Should Thermal Base Layers or Long Johns Be Skin Tight?

You never want cold winter weather to limit your options or leave you cooped up indoors. To stay warm when hiking, camping, fishing, or spending any significant amount of time outdoors in cold weather you need to take a layered approach that begins with thermal long johns. But you might be wondering just how tight your base layer should be? Here’s what you need to know.

Fitted But Not Skin Tight

Thermal base layers for men might look, or even initially feel, skin tight but that has more to do with the fact that few men’s clothing items are designed to be worn quite so close to the body. What you are looking for is a thin and lightweight layer that has a comfortable 4-way stretch. Your thermal set should be fitted, which means tight enough that there are no gaps between the fabric and your skin that will allow cold air to breeze in—but not skin tight. So, tighter than your daily attire but not as tight as compression clothing. If you feel restricted in your base layer, it is too tight. 

What Perfect Layering Looks Like

There are a variety of factors that contribute to how many layers you should wear on top of your thermal long johns. This includes what the temperature is outside, how long you will be outside, access to heat, what you will be doing, and how cold weather affects you. 

A total of three layers is standard for most activities, but sometimes two is all you need. It’s always better safe than sorry so when in doubt wear or bring three layers and remove the second or third if needed. A thermal base layer for men should be as follows:

1. A thermal underwear base layer to trap in heat and wick perspiration keeping you warm and dry.
2. An insulation layer that further retains heat. For example, a sweatshirt or wool sweater.
3. Your top layer should be a weatherproof jacket or windbreaker that blocks wind and rain.

Don’t Forget The Rest Of Your Body

This layered approach will keep you warm and dry from your neck to ankles, but be sure to invest in weather appropriate socks, footwear, gloves, eyewear, and the gear required for your neck, face, and head. Quality is key so be sure to do your homework.

If you are in the market for high quality thermal wear we invite you to browse the options of fleece line thermals from Thermajohn. Not outdoorsy? Not to worry as our thermals are versatile so you will find plenty of reasons to wear them.