Posted on by Beckworth & Co.

Top Insulated Base Layer Winter Shirts for Men

By now you’ve probably refreshed your wardrobe already with some new base layer winter shirts. But in case you haven’t had the chance yet, it’s not too late to grab a couple since winter is not yet over and you’re likely to use this kind of garment almost everyday. You also won’t just be using these shirts during winter but probably well into the start of spring since they are also designed to be comfortable even with jackets off.

 

What is a base layer shirt?

A base layer shirt is basically any kind of shirt that serves as the first layer of clothing underneath thicker garments such as winter sweaters or jackets. A good thermal shirt should be able to do the following:

    • Retain warmth when needed - This is an absolute must which is why regular long sleeved shirts just won’t do. A proper base layer shirt should be made of materials that trap heat in when needed but not be uncomfortably warm once you remove your jacket indoors. 
    • Absorb sweat - Base layer shirts are typically made of synthetic fabric or wool since these can effectively “wick” sweat without feeling clammy against your skin. Some fabrics also feel light even after absorbing sweat and even allow faster evaporation of moisture.  
    • Antibacterial - Since thermal base shirts are designed to be activewear, most will be made of fabrics with antibacterial properties to prevent body odor even after absorbing sweat. 
    • Be comfortable - As mentioned above, base layer clothing often uses a special kind of fabric that is able to wick sweat, keeping your skin dry while retaining heat. These fabrics will also be comfortable and will not irritate or chaff skin even if constantly rubbing against it. Base layer shirts are also cut and tailored to be fitted, even skin tight, but comfortable.

 

Fabrics used for base layer thermal shirts 

You should carefully consider the type of fabric used when buying a thermal base layer shirt. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, but for most shoppers, the bottomline is the “snug factor” or how comfortable they are with the material. These materials also come in different thickness and your choice will depend on how cold it is indoors and outdoors in your area. Here are some choices for base layer winter clothing material that you may come across: 

  • Synthetic fabrics - Nylon, polyester, and other kinds of hybrid synthetic fabrics are probably the most popular since they are cheap but offer decent absorption, insulation, and comfort. 
  • Wool - Natural wool, particularly Merino wool, is found in higher-end base layer shirts since it is naturally antibacterial, very comfortable, and regulates temperature more effectively. 
  • Smart fabrics - These are often hybrid fabrics, sometimes a combination of Merino wool and synthetics, that have been engineered to provide the most desirable qualities in a base layer winter shirt.
  • Cotton - Although not typically preferred, there are some brands that still use cotton, mostly blended with other fabrics since cotton is comfortable and cheap.
  • Exotic fibers - You may also come across exotic fibers like silk and even bamboo being used in a base layer thermal shirt. Silk is light and particularly comfortable especially for activewear while bamboo is said to be friendly to sensitive skin while having great moisture wicking and antibacterial properties.

Top base layer winter wear of 2021

Without any further adieu, here are some of our top picks for base layer clothing for men for this year. 

 

Carhartt Men's Base Force Midweight Classic Crew

  • Uses waffle-knit, odor-fighting polyester 
  • Wicks away sweat faster, allows easier movement (FastDry and Rugged Flex technologies)
Compliments Complaints
  • Fits, perfectly - happy medium between loose fitting and skin-tight clothing
  • Low-friction
  • Looks like it can pass for cotton
  • Not as heavy as other thermals
  • A bit pricey, feels like it should be under $25
  • Most find the diamond-waffle pattern variant to be a bit uncomfortable
  • Somewhat small and short
  • Some customers report getting defective products

Buy Now

 

ViCherub Men's Thermal Underwear Set Long Johns with Fleece Lined Base Layer Thermals Sets for Men

 

  • Polyester and spandex lined with fleece 
  • Anti-static
  • 4-way stretch fabric
Compliments Complaints
  • Quality exceeds the price
  • Feels silky smooth, very comfortable
  • No chaffing, bunching, or wedgies
  • No weird smells out of the package
  • Very affordable
  • A bit smaller than expected
  • Doesn't keep warmth as well as traditional thermals
  • Doesn't have actual fleece as advertised
  • Not good for outdoors

Buy Now

Under Armour Men's HeatGear Armour Compression Long Sleeve T-Shirt

  

  • Polyester and elastane with anti-odor technology
  • Fast drying
  • Stretch-mesh underarm panels

  • Compliments Complaints
    • Keeps you warm during activities without overheating
    • More durable than off-shore brands
    • Moves with your body
    • Wicks away sweat really well
    • Has a weird metallic smell out of the package
    • Compression is somewhat tight
    • On the pricier side
    • Stitching may come off the UA badge

    Buy Now

     

    Smartwool Merino 150 Baselayer Pattern Long Sleeve

     

  • Nylon and wool (Merino 150)
  • Very soft and comfortable
  • Slim fit follows body contours
  • Anti-odor

  • Compliments Complaints
    • As warm as any synthetic shirt
    • Doesn't build up odors with extended use and wicks sweat effectively 
    • Very soft and comfortable
    • Good fit - not too tight, not too loose
    • Superior to synthetic fibers
    • Elbow area tends to wear out quickly
    • A bit more pricey 
    • There's some inconsistency in the manufacturing of each item
    • Material ruffles a fair bit

    Buy Now

     

    Patagonia Capilene Cool Lightweight Long-Sleeve Shirt

  • Capilene Cool fabric is made of recycled material
  • Regulates temperature effectively
  • Breathable
  • Anti-odor

  • Compliments Complaints
    • Great base layer for winter clothes
    • Tote bag is sturdy 
    • Very light and breathes well
    • Made from sustainable material
    • Doesn't get warm enough by itself to ward off winter chill
    • Hem length is a bit short
    • Has a tendency to form small clumps of knotted material
    • Some durability issues

    Buy Now

     

    Lululemon Keep the Heat Thermal Long-Sleeve Shirt

    Lululemon Keep the Heat Thermal Long-Sleeve Shirt

    • Breathable wool fabric (SenseKnit)
    • Ribbed with supports for training
    • Temperature regulating
    Compliments Complaints
    • Fits like a glove
    • Breathable but retains heat well
    • Wicks sweat effectively, ideal for outdoor use
    • Quality seems short for its price
    • Stitching at the bottom tends to come off 
    • Material has an odd texture that's not as comfortable

    Buy Now

     

    NIKE Men's Pro Warm Long Sleeve Top

  • Polyester and spandex (Dri-Fit Technology)
  • Lightweight
  • Ribbed in key areas for support and flexibility

  •  

    Compliments Complaints
    • Wears like new even after numerous washes
    • Snug fit
    • Keeps you warm but not hot
    • Quality construction with seams and panels in all the right spots
    • White top is slightly see-thru
    • Can be bit small in the chest and armpits
    • Some customers complain about a smell issue
    • A bit pricey

    Buy Now

     

    As you may notice, Merino wool base layer shirts are still the most expensive, and for a good reason - they are the most comfortable and great at regulating temperature. However, you may want to go with synthetic fiber for training purposes as they are lighter, dry faster, and designed with strategic supports that allow better flexibility. This said, it's better to buy one shirt for training, another one for casual outdoor, and another one for indoors when shopping for base layer winter wear.