The first and most obvious step in choosing the best winter underwear is to find a set that fits you properly; this may mean choosing a snug-fitting set that will fit under your clothing without bunching up, or it may mean choosing a set that is loose enough to be comfortable for you. You should also decide where you are most likely to use the winter underwear: athletes and people who are active outdoors during the winter will want to choose performance underwear, while someone who will simply be going to work and home will not need to invest as much money into performance underwear.
If you plan on doing any athletic activities outdoors during the winter, you will want to choose performance winter underwear because this type of underwear is made of moisture-wicking fabric that will keep moisture away from your skin. This will in turn keep you warmer and drier, and it will help prevent chafing and other discomfort. These fabrics are usually synthetic, fast-drying, and lightweight. It is not uncommon for this type of winter underwear to fit snugly to the skin to aid its moisture-wicking capabilities and to improve mobility during athletic activities.
The drawback of performance winter underwear is its price. It will be more expensive than other types of winter underwear, and if you intend to wear the underwear to work or school, you may find it a bad choice because synthetic fibers tend to collect and hold body odor, even after it has been washed numerous times. Instead, you may want to consider less expensive underwear made from natural fibers such as wool or even cotton. Cotton does, unfortunately, tend to get wet and stay wet for a long time, thereby preventing the body from retaining heat. Wool is a great choice, but it does tend to be itchy.
The best choice for a non-athlete in the winter is a set of underwear made from a natural and synthetic fiber blend. Wool is often combined with polypropylene or even polyester to form garments that are lightweight, breathable, warm, and fast-drying. This type of garment will also prevent the itch commonly associated with wool. The trade-off here is that the garments are likely to be more expensive than cotton garments, or even full wool garments. Sometimes the blended garments are even more expensive than full synthetic garments, so you will need to consider your budget before purchasing.