Glossary of Heated Apparel Terms

This Weston Store glossary offers clear, concise definitions of key terms related to heated apparel. Designed for both new and experienced users, the glossary explains core concepts like battery capacity, material, insulation types, and power control systems. 

Whether you're exploring the technology behind wearable warmth or comparing features before making a purchase, this guide serves as a reliable reference. Each term has been tailored for relevance, accuracy, and practical understanding in the context of heated clothing and accessories. Use this glossary to make informed decisions and shop with confidence.

In this glossary, you’ll learn:

• How adjustable heat settings help regulate warmth while balancing battery life using low, medium, or high power levels.
• What battery capacity (measured in mAh) means for runtime and which heated garments it powers.
• About the kinds of materials used to create heated apparel.

Adjustable Heat Settings

Adjustable heat settings refer to user-selectable temperature control levels integrated into durable heated apparel, allowing precise regulation of internal heating elements. 

Typically, heated garments offer three preset temperature settings (e.g., low, medium, high), often controlled via physical buttons or wireless remotes. These settings adjust the power output delivered to the heating elements to balance warmth and battery life.

Battery Capacity

It refers to the total amount of electrical energy a battery can store, commonly expressed in milliamp-hours (mAh). It determines the maximum duration a heated garment can operate before requiring a recharge. High-capacity batteries allow for extended heat times.

Battery Capacity (mAh)	Common Applications
2000 - 4000 mAh	Heated gloves, glove liners, and socks
4000 - 6000 mAh	Heated jackets, pants, parkas, socks, and vests
6000+ mAh	Heated pants and hoodies
10000+ mAh	Heavy-duty gear, long-duration outdoor use

Battery Life

Battery life refers to the operational time span a battery can support before depletion, as well as its overall lifespan across charge cycles (typically 300–500 cycles for standard lithium-ion cells). In heated clothing, battery life varies based on heat settings, battery capacity, garment insulation, and environmental temperature.

Battery Pack

A battery pack is a modular portable power source used in heated vests, jackets, and other apparel. Battery packs vary in voltage (usually 5V or 7.4V), and they connect to heating elements through wired or snap-on connectors. 

Battery Pocket

A battery pocket is a designated, often zippered or Velcro-secured section within heated apparel that houses the battery pack. It is usually located on less mobile body parts (e.g., hips, thighs, or calf areas) to minimize discomfort and allow for safe wiring to heating elements. Battery pockets are typically insulated and waterproof.

Controller

A controller is an electronic interface designed to manage heat output in heated garments. It regulates voltage, current, and temperature curves and may feature push buttons or LED indicators. 

Elastic Cuff

An elastic cuff is a flexible, stretchable section (often with spandex) sewn into the ends of sleeves, socks, and gloves. It aids in fit retention and minimizes heat loss while sealing out cold air and moisture.

Ergonomic Fit

Ergonomic fit refers to a garment design that is shaped to align with the human body's natural contours and movement range. In heated apparel, this ensures comfort during activity while preserving contact between heating elements and key body zones.

Fleece

In heated apparel, fleece is used as a lining or insulation layer to retain warmth generated by embedded heating elements. It offers a high warmth-to-weight ratio, quick-drying performance, and low moisture absorption—key properties in cold-weather gear.

Heat Duration

Heat duration is the total operational time a piece of heated apparel can function on a single battery charge. Values typically range from 2 to 8 hours, depending on battery size, voltage, and heat level selected.

Heat Zones

Heat zones are defined areas in heated garments where electrical heating elements are integrated, typically around the chest, back, fingers, or toes. These zones distribute heat based on physiological cooling patterns.

Heated Apparel

Heated apparel refers to clothing designed with built-in heating elements powered by batteries or USB connections to provide warmth in cold conditions. Common types include heated jackets, gloves, vests, and socks. 

These garments use technologies like carbon fiber or steel wire heating zones and often offer adjustable temperature settings for personalized comfort during outdoor activities, work, or cold-weather travel.

