The best thermals to keep you warm and cosy

This thermal base layer long-sleeved top is a staple item to keep in your drawer if you love regular winter walks or are heading somewhere cold. We love that this top is made from 100% recycled polyester and the HeiQ® Pure odor control technology works to keep things fresh if you begin to get sweaty while wicking away moisture quickly.

One reviewer said: “My favourite base layer for the winter months. Perfect to wear by itself during the fall too. The thumb loops are so clutch! I love that feature for this garment. Thank you, Patagonia for making a product geared for colder months. I love the Capilene collection!”

We love how many pockets and compartments you get in these leggings, making them ideal if you don’t want to be stuck with a bag on your walk. They’re also great for sun protection thanks to the SolarShield fabric technology which has been tried and tested to give you UPF40+ protection from harmful UV rays. These leggings are also a brilliant choice for those looking for a sustainable option, with approximately 12 bottles being recycled to make them.

Yours Deputy Editor, Stephanie Spencer recently purchased these: "I was on the lookout for a thermal pair of leggings that I could wear while walking but also double up as a base layer. At first I was worried they were too thin, but the thermal technology keeps me warm even on frosty starts - plus they have two pockets, one with a zip. The fabric is gorgeously soft inside and out and dries quickly too, so even though they're not water resistant if you get caught out in a shower you won't be left soaked."

Add an extra layer to your bottoms with these thermal short pants. Ideal for frosty morning walks or jogs or if your coat is on the shorter side. Made from 100% Merino wool, it works to regulate body temperature, is suitable for all weather conditions and also resists odours.

One reviewer said: "I love these for cold weather running! I usually wear mediums but find that small is a better size for these. They keep your butt nice and warm while allowing mobility and knee freedom. Great for exercising outdoors or just taking a long walk. They fit well under jeans."

These super flexible leggings are designed to be worn alone or comfortably underneath your favourite walking trousers and are perfect for walking or running in the cold making them the perfect addition to your active wear collection. Featuring two discreet pockets for securely storing your essentials we also love the extra wide waistband for all-day comfort.

Yours Deputy Editor, Stephanie Spencer says: "The Sonica Tights are great because you can wear them as a base layer for skiing or winter sports, and also as a walking legging on chillier days. The material is thin and lightweight, yet very insulating so you're kept perfectly warm without any sweatiness. I love the pockets and thicker waistband design. The only shame is they used to do lots more patterns and colours but now it seems you can only get black or navy, but I love the brand and would still recommend them for a quality base layer."

Our extremities are often the first to feel the cold, so if you’re someone who has constantly got cold feet, a pair of warming thermal socks are a must have throughout winter. These are ideal to wear under walking boots or wellies and also can even be worn as slipper socks around the house or at night to keep your feet nice and warm. Available in a range of different colours and designs, these wash very well and are very thick. 

One reviewer said: “I have a set of Heat Holders socks that I bought as a multipack a couple of years ago and they've been absolutely superb and so I thought it was time I bought some more. However, these are completely different and nothing like the snug fit of the others. These have a habit of falling down and the heal rides under the sole and it all moves down until there's no room for the toes! They're warm and certainly do that job fine - they’re just a lousy fit with my size 9. They're stated as being for size 6 to 11 and that’s a big range to cover in one sock so I’m not sure how someone with a size 6 would get on – not very well I suspect.”

To give your body an extra layer of warmth without having full sleeves, this vest is ideal, particularly if you want to avoid getting sweaty underarms while out and about but still remain warm. Made with a super soft fabric, it's the ideal base layer for wearing underneath jumpers. Available in two colours, it's nice and stretchy for comfort and can even be worn by itself.

One reviewer said: "Great little thermal top to wear under my every day clothes. Keeps my body warm on those really cold days!"

There’s nothing quite like pulling on a pair of fluffy fleece lined leggings when your legs are cold. Lightweight and comfortable to wear, these leggings are fully opaque and will protect you from the cold in the winter. They’re also super stretchy to give you confidence when bending, squatting and lunging making them suitable for outdoor exercise.

One reviewer said: "Very comfortable. Keeps me cosy while moving about."

Some walking gear and thermals can be quite pricey, but the good news is you don't have to spend loads on your thermals as M&S have a huge range at a brilliant price. Available in a range of different colours and styles, they're made from Japanese Heatgen™ fabric which has a super-soft brushed inner layer designed to ensure you stay extra warm and comfortable on colder days.

One reviewer said: "Very cosy and will fit under M&S cord leggings for extra warmth too. Very useful during the recent cold weather. I wear them most days now!"