250 GSM is our everyday cold-weather standard — warm enough for winter city days, breathable enough for the trail.
Fabric weight guide
Which merino weight is right for you?
GSM is grams per square metre — how much fabric there is, not a warmth rating. Every weight is the same soft 17.5-micron Australian merino: it wicks sweat before it turns cold, insulates when it is cold and ventilates when it is warm. Lighter fabric breathes and dries faster; heavier fabric holds more heat when you stop moving. Choose by season and by how hard you will be working.
Warm & hot · 60°F+ / 15°C+
Best for: summer hiking, running, cycling, hot-climate travel, everyday tees and office wear; the next-to-skin layer under a 250 when you work hard in winter
Pick this if: you want a shirt that stays fresh for days, dries in an hour and keeps you cooler than cotton in the heat — or you simply run hot
Think twice if: you will mostly be standing still in the cold; on its own a lightweight layer has little insulation to offer
Shop 165 GSM →Cool to mild · 40–65°F / 5–18°C
Best for: spring and autumn as a standalone top, summer evenings, cool-morning hikes and commutes; winter as a base under a mid-layer
Pick this if: you want one merino layer that covers most of the year, or you are unsure between light and mid — this is where most people should start
Think twice if: you run cold and your winter is genuinely cold: go straight to 250
Shop 190 GSM →Cold · 20–45°F / −7 to 7°C
Best for: skiing and snowboarding, winter hiking, cold-weather work, frosty autumn mornings; top-and-bottom sets so your legs are not the weak link
Pick this if: you run cold in fall, want the classic winter base layer, or spend active days below freezing under a shell
Think twice if: you overheat easily on hard uphill efforts — a 165 or 190 underneath, 250 over it, is the better system
Shop 250 GSM →Deep cold · below 20°F / −7°C
Best for: ice fishing, hunting stands, camp at altitude, winter mornings spent waiting rather than walking, a house that never quite gets warm
Pick this if: warmth matters more than breathability, you are chronically cold, or your winter involves long spells standing still outdoors
Think twice if: you will be working hard — it is too warm for a sweaty climb, which is exactly the point
Shop 320 GSM →A base layer works by sitting close to the skin, where it can move moisture — loose is not more comfortable, just slower. Between sizes? Size down for a next-to-skin layer under a shell, size up to wear it on its own or over another layer. Merino stretches with wear and springs back after a wash. Heavier weight is not itchier: itch comes from coarse fibre, and every weight here is the same superfine merino.
Size guide
Size Guide
Our merino has a close, next-to-skin fit by design. If you are between sizes, stay true to size for base-layer use or size up for a more relaxed everyday fit. Free returns within 30 days, so ordering two sizes and sending one back is completely fine.
How to measure
Chest — around the fullest part of your chest, with the tape level under the arms.
Waist — around your natural waistline, with the tape comfortably loose.
Hips — around the fullest part of your hips and seat.
Inside leg — from the top of your inner thigh to your ankle bone.
Measure over light clothing, keeping the tape snug but not tight. Tap any chart below to open it full size.
Men's Base Layer Set
Need different sizes for the top and the bottoms? Build your own set →
Women's Base Layer Set
Need different sizes for the top and the bottoms? Build your own set →
Kids' Base Layer Set
Men's T-Shirt
Women's T-Shirt
Men's Long Sleeve
Same body measurements across 165, 190, 250 and 320gsm.
Women's Long Sleeve
Kids' Long Sleeve
Men's Long Johns
Women's Thermal Leggings
Kids' Thermal Leggings
Men's Half Zip
Women's Half Zip
Merino Wool Socks
Beanies, snoods and balaclavas
Still unsure which size to pick? Email info@merinotech.co.uk with your height, chest and waist and we will recommend a size. Free UK delivery over £49 and free returns within 30 days.
- Free UK delivery over £49
- 30-day free returns
- Ships in 1–2 business days
Description
Men's Merino Pants
Our Windsor Blue Men’s Merino Pants combine timeless design with nature’s best performance fiber. Crafted from pure Merino wool, they provide excellent thermoregulation, keeping you in perfect balance in all climates.
The moisture management system wicks away sweat fast, and odor resistance ensures long-lasting freshness. Soft, breathable, and elastic, they offer a refined feel that transitions seamlessly from lounging to outdoor activity.
