How to correctly choose thermal underwear?
If you are participating in outdoor activities at low temperatures, then a good thermal underwear set is very important. It will maintain a dry feel at all times when you are sweating, and it helps to regulate your body temperature in the moments when you increase or decrease physical activity.
Thermal underwear can provide additional heat to your everyday life by pulling it under your jeans or sweater.
Wearing multiple layers of clothing is the easiest way to protect your body from extreme cold. Thermal underwear is much more closer to your skin, so pay close attention to your choice and you will not have to worry about anything.
When you buy thermal underwear, you want it to be functional, durable and comfortable in all weather conditions. Don't try to save on it, choose the one that suits you the best!
Take a look at our article about how to choose the best thermal underwear.
Thermal underwear is the first layer of clothing that fits your skin. The first layer helps to regulate your body temperature by removing sweat away from the skin, which helps to keep it dry. Dry skin helps to keep you warm and to enjoy the coldest season of the year. Thermal underwear also provides comfort and freedom of movement in any outdoor activities. Thermal underwear can be in many different types: shirts with long and short sleeves, thermal trousers and ¾ trousers, underpants and even sports bras. Thermal underwear has a different cutout, it can be tight fitting to your body or more freely falling on the warmest models. Thermal underwear is available in a variety of thickness and weight models, to suit different temperatures and levels of activity.
Mostly, the thermal underwear should be tight enough to fit your skin and remove excess moisture on top of the material, where it spreads over a large area and dries faster.
Our stores have a wide choice of thermal underwear: Kids thermal underwear, women thermal underwear, men's thermal underwear
When purchasing thermal underwear – you need to know for what kind of purpose you are buying it, so you can know what type of thickness, material and type of thermal underwear you need.
Thermal underwear thickness
Basically, there are three kinds of thickness types.
Thin or lightweight
This is the thin first layer that attaches to the skin. Thin thermal underwear wicks the moisture away very well, keeping the skin dry. This thermal wear is used in very low-intensity activities during warmer winter days or high-intensity activities on colder days. It is very important to dress up in layers so that if necessary, you can put on the second layer. As a top layer, you should definitely wear an outfit that holds off the wind and repels mo
isture. Suitable for running, cross-country skiing and other activities.
For example, Odlo Evolution Light
Medium Thickness
Suitable for cold or very cold days with moderate intensity when part of the time you move, but part-time while sitting or standing. Or at high intensity at very low air temperatures. Medium thickness thermal underwear can be combined with lightweight clothing and a second layer if extra heat is needed. Suitable for cross-country skiing and running at low temperatures, hiking, skiing and other activities. 
For example, Odlo Blackcomb
Thick or Heavy
Suitable for very cold weather, usually pulling over a thinner thermal underwear, as basically intended to add an additional thermal insulation layer. Suitable for any type of activity, but more for hiking and expeditions. Usually thick to provide heat. 
For example, Odlo X-Warm
Thermal Underwear Material’s
Most of the thermal underwear is made of two types of fabrics: merino wool and synthetic fabrics, such as polypropylene. These fabrics do not absorb moisture very well, but pulls it out, away, where it evaporates faster, retaining a dry feeling on the skin. Both of these fabrics have similar characteristics: effectively remove moisture from the skin, dries much faster than cotton underwear and reduces body temperature oscillations.
Synthetic: There are a lot of different synthetic materials used for thermal underwear. Basically all f these synthetic materials, very well drain moisture and provide additional heat without reducing respiratory properties. The advantage of this material is that it dries quickly, but the minus that it should be rinsed after almost every active use, to not have an unpleasant odor.
Merino wool:Excellent material. Merino wool is very soft and it is added to a wide range of thermal underwear. It is used for thinner thermal wear intended for active movement and thicker ones intended for use at very low temperatures. Merino wool thermal underwear very well resists unpleasant odors and can be worn every day without washing, even more than one week. Excellent underwear for hiking and everyday activities.
