In a world full of draping clothing and free-flowing women’s clothing, men’s base layers are something that tend to get overlooked by many men. However, it’s perhaps the most important thing a man can own. You can’t climb mountains, hike rugged trails, ski, or do other activities in uncomfortable or bad base layers.
If you’ve never owned a pair of base layers before, you don’t know what you’re missing. The great news is that it’s not that hard to find the best base layers for men and that’s what we’ve done here by reviewing 20 men’s base layers for you.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| MERIWOOL Mens Base Layer 100% Merino Wool Thermal Pants | Best Overall |  |
| Duofold Men's Mid-Weight Wicking Thermal Pant | Budget Pick |  |
| Smartwool Men’s Base Layer Top | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. MERIWOOL Mens Base Layer 100% Merino Wool Thermal Pants
Pros:
- It is made of 100% merino wool
- It is loved by a majority of users
- It can be worn as an undershirt, base layer or alone as long johns.
- It is very soft
- It is comfortable to wear
- It helps to regulate body temperature
- Machine washable
It may shrink or get thinner if exposed to a high temperature.
2. Arc'teryx Phase AR Zip Neck LS Men's
Pros:
- Made with Polartec Power Dry material
- It has an Anti-Odor technology
- It is superior in wicking moisture
- Its snug fit is extra flattering
- It is reasonably priced
Arcteryx has an excellent reputation when it comes to base layers due to its technical expertise, but for our taste, the Phase AR Zip Neck LS Men's Base Layer might be the best they've ever made.
This base layer is available in a variety of colors and is made from Polartec Power Dry material. It is an ideal layer for high-performance activities because it absorbs and evaporates moisture quickly.
This base layer is made of 50% recycled materials and comes with an Anti-Odor technology. The base layer is designed to keep your body temperature level and help you to feel more comfortable when the temperature changes. The snug fit of the base layer makes it flattering and extra sexy.
3. MERIWOOL Womens Base Layer 100% Merino Wool Midweight Long Sleeve Thermal Shirt
The Meriwool 100% merino wool Long sleeve shirt adds a unique touch to a basic wardrobe. These pure merino wool long sleeve thermal shirt is not only stylish but very versatile as well. It can be worn outside or inside of a jacket and can be worn as is, or paired with additional layers, for a more polished look.
Due to its extreme softness, it’s very easy to wear, as it can feel like a second skin. Unlike other hollow and synthetic fibers, merino wool is naturally antimicrobial, non-itchy, and retains warmth without itchy, itchy. The merino wool wicks sweat away from the body and dries fast. Its incredible softness and versatility make it the perfect base layer for you.
4. MERIWOOL Mens Base Layer
Pros:
- Made in the USA
- Comfortable and lightweight with a good cut
- Composed of Merino wool.
Mens Base Layers are made of merino wool which offers a number of benefits that no other fabric can. It is naturally odor resistant so it can be worn for long periods of time without the need to wash it. It can be worn comfortably in a wide range of temperatures without getting hot or cold and it will keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer as a result.
This Meriwool base layer shirt is a mid-weight long-sleeve thermal shirt made out of Merino wool. It is available in both black and cream colors. It also comes in extra small, small, medium, large and extra-large sizes.
It may be a little pricier but Meriwool can last for a long time. You’ll spend less money taking it in for dry cleaning than you would if you got another base layer.
5. Duofold Men's Mid-Weight Wicking Thermal Pant
Pros:
- Yep, Duofold knows how to keep warm! These base layer pant are a great choice for icy cold weather.
How does this work? Well, they are slightly heavier than most base layers. They combine dampness protection with thermal insulation. The thermal insulation means you don't have to worry about sweating up a storm underneath. The ripstop weave features a subtle air channel, which is boosted with the 100% polyester fleece fabric. The knitting technology means this fabric is moisture wicking. While doing the active stuff, you should remain comfortable.
If you want to add a little extra stretch then that is also possible and these pants still have a bit of spandex in them.
These base layer pants are warmer than your average pair. The material is hydrophobic and moisture-wicking. These pants can dry rapidly, so that means many hours out on the water or trail without the need to worry about feeling wet. Capilene cools and regulates your body temperature. When you notice that the weather is hot then this will help to keep your body reflected.
6. MERIWOOL Womens Merino Wool Base Layer Thermal Pants
With MeriWool thermal pants, you can run, hike, bike, travel or work in warmth and comfort. These thermal pants are made of a 50% Merino wool, 50% Polyester blend making them both extremely soft and naturally anti-bacterial.
More layers do not make MeriWool more heavy and bulky rather it is the opposite. While other layers tend to be thick what makes MeriWool more ideal is the lightweight and thin stitching that keeps you cool.
