
20 Best Men’s Base Layers (Review) in 2021

Choosing the right next-to-skin articles of clothing is essential as that base layer plays a crucial role in wicking moisture away from the body and helping to regulate your core body temperature when you are out and about enjoy active pursuits in the colder weather climes. A good men base layer is every bit as important as your down jacket so don’t neglect this layer, especially if you enjoy activities like skiing, hiking and climbing for example. You want to invest in technical garments and fabrics that are soft and warm, comfortable against the skin but which also keep you warm as well as dry. Below are our pick of the Best Men’s Base Layer’s so that you don’t have to out in quite so many hours researching the subject yourself. In some circles, they are also known as men’s thermal underwear. We have a cross section of tops and leggings from a variety of brands in various technical knits, so hopefully, the perfect base layer to complete your kit will be in our recommendations below.
The Best Men’s Base Layer
1MERIWOOL Mens Base Layer

The MERIWOOL Long Sleeve Thermal Shirt is arguably the best men’s base layer as it combines comfort and durability to create the perfect top for your outdoor activities. It is made of Merino wool, which is incredibly soft and comfortable. It’s a breathable shirt that regulates body temperature, keeping you both cool when it’s hot outside and warm on colder days. This lends itself well to versatility as it makes it an ideal option for any kind of weather.
This base layer has just the right amount of thickness meaning you can wear it as your only piece of clothing or underneath a jacket. It remains comfortable and makes a great shirt for everyday wear if that’s how you choose to use it. The level of ease the thermal top offers is top-notch; just be rest assured that however you choose to use it, it will serve you well. It also has a handy moisture-wicking feature to keep you dry all day. So, regardless of how hard you go, you have worries of sweat stains making you feel uncomfortable in public or weird odors ruining your day.
Moisture-wicking which keeps you dry all-day
It’s breathable and keep you warm in cold weather and cool in hot weather
Right level of thickness and can be worn as any layer of clothing you want
Made of Merino wool which is very soft and gentle
- BrandMERIWOOL
2MERIWOOL Mens Base Layer 100% Merino Wool Thermal Pants

Why stop at just the top? If you already have a perfectly comfortable top that keeps you warm/cool as the situation demands, it’s only reasonable that you get the perfect pair of pants to also match this. That’s when the MERIWOOL Men’s Base Layer Thermal Pants comes in handy. They are made from 18.5 microns of merino wool which makes it lighter than most fabrics out there while still keeping you as snug as possible. What’s more, it can act as a very decent pair of underpants.
As everyone knows, cold weather requires various layers of clothing. These thermal pants can be the best candidate for this and as a piece of clothing that comes in contact with your skin, it is the ultimate comfort wear. Clothing that touches your skin is always important as you could find yourself itching when in contact with inferior material. The Merino wool is a fiber that is not only smooth to the touch but also itch-free. With longer, softer fibers, the MERIWOOL Men’s Base Layer 100% Merino Wool Thermal Pants is the best Men’s Bottom Layer on the market for you and your skin.
Soft against your skin so as to prevent against itching and chafing thanks to high-quality Merino wool
Keeps you smelling fresh due to moisture movement
Perfect as underpants as they keep you warm in colder climes
Can be used for just about any occasion due to stylish design
- BrandMERIWOOL
3MERIWOOL Womens Base Layer

Whether hiking, hunting, exercising or power walking, the MERIWOOL Womens Thermal Shirt has you covered (literally) and you’re enveloped with the softest fiber that you can get. Also made of merino wool – which is remarkable for a number of reasons but mostly because it’s superior to other materials. Merino wool has become the go-to material when making base layers. It doesn’t tear easily and you can be almost certain that your base layer top won’t be featuring distressing holes all over the place.
It might be more pricey than other materials, but there’s a good reason for this. It’s also rather convenient for when you want to wash it and it takes the possibility for outdoor use into consideration; what’s more, it comes designed with a loop that can be used to hang dry it when you’re out camping. This flattering layer can be worn under several other layers or directly under a jacket – which works just as well. It’s also excellent at regulating body temperature keeping you at the ideal temperature whether it’s sunny outside or if it’s terribly cold.
Features a loop that makes it easy to hang dry when camping
Flattering shape allows it to be used in multiple ways whether as a base layer or mid-layer
You can return within 30 days if it doesn’t perform to expectations
Made of longer fiber so your clothes are more resistant to tears and holes
- BrandMERIWOOL
4MERIWOOL Womens Merino Wool Base Layer Thermal Pants

