The best thermal underwear and base layers for staying warm this winter

Ashley MorrisNBC NewsUpdated Nov 14, 2024, 8:45 PM

If you’re looking to stay warm and sweat-free this winter, base layers could be the answer.

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Whether you’re into snow sports or simply want to prepare for winter weather, base layers can help insulate heat while wicking sweat away from your skin. Those base layers can include thermal underwear, also known as long johns, as well as other types of apparel like shirts and accessories .

Below you’ll find everything you need to know about base layers, including tips on how to shop for them, from Ashleigh McClary, a hiking enthusiast and Backcountry " Gearhead" (outdoor expert and customer service specialist), and Ben Clower, an outdoor enthusiast and marketing coordinator at JAX Outdoor Gear in Colorado.

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The best thermal underwear in 2026

The list below includes expert recommendations and some personal favorites of NBC Selected staff.

Editor’s pick

Uniqlo Heattech Tights

Former NBC Selected commerce editor Jordan Bowman loves these affordable Uniqlo tights for their flexible stretch and wide size range. In fact, he says he can’t survive a winter without them. “These are a necessity when temperatures drop in New York City,” he says. “If I see a gust of wind, that’s when I start reaching for the Heattech tights.” The tights are sleek and fitted for easy layering, and anti-odor, according to the brand. They’re designed to last through everyday wear and tear and hold their shape over time, according to the brand.

Best men’s pants

Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Bottoms

These 100% Merino wool bottoms from Smartwool come recommended by Clower. They have a slim fit that hugs the body and a mid-rise waistband designed to sit just at or below the belly button, according to the brand. To help reduce sagging, they also have a curved back seam for added support. To wash, the brand recommends a warm water, gentle cycle and drying on a low tumble. These bottoms are available in both men and women’s versions along with plus-size options up to 4X.

Best men’s shirt

Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Crew

Another recommendation from Clower, this crewneck thermal shirt is the matching top to the Smartwool bottoms on this list. Like the bottoms, this top has a slim fit and is made from the naturally odor-reducing Merino wool, according to the brand. The top has a flatlock seam, which is used in outdoor gear to reduce chafing, and shoulder panels instead of seams for a smoother look. Like the bottoms, this top is available in men and women’s sizing.

Best splurge pick

Patagonia Capilene Thermal Hoodie

For people with sensitive skin who find Merino wool too itchy, McClary suggests Patagonia’s “incredibly soft and comfortable” Capilene Thermal base layers as an alternative. The fabric is Polartec Power Grid fleece, a mid- to lightweight base layer material designed to keep you warm without overheating your body, according to the brand. This hoodie has a regular fit, meaning it’s slightly looser than a fitted top, and can be layered with other pieces.

Best women’s pant

Patagonia Capilene Thermal Weight Bottoms

These are McClary’s favorite bottoms from the Patagonia Capilene line. They’re flexible and breathable, making them great for high-intensity activities like snowboarding, skiing, hiking and more. They have a reinforced crotch area to better allow for unrestricted movement, and flat seams to prevent chafing, according to the brand.

Best women’s shirt

Icebreaker Women’s Merino 260 Tech Half Zip Thermal Top

This Merino wool half-zip top from Icebreaker is great for layering during extra-cold days, or for more active winter hobbies. It’s soft and lightweight, with design features like a reinforced underarm to allow for greater mobility, and offset shoulder seams to help minimize friction, according to the brand. The top has a slim, body-hugging fit for easy layering.

Best lightweight women’s pant

Halfdays Sophia Legging

These base layer leggings are a favorite of former NBC Selected associate reporter Bianca Alvarez , who wears them for winter activities like snow tubing and skiing. “I love that they keep me warm but not to the point of overheating,” she says. She also likes the mesh calf design, which she says “makes the super soft material very breathable”, and how the long cuffs are comfortable to wear, even with snow boots.

Best budget pick

32 Degrees Lightweight Baselayer Scoop Top

Alvarez says that since her mom first bought these tops on a Costco run, her entire family wears them regularly as base layers under their winter clothes. Initially, she thought they were too thin to be effective, but says that after trying the top, she was happily wrong. “These are one of the warmest thermal layers I own,” she says. “I wear it on its own, under vests and of course, under winter jackets.” She also likes that the top is available in packs of two , and is machine washable. “It feels softer and softer after every wash,” she says.

Best lightweight men’s long underwear

Lands’ End Men’s Stretch Thermaskin Long Underwear

These long underwear are soft and stretchy to allow for less restrictive movement, according to the brand. They’re made from a poly-spandex blend that gives them a flexible feel, and are also designed with a sweat-wicking Thermaskin technology to keep your skin dry while wearing. The full elastic waistband keeps the thermal underwear in place, while the fabric has odor-controlling properties to keep you fresh at all times. These long underwear are available in both regular and tall sizes.

Best thermal set

Thermajane Long John Thermal Underwear Set

This thermal underwear set is designed to be an everyday base layer, according to the brand. Each piece is lined with fleece for extra softness, and the set is highly rated by reviewers on Amazon. The top is available in scoop neck, crew neck and V-neck styles, and both pieces can also be worn without a top layer.

Best active top

Baleaf Long Sleeve Thermal Shirt

If you’re looking for a workout-friendly thermal base layer, consider this option from Baleaf. This top is fleece-lined for added warmth, and has thumb holes to keep your sleeves in place while doing intense movement, according to the brand. The fabric is light enough to prevent overheating while wearing, and also has reflective elements to help with visibility during cold weather activities in the dark. The top also has a side zip-up pocket for added convenience.

The best thermal accessories

“Your search for warm base layers shouldn’t be limited to just tops and bottoms,” says McClary. Thermal accessories can provide insulation and warmth for your head, hands and more — below, I rounded up some of the best thermal accessories, including expert picks and highly-rated options from top retailers.