13 Best Long Underwear for Skiing

Skiing is one of our favorite ways to burn calories and enjoy the winter outdoors. Of course, it can be extremely cold, especially if you’re not properly dressed. That’s why we never leave our house without wearing the best long underwear for skiing. Also called thermal underwear, it helps regulate our body temperatures and keep us warm and comfy whenever we’re on the slope. Yes, long underwear is available in two forms: tops and bottoms. If you’re looking for a reliable choice, you’re at the right place. Below are some of our favorite long underwear. We’ve tested them before, and with them, you’ll never have to take a break just to warm yourself. Without further ado, here are our picks!

Fruit of the Loom Recycled Waffle Thermal Underwear

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The Fruit of the Loom Recycled Waffle Thermal Underwear is a great option for skiers looking for a comfortable, warm, and sustainable base layer. It is made from a blend of recycled polyester and cotton, and based on our test, we can tell you that it’s soft and breathable. Don’t worry; it also provides excellent insulation. The waffle weave fabric helped us the most, as it helped to trap heat and wick away moisture effectively. It kept us warm and dry for such a long time.

Additionally, this thermal underwear was also very comfortable to wear. It was stretchy enough for us and moved with us, so we wouldn’t feel restricted. The seams were flat and smooth, so we didn’t experience chafing or irritation. Not to mention the waistband was also elastic and comfortable.

GORE WEAR R3 Thermo Tights

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We were glad we found out about the GORE WEAR R3 Thermo Tights. These are a lightweight and warm pair of tights that are perfect for cold weather. Made from GORE Selected Fabrics, they did an amazing job of wicking moisture away from our body and keeping us comfortable. The tights also have a soft fleece lining on the inside. It provided us with extra warmth and insulation on the slope.

One of the best things about these pants is that they’re very breathable. We didn’t overheat, no matter how exhausted we were. The tights also have a close-fitting cut, which helps to reduce wind resistance. Finally, there are multiple pockets for you to keep your small belongings. And if you want, you can wear these pants for running, too.

Minus33 Merino Wool Yukon Expedition Weight Crew

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Introducing you to the Minus33 Merino Wool Yukon Expedition Weight Crew, one of our favorite long underwear. This is one of the warmest base layers on the market. Made from 400 g/m2 merino wool, we felt that this crew was significantly heavier than many of its competitors. Because of this, we were able to stay warm when we were skiing. On top of that, you can wear it for winter camping and other winter activities, too.

Now, let’s talk about the fit. This base layer has a regular fit. We had the medium one, and it fitted our bodies well. It wasn’t too tight or too baggy. Speaking of which, it’s available in a variety of sizes, including tall and extra-large ones. It’s truly one of the best thermal underwear you can get on the market.

32 Degrees Heat Women’s Lightweight Thermal Pants

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For budget-conscious ladies on the lookout for affordable winter skiing gear, look no further than the 32 Degrees Heat Women’s Lightweight Thermal Pants. When we first tested these pants, we were immediately impressed. It was snug-fitting, stretchy, and wicked away moisture easily, making it one of our favorites for wintry activities. Not to mention, its neutral shade allowed us to pair it with any of our outfits.

These pants are lightly brushed on both sides, giving them a soft and cozy feel. We’ve worn these leggings on several skis, and they’ve kept us warm and comfortable the entire time. You can wear them under your jeans or other pants for those extra cold days. We highly recommend these pants for women who are looking for affordable and high-quality thermal underwear.

Duofold Men’s Midweight Double-Layer Thermal Pants

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If you’re looking for high-quality thermal long underwear, we highly recommend the Duofold Men’s Midweight Double-Layer Thermal Pants. With more than 2,700 glowing reviews, you don’t have to worry about their quality. These are a great budget-friendly option, and they were the perfect choice for keeping us warm and dry on even the coldest days.

