Cold weather is approaching, and layering is becoming a necessity rather than a fashion fad. In the open, this means layering an extra layer of thermal underwear underneath a warm winter jacket and windproof pants. And if quarantines are imposed again, thermal underwear will serve as an excellent alternative to comfortable loungewear.
This season, thermal underwear was created by a wide variety of manufacturers, from affordable budget brands to lines for professional athletes. Here are the popular thermal underwear brands available in Russia.
10. X-Bionix
It's no exaggeration to call this company the most high-tech of all those included in the ranking. If you want to know exactly how X-Bionix thermal underwear works, be prepared to do a lot of searching—otherwise, you won't be able to figure out what each technical term means.
The company's founder, thanks to research into thermoregulation and sweat management, was able to create truly "smart" sports underwear that not only effectively wicks away moisture and keeps you warm, but also features zonal compression—meaning it supports muscles without compressing blood vessels.
The brand has lines for professional athletes. These products not only wick away moisture but also cool strategically placed muscles, enhancing performance. They also offer wool thermal underwear for warmth during winter sports. Importantly, all X-Bionix models boast a distinctive, striking, and modern look.
9. Uniqlo
Inexpensive, accessible, yet still boasting Japanese-style quality and style, Uniqlo launched its new Heattech line a year ago. The collection is, of course, minimalist (it's Japan, after all), but still fashionable enough that you won't be afraid to show a hem of your T-shirt under your office jacket.
According to the manufacturer, Heattech ultra-warm knitwear is approximately two and a half times warmer than conventional thermal underwear. This is due to the garment's two-layer construction: the outer layer is made of soft, pleasant-to-touch cotton, while the inner layer is woven from an innovative material.
The viscose in the fabric absorbs moisture and generates warmth, while the special weave of very fine fibers retains body heat and prevents cold air from penetrating your collar.
There are three types of Heattech items:
- «"regular" (thin but warm material suitable for both office and home),
- with fleece (about one and a half times warmer),
- super warm, in which you will be warm and cozy even in the most severe frost.
8. Terramar
This brand is young and innovative, which translates into high technology – it was Terramar engineers and technologists who created two innovative materials.
- Thermasilk is made from natural silk, specially treated to retain body heat and serve perfectly as a base layer for thermal underwear. Furthermore, silk itself has moisture-wicking properties, which is essential for comfortable thermal underwear. And, of course, it's highly elastic, so underwear made from this fabric doesn't restrict movement at all.
- Terramar's second signature material, Body-Sensors knitted thread, helps balance body temperature both during leisure time and during active outdoor activities in cold weather.
7. Spyder
This thermal underwear can keep you warm even in the harsh winters of the Urals (provided you layer it with fleece). Avra is made from recycled plastic bottles (melted, stretched into ultra-fine threads, and woven with other materials).
The result is a fabric that dries quickly and is more flexible and soft than standard, inexpensive polyester underwear. Spyder underwear is breathable, and the material wicks away moisture, so your muscles stay cool between activities. The anatomical cut and elastic seams help the garment fit like a second skin. And the unique print adds a stylish touch.
6. Patagonia
One of the best features of the high-tech fabrics used to make Patagonian thermal underwear is that they perform equally well on a snowy mountainside as they do at a bus stop.
Beyond keeping you warm, Patagonia products offer a host of other features, such as HeiQ Fresh odor control and Power Grid seams that reduce friction.
One of the brand's hallmarks is its commitment to environmental sustainability, so Patagonia fabrics often include recycled and biodegradable materials. But don't expect these fabrics to be short-lived—Patagonia is renowned for the rigorous tests it subjects its products to. For example, the aptly named Killer Wash test—in which a garment survives in 24 hours the same amount of wear as its counterpart would in years of intensive wear in a humid climate.
5. The North Face
Thermal underwear from The North Face is specially designed for those who spend active time outside the home during the winter.
That's why the brand's products have no side seams (to prevent chafing), and the T-shirts come with a gusset (a rectangular wedge) under the armpits to ensure maximum comfort and freedom of movement.
Two years ago, the company began using electrospinning membranes in its production, which involves applying a thin polyurethane nanocoating to virtually any fabric. The resulting fabric is extremely flexible and stretchable, yet maintains high vapor permeability. Experts believe this technology is the future of sportswear.
And although, let's be honest, The North Face underwear looks very utilitarian, there is a special chic in this rough simplicity.
4. Marks & Spencer
Shopping at M&S is a sure bet, as our compatriots of both sexes have discovered since the brand opened stores in Russia. They offer relatively affordable, durable, long-lasting clothing with a quality, no-frills design, and their thermal underwear is no different.
The warmth level will be average (not comparable to specialized sports brands), but the variety of styles (from sleeveless T-shirts to seamless thermal shorts) and their elegance will allow you to wear such underwear not only in the mountains and forests, but also to work in the office.
3. Hanro
Trendy materials and eco-consciousness are all well and good, but nothing beats the good old cashmere and silk combination offered by one of the best thermal underwear brands.
A thin, stretchy fabric that can be worn directly against bare skin—no bite from coarse wool. This thermal underwear pairs perfectly with a jacket or jumper for even the most formal office dress code.
2. Duofold
The American brand Duofold offers three lines of thermal underwear. Originals is the most "everyday" product—it's two-layered, with a cotton baselayer and a cotton-nylon blend top. It's perfect for urban conditions, ideal for everyday wear from indoors to outdoors and back. The underwear can withstand even high humidity—it effectively wicks away body moisture without cooling the skin, keeping you dry and comfortable. Polyester cuffs help retain warmth, keeping out cold air, and elastic, soft seams prevent chafing.
The second line – Thermals – consists of 60% cotton and 40% polyester and is designed for mild Central European winters.
And the third, Varitherm, looks like it could even withstand a trip to the North Pole – it’s that warm.
1. Alloy
One of the best domestic manufacturers of thermal underwear produces all possible types of clothing.
- There is also a lightweight, moisture-wicking version that fits close to the body (it can be used as the main clothing for sports such as running or cycling).
- There's also a thicker, more versatile option that can be worn alone or layered in winter between thin, moisture-wicking underwear and a warm jacket. This will keep you dry while providing an extra layer of protection from the bite of frosty air.
- For those who enjoy active sports or winter hunting/fishing, there is the warmest option, which can be worn either on its own or in combination with the first.