The 7 Best Thermals to Keep Warm in Freezing Weather
Thermals are ideal for staying cozy during winter, best layered under knitwear or worn alone.
If you are anywhere on the East Coast, it’s time to brace for the wave of below-freezing weather coming to us in the upcoming weeks. With temperatures as low as nine degrees, your regular winter layers just won’t suffice. Whether you are staying in the city or escaping to the snowy mountains, it’s time to break out those high-performing thermal layers, also known as base layers.
Crafted to trap heat close to your body, wick away sweat, regulate your body temperature, and provide an extra layer of insulation, thermals will be your best friend in the approaching subfreezing temperatures. Often made from materials like polyester, merino wool, silk, bamboo, or other similar materials that allow airflow, thermals are meant to be worn as a second skin. It’s best for those first thermal layers to be snug or tight-fitting on the body in order to trap heat more effectively—while still allowing for comfort and movement, obviously.
While the amount of thermal layers you opt for it’s entirely up to you, brands these days offer endless thermal offerings to keep you warm. From thermal bras and tights to Uniqlo's Heattech zip-ups and hoodies, your high-performance underlayers can look just as chic as your outerwear. In vibrant color combinations and timeless silhouettes, L’OFFICIEL curated the best thermals and base layers to shop ahead of the encroaching frost.
From outdoor giants like Patagonia and Arc'teryx to underlayer experts such as Falke and Calzedonia, keep scrolling to discover the most stylish and effective thermals to keep you warm throughout the cold season.
Arc'teryx's Polartec base layers are exceptional. Designed to keep you warm in the coldest weather, the Kyanite bottoms feature Power Stretch technology that allows outstanding freedom of movement while its fleece’s soft-brushed interior traps the heat. Plus, its zippered thigh pocket will secure all your small essentials.
Arc'teryx Kyanite Baselayer Bottom Women's, $120, Arc'teryx
For affordable yet highly effective thermal layers, Uniqlo is the go-to choice. With a wide array of designs in multiple colorways and different tech levels, Uniqlo offers thermal layers for any occasion. Whether shopping for a soft turtleneck to wear under your office attire or Heattech sets to layer under your ski suit, Uniqlo's insulating fabrics will do the job.
Uniqlo Heattech Cashmere Blend Extra Warm Turtleneck, $25, Uniqlo
Lululemon's thermal tights are designed for those thrilling cold-weather runs. With a secure high-rise cut and a soft brushed interior, these sweat-wicking tights will keep you dry and warm even in freezing temperatures. Plus, with three waistband pockets and two drop-in pockets on the legs, these thermal bottoms combine performance, technology, and versatility.
Lululemon Fast and Free High-Rise Thermal Tight, $148, Lululemon
Patagonia's zip-neck top is the perfect thermal layer for wintertime exploring. Crafted in Polartec fabric with odor control technology, this thermal layer guarantees freshness while keeping you warm. In a slim-fit cut and breathable composition, this zip-up can be worn for anything from hiking to skiing.
Patagonia Women's Capilene Thermal Weight Zip-Neck, $109, Patagonia
A winter skirt outfit is best when there's no dread of an oncoming chill. Calzedonia's thermal tights will keep you stylish and warm throughout the cold months. With a super opaque finish and available in seven colorways, these are the perfect everyday tights for the chilly season.
Calzedonia Thermal Super Opaque Tights, $25, Calezedonia
Featuring an innovative new texture that actively moves moisture away from the body, this is the perfect thermal layer for working out in the cold or walking back from the gym in. With a construction that facilitates easy movement, this zip-up hoodie in a midnight petrol shade is a versatile thermal layer to add to your wintertime wardrobe.
The North Face Women’s Dotknit Thermal Full-Zip Hoodie, $77, The North Face
Knitted to the anatomical shape of the body, Falke's thermal layers allow maximum freedom of movement in the coldest conditions. Suitable for medium to high intensity activities, these thermals feature a close body fit that helps trap the heat and regulate moist. Available in blue or red colorways with contrasting detailing and a textured pattern, you can get the matching set (plus matching socks) for ultimate wintertime layering.
Falke Women Long-sleeve Shirt Maximum Warm, $115, Falke
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