The pants have two layers: a 100% cotton inner layer that’s incredibly soft and a merino wool outer layer that provides natural insulation. Thanks to the anti-microbial fabric, we were able to keep smells at bay. Plus, the moisture-wicking technology kept us warm and sweat-free, no matter how hard we were skiing. Meanwhile, the flatlock seams prevent chafing, and the tagless label is a nice touch.

MERIWOOL 100% Merino Wool Thermal Pants

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Stay cozy and toasty this winter with the MERIWOOL 100% Merino Wool Thermal Pants! During our testing, these pants perform exceptionally well. They were warm even when wet. Not to mention, they wick moisture away from our bodies, keeping us warm and comfortable. Though we were very active, we didn’t overheat as they were highly breathable.

Aside from skiing, we wore these pants for many other activities too, like snowboarding and camping. We were glad that they could keep us warm in all conditions. Another thing we want to highlight is the wide waistband. It provided us with a comfortable fit without being too tight. And considering their price, it can’t get any better than this.

Carhartt Men’s Base Force Midweight Classic Crew

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We’re huge fans of Carhartt. From its windbreaker to travel jeans, its products are never disappointing. That said, we’re sure you’ll also love its Base Force Midweight Classic Crew. This is a comfortable base layer you can use for not only skiing but also other winter activities and workouts. The classic waffle knit trapped heat efficiently, keeping us warm on the slope. And as we expected, the fabric was so soft.

We’re not kidding; this top is extremely comfortable. With the Rugged Flex technology, we were able to move however we wanted without any restrictions. Aside from that, the smooth flatlock seams didn’t give us any chafing. We were even more excited when we found out that this top had no tag. No more scratching the back of your neck!

LAPASA Merino Wool Base Layer Set

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Best Set. Need a top and bottom base layer? Consider this LAPASA Merino Wool Base Layer Set! This set is such a great value for money, and it’s available for both men and women. Despite its affordable price, this set is made from 100% merino wool. It performed exceptionally well during our testing, keeping us warm when the temperature dropped. Not to mention others have gone as far as to say that it’s versatile enough to be worn in hot weather thanks to its moisture-wicking properties.

One of the things that we loved the most about this set was its odor resistance. We could ski for hours and do everything we wanted without being insecure about our smell. Furthermore, the close-fitting design provided us with a comfortable layer of insulation. You won’t regret investing in this set.

Under Armour ColdGear Authentics Leggings

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This brand needs no introduction, as everyone knows it’s amazing. Thus, we have to include the Under Armour ColdGear Authentics Leggins on this list. Perfect for winter activities like skiing, they’re affordable, stylish, and comfortable. The biggest selling point has to be their dual-layer fabric. We knew what we were testing was good, but we didn’t expect them to be that amazing. The fabric kept us warm even when the rest were freezing.

Apart from that, the brushed interior felt soft against our skin, and the smooth exterior kept us dry by wicking sweat away. Just like the best Under Armour winter coats, these leggings are also available in a wide array of different colors and sizes, so you can pick the perfect pair to match your style and fit. With short and tall options available, everyone can find their perfect pair!

Icebreaker Merino 200 Oasis Long-Sleeve Crew

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Best Lightweight. The Icebreaker Merino 200 Oasis Long-Sleeve Crew is one of the most comfortable and versatile long underwear for men that’s perfect for a variety of winter activities. Made from 100% merino wool, this top was able to keep us warm and cozy when we were skiing out there. It did an amazing job of keeping us comfy so we could focus more on what we were doing. Plus, the fabric was so soft and comfortable against the skin. Psst! In case you didn’t know, merino is hypoallergenic, too.

“This has to be one of our favorite winter long underwear. It was able to regulate our body temperature well during testing and allowed us to stay warm and cozy for a long time.”

WOW Travel

As we said earlier, this top is very versatile. Though we used it for skiing, you can wear this baselayer for other activities like hiking and running, too. Not to mention, it’s available for both men and women. Oh, there are tons of different colors to consider as well. Check out what people have to say in the official product page’s review section!

