The best thermals for women might not be the sexiest items in your wardrobe, but great thermals are one of the speediest ways to get warm without cranking up the heating this season.
Previously seen as something practical, for sporting activity only, the best thermals for women have seen increasing popularity as winter and early spring seem to feel colder and more prolonged than ever before. Often referred to as base layers, the best thermals are usually associated with what to wear skiing or hiking scenarios - but as the technology in thermal clothing becomes more widely available and finer, we're seeing base layers and thermals creep into fashion scenarios, allowing you to be warm and stylish.
The best thermals for women are breathable and work hard to regulate your body temperature, conserving your body heat through close-fitting fabrics that trap air close to your skin, whilst simultaneously wicking away any sweat - keeping you both warm and dry and solving what to wear in the snow or cold weather with ease.
How we tested the best thermals for women
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Putting a range of base layers and thermals to the test, woman&home fashion editor, Hannah Hughes reviews the best thermals for women to invest in this year.
Using two different scenarios to test the best thermals for women, Hannah, first of all, checked the thermals for their everyday practicality, wearing them at home (heating off), making sure they'd work for day-to-day warmth and wear.
Next Hannah took the thermals to their more natural habitat - a ski resort, to put them to work in sub-zero temperatures. Checking for comfort, performance and style. Here are her findings.
Best thermals for women - as tested by a fashion editor
Uniqlo's HeatTech range is a favorite amongst fashion editors, and a must for many a capsule wardrobe due to its extensive range of stylish thermals that slip easily under the best dresses and sweaters - securing warmth, without disrupting your outfit. The range encompasses round-neck tops, vests, leggings, and even trousers, so you can be kitted out in some of the best thermals for women every day and no one will be any the wiser. Our senior fashion stylist and writer, Becky Joiner-O'Riordan, swears by Uniqlo thermals for sleek, everyday warmth.
Our tester said:
"I’ve worn Uniqlo HeatTech for years so I already know they stand the test of time in terms of lasting wash after wash - mine still feel like new. I was fully prepared to find a better product, however, HeatTech still wins overall for me, in terms of style, comfort, and fit - there really is something for everyone, plus the price can’t be beaten.
This scoop neck top is universally flattering for everyone and they're stylish enough to wear alone (I wear mine all the time with jeans and boots) yet thin enough to layer under a jumper with no added bulk. They feel like a second skin and although the fabric is synthetic it feels like wearing a cotton stretch top.
In terms of heat, they keep out the chill particularly well when layered, and when worn alone it does just feel like wearing a snug top, so warm and comfortable but not overly toasty. For something more toasty try Uniqlo's HEATTECH Ultra Warm range from £19.90 which is 2.25 times warmer than regular HeatTech, however, the fabric does feel slightly bulkier and personally, I don’t find the crew neck as universally flattering."
The best fleeces for women have found a home in the latest streetwear trends and this Next thermal draws on our love of the Gorpcore trend, infusing fleece lining for one of the cosiest looks on the block. Ideal for heading out, or staying in, this set is also a great update to your best loungewear looks.
Our tester said:
"I’ve already recommended Next’s Thermal fleece range to so many friends and colleagues who work from home, as I’ve felt wonderfully toasty, even with my heating off. I chose to wear the top and the matching leggings, which are now some of the warmest leggings I own and it makes for a wonderful WFH co-ord. The luxurious lining feels like a thick velour and it's incredibly cozy and soft to wear. These are the kind of thermals you put on and feel instantly snug. Even my mum swears by them and still uses them to get warm after her winter sea wild swimming excursions, over a year after purchasing them.
The downside is that they do feel (and look) bulkier than some thermals and although the top has a nice ribbed design, it does still look slightly more practical than stylish, especially in lighter colours. Meaning that if you have a Zoom meeting you might want to layer one of the best sweaters over the top for added polish.
I did enjoy wearing the leggings at home, however, they are thick and definitely add bulk to your lower half. So if you're looking for the best thermals for women that can layer, the leggings are too thick to wear under jeans. Having said all this, I still think they're fantastic as a loungewear or standalone piece, and the fabric is really warm."
British clothing brand Marks & Spencer is known for its wardrobe essentials and having already secured a spot in our hearts for the best underwear and best bras, you won't be surprised to learn that they do some pretty brilliant thermals too.
Our tester said:
"I'm a big fan of these M&S thermal leggings and love the fact that they come in a handy pack of two - particularly as it means you can have one in the wash and one on the go. Crafted from the brand's fine HeatGen fabric, the leggings are easily layered under your best jeans for added warmth on cold-weather days.
A great addition to your winter capsule wardrobe, they feel gorgeous against the skin and are lightweight, so you'll forget you're wearing them. The biggest and only drawback to the M&S thermal leggings is because they're so fine, it does mean that they won't work as standalone leggings, as they're too sheer. Although, you could slip them on with longer, tunic-length hemlines. However, when layered, they do certainly keep you warm."
Lands' End is an American clothing brand that stocks timeless classics, with an emphasis on casual attire. With a great sizing range, the brand caters for plus sizes, with many items stocked up to a size 30. Covering all the basics, Lands' End is not only great for thermals, but the brand also has a solid range of casual separates that will mix and match into your existing closet.
Our tester said:
"This certainly felt like the most luxurious of the thermals I tested. The fabric is silky soft and the invisible seams ensured it laid flat, making it feel like a second skin without being too clingy. Part of the brand's Thermaskin range, the fit was great and the arms are long and keep out the chill. I love the flattering scoop neck which means it can be invisibly layered with jumpers or dresses.
