However, improperly dressed little ones can invite complaints, bad experiences and worst of all, cold related ailments. Protect your kids by bundling up with the best base layers available.
Base layers are an effective way to build a winter setup for you kids. These layers are designed to hug the body, play up warmth retention and are thin enough to stack additional clothing overtop. Whether it’s for skiing, snowshoes or just throwing snowballs, every winter adventure should start with effective base layers.
Table of Contents
- Main Types Of Base Layers For Winter Activities
- Base Layers For Kids In Cold Weather
- Best Merino Wool Base Layers For Kids
- Best Synthetic Base Layers For Active Kids
- Best Base Layers For Layering With Kids Winter Gear
- Best Affordable Base Layers
- Tips For Choosing The Right Base Layers For Kids
- Why Base Layer Are Essential For Kids In Cold Weather
- FAQ Section
- Conclusion
Main Types of Base Layers for Winter Activities
Let’s talk about kids’ base layers. Generally, there are four varieties: Merino, Synthetic, Blended, and Thermal.
Merino Wool Base Layers
Merino wool is a versatile fabric. Not only does this type of wool have natural odour fighting characteristics, it helps retain body warmth. Merino wool also helps transport moisture and sweat away from the body as a vapor, meaning it’ll keep skin dry. Compared to other materials, however, merino does tend to cost more.
Synthetic Base Layers
Cheap and effective, synthetic base layers have a broader budget appeal and are some of the most common materials out there. Synthetic layers also tend to wick away moisture even more effectively than merino. The downside is they may not be as warm.
Blended Base Layers
Blended base layers aim to take the best qualities of both synthetic and merino to create a broadly appealing amalgam. If you want more odour control, look for a higher percentage of merino wool and if you want super fast drying, veer toward more synthetic. They are often seen as a line of best fit between the two.
Thermal Base Layers
Thermal base layers are designed to capture and retain body heat. Along with merino, they are the warmest variety of base layers and have been used for years. The downside is their heft. These layers are designed for the coldest days and lose a bit of versatility if the temperatures spike.
Best Base Layers for Kids In Cold Weather
Helly Hansen - Lifa Merino Mid-Weight Set - Big Kid
Helly Hansen is a very well-known brand in the ski industry, and their offerings are highly rated. This base layer set, made with 57% merino wool, wicks away moisture effectively, provides superior warmth and keeps odours down. It’s also got plenty of stretch.
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The North Face - DotKnit Thermal Base Layer Set
Already a staple in the outdoor industry, this base layer set from The North Face is made specifically to retain body heat. It also effectively wicks moisture away from the skin, allowing your child to stay dry through any winter activities. When the temperature plummets, reach for this set.
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Best Merino Wool Base Layers for Kids
Smartwool - Classic thermal Merino Boxed ¼ Zip Top Base Layer - Youth
Stylish, functional and made with pure 100% merino wool, this comfortable and soft base layer top is a fantastic option. Temperature regulation and odour resistance are top of mind but the softness of the base layer is also incredible. Keep in mind this is only a base layer top and does not include bottoms.
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Icebreaker - Oasis Merino wool 200 Long Sleeve Crew Neck Thermal Top - Kids
Another 100% merino wool layer, this offering from Icebreaker also comes with flatlock seams to lay smoothly against the skin. Similar to other merino options, it sports great temperature regulation and odour-controlling properties, making it very attractive for winter activities.
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Best Synthetic Base Layers for Active Kids
Orage - Union Plain Base Layer
This full base layer synthetic set is a great addition for active kids. The material wicks away moisture from the skin and is quick drying. You also get both the top and bottom pieces with the set and the fabric is stretchy for added comfort. If you're an active family, this skiing base layer is what you need.
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Best Base Layers for Layering with Kids’ Winter Gear
Reima - Lani Thermal Set
Layering clothes is an easy way to lock in warmth during the winter months. This is made more difficult if your base layers are bulky, which is why the Reima Lani Thermal set is so great. The Thermolite material keeps kids warm while transferring moisture away from the skin. The soft flat seams add comfort, and the thin material makes it easy to stack clothing over top.
