At this time of year, you don’t need to jet off to the slopes to feel the chill.  As we move toward the year end, temperatures are dropping and snow is already falling.  There’s no escaping: winter is coming.  

To be fair, I dug my thermals out way before Bonfire Night.  I don’t do cold.  So when the wind’s blowing sub zero winds, I need all the help I can get.  And let me tell you: base layers are everything.

Last year I featured the designer thermals brand, S’No Queen, with an introduction to my favourite and most fabulous pink base layers.  I’ve been wearing them non-stop so I was really excited when a new range of colours was launched for this season.

S’No Queen sent me the Essentials Collection Classic Leggings (large, £69) and the Queen Collection Crew Neck Top (large, £79) in new season colour, purple.

Even though these two pieces are from different collections, they still co-ordinate and make a matching set.

Both the leggings and the top are the same body hugging, ribbed fabric that feels completely comfortable to wear.  Unlike many regular cotton thermals, S’No Queen material is a higher end quality thanks to its high micro modal fibre and luxurious silk content, which ultimately means warmer, dryer and cosier thermals!

My last set was a medium (12) and I’ve been okay continuing to wear that size despite now wearing a dress size larger.  So this time I opted for the large (14), which has provided a slightly roomier, more comfortable fit.

The leggings are the same style as the pink pair I reviewed last year.  They’re figure fitting and feature a roll-over waistband that essentially doesn’t ride up or dig into your tummy.  A sparkly diamante spray design decorates the front of the right leg like a dusting of snow, and hems are finished off with silver lurex stitching.

The style of these leggings allow for a relaxed but fitted look.  With the waistline finishing high up to the belly button line, the leg length is long, with ample room for taller heights (I’m 5’8″ and have more than enough room).

The top features a different design to my last top but is based on the same crew neck style.  This version depicts a large S’No Queen emblem to the front, with name branding to the back.  Both logos are designed with diamantes for that sparkly effect, and the same silver stitched hems finish off the look.

The crew is a good style that fits like a glove; neatly around the neck, slim fitting long sleeves and a decent body length that finishes just about the hip.  The size 14 fits perfectly as it’s adequate around the bust line without adding bulk around the waist.  It’s very comfy so I just know I’m going to be living in this!

I thought it worthy to mention that the diamante jewels are fixed really well and I’ve only lost a tiny amount from my previous set.  Really just the odd few and you can’t tell, so I’m impressed with their staying power.

There’s so many aspects I love about S’No Queen that make their thermals my favourite to wear.  While they’re not at the budget end of the scale, they are an exceptional quality that proves itself over time as much as the first wear.  They wash extremely well and the fabric doesn’t stretch or pill so they stay looking great for a long time.  If you’re wanting thermals that do the job and excel,  S’No Queen are totally worth the investment.

Where do you stand with thermals?  Consider them unnecessary or a winter essential?  What do you think of S’No Queen thermals – do they change your preconceptions?  I’d love to hear!