Photo of Celeste Gallegos

Celeste Gallegos

Professional Snowboard Expert

Best Snow Under Tops and Thermal Underwear

Featured On:

  • USASnowboardAssociation
To ensure comfort while riding, one of the most important things you can do is layer properly. The days of good old cotton turtlenecks are long gone. The technical clothing that has emerged is amazingly advanced and keeps your body warm and dry throughout the day. Depending on how much you ride, it’s necessary to have a quiver of under layers to mix and match. There are several different types of under layers, and what you need will vary greatly with weather conditions, fabric and design preferences, and your personal body thermostat. Features to consider are fabric construction, breathability, and fit.

The features of under layer tops are standard. Most are made of moisture wicking polyester or nylon blend fabric, enabling the garment to breathe. The most important feature of base layers (those that touch your skin directly) is moisture wicking capability, which keeps you dryer and warmer. While the moisture wicking fabrics are called by different names, their function is the same.

The fit of your base layer is especially important. They should be tight enough to touch your skin. Many people make the mistake of wearing it too baggy. If your top is not in contact with your skin, the moisture wicking capability is diminished. With all layers, including fleece and down layers, fit is also important. Try them on with other under layers for correct sizing.

Types of layers for women include intimates, tank tops, lightweight or silk weight layers, first layer, fleece layer, and down layers.

Intimates:
In the past, companies made sports-type bras for women, but within the past five years, companies that manufacture ski and snowboard specific clothing have realized the need for snowboard-specific women’s intimates. Specialized sports bras have emerged from a few snowboard companies, and it’s likely that more will come in the near future. With the number of female snowboarders growing, companies are recognizing their needs. It’s about time!

Tank Tops:
Many companies make tank tops specifically designed for snowboarders. They are made of materials that pull moisture away from your body, thus keeping you warm and dry.

Lightweight/Silk weight Layers:
Lightweight layers provide a light, silky layer against your skin, which not only feels great but serves a purpose. Although some are made of a polyester and spandex blend, those that are made of mostly silk have natural moisture wicking capabilities. Although ultra light, these materials are very effective at pulling moisture away from your body, thus keeping you drier.

First Layers:
Slightly heavier than the silk weight but serving the same purpose, first layers are generally made of 100 percent polyester. Not like your grandma’s polyester, these tops are soft, comfortable, and flexible, and can be found in crew neck and 1/4 zip to satisfy your design preference.

Fleece layers:
Fleece layers provide extra warmth. Many manufacturers have constructed micro fleece, which is a fleece that feels thinner but is actually more dense and warm. Look for choices like crew neck, zip and quarter zip neck.

Down Layers:
Down has always been my choice for warmth in extreme temperatures. There are various layers of down jackets available, from lightweight to heavy. I have found that the lightweight down jackets work well as a top layer, right before your jacket on the days that are extremely cold. Also, consider the type of outerwear you use. If you use a shell, a down layer might be a great investment for an added layer when you need it.

Hit the slopes with confidence-stay warm and dry at the lowest prices you can find on the web.Click Tibesti's "Click for Best Price" Button and compare the Best Price & Free Shipping from Amazon,eBay, Google Shopping.You deserve the Best for Less.

Best Womens Thermal Underwear by Celeste Gallegos

The Best You Can Get

  • EESA Sanguine Under Bra

    Celeste says: EESA’s under bra is one of the best fitting, well-designed sports bras that I own. It’s lightweight and flexible, made of 86 percent nylon and 14 percent elastane. The design is cute, the seams are strong, and as an added bonus, coordinate bottoms are available. Color choices include Orchid and Minty. You may want to downsize one size for a tighter fit with shorter straps. Otherwise, if you like a looser fit, sizing is pretty right on. A great buy at a low price!

    • Sports bra design
    • Coordinate bottoms available
    • Color choices include Orchid and Minty
    • Lightweight and flexible
  • Burton Midweight Raglan Tee

    Celeste says: Soft and stretchy, this tee is cute and comfortable. Made with moisture-wicking, stretchy fabrics, it dries quickly, fits well, and highly breathable. There is an antimicrobial treatment that helps to eliminate odors. Its extra long length allows you to tuck it in and avoid those cold drafts on your backside. The short sleeve allows you to either layer under it or use it on a day when minimal layers are required. Seams are thinner than usual for added comfort. Good variety of color choices, including Sassafras (dark red), Green Glass (light green), True Black, and Lust (purple).

    • Short sleeved tee design
    • Antimicrobial treated fabric
    • Extra long length
    • Variety of color choices
  • EESA Loungewear (Ridgeline)

    Celeste says: EESA, a relatively new company, has revolutionized the look of under layers. Avoiding basic crew design, they have presented first layers with serious style: tops that are functional as base layers because of their moisture wicking materials, but are also so adorable you could go out in them straight from the hill. My personal favorite is the Ridgeline, which is a button down, soft, tailored-to-fit long sleeve shirt. It has pinstripes, and comes in some awesome colors - my choice was purple. Nice features are the thumb loops to hold sleeves down when putting other layers over. Check out their other top designs such as the Rucker, a long sleeve quarter button neck with some beautiful bright stripe patterns from which to choose. You can be warm, dry, and stylish all at the same time!

