Because (and perhaps only because) it would be indecent to leave the house wearing an adult onesie with attached feet, some designers have been kind enough to give us the next best thing: long johns. Yes, the same thermal underwear that your mom may have forced you to wear under your clothes when it snowed outside — oh, the battles that ensued those mornings — will make you question your past judgment as an adult.
Long johns help your body maintain its normal temperature, regardless of the conditions outside. Some brands can protect your skin from UV light, while others can actually trap heat inside of your clothing and keep your body several degrees warmer than the dreadful temps beyond your front door. If you style them correctly — an oversize sweater, boots and earrings will get the job done — you can even get away with wearing them out in public sans a cover up.
Did I mention the latest crop of long johns are beyond cute?
1. Hot Chillys Printed Thermal Underwear Pant
Stand out in the snow with these bold, colorful tribal-influenced tights/long johns that feature a wide waistband and are made with all-season jersey knit and spandex. They'll keep you warm and dry, thanks to moisture wicking fabric (Target, $65).
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2. SmartWool Microweight Long Underwear Bottoms
Made with fine merino wool (called SmartWool because it doesn't itch or irritate skin and can be washed in the washing machine), these psychedelic long johns are ideal for your workout, but will also look super cute with a roomy, off-the-shoulder black sweater and ankle booties (Rei, $75-$80).
3. Cuddl Duds Thermal Legging
If wild prints aren't your style, this cozy thermal legging and long-sleeve crew combo in pecan heather offers warm, neutral basics that go with everything you own. You'll want to wear them while lounging around the house and sipping hot cocoa, of course, but you'll also be happy to know you can throw a coat and boots over this ensemble and hit the stores for a last-minute shopping expedition (Cuddl Duds, $22).
4. Burton Women's Expedition Wool Pant
If ever there was a pair of pants that looked like winter, these geometric print leggings fit the bill. Burton's expedition long johns are everything you want from snowboard/ski basics: they'll dry fast if you get caught in a snowstorm, will keep you insulated and even feature weight fabric panels on the butt and knees so you can zip down that snowy mountain with abandon (Burton, $100)
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5. 686 Airhole Thermal One Piece
Unleash your inner Bond girl with this coral polo jersey knit, which has an adjustable collar that can be pulled up into a face guard or hood. The best part: It features long raglan sleeves with thumb holes so that, literally, every inch of your body will be toasty (6pm.com, $68).
6. ibex Grace Top
Meet the perfect all-purpose long-sleeved shirt — one that you'll want to wear under everything you own or alone with jeans or trousers. Made from 100% Merino wool from New Zealand, the Grace features a sexy low-scoop collar and is naturally odor repellent and machine washable, so you can rest easy knowing it is keeping you warm and protected from the elements on your morning winter hike (ibex, $110).
7. Burton Women's Midweight Long Neck
With a built-in neck warmer that can also be worn as a traditional collar, this fun and vibrant base layer top and leggings are made from DRYRIDE Ultrawick Midweight 100 fabric. Expect to stay dry, warm and smelling like a rose all day long (Burton, $55).