Long Bamboo Underwear for Men – The Winter Base Layer

Short answer: Long bamboo underwear for men, also called long johns, is winter's base layer under the trousers. The bamboo viscose warms without turning clammy, because it carries moisture away, which is why it works on cold working days and on winter walks alike.

What a long john is

A long john is a pair of long, close fitting underwear worn under ordinary trousers as an extra layer. It holds body heat without adding bulk, and it can be worn all day without showing from the outside. See the range of bamboo long johns.

Why bamboo works as a base layer

A base layer has to do two things: hold the heat and carry sweat away. If it only does the first, you get cold the moment you stand still, because the moisture lies against the skin and cools it. Bamboo viscose does both and feels soft against the skin from the first wearing.

The layer has to sit close

A base layer works by holding a thin layer of still air between skin and fabric. If the layer sits loose, the air circulates instead, and the warmth disappears. That is why long johns are close fitting rather than loose, and it is also why a size too large makes the layer work worse.

When to wear it

It gives most on the days when you stand still in the cold: outdoor work, a walk in the woods, a day on a building site. On a day of constant brisk walking it is often too much. Taking a layer off is easier than being cold, so bring it and judge on the spot.

Combine it with an undershirt

The body loses as much heat across the back as across the legs, so a base layer on the legs alone only solves half the problem. See bamboo undershirts for men and use the two layers together on the coldest days. That combination is what works.

Socks are the third part

Feet get cold first, and a damp sock inside a boot is the fastest route to a cold day. Choose a model that moves moisture away and does not fold under the foot. See bamboo socks for men and bring a spare pair out with you.

Ordinary underwear underneath

Most people wear an ordinary pair under the long john, and that makes sense: then only the innermost layer needs washing every day. See bamboo underwear for men and choose a close fitting model, so no folds appear between the layers.

Washing and storage

Wash at 30 to 40 degrees and hang them to dry. A long john has a lot of fabric and distorts more easily in a hot dryer than a short model does. Put them away clean in spring, because stains left sitting through a summer are still stuck there next winter. See also the bamboo undershirt as a base layer and bamboo and temperature regulation.