The best thermals to shop on the high street this winter

Next and John Lewis

There’s no time for messing around this winter, it’s set to be freezing so you’ll want some cosy thermals in your arsenal to turn to every day

Krissy Turner

27 October 2022

The current aim in my house is to get by for as long as possible without switching the heating on, which means two things: 1) the kettle is constantly on so sort of defeats the whole purpose, and 2) that thermals are a staple in my every day wardrobe already, especially when I’m working from home.

OK, they’re not at all glamorous, but there are a few styles that offer both style and function – I’ve even found some that I don’t mind having on show in my autumn outfits, such is their sleek minimal look. So, whether you’re already feeling the chill, or wisely planning ahead before all the good ones in your size inevitably fly off the shelves this winter, here’s where to start for properly stylish thermals that’ll keep you warm over the next few months…

Where do I buy nice thermals on the high street?

Uniqlo

Uniqlo and minimal basics go hand in hand. Its T-shirts are some of the best on the high street (the Uniqlo U crew neck is my favourite), and your winter wardrobe isn’t complete without one or two of its ribbed roll neck knits. It’s no surprise then that its thermal selection is worth raving about.

If you invest in anything this winter, make it HeatTech. Uniqlo’s super-soft tops have genius bio-warming and insulating tech built in, which means it’ll keep you properly warm come cold weather.

I have the scoop neck long sleeve top and I’ve been wearing it for now with just a blazer on top: it looks like a normal cotton T-shirt but is infinitely warmer.

M&S

Think thermals and I can bet a ribbed or pointelle ivory number with dodgy lace trim springs to mind. I understand why, but I can promise there are chicer styles out there that’ll seamlessly blend into your capsule wardrobe, like these M&S options would.

The brand’s Heatgen range has a brushed lining making everything super cosy and soft. I wear this vest under cotton dresses and I have two pairs of these leggings on rotation each winter for when I’m working from home. Given they’re so warm, they’re surprisingly lightweight, and they wash really well, too.

John Lewis

John Lewis’ heat generating thermals line is as clean cut as thermal silhouettes come – just throw an oversized blazer and mini Ugg boots on with these leggings and the long sleeve top, and you have an easy casual autumn look for running errands.

If you’re keen, I’d recommend investing in a black set: black thermals that offer full opaque coverage are rather rare on the high street so grab these while you can.

Those who love a shirt should seek out the thermal cami vest: it’ll offers discreet warmth which means you can get away with wearing your blouses and shirts all winter.

If you’re on a budget or know you’ll turn to thermals every day, Next should be first on your shopping hit list. Most of the brand’s thermal range is available in packs of two – ideal if you don’t want to be panic-washing your long sleeve top the night before snow is forecast, so having two in rotation is a wise idea.

This thicker-strapped vest top is also perfect for those with a bigger bust and likely sporting wider bra straps, as it offers better coverage and less digging than a camisole version.