7 Best Long Underwear For Men

Rilor Staff
Update: November 10, 2021
Table of Contents

The best long underwear for men can provide optimal levels of comfort, insulation, and mobility while they are on the move. Designed to be rugged and cozy, the long underwear can be worn in different seasons. In cold weather, they are paired with insulating layers and shells. In fair conditions, they can serve as your primary clothing layer. 

Regardless of the season and activity, you need to ensure that the long underwear you have is never flimsy and shabby. As much as possible, they should provide sufficient ventilation and moisture-wicking properties so that you'll experience convenience while wearing them. 

If you aren't certain what to get, why not check the following top-rated long underwear for men? They won't disappoint you at all.

7 Best Long Underwear For Men

 WeightFabric 
Smartwool Merino 250 Base Layer Bottoms MidweightMerino wool
REI Co-op Midweight Base Layer Bottoms MidweightPolyester
Ortovox 185 Rock'n'Wool Long Pant MidweightMerino wool
Arc'teryx Rho AR Base Layer Bottoms MidweightPolyester/elastane 
Arc'teryx Rho LT Base Layer Bottoms LightweightPolyester/elastane
Icebreaker 200 Oasis Leggings MidweightMerino wool
Patagonia Capilene Midweight Base Layer Bottoms MidweightPolyester

1. Smartwool Merino 250 Base Layer Bottoms

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The fit and reliability of the Smartwool Merino 250 Base Layer Bottoms are among its notable qualities. It is tailored from the rugged merino wool, which makes it excellent wear for various outdoor activities all year long. The merino wool has interlock-knit construction that simply enhances its breathability and thermoregulation. You'll appreciate that it doesn't make you smelly at all. 

Meanwhile, it comes with an elastic waistband that has been covered by merino wool. It conforms to the structure of your waist, thanks to its traditional fly. In turn, it optimizes your mobility and convenience while on the trail. The Smartwool Merino 250 Base Layer Bottoms also features a flatlock seam architecture that mitigates chafing and rubbing. 

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

  • Material - Merino wool
  • Weight - Midweight
  • Moisture-wicking - Yes
  • Odor-resistant - Yes
  • Ideal use - Multisport

2. REI Co-op Midweight Base Layer Bottoms

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The REI Co-op Midweight Base Layer Bottoms is an exceptional base layer once your thermometer's mercury goes down already. It is designed to have a smooth surface so that you don't feel irritated while wearing it. It also features low-bulk seams so that you can easily stack them with other clothing and garments. Check on its back, and you'll see its brushed surface. Such a feature enables better warmth and comfort provision. 

This long underwear is using a polyester fabric, which, in turn, is capable of wicking off sweat and moisture. It can keep you dry and cozy while you are on the move. Meanwhile, its four-way stretch ensures that it will never inhibit your mobility and flexibility. Of course, it has a durability that lets it have an extensive lifespan. 

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

  • Material - Polyester
  • Weight - Midweight
  • Moisture-wicking - Yes
  • Odor-resistant - Yes
  • Ideal use - Multisport

3. Ortovox 185 Rock'n'Wool Long Pant 

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The Ortovox 185 Rock'n'Wool Long Pant has many stark features, making it a great deal for various outdoor activities. Commonly used for ski tours and alpine hikes, the Ortovox 185 Rock'n'Wool Long Pant offers versatility and convenience. It is constructed from merino wool, making it soft and flexible. It doesn't hinder your movements. Furthermore, it provides impeccable moisture-wicking properties. 

Overall, this pair of long pants feels comfortable to the skin. It can also adjust to various temperatures, thanks to its thermoregulating properties. And since the merino wool is derived from Tasmanian farms, you can expect its supple and itch-free quality. Unlike other long underwear, this one comes in various colors due to its multi-colored twirled yarn. Hence, it is a stylish option for any winter adventure!

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

  • Material - Merino wool
  • Weight - Midweight
  • Moisture-wicking - Yes
  • Odor-resistant - Yes
  • Ideal use - Multisport

4. Arc'teryx Rho AR Base Layer Bottoms 

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You can surpass the cold weather challenges, thanks to the quality and performance of the Arc'teryx Rho AR Base Layer Bottoms. It is an ideal insulated base layer for men due to its proprietary Polartec Power Stretch fabric. The latter is not just thermally efficient. It is also breathable and can wick off moisture without the need for a long drying time. Furthermore, it has an exceptional warmth-to-weight ratio. 

Its trimmed, next-to-body fit further optimizes the insulation that it provides. It also has elastane contents so that it doesn't get scratchy with your skin. Nonetheless, you can expect that its interior has a warm and plush texture. It doesn't get hot or irritating even during high-output activities. With its articulated patterns, its mobility is almost unrestricted!

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

  • Material - Polyester/elastane
  • Weight - Midweight
  • Moisture-wicking - Yes
  • Odor-resistant - Yes
  • Ideal use - Multisport

5. Arc'teryx Rho LT Base Layer Bottoms 

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I need to highlight the Arc'teryx Rho LT Base Layer Bottoms here, especially if you are looking for a lightweight base layer that provides thermal quality. You see, not all light base layers offer insulation. This one is among the exemptions. With its trim fit, you can guarantee that it can accommodate the architecture of your lower body. It also includes a re-worked side thigh pocket that can fit smartphones and small essentials. 

Its patented Torrent stretch fleece ensures that it can deliberately expel moisture. At the same time, it offers light warmth, which is ideal if you are trekking during early winter. Interestingly, it has a Polygiene treatment, which ensures that it will not get smelly. The presence of elastane on its construction adds more stretch to it. In this way, you have more freedom in your movements. Its flatlock construction guarantees next-to-skin comfort. 