The MERIWOOL Womens Merino Wool Base Layer Thermal Pants is, without a doubt, the perfect women’s bottom layer for your everyday activity. With its moisture-wicking feature, you will have no problem with wetness – even though we all naturally sweat, these thermal pants’ ability to move moisture away from your body as well as its quick drying nature will make this a non-issue for you.
Soft to the touch and against your skin, you’ll always be at the right temperature in these. They adapt to your body’s cold or heat levels and act accordingly so that you’re never feeling uncomfortable no matter the weather you’re using it in.
The pants also keep away bad smells, remaining always pleasant to the nose and can be worn all day without issues. What’s more, once you machine wash them, they retain their freshness and are available for use again.
Keeps moisture away from you with its excellent wicking feature which keeps you safe from wetness
Quality material keeps you itch-free regardless of the exercise you engage in
Adapts to your body temperature and keeps you cozy at all times
Retains freshness even after washing in the machine
- BrandMERIWOOL
5Under Armour Men’s Base Layer 4.0 Crew Top




Of course, we are kicking off our Best Men’s Base Layer review with something from the powerhouse brand, Under Armour, who practically built their enviable and most deserved reputation on thermal base layers. It’s no surprise then that they are heading up the list and that they have a tone of impressive garments lined up for all kinds of winter sports and outdoor pursuits. Keeping it classic, athletic, streamlined and of course comfortably warm and dry, is their 4.0 Crew Top. It’s a snug fit, a classic showdown between synthetic and merino and is just superb at wicking moisture. You can wear it under your favorite flannel shirt as well.
4-way stretch construction makes it ideal for working out
Brushed negative interior which traps heat and keeps you safe from the cold
It quickly wicks away sweat and moisture
Fitted in the best possible way, snug, but not tight
- BrandUnder Armour
- Model1281082
- Weight14.4 ounces
6Helly Hansen Crew Neck Base Layer Top




A more lightweight alternative to base layering, this Helly Hansen is relatively cost-effective and will keep you moderately warm in most conditions thanks to its headlining unique fabric constitution. It features Lifa fabric which is made from Polypropylene and is just superb at wicking moisture away from the body so fantastic for those active sports enthusiasts among you. Talking of which, we also like the athletic fit and design of this crew neck which will make a perfect base layer for skiers and climbers. It may not be the warmest of the base layers in our Best Men’s Best Layer review, but it is undoubtedly one of the highest performing. Our handy guide to the best Carhartt jackets features more great products like this.
Lifa dry technology keeps the moisture away from your skin
Flatlock stitching and low-bulk cuffs for a more comfortable experience
Iconic design perfect for sporting exercises
Woven together with Polypropylene
- BrandHelly Hansen
- Model48800
- Weight4.2 ounces
7Carhartt Men’s Base Layer Force Leggings

Don’t let that cold weather dampen your spirits or your appetite for adventure with these Carhartt Base Force Leggings. They make the ultimate protective, warming base layer for everything south of your waist! Team these mens thermal leggings with the matching crewneck cotton top for the ultimate in base layer style and comfort. Moisture-wicking and also featuring stain breaker technology. And you can wear them comfortably under your chinos.
Rugged flex allows for ease of movement without any additional stress
100% Polyester lending itself well to durability
Flatlock seam which is comfortable and traps heat keeping you warm at all times
Contoured front with concealed stitching for greater comfort
- BrandCarhartt
- Model100640
- Weight1 pounds
8Duofold Men’s Thermal Base Layer Pants

