Cotton rich, quality thermal undies?

[wanderingriver]

Can anyone recommend thermal long sleeve tops and leggings in styles for both sexes (adults)
We have tried everything from Aldi, M&S, Damart and Mountain Warehouse - but they are all polyester rich and itch/irritate/sweat.
I don't mind paying a premium.
I have seen merino wool promoted as a skin friendly option but have never worn merino directly to skin - I'm interested to know how skin friendly and non-sweaty they are. "Wool" makes me itch even looking at the word - but is merino special?
They are to be worn for keeping warm - so no need for sexy styles and all that and we don't worry about colours - any colour will do.

Another option to consider would be silk if you want a natural material. Most thermals aren't cotton rich but the M&S kids ones seem to be 50% cotton.

I'm not sure that cotton rich is a good option for thermal layers. When we went travelling in winter in Scandinavia, the advice was specifically not to wear anything cotton as it gets damp and isn't that effective for thermal layers.

Merino is smooth and silky, doesn't feel woolly at all. Or you could try silk.

Try Hanro, lots of cotton, silk and Merino options. Not cheap. Last for years. I buy the Cotton Seamless. Check the size guides.

Patra do silk thermals, again not cheap. I bought some this year and thought they were very thin and would need careful handling.

Lands End have silk thermals.

I find Merino thermals too itchy.

We wear these in winter in the UK btwv

https://www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/products/E469765-000/00

Cotton doesn’t wick moisture away from the skin like wool or silk or the synthetics used in thermals, so it isn’t as effective at keeping you warm.

As PPs have said, cotton is a poor choice for thermal baselayers.

Merino is the way to go - forget your preconceptions of wool, merino baselayers are buttery soft and so comfortable. Expensive though...

I've got M&S thermals, the traditional ones with the holes (pontinelle maybe) and they are excellent. No sweating. Or itching. And very warm.