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Ah, winter. The time of year when the air is crisp, the nights are long, and our bodies are constantly searching for warmth. Most of us just throw on an extra layer and call it a day, but the truth is that it's not that simple.
Sure, the UK is no stranger to cold temperatures, but let's be real - we're not exactly built for extreme weather. Our infrastructure and daily routines are designed for the temperate climate we're used to. But with climate change bringing more frequent extreme weather, including icy winters, it's time to come up with new solutions.
Simply turning up the thermostat may have been the go-to move in the past, but with energy costs skyrocketing, it's not exactly pocket or environmentally friendly. Enter: the heated jumper. It may sound like a small change, but it can make a big difference in how we experience and regulate heat and cold.
Why do you feel cold?
Who would've thought that the way we experience heat and cold has little to do with the actual temperature? It's true - what one person considers "cold" could be completely different for someone else. And let's be real, when was the last time you actually checked the temperature before complaining about how chilly it is outside?
There are so many factors that can affect how we perceive temperature, which is why heated jumpers can be such a game-changer. They take into account that personal perception and provide the necessary warmth to combat those pesky winter chills. So next time you're feeling a little chilly, don't just grumble about the "cold" - try out a heated jumper and experience the difference for yourself.
You get colder as you age
Ah, the joys of getting older. Sure, you may not look it, but your body is slowly but surely betraying you. Just try explaining to your grandma why she's always bundled up in the summer. It's not just because she's a little senile - there are actual physiological reasons for it.
As we age, our skin gets thinner, which means less natural insulation to keep us warm. Our muscles also lose density, so they can't generate heat like they used to. And let's not forget about our metabolism slowing down, resulting in less heat production. All of these factors contribute to why some people just can't seem to shake off the cold, no matter how many layers they put on. So next time you see an older person all bundled up in the summer, just remember - they're not crazy, they're just dealing with the harsh realities of ageing.
Feeling cold depends on what you are used to
However, there are other, psychological, factors at work. One is simple conditioning and adaptation: we can get used to different temperatures. Just think about times you have gone on holiday and struggled with a heat that doesn't faze the locals.
There is also the effect of relative temperature. Humans can only feel broad temperatures, like whether it’s cold or hot, warm, or tepid, but they are better at noticing a change. That’s why you might find a room you’ve just entered cold when everyone who is already there thinks the temperature is fine. The relative perception of temperature is another reason solutions like heated jumpers are so effective.
Less activity means you are colder
But it's not just our physiology that plays a role in how we experience temperature. Our psychology plays a part too. For example, we can become accustomed to certain temperatures through conditioning and adaptation. Just think about how you struggle to handle the heat on vacation, while the locals seem unfazed.
It's also worth considering the effect of relative temperature. As humans, we can only really perceive broad temperature ranges - is it hot or cold, warm or tepid? But we're much better at noticing changes in temperature. That's why you might walk into a room and think it's freezing, while everyone else is perfectly comfortable. It's all about relative perception. And guess what? That's yet another reason why heated jumpers can be so effective - they take all of these psychological factors into account.
How the body loses heat
Of course, the reason we even think about ways of keeping warm, whether it’s increasing the thermostat, wrapping up in blankets or using heated jumpers, is because our bodies lose heat. And, unfortunately, they are incredibly efficient at it.
Body Heat Loss is an evolutionary trait
Ah sweating: the not-so-glamorous superpower that helped our ancestors hunt down their prey. While other animals may have been bigger, stronger, or faster, early humans had the ability to outlast their quarry through the power of perspiration. But as we sit shivering in our chilly homes, it's clear that this evolutionary advantage doesn't do much for our modern comfort.
Heat loss occurs through two main channels: respiration and the skin. While exhaling warm air and inhaling cooler air causes some heat loss through the respiratory system, the majority of heat escape occurs through the skin. In fact, we constantly radiate heat from our skin, with around 90% of heat loss occurring through this route during the day. And while we can accelerate the heat loss process through sweating, clothing helps to keep us warm.
Contrary to popular belief, heat loss isn't just concentrated in the head. While it's true that a US Army study found that the exposed head accounted for most heat loss in arctic conditions, other areas of the body also play a role. In fact, keeping the torso warm is particularly important, as it acts as the "engine room" and central heating for the entire body, while also having a large surface area for heat loss. It's no wonder there are so many options for keeping the torso warm, from unfashionable vests to stylish waistcoats. And when the body's core temperature drops, symptoms of hypothermia like confusion and hallucinations can occur as the body prioritizes circulation to the core over the head.
All of this highlights the value of heated clothing, especially heated jumpers, in maintaining a comfortable body temperature.
Look after the torso and the rest of the body looks after itself
The muscles, including the heart and liver, generate heat, but it's the torso that houses most of the body's organs and manages this warmth.
The circulatory system, with the heart at its centre, spreads that heat throughout the body. That's why our extremities tend to be colder - they are farther from the heart and often have less muscle mass.
So, how can we keep our bodies warm? A heated jumper is a great option because it helps the torso with heat generation, allowing the body to more easily distribute warmth to other areas.
But let's not forget the less effective methods of heating up. While heating the entire room may minimize the difference between skin and air temperature, leading to less heat loss through the skin, it's an incredibly inefficient way to stay warm. Other options like bundling up in a warm jumper or blankets may provide some insulation, slowing down the cooling process, but they don't actually address the root cause of feeling cold. And while other heated clothing items may offer some comfort, they don't necessarily tackle the underlying issue.
In short, a heated jumper is the best way to warm up the body and maintain a comfortable temperature.
How heated jumpers have improved
Heated jumpers and other heated garments have been keeping us warm for centuries - just think of our prehistoric ancestors huddling around a fire, probably wondering how they could harness its warmth for their clothing.
Fast forward to the present day, and we've come a long way in terms of technology. Single-use chemical pads and integrated heating elements in clothing have provided temporary solutions, but they often come with their own set of problems. Heating elements can be impractical and fragile, leading to overheating or short circuits, and batteries may be too small to last or too large to be practical.
But with our heated jumpers, we've found the perfect balance using the latest technology. Graphene heating pads are integrated with organic cotton, woven in the UK, to create a durable and stylish jumper. The front and rear heating panels are separately controlled and have a low power consumption, so you can stay warm all day. And if the battery does run out, you can simply use a USB power bank (which fits neatly into a sleek pocket, along with a headphone case).
In short, our heated jumpers offer the easiest way to save money on heating, reduce your carbon emissions, and stay warm in a timelessly stylish way.
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Don't forget to check out our Heated Jumper here!