As temperatures across certain parts of Scotland continue to plummet below freezing, a lot of us will be looking for ways to keep ourselves warmer.
Of course, we could always pop on the heating for a few hours, but the cost of living crisis made that an option that few households can afford right now.
Which is exactly why thermal-lined clothing has been flying off the shelves recently, as shoppers look to grab anything they can that can keep them nice and warm without being slapped with a massive heating bill.
With a lot of choice out there, reporter Dianne Bourne from The Manchester Evening News decided to pit affordable Primark and B&M thermals against pricier M&S thermals to see which would give shoppers the best value for money.
Snapping up long-sleeved thermal tops and leggings from both Asda and Primark, and M&S Thermal Heatgen™ plus top and leggings, this is how Dianne got on...
George at Asda
Dianne headed to her local George at Asda store after hearing about thermals for just £1.50 which she, sadly, could not find for herself.
In the end, the reporter opted to pick up thermal long-sleeved tops and leggings for £10 each which were described as being made with "heat retaining technology" and a "thermal knit."
Despite being a bit pricier than expected, the leggings were nowhere near as thick as intended, as she mentioned that they were "so thin that they were as see-through as a pair of opaque tights."
To make matters worse, the leggings didn't even provide any extra warmth even with a long woolly dress on top. Dianne said that she still felt the cold bite at her legs when she nipped outside.
The thermal top was also found to be a little on the thinner side and see-through, with the reporter mentioning how she could see her bra underneath.
She said: "I did not feel it did much to "retain heat" on my body which is really the whole point. Even with a woolly top on top I still did not feel all that warm in this item I'm afraid."
Primark
Next up was budget fashion chain Primark with its range of thermal items that can usually be found next to the underwear section in the ladies department.
While there were loads of their Thermo Layer "heavy weight base layer" long sleeve tops in various colours for £11, she struggled to find such leggings in-store. Instead, Diane had to opt for "light weight base layer" cuffed leggings which were reasonably priced at just £6.
With the top being £1 dearer than George at Asda's thermal top, Primark's long-sleeved top was made with "considerably weightier" material and provided better warmth under the same woolly top that was worn previously.
Dianne mentioned that the leggings, which had a more traditional "thermal long John style", surprised her by retaining enough heat to be able to wear around the house without needing an extra layer on the top.
She went on to explain that she "grew to quite like the effect of the ribbed design" down the leggings and even "happily went to the shops in them".
M&S
With the more affordable thermals from both Primark and George at Asda tried out, Dianne decided to whip back out her M&S thermals that she was previously impressed with.
Trying out the long sleeved thermal top and leggings, both priced at £16, from the Thermal Heatgen™ Plus which boasts an "extra warmth" tag, the reporter was still happy with her purchases on a revisit.
Both the top and leggings are made that bit more snug and cosy by featuring a "brushed" inner which adds to the warmth. The reporter was so impressed that she said: "It pains me to take them off at all come night-time."
The M&S leggings were found to be so thick that they could be worn as an outdoor pair of leggings, whilst also being sleek enough to go underneath trousers or joggers all day.
Dianne also explained that the material has a nice stretch to remain comfy around your waist and ankles all day.
Overall verdict
In the end, it was M&S' slightly pricier Thermal Heatgen™ Plus items that continued to be the standout thermals that will keep you nice and warm as the temperatures plunge.
In fact, Dianne was so impressed she proclaimed: "Honestly, I don't want to ever take them off this winter now I've found them, although luckily they're really easy to wash and dry between wears."
However, if you wanted to go for something a little more affordable, then Primark's £6 traditional thermal leggings certainly offered a decent alternative for a warming base layer. that would keep your legs warm this winter.
Unfortunately, George at Asda's material failed to meet the standard set by M&S and even Primark, with its very thin material that was see-through.
Dianne said: "I would rather spend more for a better warmth and style factor with the Marks and Spencer items at £16 each as I know I will get more wear out of these in the long term."
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond. Sign up to our daily newsletter here.
