Best thermals and base layers 2024: For men and women
See our top picks for the best men's and women's thermals. We have base layers in lots of styles and fabrics to keep you warm this winter.
Wanna ace that base? Winter vacay on the way? Maybe you just want to master layering to outsmart the cold... So: what makes a good base layer? The main things to look 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: to regulate body temperature and manage moisture by wicking away sweat, helping you stay warm and dry. These tops are especially useful for cold weather layering — but you can also wear them alone for light insulation in warmer conditions.
Base layer bottoms are close-fitting pants or leggings for the first layer on your lower body, to keep you warm and comfortable in cold weather. Just like base layer tops, they’re designed to trap warmth while wicking away sweat, helping you stay dry and avoid the damp clothing chill. Base layer bottoms are usually worn under other pants: go-tos for hiking, skiing, camping, or even just staying cozy on a chilly commute.
Men’s fleece-lined long top
The best thermal base layers are stretchy but lightweight, temperature-regulating and odor-resistant. Even with all this tech, you’ll save your budget for the big trip: Our base layers are really affordable. It all adds up to the best base layer top: made with stretch, with long sleeves and designed for a slim fit — perfect for wearing under other tops and jackets.
Benefits
Long sleeves for maximum coverage
Lined with soft, cozy fleece for added warmth
Perfect for cold weather activities
Great weather protection
Men’s Thermal Pants
Want a foolproof men’s thermal pants pick? Look for merino wool or stretch jersey materials that'll feel soft on your skin. Synthetic fabrics are also good lightweight, moisture-wicking and quick-drying picks. We have the ultrawarm thermal pants you need. They have a snug waistband and modern cut, giving them a great loungewear vibes.
Benefits
Thermal properties for added warmth
Slim-fit design that contours to the body
Flexible fabrics
Perfect for cold weather activities
Great weather protection
Men’s Base Layer Bottoms
Looking for the best men’s thermal pants? Think about their fit: long thermal underwear should be compressive or tight. This means they provide insulation because they’re closer to the body. Check out our fleece-lined leggings, a great layer for when the temperature drops. Their lining helps trap heat close to the body.
Benefits
Thermal properties for added warmth
Slim-fit design that contours to the body
Flexible fabrics that move with you
Perfect for cold weather activities
Available in versatile colors
Women’s Base Layer Bottoms
Starting from the bottom? Besides wool thermal clothing, tight-fitting synthetic leggings are a strong foundation for your winter wardrobe. One of our favorites? The cuffed ankle thermal leggings. Available in gray or black, we love the minimalist look that's easy to pair with our base tops.
Benefits
Warm
Slim-fit, flattering design
Flexible fabrics that move with you
Breathable
Available in versatile colors
Day-to-night styling options
Women’s Thermal Leggings
One of the most versatile winter base layers? Leggings. Thermal leggings are designed to keep heat in the body. In fabrics like merino wool, fleece or specially designed synthetic materials, they provide effective insulation so your legs don’t get chilly. Our velvety plush leggings are a firm fave thanks to their faux fur interior.
Benefits
Available in black and gray for versatility
Slim-fit design that contours to the body
Thermal properties to retain heat
Soft fabric
Breathable
Women’s thermal hoodies
Want a women’s base layer top that covers all bases? We recommend thermal hoodies. When you’re exercising in cold weather, you want to be cozy but also dry, and that's what a thermal hoodie does for you. Look out for ones with performance-enhancing properties.
Benefits
Thermal properties for added warmth
Thin enough to be worn under jacket
Lightweight
Soft fabrics
Perfect for cold weather activities
Great weather protection
Women’s base thermal layer long sleeve top
To finish your base layer set, look for pieces that give maximum body coverage. A top with a high neck and long sleeves is for the warmest thermal top option and helps provide a strong base layer. Complete with stretch and cutouts for your hands, this winter pick was been designed so you to can hold essentials (like hot chocolate) while staying toasty.
Benefits
Thin base layer
Slim-fit design that contours to the body
Flexible fabrics that move with you
Breathable
Available in high neck for good heat retention
Seamless base layer top
Seamless tops are good thermal picks 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 head outdoors a lot in winter (multipacks are a good investment). A tank like this one works for thermal layering sets plus on its own in summer.
Benefits
Flattering
Minimal chafing
Great temperature regulator
Perfect for cold weather activities
Women’s Thermal Leggings
One of the most versatile winter base layers? Leggings. Thermal leggings are designed to keep heat in the body. In fabrics like merino wool, fleece or specially designed synthetic materials, they provide effective insulation so your legs don’t get chilly. Our velvety plush leggings are a firm fave thanks to their faux fur interior.
Benefits
Available in black and gray for versatility
Slim-fit design that contours to the body
Thermal properties to retain heat
Soft fabric
Breathable
FAQs
What's a base layer?
A base layer is the first layer of clothing worn directly against the skin. It's primary purpose: regulating body temperature, managing moisture and providing comfort in varying conditions. It's the foundation of an outfit, especially for cold outdoor activities.
What's the difference between base layers and thermals?
All thermals are base layers, but not all base layers are thermals. Base layers come in various weights and materials 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 depends mostly on the material and thickness of the fabric. Two of the warmest base layer materials are merino wool and synthetic fabrics.
What are the warmest thermals?
The warmest types of thermals are typically ones in thicker insulating materials designed to trap body heat and provide maximum warmth.
What are some good thermals for men?
For good men's thermals, you want to focus on ones that have warmth, comfort, moisture-wicking properties and breathability.