Winter Underwear - Arctic / Antarctic, Base Layers, Thermal Clothing

The base or foundation layer is worn next to the skin, for cold climates this is "thermal" underwear.

Last updated - 2nd January 2022

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The layer of clothing next to the skin has two jobs to do, the obvious one of keeping you warm and then the equally important but less obvious one of removing perspiration from the skin so it doesn't cause chilling later on.

In cold temperatures perspiration can be just as much of an issue as in a warmer climate. The skin loses moisture at all times during exertion or not. If there are insulating layers keeping you warm, it is more difficult for this perspiration to escape. If not removed it will result in the wearer becoming uncomfortable with a feeling of clamminess as well as lowering the efficiency of the insulating layers.

Underwear able to wick this moisture away from the skin surface therefore becomes much more important. Modern "thermals" are made of natural merino wool or synthetic fibers that have good insulating properties and are also able to efficiently wick moisture away from the skin. The golden rule is avoid cotton except in some very specific situations.

Weight / thickness

Lightweight - approx. 170 gm2
Midweight - approx. 250 gm2
Heavyweight - approx. 400 gm2

Base layers come in a range of weights usually described as light, mid and heavy. The one to go for depends on a number of factors, your anticipated activity level, the external temperature and how keenly you feel the cold. Heavier weight materials will be more bulky and need looser fitting over-layers.

Features of the base layer

Which material?

Merino Wool Base Layers

This has become the gold standard material for the foundation layer, as you may suspect from this, it is not the budget option but it does deliver on performance. It is simply the wool of the merino sheep, a particularly soft and fine natural product. Merino wool garments deliver significant warmth with light weight, they are very good at wicking sweat away from the skin surface and so are particularly effective in use during exertion. They are naturally odor resistant and so can be worn for extended periods without changing or washing while keeping you as someone that others still want to be near.

Men's - MERIWOOL - heavyweight merino baselayer shirt | Women's

Men's - MERIWOOL leggings - heavyweight merino wool | Women's

Women's - Merino.tech merino wool base layer top - light or midweight | Men's

Women's - Merino.tech merino wool bottoms - midweight | Men's

Men's merino base layers | Women's merino base layers
Most popular merino wool base layer brands: Meriwool Minus33

Synthetic Base Layers

A range of materials, polyester and polypropylene are commonly found as are proprietary versions (brand names) of generic fabrics. If I made my own I could take a form of brushed polyester (say) and call it CoolAntarcticene for instance. Synthetics wick sweat away from the skin very effectively, insulate well and are available in different weights, they dry faster than any of the materials on this page, but are not so good at being odor resistant, they may be treated to make them more so.

Men's - Thermajohn Ultra Soft Thermal Underwear Set

Women's - Thermajane Ultra Soft Thermal Underwear Set

Men's - LAPASA Fleece Lined Long Sleeve Shirts 2 Pack | Women's

Women's - Arc'teryx Rho, Zip-Neck Thermal Shirt
| Men's

Men's synthetic base layers | Women's synthetic base layers
Most popular synthetic base layer brands: Lapasa TSLA Performance layers Men's Women's

Cotton Base Layers

A traditional, natural material but outperformed in most circumstances by the alternatives. Cotton doesn't wick sweat well which can make it feel cold and clammy with retained sweat after exertion, it is also relatively heavy and has a tendency to go a bit baggy with use, especially at knees and elbows. It is more fire and electrical resistant than many thermal underwear materials which makes it recommended and in some cases the only permitted material where these are a real hazard.

You may however prefer the feel of cotton.

Men's - Carhartt Base Force Wicking Cotton Super Cold Weather Crewneck Top

Men's - Carhartt Force Wicking Cotton Super Cold Weather Legging

Women's - Duofold Mid Weight Double Layer Thermal Shirt

Women's - Thermal Underwear Set Cotton Long Johns & Top

Men's cotton base layers | Women's cotton base layers

Silk Base Layers

Another natural material, very thin and light weight delivering excellent insulation for minimal bulk. Not as effective as merino or synthetic, though silk really comes into its own in situations where looks matter, you can squeeze a silk layer under something else without it being noticed or where a matching or contrasting patch of colour enhances an outfit. It is also particularly delightful to the touch. A good choice for cold weather in the city under your office workwear.