toughest and coldest conditions, there’s a KYMIRA product that will help keep you warm.

Take a look at our range and pick items that will suit you.

If you have any questions or feedback, please leave us a comment or get in touch.