Comfortable, warm, and durable: characteristics of thermal underwear for both male and female defenders

The Ministry of Defence is advancing its efforts to improve military clothing, with a particular focus on developing base-layer thermal underwear with improved comfort, effective cold protection, and enhanced durability.

While new specifications for men’s base-layer underwear were approved in February 2024, the specifications for women’s underwear were finalized at the beginning of 2025.

The following specifications have been established for both men’s and women’s base-layer underwear:

• Demi-season underwear;
• Cold-weather underwear.

Both types of underwear are available in three colors—Coyote, Olive Green, and Black—and in sizes ranging from XS to 3XL.

“In total, over 2024 and 2025, the Defence Ministry's acquisition agency, DOT, procured men’s thermal underwear meeting the new specifications for a total of over UAH 890 million. Plans are in place to initiate procurement of women’s models as well,” stated Glib Kanievskyi, Director of the Procurement Policy Department of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine. “We are continuously working to improve conditions for our service members. The new underwear is comfortable, durable, and provides adequate thermal insulation and moisture-wicking properties.”

Demi-season underwear: comfort and functionality

The new demi-season underwear must be made from knitted fabric composed of 95% cotton and 5% elastane. Thanks to a special knitting technique, the fabric ensures:

• Efficient moisture wicking – keeps the body dry during activities;
• Elasticity – allows for comfortable movement;
• Hypoallergenic properties – safe for the skin;
• Cold protection – optimal insulation for comfortable wear in cool weather.

The demi-season underwear set consists of a shirt and long johns.

Cold-weather underwear

This underwear utilizes a specialized knitted fabric with a brushed finish, made using a jersey weave. The primary components (93% polyester and 7% elastane) ensure durability and comfort.

Key properties of the underwear include:

• Moisture-wicking – to maintain dryness;
• High durability – resistance to pilling and color fading;
• Breathability – compliant with SSU (State Standard of Ukraine) ISO 9237:2003;
• Elasticity and comfort – achieved through specialized knitted weaving;
• Hypoallergenic properties – enhanced skin safety.

The cold-weather underwear set includes a winter shirt, long johns, and a storage and laundry pouch.

Design features and manufacturing innovations

The improved underwear features an anatomical cut, flat seams for enhanced comfort during wear, and long sleeves with cuffs to retain warmth. Innovative multilayer fabrics provide optimal thermoregulation while modern weaving technologies increase durability and facilitate rapid moisture-wicking.