Building your winter wardrobe is extremely important, and some underestimate the potential of a good base layer. A tremendous thermal not only provides extra warmth but features moisture-wicking and odour resistant properties, allowing you to feel extremely comfortable even when performing the most vigorous winter sports. If you aren’t wearing an insulated thermal top, then what use is quality outerwear? It’s all about clothes that complement each other, ensuring a great layering system.
A suitable thermal isn’t just a long basic tee, but rather an undergarment that will keep you dry and warm, allowing optimal blood flow. Thermals should also let you move with great ease, as an excessively tight base layer will make you feel restricted and miserable out in the cold. Ideally, you want a fitted base layer to retain heat while keeping the colder elements out.
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Whether you want a completely fresh winter wardrobe or you’re looking to upgrade your collection, we’ve rounded up which brands offer the best thermal shirts for men. No matter if you’re looking for an organic cotton long sleeve or a waffle-knit thermal with added thumb holes, you’ll find the perfect thermal ready to fight the cold below.
Uniqlo

Price: From $25
Sizes: XS-XXXL
Customer Reviews: “Super comfortable and an absolute must for me living in a cold place (Chicago). I wear these almost everyday during winter underneath other layers.”
Uniqlo is one of the most reliable winter clothing brands around. The company began as a textiles manufacturer in Yamaguchi, Japan, in 1949, but now has over 1000 stores globally. Known for combining extraordinary style with advanced technology, you’re sure to find some great winter shirts for the best value here.
Their high-quality thermal shirts for men are evolved with heat tech – a revolutionary fabric that works with your body to generate heat and retain it. Additionally, Uniqlo thermal shirts offer bio-warming, insulating, anti-microbial, anti-static, moisture-wicking, moisturising, breathability, and self-deodorising properties. Also, shirts are constructed out of stretchy materials, ensuring they’re super comfy and won’t lose shape.
Icebreaker

Price: From $85
Sizes: S-XXL
Customer Reviews: “Incredibly warm, super light weight, great to run in in the winter, fits well under any other shirt/outerwear, this is my second time buying will probably go for round 3.”
Icebreaker was created by 24-year old Jeremy Moon. His vision was to design the perfect garments for every outdoor adventure. Icebreaker was one of the first companies to establish a long term partnership with merino wool growers, helping the business to source their materials sustainably.
Icebreaker’s thermal shirts for men can endure even the most extreme weather conditions thanks to their soft merino fibres. They have a range of lightweight, mid-weight and heavyweight shirts. Icebreaker’s merino shirts also include short and long sleeve crewnecks that help to regulate body temperature.
Hanes

Price: From $22
Sizes: XS-6XL
Customer Reviews: “Item was a very fair price and is very comfortable!”
Hanes is an Australian brand that initially got its start manufacturing Dunlop bicycle tyres in 1893. Today, the company includes all types of apparel from iconic brands such as Bonds, Sheridan and Berlei. Headquartered in Melbourne, Australia, Hanes operates throughout Australia, New Zealand, China, Indonesia, and the U.K.
They make some of the most delicate base layers for the cold as their thermal shirts for men are soft, rich textiles featuring sturdy construction, promising added strength and durability. Hanes’s has an extensive collection of waffle knit, flex weight and thermowool shirts. These thermal shirts for men also come in various colours, sizes and patterns, guaranteed to go with any winter apparel.
Unbound Merino

Price: From $100
Sizes: S-XXL
Customer Reviews: “COMFORTABLE AND STYLISH! Just love it. On a chilly day it is perfect under a sweater.”
Unbound Merino was created by three friends whose love for the outdoors blossomed while going on road trips in high school. Their dream was to create versatile apparel that would sustain any outdoor task and adventure. Today, the brand is worn globally by travellers worldwide as they rely on Unbound Merino’s high performing apparel, to keep them warm and protected.
Unbound Merino offers the highest quality merino clothing that’s antibacterial, fast-drying, odour resistant, wrinkle-resistant and moisture-wicking features. These long sleeve thermal shirts for men are great for layering as they’re silky soft and look stylish for every occasion.
Kathmandu

