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The human body constantly produces thermal electromagnetic radiation with a maximum of about 10 μm. This thermal radiation has a number of positive effects on the human body and, in addition, allows the insulation under clothing to be improved under extreme climatic conditions, causing a significant reduction in ambient temperature. With so-called far-infrared (FIR) textiles, it is possible to ensure the reflection of thermal radiation back to the human body. In the first part of this review, the generation of heat by the human body and its propagation by radiation through the skin are comprehensively explained. The thermal characteristics of the individual skin layers as an emitter of infrared radiation are given. The second part discusses the basic preparation methods of FIR textiles. Suitable particle systems are described based on metals and their oxides, porous carbon, and special ceramics. Modification of the fiber phase (especially the fineness of the fibers and the porosity of the fabric) in combination with the surface coating of metals is also used for their health-promoting effects. The main manufacturers of FIR textiles and their typical products are mentioned.

Resistance against penetration of various rays including electromagnetic waves (EM), infrared rays (IR), and ultraviolet rays (UV) has been realized by using copper (Cu)-coated fabrics. However, the corrosion of the Cu on coated fabrics influenced the shielding effectiveness of the various rays. Besides, the metal-coated fabrics have high density and are unbreathable. This work aims to solve the problem by incorporating nickel (Ni) into the Cu coating on the ultra-light polyester fibrous materials (Milife ® composite nonwoven fabric-10 g/m 2 , abbreviation Milife) via electroless plating. The electromagnetic interference (EMI), IR test, ultraviolet protection factor (UPF), water contact angle, and air permeability of the Cu/Ni-coated Milife fabric were measured. All the samples were assumed as ultra-light and breathable by obtaining the similar fabric density (~10.57 g/m 2 ) and large air permeability (600-1050 mm/s). The Cu/Ni deposition on the Milife fabrics only covered the fibers. The EM shielding effectiveness ( SE ) decreased from 26 to 20 dB, the IR reflectance ( R infrared ) decreased from 0.570 to 0.473 with increasing w Ni from 0 to 19.5 wt %, while the w Ni improved the UPF from 9 to 48. Besides, addition of Ni changed the Cu/Ni-coated Milife fabric from hydrophilicity to the hydrophobicity by observing WCA from 77.7° to 114°.