The Best Thermal Underwear For Women
If you can't seem to beat the chill when temperatures start to drop, a high-quality set of thermal underwear can be the ideal solution. Thermal underwear are form-fitting base layers that utilize warm, compressive fabrics to retain your body heat and keep you feeling comfortable throughout the day. Whether you're a fan of cold weather activities such as skiing, or just looking for a little extra defense on your work commute, thermal underwear can be your best friend. To help you choose the best pair for you, we've assembled this list of the best picks for women. Keep reading to discover more.
What To Look For
As we scoured the market to bring you this list, we looked for products that wowed us in three essential categories: warmth retention, comfort, and material quality. With these key factors informing our search, we felt that Thermajane’s thermal underwear set has the competition beat. With an exceptionally soft polyester-fabric blend and inner fleece lining, this set is the warmest and most wearable we’ve seen on the market. If you’re after something that offers a little more support, you can’t go wrong with Under Armour’s ColdGear leggings. These form-fitting thermal bottoms utilize lightweight fabrics that mold to your body’s shape and utilize compression technology to help increase blood flow. Read on to see what works about the rest of our favorites.
Thermajane Thermal Underwear Set
Form-fitting fleece
This pick from Thermajane is a versatile and comfortable thermal underwear set that can keep you feeling warm and cozy when temperatures drop. Thanks to its durable polyester-spandex fabric blend, this set offers plenty of mobility and support. The form-fitting fabric also utilizes moisture-wicking technology to ensure that you stay dry during exercise and cold-weather activities. We also appreciate that Thermajane offers this set in a wide variety of color options, making it easy for you to mix and match to your liking.
Pros:
- We love how well the form-fitting cut retains heat.
- The inner fleece lining makes this set softer and more wearable than many of its competitors.
Cons:
- The sizing may run a bit large, particularly for the bottoms.
Fruit of the Loom Thermal Underwear Set
Things are heating up
When we think about thermal underwear, we think of waffle-knit fabric and a snug-fitting cut. Fruit of the Loom’s set offers that classic thermal look and feel with a few modern touches. The polyester-cotton fabric blend is optimized for comfort and durability, while the tagless design eliminates that pesky itchiness that plagues so many other thermals. Thanks to its micro-knit material, this set feels soft to the touch and works exceptionally well as a base layer.
Pros:
- Fruit of the Loom offers this set in a few unconventional yet tastefully diverse color options.
- The baggier cut makes this a great option for women who want a thermal set that isn’t too tight or restrictive.
Cons:
- The sleeves might be a little short on you if you have longer arms.
Merino.tech Thermal Leggings
Warmth from the waist down
In the thermal underwear game, merino wool is the top dog when it comes to comfort. These leggings utilize premium merino wool fabric, and the result is a pair that’s as comfortable as it is warming. With superfine micro-knit fabric, these thermal leggings offer a lightweight fit that naturally wicks moisture and keeps you feeling dry and odor-free. We also appreciate that these bottoms are offered in an inclusive array of size options that can accommodate women of all sizes.
Pros:
- The bevy of fashionable color options complements the wide range of sizes that are available.
- The ultra-soft fabric can help to prevent thigh chafing.
Cons:
- Since the fabric is so lightweight, it might be a little too sheer for some women’s liking.
Lapasa Thermal Top
Slimming and supportive
If you’re looking for a thermal top that can mold to your body shape and keep you cozy, this pick from Lapasa might be just what the doctor ordered. This top features a durable fabric blend of polyester and spandex that promotes mobility and warmth retention. Unlike baggier cotton alternatives, this shirt’s form-fitting cut reduces bunching and retains body heat effectively. What’s more, the micro-fleece inner lining is soft enough to potentially make you forget you’re wearing a thermal at all.
Pros:
- The polyester fabric tends to retain its shape after multiple cycles in the wash.
- The fleece-lined inner layer makes this top easier on sensitive skin than comparable polyester-based thermals.
Cons:
- The sizing chart runs a bit small, so you might want to consider going one size up from what you’d normally purchase.
Under Armour ColdGear Leggings
Under pressure
If you’re an avid fan of cold weather activities such as skiing or snowboarding, Under Armour’s ColdGear leggings should definitely pique your interest. With a dual-layer construction made of polyester and elastane, these leggings provide a compressive fit that can help to promote blood flow to your legs during exercise or activities. We’re big fans of the brushed interior layer that feels soft to the touch and tends not to irritate women with sensitive skin. Plus, the ultra-snug “second-skin” cut makes these leggings ideal for layering.
Pros:
- These leggings can help wick moisture and prevent odor from taking root.
- The dual-layer fabric is exceptionally warm, making these compression leggings perfect for cold-weather activities.
Cons:
- You might have to roll them up a little if you have shorter legs.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I wear thermal underwear?
Generally, people tend to wear thermal underwear in cold weather. As a base layer, these form-fitting clothes can work wonders for retaining your body’s natural heat. On the other hand, you can always wear thermals by themselves or as an alternative to pajamas.
What are some common thermal underwear fabrics?
Thermal manufacturers most commonly use fabrics such as cotton, polyester, and merino wool to create their products. Companies will also utilize a small percentage of stretchy materials, such as spandex or elastane, to achieve the signature form-fitting cut people have come to expect of thermals.
About the Author
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