Best Women’s Long Underwear: Thermal and Best Base Layer

Would you agree if we said that the best women’s long underwear should both stand-out in warmer weather and in colder weather as a base layer? Were you also aware that this is a versatile piece of clothing that will keep you comfortable in all sorts of adventures?

But, are you having problems finding the model that suits all your personal needs like size, color, material? Most of people have these problems as there are so many models on the market, but not all of them are high-quality and affordable. However, you do not have to spend a lot of money to get the quality you are looking for. There are models that are affordable but also made of great fabric.

At the end, as long as it works as a thermal and wicking layer that keeps you warm, whether you are working up a sweat, sitting around the campfire, or you’re in the cold transition time in between, it is doing exactly what you bought it for, right? But, how to find such a model?

In this article we are going to present you with the best models on the market and you will be able to compare the products and choose the right one for you. But, before we get to that part, you can check out the table of the models we reviewed, check their most important features.

After that, you can read the “Most important features to consider” section, where we explain what you need to keep an eye on to avoid getting the wrong model and how to end up with underwear that is absolutely perfect for you. Let’s start with the table, first.

Our Top Picks

Features to Consider Before Buying

Before you purchase underwear you should take into consideration some specifications. Here are some of the most important features to consider before buying underwear:

Moisture Wicking Fabric

Wicking fabrics take any type of moisture that comes in the form of perspiration or precipitation and transfers it from the inside of the fabric to the outside. It wicks sweat and moisture away from the body to keep the person’s skin dry.

As a result, you will stay warmer longer and your body won’t experience serious temperature swings. Typically, this is made of wool or synthetic materials and not cotton. Cotton long underwear absorbs any moisture and does not dry. The water absorbed by the cotton fabric will stay cold.

Fit

The fit is one of the most important considerations in choosing long underwear for your comfort. Different garments have different sizing. Don’t settle for a top that doesn’t fit properly. Take your time to find something that will accommodate your size. A layer with longer length and stretch proved to do well in this area.

Care

Each fabric should be treated and washed in a different way. It is not the same if you put cotton in the wash machine and silk. Silk is the most difficult fabric to care for because it is sensitive and it can be easily destroyed unless hand washed.

Cotton and synthetics are the easiest to wash and dry. Wool can be a bit tricky, but it is a great fabric with antibacterial characteristics.

Function

Function is very important because that is one of the main reasons why you need your underwear. You don’t want to buy a product that is meant for something completely different than you intended to use it for.

Is it for casual events or physical activities such as running? If it is the latter, then your fabric needs to be warm and able to stretch. It should also be able to resist bad odors and it should dry quickly.

Design

And last, but not the least, you should consider the underwear that suits your taste. There is a huge variety of designs and colors that you can pick from on the market right now. And, logically, you should choose the design you like the most.

However, when we say design, we don’t just mean the patterns and colors, we also mean the design of the shape, as not all models are suitable for every occasion. So, dig deeper until you are sure that the design you plan on buying is exactly what you want and need.

Top Products on Today’s Market

Let’s take a look at eight really great models of women’s long underwear that can come in handy while camping or exercising. Take your time so you can pick the right model for you.

Smartwool NTS Mid 250 Bottom 

Price: $90 – $170

Size: Large

Specific features: 100% Merino wool, interlock knit, UPF 50+, most efficient moisture management system

Best use: As a base layer in colder weather, all sorts of winter adventures

Description: The Smartwool NTS Mid 250 Bottom is made of 100% Merino wool, which is a high-quality material and is one of the softest types of wool available in the market. It is excellent for regulating body temperature, especially when worn against the skin.

Unlike other fibers, this type of wool is a responsive natural material that adapts to your body’s temperature to regulate insulation and breathability. When you are hot, it keeps you cool. When you are cold, it will warm you up.

This kind of underwear is interlock knit, which gives the smoothest surface and the finest hand. It is extremely soft, firm, and absorbent that comes from both natural and synthetic fibers. Interlock shows knit on both sides of the fabric and is a thicker fabric because it is knitted with two stitches, one directly behind the other.

Furthermore, this product is made with UPF 50+. UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor and indicates how much of the sun’s UV (ultraviolet) radiation is absorbed. UPF rating 50+ is the highest rating that is determined on providing the excellent protection from UV radiation.

Definitely worth mentioning is the fact that these Smartwool underwear offer the world’s most efficient moisture-management system. It is covered with an elastic waistband for your comfort, flattering fit, and breathability. It doesn’t shrink after washing, even if you washed it a hundred times, it will still fit the same.

Related: The Smartwool Women’s NTS Mid 250 Crew goes well with this model because it is soft and warm and you will cover your entire body when combined with the bottom. It is also not expensive and easy to care for.

Check the price on Amazon

Patagonia Capilene 3 Zip-Neck Top 

Price: Approx. $70

Size: Large, X-large

Specific features: Polartec power grid, 100% polyester (93% recycled), double knit, Bluesign approved, long sleeve length

Best use: Any kind of occasion that requires warm, long underwear

Description: The Patagonia Capilene Zip-Neck Top is made of 100% polyester. It does not absorb moisture but does absorb oil. This quality makes the perfect fabric for the application of water, soil, and fire – resistant finishes.

