I Spend Most of the Year in the Swiss Alps, and These Are the 15 Thermals I Swear by in Winter, From $20

As an Australian, I embrace hot weather and thrive in the heat. However, my career in hospitality has brought me to Europe for more than a decade, and I now spend most of the year in the Alps. With this major change in scenery, I’ve swapped my swimwear for thermal clothing — my secret for surviving the chilly and sometimes harsh European winter ski season.

While I spend most of my time indoors working, I also love to get outside in the elements, cross-country skiing and hiking through the beautiful snowy trails. Thankfully, I hardly feel the cold thanks to my trusty thermal underwear. When choosing thermals, you should look for lightweight, comfortable, moisture-wicking, breathable, and super warm options. Quality thermals can be pricey, but I’ve found 15 budget-friendly styles to keep you warm, including long-sleeve tees, base layer pants, and more from $20.

Baleaf Women’s Thermal Long-sleeve Shirt

I’m a big fan of fleece, and this thermal shirt is lined with it, making it super warm for those cold outdoor runs. It comes with thumb holes to keep my wrists warm and to prevent the sleeves from riding up underneath outerwear. The lightweight four-way stretch fabric lets me move, jump, and stretch freely, and there’s even a zip pocket for added convenience.

Helly Hansen Women’s Lifa Active Base Layer Pants

Looking for thermals you can wear inside your sleeping bag to keep chills at bay? The Helly Hansen Lifa Active Pants are just what you need for a cozy night’s sleep. They’re lightweight and designed to wick away moisture, which means no more waking up sweaty in the middle of the night. Thanks to their two-layer construction, you’ll stay comfortably warm without getting too hot.

Free Country Women’s Microtech Heat Cocaber Base Layer Pants

This thermal base layer is ideal for everything from scaling mountain peaks to cozying up on the sofa at the end of the day. Made with a unique Microtech heat fabric, it keeps you warm while effectively wicking away moisture and has a breathable four-way stretch fabric so you can move freely. While it also has infrared reflection properties, I mainly enjoy it as my comfy weekend loungewear.

Kari Traa Women’s Fryd Pant

This thermal base layer is perfect for anyone seeking extra warmth during freezing temperatures. I love the colorful designs, but what really impresses me is the soft, quick-drying fabric. You can wear it all day while skiing and wash it every night without worrying about it drying in time for your next outing. And the best part? It helps avoid any chafing.

Simiya Women’s Thermal Underwear Set

If you’re looking for a simple and reliable thermal underwear set, look no further. The fleece-lined thermals offer great insulation and help trap body heat, ensuring you stay warm and cozy. Shoppers rave about this set because it’s ultra-soft and doesn’t pill or shrink after washing. A shopper who wore them on a trip to Finland said they’re “so warm and soft,” noting that they’re both great for layering and wearing as pajamas.

Herobiker Women’s Thermal Underwear Set

This snug thermal set serves as an excellent base layer for your outdoor adventures. Made with just a hint of spandex for that perfect stretch, the ultra-soft fabric is loved by over 6,300 Amazon shoppers who gave it a perfect rating. “[I] gave this base layer a go underneath my snowboarding outfit,” wrote one reviewer. “It was breathable, comfortable, and regulated my body temperature down the slopes.”

Quince Women’s Merino Wool Short-sleeve Shirt 

I had no idea how important it was to wear a thermal tee underneath my ski jacket until I tried it. Merino wool is naturally heat-regulating, breathable, and wrinkle- and UV-resistant. Plus, the fabric has a natural elasticity, allowing for plenty of movement no matter what you’re doing. I love my performance shirt from Ortovox, but you can snag a comfy Merino wool base layer for half the price at Quince.

Patelai Women’s 3-pack Thermal Underwear Set

This cozy thermal underwear set, complete with a fleece lining, is ideal for those who love winter adventures. While it may feel snug for some, it offers exceptional warmth and comfort as a base layer. The set comes in a three-pack, making it a great option for a long winter vacation, so you can enjoy your trip without worrying about doing laundry in the hotel.

Brooks Women’s Notch Thermal Long-sleeve 2.0 Shirt

This thermal long-sleeve shirt has many cool features, including the odor-resistant DriLayer Burst treatment, which keeps you smelling fresh while running, walking, or cycling in chilly weather. I really appreciate the clever pockets in both the midsection and the sleeves, perfect for storing headphones and hotel room keys. It’s a great midweight layer that pairs well with a larger coat.

Rocky Women’s Thermal Underwear Set

This thermal underwear is perfect for relaxing at home. It’s made from a soft poly-spandex that feels great against the skin. If you venture outside, it provides moisture-wicking properties while keeping you warm and cozy. You’ll also love the wide range of patterns and colors available, including solids, stripes, and plaids.

Followme Women’s Thermal Underwear Set

These thermals might be the most eye-catching I’ve seen, with a variety of fun colors and prints. They’re warm and cozy with a relaxed fit, making them perfect for lounging at home. Plus, the henley-style top and waffle-knit bottoms can be worn separately throughout the season.

Brooks Women’s Momentum Thermal Tight

Not everyone enjoys the feel of super snug tights. If you want to try out long johns, the Brooks Momentum Thermal Tights are an excellent choice. They offer a more relaxed fit compared to other thermal options, while still effectively trapping warmth and blocking out the cold, thanks to the snug bands around the waist and ankles. Plus, they come with UPF 50+ sun protection to shield you from harmful UV rays all year round.

Santic Women’s Thermal Cycling Tights

Thermal bike tights are an excellent choice for cyclists facing winter weather. They provide a comfortable fit that allows for easy movement while biking, walking, or trekking in the cold without the hassle of loose-fitting pants. Their snug fit means you can easily wear them underneath ski pants for added warmth. While mine come from Pearl iZumi, you can also grab this comfy fleece-lined pair from Amazon brand Santic for just $41 with an on-site coupon. With moisture-wicking and breathable properties, the fabric keeps you warm yet comfortable, while the reflective features on the legs help ensure that drivers can spot you easily.

X-Bionic Neckwarmer

I’m a huge fan of X-Bionic’s base layers, particularly the Trekking Energizer Pants. They’re moisture-wicking and breathable, making them perfect for outdoor activities. While they might be a bit pricey if you’re looking for budget-friendly thermals, you can still enjoy the benefits of the brand’s Swiss technology by trying out its accessories, like the Neckwarmer. I take it with me when I go running, cross-country skiing, and even shopping in alpine villages. It’s great for unpredictable weather and keeps my neck warm and protected from chilly winds.

X-Bionic Bondear Cap

Did you know that nearly 45 percent of your body heat can escape through your head? For those who tend to get cold quickly, the X-Bionic Bondear Cap is just what you need. It fits comfortably under your ski helmet, keeping you warm and snug. Not only does it protect your ears from the cold, but it’s made from the same material as the brand’s Swiss-engineered thermals, which helps wick away sweat and heat instead of trapping it inside.

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