Long Sleeve Thermals – Five Plus One

Five Plus One is our weekly series of buyer’s guides. We pick a specific category and dig up five great options along with one that’s a little outside the norm.


Despite the fact that I’m going outside less often than ever that hasn’t stopped my yearly tradition of wearing thermals all winter. And quite frankly you can never own too many, as long as you’re in a relatively cold area that is. We’ve put together a great selection of some of the best thermal options out there to make sure we can all stay as warm as possible over the next few months.

1) UES: 60tr Thermal

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If you want a classically styled thermal, then UES‘ 60tr Thermal is a great option. It’s made in Japan from 9oz. 100% cotton fabric in the traditional, vertical knit that is almost synonymous with thermals. With four needle construction this thermal will certainly be around for a long time to come, regardless of if you wear it on its own or as a layering piece.

Available for $90 from Withered Fig.

2) Uniqlo: Heattech Ultra Warm Long Sleeve

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Techwear has improved thermal clothing considerably, and Uniqlo has really embraced these new technologies. Their Heattech Ultra Warm Long Sleeve is fantastic if you’re looking for a new thermal tee and is among their warmest offerings. It’s made from a 47%/26%/20%/7% Acrylic/Polyester/Rayon/Spandex blend that is designed to maximize heat retention, and the synthetic materials will ensure a durable fabric.

Available for $25 from Uniqlo.

3) 32 Degrees: Heat Tee

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If you are simply looking to fill out your wardrobe with a large number of new thermals them 32 Degrees‘ Heat Tees are the best. They’re very inexpensive while still being warm and durable, making them great for just about anyone—especially if you plan on using them as layering pieces. If not, they come in three colors: white, grey, and black, ensuring you can find a colorway that matches your wardrobe.

Available for $13 (2-Pack) from Costco.

4) Iron Heart: Waffle Knit Thermal

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Iron Heart is known for their top-notch heavyweight denim, so it should come as no surprise that they also produce some excellent Waffle Knit Thermals. Even so, that doesn’t mean these thermals break the bank. They’re made in Japan from cotton waffle knit fabric and feature four needle construction, chainstitching with runoff, and excellent construction all around.

Available for $130 from Iron Heart.

5) 3sixteen: Thermal Henley

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3sixteen‘s Thermal Henley is another excellent pick, especially if you are interested in wearing your thermals on their own rather than layering them. They are made in the USA from 425gsm made in Canada fabric, and feature Corozo buttons and triple needle construction. They’re finished with stretchy cuffs and a simple collar, further cementing these thermals for casual around the house wear.

Available for $76 from Context Clothing.

Plus One – Stevenson Overall Co: Merino Wool Thermal

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If you want some new thermals and want the very best of the best, then Stevenson Overall Co‘s Merino Wool Thermals are excellent. They’re made in Japan from 100% merino wool “honeycomb weave” fabric. With their beautiful cuffs, raglan sleeves, and excellent prepositions, this thermal can certainly be worn as a layering piece but hiding something so beautiful sure seems like a waste to me.

Available for $310 from Rivet and Hide.