Norwegians have a saying: “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.” Dressing for the weather makes a big difference in how comfortable you feel in a given environment.
One of the most important elements of your winter wardrobe is your base layer. Are you wondering if there’s a difference between base layers and thermal layers? Consider the moisture-wicking, warming, and weight class features of these layers so you can start your outfit with a good foundation.
Moisture-Wicking
Base layers and thermal layers both have moisture-wicking properties. A moisture-wicking fabric quickly wicks, or moves, sweat away from your skin, pulling the moisture through the fabric’s fibers. Once on the fabric’s outer surface, the moisture dries away quickly.
Moisture-wicking keeps your skin dry, allowing you to feel more comfortable than you would if you wore sweaty layers of clothing. Sweat evaporating from your skin also cools your body, meaning this moisture-wicking layer keeps your skin dry so you don’t experience sweaty chills.
Warming
Thermals are a type of base layer, but not all base layers are thermals. Both types can provide moisture-wicking, but the key difference between base layers and thermal layers is that thermal fabrics provide more warmth.
When people think of layers of clothing, they often think of warming up. However, the purpose of a moisture-wicking base layer is to remove sweat, not add warmth.
If you want a layer of clothing that retains your body’s heat, a thermal layer will do the job. The thermal fits smoothly and closely over your body, trapping heat against your skin without bunching up or adding bulk.
Fabric Weight
Base layers come in three fabric weights: lightweight, mid-weight, and ultraweight. Lightweight provides the least heat retention and excellent moisture-wicking. Ultraweight is the thickest fabric that provides the highest warmth retention but doesn’t wick moisture as efficiently. Midweight falls between the two in both considerations.
The optimal fabric weight for your outfit depends on the temperature outside, your activity level, and your personal preference. You’ll probably feel most comfortable wearing lightweight in mild conditions, midweight in cool conditions, and ultraweight in cold conditions.
For stylish and comfortable women’s thermal base layers, shop with Snow Angel. Whether you’re wearing our apparel as your only layer or under other layers, the fabric will wick away moisture and keep you warm. Shop with us today.
FAQs
Both types can provide moisture-wicking, but the key difference between base layers and thermal layers is that thermal fabrics provide more warmth. When people think of layers of clothing, they often think of warming up. However, the purpose of a moisture-wicking base layer is to remove sweat, not add warmth.
Are thermals the same as base layers? ›
Thermal clothing is versatile clothing and comes in different fabrics and styles that will benefit various climates, conditions and activities. In most cases, they will be made from a synthetic material and can be called base layers, thermals or compressions.
Do base layers make a difference? ›
Base layers are important because they provide an extra layer of insulation while also wicking sweat away from your skin. If you'll be going from hot to cold throughout the day, or doing any activity where you might be sweating in a colder environment, you should definitely opt to wear base layers.
What is a thermal layer? ›
A thermocline (also known as the thermal layer or the metalimnion in lakes) is a distinct layer based on temperature within a large body of fluid (e.g. water, as in an ocean or lake; or air, e.g. an atmosphere) with a high gradient of distinct temperature differences associated with depth.
Are base layers good for hot weather? ›
A thin base layer will wick the moisture from your body to the outside of the garment which will evaporate as the wind hits it. Evaporative cooling is a wonderful thing. The other benefit to wearing a base layer in the heat is comfort.
What type of thermals are the warmest? ›
A heavyweight base layer is ideal in below-freezing temperatures. Also known as mountain weight, these thermals are the thickest and warmest of the three options. Heavyweight thermal layers tend to wick less sweat than lighter weight thermals, but they provide a very warm base layer of insulation.
Which base layer is the warmest? ›
Merino wool is our favorite baselayer material for winter use: It's ultra soft and incredibly warm for the weight, offers great temperature regulation, and resists odor far better than synthetic materials. For a warm and cozy next-to-skin layer that doesn't clam up, it's a great choice.
Do thermals actually keep you warm? ›
Acting like a second skin, thermal base layers keep body heat in and wick away sweat, keeping your arms, legs and core at a comfortable temperature at all times, whether you're walking the warehouse floor, standing on an assembly line, making deliveries or driving a forklift in the yard.
Should you wear anything under a base layer? ›
Should you wear anything underneath a base layer? Ideally, any next-to-skin clothing (including bras and underwear) should offer moisture-wicking qualities. As a rule of thumb, we recommend synthetic in the summer and wool in the winter.
Should base layers be tight or loose? ›
Base layers are the layer of clothing closest to your skin, beneath the rest of your outfit. The purpose of base layers is to keep your skin dry and wick sweat while providing warmth. To best perform, your base layer should fit tightly against your body and be made of breathable, moisture-managing materials.
A base layer top is ideal for maintaining body temperature, helping wick away moisture caused by sweat from the skin, so you stay warm and dry in all weather. Base layer tops are mostly worn in the winter for keeping warm and in the summer for staying cool and dry.
What temperature to wear thermals? ›
Wear thermals under daily clothes
You should check the indoor temperature when you wake up in the morning. If that temperature is lower than 18 degrees C, then, you should wear your thermals under a daily outfit.
Are base layers and thermals the same? ›
Both types can provide moisture-wicking, but the key difference between base layers and thermal layers is that thermal fabrics provide more warmth. When people think of layers of clothing, they often think of warming up. However, the purpose of a moisture-wicking base layer is to remove sweat, not add warmth.
Does a base layer keep you cooler? ›
Base layers offer both ventilation and breathability, meaning they can keep you cool in a warm environment but also warm when the cold sets in, especially with low temperature sports like skiing.
Do base layers actually work? ›
To maximize comfort, base layers should be a tight fit and close to the skin. They work by trapping a layer of air and wicking away sweat to ensure the wearer stays dry. For colder weather, a heavier-weight long-sleeve base layer will retain warmth and wick away moisture.
Are thermals meant to be worn under clothes? ›
Yes, thermals can be worn alone, but it depends on the weather conditions. If the weather is not too cold, then thermals can be worn alone as a base layer. However, if the weather is very cold, then thermals should be worn under another layer of clothing. Thermals are designed to wick away moisture and keep you dry.
When should you wear thermals? ›
Wear thermals when going outside
If you want to go outside for more than 10 minutes, then, wear your thermals. That being said, you can remove your thermal wear if you feel itchy, hot or sweaty. Hopefully, this information will help you leverage high-quality thermal wear.
