10 Best Men’s Thermal Underwear

There are so many reasons why you might be on the prowl for some good thermal underwear. Whether you are just trying to get through winter in a northern state or you are going to be outdoors for an extended period of time, thermal underwear is a true luxury to have when it's cold outside.

However, finding a good pair can be difficult when there are so many options out there. Trying to compare every product isn’t always the easiest when they each have their strengths. We’ve organized all of the information that you might need into one helpful buying guide.

When you are buying thermal underwear, there are a few different considerations to keep in mind and features to be on the lookout for. The quality, price, and brand of the thermal underwear that you ultimately decide to go with are going to depend a lot on what you need it for, which is why we have broken down 10 pairs of thermal underwear.

In our recap of each item, we go over what its strengths are, what the weaknesses are, and who it would be good for. We’ll also point out some features to keep an eye out for that you might not have thought of. Our goal is to provide you with the ultimate resource for finding and selecting your next pair of thermal underwear.

If you have been looking for the best thermal underwear for you but just don’t know where to start, come along with us on our review of the top 10 best thermal underwear for men!

Thermal Underwear Comparison

Here's a quick overview of all the thermal underwear we included in our roundup. You can read full reviews of each below.

Top 10 Best Thermal Underwear for Men

Now that you know all of the important considerations when shopping for thermal underwear, it’s time to review some of the best options on the market. Using our criteria, we’ve selected the 10 best thermal underwear for men.

We’ve been careful to select all different types of thermal underwear with a variety of prices, quality, and purposes. Let’s get started!

1. Thermajohn Men’s Ultra Soft Thermal Underwear

Made from Ultra-Soft Polyester & Spandex: If you are looking for something simple, affordable, and practical, this is going to be right up your alley. It comes in multiple sizes and colors and is a 2-piece set. It comes with both pants and a shirt. 

It’s made from ultra-soft polyester and spandex, an important feature for maximum comfort. It’s also quite stretchy, which will allow you a full range of motion when using it. Those who are planning on being very active will particularly appreciate this.

One thing to look out for here is that they do run a little small. You should probably order one size larger than you normally wear to ensure a good fit.

This is perfect thermal underwear set for those who just need something to keep them warm during chilly days or even out in snow sports. It's probably not the best for those in the extreme cold who need to say warm in non-typical temperatures.

2. TSLA Men’s Microfiber Top & Bottom Pack

Excellent Mobility & Moisture Wicking: This affordable 2-piece set comes in several different colors and emphasizes its ability to allow a wide range of mobility and wick moisture for maximum comfort. It is built with four-way stretch to allow you to be comfortable no matter what motions you are doing.

The material itself is a sturdy 92% ultra soft microfiber with 8% spandex. The Heatfit design is made to provide great insulation. While this won't keep you warm in the Arctic, it's perfect for a chilly winter or fall day outdoors. 

3. Fruit of the Loom Men’s Classics Midweight Waffle Thermal Underwear Bottoms

Warm Waffle Thermal Bottoms for Cold Weather: If you are truly looking for the most affordable, basic option out there, this is it. These thermal underwear come in bottoms only and they are probably the most affordable thermal underwear out there. They come individually or in packs of two and they are available in multiple colors.

They are made from 60% cotton and 40% polyester, machine washable, and feature a classic waffle design to give you an extra layer. These won’t do a ton, but they’re great as an extra layer on a cold day. 

4. Thermajohn Men’s Ultra Soft Thermal Underwear Long Johns Set

Moisture Wicking & Heat Retention: If you are ready to take a little bit of a step up without taking a huge hit in terms of price, this thermal underwear is a solid choice. They feature heat retention, moisture wicking, quick drying material, and odor resistance.

They come with tops and bottoms and are available in 3 different colors. The comfort is the main feature with these, as they feature an ultra-light material that is stretchable and breathable while also conserving heat and helping to keep you warm.

Something to look out for here is that it does not feature a front hole. This can make things inconvenient when it’s time to use the restroom. 

5. HEROBIKER Men Thermal Underwear Set Winter Skiing Warm Top & Bottom

Excellent Flexibility for Skiing & Other Winter Activities: Aside from the slight issue with the varying fabric quality, this seems like the ideal pair of middle-tier thermal underwear. Even for what they are, these thermal underwear are quite affordable and easily attainable for someone on a budget.

They come in three different colors and boast soft, warm fabric that has moisture wicking and breathability. If you are an athlete that competes in outdoor sports, these would be great for you. 

6. Duofold Men’s Mid-Weight Wicking Thermal Pant

C Vapor Technology Wicks Sweat Away: These thermal bottoms are a higher-end option for those of you looking to invest a little more in a quality-made product. They are 60% cotton and come in four different color options. They fit just as expected, so no need to adjust your size when you order them.

The base layer is a two-ply cotton blend with flatlock seams and a moisture-wicking waistband for comfort. The C Vapor technology helps to wick away sweat to keep your skin drier, and breathable. 

7. FITEXTREME Mens MAXHEAT Compression Performance Long Johns Thermal Underwear

Made of Premium Silky Soft Fleece Lining: If these other products are coming across as inadequate, you might finally meet your match here with this high-end thermal underwear. They come with top & bottom and are available in two different colors. They are made of premium material to maximize comfort and warmth in cold weather.

The four-way stretch compression is designed to let you have a wide range of motion and to help the body look slimmer. This is a great option for athletes or those who want to do winter sports and activities.