These Duofold Men’s leggings deliver thermal protection with all the warmth you require but none of the bulk or weight that might slow you down. With a moisture management system, they wick moisture away from your skin so that you always remain dry and comfortable. They feature Duofold original technology which has two layers of fabric knit together to form a super effective thermal barrier. All the comfort, all the warmth and definitely all the performance.
Variety of colors which gives you a greater sense of choice on what you want
Moisture-wicking waistband keeps the moisture away
60% Cotton 40 Polyester
Flacklock seams which protect from chafing
- BrandDuofold
- ModelKMW2
- Weight11.4 ounces
9Smart Wool Men’s NTS Mid 250 Crew Top Base Layer

Constructed from soft and sublime Merino Wool, SmartWool is one of the brand’s most popular base layers and has a refined and elegant slimline, chafe-free fit that feels just lovely against the skin. There’s seamless knit, flat lock construction in this mid 250 garment which is their warmest base layer. It could even work as a single layer in cold weather as well as a base layer in much colder weather. It’s also moisture wicking and odor repelling for when you are working up a sweat. Durable, dependable and also has a UPF 50+ rating so can be work for biking, hiking and running too. Just put on your running jacket over and hit the road.
Constructed from 100% Merino Wool
Wide choice of attractive colors available
Flatlock seam construction eliminates chafing
Can be machine washed on gentle cycle
Crew neck design with set-in sleeves and shoulder panels
- BrandSmartWool
- ModelSW-NP600-$P
- Weight10.9 ounces
10Minus33 Merino Wool Men’s Base Layer Bottoms




Up next in our Best Men’s Base Layer roundup we have a comfortable and classic mid-weight technical bottom. Put these on under your favorite pants and will stay warm and dry for hours and be ready for all that outdoor extreme sports fun. These mens long underwear make an excellent thermal base. With flatlock seams to reduce friction and chafing as well as stretchable rib knit cuffs which keeps pants and socks in place, these Minus 33 Merion wool leggings are tagless so no more itching or scratching either. They deliver next level, next to skin, base layer performance. Be sure to combine this with one of the ski pants from our list.
100% quality merino wool construction
Easy care technology, designed to be machine washable and dryable
Sizes to fit all shapes from XS through to 6XL
Interlock knit construction with flatlock seam technology
UPF 50+ rating
- BrandMinus33 Merino Wool
- Model706
- Weight9.6 ounces
11SmartWool Men’s NTD 250 Zip Base Layer Top

Like the Crewneck from Smart Wool that we evaluated earlier in our Best Men’s Base Layer review, this ¼ zip top from Smart Wool really is the full package and an excellent piece of base layer clothing. It offers just the right amount of warmth, is incredibly soft against the skin thanks to that Merino 250 construction and it makes a great thermal option for all kinds of outdoor sports, especially skiing. The zip design provides extra ventilation as opposed to their Crew neck but still all the same great moisture wicking qualities. A fantastic technically performing garment. Be sure to also check out our list of the best down jackets for more great items like this.
Constructed from 100% Merino Wool
Wide choice of attractive colors available
Flatlock seam construction eliminates chafing
Can be machine washed on gentle cycle
¼ Zip neck design with set-in sleeves and shoulder panels
- BrandSmartWool
- ModelSW-NP603-$P
- Weight9.6 ounces
12Under Armour Men’s Base Layer Leggings

For all the fans out there of Under Armour technical garments, you’re going to love these base mens base layer leggings that provide heavyweight protection but in a lightweight layer meaning that you can fight the cold without feeling restricted at all. Under Armour are hard to beat when it comes to top to toe layering. They manufacture some of the best base layer clothing for cold weather. They are so comfortable that you can wear them under your hiking pants and not feel any pressure.
Base 3.0 is patented heavyweight protection but with lightweight sensation
4- way stretch fabrication
Quick dry, light and comfortable
Anti-odor technology
Machine washable and can also be tumble dried on low
- BrandUnder Armour
- Model1239729
- Weight1 pounds
13Icebreaker Merino Crew Neck Base Layer Top