Lands' End also has a 100% silk range which is naturally breathable - so it's great at regulating body temperature. However, the collection is also double the price of many other thermals and requires a special delicate wash cycle. I was really happy with the more cost-effective Thermaskin range.
One thing to be aware of, though, is that the fun prints like the paisley one I tried do tend to sell out quickly. However, there are plenty of neutral, minimalist hues to pick from that will work for any wardrobe."
Known for its performance clothing, Columbia is the brand we turn to when we need technical fashion items that will stand the test of time and keep us protected, such as the best waterproof jackets for women. Ski instructor Mike Humphrey also recommends Columbia base layers for keeping the heat in whilst on the mountains. While the look of Columbia might be more substance over style, if you need items that are really going to step up to beating tough weather conditions, this is one of the best places to shop.
Our tester said:
"This was certainly the most high-tech feeling fabric of all the thermals I tested and for how thin the material was, it was definitely the warmest. The clever Omni heat range contains a layer of tiny reflective gold dots inside each garment that literally reflects your body heat back to you.
Although the fabric feels quite synthetic, it was breathable and really did regulate my heat during a day skiing in -7 temperatures. I wore it with a Columbia ski jacket and Columbia Bugaboo Omni Heat Trousers and I was snug all day without having to wear lots of bulky layers.
I would definitely recommend this as a fantastic hard-working thermal for all winter sports, hiking, or even running during the cold months. Just remember not to wash it on a hot wash."
Damart has been crafting thermal wear for over 60 years, so if anyone is going to understand your cold-weather needs, this is a great place to start. With varying levels of thermal strength, Damart makes some of the best thermals for women, with the company founded on the brand's creation of its patented Thermolactyl fabric.
Damart's best thermals for women offer 4 degrees of protection and sustainable warmth. Among some of the original synthetic fiber thermal technologies, the brand's fabric is thin, soft, and breathable for a lightweight, comfortable, and warming fit. The brand also now retails other separates and dresses for a range of occasions alongside thermal wear.
Our tester said:
"Sometimes you just need or want a vest for layering purposes and Damart's pretty camisoles do the job perfectly, making them ideal for everyday wear. Looking more like a fashionable undertop than underwear, they can also be worn alone, slipping into a winter capsule wardrobe with ease.
Little details such as the adjustable straps ensure a more personalised fit and the lace trim makes it feel a bit more special than a plain cami. I tried a 'Medium 3 Strength' and it's now my go-to to under everything from the best midi dresses to Breton tops for thermal wear that really works."
Continuing our hunt for the best thermals for women, our tester put another Damart piece to the test. A brilliant brand to invest in, the thermals come in different strengths, so you can select the level of heat help you need depending on activity. Thermals are a great option for outdoor activities during the winter months. Paired with the best leggings and sneakers you've got a great base outfit for running, hiking or simply walking the dog.
Our tester said:
"If you’re exercising outside all year long you’ll want to invest in the best thermal top, with breathability to see you through cold spells, and in my opinion, you can’t beat this style. Over a year on, I still wear it as a running top and it has washed brilliantly. The fabric has good stretch with a thin fleece lining that feels soft and snug but still breathable.
It speedily wicks away sweat, keeping you dry and odour-free. The fit is quite tight (so maybe size up if you are unsure) and the arms are full-length, with tight cuffs and a high neck to keep the cold at bay. But it's not just for working out, I’d wear this to keep warm at home too and thanks to its light and breathable feel you could even wear it to bed on a really cold night. Due to the high neck, I do find it slightly less suitable for wearing day to day under smart casual outfits, as it lends itself to sportier and loungewear get-ups."
What thermals keep you the warmest?
"There is no doubt that merino wool thermals provide exceptional warmth, moisture-wicking properties, and breathability," says Yenia Hernández Fonseca, Stylist, Luxury Fashion Expert & Contributor to Margo Paige. For something a little more affordable, "polyester and elastane are great synthetic alternatives," she says. However, they won't be as breathable as natural fabrics.
For skiing, Humphrey also recommends you "look for thermals made of merino wool or synthetic materials like polyester or nylon." With any of these materials, you're guaranteed thermals that will keep you warm no matter the temperature.
Are thermals worth the money?
Thermals are absolutely worth the investment, and you can get some very affordable options on the high street that experts swear by. They really can't be beaten if you want added warmth without having to throw on countless bulky layers that will restrict movement and cause you to sweat. Take care of your thermals properly, and they will last you years too.
Our experts:
Mike is a writer, entrepreneur, and avid skier. He operates mykhumphrey.com, where he writes about his passions, skiing and business. He lives in a ski town in Japan where he runs several companies, all while skiing 100+ days a year. He is a certified Level 3 ski instructor and race coach.
Yenia is a writer, stylist, and visual presentation designer with over ten years of experience in the luxury fashion industry working with globally recognized designers, high-end specialty stores, and premium service companies. She's also the founder of @RockFashionHistory, a fashion studies Instagram account that explores the relationship between fashion and identity in rock & roll culture.
Becky Joiner-O'Riordan is a Senior Fashion Stylist & Writer. With 10 years experience in the fashion industry, she currently works across woman&home, womanandhome.com, Woman, Woman's Own, Woman's Weekly, Chat, goodto.com, and has previously worked on Harper's Bazaar, Notion and Now Magazine.
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