Helly-Hansen LIFA Performance Thermal Crew

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Level up your skiing game by wearing the best thermal underwear for snow skiing, like this Helly-Hansen LIFA Performance Thermal Crew! This is a lightweight and breathable baselayer that’s perfect for skiing and other winter activities. What impressed us the most during testing was the brand’s proprietary LIFA fabric. This hydrophobic fiber helped wick moisture away from our skin and could dry quickly.

On top of that, this crew was so comfortable to wear. The fabric felt both soft and smooth, and the relaxed fit allowed us to move freely. For added comfort, this top is designed without a tag. So thoughtful, right? While we’re at it, why don’t you watch this product review by Jay Burke, the brand’s official ambassador?

Smartwool Merino 150 Baselayer Bottom

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Best Bottom. Whether you’re just starting out or have been skiing for years, you’ll need a high-quality base layer for your lower part. Enter the Smartwool Merino 150 Baselayer Bottom. As the name suggests, this underwear is made from 100% merino wool. We had high expectations for this bottom, and they were all met. It offered us superior moisture-wicking and odor-resistance properties compared to its competitors.

Moreover, it’s super versatile. The 150-weight fabric is lightweight and breathable, making it ideal for a variety of activities. Aside from skiing, we also tested this bottom for hiking, running, and everyday wear. Best of all, it’s highly durable. We’ve tried washing it a few times, and so far, we can confidently say that it’s resistant to pilling and tearing.

Smartwool Merino 250 Baselayer Crew

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Best Top. The Smartwool Merino 250 Baselayer Crew is a popular choice for baselayers among outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy activities in cold weather, including us. With a 100% merino wool construction, this top never failed to keep us warm during all of our tests. On top of that, thanks to their breathability and moisture-wicking properties, we were able to stay comfortable during our ski touring.

Available for both men and women, this baselayer is extremely soft. Again, this is because of the merino wool fabric. It’s a natural fiber that’s soft and non-irritating to the skin. Plus, we never smelled bad because the fabric is naturally odor-resistant. Finally, this top is highly durable. We’ve tried stretching it with force, but it didn’t tear or lose its shape. Impressive! Learn more about this gear by reading Adventure Rig’s review!

Our Verdict!

So, what is the best thermal underwear for skiing? Of course, everyone has different needs and preferences. But to make things easier for you, we’ve categorized some of the products above based on the following criteria. Take a look at them!

• Best Top: Smartwool Merino 250 Baselayer Crew
• Best Bottom: Smartwool Merino 150 Baselayer Bottom
• Best Lightweight: Icebreaker Merino 200 Oasis Long-Sleeve Crew
• Best Set: LAPASA Merino Wool Base Layer Set

How To Choose The Best Long Underwear for Skiing?

Before you decide which long underwear to get, it’s important to first consider the following factors:

Weight

Long underwear comes in different weights. The weight you choose will depend on the weather conditions and how active you plan to be. For outdoor winter activities, you’ll typically want to choose a midweight or heavyweight long underwear set to keep you warm.

Fit

Additionally, your long underwear should fit snugly but not too tightly. It should be comfortable to move around in and shouldn’t restrict your range of motion so you can ski comfortably.

Material

Two of the main materials commonly used for long underwear are synthetic and merino wool. Synthetic long underwear is often less expensive. However, merino wool is more breathable and has better moisture-wicking properties.

Love to hike, too? Check out our special lists of the best hiking underwear for men and women!

Why do you need long underwear for skiing?

As the closest material to the skin, it’s an essential piece of clothing for skiing. It helps to keep you warm, dry, and comfortable, and it can also help to protect you from the elements.

Do you wear underwear under ski thermals?

There’s no rule about this, and you can wear or not wear underwear under ski thermals, depending on which is more comfortable for you.

Is long underwear the same as leggings?

No, they’re not. Unlike leggings, which are designed to be a fashion item, long underwear is a type of thermal clothing to keep you warm in cold weather. It’s also better at wicking away moisture and trapping heat.