ElytStyle
ElytStyleWhy you can trust us
We independently evaluate the products we review. When you buy via links on our site, we may receive compensation.

Stop shivering! These 'secret' thermals offer warmth, not bulk — save up to 45%

Saundra Latham
Saundra Latham
"Layering up" takes on a new meaning with these ultrathin base layers that can go incognito under your clothing. (Amazon)(Amazon)

"Layering up" takes on a new meaning with these ultrathin base layers that can go incognito under your clothing. (Amazon)(Amazon)

Old Man Winter hasn't discriminated lately, bringing bone-chilling temperatures and thick layers of snow to much of the country. It's the kind of weather that has us reaching for our heaviest sweaters and warmest, thickest coats, only to end up lumbering around looking like the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man.

Call us crazy, but sometimes it's nice to stay warm without that kind of bulk (or with less bulk, at least). That's where thermal underwear comes in. And if you're picturing the itchy long johns of your childhood, allow us to interject: Today's thermal undies are sleek, warm, and most importantly, thin. Many sets are practically undetectable under clothing, even when you aren't bundled up for winter's worst. Below, you'll find some of Amazon's best "secret" thermals, from fleece-lined crowd-pleasers and sporty base layers to splurgier pairs made from silk and merino wool. Better yet, all are on sale — save up to 45%.

These No. 1 bestsellers have almost 35,000 five-star fans on Amazon, so they must be doing something right. They're made from a stretchy polyester-spandex blend that's lined with cozy fleece and come in sizes XXS-3XL. Choose from 14 colors and three necklines — classic crewneck, scoop neck or V-neck.

"If you want something lightweight and thin that you can wear under your clothes no matter if you're going outside, or if you're working in an office and you're just cold-blooded, these are thin enough," said this shopper. "You can wear under anything and not feel too bulky at all, but the fabric is warm and retains body heat."

$29 at Amazon

Looking for something a little sportier? This fleece-lined, moisture-wicking set of long johns is adventure-ready, with hidden pockets in the pants and flatlock seams that won't irritate your skin. It also comes in gray.

"They are nice and stretchy; the outer material helps the clothes you're putting on over them glide across and not get bunched up, and they aren't a super-thick material to where you feel like you can't move," a fan wrote. "I bought these for wearing under my motorcycle riding gear for those chillier mornings, and they have been wonderful! I'm no longer freezing halfway through my commute to work."

$16 at Amazon

Crz Yoga makes some of our favorite comfy clothes on Amazon, so we'd expect the same quality from the brand's thermal underwear. The anti-static, anti-pilling fabric blend includes super-soft viscose. Choose from 12 solid colors in sizes XXS to XL.

"Great quality comparable to Helley Hansen and so soft. They feel slinky and thin but really keep you warm," this happy buyer said. "Also the cut is really cute."

$20 at Amazon

Want a base layer that'll move with you? Whether you're heading for the ski slopes or out to shovel the driveway, this seamless, quick-drying set offers light compression similar to your favorite workout wear. Choose from eight colors.

"It feels like a second skin; I even forgot I was wearing it," said a buyer. "I used it to go hunting, temperature was about 10° with the windchill, and it kept me warm and comfortable all the time. I didn't get super-warm or sweaty."

$28 at Amazon

If you're over polyester blends, behold these 100% mulberry silk beauties. They're ideal for sensitive skin — no itching or irritation — and the breathable knit is surprisingly warm when layered under clothing, fans report. These can even double as luxurious cooling PJs in warmer weather.

"These fit well and are so lightweight that it is easy to wear them under regular clothing," a buyer said. "They are about as thick as a layer of tights, but so warm. ... They don't get too warm when I'm indoors, but are very warm under clothes when I'm outdoors. They wash up easily in a lingerie bag in the washer. ... They will last for years if you take care of them."

$60 at Amazon

If you want serious warmth without the bulk, merino wool checks all the boxes: It's soft, moisture-wicking, odor-resistant, breathable and ultra-durable. Choose from three thicknesses — this set is a versatile midweight — and sizes XS to XXL. 

