Abstract: A composite protective yarn is incorporated into an article of apparel. The protective yarn has a core unit including a protective material selected from a group consisting of metallic filament, glass, and high tenacity fiber having a tensile strength of at least 7 grams per denier. A cover is applied to the core unit and is adapted for residing adjacent the skin. The cover includes an optically responsive material adapted for absorbing infrared radiation emitted from the human body at a first wavelength and returning the absorbed radiation to the body at a second longer wavelength. This relaxes capillaries and promotes increased blood flow to body parts covered by the article of apparel.

Abstract: A cut-resistant flexible yarn suitable for knitting, method of forming the cut-resistant yarn, and protective apparel incorporating the cut-resistant yarn are provided. The yarn includes a plurality of core units. Each of the core units includes a core yarn, and a flexible metallic filament wrapped around the core yarn. The plurality of core units are positioned adjacent to each other to form a bundle. At least one cover strand is wrapped around and encases the bundled core units to form a cover.

Abstract: A composite yarn construction particularly adapted for use in cut resistant body protective apparel and comprising a core yarn and an abrasion and cut resistant monofilament covering yarn knitted onto and encasing the core yarn in a series of cut resistant loops. The core yarn is preferably a multifilament synthetic yarn such as nylon, and the knitted yarn is stainless steel. The yarn is suitable for knitting cut resistant gloves, and apparel.