Long Underwear 2.0: How to Choose Long Underwear So You Don't Freeze During the Coldest Winter in 250 Years

The winter of 2025–2026 could be the coldest in 250 years. Weather forecasts indicate that this will particularly affect Europe, Russia, and North America, all due to sharp temperature fluctuations caused by the influence of La Niña and the Polar Vortex.

While some people are bundling up in three layers of jackets, others are remembering their moms’ and grandmothers’ advice to wear long underwear. In 2025, long johns are no longer those funny undershirts from Soviet movies, but high-tech thermal underwear that protects against the cold without sacrificing comfort. In this article, Doberman.media breaks down how to choose men’s boxers, what they’re made of, the different types available, and what to look for so that your lower body feels like it’s in the tropics—even during Siberian cold snaps. Spoiler: It's not just about warmth, but also about breathability—so it doesn't turn into a steam room.

What are long johns, and what are they used for?

The correct, literary form is — boxer shorts.
If you've seen words like rings or kolsons, — these are colloquial, distorted forms that are sometimes encountered in everyday speech, but they are not considered standard.

Long johns are warm men’s pants worn under clothing to protect against the cold. They are commonly known as long johns. Their history dates back to the 19th century, when soldiers and workers in cold countries sought a way to stay warm while on duty or in the fields. Today, long johns have evolved into thermal underwear that not only keeps you warm but also wicks away moisture, preventing overheating during physical activity.

Imagine this: you’re walking down a snow-covered street, and your feet are as warm as if you were in a sauna. Or you’re enjoying winter sports—running, skiing—and you don’t feel any discomfort. Thermal underwear isn’t just useful in extreme conditions: it’s a lifesaver for office workers, drivers, and anyone who spends time in the cold.

Types of Underwear: From Old-Fashioned to High-Tech

Men's boxers come in a variety of styles, depending on their intended use and materials. Here are the main types:

• Classic cotton: As simple as can be. Perfect for everyday wear in mild cold weather. They’re soft and breathable, but don’t wick away moisture very well—they’ll work fine if you’re not planning to run a marathon in the snow.
• Synthetic thermal underwear: For active recreation. Made of polyester or polypropylene, they dry quickly and provide warmth even when wet. The downside is that they can build up static electricity, but modern models with an antistatic treatment solve this problem.
• Wool (Merino): A premium option for extreme cold. Merino wool is natural, hypoallergenic, provides better warmth than synthetic materials, and doesn't absorb odors. Ideal for long walks or working outdoors.
• Hybrid: A blend of natural and synthetic fibers. For example, cotton with elastane for stretch, or wool with polyamide for durability. These long underwear are versatile: warm, breathable, and durable.

There are also specialty options: antibacterial socks with silver fibers (to combat odor), seamless socks for comfort, or compression socks for sports. The choice depends on your lifestyle—whether you have a sedentary office job or an active outdoor lifestyle.

Fabric Composition: What's Inside Your Pants?

Material is the key to comfort. Here’s a breakdown of popular options:

• Cotton: Natural, comfortable against the skin, hypoallergenic. However, it absorbs moisture and dries slowly. Ideal with added spandex (5–10%) for elasticity.
• Polyester and polypropylene: Synthetics that wick away sweat best. Lightweight, durable, does not wrinkle. The disadvantage is that they may be less "natural" to the touch, but modern fabrics imitate cotton.
• Wool (Merino): It keeps you warm 2–3 times better than cotton and has antibacterial properties. It doesn't itch like regular wool. It's more expensive, but it's worth it for extreme cold.
• Polyamide and spandex: They add strength and stretch. The smooth polyamide and spandex ensure a snug fit without constriction.

Advice: Look for two-layer models—the inner layer absorbs moisture, while the outer layer provides warmth. For people with allergies, choose natural fabrics or hypoallergenic synthetics.

How to Choose: A Checklist for the Perfect Pair

Don't just pick the first one you come across—here's what to look for:

Size and Fit: Don't buy leggings that are too tight. They're not jeans. It's better if they fit a little looser; otherwise, the fabric will stretch out quickly and they won't look great. But leggings that are too loose are also a problem: they'll bunch up and chafe. If you’re torn between two sizes, check the fabric composition. If there’s more spandex, go with the smaller size. If there’s more cotton, go with the larger size.

Seams and Design: Seamless — for comfort, no chafing. With a fly — for ease of use in the restroom. Length: ankle-length or 3/4 length for boots.

Thermal Insulation: For -10°C, cotton is sufficient; for -30°C, merino wool or synthetic fabric with fleece is recommended.

Care: Pay attention to how to wash them … choose the ones that say that "Wash at 30-40°C, no bleach."

Breathability: Check the label for "moisture-wicking" or "breathable". Test: blow through a cloth. The fabric should not "trap" your air, and you will not feel as if you are blowing into the wall. This test is not perfect (it is subjective and does not take into account all the nuances, like laboratory measurements in the MVTR – moisture vapor transmission rate), but it gives a quick hint in the store.

Brands and Price: Cheap ones from the supermarket last a season; premium ones (such as Craft, Odlo, or Russian equivalents) last for years. Prices range from 500 to 5,000 rubles.

Choosing underpants is an investment in health and comfort. Start by analyzing your lifestyle: cotton for the city, synthetics for sports, merino for the Arctic. And remember: it is better to spend once on high-quality ones than to freeze all winter. If you are still embarrassed by the word "underpants", call them thermal leggings - it sounds cooler. Have a warm winter!