Buck Mason's Vintage Thermal Surplus Tee and Lululemon's Engineered Long-Sleeve Crew came out on top in our testing.
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THE TRANSITIONAL season is just a pain in the butt: How is it that the weather can be chilly and warm, windy and sunny at the same time? Fortunately, we're here to tell you that the humble thermal shirt for men is the perfect solution! Unlike toasty wool and cashmere sweaters, they breathe and are soft enough as a base layer. Plus, they are much warmer and have a more stylish texture than long sleeve T-shirts. The best thermal shirts work as base layers to build on just as well as solo tops that can hold their own. Whether your pursuit is finishing that new Prime series ASAP, keeping your mile time sharp through the winter, or just staying warm out there, these thermal shirts for men will be your new secret weapon.
As the base layering piece, a thermal shirt will embolden you to brave the weather. Often made in cotton with a soft and flexible waffle knit texture—and thus also called waffle shirts—they are made to retain and regulate natural body heat. This design helps keep you warm in lower temperatures, and doesn't overheat you right when the warmer springtime air arrives. These undershirts can be worn with outerwear like parkas and jackets, or on their own to make outdoor pursuits, like hiking and jogging, feel more tolerable. There are also thermal shirts that double as compression shirts for workouts, and classic waffle knit options that are extra cozy.
From crewnecks to henleys, to just plain long-sleeve t-shirts, our editors field tested a bunch of thermal shirts for men to find the best 15 best ones to shop online.
Looking for the best thermals for year-round wear? Try this lightweight men’s waffle shirt that’s not too tight and not too loose, keeping you cool in warmer temps, or keeping you warm when bundled up under other layers. Vintage-inspired details earn you style points.
Wearing a thermal shirt as a stand-alone top is definitely a good look, when executed properly. Our style editors recommend this one as exhibit A on how to rock a thermal. The fit isn't too tight, the cuffs and collar are sturdy, and the hem doesn't drop too low.
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A wool-synthetic blend gives you the best of both worlds: thermoregulating capabilities with oh-so softness against your skin. But there's an extra layer of warmth to this: An engineered knit whose 3D texture creates additional warmth. Wear it under a thick layer of outerwear, or wear it solo during your workouts.
The first thing we noticed about this shirt is how soft the fabric is. The merino wool is blended with nylon and polyester in a loose waffle knit that's super supple.
The beauty of Mack Weldon's thermal shirt is that it's thin enough to be worn under your chunky knits, and sturdy enough to be worn on its own indoors, thanks to its Warmknit technology that traps heat without adding too much bulk.
If you're hitting the slopes or ascending any steep hills or mountains this winter, this is an excellent base layer to build on with your ski jacket. We even like it as a light shirt under a winter vest or liner jacket for taking on cold morning runs and rides. It is super warm, lightweight, and handles the friction of continuous movement really well.
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This is straight out of L.L.Bean's archive: A slim-fitting thermal crew has a pop of texture. The raglan sleeve design makes for a softer shoulder and is very in right now. Layer it underneath a leather jacket and it'll help balance out the glossiness. Or rock it solo with a beanie for a simple fall look.
Beyond the classic 100% cotton waffle knit fabric, we love this thermal shirt because of how many colors and sizes it comes in. L.L. Bean supports a wide range of body types, with sizes running from small to XXL and tall. There are eight color options, ranging from washed out navy to vibrant red.
One of our favorite men's waffle thermal shirts, this henley edition from Everlane boasts a flattering cut that doesn’t scream “long johns.” And while it does shine on its own, it really comes alive under a flattering—matching or contrasting—outerwear. It also comes in a different color for every day of the week, and at this price, we’d suggest grabbing more than one.
We found that the fit of this thermal shirt is just right, not too loose and not too tight. Wear it to lounge around at home with some comfy slippers. Or dress it up with some chinos and loafers for a night out.
Uniqlo developed Heattech fabric to lock in your body heat while still looking like a standard cotton shirt. So this long sleeve crewneck may look like a heavy cotton top, but it is far warmer. Wear it as a clean and simple base layer or solo.
The only thing we like more than the versatile styling potential of this long sleeve thermal shirt is its affordable price point. Some of our team would like to stock up on a few pairs of white to wear all winter long, while other want to collect all five colors to match everything.
J.Crew's menswear sub-brand is known for putting fun twists on old fashioned essentials and this thermal shirt is a perfect example. The seam stitching and fabric give the impression that the shirt is inside out, providing a unique texture. Built from a thick cotton and polyester blend, it can handle cold winter days.
