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Little black dress? More like little black thermals. As temperatures drop, warm layered clothing is this year’s ‘must-have’, helping us stay comfortable and toasty. Women’s activewear brand, Acai Outdoorwear says demand has spiked for thermals with a 350% rise in sales.
With most of the country living with lockdown restrictions, meeting family and friends indoors is a big no-no. Instead, we’re heading outdoors to socialise on winter walks in parks, on beaches, through hills and mountains – or even just round the local block.
Fight the chill by layering thermals and base layers beneath your cold-weather outfits and warm yourself up with these game-changing garments. Remember, you can layer all the thermals on their own, but without a proper coat or ski jacket, you’re screwed. Socialising might be a chilly affair, but it’s a whole lot more fun seeing friends once you’ve found the secret to staying warm.
Here are our favourite pieces:
1. Uniqlo HeatTech, £7.90-£24.90
We’ll say it now. Uniqlo’s HeatTeach range is going to be our best friend. Its single thin layer of is made from a blend of rayon, polyester, and acrylic material that wicks moisture from your body and turn its kinetic energy into heat, which helps you stay warm without the bulk. Whether it’s a long-sleeve crewneck, a pair of long johns or turtleneck jumpers, these under-layers might look slight, but they’ll pleasantly prove you wrong. There are three different warmth levels to choose from for those unbearably cold days.
2. M&S, Heatgen Plus, £15-£22.50
M&S’s thermal underwear collection ranges spans long-sleeves, short-sleeves, patterns, bottoms and multi-packs. In short, your fave posh supermarket has a mighty fine selection of clothing that’s designed to keep you warm for hours when the temperature drops. Its Heatgen Plus material – yes, they all have names like this – is made from a clever wool-blend brushed on the inside for optimum insulation and a cosy soft feel. It also has new and improved stretch.
3. Decathlon, Thermals, £6.99-£39.99
You might think of Decathlon as the Temple of Dad, but the French brand’s collection of thermals and fleece tights aims to keeps all families, kids or no kids, toasty and warm, whatever the occasion. Whether you’re on a long trek through the countryside or a stroll around your local park on a fine frosty morning, don’t let cold weather stop your outing. Decathlon’s range is made from merino wool yarn with a polyamide filament – durable, flexible, and claiming excellent thermal properties to protect you from all the elements.
4. Next, Thermogen, £14-£34
Yep. Next is still going and still giving us what we need, in this case, a decent thermal range that’s lightweight and hugs your body in all the right places. Think of it as a second skin and wave goodbye to those annoying bulky layers. Bonus points for the Heatgen fabric (we told you!) that’s designed to keep your body temperature just as you want it. Oh, and did we mention it’s luxuriously soft?
5. Mountain Warehouse, £4.99-£34.99
Touch base with your wardrobe with the warmest base layers that’ll help regulate your body temperature and keep you warm in the cold, dry, and drizzly as you start to move about in the great outdoors. This range isn’t just reserved for the slopes – we have friends who swear by the activewear brand for daily use. Take your pick from the merino neck gaiter to snug zip-neck tops and cool ombre printed pants, essential layers to take action against the elements.
6. Trespass, Unite360 Unisex Thermal Set, £19.99
Don’t let the cold scare you. This unisex thermal set does wonders retaining heat and keeping moisture away from your body. Outdoor clothing company, Trespass is one of the most reliable and affordable choices for thermal underwear and while it’s not the best out there for freezing temperatures, it does the job keeping you toasty on the chilly day-to-days.
7. Acai Outdoor Wear, £49-89
These super-soft thermal tights and long-sleeved tops are made for skiers, snowboarders or those who simply like to stay toasty during the winter months. Designed to deliver superior thermal insulation, ACAI base layers are knitted using NILIT Heat, an environmentally friendly yarn created with recycled coffee charcoal from coffee bean shell. Extra brownie points for the pockets.
8. Lululemon, Keep the Heat Thermals, £29-108
Intense cold weather? Never heard of her. Stay toasty whatever outdoor activity you have planned with the crème de la crème of women’s activewear. Yep, it’s not just for yoginis. Lululemon offers slim-fitting high-performance layers that are sweat-wicking on the inside and insulating on the outside. Get an extra layer of protection with long-sleeves, tights and hoodies for the coldest winter nights.
9. Patagonia, Capilene Thermals, £60-£140
Patagonia is the godfather of environmentally sustainable active wear, so it’s no surprise its Capilene range for men, women, and kids is a winter winner. The quick-drying Polartec Power Grid fabric boasts warmth, breathability, and moisture-wicking performance. We particularly like this top with a long, centre-front zipper for easy venting if you get a tad too sweaty and smooth fabric ideal for breathable layering and wrapping your body in a warm, cosy embrace.
10. Sweaty Betty, Thermals and Ski Base Layers, £50-£100
Want comfort and style? Look no further than Sweaty Betty’s thermals and ski base layer range featuring plenty of cool graphics, geometric designs, and thermal winter warmers. Made from insulating fabric with soft fleece lining, and sweat-wicking style for high or low-intensity activity in the colder days and nights. It’s not cheap, but you can save a pretty penny with the base layer bundle offer, with enough items to stay snug without overheating.