Featuring UV protection, antistatic control, and an eco-friendly composition, these pants deliver performance you can feel — and sustainability you can trust.
Care
Turn inside out. Machine wash cold on a gentle cycle with like colours and a wool-safe detergent. Do not bleach. Lay flat or hang to dry — do not tumble dry.
Shipping & returns
Free UK delivery on orders over £49. Orders ship within 1–2 business days. 30-day free returns on unworn items with tags attached.
Men's base layer pants
The bottom half of staying warm
A soft merino legging with a wide comfort waistband and flatlock seams. Wear under ski pants, jeans or hiking trousers — or on their own at the cabin.
Size guide
Men's Pants 250
Fit
A close, next-to-skin fit made to sit smoothly under trousers, jeans and salopettes. Between sizes? Go by your waist measurement.
How to measure
- Chest – around the fullest part of your chest, tape level under the arms.
- Waist – around your natural waistline, tape comfortably loose.
- Hips – around the fullest part of your hips and seat.
- Inside leg – from the top of your inner thigh to your ankle bone.
Measure over light clothing and keep the tape snug but not tight. Still unsure? Email info@merinotech.co.uk with your height, chest and waist and we will recommend a size. Unworn items can be returned free within 30 days.
THE FABRIC
Why merino wool
Merino wool moves sweat away from your skin as vapour and lets it evaporate from the fabric, so you stay dry and comfortable whether you are hiking, commuting or skiing.
Merino fibres naturally resist the bacteria that cause odour, so you can wear a base layer for several days, on the trail or while travelling, and it still smells fresh.
Wool can absorb up to 30% of its weight in moisture without feeling wet. In damp British weather it keeps insulating where cotton and polyester leave you cold.
Merino absorbs UV radiation: our lightweight layers offer UPF 25 and the midweight and heavyweight options UPF 50+, handy on long days in the hills.
Merino wool is naturally hard to ignite and self-extinguishes without melting onto the skin, unlike synthetic base layers.
Merino is a natural, renewable and biodegradable fibre. Sheep grow a new fleece every year, and a worn-out merino garment breaks down instead of shedding plastic microfibres.
FAQ
Men's merino long johns: FAQ
What is this 250gsm thermal long johns best for?
It is a midweight 250gsm merino layer, best for skiing, hiking and cold UK winters. Compare every weight in our merino weight guide.
Is this thermal long johns warm enough for skiing?
Yes. 250gsm midweight merino under a ski jacket and trousers is the most popular choice for a ski holiday. Choose 320gsm if you feel the cold.
What are merino base layer bottoms used for?
Merino long johns are thermal leggings worn under trousers, salopettes or waterproofs. They trap warmth, move sweat away from your legs and stop the cold, clammy feeling that cotton leaves behind, whether you are skiing, hillwalking, fishing or working outdoors.
Which weight of merino long johns do I need?
165gsm for mild days and high-output sports, 200gsm for cool UK weather and layering under jeans, 250gsm midweight for most winter activities including skiing, and 320gsm heavyweight for severe cold or standing still for long periods.
Can I wear merino thermal leggings under jeans or work trousers?
Yes. The fabric is thin for the warmth it gives and the flatlock seams lie flat, so they sit comfortably under jeans, chinos and work trousers without bulk.
How should merino long johns fit?
Snug from waist to ankle so they wick properly and do not bunch under other layers. They are true to size; check your waist and inside leg against the size guide.
Should I buy a matching top?
A top and bottoms in the same weight give the warmest, most even layering. Buying them as a base layer set costs less than two separate pieces, or you can mix weights in the set builder.