Cotton: Cotton provides an extra heat, absorbs moisture perfectly, but can not drain it, so it quickly becomes wet and you will remain cold. To ensure the warmth, the cotton underwear should be thick. We recommend to avoid the use of cotton-like underwear.
| Synthetic thermal underwear | Wool thermal underwear |
| Good Characteristics | |
| ● Soft
● Easy to maintain ● Light ● Wear-resistant ● Does not roll ● Highly flexible ● Removes moisture ● Fast drying ● Good price and quality |
● Skin friendly
● Light ● Does not roll ● Natural fibers ● Removes moisture ● Excellent temperature control ● Refreshes unpleasant odors ● Highly flexible |
| Bad Characteristics | |
| ● Warms up the body much slower than wools thermal underwear.
Bad oder if not washed regularly. |
● Dry’s slower than synthetic thermal wear.
● Can shrink if not washed correctly. ● Much more expensive than synthetic thermal underwear. |
Types of thermal underwear
Thermal Shirts
Long sleeve thermal shirts are usually used at lower temperatures by pulling under jackets to provide extra heat.
Shirts with short sleeves can be used in both warm and cold weather conditions when the drainage of moisture is much more important than the additional layer of heat, but also the shirt with short sleeves will not let you freeze on the cold days. Often used as the only layers in summer exercises when it's not very hot.
Thermal Trousers
Long trousers are usually used at lower temperatures and with a thermal shirt. Used for all types of activities: skiing, cycling, running, hiking, everyday use.
¾ trousers are mainly used for skiing and snowboarding, so that top trousers do not have to be put into the boots and do not cause unnecessary discomfort.
Which thermal underwear will be most suitable for you?
Let's look at some of the most popular uses of thermal underwear.
Running
Going on a daily run regardless of weather? DuringAutumn’s / Spring’s wet and Winter’s cold days, a high-quality sports thermal underwear will be necessary, that will remove moisture and keep the heat, to keep you warm. For running, we recommend this synthetic underwear worn under wind and waterproof jacket. On cold days we recommend using a running second layer shirt, which will provide extra warmth. If you have warm running trousers that hold the wind away, then you will need thermal underwear only on the coldest days.
For example, Odlo Evolution Light
Cross-country skiing
Skiing with cross-country skis, the activity is long-lasting and smooth. We recommend choosing a medium thickness synthetic thermal underwear, which tightly fits your body. It will perfectly remove excess moisture and maintain optimal body temperature. In the warmer winter days, we recommend wearing only thermal underwear and a jacket that is windproof, but on colder days, we recommend the second layer, which will provide extra heat.
For example, Sportful Thermic 250
Alpine Skiing
Do you plan to go skiing on the mountains? That means that for a relatively short period of time, you are actively skiing, and then you will sit for a while on the ski lift, waiting for the next ride down, all at low temperatures. You will need an average thickness synthetic or merino wools thermal underwear. It will greatly remove moisture during the skiing and keep your body warm, when you sit on the ski lift. We recommend dressing in layers using the second layer of similar functions to better regulate the body temperature.
For example, X-Bionic Energy Accumulator EVO
Cycling
Going on the evening or holiday cycling trips, compete with public transport or taxi on the way to work? Cycling in a rainy autumn or spring days, during the cold winter days, regardless of what mother nature offers? You will need a sufficiently thick synthetic or merino wool thermal underwear. On top of that, put on a windproof and moisture-retaining jacket and put on a warm second layer in the middle, especially on the cold days, and your trip will be comfortable.
For example, Blackcomb Evolution Warm
Hiking
When hiking in the cold months of the year, it is definitely worth considering the choice of a suitable thermal wear. If the hike is intended very active, with multiple breaks, we recommend choosing a medium thickness thermal underwear so that I can drain excess moisture while walking and keep the heat at rest.
For example, AST thermal underwear
Slow Walks
For a slow walk, or when attending some event, such as observing race, we recommend choosing a medium-thickness thermal underwear during the winter season. We recommend that you should also wear a second layer of thermal underwear to provide an extra heat.
For example, Odlo Originals Warm
Riding a motorcycle at low temperatures
On these days, you must definitely think carefully about your clothes. We recommend the use of the thickest synthetic thermal underwear. Choose high collar clothing to provide an extra insulation. You also should use a second layer that will provide an extra heat.
For example, X-Bionic Energy Accumulator EVO
Are you joking? All this is very expensive!