Price: From $65
Sizes: XXS-XXL
Customer Reviews: “The material is so soft and thick. Quality feels good. Think this is a new wardrobe staple for me.”
Starting in Aotearoa, New Zealand, over 30 years ago, Kathmandu’s vision was to create high-quality apparel designed for outdoor expedition and exploration. Its first item of clothing began with a fleece jacket, which fueled them to develop a vast collection of winter clothing.
These thermal shirts for men blend merino wool and nylon, securing a soft and cosy feel on the skin. Their merino wool fabrics help with temperature control; meanwhile, its nylon core provides a tough and rugged feel, securing extra durability. Kathmandu thermals are also antimicrobial, guaranteed to keep you feeling fresh even as you sweat.
Columbia

Price: From $65
Sizes: XS-XXL
Customer Reviews: “This is nice and warm. It is perfect base layer clothing for me.”
Columbia was founded in 1938 by Paul Lamfrom. This company is one of the best global outdoor brands as they create clothes that reflect their Pacific Northwest heritage while infusing groundbreaking technologies. Columbia is known for manufacturing the warmest, well-built winter apparel the industry has ever seen.
Columbia has a collection of midweight and heavyweight thermal shirts for men, ensuring you won’t feel even a slight breeze. These thermal shirts are made from premium fabrics and materials while also featuring Omni Heat technology, helping to keep heat trapped inside. Their thermal shirts for men also include 4-way stretch fabric, allowing you to move freely.
Stormtech

Price: From $60
Sizes: S-4XL
Customer Reviews: “The Spandex content gives great movability and overall it looks great and is super snuggly and warm. Great top for playing golf in or simply taking the dog for a walk.”
Since 1977, Stormtech has been supplying the very best high performing winter apparel and accessories. The company began in Western Canada with Blake Annable creating sports equipment for speciality retailers and corporate clients. Initially, starting as a small business, Stormtech has now grown into one of the largest privately-owned companies in the world.
Stormtech lotus thermal shirts for men come with moisture management and fast-drying technology, perfect for wearing during high-intensity outdoor activities. Their polyester materials are also incredibly soft and comfortable.
The North Face

Price: From $159
Sizes: S-XXL
Customer Reviews: “I really liked it a lot … loved the color and the fabric.”
The North Face has remained the gold standard for winter clothing ever since 1966. They are also are committed to ethically and responsibly manufacturing clothing as they aim to improve the welfare of animals. They ensure animals are not subjected to any unnecessary harm, such as force-feeding or live-plucking. If you’re looking for a fashion-forward and sustainable brand, then look no further.
These are some of the best thermal shirts for men as they feature soft and cosy fabrics, suitable for all-day wear. North Face has a selection of crew necks, waffle knits, heavyweight, lightweight, long sleeve and short sleeve thermal shirts for men, available in multiple colours. They will not only keep you extremely warm, but they’ll have you looking super stylish and cool in the wintertime.
Tani

Price: From $145
Sizes: S-XXL
Customer Reviews: “Simply delightful and very high quality. The super silky and comfortable.”
This brand launched in 2015 solely as an online retailer that created premium undergarments. Setting out to design apparel that offers next-level comfort and durability, Tani quickly developed a loyal customer base, becoming synonymous with luxury and quality you can’t find anywhere else.
Tani is great for building the ideal layering system as they offer thermal shirts for men that have been constructed to be extremely warm and soft. Their undershirts come in neutral colours while holding a form-fitting shape, preventing any cold elements from getting in. These thermal shirts are a classic style while also providing a unique silky feel combined with shape retention.
Champion