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Best Affordable Base Layers for Kids
Kombi - B3 Cozy Fleece Set - Youth
Winter clothes are pricey, and while base layers won't break the bank they aren’t the only things you’ll be buying for your kids. If budget is a concern, check out the Kombi B3 Cozy Fleece Set. Fleece is a thick, warm material perfect for the cold. Fleece does not wick moisture or control odours as well as other options but it will help prevent a slew of cold-related illnesses or ailments.
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Tips for Choosing the Right Base Layers for Your Kids
Choosing the right kids’ base layer depends on what they’re doing. If you’re just fighting the cold, warm layers like fleece, thermals, and merino should do the trick. However, if your kids are playing in the snow, ice skating, or skiing, moisture management (specifically wicking away sweat from the skin) becomes very important.
Each selection in this guide will help your children retain heat in cold temperatures. For the best fit and highest utility, match your selection to the activities your kids will be doing. Revisit our Main Types of Base Layers section for more detail on the variety of fabrics and what they do best.
Why Base Layers Are Essential for Kids in Cold Weather
More than just comfort, base layers are essential for warmth retention. The material used acts as a critical barrier between your skin and other layers of clothing. This barrier helps keep body heat so it can circulate around your kids’ core and keep them comfortable.
Certain base layers employ materials that help wick away sweat from the skin. This is incredibly useful because sweat on the skin can cool, which rapidly lowers body temperatures. Cotton, for example, is not a good option. It gets waterlogged with sweat which means your core is surrounded by cooling moisture that can lead to chills and hypothermia.
Last but not least, comfort and mobility are important. An itchy, thick base layer that does not stretch to match your movements will lead to rashes, discomfort and sour attitudes. Look for stretchy material for a tighter, body contour-hugging fit and look for flat seams and soft material to help your kids stay happy in the cold. If you’re interested in more options, explore our best boy base layers and girl base layers pages.
FAQ
Q: What are the best winter layers for kids?
A: The best winter layers start with a comfy base layer. Then, use a puffy or thicker mid-layer overtop. The outermost layers should be waterproof and windproof, so the layers underneath have a chance to help foster a warm core for however long your kids are outside. On top of this, don't forget gloves, winter socks, winter boots and beanies or insulated hats.
Q: What is the best thermal material for kids?
A: For active outdoor kids, merino, and blended synthetic are ideal for their odour prevention and sweat-wicking ability. If you're on a budget or the temperatures are extremely cold, thicker materials like fleece and thermals will work well at retaining body warmth.
Q: Is merino wool good for kids?
A: Absolutely. Not only does it sport odour-controlling properties, but merino wool is also very warm and comfortable to wear. Like most base layer fabrics, merino wool is also quite durable and should last a few seasons depending on how fast your kids are growing.
Q: Are base layers worth it?
A: Yes. If you have kids and I plan on spending time with them in the snow, get base layers. They are lightweight, easy to put on and set a great foundation for heat retention and comfort while they play outside during the winter. Merino wool is also very warm and comfortable to wear. Like most base layer fabrics, merino wool is also quite durable and should last a few seasons depending on how fast your kids are growing.
Conclusion
The key to a successful winter season is the right clothing, and that starts with base layers. Especially with kids, you want to make sure they are warm and comfortable and that their clothing can keep up with their activities. Base layers that emphasize moisture-wicking ability, warmth retention and dour prevention are ideal.
For the middle of winter when temperatures are coldest consider the North Face-DotKnit Thermal Base Layer. For active kids, opt for the Orage-Union Solid Base Layer. If you’re interested in a base layer set, the Reima-Lani Thermal Set is ideal. And if budget concerns are top of mind the Kombi-B3 Cozy Fleece Set is a great option.
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