{"id":4996,"date":"2021-01-30T17:36:05","date_gmt":"2021-01-30T23:36:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/decideoutside.com\/?p=4996"},"modified":"2022-02-08T18:37:00","modified_gmt":"2022-02-09T00:37:00","slug":"do-you-wear-undies-under-thermals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/decideoutside.com\/do-you-wear-undies-under-thermals\/","title":{"rendered":"Do You Wear Undies Under Thermals? (Long Johns, Flannels, Thermal Underwear)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When trying to figure out what to wear while adventuring in the cold, experts always say to dress in layers.\u00a0Thermals (also known as long johns) should be worn under regular clothes but are they the bottom layer or does something need to be worn under those too?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Wearing underwear underneath your thermals is socially acceptable, safe, will not disrupt the thermal properties of the garment and also has some advantages including lengthening the time in which you can wear the thermal without washing the garment.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dressing for cold winter temperatures can be confusing, especially for those of us from warmer climates. Dressing in layers can help keep us warm and also prevent horrible things like hypothermia and frostbite, but it can also be overwhelming if you are not sure what<\/em> to layer. Let’s dive in and try and alleviate these concerns:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do You Wear Underwear Underneath Thermals?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Wearing underwear under your thermals is socially acceptable, normal, and safe<\/strong> to do while out in cold weather.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thermals are designed to act as a barrier between the cold air and your body while helping your body retain heat. Wearing underwear will not reduce the ability of your thermals to insulate you or disrupt the barrier between the base layer and your skin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, wearing underwear can also provide comfort and support in the areas you need it most. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So knowing that wearing thermals doesn’t hurt<\/strong> is one thing, but there are actually advantages to wearing underwear underneath your thermals:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Underwear Helps Thermals Go Longer Without Washing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Many people do not wash their thermals after each wear, so having a barrier between them and your skin is also important for hygiene reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are going on a long trip and only have one pair of thermals<\/strong>–wearing undies can allow you to go multiple days before washing your thermals which is great if you are in an area without access to a washing machine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When I’m backpacking, I only take one set of thermal underwear and I have to make them last for several days. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The underwear I wear, on the other hand, is much more lightweight and easy to swap out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s very important to keep your underwear areas clean. You can get away with not changing your clothes for a while, but make sure to wipe clean with a camp towel or with whatever you have.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Allows For Wearing Thermals As Outer Layer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Dressing in layers is a practical approach for cold weather outdoor activities.<\/strong> If it’s too warm, you can always peel off layers until you hit the sweet spot where you’re not sweating too much. If it’s too cold you can add back those layers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are wearing your underwear underneath your thermals, and you are too warm, you could strip down to your thermals if you really wanted to. Since thermals are form fitting and leave little to the imagination, wearing undies would probably be appreciated by your hiking mates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tips For Selecting Thermals<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Thermals are available in many different fabrics and come in different weights which are suitable for different outdoor temperatures. They are available as \u201clong johns\u201d which is a one-piece suit or they can be worn separately like a shirt and pants.  There is not really any functional reason for choosing one over the other, it is just a matter of preference. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is important to find a material and thickness appropriate to your weather conditions, so you do not get too hot or too cold while outside. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Being too hot is a thing? Well, if you’re sweating a ton then that actually can be just as dangerous as not having enough insulation. If you’re sweating a lot you’re losing more water and you’ll be tempted to take off layers when you might not want to. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Striking the balance of layering where your inner layers aren’t too hot and you can take off your outer layers is the key, here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, finding thermals that are comfortable, stretchable and able to manage moisture is extremely important to ensuring you enjoy your outdoor adventure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thermals should be tight fitting and close to the skin<\/strong>–but regular underwear can still be worn underneath. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Being comfortable in the brisk outside air is so important if you want to enjoy your outing to the fullest while staying healthy. If you are planning to be out in extremely cold conditions, synthetic fabrics are good choices:<\/p>\n\n\n\n