Tech & Gear Luggage The 12 Best Thermal Underwear of 2021 Stay warm with these cozy layers Written by Justine Harrington Twitter Justine Harrington is a writer based in Austin, Texas, where she covers topics spanning travel, food & drink, lifestyle, culture, social advocacy, and the outdoors. Tripsavvy's Editorial Guidelines Justine Harrington Updated 05/12/21 Share Pin Email Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. Tripsavvy / Chloe Jeong The Rundown Best Overall: Smartwool Merino 250 Base Layer at smartwool.com "The warmest base-layer option that Smartwool offers." Runner-Up, Best Overall: Duofold Midweight Thermal Pant at Amazon "Consists of a cotton inner layer for softness along with merino wool in the outer layer for natural insulation." Best Budget: 32 Degrees Lightweight Thermal Baselayer Legging Pant at Amazon "A cold-weather favorite with an affordable price tag that are ideal for everyday activities." Best for Women: L.L.Bean Midweight Base Layer Pants at llbean.com "Featuring a 190-gram polyester fabric, theses thermal pants will keep you warm and wick moisture away." Best for Men: Patagonia Capilene Zip-Neck Long Underwear Top at backcountry.com "Its long, center-front zipper allows for easy venting when you get sweaty." Best Leggings: ColdPruf Women's Platinum Dual Layer Bottom at Amazon "Designed without tags and feature flat seams so they can easily be worn under any pair of pants." Best Set: TSLA Men's Thermal Underwear Set at Amazon "Both the top and bottom are stretchy so they can easily be worn underneath any type of winter gear." Best Wool: Smartwool Merino 150 Baselayer Long Sleeve at Amazon "The brand’s high-quality wool blend has better strength and durability than 100 percent Merino wool yarns." Best Style: Under Armour HeatGear Leggings at Amazon "The lightweight HeatGear fabric is just a tiny bit shiny, so these leggings are more stylish than most" Best Alternative: Terramar Women’s Thermasilk Pointelle Pant at Amazon "A natural alternative to wool, crafted from 100 percent filament silk." Thermal underwear is essential for staying warm in freezing temperatures. "They are a way to regulate your own comfort, temperature, and how your body performs in cold weather," says Katie Albert, a manager at REI. But it can be hard to know where to start when trying to find the perfect piece to deal with the cold. There are so many options out there—and it’s easy to get overwhelmed by just the fabric options alone. Some people swear by wool (especially Merino wool, which is known for its lightweight thermal insulation); others can’t imagine thermal underwear in anything but silk. There are also decent affordable options available, and these tend to be durable and easier to care for. Of course, some people will need these critical base layers more than others, so if you’re living in a cold climate—versus just taking a trip to one—it might be worth swinging for one of the more expensive options to stay warm all winter long. Whether you're looking for tops or bottoms, we've scoured the web to help make your search easier. When it comes to fit, weight, and material, these are the best thermal underwear available online. Best Overall: Smartwool Merino 250 Base Layer Buy on Backcountry.com Buy on Smartwool.com What We Like Fun color options Breathable Comfortable What We Don't Like Not pre-shrunken Hands down, the best long underwear for extreme temperatures is Smartwool’s Merino 250 top. Not only is this midweight, merino wool base-layer the warmest base-layer option that Smartwool offers, but it’s also highly breathable and ultra-comfy, with none of the itchiness of other thermal underwear fabrics. Shoulder panels help to reduce chafing and optimize comfort, while flatlock stitching eliminates abrasion and enhances fit by reducing bulky seams. Plus, it features a UPF 50+ layer of fabric. All in all, when it comes to sheer quality and durability, nobody does thermal underwear better than Smartwool. A men's version is available here. Sizes: XS-XL | Fabric: Merino wool | Care: Machine wash cold “These are my go-to camping base layers. They are so incredibly cozy and offer the perfect amount of stretch and snugness so you feel like you can move around and still stay really warm.” — Ellie Nan Storck, Hotel Editor Runner-Up, Best Overall: Duofold Midweight Thermal Pant Buy on Amazon Buy on Dick's What We Like Affordable Comfortable Easy to move in