The pants conform to your body shape and contours, making it feel like a second skin. You will experience very little rubbing, even on your underarms as the Merino wool is quite fine.
7. Under Armour Base 4.0 Crew
Pros:
- Good quality
- Flexible material makes it comfortable to wear
- Doesn’t stop sweating in warm weather
The Under Armour base layer is one of the most well-known base layers available. It’s made from light fabric that wicks sweat away from your body and traps it in the fabric.
This arrangement will keep you cool and dry and reduce the risk of overheating. It’s also good to wear while exercising as it creates a barrier between your skin and the activity that you’ll be doing, such as a workout.
This is a great base layer for sports or exercises that you’ll be doing outside for a long period of time. It’s a good layer to wear at home in the fall and winter months. It’s also great for sleeping as your night might be cooler then.
8. Smartwool Men’s Base Layer Top
Pros:
- A great base layer
- Sleeves are easy to roll up if needed
- Very light weight layer
- Does not itch
- Fairly thin
- Restores warmth quickly
Cons:
- If you prefer a thicker base layer, this might be too thin
- Doesn’t stay tucked into pants that well
(Dark Plum, M)
If you need a thin base layer top that is going to be comfortable to wear under your climbing, hiking or ski gear, then the Smartwool Men’s Base Layer Top – Merino 250 Wool Active 1/4 Zip Outerwear could be the one for you.
Not only does it fit the bill as a thin wicking base layer, but it is also very comfortable to wear.
9. Under Armour Mens UA Base¿ 3.0 Legging
Under Armour seems to be a brand that is pretty recognizable to most people. So when they started producing base layers it came as a surprise to many people. Now that they have started making base layers, they have grown their range to several different types of base layers. This is a review of the Under Armour Mens UA Base 3.0 Legging. A cold weather base layer that has been made to give you a comfortable and warm fit around the legs. We are told by the company that you can wear these for hours in the cold. We will see about that in this review.
10. Smartwool Men’s Base Layer Top
Pros:
- Breathes well
- Good fit
- Sometimes in-stock and affordable
- Wicks moisture really well
Cons:
- Sizing isn’t always the best
- Users report not loving the feel of the material
- Can itch
Smartwool is one of the leaders in merino wool clothing, and with the Smart Wool Men’s Base Layer Top (Merino 250 Wool Active Crew) you can ensure that your body will stay dry and fresh all day.
11. Helly Hansen Men's HH LIFA Stripe Crew
This performance base layer comes with Grip-Tec technology to retain maximum body heat and performance while battling the elements.
It also has flatlocked seams with a contrast color flatlock seam stitching, which will keep you moving at a more efficient pace while reducing the irritation caused by chafing.
A little about this long sleeve wicking liner from Helly Hansen: The HH LIFA Stripe Crew is great for those on a budget without sacrificing comfort or performance. It comes in a 5-panel flex fit, which allows you to move and not feel restricted. Overall, this shirt stays a little more consistent with regard to keeping you warm than its counterparts. This is due to the Lifa fibre system, which is a three-dimensional system that transports moisture away from the body even in wet weather.
12. Carhartt Men's Force Midweight Classic Thermal Base Layer Pant
Pros:
- Insulating properties are excellent
- Polyester outer shell
- Machine-washable
3XL, Tannish.
This thermal underwear will keep you warm and will never let you get too cool. This 3XL thermal underwear is made with a unique blend of cotton, polyester and nylon. To keep you comfortable, this 3XL thermal underwear features a brushed interior and flat-locked seams. The thermal underwear is also able to allow moisture to pass through it. It is also machine-washable. This 3XL thermal underwear has a door-knock buckle and is made with an elasticized waistband. This 3XL thermal underwear also features a logo on the front. It also comes in a variety of other colors as well.
13. WoolX Glacier
Pros:
- Made of premium merino wool
- One of the most durable pieces of clothing in the world
- Improves thermoregulation better than any other fiber
- WoolX’s products are free of animal products
Cons:
- Expensive
- WoolX products are sold exclusively on Amazon
- Can be itchy
The WoolX Glacier Men’s Merino Wool Crew Shirt is a great piece of base layer clothing. Made with premium merino wool, this heavyweight merino wool shirt is exceptional thanks to its combination of superb, temperature-regulating qualities.
The WoolX Glacier Crew Shirt is an awesome base layer shirt that wicks moisture away from the skin, it dries in a jiffy, it resists odors, and it’s incredibly comfortable.
It’s also dry clean only, so you must take good care of it in order for its temperature-regulating properties to remain intact.
14. WoolX Men's Merino Wool Base Layer Pants
This is one of the higher-priced base layers on this list. It suits cold temperatures and is available in several different color options.
