Thermal wear is essential for staying warm in cold environments, and recent advancements in fabric technology have revolutionized its effectiveness. Moving beyond traditional materials like polyester and Merino wool, new synthetic fibers utilize technologies such as hygroscopic heat generation and far infrared radiation to enhance warmth. Laetts has incorporated these cutting-edge innovations into our outdoor socks, creating a range of thermal products designed to keep users warm, dry, and comfortable in extreme conditions.
Thermal Wear with New Technology
For anyone venturing into cold weather, thermal wear is critical, especially during winter outdoor activities. It provides insulation by trapping body heat, preventing the loss of warmth in low-temperature environments. Whether skiing, hiking, camping, fishing, or hunting, wearing the right thermal layers can significantly enhance comfort and performance.
Traditional thermal clothing is made from materials like polyester, Merino wool, or a blend of both. These fabrics effectively trap heat while wicking moisture away from the body, ensuring that sweat doesn’t make you feel cold. The trapped air within these fabrics acts as an insulator, creating a barrier between the body and the cold, helping to regulate body temperature.
With advancements in technology, synthetic thermal wear has become increasingly efficient. Newer fabrics now focus on optimizing the body’s own heat, incorporating features like hygroscopic heat generation and far infrared radiation. These "smart" synthetic fibers absorb moisture from the environment to generate heat while reflecting body warmth back to the skin. As a result, they are self-sustaining, reducing the need for external energy sources to keep warm and making them an environmentally friendly option for cold-weather gear. This innovation enhances warmth while promoting sustainability in outdoor apparel.
What is Hygroscopy?
The term "hygroscopy" comes from the Greek roots hygro- (meaning moisture or humidity) and -scopy (meaning to observe or examine). Hygroscopy refers to a substance's ability to absorb or adsorb moisture from its surroundings. Hygroscopic materials, such as certain powders or salts, draw moisture from the air, causing them to clump. This phenomenon is also present in plants and animals.
Hygroscopic Heat-Generating Fibers: A Cold-Weather Game-Changer
Natural fibers have long been known for their hygroscopic properties, but synthetic fibers have significantly evolved. The development of hygroscopic heat-generating fibers, also known as “Moisture Absorbing Heat-Generating Fiber” or “Hygroscopic Exothermic Fiber,” began in Japan over 40 years ago. These fibers absorb moisture, with hydrophilic groups in the fiber molecules bonding to water molecules, reducing their kinetic energy and converting it into heat. This innovation was first commercialized in Asia and quickly gained popularity.
By the late 20th century, the technology spread to Europe, where it became a key material for winter apparel. In 2015, the International Standard Organization published ISO 18782:2015, setting guidelines for testing dynamic heat generation. This standard has since been updated in 2023, reflecting the technology's progress and maturity. Laetts incorporates these fibers into our winter outdoor socks, which wick sweat and convert it into heat, ensuring warmth in cold conditions. Today, hygroscopic heat-generating fibers are a trusted solution for cold-weather comfort.
Far Infrared Radiation: Enhancing Warmth and Performance in Laetts Socks
Far Infrared Radiation (FIR) is another self-sustaining thermal technology ideal for winter outerwear. Its development path was similar to that of hygroscopic fibers.
Often referred to as the "light waves of life" by scientists, FIR wavelengths are similar to the heat emitted by the human body. FIR textiles absorb this body heat and reflect it back as far infrared rays, essentially acting as a thermal mirror. This reflection keeps the body warm within a specific range of wavelengths, offering consistent warmth.
Modern technology enhances FIR textiles by embedding ceramic nanoparticles into fibers, which amplify the reflection of body heat. This gentle increase in surface temperature improves blood circulation, boosts cardiovascular health, reduces aches, and supports immunity. Laetts integrates this technology into our socks by weaving ceramic particles directly into the yarn. These socks are built to withstand multiple washes and endure tough outdoor use while achieving an emission rate approximately 23% higher than standard FIR textiles.
When wearing Laetts socks, the ceramic particles reflect body heat, keeping your feet up to 8.8°C warmer in extreme cold conditions compared to conventional ski socks. This powerful combination of far infrared fiber ensures warmth and comfort, even in the harshest environments.
HygroHeat™: A Breakthrough in Outdoor Gear
The paths of these two thermal technologies differ, yet their effects are nearly identical: harnessing body heat to enhance warmth while staying active outdoors during the cold seasons. All Laetts socks are made with either of these advanced technologies under the HygroHeat™ trademark, the versatility of which makes them fit for a wide range of outdoor activities.
This dual approach maximizes warmth, ensuring your feet stay cozy and dry even in extreme conditions. Whether you're skiing, hiking, camping, fishing, or hunting in cold weather, Laetts socks provide an intelligent and sustainable solution that boosts warmth naturally, without the need for bulky layers. Built for endurance and comfort, Laetts HygroHeat™ socks set a new standard for performance in outdoor gear.
Laetts Merino Thermal Socks: A Synergy of Natural and Synthetic Performance
Laetts Merino Thermal Socks combine the best of natural and synthetic fibers to deliver unmatched performance in cold-weather conditions. Merino wool, renowned for its moisture-wicking properties, keeps feet dry and comfortable, while synthetic fibers, like acrylic infused with ceramic particles, provide advanced thermal functionality. Together, they create a synergy that enhances both warmth and dryness, with Laetts' HygroHeat™ technology capable of raising foot temperature by up to 8.8°C compared to conventional socks.
This synergy of natural moisture management and cutting-edge thermal performance offers a significant advantage for winter sports. Athletes need gear that provides warmth without bulk, and the lightness of Laetts socks ensures freedom of movement, crucial for activities like skiing, hiking, camping, fishing, or hunting. By blending Merino wool’s breathability with the heat-retaining power of synthetic fibers, Laetts Merino Thermal Socks deliver comfort, warmth, and agility—making them the perfect companion for winter athletes looking for superior performance.
Laetts Warmth System: Unmatched Lightness and Warmth for Every Adventure
Introducing the Laetts Warmth System, a tiered guideline designed to optimize performance across a wide range of activities. This system is divided into six levels: Feather, Ultralight, Light, Medium, Heavy, and Ultraheavy, each crafted with a blend of Merino wool and HygroHeat™ technology for maximum warmth and lightness.
For the upcoming season, our latest range includes:
- Ultraheavy: Comfort Fishing+ (210g/pair), built with extended full loops to deliver intense warmth in extreme cold conditions.
- Heavy: Comfort Fishing (160g/pair), featuring doubled Merino wool and HygroHeat™ yarn for an even, consistent warmth distribution throughout the sock.
- Medium: Comfort Snowboard, Comfort Hiking, and Comfort Casual Socks, perfect for a variety of outdoor activities.
- Light: Compact Light Ski, Compact Light Ski Compression, and Compact Light Snowboard Socks, offering versatile options for both skiing and snowboarding.
- Ultralight: Compact Ultralight Ski Socks (80g/pair), designed for daily training with a focus on agility.
- Feather: Compact Featherlight Ski Socks (60g/pair) for competitive athletes, offering warmth without compromising speed and control.
No matter the weight, Laetts socks provide unparalleled warmth in a lightweight design—perfect for staying warm without the bulk.