I will say that I do own a pair of gloves/hat by thinsulate and while I wouldn't consider it an exotic brand, it is of fairly good quality and does it's job. (I didn't get them from bid)
they are a interesting case study..... I genuinely think they should be studied.
I'm up for it Mr Tom, I think the dynamics, body language, verbal and non verbal communications and on screen reactions are worthy of a 5 year Masters course at least! and I think I know who would be the subject of my dissertation!