The 8 Best Thermal Shirts for Men, Tested by Style Editors

We thoroughly tested a variety of thermal shirts, but none of them brought the heat quite like this one, literally. 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. This level of versatility can be attributed to its Thermolite technology that traps warmth without adding any bulk. The fabric is also infused with a hint of stretch, so the shirt ensures a comfortable fit, retains its shape, and handles the friction of continuous movement really well.

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’ve even gotten away with wearing it as a light tee under a fleece zip-up for taking on cold morning walks to grab coffee and walk the dog. Not only is it affordable, but it simply looks good on everyone, but it’s especially flattering for athletic builds with its clean aesthetic.

Read More: Best Thermal Underwear for Men

For all the skiers or snowboarders out there, Lululemon’s wool-synthetic blend thermal shirt gives you the best of both worlds: Thermoregulating capabilities with oh-so softness against your skin. The secret? Its 3D textured knit creates an additional layer of warmth. We wore it in 20 degree weather under one of our winter coats and didn’t feel the slightest chill.

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. Also, the four-way stretch enhances mobility, while the classic fit provides extra room in the chest area, meaning it’s an ideal option for bigger upper bodies and won’t bunch up over a tank top. Yes, the price might be higher compared to others in this guide, but the high-quality and performance overrule the slight sticker shock.

If you’re looking for a thermal shirt that checks all the boxes and won’t break the bank, Fruit of the Loom has your back. This budget-friendly gem wicks away moisture like a pro, keeping you dry and cool as a cucumber even when you’re layered up. Plus, it retains heat like nobody’s business, so you’re never left shivering when the temps plummet throughout the winter.

Now, let’s talk comfort. This thermal has a tagless label (because who has time for itchy feels) and soft waffle-knit fabric made from a cozy cotton-poly blend. We found there’s just enough stretch to let you move freely without any restriction.

Whether you’re out shoveling snow, chopping firewood, or hauling gear on a hike, the fabric flexes with your movements. The ribbed cuffs lock in warmth and the flat seam won’t irritate your skin. The snug-not-too-tight fit is another way to keep things toasty, while staying low-profile under your layers—no bulk, no problem.

Thermajohn earned the top spot in our testing of the best thermal underwear for its smart design and high-performance features. The brand’s thermal shirt follows suit, offering a compression shirt-like fit to keep you warm and shielded from the cold. Or if you’re like us, you might find yourself swapping out your usual pajamas for it around the house.

With a cozy fleece lining and solid poly-stretch blend, it’s so cozy you’ll want to lounge in it when it’s not even needed for braving the elements. The four-way stretch material gives you full range of motion without any chafing or awkward bunching. Plus, the fabric wicks away moisture and perspiration, helping you stay cool and dry.

This is straight out of L.L. Bean’s archive: A slim-fitting thermal crew with 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 minimal winter 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 nine color options, ranging from a dusty olive to a vibrant red.

Part henley, part thermal, this mashup edition from Everlane looks great worn with a simple pair of jeans for your everyday outings. We found that the fit of this thermal shirt is just right—not too loose and not too tight. It boasts a forgiving cut that doesn’t scream “long johns” and can hide your stomach if you just finished crushing a burger.

And while it does shine on its own, it really comes alive under a flattering shacket. It also comes in a different color for every day of the week, and at this price, we’d suggest grabbing more than one. When you’re not wearing it outdoors, throw it on to lounge around at home with some sweats and comfy slippers.

Buck Mason revamped the humble thermal shirt with classic, vintage charm. It looks like it’s been through some good times, but still feels modern enough to avoid appearing like an old hand-me-down from a past era. It’s also got the brand’s signature curved hem that gives a clean vibe—no awkward lines here.

The fabric is 250 GSM French ribbed cotton double knit, which basically means it’s thick, soft, and super durable while still feeling comfortable. The waffle knit face is great for trapping heat and adding texture, while the smooth jersey back feels like a dream on the skin. Plus, the subtle color variation in the material brings a little extra personality that’s not too loud. For a sophisticated dinner look, our style editors tuck it into their chinos, completed with a sleek belt.

Uniqlo’s HEATTECH thermal might just be the go-to for keeping warm—no surprise there, given the name. This version steps it up, delivering 2.25 times the warmth of the classic HEATTECH shirt. On top of that, it’s designed with a brushed lining that’s ultra-light, soft on your skin, and breathable for solid airflow. With a silhouette that mirrors your favorite crewneck sweatshirt, it’s perfect for layering over a t-shirt or wearing solo in style.

During our testing, we found the fabric wicks away moisture like a champ, so staying fresh was no problem. The only thing we like more than the versatile styling potential of this long-sleeve thermal is its affordability. Some of our fashion editors are planning to stock up on a few pairs of white ones for the season, while others want to collect all five colors to match every outfit.