    • Tailored design
    • Thumb loops
    • Assortment of colors and designs
  • Burton Expedition Crew

    Celeste says: Burtons Expedition Crew micro fleece offers a warm, lightweight alternative layer for those days when you require extra warmth but don’t want to feel all puffed up. It’s made to stretch with your body so you don’t feel restricted while riding. There’s an assortment of colors which includes True Black, Black Plum (purple), and Green Glass (light green). The sizing is very accurate. Made of moisture wicking materials, it helps to pull moisture away from your body even if not used as your base layer.

    • Crew design
    • Assortment of colors
  • Marmot Ama Dablam Down Jacket

    Celeste says: Marmot continues to make quality winter gear. Although not a snowboard specific company, I found that this particular layer goes a long way during the super cold days in the Northeast. Featuring 650 goose down fill in a lightweight, flexible jacket, it provides superior warmth without the bulk. With a women’s specific fit, it hugs the body but allows ample movement. Other features include down-filled hood, zippered sleeve pocket, two fleece-lined side pockets, elastic draw cord around the waistline, chin guard, adjustable elastic cuffs, wind flap, and a slightly longer back to keep the drafts out. Another great feature is that it stuffs into itself, packing down into a small six-inch sack. A great feature for traveling. It’s well worth the money.

    • Goose down fill
    • Fleece-lined pockets
    • Lined chin guard
    • Adjustable elastic cuffs
    • Interior pocket stuff sack

You will be happy with any of these

  • Prana Amaya Top

    Celeste says: Prana, a manufacturer of clothing for all kinds of activities, is one of my favorite under tank layers. This spaghetti strap tank with built-in bra is a great first layer. Like most under layers, it is made of a moisture wicking material. Multi-functional for snowboarding as well as yoga, running, climbing, and other sports, it’s made of 90 percent supplex and 10 percent lycra. Comfortable and available in various colors including White, Black, Espresso (brown), and Patina (blue), this top is a great investment for a layer that you can use all year round.

    • Spaghetti tank design
    • Built-in bra
  • EESA Mirth Tank

    Celeste says: This tank is a core favorite. It’s made of 100 percent ribbed polyester and is flexible, breathable, and comfy. It’s made extra long so you can tuck it deep into your bottom layers to keep drafts or snow from entering. Also made of moisture wicking material, I wear these tanks just about every day and they keep me comfortable and dry in all weather conditions. Color choices include basic black and white.

    • Tank top design
    • Extra-long length
    • 100 percent ribbed polyester
    • Flexible, breathable, and comfy
  • EMS Women's Techwick Lightweight Long Underwear Crew

    Celeste says: A super light-weight layer offering comfort, moisture wicking capabilities, and minimal movement restriction. Features include crew neck, double sewn seams to prevent aggravation and chaffing, and thumb holes which keep sleeves down and wrists warm. Semi-fitted design is comfortable and mobile. Sizing seems right on, but if you prefer a more fitted top, downsize one size. Extra long tail tucks in well and stays tucked. Colors available include Black, Mauve and Ice Blue. Moderately priced, this is a useful addition to your closet for all activities.

    • Ultra-light design
    • Crew neck
    • Thumb holes
    • Extra long tail
  • Hot Chillys Women's Zip T

    Celeste says: A long sleeved base layer providing excellent warmth. Because you need a variety of under layers, I rotate this into my first layers. Made of a moisture wicking polyester fabric, it contours to your body. Stretch fabric increases mobility. Flat sewn seams add comfort and diminish the chance of a seam creating hot spots. Antimicrobial treatment eliminates odors. Color choices include black, blue, and pink. I really like the zipper neck, which adds the possibility of ventilation in warmer conditions or when you are hanging in the base lodge. It is well worth the money.

    • Long sleeve
    • Contoured, fitted design
    • Zip neck
    • Antimicrobial treatment
  • Patagonia Women's Down Sweater

    Celeste says: Patagonia has never disappointed me with their winter gear. The polyester shell is treated with water repellant, so it functions as both a base layer and outerwear. It’s durable, windproof, and made of 50 percent recycled polyester. Its ultra light yet provides extreme warmth. Quilted construction keeps the down equally distributed throughout all areas. As a base layer it provides extreme warmth, yet doesn’t restrict movement. Includes lightweight zippers, and the interior pocket is also a stuff-sack for the entire jacket. It comes in a variety of colors including Black, Chalk Blue, and Artesian Waters (off white). This sweater is a great versatile investment.

    • Down filled
    • Made of recycled materials
    • Interior pocket stuff sack
    • Water resistant
    • Windproof

Related Articles

Comments