Furthermore, it is even safe against stains, as it is naturally resistant because of the low absorbency. This kind of fabric resists shrinking and will not stretch out of shape.

This underwear model is constructed with a Polartec Power Grid fabric that was designed to keep your skin dry when you sweat. It creates two different surfaces; one that is optimized to move moisture away from the skin, and the other is to dry quickly.

It has a smooth face for easy layering. The fabric is highly breathable and it does not restrict the movement of moisture vapor. Unlike single component fabrics, Polartec Power Grid fabrics move at least 30% more moisture away from the skin. It enables to dry at least 2 times faster than cotton.

The Patagonia Capilene is Bluesign approved which means that it offers the highest level of consumer safety by employing methods and materials in its manufacture. It conserves resources and it minimizes impacts on people and the environment.

Furthermore, this product’s fabric hits the sweet spot of weight, breathability, and wicking, that can either work alone or with additional layers. Even you will wear it during high-exertion activities from cool to moderate temperatures, you will still keep dry and comfortable.

Related: Make sure to take a look at Rocky Womens Thermal Long John Underwear because it compliments this zip-neck perfectly. It is also very beautiful as well a easy to take car of.

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Kari Traa Rose Half-Zip Top 

Price: Approx. $110

Size: Small, medium, large, extra large 

Specific features: 100% Merino wool, half zip, mock neck, quick drying, 4-way stretch materials, long sleeve length

Best use: Everyday activities, exercising

Description: The Kari Traa Rose Half-Zip Top is made of 100% super soft merino wool delivering extreme smoothness and comfort. It excellently regulates the body’s temperature, especially when worn against the skin. It keeps you cool when you are hot, and it warms you up when you are cold.

This long underwear top provides optimum warmth on cold days. It is shaped with a feminine design that will adapt to women’s expressive moves as she maintains her elegantly sporty style statement. Surely, it is breathable and comfortable to wear. It also has a mock neck, which adds to the coverage of your neckline.

Kari Traa Rose is made of 4-Way Stretch materials, which means it stretches in both crosswise and lengthwise directions leaving more room for the body. It is very important for those people who like to do outdoor exercises to have a comfy top that can dry quickly and resist bad odors.

Related: Check out the matching pants Kari Traa Rose Womens Long Underwear Pants. They are comfortable, stretchy and warm, and a great match for the top.

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Under Armour Coldgear Infrared Evo Top 

Price: $30 – $60

Size: X-small, small, large

Specific features: Thermo-conductive inner coating, dual layer, soft, signature moisture transport system, flatlock seaming details, long sleeve length

Best use: Running, camping, hiking

Description: The Under Armour Coldgear Infrared Evo Top uses a soft fabric that is breathable and so comforting to the body.

This long underwear top uses a thermo-conductive inner coating which absorbs and retains your body’s heat. It prevents the substrate from giving up the internal heat or absorbing heat from an external source.

EVO ColdGear is made of dual-layer forming fabrics. It is more dimensionally stable but less stretchable. It provides a durable, slick and fast drying exterior, which has the excellent drainage property. This top also dries quickly, which comes in handy if you sweat a lot. Also worth mentioning is that the underwear top is very soft.

It has brushed inner layer that traps heat for all-day warmth and comfort. It also has a Signature Moisture Transport System which wicks sweat to keep you dry and light all day. The wicking fabric pulls moisture from the body to the exterior of the shirt where it can evaporate more easily.

Related: If you need matching pants to go with this outfit, check out Under Armour Women’s ColdGear Authentic. They are stretchy and comfy, and will provide you warmth and protection from the sun’s radiation.

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Burton Midweight Long Neck Top 

Price: Approx. $55

Size: Small, large, X-large

Specific features: Quick drying, stretch 360-degree material, Agion stink-proof finish, long sleeve length

Best use: Cold climate, any activity

Description: The Burton Midweight Long Neck Top is made from 93% polyester and 7% spandex. This material combination gives a perfect fabric. Polyester does not absorb moisture but does absorb oil.

This quality makes the perfect fabric for the application of water, soil, and fire resistant finishes. This kind of fabric will not stretch out of shape. Spandex known for its exceptional elasticity is stronger and more durable than the natural rubber.

This underwear is Burton Dryride Ultrawick which makes use of microscopic fibers that pull moisture away from the skin and to the outer layer of the material, allowing it to evaporate easily. It is designed to be stretchy and smooth, for your comfortable movements.

Also worth mentioning is that this product is highly breathable with a supercharged stink-proof finish. It has quick drying performance. It stretches 360 degrees material for unlimited mobility.

Furthermore, the top has long neck coverage that transforms into a neck warmer. Simply unfold it chin height and the long neck design with breathable face panel adds critical protection from snow, sun, and wind.

