When you’re hitting the slopes, the last thing you need is to freeze up. Skiing, at its core, is a fun time that can be ruined very quickly by having improper gear.
You need to stay warm when you're skiing.
You want your ski jacket to keep you insulated, you want your boots to work even when the water on them is freezing over, and you want your helmet or headgear to keep your hair out of your face and your ears warm.
Perhaps most importantly, you want your underwear to be good at insulating you from the cold, making sure that one bad slip and fall will not have you gasping as parts of your body that should never be cold are suddenly freezing.
And this isn’t even a gendered issue, as most other underwear concerns are. Both male and female skiers face the unwanted consequences (namely, snow in your nether regions) of bad underwear, and it takes very little snow infiltration to have you shivering on the ski lift for the rest of the day.
But for both men and women, there can be a variety of puzzling questions surrounding the issue of skiing underwear. Should the underwear be long or short? Is thermal underwear the only way to go? Does it change the type of underwear if you’re pairing it with leggings or sweatpants?
If you plan to hit the slopes this upcoming ski season and want to make sure you’re properly equipped, this article is for you.
Here's our guide to the best skiing underwear for men and women.
Best Skiing Underwear for Men
Pro: Tradition of quality.
Con: Itchiness after a long day.
Soft Familiarity: We generally try to start most of our lists with a classic, and therefore Fruit of the Loom had to have the first spot. For most male skiers, this pair of long underwear will remind them of a lifetime of skiing, as it has been the go-to men’s thermal underwear for decades now.
This assurance of quality shows in its soft cotton-polyester blend, and while by the end of the day you’ll be happy to take these bottoms off, you can guarantee that this pair will get you through your whole day just toasty.
Pro: Great pouch for easy access in the lodge restrooms.
Con: Bottom can ride up legs a bit.
Ideal for the Ride: The name ‘Thermajohn’ might have you thinking that this company is dedicated to making good thermal long johns, and you would be right to think that. Though the bottoms tend to ride up a bit, especially when putting on snow shoes or ski boots, this fleece-lined thermal set is a beauty to behold.
An ultra-soft polyester and spandex blend creates the perfect amount of four-way stretch, while the fleece lining complements this underwear to make it an ideal extra layer for warmth.
Pro: Pull on closure.
Con: Could use some more stretchiness.
Try Not to Fall Asleep in These: With Duofold’s signature two-ply cotton blend at play, mixing together about 60% cotton with 40% polyester, you know you’re in for a treat with these thermal pants. A C-vapor technology is at work, wicking away sweat to keep you dry and cool throughout the day, while flatlock seams keep the whole ensemble looking fresh and practical.
While the absence of any sort of elastane or spandex makes this thermal underwear arguably the least stretchy of our men’s options, a moisture-wicking waistband sets it aside from the competition as a strong contender for best design.
Pro: 100% polyester.
Con: Only two color options.
Nothing Better Than 100%: If polyester is king, then this pair of thermal underwear from ColdPruf is absolute royalty. A 100% ultra-soft polyester composition makes this the perfect base layer for any skiing expedition. A front fly and non-itch waistband show how ColdPruf is thinking of their customers’ basic needs, while the front-and-back rise demonstrate an eye for innovation in comfort.
Pro: Four-way stretch compression
Con: Thin
Flatlock stitching: Herobiker created a lightweight thermal that keeps you warm without adding unnecessary bulk under your clothes. The material also wicks away moisture so you never feel a bit wet.
This thermal underwear is comfortable and flexible. It will allow you to move easily while skiing. The quality is excellent.
On the other hand, this long underwear doesn’t have a fly. Keep this from being an issue by being prepared to let these long johns hit the deck when you have to make use of the facilities.
Pro: Anti chafing
Con: Runs small
Great fit: Tsla crafted well-designed underwear that fits perfectly on the body. It doesn't ride up the cheeks or pinch the crown jewels. The stay-in-place fit keeps the crotch from sliding down between thighs.
It isn't too tight in the neck and it doesn't irritate your underarms. This second skin thermal long underwear is very stretchy and breathes well. It hugs your entire body.
On the flip side, some didn’t like that it smelled of chemicals. Remedy that issue by washing the long underwear before wearing it.
