The Duofold Varitherm Women’s Mid-Weight Brushed Back Long Sleeve Crew is a tech-fabric version of the classic “long john” or waffle tee. It’s has been a practical workhorse of a mid layer this winter.
I wore my Duofold Varitherm Women’s Mid-Weight Brushed Back Long Sleeve Crew last weekend while skiing, as a base layer under a lightweight wind layer, a superlight puffy sweater, and a hard shell jacket. It was around 20 degrees F on both days, and the top worked well to keep me warm throughout the day, especially as I cooled down when riding chairlifts. I liked the soft fuzziness of the inside of the shirt.
I’ve also worn the Duofold Varitherm Women’s Mid-Weight Brushed Back Long Sleeve Crew as a mid layer over a thinner base layer. It kept me warm, but was a bit bulky so I prefer wearing it as my first layer.
I also put the Duofold Varitherm Women’s Mid-Weight Brushed Back Long Sleeve Crew to the test on a run along the East River during a visit to New York earlier this January. It was an overcast, 40-degree day, and I wore a mid layer and a super light wind shirt over the Varitherm top. I was a little under dressed for the conditions, but warmed up easily within the first half mile. The combination of my Varitherm top and wind shirt kept me dry and warm once I got going. On a warmer day, I think I would have had to strip down a layer; the fabric does a better with insulation and warmth than breathability.
I remember having Duofold wool layers when I was younger, and although they worked to keep me warm, I was always itchy because I have a sensitivity to wool. The new Duofold Varitherm fabric, a polyester blend that’s ribbed on the outside and fuzzy on the inside, is thankfully much more comfortable. The top is tag-free and has chafe-free seams.
The Duofold Varitherm Women’s Mid-Weight Brushed Back Long Sleeve Crew is available in Black and Mid Charcoal Heather in women’s sizes S – XL and in men’s sizes S – XL. My usual size Small fit me at 5’4.” The torso and sleeves were a good length, with enough extra for taller gals, but it was a little boxy in the torso for my liking. The styling of the top is simple, perfect for those who don’t feel the need to have their long underwear make a statement.
Bottom Line: An affordable mid weight long underwear top that is sure to become a wintertime staple.
Manufacturer: www.championusa.com
