As the mercury plummets across the UK, thermals have become an essential item for everything from dog walking and working from home to more adventurous pursuits like skiing in the Alps. These lightweight base layers, designed to be worn discreetly under your regular clothes, work by trapping your body's natural heat and wicking moisture away from the skin, ensuring you stay both warm and dry throughout the day.
What to Look for in Thermal Wear
The world of thermals has evolved far beyond the traditional vest and long johns. Today's selection includes long-sleeved tops, polo necks, and camisoles, all engineered to fit snugly against the body without adding bulk. They are crafted from a variety of materials including silk, wool, and advanced manmade fibres, each offering unique insulating properties.
High-street favourite Marks & Spencer boasts one of the most extensive collections, with a standout product being their two-pack of Heatgen Thermal Long Sleeve Tops for £25. Praised for their flattering scoop neckline, these tops are available in a range of colours like light blue, black, navy, cream, and a new dark grape shade. Their popularity is undeniable, with over 1,500 customers awarding them a five-star rating.
Top Picks for Cosy Winter Layers
One delighted customer shared their experience, stating, "I live in these tops – they are warm, slim-fitting, and perfect for layering. The elegant scoop neckline means they look smart enough if I need to take off my jumper. I even share the twin packs with my student daughter, who is also a fan."
If you're looking to expand your thermal wardrobe, here are six more highly-rated options to consider:
The Lands' End Women's Lightweight Silk Interlock Vest is currently half price, reduced from £55 to £27.50 with a promotional code. Silk is a naturally efficient insulator and feels luxurious against the skin. This wide-strap vest comes in black, navy, and white in sizes 8 to 28.
The M&S Modal Rich Thermal Vest with Cashmere costs £22. This camisole is made from a soft, brushed fabric for extra cosiness and features adjustable shoulder straps with a delicate lace trim. It is available in black, tawny, and ivory in sizes 6 to 22.
Mountain Warehouse's Keep The Heat Womens IsoTherm Roll Neck is now half price at £16.49. This breathable thermal top uses densely packed fibres to retain heat effectively without bulk. You can find it in dusky purple or black in sizes 6 to 24.
Next's Thermal Maximum Warmth Cosy Pointelle Long Sleeved Top is priced at £19. Made from traditional pointelle fabric, it is ultra-warm and soft with a 0.5 tog rating. This crew neck top comes in cream, black, and grey marl in sizes 8 to 24, with matching leggings and vests also available.
Camille's Viloft Blend Lightweight Thermal Leggings are now £9.99 at Debenhams, representing a 38% saving. The hollow Viloft yarns trap air close to the skin, providing superior thermal insulation. These soft leggings are available in white in sizes 10-12 to 18-20.
Mountain Warehouse's Purple Asgard Merino Womens Thermal Leggings are currently half price at £29.99. Ideal for winter outdoor activities, these high-performance leggings are made from Merino wool, which is renowned for being warm, quick-wicking, quick-drying, and naturally antibacterial. Sizes range from 8 to 20.
Investing in Winter Warmth
All featured prices were correct at the time of publication. Investing in a quality set of thermals is a simple yet effective way to combat the winter chill, ensuring comfort whether you're indoors or exploring the great outdoors. With options to suit every style and budget, staying warm has never been more stylish.
