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While its T-shirts are a staple in our lineup, the raglan waffle-knit thermal is the real deal. It’s made from a custom midweight waffle-knit fabric that starts off dry and slightly stiff but softens beautifully with each wear and wash—think of it as the raw denim of thermals. The fit is boxy and relaxed in the arms with a slightly cropped, sweater-length body that hits just right. If you haven’t experienced the magic of LWC’s tees, let its thermals be your gateway.
Best Thermal Shirt for Solo Wear: Filson Waffle Knit Thermal Crewneck
Leave it to one of the most dependable outdoor brands to make one of the best waffle-knit thermals around. Filson’s 12 oz. version is made from heavyweight Peruvian cotton (some of the best in the biz) for a soft yet rugged feel. The reinforced neck keeps its shape through wear and washing, while the ribbed cuffs save you the hassle of constantly tugging it back down to keep it from bunching up under your jacket sleeve. Just throw one on with a barn coat and some Blundstones for a no-fuss, stylish look.
Best Thermal Shirt for Fashion Guys: Aaron Levine Thermal Long Sleeve T-Shirt
2025 is shaping up to be a banner year for veteran menswear guru Aaron Levine. After reviving Abercrombie & Fitch in the 2010s, consulting for Madewell in the 2020s, and dropping no shortage of instant-classic selfies at each step along the journey, Levine finally launched his own label in November of 2024. For a brand that’s still in its infancy, it already boasts a fan-favorite hit: this waffle-knit thermal, which the product description rightfully calls an “anchor point” for the label. Made in Detroit by Soft Goods Manufacturing from 100% American-grown cotton, it’s garment-dyed for an irresistibly soft finish. Not sure how to style it? Don’t worry—it’s featured in almost every campaign shot, so just take a hint from the pros.
Best Thermal Shirt for Nostalgists: Buck Mason Vintage Thermal Surplus Tee
Buck Mason has a firm grip on the menswear scene—and it’s not letting go anytime soon. The brand is already out here making some of the best under $1,000 suits and chinos, bridging the gap between boardroom-ready and date-night charm. But one of its undeniable bread-and-butter items? Waffle-knit thermal tees.
These bad boys are cut from lightweight French terry cotton that feels smoother than a jazz sax solo against your skin. Each tee is garment-washed with enzymes (yep, the same TLC its chinos get) to give it that perfectly broken-in feel right from the first wear. The classic fit through the arms and body is as timeless as a Sinatra tune, but the real knockout is the updated curved hemline. It subtly elongates your silhouette while keeping bulk at bay—no awkward bunching at the waistline when layering. It’s a cold-weather essential that comes in a variety of colors and pairs just as well with a rugged jacket as it does with a sharp blazer.
More Thermal Shirts We Love
Reigning Champ Lightweight Waffle Long Sleeve Tee
Uniqlo Waffle T-Shirt
Mack Weldon Warmknit Waffle Long Sleeve Tee
Phipps Waffle Knit Long Sleeve Logo Tee
Warehouse Four Needle Waffle-Knit Thermal Tee
Sunspel Waffle Crewneck T-Shirt
RC Outdoor Supply Long Sleeve Waffle Knit T-Shirt
How to Style a Thermal Shirt
Since its post-war rise to glory, the waffle-knit thermal hasn’t just stayed in its lane as a base layer. Sure, it’s still a no-brainer under a hefty bomber jacket or a tattered flannel, but these days, it looks just as killer leaning into its distinctly throwback vibe. Toss one under a short-sleeve vintage tee, add some baggy jeans, and voila: you’re instantly channeling Austin Butler on the set of Caught Stealing—or any number of Hollywood hotshots arriving at a premier in the ‘90s.
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Style is subjective, we know—that’s the fun of it. But we’re serious about helping our audience get dressed. Whether it’s the best white sneakers, the flyest affordable suits, or the need-to-know menswear drops of the week, GQ Recommends’ perspective is built on years of hands-on experience, an insider awareness of what’s in and what’s next, and a mission to find the best version of everything out there, at every price point.
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