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

  • Material - Polyester/elastane
  • Weight - Lightweight
  • Moisture-wicking - Yes
  • Odor-resistant - Yes
  • Ideal use - Multisport

6. Icebreaker 200 Oasis Leggings

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It's not a surprise that the Icebreaker 200 Oasis Leggings is one of the most-sought long underwear these days. It comes with a gusseted and slim-fit construction, enabling it to provide unrestricted mobility to its users. Moreover, its brushed elastic waistband guarantees a supple and comfortable contact to your skin. You'll also appreciate the fact that it has flatlock seams that eradicate chafing. 

Keep in mind that this long underwear is tailored from a merino wool jersey. Hence, it doesn't just insulate; it also ensures breathability and long-lasting odor resistance. Of course, the Icebreaker 200 Oasis Leggings are versatile, given that you can use them in various seasons. However, many outdoor enthusiasts use it on snowsports and summer hikes.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

  • Material - Merino wool
  • Weight - Midweight
  • Moisture-wicking - Yes
  • Odor-resistant - Yes
  • Ideal use - Snowsports

7. Patagonia Capilene Midweight Base Layer Bottoms

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Layering with the Patagonia Capilene is definitely bliss, especially if you are up to some chilly pursuits. It is a tremendous multisport long underwear due to its exceptional stretch and next-to-skin comfort. The Capilene Midweight fabric features a smooth face so that layering with other garments is not difficult. Moreover, it comes with an interior diamond grid pattern that provides softness and thermoregulation. Its gusseted crotch further optimizes the mobility that it provides. 

The Patagonia Capilene also has a hollow-core yarn construction. What it does is ensure that this base layer can wick moisture and sweat quickly without a long drying time. Meanwhile, it has an antimicrobial treatment, too, that eliminates odor-causing bacteria. In short, you will not get smelly while wearing this garment. 

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

  • Material - Polyester
  • Weight - Midweight
  • Moisture-wicking - Yes
  • Odor-resistant - Yes
  • Ideal use - Multisport

How To Choose The Best Long Underwear For Men

Long underwear is essentially a base layer. Hence, it goes directly against your skin. It is necessary that the long underwear should have a comfortable construction so that you will not feel any sort of inconvenience. 

Since it is a base layer, it serves as the first defense against the temperatures. If the weather is hot, the base layer should have moisture-wicking properties. If you are on a cold-weather adventure, you need long underwear to have insulating properties. 

But of course, there are other things that you need to consider when buying long underwear. Here are some of them. 

Weight Of The Long Underwear

As evident as it is, no long underwear has the same weight. After all, they have different construction, which, in turn, affects their performance in varying temperatures.

You can choose the ideal long underwear weight based on your preferences. However, always keep in mind that no matter what the weight of the long underwear is, it should be able to wick moisture, provide insulation, and give you a snug fit. 

  • Lightweight - A lightweight long underwear is the lightest possible classification for this garment. Because of its minimal weight, you can expect that its construction is thin. Hence, they are the most suitable option for warm-weather expeditions. They are also great for active and high-exertion pursuits. They are good at wicking moisture, but they don't work well for insulation. 
  • Midweight - If you have a midweight long underwear, you can expect the best of both worlds. They can wick off moisture and perspiration, and at the same time, function as insulators, too. Since they are versatile, they are extremely useful for different conditions and temperatures. Many skiers tend to wear midweight underwear.
  • Heavyweight - You only wear heavyweight long underwear if you want added insulation in your clothing layer. While it is true that they can wick off moisture, their main purpose is to enhance the thermal efficiency of your garments. Needless to say, they are most suitable for frigid conditions, such as winter and rainy reasons. 

Material 

Long underwear can be constructed from varying materials. But when choosing one, make sure that you avoid those that are made from cotton. Cotton absorbs water and doesn't wick it off. Hence, they don't have good insulation. At the same time, they can cause your body to feel extremely cold and chill, which can be exacerbated by the low temperatures. Moreover, cotton doesn't dry quickly. 

Here are the recommended materials for long underwear. 

  • Synthetic - Synthetic materials include spandex, nylon, polyester, and lycra. These materials are known for their durability and flexibility. At the same time, they possess decent water resistance. On their own, they aren't waterproof. 
  • Natural - There are long underwear that are made from natural fabrics such as Merino wool and silk. Merino wool, for instance, possesses exceptional insulation and moisture-wicking properties. But at the same time, they aren't as durable as synthetic materials. 

Other Considerations

There are other considerations when choosing long underwear. Among the most important ones is the nature of your activity and the external temperature, which would refer to the present weather conditions. 

  • Weather - This one is pretty obvious. You don't wear non-insulated, lightweight long underwear if you are going on a winter hike. Oppositely, you would just overheat if you do long-distance, extensive activities while wearing heavyweight long underwear. 
  • Nature of activity - If you are exploring cold terrains, it is essential that you pick a midweight or heavyweight long underwear. In this way, you can experience more warmth and thermoregulation. For high exertion activities, you might want to wear lightweight or midweight long underwear, depending on the weather. I recommend that you have different long underwear so that you can tackle different activities. 

In Summary

The best long underwear for men is crucial garments. Depending on the type of long underwear, you will be able to handle the harsh heat of the sun or the freezing temperatures of winter. There's no such thing as one-size-fits-all for long underwear. Hence, it is crucial that you pick based on your intended activities and preferences. 

And since you are here, why not take a look again at the top-rated long underwear that I have listed here?

That's it for now. If you have related inquiries, feel free to ask me in the comment section below.

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