What We Don't Like Not pre-shrunken Duofold’s Midweight Double-Layer Thermal Pants are some of the company's warmest styles, and they’re the perfect choice for those who are looking for a budget-minded pick for a cold vacation—or just need to stock up on a few pairs to get through winter. Its two layers consist of a 100 percent cotton inner layer for softness, along with merino wool in the outer layer for natural insulation. The moisture-wicking tech keeps you warm and sweat-free, and provides odor resistance. The flatlock seams prevent chafing, no matter what activity you’re up to, and the tagless label doesn’t irritate or itch skin. You won’t want to wear these solo in the cold, as they’re not incredibly windproof, but under a thicker outer layer, they do great. Keep in mind that for long legs, these might run a tiny bit on the short side. A similar version for women is available here. Sizes: S-XXL | Weight: Cotton and merino wool | Care: Machine wash cold Best Budget: 32 Degrees Lightweight Thermal Baselayer Legging Pant Buy on Amazon What We Like Soft Lightweight Affordable What We Don't Like Thin fabric Thin waistband Budget-conscious shoppers will delight in the 32 Degrees Thermal Leggings, which are a cold-weather favorite with an affordable price tag to boot. Ideal for everyday wintry activities, these snug-fitting leggings also offer maximum stretch, allowing for full freedom of movement. Available in three neutral shades (charcoal heather, stormy night, and black) so you can pair them with any outfit, these leggings are made of a lightweight yet warm blend of polyester and spandex that wicks away moisture. They’re also lightly brushed on both sides, which gives them a soft, cozy feel that’s smooth to the touch. Sizes: XS-XXL | Weight: Polyester and spandex | Care: Machine wash cold The 10 Best Items to Pack on a Ski Trip in 2021 Best for Women: L.L.Bean Midweight Base Layer Pants Courtesy of L.L. Bean Buy on L.L.Bean What We Like Can be layered Moisture wicking Comfortable What We Don't Like High waisted L.L.Bean does base layers incredibly well, and the Midweight Base Layer Pants for women are no exception. These pants are easily one of the most reliable choices for thermal underwear, especially if you’ll be in extra-frigid temperatures. Featuring a 190-gram polyester fabric, these thermal pants will keep you super warm on the inside, regardless of how cold it gets outside. The pants wick moisture away from your body, making them extremely breathable and odor-resistant. As a bonus, L.L.Bean also uses recycled content when making these pants to minimize the impact on the environment. These pants are available in regular and petite sizes ranging from extra small to extra large. Sizes: XS-XL | Fabric: Polyester | Care: Machine wash cold, air dry “You want something that is form fitting, but isn't uncomfortably tight.” – Katie Albert, REI manager The 9 Best Base Layers of 2021 Best for Men: Patagonia Capilene Zip-Neck Long Underwear Top Backcountry Buy on Backcountry.com Buy on REI What We Like Versatile Quick drying Easy to move in What We Don't Like Snags easily Patagonia is the crème de la crème of activewear, so it’s no surprise that the Capilene Midweight Zip-Neck Top for men is a winner. To begin with, there’s the specialized, quick-drying Polartec Power Grid fabric that boasts warmth, breathability, and optimal moisture-wicking performance. There’s also the top's genius structure—a long, center-front zipper that allows for easy venting when you get a tad too sweaty, as well as full underarm gussets and raglan shoulder seams that provide shoulder mobility. Plus, the fabric’s smooth face is also ideal for layering. This Patagonia top has it all. Sizes: S-XL | Fabric: Polyester | Care: Machine wash cold, air dry Best Leggings: ColdPruf Women's Platinum Dual Layer Bottom Buy on Amazon What We Like Versatile Comfortable Anti-odor What We Don't Like Baggy For extra warmth for your lower body (without adding a bulky under-layer to your outfit), ColdPruf's Platinum Dual Layer leggings are a classic choice. These fashionable leggings are designed without tags and feature flat seams so they can easily be worn under any pair of pants. Made out of a polyester and wool blend, these leggings feature an array of cold-weather comfort features including insulation, moisture-wicking technology, and odor-resistance to keep you warm while outside. Sizes: S-XXL | Fabric: