The Best Long Johns for Men
Jeans are great and all, but sometimes they don't cut it. Cold weather is one of those times. When the skies get snowy and the sun goes down, you'll want to turn to thermal underwear — or long johns — to keep you warm. While stiff denim bunches up around your ankles and creates bulk underneath snow gear, man's trustiest tundra-approved clothing stays soft and slim. Many modern long johns utilize moisture-wicking fabrics, and even more of them are fleece-lined to offer extra insulation. We’ve scoured the web for the hottest johns at a modest price, so read on for our shortlist of top-tier long underwear.
ViCherub Men’s Thermal Underwear Set Long Johns
Tight and Right
If you’re not used to wearing running tights or compression leggings, long johns can feel uncomfortably tight. ViCherub’s thermal underwear expertly toes the line between fitted and floppy, providing insulation without any extra bulk. They blend polyester fleece and spandex for a flexible, breathable fabric that wicks away sweat with ease. When you’re ready to wash them, just throw them in the laundry before setting them out for a quick air-dry; though they’re treated to retain their color and elasticity, this will help them stay snappy and snug.
Pros:
- Tight fit, but not constricting
- Anti-static and anti-shrink treated
- Fly flap for easy access to the bathroom
Cons:
- Inner seam stitching may irritate sensitive skin
Herobiker Men’s Thermal Underwear Set
The Outerwear of Underwear
It’s one thing to sweat casually while spending time in freezing climates; it’s another thing entirely to work out intentionally in the cold. For that, you’ll want to have the best moisture-wicking thermal underwear available. These long johns from Herobiker make a strong case for themselves. Like many competitors, Herobiker utilizes 8% spandex for the added stretch, but the remaining 92% of their fabric blend is a lightweight microfiber known for its absorptive properties. In other words, these long johns help you stay warm even when you start to sweat.
Pros:
- Microfiber and spandex blend is lightweight and flexible
- Extensive moisture-wicking and insulating capabilities
- Thin enough to wear underneath clothing without being visible
Cons:
- Not the super-thick, heavily-lined thermal underwear some may be looking for
TSLA Men’s Thermal Underwear Set
Look Good, Feel Good
You know it’s going to be a good day when you can match your regular underwear with your outfit, and it’s no different when it comes to thermal underwear. TSLA understands that, which may be why they offer their long johns in a wide range of colors and patterns. Don’t let their good looks fool you, though; these johns mean business. They’re made of ultra-soft microfiber blended with spandex for a comfortable balance of softness, insulation, and mobility. A double-stitched neckline and four-way stretch fabric promise a form-fitting look and lasting elasticity so you can strut your stuff without feeling like you have to hide your johns from the world.
Pros:
- Microfiber and spandex blend is moisture-wicking and body-hugging
- Wide range of colors and patterns
- Heatfit design for maximum thermal insulation
Cons:
- Sizing can be difficult to determine
Rocky Thermal Underwear for Men
Top of the Line
Whether you’re preparing for a long morning of cold-weather hunting or strapping up the bindings for a day on the slopes, Rocky’s thermal underwear has got you covered — literally. Those looking for thicker insulation will love their heavyweight blend of microfiber fleece and spandex, while others keen on breathability can opt for the lightweight blend of cotton and polyester. If you can’t decide, check out their midweight lining — another microfiber and spandex blend — for the ideal balance of insulation and elasticity. Thanks to their convenient front fly opening, you won’t even have to take them off for a trip to the bathroom. Still, do be sure to wash these moisture-wicking johns every so often.
Pros:
- Three-tiered lining weight for your desired level of warmth and activity
- Neat stitching and tagless label to reduce bulk and itchiness
- Elastic waistband and fly opening for easy bathroom access
Cons:
- Consistently runs small
Thermajohn Men’s Ultra-Soft Thermal Underwear
Don't Sweat It
Sweating underneath cold-weather gear is almost unavoidable. In many cases, it’s probably a welcome reminder that your body is properly heated and protected from the elements — but no one loves a smelly day in the snow. Thermajohn created their ultra-soft long johns with moisture-wicking technology and smart odor control to quickly absorb odor-causing enzymes within your sweat. That means you can stay toasty — even a little sweaty — without having to worry about unwanted scents seeping out past your thermal underwear. Even sensitive skin can find a comfortable home in these tagless, soft, and stretchy johns.
Pros:
- Odor-control and moisture-wicking properties help absorb sweat and unwanted smells
- Tagless, soft construction ideal for sensitive skin
- Four-way stretch fabric for elastic fit and easy removal
Cons:
- Fly opening addition is inconsistent between sizes
Frequently Asked Questions
How tight should my long johns be?
Though this depends on personal preference, it’s generally accepted that thermal underwear should be as tight as possible without restricting mobility. Thanks to the addition of spandex to many modern fabric blends, most long johns are fairly form-fitting, which helps to properly insulate your body from the cold. It may take some getting used to, but tighter johns keep you warmer than baggier ones.
What is “moisture-wicking” fabric and why is it better than cotton?
Moisture-wicking is a fancy term for the way highly absorptive fabrics can soak up sweat and quickly transfer it to the outer layer of the fabric for rapid drying. Though cotton absorbs liquid well, it retains that moisture for a long period of time. Synthetic polyester blends can generally soak up more liquid and dry more quickly. This helps you stay warm even when sweating in low temperatures.
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