Base Layers/Long Underwear

[ame]

So, I learned the hard way on Monday in the 5 hours of shoveling in subzero weather that I need some Base Layer or Long Underwear or SOMETHING for if there's a next time. I am pretty sure my thighs are mildly frostbitten.

I have poked around at Smartwool, Lands End, LL Bean and Ice Breakers...but I have no idea what to get. I ruled out Heattech from Uniqlo because I am RIGHT on the XL XXL line there and their lengths on the shirts with my boobs are pretty much useless, they won't tuck in and my entire midsection is uncovered (their sizing is atrocious is what I am saying).

This is what I have looked at as a serious option thus far:
http://us.icebreaker.com/Oasis-Long-Sleeve-Henley-Stripe/100803J82L,en,pd.html?start=14&cgid=womens-baselayers

http://us.icebreaker.com/Vertex-Leggings/100526001M,en,pd.html?start=62&cgid=womens-baselayers

http://www.landsend.com/products/womens-thermaskin-heat-pants/id_227875

http://www.landsend.com/products/womens-thermaskin-heat-crew/id_227871

http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/75209?feat=512674-GN3&page=silk-pointelle-pants

http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/66001?feat=512674-GN3&page=power-dry-stretch-base-layer-expedition-weight-pants

I know Monnie will have some input for me here, but before the next freeze I want to get something like this in my house.

 

[monarch64]

I don't trust you and wool to get along, so I would rule out the Icebreakers and Smartwool.

Look at Patagonia's synthetics--Capilene. Cap 3 would suit your needs:
http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/womens-capilene-3-baselayer-midweight-crew?p=44432-0

You can probably find good deals on Patagonia if you dig around a bit. Their polypropylene is great stuff--it's made mostly from recycled plastic bottles.

 

[ame]

I don't trust you and wool to get along, so I would rule out the Icebreakers and Smartwool.

Look at Patagonia's synthetics--Capilene. Cap 3 would suit your needs:
http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/womens-capilene-3-baselayer-midweight-crew?p=44432-0

Excellent, what about the pantalones? Any suggestions for bottoms? I probably need that more than tops, in this case. I did ok on top with like 4 thin layers, a thin fleece, a Lucy hoodie, another fleece, and my coat that doesn't zip lol

 

[ame]

I assume this is the correct pantalone?
http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/womens-capilene-3-baselayer-midweight-bottoms?p=44343-0&pcc=1128

 

[monarch64]

I don't trust you and wool to get along, so I would rule out the Icebreakers and Smartwool.

Look at Patagonia's synthetics--Capilene. Cap 3 would suit your needs:
http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/womens-capilene-3-baselayer-midweight-crew?p=44432-0

Excellent, what about the pantalones? Any suggestions for bottoms? I probably need that more than tops, in this case. I did ok on top with like 4 thin layers, a thin fleece, a Lucy hoodie, another fleece, and my coat that doesn't zip lol

http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/womens-capilene-3-baselayer-midweight-crew?p=44432-0

Yeah, just get the bottoms, then!

 

[ame]

I might get both, and get a spare pair of pantalones. I assume XL will work. I hope I don't NEED it like this week again anytime soon...eesh.

Excellent suggestion, AND green, thanks!

 

[monarch64]

I hope you don't need them soon, either! We're supposed to get more snow over here tomorrow, boo. But 40's by the weekend, hooray!!!

Oh yeah, they do come in green, awesome. You'll be so glad you have them.

 

[insured]

From the great white north

If your skin is in any way sensitive, I second the advice to stay away from Ice Breakers. I do have some Smartwool layers that I can tolerate, but I would recommend the synthetics for active wear like shovelling. Agree with the previous poster that Patagonia's capilene is great. The Polartec Power Dry (in the LL Bean option you posted, but used by lots of companies) is a great fabric too, and my go-to tops and bottoms are Power Dry. Comfy, warm without being too bulky and excellent at wicking away sweat if you are doing something aerobic like shovelling.

 

[ame]

From the great white north

If your skin is in any way sensitive, I second the advice to stay away from Ice Breakers. I do have some Smartwool layers that I can tolerate, but I would recommend the synthetics for active wear like shovelling. Agree with the previous poster that Patagonia's capilene is great. The Polartec Power Dry (in the LL Bean option you posted, but used by lots of companies) is a great fabric too, and my go-to tops and bottoms are Power Dry. Comfy, warm without being too bulky and excellent at wicking away sweat if you are doing something aerobic like shovelling.

Awesome. Thank you both!!!

Yea I was sweating my ace off Monday, and then like, my hair that was sweaty and would get exposed was promptly freezing. That was delightful.

 

[AGBF]

I have started to use cuddl duds which I learned about on another forum (about dogs) I frequent. People need to stay warm outdoors with big dogs, so there is a lot of discussion of how to keep warm. (To be fair, we also discuss flannel pajamas and nightgowns.) I have worn flannel lined LLBean jeans for years, which are a bit more restrictive than regular jeans, but definitely worth it. Now when I put on my 3-5 layers on top, at least one of them is a cuddl duds garment. I can't be sure it will work for you, but wish you good luck. I hate to be cold!!!

http://www.cuddlduds.com/

Deb/AGBF

 

[AGBF]

Also: don't forget The Vermont Country Store...http://www.vermontcountrystore.com/store/

Just put "women's long underwear" in the search engine and you will get a huge variety of fabrics. All that I saw come in sizes going from small to 3X.

Deb

 

[ame]

I have started to use cuddl duds which I learned about on another forum (about dogs) I frequent. People need to stay warm outdoors with big dogs, so there is a lot of discussion of how to keep warm. (To be fair, we also discuss flannel pajamas and nightgowns.) I have worn flannel lined LLBean jeans for years, which are a bit more restrictive than regular jeans, but definitely worth it. Now when I put on my 3-5 layers on top, at least one of them is a cuddl duds garment. I can't be sure it will work for you, but wish you good luck. I hate to be cold!!!

http://www.cuddlduds.com/

Deb/AGBF

I have those actually, I sleep in them. But I've never had luck with them under other things for warmth.

I should check out that other link though. Someone else mentioned that to me.