Pro: Moisture wicking
Con: Wide neck
Fleece lining: Prepare to be impressed with Fit Extreme’s long underwear. It’s so warm and soft you might be tempted to sleep in it. This thermal undy dries instantly without a trace of smell or sweat.
It’s so comfortable that you can ski all day without feeling restricted. Plus, the design makes this one of the better looking long underwear options out there. The material is very stretchy. It could be -10 degrees outside and you’d still be warm and comfy the entire day.
The downside is that it runs small. However, you can stop this from being an issue by going a size up if needed.
Best Skiing Underwear for Women
Pro: Unbeatable price.
Con: Dries less quickly than advertised.
Promise of Perfection: The folks over at PISIQI evidently do not play games with their women’s long underwear, given that this may just be the most comfortable underwear on the market. Ultra-soft polyester gives you a perfect amount of warmth just as it avoids any irritation; meanwhile, the stretchable, elastic design is ideal for hitting the slopes all day.
While these PSIQI long johns dry less quickly than they could, leaving them out overnight will guarantee a pair of fresh winter undergarments for the next day’s run.
Pro: Color variety!
Con: Seams on top are off.
Skiing Rainbow: While most skiers will tend to recommend keeping a sturdy ski jacket and strong pair of snow pants on, the variety of color options in this thermal set from Ekouaer will have you considering otherwise. A 95% cotton and 5% elastane mélange makes this pair a comfy fit for the day, while the midweight thermal balance and tagless long sleeve make it an easy choice.
For those wishing to wear the top as well as the bottom, the only issue they may find is in some less-than-perfect seams on the top. However, other than those aesthetics, they will not be disappointed.
Pro: Stretchiness galore.
Con: Fleece lining does little for warmth.
Leggings Are Life: To contrast with the prior entry, this pair of thermal underwear is arguably the best-stretching entry on this list. Form-fitting and guaranteed to hug your curves from butt to ankles, Thermajane (the female counterpart to the aforementioned Thermajohn) shows here why long underwear is their world, and everyone else is just playing in it.
Pro: Double-layered.
Con: Knee area can grow tight over time.
Double is Better: Showing us once more how it’s done, Duofold lives true to its name with this wonderful pair of thermal leggings. A 60-40 cotton-polyester mélange featuring flatlock seams and a high-rise silhouette, this is a woman skier’s new best friend right here.
Admittedly, the knees can feel tight and constrained, especially with much movement over the course of the day, but all in all, this is a fine moisture wicking pair of skiing underwear.
Pro: Great base layer
Con: Long crotch
Soft material: This long underwear by Pisiqi offers a good fit as expected with some room to stretch if needed. It’s designed to keep you warm skiing and snowshoeing in very cold weather (think temperatures in the teens and 20s).
It keeps you warm and dries out quickly when you get sweaty. The underwear fits close to the body as thermal underwear should. Your ski outfit will glide over them.
The fleece lining is soft and warm without being bulky. Machine wash on gentle and hang dry for best results.
On the other hand, this is not heavyweight thermal so if you’re cold-natured, you may not feel as warm as you’d like. Keep this from being a problem by wearing warmer outerwear.
Pro: Great quality
Con: Short crotch
Stretchy material: ViCherub’s long underwear keeps you nice and warm. The material is thin enough to fit under ski outfits and even skinny jeans. Plus, it feels soft.
This underwear will come in handy on the really cold days of cross country skiing and snowmobiling. The fit is snug as can be expected with long underwear.
The downside is that the sizes are inconsistent. However, this doesn’t have to be an issue because you can go up or down a size depending on your measurements.
Pro: Wonderful construction
Con: Not much stretch
Retains heat well: Meethoo’s thermal long underwear is great for layering under ski clothes. Since it holds onto body heat well, it will keep you warm the entire time.
Another perk is that it's soft. It makes you feel comfortable, unlike some brands that feel scratchy. The material is smooth enough to prevent your clothes from binding. Also, it’s durable.
On the other hand, the top is larger than the bottom. If this is an issue, get two sizes so you’ll have a better fit for your entire body.
