Here’s our selection of the best thermal shirts for the Winter that will keep you warm in cold weather.
Finding the perfect thermal shirts for your winter adventures might not be the easiest task. With the variety of brands, prices, and types of fabrics, who knows which one to choose? But don’t worry, not everything seems so confusing. It’s just about knowing what kind of activities you intend to do, after all, you won’t want to sweat too much if you’re going to run or lack heat if you’re on the mountain.
That is why there are criteria that are important when evaluating which thermal shirt for extreme cold is better. In this article, we will review the best thermal shirts for extreme cold. In addition, we will also see the important criteria to choose the best one for your needs.
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The 7 best-rated thermal shirts for cold weather
When temperatures begin to fall in autumn and winter, it is imperative that you dress in layers so that you feel warm and comfortable at all times.
For this, it is recommended that you opt for synthetic microfiber underwear that fits the skin but is flexible enough to allow you all the movements of hiking, skiing, and snowboarding, without ending up full of sweat. Merino wool is another material that can contribute to heat not escaping. Knowing these premises, look at the best from the following list.
SmartWool Merino 250 Crew
The Merino 250 by Smartwool is one of the best-rated thermal shirts on the internet. This shirt is fantastic because it performs well in different temperatures, whether you want it for sedentary activities in the cold or if you are looking to stay active in warmer temperatures. Its 100% merino wool fabric is one of the best for outdoor activities, as it retains heat, does not absorb moisture, and, above all, does not accumulate odors.
A very practical option for those who practice snow sports such as skiing, snowboarding, and why not, hiking in the snow. However, within its disadvantages we can find that this shirt is not as durable despite the special care given, merino wool wears faster with intensive use than other types of fabric. It can be heavy when it gets wet, so it will be better to avoid it in too-humid climates.
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LAPASA Men’s Long Sleeve
Although merino wool is an excellent option for extreme cold, we cannot ignore the virtues of synthetic fabrics.
In this case, the Lapasa men’s long sleeve thermal shirt is a clear example of this. Made of 90% recycled polyester and 10% spandex, this shirt will last much longer than merino wool. Its Hygiene technology prevents odors, but you will certainly have to wash it more often.
Normally, synthetic fabrics eventually become much cheaper than merino wool, so if you are looking to invest in a durable base coat that will save you a few cents, the Lapasa Long Sleeve shirt is an ideal choice. The comfortable fit design works great for the ability to move your arms and shoulders, whether you climb or walk. In addition, there are more than seventeen colors to choose from.
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Under Armour Men Long Sleeve T-Shirt
Within the world of thermal shirts, it is recommended to opt for a brand of high-end that can give us the assurance that always keeps you warm while you practice skiing. To do this, I suggest that you look at Under Armor, which offers a long-sleeved garment made with a double-layer elastic fabric brushed with polyester and elastane; It has a moisture distribution system, quick-drying and anti-odor technology that prevents the formation of bacteria.
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Icebreaker Merino 200 Oasis
Returning once again to Merino wool shirts, the Icebreaker Oasis 200 enters competing against the SmartWool Merino 250. Super soft and excellent in repelling odors, it is certainly a perfect shirt for winter activities such as skiing.
With a price very similar to the Merino 250, we can say that the only feature in which it takes the lead is in the softness of the fabric, since if it is breathability, the Merino 250 is much better. However, it is super soft to skin contact and versatile in different temperatures. It is thin enough to wear under a sweater and washes well. Well worth the money.
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Mountain Warehouse Merino Men’s T-shirt
If you are looking for an inner shirt with the best thermal quality to keep you warm while you practice snowboarding or running, with Warehouse products you can be confident that you will have a light and breathable first layer, manufactured with merino wool, so your little ones will not have Trouble practicing outdoor activities when winter comes. It is definitely the best option if you like eco-friendly and less expensive production.
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Amazon Essentials Men’s Long-Sleeve T-Shirt
Another thermal underwear that, in our opinion, offers excellent value for money, comes from Amazon Essentials, who have manufactured a garment of optimal performance ideal for you to wear all day with the assurance that you will have an athletic fit and greater breathability thanks to the mesh in the neck and armpits.
It has a reflective heat seal and can be machine washed without losing shape or quality.
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Columbia Omni-Heat Men’s Long Sleeve
This long sleeve men’s thermal t-shirt features the brand logo printed on the front. It is a very comfortable, warm model with very soft fabrics, pleasant to the touch. Available in black, grey, and blue. Its composition is 92% polyester and 8% elastane.
One of the best for winter on the market. Good buy if you are looking for high quality at an attractive price. Magnificent thermal shirt for men that more than fulfills its function. A safe bet.
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Things you should look at before buying
Buying thermal underwear is not a thing you should do lightly. Whatever the branding of it, you must pay attention that the garment offers you performance, durability, comfort, and above all that it absorbs sweat while providing you with warmth.
Knowing this premise, look at the subsequent specifications.
Thermal T-shirts settings
Thermal underwear works like a second skin, creating an insulating layer between your body and the fabric, which is why when you talk about a perfect fit, it means that the garment will comfortably adhere to your anatomy but will not contract when washed.
