Thermal base layers?

[Pinkballetfrog]

I am looking for a thermal base layer top.

Everywhere that I look online, it's all polyester and arcylic fibres.

I hate these in clothes. I lover natural fibres.

I checked for wool base layers/Merino but the prices are too expensive. Some of them even nearing 80 pounds and it's too much.

Would a long sleeved cotton t-shirt under my clothes work as a thermal base layer?

I will be going to Poland next week and it will be cold.

In general I also prefer natural fibres and wool in particular in winter, but I do make an exception for the Uniqlo heattech range. Cotton does not have the same properties and just doesn’t really work as a thermal layer.

I'm wearing M & S Heatgen fleece base layers as ordinary clothing, the leggings are really thick, no chance of seeing through if squatting or bending, the long sleeved matching top is long enough to come down to below hips. I wear both with thermal socks & either a jumper or hoodie on top, I have Raynauds & badly feel the cold, but am warm & toastie when wearing them.

Cotton is the worst possible base layer. If it gets wet with perspiration it will stay wet and make the wearer cold. It may also cause chafing.

If you can’t afford / find merino or silk you need to use polyester or other fabric which will wick away sweat.

Howies have a kit of merino base layers in their sale.