Carhartt Men's Base Force Classic Thermal Base Layer Union Suit

I was somewhat hesitant to order this suit, based on some of the reviews, but I am glad I went ahead and did so. I am 6'1", and weigh 215#. I initially ordered an XL in Tall, but it was way too large in the body, and the legs and sleeves were about 5 inches too long. The suit I exchanged it for, a regular L, fits me perfectly.The suit is of a waffle weave of fabric, and is a bit lighter weight than other waffle weave suits I own. It is heavier than the regular cotton T shirts I have. I ordered the red one, but both colors now are of the newer style.Neither the sleeves or legs have the elastic cuffs that my other union suits have. Rather they have a non elastic cuff that is about 3/4", more like the end of a short sleeve button down shirt. The arms have a hidden thumb loop, for helping to keep the sleeves down when putting on another shirt or sweater over the union suit. Once on, I then just unhook the thumb piece, and it fits well. I don't necessarily miss the elastic cuff, and it is easier to look at my watch with this current style of cuff.The legs not having cuffs are also not an issue, but I find that it is easier to put the suit on over my socks, rather than putting my socks on over the bottom of the legs of the suit. The legs of the suit are just a fraction of an inch shorter than my pants, and do not show.I really like the snaps on the front, and they seem very secure. There are the right number and spacing, and there is no gap between them. I have to open one of the snaps when going to the bathroom, but closing it is not an issue. The positioning of lower end of the front opening is a bit higher than my other union suits, but there is considerably less overlap of material at the crotch, and it is more comfortable around my man parts.The back flap is different, but I like it, and am not sure why some other reviewers don't like it. Rather than a vertical slit and flap, there is a horizontal elastic band, similar to what is on regular underwear. When nature calls, you just pull the back down below your bottom when you sit down. Once finished, you just pull the elastic band back up, and tuck the tail of the shirt flap under the waistband, just as if you were tucking a T shirt into your regular underwear, and you go about your life. It is certainly easier than trying to find the button to secure the flap as with the vertical slit, and with this style, there is no concern, that I have with the flaps of the vertical slit, of getting messy if I didn't get them far enough to the side. I think it is clever, and well thought out.The price is a bit high, but the union suit is very comfortable to wear under clothes in cooler weather, and to wear as pajamas at night. It is not a heavy weight suit, and when I am going to be outside in below freezing weather, I wear my other union suits. However, for being in the house, and not having the heat too high, and for short periods of time outdoors, it is perfect.

Whats most important to know about ordering these is that selecting a different color selects a different style and therefore a totally different garment. The red union suit has buttons and a slit in the back, is made with heavyweight cotton, and has close fitting cuffs and ankles. The black union suits are made of lightweight, waffle type cotton and polyester, (like the older style two piece thermal underwear), have snap button closures, do not fit snugly around the cuffs or ankles like the red style, and in the back have a separation of the union suit with an elastic band that allows you to tuck in the upper piece. More on this below.The red, heavier weight cotton version I find to be extremely comfortable, very warm in cold weather, and overall more comfortable than the black style. The ankle and cuff closure are thick and elastic and make putting on clothes less aggravating as they hold the sleeves and legs from riding up as you are getting dressed.They are more suited for colder weather than the black style and DO have a flap in the back for those who would use it. They wick moisture away and I find them to be the most comfortable of the two styles.The black style is more suited for milder cold weather. I like the snap style buttons better on these but thats where it ends. As one reviewer stated about the buttons on the other style, they sometimes are not the right size and need to either be replaced or have someone sew up the button hole as they come unbuttoned. But most annoying of the black style is the rear separation of the upper and lower with the elastic band. (Look at the pictures provided by Amazon) It is like it is a one piece in the front and a two piece in the back. Plus it is impossible to use the bathroom without taking them off on the top and that makes them inconvenient. I find that if it is anything below freezing they are too lightweight and if it is above 50 F they feel uncomfortable as they don’t wick moisture away as easily.Carhartt is known for durable, long lasting clothing and the red style is in line with their usual quality. I bought the red style first and love them. I mistakenly bought the black style thinking they were just like the red style and I never wear them unless it is mild or my red ones are dirty. I DO wish the red style had the snap closure, but beyond that I love them. Look at the pictures provided by Amazon carefully and you will see the difference in the two styles. It is misleading to most and I wasted my money on the black style.

I eventually want to buy at least 7 pairs of these for my husband bc he wears them daily this winter in Maine. He’s a carpenter and I’m surprised at the durability; also easy to wash / dry in washer and dryer. He says it keeps him really warm and is comfortable. Fits him perfectly.

I work outside for a living in Chicago. I tested out this suit last week when the temperatures started to dip below 30 degrees fahrenheit.Thermal performance - While very comfortable, the suit is only good as a single layer beneath work clothes down to around 30 deg F. The wind cut right through my work pants and through the bottom half of the suit when the temps were in the 20's. The upper half wasn't really a concern as I had a thermal jacket over it. It is described as a midweight thermal suit, not as Extreme, so maybe it wasn't meant for weather this cold. I also own some Carhartt Extreme long underwear that performs better in the cold. It's too bad that Carhartt doesn't seem to make a Union Suit rated for the lower temps. I'd buy that in a heartbeat.Comfort - I ordered the suit a size too big on purpose, as usually items shrink over time, and loose is better than tight in the cold weather. The suit fits nicely on my 5'9" frame with some comfortable looseness. The sleeves and legs are plenty long. The buttons are easy to undo for when you have to use the bathroom. The tightly woven cotton material is very soft and comfortable. I've washed it once in cool water with no noticeable fading or shrinkage.Overall - A good quality comfortable suit for 30-50 deg F weather. Not good without additional layering below 30 deg F.