I was used to being one of those people who was always cold [1]. My fingers and toes would turn to ice as soon as I stepped outside. At first, I thought there might be something wrong with me and went on to self-diagnose on the web (absolutely do not recommend). Then, I stumbled upon Uniqlo's Heattech range, and it totally changed my life. Winter is a million times more enjoyable when you're not freezing, so we've found the best brands for thermal clothing to save you on time and money.
Uniqlo's Heattech technology works by generating heat from your body. The brand's jersey material (a blend of rayon, polyester, and acrylic) turns the kinetic energy from your body's moisture into heat and traps that heat within air pockets found in the tiny fabric fibres. The result is thin thermals that are perfect for layering under your clothes to keep warm without adding bulk. Although Uniqlo was my first entry into high-performance thermals, they aren't the only player on the market.
Marks & Spencer [2] is a great spot for good quality, affordable thermals and we love that they source materials from ethical suppliers. If you fancy supporting a smaller brand, then Falke has some great thermals, too, which are a bit more on the spenny side. If you are looking to go a bit more up-market, then check out Sweaty Betty and Icebreaker for more stylish underlayers that can be worn on their own, or as base layers for winter sports if you're into that. If you are the athletic type, then we'd recommend thermals from Adidas that you can use as base layers or wear on their own for your next cold-weather run.
Ahead, check out the best thermal clothing we've found on the web.
Uniqlo Women Heattech Jersey Turtleneck Thermal Top
Uniqlo Women Heattech Jersey Turtleneck Thermal Top [3] (£13)
John Lewis & Partners Long Sleeve Heat Generating Thermal Top
John Lewis & Partners Long Sleeve Heat Generating Thermal Top [4] (£20)
M&S Heatgen Plus Thermal Long Sleeve Top
M&S Heatgen Plus Thermal Long Sleeve Top [5] (£15)
Icebreaker Women's Merino 200 Oasis Long Sleeve Half Zip Thermal Top
Icebreaker Women's Merino 200 Oasis Long Sleeve Half Zip Thermal Top [6] (£85)
Uniqlo Women Heattech Jersey Scoop Neck Thermal Top
Uniqlo Women Heattech Jersey Scoop Neck Thermal Top [7] (£13)
John Lewis & Partners Long Sleeve Thermal Top
John Lewis & Partners Long Sleeve Thermal Top [8] (£18)
M&S Heatgen Thermal Built-up Shoulder Vest
M&S Heatgen Thermal Built-up Shoulder Vest [9] (£7.50)
Uniqlo Women Marimekko Heattech Extra Warm Tutleneck Thermal Top
Uniqlo Women Marimekko Heattech Extra Warm Tutleneck Thermal Top [10] (£8)
Adidas Truepace Cold.Rdy Leggings
Adidas Truepace Cold.Rdy Leggings [11] (£120)
M&S Heatgen Plus Thermal Brushed Leggings
M&S Heatgen Plus Thermal Brushed Leggings [12] (£15)
Uniqlo Women Heattech Ultra Stretch Leggings Trousers
Uniqlo Women Heattech Ultra Stretch Leggings Trousers [13] (£20)
Falke Women Tights Maximum Warm
Falke Women Tights Maximum Warm [14] (£60)
Sweaty Betty Base Layer Set Blue Fairisle Jacquard
Sweaty Betty Base Layer Set Blue Fairisle Jacquard [15] (£140)
Falke Cosy Wool Socks
Falke Cosy Wool Socks [16] (£16)
M&S 2pk Chevron Thermal Ankle High Socks
M&S 2pk Chevron Thermal Ankle High Socks [17] (£10)
Falke TK2 Women Trekking Socks
Falke TK2 Women Trekking Socks [18] (£22)
Icebreaker Unisex Merino 200 Oasis Glove Liners
Icebreaker Unisex Merino 200 Oasis Glove Liners [19] (£25)