As the weather gets colder, many of us may find ourselves struggling to stay active and warm during outdoor workouts or activities. Wearing the right thermals can make a big difference in keeping you comfortable and protected from the cold. The four things you need to consider when choosing thermals include material, sizing, seams & cut, fabric & style. In this guide, we'll walk you through the key factors to consider when choosing the right thermals for exercise in cold weather, so you can stay active, comfortable, and warm all winter long!
Material
Merino vs Polypro is one of the great debates, and ultimately it comes down to personal preference. Both will keep you toasty warm when it's cold and will regulate body temperature when it's hot. Both are breathable and still provide warmth when wet.
In general, Polypro is more affordable and has a reputation for being the quicker drying option. But Polypro doesn't look as street-smart as Merino, which means most people wear it exclusively when exercising.
Meanwhile, Merino is the savvy traveller's choice because it's not only perfect for exercise, but it also looks great for everyday wear. Yes, Merino can be more expensive, but most are of the opinion that the price is worth it, since it is odour-resistant, which means less washing, and it is oh-so soft to the touch.
Sizing
Pick a size that fits without feeling restrictive! You want to be able to easily move around without feeling cinched in. At the same time avoid thermals that are too baggy. Excess fabric will make you feel uncomfortable once it starts bunching up underneath the outer layers.
Seams & Cut
Since thermals sit close to your body, you want to avoid rough seams and cuts that sit too tightly to make it through the season without annoying abrasions or skin irritations.
Fabric & Style
The optimal fabric for thermals should be a mix of materials and will depend on your planned activity, but also your sensitivity to colder temperatures. If you get cold easily you might want to choose a warmer thermal while thinner options might be more your thing if you rock a Tee for most of the year. To find the right style try on a few different options to see what makes you feel most comfortable. Our thermal ranges include Singlets, Leggings, T-Shirts and long sleeves.
Browse our range of thermal underwear.
