The Best Thermal Shirts for Men
Protecting yourself against the cold weather means more than just putting on a jacket. For men, it all starts with a thermal shirt, which traps body heat to help keep you warm, but ventilates enough to keep you comfortable. The best thermal shirts for men are ones that fit snugly without being too tight, have enough room to wear over a T-shirt, and are stylish enough to be considered casual wear and not pajamas. That leaves a lot of room for different styles, designs, materials, and sizes. We did the research to find the best options available, and this is what we found.
Indera Men’s Traditional Thermal Underwear Top
Old School Is the Best School
If you’re shopping for the traditional look of long johns that have been durable and dependable for centuries now, then Indera has what you’re looking for. Better still, they’ve improved on the original with their 65% cotton/35% polyester blend, and they included a waffle knit pattern to boot. The sleeves taper to bib cuffs for added protection from cold, while the tagless label means no embarrassing tag sticking out of the back of the neck. We also love the fact that you can get this thermal shirt in sizes up to 6XL and 4-X tall.
Pros:
- Machine-washable without shrinking
- 4 different colors to choose from
- Designed and knitted in the USA
Cons:
- Tends to run small
- Not as elastic as you might hope for
Meriwool Men’s Base Layer
Better Sheep Make Better Shirts
For men who are looking for a blend of form and function, the Meriwool thermal shirt is just the ticket. Made from 100%, all-natural Merino wool, this shirt ensures comfort all day without the itch that sometimes comes with standard wool. Merino wool is a natural fiber grown by Merino sheep. It’s thinner and softer than regular wool, and this makes it gentler on your skin. You’ll love that it not only comes in 9 colors, but in 5 sizes, too, each designed to absorb moisture and keep your more comfortable in the cold than regular wool thermal shirts.
Pros:
- Odor-resistant
- Works as a base layer or mid-layer
- Has moisture-wicking properties
Cons:
- Best to hand wash and air dry
- Tag is on the outside of the shirt
ColdPruf Dual Layer Long Sleeve Crew Neck
Pruf Positive
ColdPruf’s base layer men’s thermal shirts were developed for comfort and warmth in all cold weather environments, whether at home, on the job, or playing in the great outdoors. The inner and outer layers are woven with a blend of 60% combed-ring spun cotton and 40% polyester. This is what creates Coldpruf’s “Thermachoice System,” which traps air between the layers, providing a natural barrier of warmth. The tagless design and flat seams provide next-to-skin comfort and freedom of motion, while the tight but flexible rib cuffs and drop tail maintain coverage even during strenuous activity.
Pros:
- Machine-washable
- Available in 3 colors
- Company utilizes green practices in their production methods
Cons:
- Thinner than other thermal shirts
- Wide fit around the arms
Carhartt Midweight Classic Crew
Not Just For Disco
Carhartt’s “Base Force” is a long-sleeved thermal base layer that features both classic waffle-knit and diamond-knit fabric styles. Designed using Carhartt’s FastDry and Rugged Flex technologies and odor-fighting fabric, the 100% polyester wicks away sweat while providing ease of movement, giving your arms a full range of motion. Smooth flatlock seams, tagless labels, and fabric that’s specially cut to move with your body all make this base layer great for skiing and other snow sports. Concealed thumb loops keep your sleeves in place when you put on outer layers, and they slip down inside the sleeve when they’re not in use.
Pros:
- Machine-washable
- Available in four colors
- Sizes also based on sleeve length
Cons:
- Not as warm as cotton
- No cuffed sleeves
Styllion Big And Tall Thermal Shirt
Stylin' Styllion
If you’re looking for a fit that’s based on chest, arm length, height and weight, Styllion has the options you need. Here you’ll find an enormous variety of sizes that should fit just about anybody. Regardless of size, this thermal shirt lives up to Styllion’s exacting standards. It touts a 50/50 cotton-polyester blend, durable stitching, breathable mesh panels, a waffle-weave fabric for heat retention, and cotton-combed yarn for extra softness.
Pros:
- Tagless design with comfort in mind
- Choose from 8 colors
- Polyester blend provides extra stretch
Cons:
- Can shrink after prolonged washing
- Color may bleed during first wash
Frequently Asked Questions
I sweat pretty easily. What type of material should I look for in a thermal shirt to prevent that?
Cotton would be best for you. Lightweight cotton is one of the most breathable fabrics that also offers airflow for drying out any dampness. Because cotton is a natural fiber, it absorbs moisture instead of repelling it, which forces the sweat to sit on your skin. Avoid wearing polyester, which does not absorb perspiration at all.
If you lose up to 50% of your body heat through your head, how come I feel so cold without a thermal shirt on?
It turns out that statistic is a myth. According to recent studies, you only lose about 10% of your body heat through the top of your head. Your face, head, and torso are more sensitive to temperature changes, so it feels like they get colder than other parts of your body. But the truth is, no part of your body expels heat faster than another.
How do I determine my size for the best-fitting thermal shirt?
Your safest bet is to determine your chest size and use that measurement to convert to S, M, L, XL and so on. Take a length of string and stretch it across the widest part of your chest from the edge of one underarm to another. Then, measure that length of string. Here’s how those measurements typically translate: S (36-38); M (38-40); L (40-42) XL (42-44); XXL (44-46); XXXL (46-48). Err on the side of caution and opt for the next size up if you’re tall.
Why Trust Us
Since 2001, our experts at TheFashionSpot have been providing millions of people with our take on the latest trends. TheFashionSpot is constantly looking for the hottest styles in clothing and accessories for people of all body types. Our team knows that beauty starts well before the closet, so we are also dedicated to finding the best products for your skin and hair.