Price: From $20
Sizes: S-XXXL
Customer Reviews: “The material used was really soft and comfortable.”
Champion started as a family-run business known as Knickerbocker Knitting Mills in Rochester, New York, in 1919. Soon after, professional sports teams and the military turned to the brand for their innovative and exciting sportswear, earning them the nickname “Champion Knitting Mills.”
Champion has a series of trendy base layers that are perfect for optimal warmth. Champion has combined their X-temp technology into these thermal shirts for men, promising them to dry quickly and manage moisture. They also offer crew necks made from organic merino wool for superior natural insulation.
Smartwool

Price: From $110
Sizes: S-XXL
Customer Reviews: “My husband’s most loved items are smartwool – he loves the orange- rust color.”
Smartwool was launched in the early 90s by a team of outdoor enthusiasts who wanted to design clothing inspired to get people exploring. Smartwool began manufacturing socks that would help you ski longer without your feet getting cold. Since then, they have remained industry leaders creating performance-enhancing clothing; and were even the first company to develop merino wool socks, revolutionising winter wear.
Their men’s wool base layers are among the most versatile pieces of items you can own. With thermal shirts for men that help regulate body temperature and wick away moisture, you’ll be highly comfortable in cold weather. Smartwool has a range of long and short sleeves, crewnecks and thermal knits too.
Lululemon

Price: From $98
Sizes: XS-XXL
Customer Reviews: “Thick material that is so soft. It is also a very flattering cut. My husband loves it.”
Lululemon has pioneered activewear and athleisure since 1998. Making technical workout clothes that are functional and stylish, it’s no wonder Lululemon is one of the most popular brands around. Founded by Chip Wilson in British Columbia, Vancouver, the company have become affiliated with incredible sports apparel perfect for yoga, gym training and running.
Lululemon has a selection of metal vent thermal shirts for men, available in the most beautiful muted colours. These thermal shirts are perfect for high-intensity winter workouts as they have a seamless construction to help reduce chafing. These thermal shirts also have added elastane, geared to move with you.
Aether

Price: From $115
Sizes: S-XXL
Customer Reviews: “The shirt has a perfect fit and high quality! Definitely recommended!”
Aether was founded by Palmer West and Jonah Smith in 2009 after the two spotted a gap in the outdoor apparel market. Unsatisfied with the mediocre equipment on offer, West and Smith set out to buckle this trend by creating better quality sports products for outdoor enthusiasts. Aether not only has excellent outdoor and activewear, but its apparel is super trendy and can be worn casually as well.
Aether’s men’s base layers are made from premium fabrics, including Japanese merino. These thermal shirts for men are highly flexible, allowing you to move freely while still durable enough to last a long time. These thermal shirts also offer a seamless construction and are moisture-wicking.
Arc'teryx

Price: From $79
Sizes: S-XXL
Customer Reviews: “Fit is perfect and looks great as expected. I have another in black and enjoyed it so much addedone in red.”
Arc’teryx was founded on the idea “there is always a better way”. Leaning into this theme, the brand construct the best winter apparel as the coastal mountains serve as both inspiration and testing ground. Arc’teryx is also one of the only clothing manufacturers with independent manufacturing facilities. Due to this, their designs incorporate advanced technology, promising to keep you warm and dry through all of winter. If you’re looking for a thermal shirt that will tick every box, then make sure you check out their online site.
Arc’teryx offers some of the most highly insulated clothing, especially their thermal shirts for men. If you’re looking for a base layer that’s extremely lightweight and breathable, Arc’teryx has you covered. With form-fitting thermal shirts, heat will stay sealed in.
Outdoor Research

Price: From $52
Sizes: S-XXL
Customer Reviews: “Great long sleeve option for a base layer. Quick drying, lightweight, very comfortable.”
Outdoor Research creates award-winning products designed to help you tackle the great outdoors. Founded by adventurer Ron Gregg in the early eighties after a glacier expedition went south, Outdoor Research is committed to making the best clothing for ultimate protection. Outdoor Research has a series of alpine thermals designed to keep you dry in even some of the wettest, iciest weather conditions.
They have a diverse collection of shirts, you’ll definitely find what you’re looking for. From long sleeves thermal shirts for men to highly insulated crew neck shirts, these undergarments are cosy while being super durable, guaranteed to last a lifetime.
Marmot

