Most of us own a thermal base layer that traps body heat. Heated thermal clothing goes further: built-in heating elements powered by a battery keep you warm even when you are hardly moving. Think of a wet morning on site, a long commute by bike into a headwind, standing on the touchline in January or a cold evening in a pub garden. Because the layer sits next to your skin and disappears under your own clothes, it is perhaps the most versatile type of heated clothing. Here is what to look for.
Quick answer
- For men who want a warm base layer under workwear, a ski jacket or motorcycle kit: the heated thermal shirt for men in black.
- For women who want a thin, warm first layer: the heated thermal shirt for women in black.
- For long days outdoors: both tops run for about 12 to 13 hours on low.
- Every thermal model in one place: our heated thermo clothing collection.
Comparison table
Based on manufacturer specifications and our market research. Competitor prices as of November 2026. Unknown details are left blank.
| Model | Brand | Price | Zones | Max temp | Battery and run time | Washing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heated Thermal Shirt Men Black | Gløde | €179.99 | 3 (stomach, upper back, lower back) | 7.4V, 3000 mAh, approx. 12 to 13 h on low | Washable, remove battery first | |
| Heated Thermal Shirt Women Black | Gløde | €179.99 | 3 (stomach, upper back, lower back) | 7.4V, 3000 mAh, approx. 12 to 13 h on low | Washable, remove battery first | |
| Shirt & Trousers Set Dual Heating | Bertschat | €299.95 (price November 2026) | 2, separately controlled | up to 65°C | 3,000 mAh 2 to 8 h; 4,000 mAh 4 to 11 h | Machine 30°C, 600 rpm |
| Base layer top ¼-zip | Ororo | €129.99 (price November 2026) | 2 | |||
| Heated base layer bottoms | Ororo | €129.99 (price November 2026) | 3 |
What to look for
Where the heat zones are
Many people find warmth across the stomach and back the most comfortable in cold weather. So look at where the zones are, not just how many there are. The Gløde thermal tops heat the stomach, upper back and lower back.
Thin enough to layer
A thermal layer should vanish under a shirt, fleece or work jacket. The tops sold by Gløde are thin enough to wear under other clothing, and the battery sits in a zipped pocket at the hem.
Fabric next to your skin
Gløde's tops are made from Lenzing Modal, wool and cupro, which feels soft as a first layer.
Run time, and is the battery included?
A working day or a day on the slopes easily lasts eight hours. Gløde's tops run for about 12 to 13 hours on low with the included 3000 mAh battery. More on our page about how long heated clothing batteries last.
Washing
Base layers need frequent washing. Remove the battery first and follow the care label. Bertschat specifies 30°C and 600 rpm for its set.
Warranty and service
Gløde offers a 2-year warranty with European service; see repair and warranty.
The products reviewed
Gløde Heated Thermal Shirt Men Black
This top leads the list because it offers a clear package: 3 heat zones across stomach and back, a stated run time of about 12 to 13 hours on low and a battery included in the price. It is long-sleeved, worn directly on the skin, and you feel the warmth after roughly 10 seconds. Wear it on its own as thermal underwear or under a coat, ski jacket or workwear. The product information does not state a maximum temperature. View the men's thermal shirt.
Gløde Heated Thermal Shirt Women Black
The same technology in a women's cut: 3 zones, warm after about 10 seconds, Lenzing Modal, wool and cupro, and a 3000 mAh battery in a zipped pocket. Ideal if you always feel cold in the office, at the stables or on the sidelines. View the women's thermal shirt.
Bertschat Shirt & Trousers Set Dual Heating
Bertschat is a Dutch brand with a German-language web shop. This set of top and trousers has 2 separately controlled zones and reaches up to 65°C. Pros: heats upper and lower body, with clear washing instructions. Cons: €299.95 (price November 2026) is a big outlay, and run time depends on the battery (2 to 8 hours with 3,000 mAh, 4 to 11 hours with 4,000 mAh). We could not confirm the warranty length.
Ororo Base Layer Top ¼-zip
A heated quarter-zip base layer for men and women with 2 zones, at €129.99 (price November 2026). Pros: lower entry price. Cons: fewer zones, and run time and maximum temperature were not stated in our research.
Ororo Heated Base Layer Bottoms
If you want warm legs too, Ororo sells heated bottoms with 3 zones at €129.99 (price November 2026), useful for long, static hours outdoors. Run time and care details were not available to us.
Who is heated thermal clothing for?
- Builders, landscapers and market traders working long hours in wet, windy weather.
- Cycle commuters who do not want to sit at their desk in a bulky coat.
- Anglers on the riverbank and walkers on exposed hills.
- Riders and yard workers at chilly stables.
- Anyone turning the heating down at home. See our page on heated clothing to save on gas.
Looking specifically for a top? Read our guide to the best heated shirt 2027. For a second layer, see the best heated jumper 2027 and the best heated gilet 2027. Our full range sits in the heated clothing collection.
FAQ
Can I wear a heated thermal top under hi-vis or workwear?
Yes. Gløde's tops are thin enough to wear under other clothing, with the battery in a zipped pocket at the hem.
Is it fine to wear next to the skin?
It is designed as a first layer and has overheating protection. Gløde products are CE certified.
How long does the battery last?
About 12 to 13 hours on low with the included 3000 mAh battery.
How do I wash it?
Take the battery out first, then follow the care label.
Can I try it before committing?
Yes, with a 30-day trial and money-back guarantee. See our 30-day trial page.
Verdict
Heated thermal clothing is the most discreet way to stay warm: one thin layer next to your skin and your normal clothes on top. Gløde's thermal tops for men and women combine 3 zones across stomach and back, about 12 to 13 hours on low and a battery in the box. Bertschat suits you if you also want trousers and have a bigger budget; Ororo if price matters more than zone count. With Gløde you get a 2-year warranty, a 30-day trial, delivery in 1 to 3 days and 4.8 on Trustpilot (237 reviews). Browse the heated thermo clothing collection.
Updated November 2026, based on specifications and customer experience.