Our style editors like this thermal as a warm layer under a shacket or flannel shirt. The two tone texture looks cool under another long sleeve shirt. Top off the look with a wool beanie, and you're ready for winter.
Come falling leaves and snow, Vuori's waffle-knit crewneck sweatshirt is sure to sell like crazy thanks to its oh-so-soft yet breathable fabric that won't constrain your movements. Made in an athletic cut and four-way stretch, it'll comfortably get you through outdoor winter runs or epic snowboarding trips.
Our style editors are big fans of Vuori because it's both stylish and functional. This long sleeve thermal shirt is soft, flexible, and oh-so-easy to wear. It has a nice snug athletic fit without being tight or constricting in any way.
For a vintage look, check out the Bi-Waffle Thermal Crew from Relwen. Made from 100% cotton in a thick waffle weave, this is exactly like the used to make them. Sure, there is no fancy moisture wicking, heat regulating tech, but it is soft, warm, and looks great as a stand alone shirt.
A thermal shirt is technically meant to be a base layer, but you can totally rock this one like a sweater. Our style editors have worn it with a pair of jeans and a light fall jacket for an easy casual outfit. It is super comfortable and doesn't require an undershirt.
Want to stay warm and cozy when the weatherman is predicting hails and gales because Mother Nature is throwing a big fit? Carhartt's thermal shirt is the base layer for gearing up against that. It's made with fast-drying technology, temperature-regulating fabric and can withstand cycle after cycle of wash and dry. We found that showed no sign of wear and tear after years on end.
This thermal shirt is pure performance gear. Whether that means on the field, streets, or in the wilderness is entirely up to you. You'll be nice and toasty where ever you go.
Under Armour revolutionized athletic compression gear over two decades ago. The ColdGear has remained mostly unchanged in the time and still provides exceptional performance in frigid temperatures. Put it under your uniform, hoodie, winter jacket, or just rock it solo.
The OG Under Armour is as sleek and stylish today as it was twenty years ago. It makes everything you wear over it just look a little cooler. Whether you're training for your first 5K or taking the field for a D1 program, it keeps you warms.
The key to a good thermal shirt is a snug fit to retain as much heat as possible. This sweat-wicking waffle crewneck has spandex cuffs to avoid losing any body warmth. You can buy the Amazon best-seller on its own or in a pack of two.
Keeping it basic is not a bad thing when it comes to stylish essentials like this thermal shirt. Out style editors fully endorse stocking up on this affordable base layer to wear under all your favorite looks this winter.
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Made with a blend of cotton and polyester, this thermal is as cozy after its 50th wash as it is after its first. This soft yet sturdy waffle knit is perfect to wear on a chilly winter morning over a pair of sweatpants. Slippers are not required, but they are heavily encouraged.
A thermal henley that looks right off the runway? Count us in. The only thing better than dressing in warmth is dressing in warmth and style. AllSaints' Muse looks like it has a whole of attitude while remaining a shirt of substance. Hence, it'll really stand out on its own. No layering required.
Henley shirts are great because they are a little more formal than a t-shirt. but more comfortable than a button down shirt. Thermal henley shirts have the added benefit of being warm. Rock this one solo under your favorite winter jacket and you're good to go.
Flexible fabric moves with you in this 32 Degrees thermal shirt, so you can focus on performance and not your outfit. The sweat-wicking fabric ensures you stay dry and comfortable. This is our pick for one of the best thermals for serious activity because it comes provides bodily odor control and 4-way stretch.
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Fabric: Waffle shirts come in mainly waffle-knit cotton. From there, the material gets more packed with specs, transformed into synthetic like a polyester blend if you’re looking for sweat-wicking capabilities, or wool which is naturally odor-repellent if that’s your top concern, perfect for a long day on the slopes.
Style: Choosing the thermal wear right for you depends on your needs to look a certain way as well. A can't-go-wrong crewneck style is the most popular, but you can spiff that up with a henley which is infallible for wearing solo, or a half-zip that's usually found in performance thermal shirts. The fit matters too: The tighter, the better it is for layering; the looser, the better it is for looking dapper on its own.
Each fall and winter, Men's Health style editors try and test different thermal shirts from trusted brands, then narrow down our favorites across styles, price points, and the actual thermoregulation performance of the waffle shirt. We've even put them to the test in the outdoors—like running and jogging in them—to consider their comfort.
Hoodies for Men | Types of Shirts | Workout Shirts | Cable Knit Sweaters | Sweater Vests | Winter Sweaters | Turtleneck Sweaters | Best Underwear for Men | Best Underwear Brands for Men
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