Price: From $100
Sizes: S-XXL
Customer Reviews: “It’s warm, comfortable, and fits amazing.”
Marmot founders Eric Reynolds and Dave Huntley initially began making parkas and sleeping bags in their college dorm while missing classes at UC Santa Cruz. Soon after, they launched their own label of innovative products, built for athletes to perform at their absolute peak. Marmot has always been ahead of the curve and was even the first to incorporate Gore-tex into their line
Marmot has long sleeve undergarments that are perfect for winter sports as they feature fast drying, odour resistant and moisture-wicking properties. These thermal shirts for men are constructed out of midweight fabric, promising to keep you warm, while their thumbholes provide additional coverage, protecting your hands from the cold.
Trespass

Founded over 35 years ago in Glasgow, Scotland, Trespass are an international sportswear brand that specialises in ski and snowboard clothing. Trespass is known for delivering quality and stylish apparel, guaranteed to be performance-enhancing. They have some of the best thermal shirts for men that insulate heat, allowing you to keep warm, no matter how low the temperature drops. These thermal shirts also feature quick-dry technology, making you feel super comfortable while you work up a sweat on the slopes.
Regatta

Price: From $20
Sizes: S-XXL
Customer Reviews: “Shirts are a good fit and resilient to repeat use and washing.”
Regatta Great Outdoors is a family-owned outdoor and leisure clothing company founded in 1981. Since its launch, Regatta hasn’t strayed away from its initial vision to produce fantastic apparel for the most affordable prices. Starting with only 12 employees, this company now employs over 400 people and exports to more than 55 countries.
Regatta has a selection of long and short sleeve thermal shirts for men, offering supreme warmth through their polycotton fabric. These thermal shirts have also been lightly brushed to provide maximum comfort. Regatta’s base layers are extremely tough and rugged, promising to last.
Under Armour

Price: From $55
Sizes: XS-4XL
Customer Reviews: “I used this morning for the first time and I wonder how comfortable it felt. Not too tight not too loose, kept warm and let me move and sweet without restrictions.”
As you can guess from the name, Under Armour produce outstanding base layer apparel for activewear. Made to empower you, Under Armour is built for performance as its collection is light, soft and breathable.
What makes Under Armour unique is their materials are moisture-wicking and dry at high speed. Under Armour thermal shirts for men also feature anti-odour technology, allowing you to feel super crisp and fresh in the Winter. These thermal shirts are simplistic, classic designs that can effortlessly blend into everyday wear as well.
Odlo

Price: From $49
Sizes: S-XXL
Customer Reviews: “Quality base layers for road cycling and XC skiing. I also have a heavier layer for under my vest for XC skiing also. I have used their products for years now and really like them.”
Odlo was founded in Norway in 1946. This leading clothing brand is well-known for delivering premium functional sportswear, suitable for outdoor winter sports and adventures. Odlo manufactures men’s thermal base layers that help secure moisture management and unrestricted movement.
Odlo’s thermal shirts for men come in various colours, sizes and lengths, perfect for outdoor athletes who need a performance-enhancing base.
Helly Hansen

Price: From $64
Sizes: S-XXL
Customer Reviews: “Helly Hanson continues to find the warmest blends so I can truly enjoy all my time spent outside! Thanks for determination! I would always recommend HH to anyone!”
This international brand was founded in 1877 by Helly Hansen after he saw the need for better protection against the harsh Norwegian weather. Helly Hansen is renowned for creating some most innovative and sustainable apparel geared to keep you warm and comfortable in the cold. They offer a collection of thermal shirts for men made from the finest fabrics and cutting edge technology, allowing for moisture management and easy movement.
These thermal shirts for men are some of the best super-lightweight high-performance base layers the industry has seen.