One of the early investment successes of the Trust was an investment in Scottish company DC Heat.

DC Heat was one of the pioneers of Heated Clothing technology and is recognised as such.

Heated clothing technology has evolved significantly over time, driven by advancements in materials, power sources, and design. Its development can be traced through a combination of practical needs—such as keeping people warm in extreme conditions—and innovations in electrical engineering and textiles. Here’s a breakdown of how it came to be:
Early Beginnings (Early 20th Century)
The concept of electrically heated clothing emerged in the early 1900s, tied to the growing use of electricity in everyday life. One of the earliest documented uses was during World War I, when pilots flying in open-cockpit planes faced freezing temperatures at high altitudes. Engineers developed rudimentary heated flight suits powered by the aircraft’s electrical system. These suits used simple resistive wires—like those in early electric blankets—stitched into the fabric to generate heat. The technology was bulky, heavy, and dependent on a wired connection, limiting its practicality outside specific military applications.
Post-War Innovations (1940s–1960s)
After World War II, interest in heated clothing expanded beyond aviation. The 1940s and 1950s saw heated garments adapted for motorcyclists and outdoor workers in cold climates. Companies experimented with lighter wiring and insulation, though the power source remained a challenge. Most designs still relied on external batteries or vehicle power, often using lead-acid batteries that were cumbersome and short-lived. During this period, heated gloves and socks started appearing, often marketed to hunters, skiers, and fishermen. The heating elements were typically copper or nickel-chromium wires, which were prone to breaking under flexing or stress.
A notable milestone came in 1968 when the U.S. Army tested heated clothing for soldiers in cold-weather operations, such as in Vietnam’s highlands or Arctic training. These experiments laid groundwork for more portable systems, though they were still far from mainstream.
Battery-Powered Breakthroughs (1980s–1990s)
The real leap forward came with the advent of rechargeable batteries, particularly nickel-cadmium (NiCd) and later nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries in the 1980s. These allowed heated clothing to become untethered from external power sources, making it more practical for consumer use. Companies like Gerbing’s (founded in the 1970s) pioneered heated motorcycle gear, using 12-volt systems that could connect to a bike’s battery or a portable pack. By the 1990s, heated vests, jackets, and gloves started hitting the outdoor recreation market, targeting skiers, snowboarders, and mountaineers.
Heating elements also improved. Thin, flexible wires and early carbon-fiber elements began replacing rigid metal coils, distributing heat more evenly and reducing wear-and-tear risks. Temperature control systems—simple thermostats or multi-level switches—were introduced, giving users more customization.
Modern Era (2000s–Present)
The 21st century brought heated clothing into the mainstream, thanks to three key advancements:
  1. Lithium-Ion Batteries: Smaller, lighter, and more energy-dense than their predecessors, lithium-ion batteries (popularized in the 2000s) revolutionized heated clothing. A single battery pack could now power a jacket for hours, often with USB-rechargeable options.
  2. Advanced Heating Elements: Carbon nanotubes, micro-wires, and conductive fabrics (like those coated with graphene) replaced older systems. These materials are lightweight, flexible, and efficient, allowing heat to be integrated into thinner, more stylish garments.
  3. Smart Technology: By the 2010s, heated clothing gained Bluetooth connectivity and app controls, letting users adjust temperatures via smartphone. Brands like ORORO, Sun Will, and Milwaukee Tool started offering sleek, consumer-friendly designs with features like multiple heat zones (e.g., chest, back, hands).
Today, heated clothing spans a wide range—from affordable socks and insoles to high-end jackets costing hundreds of dollars. Applications include outdoor sports, medical use (e.g., for arthritis patients), and even fashion. The technology continues to evolve with research into self-powered systems, such as thermoelectric fabrics that convert body heat into electrical energy, though these are still experimental as of 2025.
Cultural Impact and Adoption
Heated clothing started as a niche solution but has grown into a global market, projected to reach over $500 million by 2030. Its development reflects a blend of military ingenuity, consumer demand, and tech innovation—much like the trajectory of GPS or the internet. X posts from recent years show users praising heated gear for surviving brutal winters, with some joking it’s “like wearing a hug from a radiator.”