Best thermals & base layers 2025: For men & women
Find our top picks of the best thermals for men & women. We have base layers, in a variety of styles and fabrics to keep you warm this winter.
Do you want to ace that base? Perhaps you have a winter holiday coming up or you want to outsmart the cold by becoming a master in layering. So, what constitutes good base layers? The main components you’ll be looking for are comfort, moisture-wicking properties and breathability.
What are the types of base layers?
Base layer tops are thin, insulating shirts designed to be worn as the first layer of clothing, closest to the skin. Their main purpose is to regulate body temperature and manage moisture by wicking away sweat, helping you stay warm and dry. These tops are especially useful for layering in cold weather, but they can also be used alone for light insulation in milder conditions.
Base layer bottoms are close-fitting trousers or leggings worn as the first layer on your lower body to keep you warm and comfortable in colder weather. Just like base layer tops, they’re designed to trap warmth while wicking away sweat, helping you stay dry and avoid the chill that can come from damp clothing. Base layer bottoms are typically worn under other trousers, making them a go-to for activities like hiking, skiing, camping, or even just staying cosy during a chilly commute.
Men’s fleece-lined long top
The best thermal base layers provide stretch, but are also lightweight, temperature-regulating and odour-resistant. All this tech doesn’t mean you’ll spend your trip budget before you leave the house! We have affordable base layers. This makes for the best base layer top as it is made with stretch, designed for a slim fit and has long sleeves, making it perfect for wearing under long sleeve t-shirts, and jackets.
Benefits
Long sleeve for maximum coverage
Lined with soft and cosy fleece for added warmth
Perfect for activities in cold weather
Great protection from the elements
Men’s thermal long johns
Do you want an easy shortcut to searching men’s thermal long johns? Look for merino wool or stretch jersey materials which will feel soft against the skin. Synthetic fabrics are also a good option as they’re lightweight, moisture-wicking and quick-drying. We have the ultrawarm thermal long johns. They have a fitted waistband and a modern design, giving them a loungewear silhouette.
Benefits
Thermal properties for added warmth
Slim-fit design that contours the body
Flexible materials
Perfect for activities in cold weather
Great protection from the elements
Men’s base layer bottom
Looking for the best men’s thermal pants? Make sure you consider their fit, as long thermal underwear should be compressive or tight. This means they provide insulation as they’re closer to the body. Check out our fleece-lined leggings suitable as a layer for when the temperature drops, the fleece-lining on this style helps to trap heat close to the body.
Benefits
Thermal properties for added warmth
Slim-fit design that contours the body
Flexible materials that move with you
Perfect for activities in cold weather
Available in versatile colours
Women’s base layer bottom
Starting from the bottom? Aside from wool thermal clothing, tight-fitting synthetic leggings offer a strong foundation for your winter clothing. One of our favourites is the cuffed ankle thermal leggings. Available in grey or black colourways, we love the minimal aesthetic, making it easy to combine them with our ladies’ base tops.
Benefits
Warm
Slim-fit design that’s flattering
Flexible materials that move with you
Breathable
Available in versatile colours
Styling that can be worn day-to-night
Women’s thermal leggings
One of the most versatile winter undergarments are leggings. Thermal leggings are designed to keep heat in the body. The fabrics used, like merino wool, fleece or specially designed synthetic materials, provide effective insulation, ensuring your legs don’t get chilly. The velvet-lined plush leggings are a firm favourite due to their faux-fur interior.
Benefits
Available in black and grey for versatility
Slim-fit design that contours the body
Thermal properties to retain heat
Soft material
Breathable
Women’s thermal hoodies
We recommend thermal hoodies if you want a women’s base layer top which literally covers all bases! When you’re exercising in cold weather, you want to be cosy but also dry, and the thermal hoodie will provide these benefits. Look out for ones with performance-enhancing properties.
Benefits
Thermal properties for added warmth
Thin enough to be worn under jacket
Lightweight
Soft materials
Perfect for activities in cold weather
Great protection from the elements
Women’s base thermal layer long sleeve top
To finish off your women’s base layer set, explore options which give maximum body coverage. A top with a high neck and long sleeves makes for the warmest thermal top option and helps provide a strong base layer. Complete with a stretch composition and cut-outs for the hands, this winter top for women has been designed for you to be able to hold equipment (a.k.a. a cup of hot chocolate) whilst remaining toasty.
Benefits
Thin base layer
Slim-fit design that contours the body
Flexible materials that move with you
Breathable
Available in high neck to keep provide good heat retention
Seamless base layer top
Seamless tops are good thermal clothes because they eliminate chafing or irritation. A cooling base layer should also provide a second skin feel, so you almost don’t notice you’re wearing anything! This helps if you’re exercising, or venture outdoors frequently in the colder months, multipacks are an investment. A vest top style like this one works for both thermal layering sets and on its own in the summer months.
Benefits
Flattering
Minimal chafing
Great temperature regulator
Perfect for activities in cold weather
Women’s thermal leggings
One of the most versatile winter undergarments are leggings. Thermal leggings are designed to keep heat in the body. The fabrics used, like merino wool, fleece or specially designed synthetic materials, provide effective insulation, ensuring your legs don’t get chilly. The velvet-lined plush leggings are a firm favourite due to their faux fur interior.
Benefits
Available in black and grey for versatility
Slim-fit design that contours the body
Thermal properties to retain heat
Soft material
Breathable
FAQs
What is a base layer?
A base layer is the first layer of clothing worn directly against the skin. Its primary purpose is to regulate body temperature, manage moisture, and provide comfort in varying conditions. It serves as the foundation of an outfit, especially during outdoor activities or in cold weather.
What is the difference between base layer and thermals?
All thermals are base layers, but not all base layers are thermals. Base layers come in various weights and materials suited for different weather conditions, while thermals are a special form of base layer designed for providing warmth.
What is the warmest base layer to wear?
The warmest base layer to wear depends largely on the material and thickness of the fabric. The two primary materials that provide the best warmth for base layers are merino wool and synthetic fabrics.
What type of thermals are warmest?
When it comes to thermals, the warmest types are typically those made from thicker, insulating materials designed to trap body heat and provide maximum warmth.
What are good thermals for men?
When looking for good thermals for men, you want to focus on those that offer warmth, comfort, moisture-wicking properties, and breathability.