The Best Long Underwear for Men, According to Men Who Would Know

“My favorite base layer bottoms are the Duckworth Vapor 3/4 Leggings. They’re American-made from merino wool, which fights bacteria so it won’t stink. There’s also polyester blended in for comfy stretch. And 3/4-length is typically the way to go, so if you’re skiing or wearing boots, the leggings won’t overlap with your socks and cause you to overheat. —Will Egensteiner, gear editor, Outside Magazine

The beloved Duckworth’s also got a second vote: “The Duckworth Vapor 3/4 Legging has been our go-to while on the slopes, in the field, or battling the freezing New England weather. Lightweight and comfortable, you wouldn’t know you’re wearing them at all, plus the 3/4 length keeps it from bunching in your boots. They’re 100 percent made domestically with durable and breathable merino wool — grown in one of our favorite places to escape, Montana.” —Jeremy Cutler, VP of operations, Ball and Buck

“Standard poly-blend are the best for just regular old cold. I’ve had the same Patagonia pair for, like, years. They have that classic nerdy look.” —Brad Miller, graduate student at University of Vermont who lived in the ski town of Fernie, British Columbia, last year

“For the warmest most luxurious and soft loveliness, I also have a pair of really nice merino wool ones from Icebreaker. They’re the best. I’ve even seen pure silk long johns. It’s a whole world.” —Miller

“The best full onesie comes from this year’s Winter Buyer’s Guide, and it’s the Patagonia Capilene Thermal Weight One-Piece Suit. It’s best used for blisteringly cold days. Polartec Powergrid is one of my favorite materials for its insulating and moisture-wicking power, plus it just feels great. And Polygiene treatment fights funk.”—Will Egensteiner, gear editor, Outside Magazine

“This is an easy one. I like Stio’s Basis Power Wool. Next to skin it features merino wool’s superior odor and moisture wicking, while the exterior of the garments is synthetic poly, which is more durable and breathable. You don’t get the pilling, running, or tearing of a wool base layer, and you don’t get the stinkiness of a pure poly/spandex base layer. I’ve been wearing them almost every day here in Jackson Hole skiing, fatbiking, and winter running, no problem.” —Frederick Reimars, freelance outdoor writer and former editor at Canoe and Kayak Magazine

“The Stios are already almost sold out for the season, but the North Face and Mountain Hardwear make long underwear with the same fabric, which is really the secret to why I like it.” —Reimars

“I play soccer, and for colder days compression tights are critical. I have a set of Nikes. It keeps my legs warm enough to score some goals. That said, I’m originally from Canada. It’s not cold enough here to do long underwear for my day to day!” —Mike Arnot, Canadian and menswear designer, Boarding Pass (formerly Owen & Fred)

“Long underwear made with merino, nature’s finest performance fabric, is the best because it stays dry to the touch as it pulls moisture away from you, leading to a way nicer body climate. I like the Patagonia, but those are nearly sold out, so I like the Icebreaker too.” —Abe Burmeister, founder, Outlier clothing

“I love the PACT Long Johns. They’re GOTS [Global Organic Textile Standard] certified organic cotton, Fair Trade certified, have a great fit and feel, and they’re only $30!” —Joshua Katcher, owner and menswear designer, The Brave Gentleman