With the advent of wearable electronics and smart textiles

the strong need for energy saving and efficient personal thermoregulation has attracted widespread attention from researchers. To achieve human thermal comfort

personal thermal management has become an important strategy to regulate and balance the heat exchange between the human body and the surrounding environment. As the interface for material and energy exchange between the human body and the environment

fabrics play an indispensable and important role in controlling the microclimate around the human skin. Smart fibers and textiles with light weight

good mechanical flexibility

multi-responsiveness

and excellent temperature regulation are urgently needed in personal thermal management applications. This article describes emerging materials and strategies for personal thermal management and categorizes them according to their thermal functions

including personal cooling

heating

and thermos-stating according to specific application areas and individual needs. Finally

critical thinking is also given on the opportunities and challenges of smart fibers and textiles for personal thermal management applications.