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Best Men's Thermal Underwear Bottoms

Updated January 2023
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Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Icebreaker 200 Oasis Leggings w/ Fly
Icebreaker
200 Oasis Leggings w/ Fly
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Premium Quality
Bottom Line

A premium thermal underwear product our fitness expert likes for maximum comfort and warmth.

Pros

Made of 100% merino wool for excellent softness and comfort. Brushed elastic waistband and flatlock seams reduce possibility of irritation. Odor-resistant and breathable. Slim cut for freedom of movement.

Cons

Quite expensive for a single pair.

Best Bang for the Buck
Indera Men's Traditional Long Johns Thermal Underwear Pant
Indera
Men's Traditional Long Johns Thermal Underwear Pant
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Available to All
Bottom Line

Available to sizes up to 6XL, these thermals can help anyone withstand moderately cold temperatures.

Pros

These thermals have an elastic waistband and ribbed cuffs for comfort and to lock in body heat. Available in 4 distinct colors. Uses a waffle knit design to retain heat while absorbing sweat.

Cons

Prolonged use may cause these thermals to lose their elasticity in the groin and waist.

Duofold Men's Mid-Weight Wicking Thermal Pant
Duofold
Men's Mid-Weight Wicking Thermal Pant
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Fashionable & Functional
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Dependable and practical, these thermals will suit even the most active of cold-weather enthusiasts.

Pros

A machine-washable blend of cotton and polyester, these thermals retain heat and reduce chafing with athletic seams. Available in 4 colors and have 2 layers of knitted fabric for added warmth.

Cons

Made with a slimmer, taller body shape in mind, so not a great fit for all builds.

Fruit of the Loom Men's Recycled Premium Waffle Thermal Underwear
Fruit of the Loom
Men's Recycled Premium Waffle Thermal Underwear
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Ethical Excellence
Bottom Line

Made from U.S.-sourced cotton and recycled polyester, these thermals are a go-to pick for environmentally conscious consumers.

Pros

Machine-washable and comes in a variety of colors. Retain body heat and are cuffed at the leg to keep out moisture. Mini-waffle fabric is less textured and noticeable than other thermals on the market.

Cons

As these pants are made of recycled materials, they're prone to wearing out quicker.

DEVOPS Men's Thermal Compression Pants
DEVOPS
Men's Thermal Compression Pants
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Athletic Action
Bottom Line

Spandex thermal underwear designed for cold-weather workouts; comes with an optional sown-in pocket.

Pros

Lightweight and built to retain heat while absorbing sweat. Material stretches to enhance comfort while providing a snug fit. Available in a large assortment of colors.

Cons

Sizes tend to run small, so the brand's size chart should be consulted before purchase.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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Buying guide for Best men’s thermal underwear bottoms

When you spend time outdoors in cold weather, wearing layers is the best defense against the chill. Men’s thermal underwear bottoms make the perfect base layer to wear under pants when you want to stay as warm as possible in cold weather.

Also known as long underwear or long johns, these garments are designed to be the first layer next to your skin. They offer a snug fit, so you can wear them under most pants, including those meant for skiing and snowboarding. Thermal underwear bottoms can help your body maintain its natural heat without getting sweaty and uncomfortable. And you can find versions suitable for mild winters or more extreme temperatures.

To find the best men’s thermal underwear for your needs, you should first consider how you plan to wear it, what style you need, what materials are best for keeping you warm, and how the garment should fit for maximum warmth. You also want to think about the weight, breathability, and moisture-wicking properties of the fabric.

men's thermal underwear bottoms
Synthetic thermal underwear bottoms are usually the most durable and can provide years of wear, which makes them a great value.

How to buy the best men’s thermal underwear bottoms

Uses

Before buying thermal underwear, it’s essential to consider how you plan to use it. If you’re looking for an extra layer to wear under your pants outside on cold days, most pairs of men’s thermal underwear bottoms can work well.

