Best base layers / thermals

[Mumsnut]

Could anyone point me to some good ones? I have promised my SIL a set for Xmas, but we neither of us have the first clue …

please give me your recommendations at all budgets (I can always rope in my sisters to bump £££ up a bit )

hello hansen are good. Basically anything merino based.

Anything merino definitely. Icebreaker are the best but I also have some good ones from Aldi, a lot less expensive !

Agree with anything merino. I got mine from Amazon. The lowest temperature I've done in them was -20 in Iceland and they did me a treat.

Helly Hansen are the best.
As the OP asked for all price ranges, Aldi also have some excellent thermals in their winter assortment that don't cost the earth. Decathlon are also good at the more affordable end of the scale.

Icebreaker all the way! I especially love the merino boy shorts and wear them as my knickers even when I'm not skiing sometimes 😆
Not super expensive, have a trawl through t'internet including Amazon and you find some bargains

Love Odlo.

Nothing comes close to Icebreaker

Hi @Mumsnut Thanks for posting. Take a look at our article on the best thermal underwear for women. There are lots of baselayers and thermals on there that have been recommended by Mumsnet users and which have great consumer reviews. Do let us know if you find it useful.

I'm quite tempted by the merino wool tops at Cos - they're a good price and the crew neck style have thumb holes in the sleeves www.cos.com/en_gbp/women/womenswear/tops/product.crew-neck-merino-wool-top-blue.0989043016.html . They have a turtleneck style as well in a variety of colours (no thumb hole though).

Finisterre - my zephyr merino range are 10+ years old and are well used every winter. They wash well, warm and no holes. They used to do merino thermal baggy joggers which area great but I don’t see them anymore

My only comment to the Mumsnet reviews is that not all of the products featured are best suited to skiing.

For comfortable skiing/outdoor activity thermals, look at the brands or ranges that are designed specifically for this - Helly Hansen, Icebreaker, Aldi's ski wear, etc.

I really like the M&S ones

All depends on budget and preference... I like a technical base layer too and have some simple icebreaker / Falke tops. But also love sweaty Betty sets for a bit of style on a sunny terrace or curling up on the sofa after a day of skiing.

Many thanks, Louise Mumsnet and everyone else. My quest is ongoing!

I also agree Icebreaker Merino. I have the leggings, thermal long sleeved top & long sleeved zip neck funnel top. All super.

Have a look at Snow & Rock.

Just jumping in to say, yep merino best for coldest conditions, esp Icebreaker and Odlo. But temperatures vary so much (we've skied from minus 28 celsius to 16 above zero celsius). If it's not much above zero it can be quite warm in the sun, still very chilly in shade. In the sort of temperature I often wear uniqlo heattech - and I really feel the cold. (I even have heated ski boot in soles).

So, I think it depends on time of year and resort, which will dictate how cold it will be.
Also, some Sweaty Betty base layers look lovely, although I have no idea how good they are.

Jumping in this thread because I need good base layers too but I can't wear merino. Even the expensive stuff from ice breaker I find itchy - I'm just very sensitive to wool.

I'll look at the mumsnet article but would value a recommendation. I don't need anything too hot as I don't get that cold but something decent

Pretty spendy but I love snowfinel.co.uk/ they are so comfy and look really good too.

For non-merino, oosc-clothing.com/collections/womens-thermals are great - not exactly subtle but I love how bright they are. Very long in the body which I think is perfect for not getting a cold back on a chairlift.

I love the Sweaty Betty ones, also those Maeser tops with the zip! Vintage 80s, I've been skiing in them since I was 5 years old!

For those unable to wear wool, try silk.