Uniqlo Heattech Base Layer

Uniqlo's Heattech line is functional clothing that does its job so quietly you forget you are wearing it, and for $15 a shirt that is exactly right. The fabric is a synthetic blend that traps body heat and wicks moisture, and it is thin enough to layer under a regular shirt without adding bulk. I bought 3 crew necks at the start of winter and I've worn them under everything from button-downs to hoodies on days when the wind chill drops below 20 degrees. The fit is snug but not compression-tight, and the seams are flat so they don't show through outer layers. I used to wear heavy wool base layers that itched and made me sweat on the subway. The Heattech material stays dry and comfortable across temperature changes throughout the day. The only limitation is that it does not hold up well after about 40 washes, the elasticity starts to go. At the price point I treat them as seasonal purchases and replace them each fall.