- For warm climates: Your underwear should be looser.
- For cold climates: It is convenient for thermal shirts to fit your body to trap the heat generated by it, increasing comfort. It is important that in this second case, the garment is of your size, this will prevent the creation of pockets, those annoying bags that are formed in the tissue, decreasing the quality of caloric distribution in a homogeneous way.
- Athletic fit: It means that the garment will be adjusted to your body, allowing you to wear layers on it.
Types of thermal t-shirts fabrics
There are two components in which you must look to choose the right fabric: weight and material.
In this regard and following the fabric weight, you can find different qualities as you will see below:
- Ultralight fabric: Also called thermal micro-weight shirts, they are suitable for conditions of temperate to cold temperatures.
- Lightweight: These are more suitable for cold weather to moderately cold climates, and offer a high level of aerobic activity.
- Average weight: They are the right fabrics for even colder climates. Medium-weight fabrics are the most versatile and can be used for a variety of recreational and sports activities.
- Heavyweight: They are the most suitable fabrics for extremely cold temperatures and when more heat is required to regulate the temperature. They are the fabrics used in making thermal shirts suitable for winter sports in the snow.
Type of most frequent fabrics used in thermal shirts
The material of your thermal shirt must be soft and extraordinarily resistant to keep you up to date with the weather conditions you experience.
In this regard, I break down some tips about the raw material used most frequently in thermal shirts.
Synthetic fabrics: These thermal shirts have been specially manufactured for extremely cold conditions. They use, of course, synthetic fabrics such as polyester, spandex, lycra, and nylon, often combining them with other natural fibers to provide the right amount of moisture absorption and heat retention.
Wool fabrics: Merino wool is a natural fiber that intelligently balances the temperature of your body and provides excellent moisture control, regardless of external conditions.
Silk fabrics: Thermal shirts made with silk come to provide you with a light option for activities in moderately cool climates. Use them for recreational snow sports and to rest indoors. Silk provides a luxuriously smooth texture without adding volume. The drawback of this tissue is that it carries moisture out of the body more slowly.
Cotton fabrics: Unlike merino wool, synthetic fabrics, or silk, cotton retains perspiration. It makes you feel cold, wet, and sticky. Therefore, although the price may be quite affordable, I would not recommend choosing this type of raw material when it comes to choosing thermal shirts.
As for the heat/weight ratio of synthetic fabrics such as acrylic and polyester, it is 3-8 times greater than that of fabrics such as wool or cotton.
Functions of thermal shirts
The first thing you should ask yourself is about your needs regarding thermal underwear:
Will you need it for daily use with the intention of obtaining heat, facilitating freedom of movement during physical activity, or conserving body heat in cold temperatures? In this regard, take these factors into account:
Warmth
They are able to regulate the temperature of your body keeping you warm and dry. In this sense, the weight of the fabric will determine the level of heat provided by the underwear.
Stretch
Cotton tends to be restrictive in its tendency to stretch evenly. Wool, on the other hand, will not be completely elastic, so it is advisable to buy garments that combine some stretch properties of synthetic fibers.
Resistance to bacteria
When you cannot take a bath every day because you are in a cold natural place and many distances from a spring or water source, it is completely relevant that you look for thermal clothing that can give you resistance to bacteria.
Loft
The word ‘loft’ can be used to describe how thick the insulating air space created by clothing is. A low-density fabric ensures that the garment will maintain its shape while trapping the air between the layers. In this sense, fabrics with a good loft can give heat preventing the cold from reaching the skin and bones. They also provide a smaller amount of space between the tissue and the body, while giving good flexibility when performing any type of movement.
Moisture absorption
Remember first of all that being warm is one of the main purposes, so you will stay dry when you practice winter sports. As a reminder, I want to tell you that the thermal preservation property of a base layer is drastically reduced when it is wet, either by external moisture or sweat. This usually happens faster during the resting phase or after physical activity, which causes the body temperature to drop, resulting in hypothermia or, worse, death.
There is the importance of acquiring a garment with a good level of moisture absorption.
Styles of thermal shirts for cold weather
A base layer for cold weather could be anything from t-shirts to underpants, or from long-sleeved t-shirts to long pants.
However, in this market, there are only two styles of thermal underwear:
- The suits of 1 piece of thermal underwear proper.
- Those 2 pieces are purchased separately or as a set that includes a long sleeve upper part and a lower body part that covers the waist to the ankles.
Conclusion
The options can be endless when it comes to thermal shirts. Define the features you need to know which one is best for you.
Once the thermal t-shirts in the list have been evaluated, I should strongly recommend that you opt for the Lapasa model because it offers the perfect balance of a draped synthetic material construction, giving great fit to the body and breathability, which is really essential, to ensure mobility and body moisture control for those who practice winter sports.
If you are thinking of snowboarding or skiing, look at our reviews of the best snowboard gloves, goggles, and helmets to enjoy this winter season.
Whether you are an experienced hiker or a ski enthusiast, thermal shirts will be the base layer that will make a big difference.