Polyester and merino wool |Care: Machine wash cold, air dry The 12 Best Fleece-Lined Leggings of 2021 Best Set: TSLA Men's Thermal Underwear Set Buy on Amazon What We Like Multiple color options Easy to move in Moisture wicking Affordable What We Don't Like Runs snug Can't mix and match sizes Made of lightweight and breathable fabric, the TSLA set is like a second skin for the whole body, to be worn under your winter outerwear. These thermal base layers efficiently trap heat while simultaneously wicking away moisture from the skin and dry fast for comfort during intense physical activity. Both the top and bottom are stretchy but body-hugging, so they can easily be worn underneath any type of winter gear for added insulation. And, for more comfort, the elastic waistband stretches and moves with your body. TSLA thermal set come in a range of colors. Sizes: XS-3X | Fabric: Microfiber and spandex | Care: Machine wash Best Wool: Smartwool Merino 150 Baselayer Long Sleeve Buy on Amazon What We Like Multiple color options Odor resistant Durable What We Don't Like Expensive Handcrafted with 87 percent merino wool and 13 percent nylon, the Merino 150 from Smartwool is incredibly soft on the skin, providing a significant layer of warmth in freezing temperatures. That being said, it's solid for year-round layering. The brand’s high-quality wool blend has great strength and durability, and the fabric’s odor management properties are excellent. Sizes: XS-XL | Fabric: Merino wool and nylon | Care: Machine wash cold Best Style: Under Armour HeatGear Leggings Buy on Amazon Buy on Underarmour.com What We Like Fast drying Good coverage Lightweight Pockets What We Don't Like Runs baggy Why go basic black when you could don a pair of sweet, sleek thermal leggings in shades of electric purple or midnight navy? Under Armour’s Women’s HeatGear No-Slip Leggings come in four vibrant colors, and the lightweight HeatGear fabric is just a tiny bit shiny, so these leggings are more stylish than most. The stretchy, supportive fabric also delivers optimal coverage without feeling too bulky, and it effectively wicks away and dries sweat. Plus, you don’t have to worry about getting stinky on long hikes since the anti-odor technology successfully prevents the growth of odor-causing microbes. You’ll simply love the fit, too—the double-sided silicone print helps keep your waistband from sagging or slipping as you move around, which can be especially freeing if you’re running or doing other high-intensity activities. See a men's version here. Sizes: S-XXL | Fabric: Polyester and elastane | Care: Machine wash cold The 12 Best Women's Ski Pants of 2021 Best Alternative: Terramar Women’s Thermasilk Pointelle Pant Buy on Amazon Buy on Walmart What We Like Lightweight Stretchy What We Don't Like See through Not made for subzero temps A natural alternative to wool thermal underwear, Terramar’s Thermasilk Pointelle leggings are crafted from 100 percent filament silk. Lightweight and stretchy, these underwear bottoms come with the EC2 Qwik-Dri Electrostatic process, which has the ability to lift the moisture molecules away from your body and break them down for swift evaporation. No matter what moderately cold-weather activities you’re undertaking, these Terramar leggings will keep you snug and warm—conveniently, they’re machine-washable, too. Just keep in mind that silk-based thermal underwear may not be as thick or insulating as a wool blend, so these leggings probably aren’t the best choice for subzero temperatures. Sizes: XS-XL | Fabric: Filament silk | Care: Machine wash Best Wool Blend: Icebreaker Women’s BodyFitZone 200 Zone Leggings Courtesy of Icebreaker https://www.icebreaker.com/en-us/womens-baselayers/bodyfitzone-200-zone-leggings/104427.html Buy on Amazon What We Like Versatile Stretchy What We Don't Like Expensive Whether you’re hitting the ski slopes, traipsing around on snow-covered trails, or just trying to get home from work without turning into a human icicle, the Icebreaker Women’s BodyFitZone Leggings are ideal. They’re perfect for year-round use, thanks to the lightweight merino wool fabric with strategically placed mesh panels for active ventilation. Flatlock seams prevent chafing and the LYCRA content aids in stretch and mobility. And, the Icebreaker-branded brushed elastic waistband offers ultimate comfort. Sizes: XS-XL | Fabric: Wool and lycra elastane | Care: Machine wash cold Best Plus-Size: