10 Thermal Base Layers to Keep You Warm in Extreme Cold, Starting at $10

Recent snowstorms and freezing temperatures have made it clear that winter is far from over. So rather than hoping for warm, sunny days, it’s time to embrace reality: it’s cold out there!

As someone who’s perpetually cold—and who braved New England winters for seven years—my secret to keeping warm in the winter is a thermal base layer. 

The best thermal base layers provide extra warmth without the bulk.

Acting as an insulating layer, thermals should have a slim, body-hugging fit for maximum heat retention. Look for fabrics like merino wool, high-tech materials, fleece linings, even cashmere. These fabrics all help trap body heat to keep you toasty warm.

If you’re participating in a high intensity activity (think winter sports like skiing or snowboarding), you might also want to look for a base layer with moisture-wicking properties to quickly dry sweat.

The cold weather is no match for the best thermal base layers from Quince, Intimissimi, Amazon, Free People, Uniqlo, and more, starting at $10.