Thermal clothing

Thermal clothing for your working day

Thermal clothing forms the base of your work outfit, from a chilly start on a building site to a full day in a cold workspace. This collection brings together different brands, materials and designs. How much warmth you need depends mainly on your working environment and how active you are: a lightweight base layer for active work serves a different purpose from warm underwear for long periods standing still in the cold.

Warmth, material and freedom of movement

For walking, lifting and other active work, a lightweight, quick-drying synthetic base layer is often comfortable: it wicks away sweat without adding much extra warmth. If you spend longer standing still in the cold, a warmer version is more suitable. Merino wool is an option for warmth and slower odour build-up; blends with synthetic fibres combine these properties with moisture wicking.

Thermal clothing should fit closely without feeling restrictive. When you squat or raise your arms, the waistband, shoulders and knees should not limit your movement. A thicker base layer is not automatically the best choice if you move around a lot.

Thermal shirts, thermal trousers and thermal underwear

A thermal shirt gives your upper body an extra layer under your workwear; a pair of thermal trousers does the same for your legs. You can wear them separately or together. These garments are also called thermal underwear. A shirt with sufficient back length maintains better overlap with your trousers when you bend down.

Thermal clothing from your trusted brand

Looking for underwear to go with your existing work kit? Browse the collections of Helly Hansen thermal clothing and underwear, Craft underwear, Portwest underwear and Mascot thermal clothing.

Combine your base layer with the rest of your clothing

Thermal underwear does not replace protection against wind or rain. In cold conditions, wear an insulating mid-layer over it, and add a suitable outer layer in wind or precipitation. Also browse our winter workwear.

Beanies, scarves and gloves to go with your thermal clothing

Alongside your base layer, your head, neck and hands may also need extra warmth. A beanie, scarf or neck warmer and a pair of winter work gloves are practical additions for outdoor work or a cold start to the day. For combined coverage of your head and neck, you can also find balaclavas and neck protection. This lets you put together the rest of your outfit for working in the cold alongside your thermal underwear.

Washing thermal clothing

The right wash depends on the material: a wool base layer needs different care from a fully synthetic one. Follow the temperature and drying instructions on the garment label, and use a suitable wool detergent for merino wool. Let your clothing dry thoroughly before storing it. No single washing temperature or drying method applies to all thermal clothing.

Frequently asked questions about thermal clothing

What is thermal clothing?

Thermal clothing is underwear that helps retain body heat and wick sweat away from the skin. You usually wear it as the first layer under your workwear; thermal shirts and thermal trousers are familiar examples.

How does thermal clothing work?

The fabric traps a layer of air close to your body and helps move sweat outwards. Your body provides the heat; thermal clothing does not generate warmth by itself. How warm you stay also depends on the clothing over it and how active you are.

When do you wear thermal clothing?

On cold working days outdoors or in a cool workspace, and for activities such as walking or other outdoor use in winter. You do not have to wait for frost: a base layer can also be comfortable on a chilly morning or during work with long periods of standing still.