Thermo wear for kids – when should they wear it?

As a parent, it can be hard to know exactly when to bring out the thermo wear. Is it cold enough? Is it too warm for active play? Here's a simple guide to thermo wear for kids, so you always make the right choice.

 

What is thermo wear?

Thermo wear is children's clothing designed to retain body heat in cold weather. It works as an insulating mid-layer that sits close to the body and traps warmth while still being breathable enough for active play. Think of it as your child's warm layer number two, always with waterproof outerwear on top.

Wheat makes thermo wear for kids from 0 to 12 years, in both sets and separates. See our selection of thermo wear.

 

When should kids wear thermo wear?

Thermo wear is for temperatures between approx. 5 and 15 degrees. But the right answer always depends on what the child is wearing underneath and how active they are. A child running around the playground needs less warmth than a child sitting still in a pushchair.

The great thing about thermo wear is that it is very breathable. That means it works well both for a calm stroll in the pram and an active day at nursery. But always remember to add waterproof outerwear on top if rain is in the air.

 

Quick guide to when to bring out the thermo wear

Temperature	Weather	What your child should wear
Below 5°C	Frost and cold	Snowsuit or winter outerwear
5 to 15°C	Cool and mild	Thermo wear, fleece, softshell, insulated jacket or rainwear
Above 15°C	Warm	Lightweight jacket or overshirt

 

 

Thermo wear for babies and older kids

All children benefit from thermo wear in cold weather, but their needs differ slightly depending on age.

Babies from 0 to approx. 2 years

Babies regulate heat less well than older children, and they don't move enough to keep themselves warm. That's why it's especially important to choose thermo wear that fits well and covers the whole body. Look for:

• A one-piece or a set with a high waist that doesn't ride up

• Soft materials that don't itch against the skin

• Easy fastening, so nappy changes don't become a battle

 

Older kids from 3 to 12 years

Older kids are more active and sweat faster. Thermo wear for this age group should fit a little more roomily so they can move freely, crawl, jump and climb without being restricted. Look for:

• A flexible set with elastic at the waist and legs

• Good breathability, as active play quickly leads to sweating

• If you're unsure about the size, our size guide will help you

 

Thermo wear as a mid-layer: how to use it correctly

Think of thermo wear as your child's warmest layer, not the outermost one. The principle is simple: thermo wear underneath and rainwear on top. The thermo wear traps body heat, while the rainwear keeps wind and water out. It's this combination that keeps kids warm and dry, even on grey and windy days.

Under the thermo wear, it's a good idea to add a thin base layer or bodysuit in wool or synthetic material. Avoid cotton, as it absorbs moisture and creates a cold, damp layer against the skin.

Layering also gives you good flexibility during the day. If it gets warmer, you can take a layer off. If it gets colder, you can add more.

Under a padded winter jacket or snowsuit, there is usually no need for thermo wear as an extra layer. Winter outerwear is designed to insulate on its own with its airy padding, and too many layers can instead restrict your child's freedom of movement.

 

 

Thermo wear or softshell?

Thermo wear and softshell are both used in cold weather, but they do two different jobs. Thermo wear insulates and retains warmth as a mid-layer. Softshell protects against wind and light rain and can be used as the outer layer in dry weather.

If it's cold and wet, the answer is thermo wear under rainwear. If it's dry and windy, softshell can manage on its own. The two can also be combined – thermo wear underneath and softshell on top – on days when it's too cold for softshell alone but not wet enough for rainwear.

Is thermo wear waterproof?

No. Thermo wear is designed to insulate and retain warmth, not to keep rain out. So even if your child is warmly dressed, they always need waterproof outerwear on top when it rains or snows. It's the outer layer that does the work against the weather.

 

When is it too warm for thermo wear?

When the temperature creeps above 15°C, thermo wear can quickly become too much, even for calm play. Here, a lightweight rain jacket that works more like a windbreaker, or an overshirt is a good alternative. It retains a little extra warmth without your child ending up with red cheeks and sweaty hair.

 

Find the right thermo wear for your child

At Wheat, you'll find thermo wear for kids from 0 to 12 years – designed for everyday use with a focus on comfort, fit and durability. See our selection and find the right size for your child.

Frequently asked questions about thermo wear

When should kids wear thermo wear?

Thermo wear is recommended at temperatures between approx. 5 and 17 degrees. The more active the child, the less thermo wear they need. Always remember waterproof outerwear on top in the rain.

 

Is thermo wear waterproof?

No. Thermo wear insulates and retains warmth but is not waterproof. Always add waterproof outerwear on top in rain or snow.

 

Can thermo wear be used as the outer layer?

Only in dry weather and at moderate temperatures. In wind and rain, there should always be a waterproof layer on top.

 

What's the difference between thermo wear and softshell?

Thermo wear insulates and works as a mid-layer. Softshell protects against wind and light rain and can be used as the outer layer in dry weather. The two can be combined with thermo wear underneath and softshell on top.

 

Should thermo wear be worn under a snowsuit or winter jacket?

Usually not. The winter jacket or snowsuit is designed to insulate with its airy padding, so an extra layer of thermo wear is rarely necessary and can restrict freedom of movement.

 

What should my child wear under the thermo wear?

A thin base layer or bodysuit in wool or synthetic material is ideal. Avoid cotton, as it holds moisture and creates a cold layer against the skin.

 

When is it too warm for thermo wear?

Above approx. 15 degrees, thermo wear can become too warm, especially during active play. Consider a lightweight jacket or overshirt instead.

 

Can Wheat's thermo wear be machine washed?

Yes. Wheat recommends washing at 40 degrees. Avoid fabric softener and tumble drying to preserve the properties of the materials.

 

What is Wheat's return policy?

Wheat offers a 30-day full right of return on items bought in the webshop. The return period starts on the day you receive the item. You pay the return shipping yourself, which is deducted from your refund. Create your return via the returns portal. Please note that the right of withdrawal lapses if the item has been used or damaged. Items bought from retailers must be returned to the retailer.

 

Does Wheat offer exchanges?

Wheat does not offer exchanges. If you would like a different item, please place a new order. Read all terms and conditions here.