"I took two sets of merino wool base layers on our trip to Iceland in November. ... Unfortunately, we didn't luck out with the weather; it was cold and rainy, with strong gusts of wind. I also packed several Omni-Heat thermals, but those made from synthetic materials were useless in Iceland's wet and cold conditions. The merino sets, however, kept me warm even when I was soaked. I wore both sets every day, and there was no odor. I'm very impressed and will definitely buy more."

$95 at Amazon

If you have Amazon Prime, you'll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.)

The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.

Recommended articles

The best zipperless luggage, according to travel experts

The best zipperless luggage, according to travel experts

Clothing
Nordstrom Rack's 4th of July sale is among the best we've seen — save up to 70%

Nordstrom Rack's 4th of July sale is among the best we've seen — save up to 70%

Clothing
The best deals under $25 at JCPenney's massive 4th of July sale

The best deals under $25 at JCPenney's massive 4th of July sale

Clothing
This bestselling lounge set, down to $25, stays 'wrinkle free' on long travel days

This bestselling lounge set, down to $25, stays 'wrinkle free' on long travel days

Clothing
I found the best Lululemon Labor Day steals — snag them while they're still in stock

I found the best Lululemon Labor Day steals — snag them while they're still in stock

Clothing
Amazon's bestselling sweater 'hugs in all the right places' — grab it for just $20 (nearly 50% off)

Amazon's bestselling sweater 'hugs in all the right places' — grab it for just $20 (nearly 50% off)

Clothing
The 12 best linen pants, according to fashion experts

The 12 best linen pants, according to fashion experts

Clothing
The best fall finds from Amazon's secret style sale: Coach, Cole Haan and more

The best fall finds from Amazon's secret style sale: Coach, Cole Haan and more

Clothing
We found the best Lululemon look-alike styles — all under $40

We found the best Lululemon look-alike styles — all under $40

Clothing
'No more messy bag!' This clever, bestselling purse organizer just dropped to $10

'No more messy bag!' This clever, bestselling purse organizer just dropped to $10

Clothing
This bestselling romper is a figure-flattering staple and it's down to just $35

This bestselling romper is a figure-flattering staple and it's down to just $35

Clothing
'Hides any mid-area flaws': Amazon's best-selling casual tee is on sale for $17!

'Hides any mid-area flaws': Amazon's best-selling casual tee is on sale for $17!

Clothing
The 40+ best Walmart deals this week — save on Xbox, Dyson, Barbie and more

The 40+ best Walmart deals this week — save on Xbox, Dyson, Barbie and more

Clothing
The 25 best Walmart deals to shop this week — save up to 80% on TVs, tools, home goods and more

The 25 best Walmart deals to shop this week — save up to 80% on TVs, tools, home goods and more

Clothing
The best Amazon deals to shop this week: Save up to 75% on spring fashion, home goods, tech and more

The best Amazon deals to shop this week: Save up to 75% on spring fashion, home goods, tech and more

Clothing
Cozy up to the North Face's Presidents' Day sale — up to 50% off bestselling styles

Cozy up to the North Face's Presidents' Day sale — up to 50% off bestselling styles

Clothing
Get beach-ready: Amazon's No. 1 bestselling swim trunks are down to $16

Get beach-ready: Amazon's No. 1 bestselling swim trunks are down to $16

Clothing
The 40+ best Walmart deals this weekend — save on Xbox, Dyson, Barbie and more

The 40+ best Walmart deals this weekend — save on Xbox, Dyson, Barbie and more

Clothing
Memorial Day extended clothing sales 2023: The 30+ best deals still going, from Athleta to Zappos

Memorial Day extended clothing sales 2023: The 30+ best deals still going, from Athleta to Zappos

Clothing
The 16 best Lululemon deals still kicking for Memorial Day, starting at $9

The 16 best Lululemon deals still kicking for Memorial Day, starting at $9

Clothing
Article does not exist