This Icebreaker Merino Crew neck base layer top is certainly versatile as well as being ultimately breathable too. It’s super soft and has a good, high performance, athletic fit that works particularly well for skiing and cold weather hiking. It’s designed with clean lines, comes in a multitude of color options and is so stylish you might find yourself wearing it as part of your casual winter look, and not just as a sports base layer. It’s comfortable, moisture wicking and won’t trap nasty odors either. For top to toe layering, Icebreaker ca n’t, and that’s why they’re on our Best Men’s Base Layer product review today. Love this product? Check out our review of the best Patagonia jackets for our top picks.
Constructed from 100% Merino Wool for superb temperature regulation
Wide choice of attractive colors available
Flatlock seam construction eliminates chafing
Features odor-resistant base layer
Multi-functional, classically stylish, top to toe layering
- BrandIcebreaker Merino
- Weight3 pounds
14Arc’teryx Men’s Phase AR Crew Neck Base Layer Top

The perfect, easy to wear base layer that is moisture wicking and keeps you warm and dry no matter how strenuous and sweaty you are getting. With Phasic AR technology, this is an exceptional technical garment that uses different polyester yarn structures. Arc’teryx Men’s Phase AR is stylish and streamlined and has an athletic fit. Available in a range of colors it makes a fantastic insulating base layer. Find more great products like this by checking out our guide to the best overalls for men.
Engineered, highly insulated fabric for high performance and stretch
Phasic AR polyester yarn construction
Mid-weight men’s base layer perfect for cooler temperatures
Classic crew neck and long sleeves with slightly longer back design
Underarm panels improve thermal regulation
- BrandArc’teryx
- Model16260
- Weight3.9 pounds
15Carhartt Force Base Layer Pant

Carharrt is known for making some of the best workwear in the world. So it stands to reason that their base layers are worth checking out as well. Whether you need to stay warm on the construction site or in the mountains, the Carhartt Force Base Layer Pant will do the job. They’re made from 100% polyester and have a waffle knit design that traps heat inside and wicks moisture away from the skin. They also feature Rugged Flex Technology, allowing for easy movement and sports performance. Other features include smooth flatlock seams and a pull-on closure.
100% polyester
Waffle knit design
Rugged Flex technology
Smooth flatlock seams
Pull-on closure
- BrandCarhartt
- ModelMBL115-BLK-S
- Weight8.8 ounces
16Carhartt Force Base Layer Long Sleeve Shirt

Next up, we’ve got the long sleeve shirt that goes with the pants above. The Carhartt Force Base Layer Long Sleeve Shirt is made from the same material (100% polyester) and has the same high-quality feel that you’d expect from Carhartt. It might be slightly more expensive than other base layers on the market (the whole set will cost you over $60) but they will last a lifetime. Like the pants, they have a waffle knit design that traps the heat inside, FastDry technology to wick away moisture, and Rugged Flex technology for easy movement.
Made from 100% polyester
Waffle knit design
Rugged Flex technology
FastDry technology
Available in four colors
- BrandCarhartt
- ModelMBL113-SHADOW-S
- Weight7.2 ounces
17Hanes Men’s Long Sleeve Cool Dri T-Shirt UPF 50+ (Pack of 2)

If you’re looking for an affordable pack of base layer tops, this two-pack from Hanes is absolutely perfect. They can’t compete with the Carhartt or Arc’teryx base layers on quality or performance but they definitely beat them on price. They also provide an impressive level of extra warmth, ideal for snowsports, cold-weather hiking, and working outside in the winter. Features include rapid-dry interlock jersey knit for moisture-wicking, 50+ UPF protection, and a comfortable loose fit. Plus, you can get them in a bunch of different colors.
Made from 100% polyester
Rapid-dry fabric
50+ UPF rating
Narrow ribbed color
Available in 10 colors
- BrandHanes
- Model482L
- Weight4.8 ounces
18Rocky Thermal Underwear Set

