The Best Thermal reinterprets one of the great staples of American menswear. Born from the 19th-century union suit worn by laborers, lumberjacks, and cowboys of the American West, the waffle-knit thermal evolved from underwear into standard issue for the US Army in the 1940s and 50s, then graduated into a wardrobe piece worn on its own, from the workshop floor to the film set.

The waffle-knit construction (waffleknit®) emerged in the late 19th century. Its honeycomb structure traps air between the fibers, creating thermal insulation without adding bulk. This technical principle has remained unchanged for over a century, which is what makes the thermal both functional and comfortable. It works equally well as a base layer or as a standalone piece.

The Best Thermal is the result of a thorough study of several vintage models held in our archive: military underwear, civilian thermals, athletic sweats. We took the best of each to build our contemporary version. Waffle-knit construction, long sleeves, ribbed crew neck, body-skimming fit. The fabric was developed on machines specialized for thermal knits, in a workshop known for its expertise in technical knitwear.

Every detail has been given particular attention. The weight and density of the knit, the quality of the yarn, the precision of the ribbed collar, the armhole seam construction. It’s this level of care that separates The Best Thermal from mass-produced thermals and makes it a piece built to last.

Wear it on its own as a long-sleeve t-shirt, or layered under an OCBD shirt, sweatshirt, workwear jacket, or knit pullover.

Made in South Korea.