Lands' End Women's Plus Size Silk Interlock Pants Buy on Landsend.com What We Like Moisture wicking Breathable Lightweight What We Don't Like Few color options Body-inclusivity for the win. The Lands' End Women’s Plus Size Silk Interlock Pants are designed for every body, with material that breathes exceptionally well and stretches nicely, ensuring a comfortable fit. The bottoms are naturally moisture wicking and they work equally well as snuggly pajamas or as layers underneath bulky winter clothing. The brand also has matching tops that are sold separately. Sizes: XL-3X | Fabric: Silk | Care: Machine wash cold The 9 Best Plus-Size Snow Pants of 2021 Final Verdict Smartwool’s Merino 250 Top (view at Smartwool) is at the top of the heap when it comes to performance, fit, and protection. You just can’t beat the fabric—100 percent merino wool made with an interlock knit—and construction, which includes shoulder panels, a flatlock seam, and back body seams, all of which help to minimize chafing and provide next-to-skin comfort, while still allowing for ample breathability. What to Look For in Thermal Underwear Material Selecting the right material for your thermal underwear is critical—different types of fabrics work in different ways to regulate your body temperature. Merino wool and synthetic fabrics like polyester and spandex (or a poly-spandex blend) are, by far, the most common fabrics used for thermal base layers. Both of these types of fabric are great at wicking away moisture, preventing sweat buildup, drying fast, and keeping you warm in extreme temperatures. In terms of their (slight) differences, merino wool tends to take longer to dry than most synthetic fabrics, though it’s slightly warmer than polyester, nylon, or spandex. Wool is also more susceptible to shrinkage than synthetic fabrics, so you have to be careful to hand-wash it. Fit Looser isn’t better in this case. Keep in mind that snug-fitting thermal underwear will keep you warmer than loose-fitting layers, which allow for more air circulation and therefore have less insulating properties. Also, to be able to wick sweat from your body efficiently, your thermals should have a true next-to-skin fit. Weight Depending on what activity you’ll be doing outdoors and what the climate is like, there are different weights to consider when you’re looking for the right thermals. As a general rule of thumb, lighter weights work better for warmer temperatures and high-movement activities. So, if you’re going backpacking, hiking, or running, you’ll want to seek out thin, lightweight thermal layers with moisture-wicking properties. Going cross-country skiing, snowboarding, or winter backpacking? Thick, insulated thermal underwear is what you need. FAQs What is the difference between thermal and base layers? A base or thermal layer is the layer of clothing that touches the skin and regulates your body temperature, keeping you either cool or warm. The terms “thermal underwear” and “base layer” are basically interchangeable—when people use either term, they mean lightweight pieces of clothing to wear underneath outerwear to keep you warm and regulate heat. How should you wash thermals? Washing your thermals by hand is always preferable in terms of preserving them for as long as possible. That being said, technically, you can machine-wash your thermals if they’re made of synthetic fabrics (like spandex or polyester); just make sure you do so on a delicate cycle, in warm water, using mild detergent. If, on the other hand, your thermals are made from Merino wool, you should always hand-wash them. Do you need to wear underwear underneath your thermal layer? Yes. Thermal underwear is just clothing that’s worn underneath your other clothing; it isn’t underwear. Why Trust TripSavvy Justine Harrington loves nothing more than being outdoors—she’s a fan of the slow sports, like hiking and backpacking—but as a long-time Austinite, she’s grown accustomed to 100-degree temperatures as the norm and is a tad fragile when it comes to facing the cold. As such, when preparing for a winter backpacking trip or hike (or, let’s be honest, a mere walk when it’s colder than 60 degrees), she’s positively fanatical about wearing the perfect base layers to stay as toasty and comfortable as possible. The 9 Best Wool Socks of 2021 Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! Submit Continue to 5 of 12 below. Continue to 9 of 12 below.