The Rocky Thermal Underwear Set is perfect if you’re looking for a multipurpose and affordable set of thermal base layers. Thanks to the versatile design, they are suitable for skiing, construction, hiking, and much more. They aren’t designed with a specific purpose in mind, just to keep you warm through the winter. Made from a mixture of ultra-soft polyester (92%) and Spandex (8%), they’re stretchy enough to allow free movement, without compromising on warmth. They’re also naturally moisture-wicking, keeping you dry even when you’re sweating.
Made from ultra-soft polyester (92%) and Spandex (8%)
Moisture-wicking
Fly front opening
Available in multiple colors
- BrandRocky
- Weight13.44 ounces
19Thermajohn Men’s Ultra Soft Thermal Underwear

We had to include the Thermajohn Men’s Ultra Soft Thermal Underwear in this list. With around 12,000 reviews on Amazon (and most of them hugely positive), this set of base layers has been road-tested by customers thousands of times. That tells us that they do their job – they keep you warm. Of course, we’re not surprised by that fact. Made from ultra-soft polyester (92%) and Spandex (8%), they are similar to a lot of the base layers on this list already. We like them for the simple design (available in five colors), comfortable fit, and affordable price.
Made from polyester (92%) and spandex (8%)
Moisture-wicking
Flexible
Elastic waistband
Available in five colors
- BrandThermajohn
- ModelT-W-2178
- Weight13 ounces
20Meetyoo Men’s Thermal Underwear Set

The last set of base layers on our list are from a lesser-known brand called Meetyoo. You might not have heard of them before but this set of thermals has a couple of thousand positive reviews on Amazon, so we can confidently recommend them to you. Made from a blend of ultra-soft polyester (92%) and Spandex (8%), they provide a lot of extra warmth without restricting your movement. This makes Meetyoo Men’s Thermal Underwear Set ideal for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding. We also like the fact that they’re available in five awesome colors.
Made from polyester (92%) and Spandex (8%)
Moisture-wicking
Available in five colors
Elastic waistband
- BrandMeetyoo
- Weight15.2 ounces
Men's Base Layer Buying Guide & FAQs
When purchasing a base later, you have to consider a number of things before making a choice. This way, you get the best out of your purchase for an overall pleasant user experience.
Breathability - You want your base layer to be breathable and adapt to both cold and hot weather. A material that is breathable and allows you to regulate your temperature is the best.
Durability - Try to avoid shorter fibers as these have a tendency to tear easily and you will soon be left with holes in your clothes. Longer fibers like Merino wool are great and durable and can last much longer.
Materials - Also keep an eye on the materials that are used to make your potential purchase. The wrong material can result in unbearable itching.
Fit - The best base layers fit you without being too tight. Additionally, a material with a great flex is good as it allows for greater mobility. The Under Armour top is a good example as its 4-way stretch construction fits well and doesn’t feel too tight or uncomfortable. Also, you can get tighter fitting tops for colder climates while the more loose-fitting ones can be purchased for warmer weather.
Thickness - The thickness of the material is also something to look out for. Thicker materials make for heavier clothing, and this could bog you down especially if your base layer is being used for strenuous activity.
Base Layer FAQs
Q: What is a base layer?
A: A base layer is a piece of clothing that can be worn underneath your clothes for additional warmth. They are usually designed to prevent chafing and swearing.
Q: What material is best for base layer?
A: Polyester and nylon were the most common materials used for base layers; however, right now Merino wool is perhaps the best option as it is naturally adaptable to any weather and is soft to the touch.
Q: Should base layers be tight or loose?
A: This depends on the use you want to put it to. A tightfitting base layer is ideal if you’re in a cold area with questionable weather. However, you might want to wear something a bit more loose if you’re wearing it alone in warm weather.
Q: Which base layer is the best for cold weather?
A: Tight-fitting base layers work best for cold weather. You’ll also want to opt for a material that traps heat and keeps you warm. As mentioned earlier, Merino wool is the ideal material for this.
Q: How are base layers supposed to fit?
A: A base layer should ideally fit against your skin so as to wick moisture properly. So it would be best to purchase one with a snug fit.
