Base layer guide

Base layer, long underwear or long johns? No matter what you call the layer of clothing closest to your skin, it is a must when you work outside in a colder climate. A base layer can help keep you warm on freezing days, but even more importantly, it keeps you dry and comfortable by wicking away moisture from your body.

As with other types of workwear, there is no one-size-fits all when it comes to choosing a base layer. The best choice may vary depending on the temperature, the intensity of your activity and your unique personal preferences. You may even need a couple of different sets to fit in different situations. Warm, heavy base layers perform best when you work on sedentary tasks in cold temperatures, whereas more lightweight synthetic base layers are the go-to for intense physical activity and can be used year-round. Often, the product description will tell you which temperature range and/or type of activity is ideal for a certain base layer.

If you live and work in a colder climate, your long underwear probably gets a lot of use, so durability is an important factor to consider. In general, synthetic base layers are more durable than those made of natural materials, like wool, but sometimes synthetic and natural fibres are combined to get the best of both worlds. You can also extend the life of your wool underwear by washing it less often, using cool or warm water and air drying it instead of using the tumble dryer. While synthetics are tear-resistant, they tend to become smelly over time and may need replaced before they are worn out due to odour.

The times when work trousers all had the same fit and look are long gone and today you can express your personal style from 9 to 5. While many classic styles with regular fit remain popular, they have been joined by a new generation of trousers with a snugger, more contemporary design that often incorporates stretch materials. If having maximum comfort and freedom of movement during the workday is important to you, a model with full stretch or stretch panels is likely a good choice. It is well worth paying attention to the fit when purchasing work trousers, since a pair that fits well will make you more comfortable at work and more likely to keep the trousers until they are worn out.

Base layers come in a variety of natural materials like wool, bamboo and silk, as well as synthetic materials like polyester and nylon. All have some pros and cons to consider. Merino wool is one of the most popular materials, as it is naturally resistant to odour, regulates your body temperature and wicks away moisture. It is also one of the warmest materials. Polyester is known to transport moisture well and is extremely versatile, as it can be used to make anything from lightweight, sporty base layers to heavyweight thermal underwear. The one material you want to avoid wearing next to your skin in cold weather is pure cotton, since it becomes heavy and cold when wet and is extremely slow-drying.

Fristads’ long underwear is designed to layer with our workwear, with special attention to durability and comfort. We have several technically advanced base layers to ensure high performance in all work environments, including garments made of inherently flame-retardant materials.
​​​​​​​To see detailed descriptions of the features of our base layers side by side, we recommend that you use the comparison function in our web shop. Comparing our base layers is easy, just follow these steps:
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1. Go to our base layer page.
2. Check the little box in the top-left corner that says “Compare” on each of the base layers that you are interested in. You can choose to compare up to four products.
3. Click the big black button that says “Compare.”

Our highest quality and most technically advanced base layers excel in the coldest temperatures, keeping you toasty even during light to moderate physical activity. In addition to providing great moisture transportation and breathability, these base layers sport soft comfort and outstanding insulating power when you need it the most. Choose between naturally odour-repellent merino wool blend, a heavier insulating tricot in three layers, or our most premium base layer made of Polartec® micro fleece, which can be used in temperatures down to -30C.  

For everyday comfort in most conditions, look no further than our moisture-wicking and fast-drying synthetic underwear. These base layers can be used all year-round but perform best in temperatures down to -15C. Ranging from an affordable, lightweight polyester set to an advanced seamless base layer that is engineered to minimise the risk of chafing, these base layers are multifunctional and can be used in any number of working conditions