However, if you plan to go skiing, snowboarding, hiking, or engage in some other outdoor activity that will keep you out in the cold for long periods, you need to be more selective. The thermal underwear bottoms should provide warmth as well as offer enough stretch to allow you to move freely when heading down the slopes or climbing up a hill.

Expert tip
If you're choosing thermal underwear for recreational outdoor activities, I recommend wearing a tighter pair with a stretch fabric to allow for optimum functional movements.
BestReviews Fitness Expert

Styles

Men’s thermal underwear is available in two styles: a one-piece garment, once referred to as a union suit, or two separate pieces, one for the top and one for the bottom.

Separate thermal underwear tops and bottoms are generally the most versatile and easiest to wear. You can wear just the bottoms on days when your coat or jacket provides enough warmth for your upper body but you need an extra layer for your lower body. You can wear the two pieces together on very cold days to make sure your entire body is warm enough for the weather.

It’s also much easier to go to the bathroom while wearing a separate thermal top and bottom. With a one-piece garment, you have to remove all the layers on top to take the long johns down to use the bathroom. The separate pieces also allow you to remove layers as needed so you don’t get too warm.

Materials to consider

Men’s thermal underwear bottoms are available in several different materials that are very soft and help regulate your body temperature. The most common include the following:

Synthetic fabrics: Polyester, nylon, spandex, Lycra, and other synthetics are highly durable and offer good stretch for these garments. They’re effective at wicking away moisture and work well in extreme cold. Some synthetic fabrics are combined with natural fibers for greater heat retention and moisture-wicking properties.

Wool: These thermal underwear bottoms are usually made of merino wool, which effectively regulates body temperature. They’re breathable and have a lightweight feel. Woolen long johns can also help keep you warm even when they’re wet.

Cotton: These thermal underwear bottoms are more affordable than other options, but cotton absorbs moisture from sweat, so these garments can leave you feeling cold and wet. They’re not a good option for activities like skiing, snowboarding, and hiking, but they can be effective for everyday wear in cool weather.

Silk: These lightweight garments can help you stay warm in moderately cold weather. They’re extremely soft and smooth, but they aren't as effective at wicking away moisture as wool or synthetic long johns.

How should thermal underwear bottoms fit?

Men’s thermal underwear should fit snugly without being too tight. They should almost feel like a second skin to provide proper insulation between your clothing and body. A snug fit helps trap body heat, so you’re able to maintain your body temperature even when outdoors in cold weather.

Silk thermal underwear bottoms tend to absorb odors, so they usually have to be washed each time they’re worn.

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Features to look for in men’s thermal underwear bottoms

Fabric weight

Men’s long underwear is available in multiple weights, so you can wear different garments in different temperatures. You want to choose the fabric weight based on the weather conditions you plan to be in and your activity. The most common fabric weights for thermal underwear include the following:

Ultralightweight: These extremely lightweight thermal underwear bottoms are suitable for mild to cool temperatures.

Lightweight: These work well in cool to moderately cold temperatures and are ideal to wear during exercise.

Midweight: These garments are appropriate for moderately cold to cold temperatures. They’re typically the most versatile option and work well for most activities.

Heavyweight: These thermal underwear bottoms are meant for extremely cold temperatures and strenuous activity in the snow.

Fabric qualities

Moisture-wicking: It’s essential that your thermal underwear bottoms wick moisture away from the skin so you stay dry and warm no matter the weather conditions. Most materials lose their ability to trap heat when they’re wet, so you’ll get cold more quickly if your long johns are wet.

In addition to wicking away moisture like rain and snow, you want your thermal underwear to effectively wick away your sweat when you’re active outdoors or you run the risk of lowering your body temperature and developing hypothermia.

Breathability: To avoid sweating in the first place, it helps to choose thermal underwear made of breathable material. The fabric allows air to pass through more easily, which in turn helps you maintain your body temperature to prevent overheating. Your thermal underwear should keep you warm without causing you to overheat.

