8 Best Thermal Underwear & Long Underwear for Women

Got a skiing trip coming up? Or a winter vacation in the works? You're going to need some thermal underwear to keep warm on the slopes or in the frigid temperatures before you can sit by the fire with a warm cup of cocoa.

Thermal underwear, sometimes called Long Johns for men or Long Janes for women, are traditionally worn under the clothing as a base layer to keep warm. In the centuries before the washing machine, men and women would have one or two pairs of these thermal underwear to wear year-round.

These days, thermal underwear needs to be more than just a barrier between the outerwear and the oils and grime of the wearer’s body. Thermal underwear can also be worn as pajamas or as a long-sleeve shirt worn under a jacket in the winter. Technology has made it so long johns are no longer the white, dirty, greasy underwear that mountain men used to wear under their clothes. They can be stylish, odor-blocking, and comfortable. They come in multiple colors and are a fashion statement in their own right now.

There are several factors when considering what is best thermal underwear for women, and in this piece we’ll fill you in on what to look for as well as provide you with some options to consider.

Top 8 Women’s Thermal Underwear

1. PISIQI Thermal Skiing Underwear Set

Thin Insulation with Full Maneuverability: This thermal underwear set is sure to make your trip extra enjoyable. The fleece-lined material is made with 92% polyester and 8% spandex making it extra flexible and lightweight. These long janes can easily be worn under your garments or worn as a shirt or pants when necessary. The thin material is great for the discreet wear that women want, and the unique material blend make moisture-wicking a breeze. This pants and shirt set is sure to meet all of the thermal underwear needs of a modern woman, and present a pretty good value as a package.

Unfortunately, if you’re planning to be seen by more than your animals, you won’t wow anyone with just a single black color option.

2. Thermajane Fleece-Lined Long Janes Set

Fleece-Lined Active Long Janes: These are perfect for everyday wear when you’re just hanging out and want to be cozy. While they are not made for the coldest of nights, these long johns with fleece lining, thin profile, and good stretch are a good bargain as a set. They come in multiple colors and are machine washable for your convenience. Their lightweight feel makes them perfect for wearing under clothes or as pajamas on a blustery night, and they’re oh so soft.

Just be sure to check the size chart when ordering because they sometimes run a little large. You don’t want to be swimming in them – they’re elastic for a reason!

3. HEROBIKER Thermal Long Janes

Lightweight & Breathable Layer: This two-piece set is noted for its incredible flexibility and durability. The fabric is 90% polyester and 10% spandex making it the most flexible on the list. It allows the wearer maximum movement while still keeping the wearer warm and comfortable. This set is best worn under clothes or as lightweight outerwear. Its material composition does keep the wearer very warm, but its lack of fleece-lining makes it a little less friendly for the particularly frigid temperatures. It more than makes up for that with its superior movability though. These are perfect for skiing, hiking, or even just shoveling the driveway.

4. FollowMe Designer Thermal Onesie

Fashionable, Fun, and Cozy: Who doesn’t love a onesie? A one-piece set allows the wearer to stretch and move in any way desirable without worrying about exposing their midriff to the cold winter air. This one-piece set allows for maximum coverage and maximum comfort. The fun styles and fact that the colors don’t run in the washing machine is a bonus as well (nobody wants rainbow bleeding onto their important outfits!). The cotton and polyester blend make is particularly washer-friendly, so women can wear these every day in the winter and they will last the season.

5. Rocky Women’s Knit Long Janes

Super Duper Comfy: This silken thermal underwear is the pinnacle of comfort. The thin build is great for everyday wear and they have a low profile that can be worn under clothes when an extra layer is needed. The fit is as expected so just follow the sizing chart and the wearer should be able to wear them under any outfit. The blended fabrics make for extreme comfort and warmth, without the fleece lining or the traditional, bulky waffled fabric pattern. They’re also available in an array of colors so that you won’t be embarrassed getting the mail in them.

6. Ekouaer Thermal Layering Set

Perfect Underlayer Long Janes: These luxury soft and flexible thermal underwear are midweight and great for everyday activities. They are machine washable and come in a variety of colors. The material is thin enough to be worn under clothing and the scoop neck is low enough that women aren’t forced into wearing turtlenecks should they want a little extra warmth. You’ll love the 95% cotton and 5% elastane blend for its soft touch and slightly elastic build.

However, this pair is a little bit expensive when compared to other models. It’s very high quality, but it may not be worth the money for you.

7. Hanes Tagless Long Janes

No Tags and Extra Fresh: These long johns are thin and perfect to wear under clothes. The high waist band and the traditional styling of these thermal underwear make it a conservative choice for outerwear, but an excellent choice for wearing under a layer of clothes to keep warm in the frigid winter months. Organic cotton and polyester combine to form a comfortable but breathable fabric that will keep you warm, but they still prevent your bits from sweating up. If they get a little ripe, you’ll be happy that the FreshIQ technology in the material will keep things clean until you cool down.

A negative of these long janes is their cuffs, as customers complain that they hold a little bit too tight, which can get uncomfortable. They’re also only a pair of long thermal underwear – no top is included.

8. Fruit of the Loom Fleece Thermal Underwear Set

Thicker Option for Extra Warmth: These fleece-lined wonders are great for keeping warm, but it might be best to wear these as an outer-layer. Their 100% polyester blend is great for keeping warm and wicking some moisture, but the pattern tends to run tight in the arms and baggy in the legs. The material is a little thicker than some of the others on the list, which makes it great to keep warm, but difficult to keep discreet if you’re looking to wear it under clothes. It’s also not very stretchy, so don’t expect a comfortable hugging feeling.

Best Thermal Underwear for Women: Buying Guide

When we think of thermal underwear we might think of lumberjacks or old-time mountain men sleeping in long underwear, but there's a growing market for women’s thermal underwear. Women want something that is warm, comfortable, and wick moistures when necessary just like men.

There are a range of activities that one might wear thermal underwear for including strenuous work like skiing or shoveling snow, or more relaxed wearing such as a bottom layer to a work outfit or lounging around the house as PJs. Whatever the occasion, there is a thermal underwear set that fits the bill. It is important to look for moisture-wicking ability, warmth, and, of course, comfort.

Moisture-Wicking

While lumberjacks and mountain men are okay with the sweaty, smelly tropes of old, modern women are not. The ability for a fabric to be lightweight, breathable, and moisture wicking is very important. Especially if you are skiing all day or need an extra layer of warmth camping at night. It may be cold outside, but the warmth of the tent and the sleeping bags means it’s possible to wake up warm and sweaty. Nobody wants that.

In general, it’s best to look for synthetic fabrics that specifically say “moisture-wicking”. While cotton pulls moisture away, it also takes a long time to dry so it is not as comfortable for long-term wear.

Nothing matters if the thermal underwear isn’t comfortable. While women are known for wearing uncomfortable items in the name of beauty (i.e. heels), thermal underwear isn’t one of those items. Comfort is paramount when choosing the article of the clothing that is going to be closest to your skin for the largest portion of the day. The softer, the better.

But comfort is more than soft texture, it is also about fit and flexibility. When choosing a garment for maximum comfort, it’s important to think carefully about the purpose of the thermal underwear. What is comfortable as PJs is not as comfortable for ski wear, so take comfort seriously when choosing the right thermal underwear for you.