Best Thermal Underwear for Men
With the weather cooling off, hunting season approaching, and outdoor sports games to watch, you might want to consider layering some clothing to help ward off the chill. Thermal underwear is some of the best clothing made for layering that you can buy. Woven using fine threads of various materials, it is thin and easy to wear underneath your regular clothing to help provide an extra layer of protection against the cold- and to help hold body heat in.
If you prefer staying warm to freezing your bottom off when enjoying the great outdoors, you might want to check out some of our top thermal underwear picks for men. These high quality options showcase the various styles and materials available for you to take advantage of.
| Rank | Product | Highlights |
| #1 |  Thermajohn Men’s Ultra Soft Thermal Underwear Long Johns Set
|
|
| #2 |  Fruit of the Loom Mens Recycled Waffle Thermal Underwear Set
|
|
| #3 |  TeePire Mens Thermal Underwear Set
|
|
| #4 |  Carhartt Men’s Force Classic Thermal Base Layer Union Suit
|
|
| #5 |  Men’s Silk Thermal Underwear Sets
|
|
| #6 |  DAVID ARCHY Men’s Thermal Underwear
|
|
| #7 |  Rocky Thermal Underwear for Men
|
|
| #8 |  Men’s 3 Pack 100% Cotton Fleece Lined Base Layer Thermal Underwear
|
|
Table Of Contents
- What is Thermal Underwear?
- Thermal Underwear Materials
- Benefits of Thermal Underwear
- What to Look For
- Best Thermal Underwear for Men
- 1. Thermajohn Men’s Ultra Soft Thermal Underwear Long Johns Set
- 2. Fruit of the Loom Mens Recycled Waffle Thermal Underwear Set
- 3. TeePire Mens Thermal Underwear Set with Lightweight Ultra Soft Fleece Lined
- 4. Carhartt Men’s Force Classic Thermal Base Layer Union Suit
- 5. Men’s Silk Thermal Underwear Sets
- 6. DAVID ARCHY Men’s Thermal Underwear
- 7. Rocky Thermal Underwear for Men
- 8. Men’s 3 Pack 100% Cotton Fleece Lined Base Layer Thermal Underwear
- Conclusion
What is Thermal Underwear?
Thermal clothing, thermal underwear, or long underwear – no matter what you call it, it is designed to be a base layer that you wear under your normal clothing. It is close fitting, and made of materials that help trap and hold body heat better than your looser, everyday clothing. Some are even designed to help wick away moisture to avoid creating a chill.
Thermal Underwear Materials
Long underwear layers can be made from a wide variety of different materials. For breathable, light layering, many people prefer a quality cotton, but for cold, blustery days, single or 2 layer designs that include wool, synthetics (like polyester or spandex), and silk are more popular. All are effective as they will provide an added layer of clothing to help block heat from escaping, and cold wind from reaching your body.
When on the hunt for the best options, be sure to consider when and where you want to use your underwear, and what sort of protections you feel you will need. If you are doing a lot of walking, or strenuous activities, you definitely want a material that can absorb moisture without sacrificing its thermal properties.
You might want to read: Sleep Attire for Success
Benefits of Thermal Underwear
You’ve probably already figured out what long underwear can provide, but check out these great benefits to help you narrow down your functional choices.
— Body Temperature Regulation
Almost all long underwear fabrics are designed to help regulate your body temperature for comfort – trapping body heat in the cold, and working to keep you cool when warm. Cotton is the only one that does not do a good job at this, but cotton is almost exclusively used for cool, not cold weather layering, and is breathable for more strenuous activities.
— Moisture Wicking and Quick Drying
The majority of thermal underwear materials are moisture wicking and quick drying. Even in the coldest of weather you can work up a sweat, but trapped moisture that isn’t allowed to dissipate can quickly begin to chill you and lower your body core temperature. Materials that wick away this moisture to dry helps keep you comfortable.
— Flat Seam Comfort
Since it is meant to sit close against your skin, the seams of thermal underwear are sewn in a manner to allow them to sit flush against your skin. This avoids chafing and rubbing, and helps keep you more comfortable, longer.
— Lightweight and Functional
The materials, fibers, and weaves used in thermal underwear are designed with lightweight comfort in mind. They fit under your day to day clothing without creating bulk or uncomfortable folds, and are supposed to feel almost as if you aren’t wearing them.
— Variable Versatility
Because of how it is made, thermal underwear can be a good year-round option for different scenarios. Thermal protection is good in both cold and warm weather, and is definitely something to take advantage of!
What to Look For
When shopping for a good choice, take a look at these details to pay particular attention to before purchase.
Fit and Style
You want a snug, close fitting option for equal distribution of thermal capabilities. You also want it to flex and move with your body, not contract or feel tight. The style of your thermal choices should also highlight comfort. With separates that include a top and bottom, single union suit designs, and even tank top or short styles – there is no reason you can’t find what you need.
Fabric
Fabric options are of personal choice. Whether you prefer a synthetic option, such as polyester, or a natural one, such as wool and silk, you need to purchase with your needs in mind. Some fabrics are better at holding in heat than others, while others may provide a better moisture wicking option.
Weight
Layered long underwear and various weaves can determine the overall thickness and ‘weight’ of the product. Choose wisely based on the types of temperatures you are wanting to protect against to avoid getting too hot when wearing them.
Best Thermal Underwear for Men
These top picks are some of the most popular found online and offer a quality choice for a basic thermal underwear set. Pick and choose from the different styles and materials to find what you specifically need.
