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As if the January grind wasn’t hard enough already, the sudden cold snap that has seen temperatures plummet to -12C in parts of the UK is another reason to stay in bed. However, if you’re being cruelly prised away from your duvet, I’ve found the best thermals to keep you warm.
Whether you’re looking for base layers or want something stylish enough to show off as part of your back-to-work outfit, I’ve rounded up some of the warmest and most affordable thermals on the British high street – tried and tested by yours truly, I promise these will keep you warm whatever the weather.
As someone who works from home but doesn’t want to have the heating on full blast all day, I’ve long relied on Damart‘s long sleeved thermal tees as a base layer. Some of the oldest ones in my stash are almost 18 years old and still going strong! As well as long-sleeved styles, they also have a range of thermal camisoles, bodysuits and tights as well as basics such as socks.
Thermolactyl long-sleeved v-neck thermal t-shirt, £29, Damart
When I say I’ve been living in this v-neck style from Damart, I mean it. Made of super-fine cotton-blend fabric, the level 2 warmth makes it the perfect lightweight base layer that doesn’t feel cloying on cooler mornings. I often slip it under my favourite cardigan or flannel shirt, with the lace edging just peeking out. Unlike many thermals that have a fusty feel, this style’s lace detail looks chic enough that you won’t be rushing to tuck it away.
Thermolactyl camisole (level 3), £22; Ribbed long-sleeve tee (level 4), £29, both Damart
Damart’s styles come in three different levels of warmth – level 2’s lightweight styles are ideal for cool days with temperatures between 5ºC and 15ºC, while level 3’s medium feel will keep you cosy up to around -5ºC and the level 4 intense make great additions to outdoor outfits, offering additional warmth up to -20ºC.
Cashmere-blend scoop neck top, £19.90, Uniqlo
Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last few winters, you’ll have no doubt heard of Uniqlo’s HeatTeach collection. This stylish collection of thermal basics from the Japanese retailer is another one of my favourites – their cashmere-blend tops come in a range of styles, from scoop necks to high-necked polos.
Cashmere-blend polo neck, £19.90; socks, £7.90; beanie hat, £14.90, all Uniqlo
Last year, I made the mistake of donning a pair of their HeatTech socks on a winter jaunt to Westfield. Once inside, my feet got so hot inside my boots that I had to buy an emergency pair of normal socks before I passed out, much to my husband’s amusement. True story.
Thermal Pointelle Vests (two pack), £15, M&S
Of course, we couldn’t have a round-up of the best high street thermals without a mention of M&S. Their classic thermal pointelle vests are a nostalgic trip down memory lane and excellent value but the brand’s HeatGen leggings and crew neck top are next on my to-buy list, particularly as I played Padel in sub-zero temperatures the other night and couldn’t feel my knees after 10 minutes. The hard part is choosing between navy and khaki.
Heat-Gen crew neck top, £17; thermal socks (three pack), £10; Heat-Gen thermal leggings, £22, all Marks & Spencer.
FYI – should you make the mistake of mentioning cold toes to me, I will also bellow heartily about how brilliant their plain black thermal socks are. At £10 for three pairs, I wear these all winter. They wash incredibly well and look like normal socks, unlike some thermal socks that can have a weird plastic sheen.
What thermals do you swear by? Let us know in the comments below because sharing is caring.
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