Color

While the color of your thermal underwear bottoms doesn’t affect their performance, most people prefer to have clothing in shades they like. These garments are available in a wide array of colors, including neutrals like black, white, and gray, as well as bolder colors like blue, red, and green. It’s entirely a matter of personal preference, so choose your favorite color.

men's thermal underwear bottoms
Expert tip
For recreational outdoor activities, I don't recommend cotton thermal underwear since it will not keep your skin dry. Stick with merino wool or other moisture-wicking fabric.
BestReviews Fitness Expert

How do I accessorize men’s thermal underwear bottoms?

Thermal underwear top

While your thermal underwear bottoms keep your lower body warm, you need a thermal underwear top to keep your upper body comfortable. The two pieces are usually sold separately, but most brands offer coordinating tops and bottoms to make it easier to choose the right pieces.

Down jacket

If you’re going to be out in extreme temperatures, pair your thermal underwear with a men’s down jacket. These jackets are very lightweight and highly insulated to help trap body heat so you stay as warm as possible.

How much do men’s thermal underwear bottoms cost?

Inexpensive

The most affordable men’s thermal underwear bottoms typically cost between $6 and $19. These long johns are usually made of cotton or synthetic blends and are ultralightweight or lightweight, so they aren’t the best option for extreme cold.

Mid-range

These men’s thermal underwear bottoms usually cost between $20 and $70. They’re typically midweight and made of a synthetic blend, wool, or silk, so they can work well for a wide range of conditions.

Expensive

The most expensive men’s thermal underwear bottoms typically cost between $70 and $140. They’re usually made of a synthetic blend, wool, or silk and are heavyweight, so they work well in extreme cold and snow.

If you want wool thermal underwear but wool irritates your skin, look for thermal underwear bottoms made of merino wool. It’s less likely to cause itching than other types of wool.

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Tips

  • Avoid thermal underwear that’s too loose. Loose garments create air pockets, so they can’t effectively trap your body heat. Instead, your thermal underwear should fit right against your skin without being so tight that it restricts movement.
  • Wear bacteria-resistant thermal underwear for camping or hunting. If you won’t have a chance to shower for a few days, the fabric can help absorb odors to keep you smelling fresh.
  • Tuck your thermal underwear bottoms into your socks. That ensures that there aren’t any gaps where your skin is exposed and cold can get in.
  • Choose fabric weight according to activity. If you’re hiking at a leisurely pace, you’ll want heavyweight underwear to keep you warm. If you’re cross-country skiing, you’ll want lightweight or midweight underwear to avoid overheating.
Expert tip
For recreational outdoor activities, I recommend tucking your thermal underwear into your socks to allow maximum warmth and prevent exposing your skin to the cold climate.
BestReviews Fitness Expert
men's thermal underwear bottoms
The seams on thermal underwear bottoms can irritate the skin if they’re not cut properly. Look for garments with sealed seams to avoid any chafing.

FAQ

Q. Should I wear regular underwear beneath men’s thermal underwear bottoms?

A. You can wear underwear under your thermal garments, but it isn’t necessary. If you wear boxers or other loose-fitting underwear, it can bunch up under the long johns and become uncomfortable. However, wearing regular underwear beneath your thermal underwear can extend the time you can wear it without having to wash it.

Q. Do thermal underwear bottoms work as a base layer?

A. They serve as an excellent base layer in winter. They help insulate the body to trap heat and keep you warm, but they also wick moisture away from the skin to keep you dry. That allows you to maintain your body temperature, so you can stay warm even in frigid temperatures.

Q. How do I clean thermal underwear bottoms?

A. that depends on the material. Some thermal underwear bottoms, such as those made of wool or silk, require hand-washing, but those made of cotton or synthetic blends can be machine washed. Always check the care label to determine the proper way to clean your thermal underwear.