We’ve tried and tested 5 of the best thermals: the kit you can buy that will keep you warm
THERMAL clothing – what was once boring long johns and off-white vests – was something worn but rarely seen.
But we’re in the middle of a thermal revolution, where sloppy undergarments are getting a total overhaul.
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Here we opt for thermal lumps that look really cool, while model Didi Danso decides whether they are hot or not.
Plus, our thermal camera shows which items will keep you warmest – with the deeper purple tones showing the highest heat retention, and the lightest yellow and white heat loss.
DAMART
Dear specialist
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EVERYTHING Didi wears comes from Damart’s thermal section, which has a tab on its website.
The products are called Thermolactyl and are classified from soft to intensely warm, so you can decide how nice and warm you want to be.
The thermal camera image shows that a lot of heat is coming from Didi’s body thanks to the thermals, but especially in the purple area the heat is retained the most.
Didi says: “The thermal jacket feels very warm, even though the material is quite thin, and the clothes even warm up after a few minutes of wear, which is unusual but feels good. My whole body felt warm, but they prioritized functionality over style.”
Jacket, £129; long sleeve top, £32; leggings, £22; socks, £9, pack of 2; shoes, €79
MADAM
Best variety
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M&S offers a range of thermals, with almost 200 options for women on its website.
Here Didi is wearing a top and tights and from the thermal image you can see that these do retain some heat.
However, the hue is closer to yellow than orange on the shins.
This look proves that you can pair thermals with skirts or dresses for an everyday look.
Didi says: “The tights and top are warm – you can definitely tell these are the thermal pieces in this look and the fabric feels warm and cozy.
“The jacket is not specifically thermal, but it is made of feather down and is one of the warmest. The pockets in the jacket are fleece lined, which makes a difference.”
Jacket, £79; top, £20; skirt, £29.50; tights, £10; boots, €65
PRIMARK
Best value
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YES, Primark sells thermals. They consist mainly of base layers – the jacket and scarf are from the budget brand’s regular range.
But if you’re looking for thermals under £10 then there are some great options and our image shows that they retain warmth, with the yellow darker on the legs and an orange color on the chest where her coat opens.
Didi says: “This is quite nice. I didn’t think it would be like Primark, but they didn’t skimp on the design because I feel warm on my body.
“The top is also not completely plain, with nice details for an extra touch.
“Although these are very basic thermals, they do the job.”
Jacket, £38; scarf, £5; top, £7; leggings, £5.50; boots, £22; bag, € 14,-
NEXT
Best fashion
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THERMOGEN is Next’s thermal clothing brand and there is a range of burgundy garments that are right on trend.
Didi wears a top and tights – with a skirt, boots and jacket from Next’s regular range.
The long sleeve body has a v-neckline with lace details that look good to wear.
Although Didi’s torso is more yellow than orange in the camera image, this shows that he is retaining some heat, but overall the outfit was not good at keeping out the cold.
Didi says: “I don’t find this very warm compared to others. But I like the color of the top. This feels more stylish than others.”
Jacket, £74; long-sleeved bodysuit, £24; skirt, £35; tights, £12.50; boots, €48
UNIQLO
Best heat retention
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UNIQLO’s Heattech range is one of the largest and most successful thermal offerings on the high street.
In addition to basic thermals, it also offers gloves, scarves and jackets.
Everything Didi wears here is from the regular Heattech range, except for the shoes and jacket.
The thermal camera image shows that her legs are warmer than any other brand.
Uniqlo also has a UItra Warm range for subzero temperatures.
Didi says: “These joggers have a fleece lining and keep my legs warmer than the tights or leggings from other brands. The gloves are wonderful: as soon as you put your hands in them, they are warm and cozy. The best part? These are fashionable – while some brands compromise on style, this one doesn’t.”
Jacket, £59.50; scarf, £19.90; hat, £14.90; top, £19.90; joggers, £24.90; socks, £7.90; gloves, £19.90
