Best thermal underwear for men to keep you warm this winter
The cold is creeping in, which means your commitment to layering is becoming less style choice and more survival necessity. It’s time to invest in a solid set of thermal underwear to keep you toasty beneath those more fashion-forward style investments in your wardrobe.
Thankfully, there are plenty to choose from, with stylish options to suit every budget.
Ranging from vests and T-shirts to snug-as-a-bug long johns, thermal-wear has been done by everyone from Uniqlo to Tom Ford this season. Here’s my pick of the best to have in your winter undies drawer.
Uniqlo
For affordable thermal-wear, no man really needs to look much further than that ever-popular Japanese addition to the high street, Uniqlo. Minimalist as always, its ultra-warm Heattech garments are 2.25 times warmer than its regular thermals, with a loose fit that stands alone as a stylish long-sleeve tee. £19.90. uniqlo.com
Marks & Spencer
If you’re from the UK, you probably know that buying from M&S is a safe bet. It is the perfect brand choice for cheap, solid undergarments, almost especially for thermal, winter-ready pieces. A mid-level of warmth and simple, sophisticated design makes these an essential for a British winter. £15.marksandspencer.com
The North Face
For real cold weather credentials, go to The North Face. If you want some excellent, purpose-built thermal layers for the British winter then try The North Face. This comes with underarm gussets and seamless side panels to do away with chafing and leave you altogether comforted. Plus, the black/grey colour scheme looks pretty damn dynamic. £35.99. At amazon.co.uk
Boss
Adding some fashionable flair to the humble long john, Boss decorates its winter-ready undergarment in an all-over houndstooth print, polished off nicely with a logo-branded waistband. Do not be surprised if these become the underwear that gets the most wear-time in the months to come. £35. At amazon.co.uk
Patagonia
The wonderful thing about all of the fabric technology that goes into creating a highly effective base layer for cold weather is that it works exceptionally well on that morning commute to the train station or as an extra layer around the house. If you are eager to push the limits, this Patagonia thermal comes brimming with features: HeiQ Fresh durable odour control, Power Grid fabric seams that reduce chaffing and, lastly, it is Fair Trade Certified. £75.patagonia.com
Lululemon
Designed for running, as with most of Lululemon’s performance-primed sportswear, its thermals integrate just as nicely into casual wardrobes thanks to their pared-back designs. The buttery-soft texture of the fabric makes this a top choice for lounging around the house, while thumbholes to keep the sleeves in place and a discreet pocket in the seam make it a top choice for any outdoor workouts as the weather cools. £78. lululemon.com
Tom Ford
There’s something about the heathered effect of a grey fabric that screams warmth without even having to slip it on to test it. Thankfully, Tom Ford’s long johns hold up on the insulation and comfort front with their cotton-jersey blend. With their branded waistband, these are as smart as a long john can be. £95. At mrporter.com