8. TSLA Men’s Emboss Pants Thermal Wintergear Compression

Excellent Elasticity with Enhanced Range of Motion: These high-performance pants are made with premium material and are available in 20+ colors. They only come with bottoms, but that’s okay because the price really isn’t too out of line on these.

These pants are designed to keep you warm while you do outdoor activities and athletics. They give you a great range of motion and all the benefits you could ask for in moisture wicking and quick dry times. 

9. Andrew Scott Men’s 3 Pack Premium Cotton Base Layer Long Thermal Underwear

Great for Sleeping: Coming in a pack of three, these thermal underwear are another excellent value addition on our list. They help to keep you warm and are specially designed to be comfortable in your sleep. If you are a cold sleeper and want something to help you stay warm while you doze off, these are perfect.

10. Andrew Scott Mens 2 Piece & 6 Piece Base Layer Long Sleeve & Long Pant Thermal Underwear

Extreme Comfort Fit: If you liked the Andrew Scott products from before but wanted them in a top & bottom pack, here you are! They are made from 100% cotton with a soft fleece brushed underside cotton lining for maximum comfort.

You can get them individually or in a 6 piece set and you can even mix and match your color. These are a pretty basic pair of thermal underwear and they’ll get the job done if you are just looking for an added layer of warmth. 

Best Thermal Underwear for Men: Buying Guide

When you are shopping for thermal underwear, there are some features and specifications that you’re going to want to keep an eye out for. The thermal underwear that you select doesn’t always have to feature everything, but it should have enough features that it’s going to serve you well for your purposes.

You might think that there are not many features when it comes to thermal underwear, but there's a lot of subtle differences in the construction of the material that makes a big difference. We're going to walk you through those differences and which thermal underwear is the best for each.

Best Budget Thermal Underwear for Men

It's a no-brainer that you are going to be paying some attention to the price of the thermal underwear that you select. For some, thermal underwear is worth a more significant investment because of the value that they will get out of it. This may be due to the comfort that it provides or the frequency of use.

For others, a more affordable, lesser-quality option will serve their purposes nicely. It’s probably a good idea to know which person you are ahead of time so you can screen your options for the right level of affordability. 

Best Fitting Thermal Underwear for Men

All thermal underwear are certainly not made the same. Fit is a major consideration when shopping for thermal underwear Some underwear have a tighter fit while others are more loose and relaxed.

The fit that you decide on is largely going to be a product of what you are going to be doing in them, how warm you need to be, and what you are most comfortable moving around in. 

Thermal Underwear Thickness & Quality

Finally, you want to make sure you buy the thermal underwear with the appropriate thickness and material quality. Again, this is going to depend on what you are doing in them. If you are active and need something lightweight, you probably want to go with something that is high-quality for durability but thinner to keep you comfortable and mobile.

If you are going to be in the extreme elements and need a good protective layer, you probably want to invest a bit more in your thermal underwear to get something that is going to be thick enough to protect you adequately from the cold.

No matter what your purpose, be sure to consider the thickness and quality of the thermal underwear before you purchase them. 

Thermal Underwear FAQ

As you can see, there are plenty of choices when it comes to finding the right thermal underwear. Now that you have a pretty good idea of what’s out there, we’ve listed some of the most common questions below that most people want to know about. 

Do you have to wear underwear when wearing thermal underwear? 

We hear this question a lot, and even though some people choose to go commando under their thermals, they are not intended to replace your actual underwear. In fact, most brands recommend wearing underwear underneath your thermal underwear. 

However, if you plan to wear your thermals for more than one day, you should definitely wear underwear underneath them! Plus, thermals might not sit right or feel as good as your regular underwear when it comes to comfort. They also don't provide the same support that other underwear typically can. 

How do you wash thermal underwear?

Depending on the type of thermal underwear you purchased, you may need to wash them by hand, according to the manufacturer. But honestly, putting them in the washing machine using warm water and a mild detergent usually works just fine. 

You should check with the manufacturer’s tag on your thermal underwear to see what the instructions are for cleaning them. If you don’t find any, you should be safe doing what we suggested above.  

Many folks won’t put their thermals in the dryer because they might shrink, and well, that wouldn’t be cool since they are meant to keep your body warm. So again, check with the manufacturer’s label to see what they recommend before throwing them in the dryer. 

Do thermal underwear fit under my regular clothes? 

There are some thermals that are made from a very thick material and could prevent you from snapping or zipping up your favorite skinny jeans. However, there are also thin long johns that fit nicely under most clothing and just add a layer of warmth to your body. 

The best way to know if you can wear your thermals under your clothes is to try them on. There is thermal underwear that is meant to be super thin while still providing you the extra comfort you need while being in colder temperatures.  

What does moisture-wicking mean in thermal underwear? 

Have you ever started sweating when you have too many clothes on? Well, moisture-wicking materials can save the day! When your thermal underwear is made with the benefit of moisture-wicking, they will be able to keep you dry every time you break a sweat.

Moisture-wicking thermal underwear uses capillary action to transport the sweat away from your body and pushes it outside of the material, where it will evaporate quickly. It doesn’t allow the material to get wet from sweat, and it doesn’t cool your body down.  

This material is extremely useful for people who are wearing thermals while doing high-intensity sports, such as snow skiing or long-distance running. They can also be very beneficial for anybody who tends to sweat regularly during the colder months.