Winter is on the horizon, which means it’s time to stock up on thermal underwear! Thermal underwear, like Malebasics’ Men’s Winter Performance Microfiber Long John, is a must for the colder months. In fact, studies have shown that wearing thermal underwear  (thus adequately protecting your body from cold temperatures) can actually benefit your health, making you less prone to joint pain and arthritis.

So beyond the unparalleled comfort that long johns provide, it turns out they can actually keep you healthy! Whether this season is the first time you’ll be buying a pair of long johns or not, we’ve put together a useful buying guide that will help you make your purchase.

Check out what to consider when purchasing long johns.

  1. The Fabric

The first factor to consider when buying a pair of long johns is the fabric. Fabric encompasses both weight and material.

The ideal weight of the fabric depends on the winter conditions that exist where you live. For example, lightweight fabrics will work for areas with mild to cool winters, but won’t be enough for extremely cold, even frigid winter temperatures. Make sure to note how heavy the fabric feels when trying them on.

The second consideration is material. The key to a great pair of long johns is for them to be soft and luxurious to the touch, but also resilient. Further, you want to make sure you choose a material that holds its shape, versus gets looser with wear. In our opinion, the best type of fabric for a pair of long johns is microfiber. Long johns made out of synthetic materials, such as polyester, nylon, or spandex, are the best at retaining heat while simultaneously wicking moisture, leaving you dry yet warm. These are also the least likely material to lose their shape. 

  1. The Purpose

When buying a pair of long johns, it’s important to consider what their primary function will be. For example, do you plan on wearing thermal underwear on a daily basis to simply add an extra layer of warmth? Are you wearing them to engage in physical activity in the winter? Or are you visiting somewhere extremely cold and need them to retain body heat for a short time?

Make sure you know the purpose of your long johns before you buy. This will help you pick out the pair that is right for you. Depending on the function, you might prioritize stretch over warmth, or bacteria resistance over moisture wicking properties. As noted about, microfiber is ideal if moisture wicking and flexibility are your priorities. Wool also offers warmth and a limited degree of stretch, whereas cotton has very little stretch and retains moisture.

  1. The Style

Contrary to popular belief, thermal underwear can still be extremely stylish – and Malebasics proves that! Malebasics’ line of sleek, masculine long johns elevates the style to a whole other level. Their collection includes plenty of microfiber options with trendy features like plush waistbands, chic stitching, enhancing front pouches, snug fits, and bold colours. Shop our collection of long johns from Malebasics, Unico, Clever, ErgoWear, and Joe Snyder today.