Related: Burton Women’s Midweight Pants are recommended as a nice choice for this top because they are comfortable and soft, and you will keep your entire body warm.

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REI Mammut Klamath Underwear Top 

Price: $44 – $62

Size: X-small, small, medium, large, X-large

Specific features: UPF 35 rating, moisture wicking, quick drying, lightweight, long sleeve length, Polartec power grid fabric, flatlock seams, long sleeve length,

Best use: Snow sports

Description: The REI Mammut Klamath Underwear Top is made of 66% polyester and 34% wool. This top underwear for women is extremely comfortable to wear. Due to the combination of wool on the inside and synthetic on the outside, this top has the excellent moisture management.

This women’s long underwear top is constructed with a Polartec Power Grid fabric that was designed to keep your skin dry when you sweat. It combines natural and synthetic fibers in a bi-component fabric that ensures the achievement of technical advantages.

The fabric is highly breathable and it does not restrict the movement of moisture vapor. Unlike single component fabrics, Polartec Power Grid fabrics move at least 30% more moisture away from the skin. It enables to dry at least 2 times faster than cotton.

Furthermore, the underwear is made with UPF 35 sun protection. UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor and indicates how much of the sun’s UV (ultraviolet) radiation is absorbed. With the UPF rating of 35, this product is determined to provide the very best protection from harmful effects of the UV radiation from the sun.

Whatever activities you’re doing, this top delivers warmth, temperature regulation and odor-fighting properties in a base layer. It also has flatlock seams which offer extra elasticity and prevent abrasion.

Related: The Fleece Thermal Underwear is a good choice that goes well with this top and it will keep you warm, especially if you are into winter sports.

Check the price on REI

Rei Merino Base Layer Top 

Price: $60 – $120

Size: X-small, small, medium, large, X-large

Specific features: 100% ultra-fine Merino Wool, naturally moisture-wicking, quick-drying, long-sleeve length, flat seams

Best use: Sports, winter activities

Description: The REI Merino Base Layer Top  is made of 100% ultra-fine merino wool. It offers excellent softness without any itchiness. Merino is a high-quality material and is one of the softest types of wool available in the market.

It is excellent for regulating body temperature, especially when worn against the skin. Unlike other fibers, this type of wool is a responsive natural material that adapts to your body’s temperature to regulate insulation and breathability.

When you are hot, it keeps you cool. When you are cold, it will warm you up. This fabric does not wick away sweat, but also resists odors.

This women’s ultra-fine fabric top is fitted to hug the body for optimum performance. It was designed with a tall neck that extends coverage and zipper with chin guard that lets you adjust ventilation which means your skin will be able to breathe in it. It has flat seams that eliminate chafing.

Related: The Icebreaker Women’s Vertex Leggings are the perfect matching pants that go with this model. They are comfy and trendy.

Check the price on REI

Icebreaker Women’s Top 

Price: $40 – $90

Size: X-small, small, medium

Specific features: 100% Merino wool, flatlock seams, lightweight, breathable

Best use: warmer weather and as a base layer in colder weather, all sorts of adventures

Description: The Icebreaker Women’s Top is made of 100% merino wool, which means that it will resist bad odors and sweat.

This type of fabric is one of the softest types of wool available on the market, and it excellently regulates body temperature to regulate insulation and breathability, which keeps you cool when you’re hot, and warm you up when you’re cold, and the top is naturally wicked and quick-drying, meaing that it will keep you comfortable year-round.

Furthermore, the Oasis Crewe long sleeve top has flatlock seams to prevent chafing, and that offers extra elasticity and prevents abrasion. It also has offset shoulder seam that prevents pack rubbing.

The best part is its breathability that allows your skin to breathe and not sweat too much. This means that you would not feel clammy inside or be cold when you should be warm. The material dries quickly and it is very affordable, so this top is a good choice for any outdoor activity.

Related: If you wear Icebreaker Women’s Everyday Leggings with this top you might find your workouts even more comfortable because they are super stretchy.

Check the price on Amazon

Wrapping Up

To sum up, we have talked about some of the best best women underwear that would make your everyday activities more comfortable. You can even wear them beneath warmer clothes in the winter to protect yourself from the cold.

Want a comfort boost on your next outdoor adventure? Ditch that cotton long underwear you have, and upgrade to a moisture wicking base layer. You can choose the above-recommended underwear based on the climate and activities you will go through, and based on the fact that a certain model you like, has all your desired features.

Now that you have the choices of long underwear, you can choose the right and the perfect for your needs. Just always remember the important things you should determine:

• Choose the moisture wicking fabric that will make you stay warm and will make your skin dry when you sweat.
• Choose the right fit that will accommodate your body properly. Comfortable and breathable.
• Choose the excellent features at your best. Depending on the activities you will go through and on the climate, you are about to tackle.
• Choose the colors and styles you gravitate to the most.

Get ready to experience all sides of Mother Nature with confidence and comfort with the long underwear recommended above! Do you think we have left out any of the great products out there? If so, please let us know in the comments. Thanks for reading!