[Gray Review Vol.1] Brynje Super Thermo
The mesh innerwear beloved by outdoor enthusiasts
Have you ever seen this product with a striking, net-like design?
When I first came across Brynje’s product, I remember thinking, “What kind of clothing is this?” or “Is it underwear?” due to its mesh structure.
The Brynje Super Thermo, despite its appearance with plenty of holes, doesn’t feel cold or embarrassing when worn. Many users who try it for the first time are captivated by its superior warmth retention and comfortable fit, making it a regular choice.
Brynje’s diverse base layer lineup is also widely loved among outdoor enthusiasts as a winter base layer.
Product Features and Details
Product Name: SUPER THERMO T-SHIRT
Material: 100% Polypropylene
Price: Unisex - 86,000 KRW / Women’s - 115,000 KRW
Mesh Weight: 140 g/m2
Usage Season: All seasons (-30°C to 20°C)
In this [Gray Review], we’ll uncover how Brynje Super Thermo performs as a winter base layer, examining its functionality for various outdoor activities as well as everyday wear. We’ll also delve into the pros and cons as we experience its fit firsthand.
[Gray Review] is a new content series in which Gray Shop staff personally test and review products from various brands.
What is the Secret of Brynje Super Thermo?
The Brynje Super Thermo is crafted from 100% polypropylene fiber known as “Meraklon.” This lightweight material boasts high thermal insulation and durability, along with excellent water repellency.
Because it’s highly water-resistant, the fabric quickly wicks away sweat without absorbing moisture, which helps to maintain body heat. The mesh structure also creates an insulating layer of air between the skin and outerwear, aiding temperature control.
Without effective moisture wicking, retained sweat can cool the body rapidly in winter, posing a risk of hypothermia.
How to Wear It for Maximum Effectiveness
The main feature of Brynje Super Thermo is its water repellency. Think of it as a drainpipe for sweat, moving moisture away from the skin.
Due to this characteristic, it’s best to avoid wearing a hard shell directly over the Super Thermo, as it may block its functionality. Instead, layer a mid-layer made of hydrophilic fabrics like merino wool or Polartec Power Dry over the Super Thermo for optimal performance.
This setup allows the Super Thermo to wick sweat outward, where it’s absorbed and dried by the mid-layer, minimizing moisture on the skin and maintaining warmth and comfort.
For best results, layer a mid-layer over the Brynje base layer rather than an outer shell.
Trying It Out
Hiking
Sung-ryeol: I hiked wearing a thin windproof jacket over the Super Thermo and felt comfortably warm even though the day was cold enough to see hikers wearing down jackets. The base layer wicked away sweat effectively, allowing me to enjoy a comfortable hike without feeling cold.
(Height: 180 cm / Weight: 77 kg, Wore size M)
Hyo-jin: When hiking in winter, my innerwear often gets damp from sweat, causing my body to cool rapidly when I pause. But with the Super Thermo, I didn’t feel any temperature drop since it kept dry.
(Height: 173 cm / Weight: 73 kg, Wore size S)
Hyun-young: Previously, I usually wore Uniqlo’s HeatTech for hiking, but this time, I tried Brynje. With regular base layers, I’d feel a chill when taking a break as the material would dampen. With Brynje, however, it stayed dry, keeping me warm and cozy throughout. I enjoyed it so much that I want to try it on future camping trips!
(Height: 169 cm / Weight: 65 kg, Wore size XS)
Yuna: While hiking, I normally layer up to stay warm. Brynje’s mesh structure created a comfortable fit, and compared to my usual compression shirts, it was even warmer, with the mid-layer absorbing sweat so that I stayed dry. For those trying it for the first time, I’d recommend wearing it directly against the skin for maximum effect.
(Height: 163 cm / Weight: 50 kg, Wore size XS)
Cycling
Hyun-young: I don’t usually wear bib shorts for cycling due to the shoulder straps, but Brynje made it much more comfortable. In fall and winter, I’d often avoid cycling because of the cold, but with Brynje, I felt warm enough to enjoy my ride.
(Height: 169 cm / Weight: 65 kg, Wore size XS)
Sung-ryeol: In the past, I’d get uncomfortable as sweat-soaked clothes felt cold when I stopped cycling. However, with Brynje, the outer layers stayed dry, keeping me comfortable throughout, and I could feel the difference in temperature regulation.
(Height: 180 cm / Weight: 77 kg, Wore size M)
Running
Hyo-jin: While running, it’s uncomfortable when clothes get sticky from sweat. With Brynje Super Thermo, I felt much more comfortable because it didn’t stick to my body.
(Height: 173 cm / Weight: 73 kg, Wore size S)
Yuna: I prefer seamless, stitch-free clothing for running, and Brynje's flat seams were comfortable without chafing. Even with the sweat-wicking properties, the outer layers stayed dry, so I didn’t feel cold. The quick-change aspect of Brynje also adds convenience when running outdoors.
(Height: 163 cm / Weight: 50 kg, Wore size XS)
Differences in the Women’s Version
Starting this season, the new women’s version of Brynje features some design updates compared to the unisex version. The new version has a solid-knit panel from the front chest to the back shoulder area.
Overall Pros and Cons
Pros: Excellent sweat-wicking, comfortable and warm fit, quick-drying, good temperature control
Cons: Relatively high price, slight rough texture
Final Thoughts
The Brynje Super Thermo, with its excellent moisture-wicking and thermal management properties, is a superb choice for a winter base layer.
As the sizes run long in the torso and sleeves, it’s recommended to size down if you prefer a snug fit.