Need some "thermals" recommendations!!!

[maslex]

So my son and his friend just started their first full time job yesterday. They're an apprentice for an electrical company. They were provided 3 sets of company uniform shirts, 3 company sweatshirts and a nice winter company coat (all Carhartt, so they're pretty warm). I had texted him earlier and he mentioned that things are going well but that it was FREEZING!!! So looks like I'm going to be picking up some thermals or long johns or whatever they're called. So if you have any suggestions on a good brand and that will keep them warm, I'd appreciate it. Also suggestions on thick, warm socks.

 

[Happy Snowman]

How bulky can they go? How fitted are the uniforms? Under Armor is good but can be a bit bulky. Carthartt also makes some coveralls that are warm. Would they be able to do that? I'm going to just assume they have a hat and gloves .

 

[maslex]

How bulky can they go? How fitted are the uniforms? Under Armor is good but can be a bit bulky. Carthartt also makes some coveralls that are warm. Would they be able to do that? I'm going to just assume they have a hat and gloves .

Yep, they have a hat and gloves. I believe right now for bottoms they're both wearing jeans (so need something to go under them) Can't wear coveralls. And he leaves before I can see him but I believe he's wearing a short sleeved shirt, his work shirt (thick button up), his sweatshirt and then the coat. So I was thinking maybe a pair of long johns underneath might help them out.

 

[Happy Snowman]

I'd start with Under Armor (or the knock offs at Target, etc.). They are thin, comfortable and warm. Get a mock-neck shirt if they can do that and pants. If that isn't warm enough and their pants are roomy enough, get a pair of lined athletic pants. The nylon on the wind pants will help keep them warm. Cuddle Duds has a men's brand that is also warm and thin. I saw at Eddie Bauer the other day, fleece lined running tights. They were in the women's department but depending on how big your son is, they would be ok. They would be plenty warm under the work pants.

 

[DisneyNutMary]

My kids play outdoor sports in the winter, and they both find UnderArmour to be the best for keeping warm, they fit nicely under everything, including bulky lacrosse equipment, and allow for free movement. Also consider fleece lined jeans for your son. It's going to sound weird, but layers under clothing don't work so well when a guy needs to relieve his bladder quickly in work conditions (Porto potties) fleece lined jeans have an extra layer for warmth, without the cumbersome extra layer to remove in a small space

 

[maslex]

My kids play outdoor sports in the winter, and they both find UnderArmour to be the best for keeping warm, they fit nicely under everything, including bulky lacrosse equipment, and allow for free movement. Also consider fleece lined jeans for your son. It's going to sound weird, but layers under clothing don't work so well when a guy needs to relieve his bladder quickly in work conditions (Porto potties) fleece lined jeans have an extra layer for warmth, without the cumbersome extra layer to remove in a small space

Ooohhh, I forgot about the fleece lined jeans. My husband has a couple pair from LL Bean. Might have to place an order today.

 

[sonnyjane]

Another under armour fan. I wear the tights under my pants almost every day in winter.

 

[Sadie22]

My kids play outdoor sports in the winter, and they both find UnderArmour to be the best for keeping warm, they fit nicely under everything, including bulky lacrosse equipment, and allow for free movement. Also consider fleece lined jeans for your son. It's going to sound weird, but layers under clothing don't work so well when a guy needs to relieve his bladder quickly in work conditions (Porto potties) fleece lined jeans have an extra layer for warmth, without the cumbersome extra layer to remove in a small space

The flannel- or fleece-lined jeans from LL Bean work well. They may only need the long underwear under those if the temps are in the teens.

 

[NHdisneylover]

Ooohhh, I forgot about the fleece lined jeans. My husband has a couple pair from LL Bean. Might have to place an order today.

that is exactly what I was going to suggest

 

[nighttowll]

I personally love the XPS base layers from Bass Pro Shop. It is their brand, so you can only buy them there, and they are kind of expensive, but they work 10 times better than any other brand I have ever tried, and I own a lot of different thermals.

I have also heard good things about cuddle duds, but haven't personally tried them.

Also, my dad loves his fleece lined jeans for staying warm.

 

[Christine]

My son likes the base layer thermals from Carhartt. They are pricey though. I admit they seem very nice.

 

[bcla]

I'm brand agnostic. I've tried any number of different products, but even the ones I've liked have changed over time. One good and pricey one is Patagonia's Capilene line. They have several weights, and I've used their heaviest when playing in the snow.