Here are actual measurements for a size Medium. I wish every garment company and reviewer would do this. I'll follow with my measurements and how it fits.Dimensions with bottoms laid flat:Waist width: 14.5 inches unstretched. Stretches to 21 inches maximum. So circumference is from 29 inches to 42 inches maximum, but you obviously shouldn't stretch it that far.Length from waist to crotch seam: 11.5 inchesLength from waist to ankle: 39 inchesLength from crotch seam to ankle: 29 inchesAnkle width: 4.75 inches. Stretches to 8.5 inchesMy dimensions:Height: 5 feet 10 inchesWaist circumference at naval: 31.5 inchesWaist circumference at hip bones: 32.5 inchesCircumference of thickest part of thigh: 21 inchesCircumference of calf: 14 inchesCircumference of ankle: 8.5 inchesInseam: 31 inchesI weigh 140 lbs.This bottom fits me slightly loose. It's not tight like running tights, but still clings close enough to allow this to fit comfortably under a pair of pants. The material itself can stretch about 50%. For instance, the ankle width is 9.5 inches circumference unstretched, and 17 inches fully stretched.The garment is very soft and not itchy. I have eczema and this material is not irritating at all.I posted a photo of the washing instructions tag.
Here are actual measurements for a size Medium. I wish every garment company and reviewer would do this. I'll follow with my measurements and how it fits.Dimensions with bottoms laid flat:Waist width: 14.5 inches unstretched. Stretches to 21 inches maximum. So circumference is from 29 inches to 42 inches maximum, but you obviously shouldn't stretch it that far.Length from waist to crotch seam: 11.5 inchesLength from waist to ankle: 39 inchesLength from crotch seam to ankle: 29 inchesAnkle width: 4.75 inches. Stretches to 8.5 inchesMy dimensions:Height: 5 feet 10 inchesWaist circumference at naval: 31.5 inchesWaist circumference at hip bones: 32.5 inchesCircumference of thickest part of thigh: 21 inchesCircumference of calf: 14 inchesCircumference of ankle: 8.5 inchesInseam: 31 inchesI weigh 140 lbs.This bottom fits me slightly loose. It's not tight like running tights, but still clings close enough to allow this to fit comfortably under a pair of pants. The material itself can stretch about 50%. For instance, the ankle width is 9.5 inches circumference unstretched, and 17 inches fully stretched.The garment is very soft and not itchy. I have eczema and this material is not irritating at all.I posted a photo of the washing instructions tag.
The only way to know if this garment is comfy, warm, non-itching and fits well is to ... wear it.I did exactly that shortly after I received it. I wore it for 3 straight days. I notice the top is pilling a little bit (what else should you expect from wool), but the top and the bottoms held up to one cycle in gentle wash.The garment instructions that came on a printed card with the piece say something a bit different from the instructions printed on the garment. For example, the card instructions say NOT to place in the dryer, but the instructions on the piece itself say "Turn inside out. Machine wash cold on gentle cycle with like colours. Lay flat to dry recommended or machine dry on low heat. Do not bleach. Do not dry clean, Do not wring dry."So it seems they don't recommend using a dryer, however a fluff cycle in the dryer is the best way we know of to get pet hair off... so that's what we opt for before - or after - laying it out flat to finish dry.I do notice that the tag (which I summarized above - and have included a photo of) is likely to come off... but those tags are often a comfort nuisance. You DO need a magnifying glass to read that tag!I also notice that the pieces we received were made in China (PRC).The fit is good, comfy, and just like the top it's warm, non-itchy with no abrasive seams to irritate my skin. We all have probably had an experience of getting a garment with a tag that is so annoying that you want to rip it off ASAP - either because the tag itself is scratchy or the sewing holding the tag to the garment is obnoxious. This tag is long and thin, but not annoying.How well it will hold up to use remains to be seen... but I don't see anything that makes me think it is likely to autumn apart or get threadbare easily. Indeed, the best thing I can say about this garment is that it is MORE comfortable AND warmer than the cotton long johns I have. Cotton is pretty miserable thing to have next to your skin in the cold when you sweat or it gets wet.A.
