In many posts I read of the advice to take along a set of silk long underwear for those northern Europe trips in early spring or late fall. I've been shopping on line and see on some sites a choice of lightweight sets that are somewhat transparent as opposed to a medium weight. I'm wondering which weight is most popular with you gals. I'm not trying to prepare for sub-zero weather situations, just wanting the option to add another layer that's not bulky on my body or in my suitcase (and perhaps sleep in them too). I think I'm leaning to the lightweight type. Any advice? Advice about where you purchased yours would be great too! Thanks.

I don't know about silk underwear, but I'm a cold-blooded girl and live in a climate that can be awful in the winter. I wear cuddle duds all winter, and they really do the job.

The lightweight is good for layering. I have some that is pointelle and some that is plain knit. Because it is so light it doesn't alter the fit of your clothes (slacks esp.) and if you have to take it off (if you get warm!) it won't take up much room in whatever you're carrying.

I am also a cuddle duds gal, so another vote for them. They really are the most comfortable and the best for moving around.

I like natural fibers, they just feel better next to my skin. I bought lightweight silk tops and pants from wintersilks.com

I have the lower neck or scoop neck for the tops. So my routine is, I wear them under my clothes which keeps my sweaters fresh and then just leave them on to sleep in while the previous day's are drying, they are so easy to rinse out in the shower then hang to dry.

So now everyone knows my winter underwear secrets!

I got mine from wintersilks.com last November and was VERY glad to have them for my Danube cruise. Brrr!

Another one for "Cuddle Duds"; they do make handy PJs in a pinch too if the weather turns, as mentioned earlier. They come in a variety of (top) variations, i.e. long sleeve/short sleeve/vee neck etc., to fit your needs.

I agree about just getting the really lightweight real silk. I have on occasion had to stop in a restroom to take the stuff off because I was too hot, and they take up virtually no room at all in your bag. Plus, for the light weight they really add a lot of warmth under your clothing.

Thanks to everyone! Looks like you're all confirming that lightweight style is plenty warm and not bulky under clothes. I'm going to order the lightweights from the wintersilks site.

I wear the silk leopard print low neck top which makes me chuckle when I take off my prim turtle neck sweater!

I like the lightweight ones as well--got mine at Eddie Bauer.

One more vote for the lightweight style.

Was just about to suggest WinterSilks but I see someone else already did! I have tanks, long shirts and even socks. They are the best for cold, keep you warm without being bulky, IMO.

Why is this a girl question? I wear silk long underware too. By the way my latest set came from Edie Bauer.

sorry, icithecat! I meant no offense to the guys by directing my question to the gals. You are right...the web shopping sites offer stuff for men and also a unisex choice. sorry for the gender slur.

I bought CuddleDuds for our Dec trip in '04 and so glad I did. I have used silk before but could n't find any in time. Good luck, either option is good.

I, too, have the lightweight silk undies from WinterSilks. Everything said above is true.

BUT. We were in Italy in January. There were days in Florence and Venice when I really wished I'd bought the mid-weight. Or, since I took 2 pair, I wish I'd taken one of each. It all depends on where and when you'll be travelling. Early spring/late fall...I'd say the lightweights would be sufficient.

margeo.
Believe me no offence was taken. A lot of guys do not wear silk longjohns because, well, they are silk.
Those of us who are not 'phobic, swear by them.

margeo, I know that you have already ordered yours, but Sierra Trading Post often has them for very low prices. I just ordered some in February that were $15. You don't always have the choice your very favorite color, but then again, it is underwear, as in worn where not many people will see! http://www.sierratradingpost.com/

I wear WinterSilks and they are awesome, very thin and lightweight and they keep you incredibly toasty. HOwever, after reading these posts, I am now in love with the term "Cuddle Duds" and will investigate if this is a brand, or if it is an idiom for long underwear. Either way, the name rules!