Men's Thermal Tops & Base Layers

A thermal top is the cheapest way to stay warm in winter, because it works from the inside out. Worn against the skin under a shirt or a jumper, it traps body heat rather than adding bulk — which is why a base layer plus a normal jumper beats a heavy coat on a cold commute.

Most of what’s here is long sleeve, which is the format that matters: full arm coverage under a shirt, a crew neck that stays hidden under a collar, and a close fit so it doesn’t bunch when you layer over it. Black, grey, charcoal and dark blue cover the range, all of which disappear under anything you wear on top.

The gym vest is the sleeveless alternative, cut as a base layer for training rather than for cold mornings.

These work hardest under a shirt or a jumper rather than on their own, and they make a lighter jacket viable in weather that would otherwise need a heavier one.

Sizing runs S to 2XL and a base layer should fit close, so take your usual size rather than going up — check the measurements against our size guide.

See long sleeve tops for more, or all men’s T-shirts and vests.