Best Skiing Underwear: Buying Guide
As any skier who has agonized over their perfect outfit for the slopes can attest to, attire is a personal thing. At the end of the day, you should not be worried about whether your underwear matches your friend’s, or if you’re wearing the wrong type.
So long as you are comfortable and warm, as well as able to move, stretch, and be as flexible as normal, you will be fine on the mountain. Certain biological or anatomical factors may come into play, as will skill level, skiing style, and even weather!
After all, a novice skier does not need the same underwear as a professional, and a sunny day with hot weather does not warrant the same amount of layers as a chilly day with moderate snowfall. Plan accordingly, and remember to always dress on the safe side.
Best Fitting Skiing Underwear
The way long underwear fits on your body can make or break everything. Opt for a brand that is snug on the entire body without being constrictive.
It should not bind or pinch any part of your skin. Look for a style that stays in place and has flat-seams to avoid chafing.
Best Lightweight Skiing Underwear
There are different weights in the world of long underwear. You have light, medium, and heavy. For skiing opt for lightweight.
It’s thin and perfect for layering. Plus, it offers a snug fit making it easier to pull sweat from your body as you ski. Speaking of fit, there are other factors to bear in mind when it comes to this feature.
Matching Top
Now, we will specifically be looking at underwear for the downstairs for this list, but it is worth taking a small moment to detour around in the full-body sphere, as many of the underwear we will feature will include a matching undergarment top.
Past just color or aesthetic reasons, these thermal tops can be quite the plus for any skier looking to hit the slopes. After all, while we definitely do not want snow getting all over our boy bits or lady bits, we generally do not want it infiltrating us at any part of our body, right?
For one, the long sleeves will serve to complement your gloves, leaving little chance for direct snow-skin contact. Meanwhile, even the worst falls will have trouble getting you cold with a thermal layer underneath a snow jacket, due to just the amount of fabric involved.
While they are overall less important than the bottoms, thermal undergarment tops are still great ways to keep you and your torso warm on the mountain.
- MATERIALl: Thermal underwear set is made of ultra-soft polyester that feels cozily soft, is completely...
- BREATHABILITY: Breathable fabric is perfect to keep sweat away. At the same time, the lightweight thermal...
- STRETCHABLE: Four-way stretch and gives you the needed warmth without thick or heavy layers. The suit can...
Long Over Short
When it comes to skiing underwear, long is better than short. Now, people who were raised in skiing (or other mountain recreational sports) families may laugh, as this seems apparent. But for many of us, the idea of wearing specialized underwear, especially underwear that can go down to our calves or ankles, seems odd if you are new to the sport.
While there are absolutely instances where short underwear is acceptable (for example, ladies wearing leggings may choose to throw on some spandex underwear or a thong underneath), generally, long underwear (also known as long johns) is best for skiing.
Finally, one great thing about skiing underwear is that it generally equalizes the genders in terms of requirements. Naturally, certain underwear in this list will be for one sex or the other, but overall, the core criteria for each gender’s skiing underwear is the same.
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Best Fabric For Skiing Underwear
When it comes to underwear, the fabric(s) used is obviously quite important. However, this is doubly true when it comes to underwear for skiing, or thermal underwear, as the underwear covers more skin surface and has more of a purpose.
After all, normal underwear generally just works to wick away moisture and be comfortable. With thermal underwear, an added necessity is heat retention. While this may seem limiting for ventilation purposes, which generally are a core part of any underwear, it is nonetheless the central tenet in the thermal underwear game.
So, which fabrics should your underwear ideally be made of?
Generally, you will find that a specific variety of polyester, known colloquially as ultra-soft polyester, is the preferred fabric of choice for thermal underwear manufacturers.
Regardless, material composition for skiing underwear will also feature any sorts of combinations of cotton (ideally organic; synthetic is advised against), spandex, and elastane.
Other fabrics may be used as well, such as Modal or Micro-Modal, but these tend to be more expensive to produce and therefore less prevalent.
- Soft, cotton two-layer engineering traps body heat between layers resulting in chill-blocking warmth
- Pant sits at natural waistline. Front and back rise provides an exceptionally comfortable fit and...
- Tagless labeling, non-itch waistband and gussets for added durability and comfortable fit
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