The Best Thermal Shirts For Men
If you find yourself feeling chilly most of the time, layering up is the best remedy. Thermal shirts utilize form-fitting fabrics that retain your body heat, making them an excellent base for any clothing layer combination. Whether you're looking to stay warm during cold weather activities or kill the chill on your daily commute, a high-quality thermal shirt can be your best friend. To help you choose the best item for you, we've put together this list of the best thermal shirts for men.
What To Look For
While conducting our research, we searched for thermal shirts that excelled in three key areas: warmth retention, comfort, and material quality. It didn’t take long for Carhartt’s classic crew to rise to the head of the pack. The durable polyester fabric and classic waffle-knit design make this pick a tried-and-true winner in every regard. However, if you’re looking for something a little more out of the box, you can’t go wrong with Utopia Wear’s turtleneck thermal. This is an exceptionally comfortable and warming option for anyone looking to keep their neck warm when cold weather hits. Keep reading to see what we love about the rest of our top picks.
Carhartt Classic Crew
It just feels right
This impressive classic crew thermal reminded us why Carhartt became a household brand name in the first place. With 100% waffle-knit polyester and moisture-wicking fabric, this thermal works to keep you warm and dry when it’s chilly out. Plus, Carhartt’s RuggedFlex technology provides plenty of mobility to prevent you from feeling restricted. We also love the lightweight feel of the fabric that can keep you cozy without feeling too bulky.
Pros:
- This crew includes two thumb holes near the cuffs to make it easier for you to layer without the sleeves bunching up.
- This thermal is slightly less form-fitting than many of its competitors, making this an ideal choice for men looking for something a little less tight.
Cons:
- The sizing sometimes runs a bit large, so you might want to size up.
Thermajohn Thermal Shirt
Under pressure
Mobility is something any thermal worth its salt should give you. Luckily, this offering from Thermajohn utilizes a small amount of spandex in its polyester fabric blend that provides just the right amount of stretch. Thermajohn’s thermal is lightweight and breathable but still offers a great deal when it comes to warmth retention. We also appreciate the inner fleece lining, which makes this shirt feel much softer than many comparable products.
Pros:
- This shirt utilizes moisture-wicking technology to keep you dry and odor-free.
- The form-fitting cut allows you to wear more layers without looking bulky.
Cons:
- The sleeves might be a little too short for men with longer arms.
Meriwool Thermal Shirt
Warming up to the idea
When it comes to comfortable fabrics, everybody knows that merino wool is the cream of the crop. Meriwool uses 100% merino wool fabric to craft its exceptionally comfortable and warming thermal shirts. Thanks to merino wool’s natural moisture-wicking properties, this shirt can keep you feeling dry and fresh better than most other thermals. We also love that Meriwool’s thermal has no cumbersome wash restrictions. You can easily throw this shirt in the wash with the rest of your laundry without a care.
Pros:
- Meriwool offers this supremely comfortable thermal in a wide array of stylish color options.
- The stitching on the seams is meticulously done and should last you a long time.
Cons:
- The form-fitting cut is a little tight around the midsection.
Devops Thermal Multi-Pack
Two for you
When temperatures drop, you can never have enough thermal shirts. That’s why we think Devops’ thermal multi-pack is such a smart purchase. This cost-effective thermal set offers you multiple shirts for the price that some of Devops’ competitors charge for one. The blend of polyester, fleece, and spendex optimizes durability and comfort, making this a long-lasting set that should serve you well throughout the years. We are big fans of the form-fitting cut that molds to your body shape and provides premium warmth retention.
Pros:
- This is a highly affordable set that feels quite a bit more expensive than it is.
- The fabric is exceptionally soft and breathable,
Cons:
- If you’re looking for something a little less tight, this form-fitting thermal might not be the best pick for you.
Utopia Wear Thermal Turtleneck
Head and shoulders above
If your neck feels cold, it’s safe to guess that the rest of your body will feel cold, too. With Utopia Wear’s turtleneck thermal, you can keep your neck shielded and warm. The poly-cotton fabric blend is soft and durable, offering a breathable, lightweight feel. Unlike other form-fitting thermals that might feel too restrictive, this turtleneck finds a nice middle ground between too loose and too tight. We also appreciate that it’s offered in a bevy of fashionable color options.
Pros:
- The stylish look of this thermal makes it ideal for layering or just wearing by itself.
- The stitching on this is impressive. Unlike some of the sloppy stitching we see on similar garments at this price, this stitching is neat and unnoticeable.
Cons:
- For some, this shirt may fit a little tight around the neck.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the most common thermal shirt fabrics?
Manufacturers most commonly utilize fabrics such as cotton and polyester to make thermals. However, they will often add stretchy materials such as spandex to promote mobility and a form-fitting cut. Cotton thermals tend to be softer, whereas polyester thermals might be a little bit more durable.
When is the best time to wear a thermal shirt?
People most often wear thermal shirts when cold weather hits. However, their breathable construction makes them an acceptable choice for warmer weather as well. Folks also tend to wear thermal shirts to bed in place of pajamas.
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