Is there a type of thermal (or similar) underwear out there that will keep me warm when it's cold, but also cool when it's hot?

May 17, 2008 8:02 PM

Is there a type of thermal (or similar) underwear out there that will keep me warm when it's cold, but also cool when it's hot?

I have a dilemma... I'm a cold frog *ribbit* working in a cold air-conditioned office (18 degress celcius), and yet the normal temperature outside the office is usually 26 degrees celcius or more. I've tried to get the office temperature increased, or my air-vents blocked off, but have been told neither is possible. Being a style-conscious girl I hate having done my hair and makeup in the morning only to mess it all up when I get to my ice-box office by having to put on a warm turtleneck, and then having to reverse the process when I go outside for lunch.

Ideally I'd like some kind of thermal (or similar) undergarments that will take me comfortably from 18 degrees C in the office through to sunny 27 degrees C outside in the same day.

Does such a thing exist?? I'd welcome any and all suggestions you might have for brands / materials, or ideas for ways I can better wear layers. A huge thank you in advance for any help you can give this froggy fashion-lover :)

posted by katala to clothing, beauty, & fashion (18 comments total)

There is a woman in our office who has a small fan heater tucked under her desk as she's situated right next to an air-conditioning duct. Not quite underwear though...
posted by mattoxic at 8:11 PM on May 17, 2008

Firstly, [more inside] is your friend. Secondly, Patagonia capilene is your answer. Also, the stuff lasts forever. I've had a few Patagonia garments for 10+ years that look new.
posted by desjardins at 8:12 PM on May 17, 2008

I'm not sure about the underwear, but a cardigan + warm blazer kept at work prevent the issues caused by the turtleneck.
posted by fermezporte at 8:13 PM on May 17, 2008 [1 favorite]

specifically, something like this, worn under a buttondown or cardigan sweater (assuming your office is business casual or casual). Take off sweater outside - no messing up hair or makeup.
posted by desjardins at 8:16 PM on May 17, 2008

There are microfiber fabrics these days that have the functionality you are seeking. Under Armour brand in particular has a wide assortment of apparel for all seasons. Specifically, what you may want to look for now to solve the air conditioning dilemma is long sleeve "heat gear."
posted by netbros at 8:19 PM on May 17, 2008

Wintersilks might have what you want.
posted by brujita at 8:46 PM on May 17, 2008

A lot of hikers/campers I know swear by SmartWool.
posted by pedmands at 9:22 PM on May 17, 2008

Why not just wear something warm that buttons or has an open front (like a blazer)? That seems more practical than stocking up on "active wear" to wear every day at work.
posted by Solon and Thanks at 9:34 PM on May 17, 2008 [1 favorite]

While I find that wool long underwear tends to only work to make me feel warmer, if find that looser fitting wool clothing can be comfortable in both relatively cold and relatively warm conditions.
posted by ssg at 9:36 PM on May 17, 2008

I have the exact same problem. My office averages 65-68F year round, accompanied by intermittent blasts of cold air (brrr!). Here in Houston, where 100F and 90+% humidity summer days are not uncommon, going to work during the summer means stepping out of sticky heat into a freezing cold office.

Have you thought about silk thermal underwear? [on preview, looks like others have too :)] Silk does a good job of keeping you warm, but is thin and light enough to keep you from overheating (also wicks away moisture/sweat). I've worn silk longsleeves under blouses or light sweaters to work during Houston Falls and "Winters." They're thin and light, yet effective, and won't add any visible bulkiness to your clothes. Sierra Trading Post sells tops and bottoms at reasonable prices. You can also find them at outdoor/sporting stores like REI, Sun & Ski Sports, etc. Get the thinnest, lightest ones you can find.

During the rest of the year, I combat the temps with layers, keeping a few extra shawls or sweaters at the office and drinking hot green tea. :) A coworker even keeps a fleece throw under her desk to keep her legs warm.

Hope this helps!
posted by yeoja at 9:39 PM on May 17, 2008

I live in San Francisco, a city of microclimates in a region of microclimates. I work 30 miles south of the city, and unless SF is having a heatwave (like this week), I can leave my office where it's 100 degrees F outside and half an hour later be home, where it's 60dF.

It's all about the layers. Even in the city, it can be 10d warmer in my neighborhood than it is five miles away.

Cardigan-style sweaters and fleeces are your friend; keep one in your office so you don't have to cart it back and forth. You should also acquaint yourself with shirts like this, which are thin enough to be worn as a first, against-the-skin layer, and won't bulk you up too much. Versions of this shirt also come in all-poly varieties, and let me tell you, today's polyester is not the polyester of the 1970s. I've worn them as a solo layer when hiking in hot (90d+) areas, and they keep you cool as a cucumber. I've also worn them as the first of 2-4 layers in cold (20dF) places, and they're equally efficient: they trap a layer of air against your skin, but wick away any sweatiness, which can lead to clammy or cold sensations.

Don't be put off by the price, or the style. I'm female, but tend to wear men's stuff - there are similar things available for women who wear things from the women's section (but I don't have firsthand experience, and so can't recommend exact brands or styles). Check rei's outlet section regularly. Over the years, I've built up a decent collection of these things in various styles, and rarely paid more than US$20 for each.
posted by rtha at 11:01 PM on May 17, 2008

Silk. It is the ultimate all temperature skin layer. It provides warmth in cool temps, moisture management in hot temps, it breathes very well,.....

UnderArmor makes some great stuff, but most of it is best for cold. Anything that will aid in heat has to be extremely thin.
posted by caddis at 11:05 PM on May 17, 2008

It's been mentioned above, but my brother absolutely swears by Under Armor.
posted by phunniemee at 11:40 PM on May 17, 2008

Your body produces heat, and most anything that helps you stay warm can't cool you (unlike your house, where insulation keeps the warm in in the winter and out in the summer). I keep a cardigan - either wool or fleece - in the office year-round. Also consider keeping warm shoes in the office and sandals for outdoors.

Talk to the building manager about the excess cold in the summer; it's expensive and bad for the environment. Get a thermometer so you can make your case with hard facts.
posted by theora55 at 6:40 AM on May 18, 2008

I'm a huge fan of the IceBreaker wool products - they have a lot of stuff which breathes well, doesn't smell even if you wear it for days backpacking and looks good. The lighter weight stuff stayed in our wardrobe except for the warmest part of the San Diego summer.
posted by adamsc at 8:10 AM on May 18, 2008

Regular clothing in silk and wool is great for this. I really prefer wool over any synthetic, which always make me feel overheated and sticky. I used to work outside, taking public transit in the early morning cold, only to find myself in the sun on a hot, dry south-facing slope in the afternoon. It was important to be able to peel off layers. The lousy thing about long underwear is that you can never take it off. Try silk scarves, wool socks (light knee socks are great), silk camisoles, nice wool and angora cardigans.
posted by oneirodynia at 10:32 AM on May 18, 2008

I'll second adamsc's recomendation of Icebreaker. I work at an outdoor gear shop that sells all sorts of long underwear base layer stuff. In addition to Icebreaker, we stock Patagonia's Capilene, Smartwool long underwear, as well as North Face stuff. If a customer can afford it, we always recommend they go with the Icebreaker, for the reasons adamsc mentioned. Breathes really well when its warmer out, keeps you warm when its cool, won't stink etc. Its great stuff. Hope it works out for you.
posted by andythebean at 4:42 PM on May 18, 2008

Thank you all for so many fantastic suggestions :)!!
posted by katala at 5:13 AM on May 24, 2008