Heated Glove Liners

Heated glove liners are thin gloves designed to be worn under standard gloves.

Heating Element

A heating element is the material component within heated clothing that converts electrical energy into heat via resistive heating. Common materials include carbon fiber and metal micro-wires.

Insulation

Insulation refers to the material layer used in garments to restrict heat transfer, thereby retaining warmth generated internally. Common insulation types include down, synthetic fills, and fleece.

Lithium-ion Battery

A lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery is a rechargeable energy storage device that uses lithium ions to transfer charge between its electrodes. Widely used in heated apparel for their high energy density, Li-ion batteries typically operate at 5V to 7.4V for wearables. Some systems use up to 12V for construction or industrial wear.

Lithium Polymer (LiPo) Battery

A lithium polymer (LiPo) battery is a rechargeable battery that uses a gel or solid polymer electrolyte instead of a liquid one. This allows for thinner, lighter, and flexible designs compared to standard lithium-ion batteries. They are common in wearables and heated apparel. 

mAh (Milliamp Hours)

Milliamp hours (mAh) is a measure of electric charge and indicates battery capacity. One mAh means a battery can deliver one milliamp of current for one hour. Higher mAh means longer runtime in heated garments.

Multi-Zone Heating

Multi-zone heating refers to garments equipped with three or more heating zones (e.g., chest, back, hands), which may be independently controlled or coordinated via a system controller or app.

Outer Shell

The outer shell is the external layer of a garment, typically made from materials like nylon, polyester, or soft shell with water/wind resistance. It protects heating elements and insulation from environmental exposure.

Pass-Through Charging

Pass-through charging allows a device or garment to operate while charging its internal battery, typically combining simultaneous power draw with input charging safely via circuit isolation.

Rechargeable Battery

A rechargeable battery is an electrochemical cell that can be recharged and reused for multiple cycles, commonly using lithium-ion in heated clothing.

Remote Control

A remote control is a wireless interface used to adjust heat settings on garments. Communication protocols may include Bluetooth, radiofrequency, or proprietary systems.

Softshell

Softshell is aclass of fabric that combines water resistance, breathability, and elasticity. It balances comfort and weather protection, making it ideal as an outer material for heated jackets and gloves.

Thermal Regulation

Thermal regulation is the control of body temperature, achieved via materials or electronics in heated clothing that minimize energy loss while preserving comfort.

Touchscreen-Friendly Gloves

These gloves are designed with conductive materials embedded in the fingertips to mimic the capacitive response of human skin. This allows wearers to operate touchscreen devices, such as smartphones or tablets, without removing their gloves. In heated gloves, these materials are integrated without disrupting the function of heating elements.

USB Charger

A USB charger provides DC power through USB interfaces (A, B, C), usually at 5V. In heated apparel, they recharge Li-ion packs through USB-A or USB-C.

Voltage

Voltage is the electrical potential difference between two points, measured in volts (V). In heated clothing, typical voltages range between 5V and 7.4V to balance safety and heat output.

Water-Resistant Heated Apparel

Water-resistant heated apparel refers to garments capable of repelling water to a limited extent, protecting electronic heating elements and battery systems from moisture intrusion under light rain or brief exposure to snow. 

This is achieved using treated fabrics like nylon or polyester that stop water from soaking in easily. Water-resistant clothing is not fully waterproof and may allow water through in heavy or prolonged exposure.

Windproof fabrics

Windproof fabrics block airflow penetration, reduce evaporative heat loss, and are commonly laminated with polyurethane or ePTFE. Essential in heated gear used at high altitudes or wind chill zones.

Zoned Heating

Zoned heating designates specific target areas on the body for individual heat control (e.g., hands, torso). Enhances performance and power conservation in cold-sensitive regions.

Zipper Battery Pouch

A zipper battery pouch is a secure storage compartment integrated into garments to hold battery packs. It provides external access and protection from elements, often lined and water-resistant.