This Merino Wool design by WoolX is a t-shirt type of base layer that has longer sleeves to help you maintain a natural body temperature. They are part of a three-part system that includes pants as well as an undershirt. While other brands only offer merino wool shirts, the WoolX Merino Wool collection has a men’s jacket, shirts, and pants.
This WoolX apparel has the following features: ·
15. Icebreaker Merino Men's Oasis Long Sleeve Crewe Top
Pros:
- Easy to clean since the Merino Wool is naturally anti-bacterial
- All natural product
- Provides all-day warmth
- Highly breathable
This cool base layer is light, comfortable, and super easy to care for. It has been machine washable since day one. Since this is a long sleeve base layer top, you can wear it by itself or as a baselayer.
It’s made of 100% Merino Wool. The wool is sourced from New Zealand. This product is great for the outdoors especially because it picks up less than 1% of its own weight in moisture during workouts.
It fits to your skin, regardless of the activity you’re engaged in. It’s also highly breathable, which is important because you need to stay dry to keep your body temperature under control during workouts and other outdoor activities.
16. Ibex Merino Wool Men's Woolies 2 Crew Shirt
Pros:
- Made in the USA
- Unisex
- The fabric is fine and soft and the colors beautiful
- It’s a lightweight merino wool shirt that will keep you as comfortable as possible during any activity
17. Fjallraven – Men's High Coast First Layer Longsleeve
This is an excellent outdoor layers for the cold. Although it feels a little more off-the-grid as base layers go, it is totally worth it.
Both the fabric and construction used to make the Fjallraven High Coast Long Sleeve are top-notch. We like how well the polyester fabric feels, from its smooth feel to the way it drapes on the body.
Although we think this shirt fits a little smaller than most, it does have a teddy bear-hug feel. If that sounds appealing to you, then feel free to size up when you order. The soft feel of the fabric should be enough to make you forget about any sizing issues.
18. Arc'teryx Phase AR Crew LS Men's
Pros:
- Superb at wicking moisture away from the skin to keep you smelling fresher
- The best at odor-wicking
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the best base layers?
The best base layers are the ones which fit best and keep you warm. Comfort is the key though, and if a base layer feels terrible then you won’t wear it, even if you say it’s the best. There’s nothing worse than wearing a base layer that’s constantly pulling or bunching up. It’s best to focus on moisture wicking material. There’s a range of different fibers out there that can help wick moisture away from your skin and into the jacket or t-shirt itself. But again, it’s very important that you get a base layer that forms to your body shape. Not only will it feel nicer, but if you’re wearing layers of thermal clothing, the base layer needs to provide some compression to help keep the warmth of your layers intact.
Are base layers any good?
YES. Oh YES.
In years past, base layers were most popular with long distance runners and skiers. They were seen as insulating and “puffy” clothing worn without any plans to show off their attributes. This meant they weren’t the most fashionable option for everyday work, sports or play.
But oh how THINGS have changed!
Today, base layers have come out of their shell and are now an essential for outdoor winter clothing. They’re still preferred over other types of clothing by the serious recreational athletes. But now they’re also stylish, functional, comfortable and stylish. If you’re going to be spending any time outdoors in the winters, a base layer is your new best friend!
What is the best base layer for extreme cold?
Outdoor professionals and extreme adventurers will want a base layer that will keep them warm even when it’s cold out. This can present a challenge when choosing the best item for this task. You want something that will keep you warm but will also be able to breathe to prevent you from over heating. It might be useful to look for pants that come with zippered vents so you can open them up when needed.
How tight should base layers be?
Base layers should never be skin tight especially if you’re wearing your base layer over an additional layer of clothing. Whilst you’ll be able to see base layers with a slim fit, you should have some room for woolen socks and additional clothing. You don’t want to end up with big bulges.
All of the base layers in our review are moderately slim but not tight. It is important to get sufficient base layer space to ensure comfort, especially in colder weather. You need to have enough room to keep yourself warm, and also to allow the base layer to breathe.
Conclusion
Hopefully, after reading this article on our favorite base layers you’ll be able to make a more educated choice to suit you and your activities. Here are some additional things to keep in mind when looking for quality base layers.
Base layers should be breathable.
The material should have some degree of moisture-wicking to it.
Base layers should be non-itchy and be flexible enough to move and stretch with your body.
Base layers should be comfortable enough to be worn under other layers.
Base layers should be long enough to cover your lower back, and if female, your butt – which should be covered appropriately to prevent chafing.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| MERIWOOL Mens Base Layer 100% Merino Wool Thermal Pants | Best Overall | |
| Duofold Men's Mid-Weight Wicking Thermal Pant | Budget Pick | |
| Smartwool Men’s Base Layer Top | Upgrade Pick | |