Learn which clothing brands are best for you

Fibers and chemical are combined to make material warm, dry and breathable.
SCRIPPS HOWARD
A comparison of brands to keep you warm:
UThe technology -- Capilene.
The inventor -- Patagonia.
The science -- The surfaces of polyester fibers are chemically treated to make them hydrophilic, or water-absorbent.
The point -- The fibers draw moisture away from the body, but their untreated cores remain water-repellent,dispersing moisture through the fabric to more quickly evaporate.
UThe technology -- SmartWool.
The inventor -- SmartWool.
The science -- Fibers of merino wool are specially treated to make them longer than normal. This makes them finer and more flexible for comfort and also helps them retain their natural "crimp."
The point -- The "crimp" creates millions of air pockets that form an insulating layer to keep dry air next to the skin.
UThe technology -- Polartec Power Dry.
The inventor -- Malden Mills Industries Inc.
The science -- A fabric of brushed polyester velour creates air pockets that trap air and retain body heat while still remaining breathable. Yarns made from antibacterial silver provide permanent odor protection.
The point -- This is the original Polarfleece's insulation, but boosted for greater durability, warmth, breathability and weather protection.
UThe technology -- Thinsulate.
The inventor -- 3M.
The science -- The fabric's microfibers are about 10 times smaller than many other insulated synthetic fibers, which increases their efficiency at trapping air.
The point -- The greater concentration of these smaller fibers also helps reflect back more of the body's radiant heat.
UThe technology -- Outlast Smart Fabric.
The inventor -- Triangle Research and Development Corp.
The science -- Microencapsulated phase-change materials continuously react with the body's temperature to buffer swings in temperature. It was developed for NASA to protect astronauts against extreme temperature fluctuations in space.
The point -- Instead of trapping heat, it stores and releases it as needed to reduce overheating and chill.
UThe technology -- DriClime.
The inventor -- Marmot.
The science -- Large and small polyester yarns are woven together to make a tricot knit. The larger yarns next to the skin wick moisture to the smaller outside yarns, whose surface area allows quick evaporation.
The point -- Your skin stays dry and warm.
UThe technology -- ThermaStat.
The inventor -- DuPont.
The science -- A fabric made from hollow-core polyester fibers of varying deniers and lengths; used in base-layer fabrics to keep you cool or warm as needed.
The point -- Warmth without weight, while managing moisture.
UThe technology -- Airvantage.
The inventor -- W.L. Gore & amp; Associates.
The science -- An inflatable vest component lets you add insulating air to fabric channels by blowing into a tube. Too warm? You can deflate the insert.
The point -- You play an active role in controlling your comfort.