1. Thermajohn Men’s Ultra Soft Thermal Underwear Long Johns Set
SPECS:
- Type: Lightweight top and bottom
- Material: Fleece-Lined Poly Spandex
Sizes: X-Small – 4X - Colors: Black, gray, charcoal, navy, white
Editor’s Top Pick
Layered with fleece, these ultra thermal underwear sets are actually a lightweight choice designed to help wick away moisture and work to keep you warm when you are active on cold, wintery days. Made from a poly-spandex, they also boast a smart odor control technology that absorbs odor-causing enzymes. Flexible and skin hugging, they have flat seams and are tagless for true all-around comfort.
2. Fruit of the Loom Mens Recycled Waffle Thermal Underwear Set
SPECS:
- Type: Medium Weight top and bottom
- Material: 52% Cotton, 48% Polyester
Sizes: Small – 5x - Colors: Black, grey, natural, Navy
Editor’s Runner Up
Fruit of the Loom has a long standing respect in the underwear industry, and produces consistent quality and comfortable products. Their cotton/poly long underwear blend offers both breathability and moisture wicking technology, along with a snug fit that flexes with your movements. This medium weight design has a waffle weave and is designed for warmth and easy layering, with cuffed sleeves to keep you from losing body heat.
3. TeePire Mens Thermal Underwear Set with Lightweight Ultra Soft Fleece Lined
SPECS:
- Type: Medium Weight top and bottom
- Material: Fleece-Lined Poly Spandex
Sizes: Medium- 2X - Colors: Black
Best Fleece Lined Thermal Underwear Set
Made from a polyester blend, this snug, flexible thermal underwear set is lined with fleece and provides a moisture-wicking, breathable option that you will love using as a base layer. It fits smoothly under your clothing and does not wrinkle or add bulk, plus the flat seams make it a comfortable fit against your skin.
4. Carhartt Men’s Force Classic Thermal Base Layer Union Suit
SPECS:
- Type: Medium Weight Union Suit
- Material: Cotton Polyester Blend
Sizes: Small – 4X big & tall - Colors: Black, red, camo print
Best Thermal Underwear Union Suit
If you prefer the comfort of a one piece union suit, the Carhartt Classic Thermal Base Union is a customer favorite for good reason. Made from a cotton and poly blend, it allows both breathability to allow moisture to escape, while providing a layer to help trap body heat for warmth and comfort. Made from a waffle knit weave, it allows a flex technology that moves with you and with flat lock seams and tagless labels, it is a comfortable option. The back opening also has an elastic waistband with a tuck closure.
5. Men’s Silk Thermal Underwear Sets
SPECS:
- Type: Light Weight top and bottom
- Material: 100% Natural Mulberry Silk
Sizes: Small – XL - Colors: White
Best Silk Thermal Underwear for Men
Even though silk does require some more specific care needs rather than just tossing in a washing machine and dryer, it is well worth the minimal effort to hand wash when you are getting the most lightweight, most insulating option available. Made from quality 100% mulberry silk, this set has elastic closures and is incredibly soft and smooth against the skin, all while wicking away moisture without sacrificing the insulating properties. It might not flex as easily as other materials, but its super thin weave makes it ideal for layering and forgetting you are even wearing it.
6. DAVID ARCHY Men’s Thermal Underwear
SPECS:
- Type: Light Weight top and bottom
- Material: 96% Cotton/4% Spandex
Sizes: Small – XL - Colors: Black, gray, charcoal gray, nevy
Best Cotton Thermal Underwear Set
Although cotton is often avoided for extreme cold weather, this 96% cotton, 4% spandex blend allows a thin, lightweight design that is incredibly breathable and designed for layering under regular clothing when you are physically active in cold weather. It also offers a double layer pouch design for added protection against chafing “down there” and helps keep you from constantly having to adjust. The functional fly is a convenience as well.
7. Rocky Thermal Underwear for Men
SPECS:
- Type: Fleece Lined Lightweight, midweight, and heavy weight top and bottom
- Material: Cotton/Spandex
Sizes: Small – 6X - Colors: Large selection of neutral and stripped colors
Best Selection of Sizes, Weights, and Colors
Made from a cotton and spandex blend, this unique, breathable, and moisture wicking fabric is close fitting and soft, and boast a fleece liner for high quality warmth. Flexible and fits like a second skin, it comes in a huge array of weights, colors, and sizes. Choose from lightweight, midweight, or heavyweight fabric weaves for any seasonal use. Elastic seems keep your underwear in place and stay snug against ankles and wrists.
8. Men’s 3 Pack 100% Cotton Fleece Lined Base Layer Thermal Underwear
SPECS:
- Type: Midweight top and bottom
- Material: 100% cotton
Sizes: Medium – 3X - Colors: black, beige, white
Best Thermal Underwear Bargain Pack
With a soft inner brushed layer, this midweight thermal underwear pack is made from 100% cotton for cool weather layering. The jersey knit is thin, smooth, and lightweight feeling, and offers excellent breathability. Sold in a pack of 3, you can mix and match tops and bottoms to use as a base layer, or even just to sleep in. Sturdy construction and flat seam design makes them comfortable and non-chafing.
Conclusion
These top notch thermal underwear choices for men are an excellent addition to anyone’s wardrobe to help keep you protected against the cold and wind. Available in multiple sizes, colors, and styles, all the above options provide great base layers for all sorts of cold weather scenarios.