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As an avid snowboarder and cyclist, I have always valued good thermal layerWhether it’s a tech-packed long-sleeved T-shirt or a thin hooded top that can be worn underneath jacket Before doubling as a light layer for fireside après-ski drinks.
But first things first. What exactly is thermal apparel? It’s basically a high-tech base layer – one that’s designed to be worn over the skin frequently, and one that’s designed to trap heat and wick away sweat without making you feel like you’re locked in a sauna. The most common materials are polyester and merino wool, which, despite wool’s natural origin, do all of the above incredibly well. negative side? Merino wool is more expensive, and it is less durable than polyester. But its moisture-wicking properties are hard to beat – a good merino wool fabric can wick up 30 percent of its weight in moisture and still feel dry to the touch.
Former Olympic athlete Sally Gunnell recommends prioritizing practicality along with some extra features. “Thermals are all about comfort and practicality,” says Sally. “Choose ones that breathe, give you good coverage and feel great under your layers. For tops, I like a design with wrist-length sleeves and a thumbhole so everything stays in place when you’re on the go.”
The best thermals for 2025 are:
- overall best – Berghaus Women’s MTN Guide Long Sleeve Half Zip: £85, berghaus.com
- Best for flattering fit – Finisterre Women’s Ria Seamless Baselayer: £75, finisterre.com
- best for softness – Ronhill Women’s Core Thermal 1/2 Zip: £55, ronhill.com
- Best for colder climates – Rab Women’s Drain Hoodie: £75, rub.tool
- best for relaxation – Keela Outdoors Women’s Merino Zip Neck Top: £64.95, keelaoutdoors.com
how i tested
When it comes to testing the best thermals there are a lot of early-morning bike rides, walks and runs involved – though I should point out that, after living and working in cold climates for years, I’ve become an expert on which features are worth paying for and which aren’t. Factors I considered included price, comfort, fit, and materials, and while add-ons like thumbholes can be a boon, I made a point of exploring their design – a thumbhole becomes unnecessary if it’s too small or the material near the wrist is paper-thin. I wore the garment both alone and under jumpers and jackets to see if there were any snags or layering-related issues, as well as checking the opacity of the garment – if you’re going to wear your base layer to the bar, thin material that leaves you unexpectedly exposed may be warming in the winter, but it’s never going to be a winner in the winter.