How to use heated clothing: choose the right heat setting
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Knowing how to use heated clothing starts with a fully charged power bank, a secure connection and the lowest setting that feels comfortable. Fully charge the power bank before first use, connect it and press and hold the button on the chest for 3 seconds. Then select blue for low, white for medium or red for high.
How do you use heated clothing for the first time?
Before first use, fully charge the power bank and check that the cable and connection are undamaged.
Do not wait until you are out and about to try it. Test the garment indoors first, so you can familiarise yourself with the button and heat settings. Put it on as you intend to wear it later. A heated layer works most comfortably when it sits reasonably close to your upper body without feeling restrictive.
- Fully charge the supplied power bank using the USB cable. This takes up to approximately 4 hours; it is fully charged when all 4 indicator lights are illuminated.
- Switch on the power bank using the button on the side.
- Open the inner pocket on the right-hand side and firmly connect the garment's USB cable to the power bank.
- Place the power bank inside the pocket, making sure the cable and connection are not under strain.
- Press and hold the button on the chest for 3 seconds until the LED lights up.
- Briefly press the button to switch between the three heat settings.
- Disconnect the power bank after use and fully recharge it for the following day.
A heat setting is the selected level of heat output. The colour of the button shows which setting is active, so you do not have to guess which one you are using.
Which colour corresponds to each heat setting?
Blue is the low setting, white is the medium setting and red is the high setting.
| Heat setting | Colour | Temperature | Indicative operating time | When to use it |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low | Blue | Approximately 45 °C | Up to approximately 8 hours | Extended use or light activity |
| Medium | White | Approximately 55 °C | Up to approximately 6 hours | Gentle activity or noticeably cold conditions |
| High | Red | Approximately 65 °C | Up to approximately 4 hours | Brief warming or limited movement |
These figures apply to heated KingsPower products used with the supplied power bank. Actual operating time depends on the conditions and the condition of the power bank. What you feel is not determined by the selected setting alone. It also depends on your clothing layers, fit, activity, wind and personal perception of warmth.
Which heat setting suits each situation?
The best heat setting is the lowest setting that keeps you comfortable without making you too warm.
For example, use the high setting briefly when you have just come in from a cold environment or have been standing still for some time. Turn it down once the warmth is clearly noticeable. The medium setting is often suitable for gentle walking, waiting or work that involves alternating between moving and standing still. The low setting may already be sufficient during active movement.
- You are sitting or standing still for a long time: start on low or medium and only increase the setting if necessary.
- You are going for a walk or doing a job: start on low, as your body also generates heat.
- You have just come in from the cold: you can briefly use the high setting to warm up, then turn it down.
- The wind is getting stronger: first check whether your outer layer provides enough protection before increasing the heat.
- You start to sweat: lower the setting, open a layer or temporarily switch off the heating.
A thick outer layer can retain heat for longer, but it may also become too warm when you are moving. Do not rely on the button alone to manage your comfort. Adjust your layers too. Learn how to build a smart layering system with heated clothing.
Why is the highest setting not always the best choice?
The highest setting provides the most heat, but it also requires the most power and is therefore not automatically the best option for extended use.
Comfort is personal. A systematic review of personal heating and cooling systems highlights that localised discomfort affects the overall experience of comfort. Another study found differences in thermal sensitivity between parts of the body. There is therefore no single setting that is ideal for everyone in every situation.
A 2023 study compared two control strategies for a heated vest during brief exposure to -2.2 °C. In that trial, an alternating control strategy achieved thermal comfort with less energy and a longer operating time than the other active control strategy. This was not a test of KingsPower products. The only practical takeaway is that continuous heating at the maximum setting is not always necessary.
Would you like to know how the technology generates and distributes heat? Read how heated clothing works.
What mistakes are commonly made when using heated clothing?
Most user errors are caused by an insufficiently charged power bank, a loose connection or a setting that does not suit the activity.
- Not charging the power bank in advance: a new power bank is not always fully charged.
- Not inserting the connector fully: check that the cable is firmly connected to the power bank.
- Continuously using the highest setting: this shortens the available operating time and may become uncomfortable.
- Leaving too much space between the body and the heating: a very loose fit makes the warmth feel less direct.
- Ignoring wind or moisture: active heating is not a substitute for suitable protection against the conditions.
- Leaving the power bank connected during washing: always remove it and follow the product-specific care instructions.
- Using a different power bank: the user manual states that only the supplied power bank should be used.
- Exercising in heated clothing: according to the user manual, heated clothing should not be worn during intense physical exertion. When running or performing heavy work, your body generates more than enough heat itself.
- Continuing to use damaged components: stop using the product if the cable, connection, power bank or heating element is damaged.
Heated clothing is not the right choice for every situation. Do not wear the garment if the heat feels uncomfortable or if you notice any damage. At work, heated clothing never replaces prescribed protective equipment or a risk assessment.
What should you do if the heated vest does not warm up?
If the garment does not warm up, check the power supply and connection before assuming it is faulty.
- Check whether the power bank has sufficient charge.
- Disconnect the plug and firmly reconnect it.
- Check that the power bank is switched on using the button on the side.
- Press and hold the button on the chest for 3 seconds until the LED lights up.
- Check whether the button is illuminated and press it briefly to change the setting.
- Wait a few minutes and feel the garment where the heating elements are located, rather than checking only the outer fabric.
- If necessary, test it again in a calm indoor environment.
If the heating still does not work, stop using the garment. Do not try to repair a damaged cable or connection yourself. Consult the manual or contact customer service with a brief description of the steps you have already checked.
Would you like to try the three settings for yourself? View the men's heated vest in grey and black, including a 10,000 mAh power bank.
Frequently asked questions
These short answers cover the most common questions about switching on, adjusting and using heated clothing day to day.
How do you switch on a heated vest?
Charge the power bank, connect the cable inside the power bank pocket and place the power bank securely in the pocket. Switch on the power bank using the button on the side, then press and hold the button on the chest for 3 seconds until the LED lights up. Briefly press the button to change the setting. Always check the supplied manual if your product operates differently.
How long does heated clothing take to warm up?
The heat builds gradually after the garment is switched on. Give it a few minutes and feel the areas where the heating elements are located. The outer fabric does not need to feel equally warm everywhere. Only adjust the setting after assessing the warmth in your normal posture and during your usual activity.
Can I start on the high heat setting?
You can use it to warm up briefly, but check promptly that the heat remains comfortable. Then switch to the lowest setting that provides sufficient warmth. Stop the heating or lower the setting if the warmth becomes unpleasant. Continuously using the highest setting is usually unnecessary and places greater demand on the power bank.
Why does my power bank run out sooner than expected?
Operating time is affected by the selected setting, the conditions and the condition of the power bank. A high setting requires more power than a low setting. Charge level, age and usage patterns also play a role. Treat stated operating times as indications and fully charge the power bank before a long day.
Can heated clothing be worn under a jacket?
Yes, a heated bodywarmer, hoodie or vest can be worn under a suitable outer jacket if the combination feels comfortable and allows you to move freely. An outer layer helps protect against wind and precipitation when it is designed for those conditions. Make sure the cable, power bank and button are not compressed, and lower the setting if too much heat builds up.
Research sources
The studies cited provide general insights into personal heating and are not tests of KingsPower products.
