Categories: Fitness

12 Toasty Base Layers You’ll Wear All Winter Long

No Matter the Season, Dress Wisely with Great Base Layers

No matter the season, it’s always a good idea to bring an extra jacket along when you’re heading outside. But as temps start to drop, dressing wisely is even more important (and we’re not just talking about finding the right puffer coat). An easy way to insulate yourself from the cold is by wearing some great base layers—a.k.a. thin, lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and tights that fit under the rest of your clothes.

That might not sound like enough to keep you warm, but these pieces are a great foundation for the rest of your layering. And when you’re bundled up properly, you can stay comfortable in cold or unpredictable conditions without sacrificing your range of motion. Here, we spoke to hiking and gear experts about the best base layers you can add to your winter wardrobe, plus how to suit up safely for your next chilly outing.

FAQs about Base Layers

What to look for when shopping for base layers

You can shop for base layers the same way you shop for other outdoor apparel, but keeping the following features in mind can help you streamline your search.

Fit: Good base layers will fit close against your skin, Maggie Peikonmanager of communications at the American Hiking Society, tells SELF. They should feel snug, but not too tight. Keep in mind that some base layers are made to feel compressive, which might not be as comfortable (depending on your preferences).
Materials: The best materials for base layers are Merino wool and synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, or rayon, since they’ll help you stay warm and prevent you from overheating, Mike Kreisa sales and service specialist at REI, tells SELF. These materials wick moisture away and regulate your body temperature better than cotton, which actually holds onto moisture—and it’s much harder to stay warm when you’re damp, Peikon explains. She also suggests looking for fleece-lined base layers: Although they don’t have the same quick-drying properties as synthetic and wool pieces, they’re great when you want to feel extra warm and cozy.

How to Properly Layer Clothing for Cold Weather

Ingrid Johnsona product specialist at REI, previously gave SELF an excellent metaphor for layering: “Dress like the layers of an onion, where each garment moving outward gets slightly bigger so that you don’t limit range of motion or compress your circulation and end up colder.”

With that in mind, after you put on your base layers, you can add a mid layer like a fleece or a thin down jacket to add insulation and warmth—just make sure it’s easy to take off if you start to overheat, Peikon says. (Kreis points out that you don’t have to start your day with a mid layer if you think it’ll be too hot from the get go: “Remember, you can always leave a warmer mid-layer in the car or your pack.”)

The outer layer in your “onion” should protect you from the elements, like a wind- and water-resistant shell-style jacket, Peikon says. Check that it’s roomy enough to wear over your other layers comfortably—even though you’re bundled up, you should still be able to move.

Shop the Best Base Layers

As much as we love an indoorsy day during the winter, you don’t have to cancel your outdoor plans just because it’s cold—not once you have some high-quality base layers, that is. We selected our top picks based on recommendations from SELF staffers and the experts we spoke to. Check them out below, then get psyched for your next cold weather excursion.