A combined yarn is provided containing a metallic strand and a non-metallic strand, wherein the metallic and non-metallic strands are combined by air interlacing the filaments or fibers of the non-metallic strand at intermittent points along their length, so that the metallic strand is encased in the non-metallic strand at least at some of the intermittent points; a composite yarn incorporating the combined yarn as at least one component, and articles and/or garments made from the combined yarn or composite yarn, and methods for the production of the combined and composite yarns.