Since I do spend some time outside in winter but hate to be cold I’ve long had a stash of thermal underwear and warm woolly socks in my clothing collection. Due to economic hardship over the past few years I haven’t bought anything new and gosh darn is, some of the clothes are really showing it. My long underwear has become religious, that is, holy, as in full of holes. I need new long johns.
Now, I’m not climbing mountains here, or camping in snow. I don’t need very top of the line stuff, just something that provides a little extra warmth/protection for a Midwestern winter.
Who is selling that stuff, what’s out there, how much, and is it better to do this in brick and mortar stores or on line these days?
I would go with the silk type of long underwear. Comfortable, easy to layer, not bulky. I don’t have a particular brand just look up “silk long underwear.” The underarmor stuff I find too constricting most of the time.
I have two pairs of silk-like bottoms I bought at Walmart a few years ago. Memory tells me it wasn’t much more expensive than the regular run-of-the-mill thermal bottoms – maybe $2 more at the very most? Their inability to create bulk is a godsend. They’re also just as warm as regular thermals.
I have maybe three silky tops (two sleeveness t-shirt types and one long-sleeve) with the “Cuddleduds” label. They’re all a few years old. I want to say I got them on sale on what is now Macy’s in my area, but it also could have been Sears. Memory tells me they weren’t much more expensive than Walmart, but don’t take that as gospel.
Just yesterday I ordered some Buck Naked Long Johns (with shirt) from Duluth Trading. I’ve loved their shirts and pants, so this is a safe bet, but I’ll report back when they arrive.
I say TJ Maxx/Marshalls should provide you with a good selection of good quality at an affordable price point. It’s a highly personal thing, so I say brick and mortar, though I’m naturally partial to online shopping.
This. I get nice, thin but toasty, long johns at the TJ Maxx on 41 in Highland every year for Christmas. Good prices, like $9-14 for high end “Polar” type brands.
I got a pair from Gander Mountain. Two layers - polypropelene inner layer, and a wool blend outer layer. Can’t find the exact kind online, will check at home to get the brand.
You’re right, great deals - unfortunately my neighbors got to them first! When I stopped by during my grocery run they had none left anywhere near my size.
Yep, beyond repair. I’ve been sewing 'em up for about three years now, there’s just not enough structure left.
Merino wool - seriously. I have seen it for sale at Costco for 24.99/piece or you can go high end with Helly Hansen, but I will tell you most of the soldiers I know that go on the Advanced Arctic Ops course swear by Merino Wool.
That’s my preference for both base layers and sweaters, provided that I can change into something dry after use, rather than sit around in damp clothes.
I forgot to bring shoes to my office after skiing this morning, so instead I’m wearing a pair of very thick merino wool socks – pure luxury.