The only way to know if this garment is comfy, warm, non-itching and fits well is to ... wear it.I did exactly that shortly after I received it. I wore it for 3 straight days. I notice the top is pilling a little bit (what else should you expect from wool), but the top and the bottoms held up to one cycle in gentle wash.The garment instructions that came on a printed card with the piece say something a bit different from the instructions printed on the garment. For example, the card instructions say NOT to place in the dryer, but the instructions on the piece itself say "Turn inside out. Machine wash cold on gentle cycle with like colours. Lay flat to dry recommended or machine dry on low heat. Do not bleach. Do not dry clean, Do not wring dry."So it seems they don't recommend using a dryer, however a fluff cycle in the dryer is the best way we know of to get pet hair off... so that's what we opt for before - or after - laying it out flat to finish dry.I do notice that the tag (which I summarized above - and have included a photo of) is likely to come off... but those tags are often a comfort nuisance. You DO need a magnifying glass to read that tag!I also notice that the pieces we received were made in China (PRC).The fit is good, comfy, and just like the top it's warm, non-itchy with no abrasive seams to irritate my skin. We all have probably had an experience of getting a garment with a tag that is so annoying that you want to rip it off ASAP - either because the tag itself is scratchy or the sewing holding the tag to the garment is obnoxious. This tag is long and thin, but not annoying.How well it will hold up to use remains to be seen... but I don't see anything that makes me think it is likely to autumn apart or get threadbare easily. Indeed, the best thing I can say about this garment is that it is MORE comfortable AND warmer than the cotton long johns I have. Cotton is pretty miserable thing to have next to your skin in the cold when you sweat or it gets wet.A.
Men's Merino Pants 250 Windsor Blue
My husband is always cold and these have changed his life. I'm the "bestest" because I found something that makes such a difference to him.
My husband is always cold and these have changed his life. I'm the "bestest" because I found something that makes such a difference to him.
Nice fit. They are comfortable all day long.
Nice fit. They are comfortable all day long.
Very satisfied so far, will see how it wears and washes over time. But in this freezing winter in the NE US, very glad to have it.
Very satisfied so far, will see how it wears and washes over time. But in this freezing winter in the NE US, very glad to have it.
Men's Merino Pants 250 Windsor Blue
Men's Merino Pants 250 Windsor Blue
Love it!! Be nice to have some in the 320 weight !!
Love it!! Be nice to have some in the 320 weight !!
I recently ordered a men's base layer top and decided to try the pants as well. They were on clearance and also came with socks so it was a good deal..The size was correct according to their chart (L fit me- 6 foot 195lb.). The socks were also fine. I've been wearing the socks and shirt but only used the pants once. Will see how they hold up after washing and wearing them more..I trash clothes so don't expect them to last forever.
One thing happened with the shirt that brought me back to this company. My base layer top was supposed to come with socks but it didn't so I contacted customer support. They responded immediately and sent a separate shipment with the socks..Customer service is rare these days but these guys did great job and got my repeat business as a result...
I recently ordered a men's base layer top and decided to try the pants as well. They were on clearance and also came with socks so it was a good deal..The size was correct according to their chart (L fit me- 6 foot 195lb.). The socks were also fine. I've been wearing the socks and shirt but only used the pants once. Will see how they hold up after washing and wearing them more..I trash clothes so don't expect them to last forever.
One thing happened with the shirt that brought me back to this company. My base layer top was supposed to come with socks but it didn't so I contacted customer support. They responded immediately and sent a separate shipment with the socks..Customer service is rare these days but these guys did great job and got my repeat business as a result...
Went hiking, with a good snow pants on, I was warm hiking in 9 degree weather with snow up to my knees.
Went hiking, with a good snow pants on, I was warm hiking in 9 degree weather with snow up to my knees.
I wear them everyday, when outside, and no itching.
I wear them everyday, when outside, and no itching.
Pour mon travail de dehors en plein deinegement mais j avais sur moi un pontallon de ski vu que je supporte pas le froidJ ai porté ce pontalon très chaud et franchement j avais un autre de laine pure 100% de plus j avais le pontalon de skiCar je marchais beaucoup toutes la journéeVraiment j ai beaucoup aimé ce sous vetement 250 peut-être j acheterai celui de 350
Pour mon travail de dehors en plein deinegement mais j avais sur moi un pontallon de ski vu que je supporte pas le froidJ ai porté ce pontalon très chaud et franchement j avais un autre de laine pure 100% de plus j avais le pontalon de skiCar je marchais beaucoup toutes la journéeVraiment j ai beaucoup aimé ce sous vetement 250 peut-être j acheterai celui de 350
Great product, works great on those long day hikes in cold windy weather 👍
Great product, works great on those long day hikes in cold windy weather 👍
It fit really well to 6'1“. Very soft, nice and comfortable. I went ski with this wool baselayer and it kept me warm. Not sure about the durability yet, but I do hope it can last long.