Yes, in order to provide the heat, you can do the same with the most basic army or fishing underwear. But, keep in mind that you will stay hot and the underwear will be wet as soon as you start to move or board the car. We recommend that you choose the quality sport thermal wear. MySport stores also offer quality sports thermal underwear at a lower price, such as AST thermal underwear, which has a very good price/quality ratio.
For example, AST thermal underwear
We have introduced you with the most important points in the choice of thermal underwear. Now you have enough knowledge to buy the most suitable thermal underwear and you will be able to go outside in the coldest months of the year.
MySport stores have thermal underwear from such manufacturers
- Sportful
- Odlo
- X-Bionic
- AST
- Bjorn
- Gore
Sportful thermal underwear
Sportful brand was founded in 1972 in Italia Dolomiti. Innovation and design all these years have been the main driver of product development.
Sportful thermal underwear is made of high-quality materials, it is very comfortable. Functional and visually appealing. Basically suitable for all types of winter sports activities, but also recommended for daily use.
This thermal underwear drains the moisture and maintains optimum body temperature. Sportful thermal underwear is made with seamless technology. In areas where the body is more active, the thinner material is put into it to remove moisture faster. All materials are treated with an antibacterial remedy to repeal unpleasant odors.
Sportful thermal underwear is divided into 4 levels taking into the consideration of outdoor temperature and activity level:
- Level 1 is suitable for the summer season
- Level 2 is suitable for temperatures from +10 to -10 degrees depending on the intensity
- Level 3 is suitable for temperatures from +3 to -20 degrees depending on the intensity
- Level 4 is suitable for lower intensity activities at temperatures below -5 degrees
Odlo thermal underwear
Odlo is a long-established company, founded in 1946 in Oslo, Norway. Odldo is one of the world’s leading thermal underwear manufacturers, offering a very wide range of men’s, women’s and children'sunderwear.
Odlo thermal underwear is very comfortable and qualitative and suitable for all types of sports and daily activities. All Odlo products are made of the finest materials and are suitable for an active lifestyle, whether you are buying a thermal shirt for running or thermal trousers for hiking.
Odlo is a high-end thermal underwear with seamless technology for ventilation zones, for optimal body temperature control.
Odlo thermal underwear is divided into 4 levels:
- X-Lightwill keep your body dry during a hot day or intense activity. This is a summer seasons underwear.
- Lightversion provides optimal body temperature throughout the year and is suitable for various activities.
- Warmversion is very comfortable and will provide extra warmth on cooler days.
- X-Warmversion is very warm and protects the body from cold even on the coldest days. More suitable for low intensity activities
AST thermal underwear
AST is an Italian brand that offers quality sportswear at relatively lower prices. In our stores from this manufacturer - available thermal underwear for men, children and women.
AST Thermal Wear is suitable for a variety of sporting activities in the autumn, winter and spring seasons as well as for daily use.
- AST Thermal Wear Functions:
- Properly removes moisture while keeping the body dry, providing optimal body temperature;
- Provides extra heat at lower temperatures;
- Good Breathability;
- Ergonomic cut combined with elastic materials and different material thickness provide comfort and freedom of movement;
AST Thermal underwear is distinguished by an excellent price / quality ratio. For the sport and everyday activities, thermal underwear costs from € 19.95 per unit. The most popular model costs only 34.95 euros per unit.
Another suggestion! In order to last longer than one season, do not forget to take into account the manufacturer's recommendations and our recommendations for the treatment of the thermal underwear.
Thermal Underwear Care
It is recommended to read and follow the manufacturer's instructions for washing and care. In order for your thermal underwear to last longer, you also should use the following suggestions:
- Wash the thermal underwear in cold water so that it does not shrink. It is desirable to dry on a dry towel to dry the laundry faster. It is not advisable to hang it onto the hanger for it to not stretch.
- The synthetic thermal underwear is easy to maintain and dries quickly. We recommend to wash it with the inside out. You can wash it in a warm but not hot water and dry it on a hanger, so that the linen of this material will not lose its shape and functionality.
- When washing, we recommend using special products to extend the life of thermal underwear.
