I Found The Perfect Thermal, And Now I'm Actively Rooting For Cold Weather To Stay

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18-03-2025

Like any rational person, I usually spend my winters counting down the days until I can stop dressing like I'm preparing for an Arctic expedition. But this year? This year is different because I found the perfect thermal — and now, for the first time in my life, I'm actually hoping cold weather sticks around a little longer.
Paramount Pictures
A little background: I live in Detroit, where winters are long, painfully cold, and somehow still capable of catching me off guard every year. On top of that, I live in a 100-year-old building that — charmingly — does not have individual thermostats. That means I exist in a constant state of either freezing or cooking, with no in-between. One minute I'm shivering in my apartment, the next I'm sweating through my layers because the radiators have decided to go full blast. So this winter, I said enough is enough and went searching for a versatile long-sleeve shirt — something warmer than a T-shirt but not as stuffy as a hoodie or sweater. I wanted a piece I could wear at home without overheating but also something that could handle Detroit's brutal outdoor temps and still look good when layered up.
Enter: The Filson Waffle Knit Henley. Historically, I've only ever thrifted thermals, which meant I was always at the mercy of whatever slightly misshapen, pre-stretched, weirdly itchy waffle-knit happened to be available.
Given I've never purchased a brand-new thermal, let's start with the obvious — $115 for a thermal is no small investment. Filson has been making rugged, hardwearing outdoor gear since 1897, and their reputation for quality isn't just hype. Their stuff is built to last, and as they say themselves, they're in the business of making "unfailing goods." Between the substantial but breathable waffle knit, the reinforced construction, and the classic, unfussy fit, it all comes together in a way that makes it clear this isn't just another cheap, flimsy layer. It's a piece that will be in my rotation for years.
And let's not forget: It's also a Henley! Those two little buttons at the top? Game-changer. When things get a little too toasty, simply unbuttoning them provides just the right amount of ventilation without sacrificing style. It's one of those small but crucial details that makes this thermal so much more functional than a basic long-sleeve tee, IMO.
1. When I'm home, it's basically my second skin.
I mostly work from home, and I'm not ashamed to admit that I've been wearing this more days than not. It's just that good. It's warm enough that I don't need to bundle up, but breathable enough that I don't feel like I'm overheating. I pair it with sweatpants or shorts and transition seamlessly from my desk to my comfy chair to my snack cupboard and back again.
2. When I do need to leave the house, I don't think twice, I just add a layer (or two, or three — depending on the wind chill).
Griffin Gonzales
Whether I'm getting groceries, going to a movie, or just trying to look put-together (without actually trying to look put-together), this thermal has been my go-to. I'm always wearing it with my vintage military fatigues, a zip-up hoodie, a beanie, and some sneakers — my always reliable uniform when I'm out and about.
3. You can even dress it up. Here's the proof:
Recently, a friend and I snagged an impromptu dinner rez (as in, we had 20 minutes to get ready and drive there until our bread was supposed to hit the table). Naturally, I was wearing this thermal, and without thinking, I threw on a double-breasted blazer, some dark denim, a leather belt, and a pair of loafers and was out the door. Maybe you'll disagree, but for me, it somehow works. It adds a relaxed, effortless vibe to a dressier outfit, making it the perfect layering piece for those in-between occasions where you want to look good but not too good, you know?
So yeah. I went from never buying new thermals to being a full-fledged Filson waffle-knit evangelist. And now? I'm just hoping winter sticks around long enough for me to keep wearing it. But even when the temperatures rise, I know I'll still get plenty of use out of it — whether it's a late night on the beach, a quick weekend trip, or working from my fave coffee shop that's known to unapologetically blast the A/C May through September.
Need more convincing? These promising reviews go pretty hard.
" Tough, warm shirt. Great utilitarian piece that can be worn for work or a casual night on the town. Excellent for layering or wearing alone on cooler days, and the color is awesome. Has held up well after several washes and seems to only be getting better with time. 10/10." — Juan C.
" The best Henley shirts around. I have four of them. My go-to long-sleeve shirt. Comfortable and tough. The weave is tight. You can work in these shirts or wear them for nice casual wear. Very versatile. I normally wear small in Filson but like the medium in this shirt for extra room and comfort." — Behzad V.
"This waffle knit Henley is my go-to shirt, so I need to buy another one. This under-a-flannel shirt is a great combination for warmth and ease of movement. I have worn it constantly since I got it, and it has kept its shape. Good looking enough to wear alone or as a base layer. It is very well made and will last for years." — James H.
Back to work. Peace!