For the most part, soft polyester is the most comfortable. Others prefer pricey wool. Polypropylene is probably the warmest, but tend to feel stiff and scratchy.

You can get good deals at closeout retailers like Sierra Trading Post.

 

[Burnedout]

Silk. We buy llbeans. No bulk and they have held up for 25 years. The kids have all shown the same durability.

 

[trip]

Something else they should consider.... the proper work boots.

http://www.bestworkbootsreviewshq.com/

Electricians – Those in the electrician trade should look for boots that are electrical hazard boots. These work boots are able to protect your feet from up to 600 volts of electrical charges.

 

[Tozzie]

Here is a link to a company http://www.damartusa.com/thermal-c-1111.html?gclid=CPaWq-nj8cICFQ4S7AodLxkAuA


I have been using their stuff for over 25 years for work, warm and compact, they have different levels.

 

[shortbun]

So my son and his friend just started their first full time job yesterday. They're an apprentice for an electrical company. They were provided 3 sets of company uniform shirts, 3 company sweatshirts and a nice winter company coat (all Carhartt, so they're pretty warm). I had texted him earlier and he mentioned that things are going well but that it was FREEZING!!! So looks like I'm going to be picking up some thermals or long johns or whatever they're called. So if you have any suggestions on a good brand and that will keep them warm, I'd appreciate it. Also suggestions on thick, warm socks.

Get them foot and hand warmers-the kind you activate. You can keep the hand warmers in your pocket, they warm you a bit and then take turns holding it on breaks or if work allows. I used to drive a school bus which had very little heat.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

My son likes the base layer thermals from Carhartt. They are pricey though. I admit they seem very nice.

I think that is what my BIL wears too. He works for the city water dept.. His job is cold in the winter fixing main leaks.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

Ditch the sweatshirt. I wear a thin insulated shirt-jacket under a thick insulated shirt jacket, and if necessary an LLBean coat over that. Get some good huntin socks too to keep the feet warm. Going on 11 years in an unheated warehouse here.

 

[NotUrsula]

I'm brand agnostic. I've tried any number of different products, but even the ones I've liked have changed over time. One good and pricey one is Patagonia's Capilene line. They have several weights, and I've used their heaviest when playing in the snow.

For the most part, soft polyester is the most comfortable. Others prefer pricey wool. Polypropylene is probably the warmest, but tend to feel stiff and scratchy.

You can get good deals at closeout retailers like Sierra Trading Post.

You forgot silk. Heavier-weight silk is very warm, very durable, and still breathes against the skin. Definitely the most comfortable choice.

 

[Imzadi]

My kids play outdoor sports in the winter, and they both find UnderArmour to be the best for keeping warm, they fit nicely under everything, including bulky lacrosse equipment, and allow for free movement. Also consider fleece lined jeans for your son. It's going to sound weird, but layers under clothing don't work so well when a guy needs to relieve his bladder quickly in work conditions (Porto potties) fleece lined jeans have an extra layer for warmth, without the cumbersome extra layer to remove in a small space

Ooohhh, I forgot about the fleece lined jeans. My husband has a couple pair from LL Bean. Might have to place an order today.

I was watching a Christmas romance movie on Lifetime last week. It was set in Alaska and they showed how they wear those fleece lined jeans. I want a pair! I've done the wearing of two extra layers of thermals under jeans. The extra tight bulk does NOT allow for easy moving or stretching. They actually rub & drag against each other AND the inside of jeans. And yes, having to strip down all those layers to go to the bathroom becomes really annoying. I would think, maybe, one layer of thermals inside loose fleece lined jeans would work better.

Also, look for the new microfiber ski jacket material, not sure what it's called. But tags on the clothes may state it's this new material. And think about maybe ski pants made from the same material? I bought a jacket last winter from Marshalls that is this new material. I was worried as it wasn't a down-filled jacket, like I've been used to wearing. I thought that I'd end up putting in an extra thick lining inside. But, it is so wind-proof and insulating that I actually wear less layers than when I wore my puffer down jacket. Someone at work even mentioned that I didn't toss on a sweater before throwing on the jacket. And the weather was 20 degrees outside with an even colder wind chill. But, I was really toasty warm.

Ditch the sweatshirt. I wear a thin insulated shirt-jacket under a thick insulated shirt jacket, and if necessary an LLBean coat over that. Get some good huntin socks too to keep the feet warm. Going on 11 years in an unheated warehouse here.

A down vest would be better than the sweatshirt.