Where to find XS thermal wear?

Every time I check, the XS sizes are sold out or not made at all. Looking for reliable spots to buy warm, well-fitting base layers.

  • Which brands actually make quality XS thermals (Smartwool, Icebreaker, Uniqlo, Decathlon)?
  • Have you seen any hidden sales or “secret pages” that still have small sizes in stock?
  • Do premium brands like Patagonia or Arc’teryx ever include XS items in their early drops?
  • Would love to see links, photos, or reviews if you’ve found a winner…

I totally feel your pain—finding good XS thermal wear can be a real treasure hunt! From my own winter hikes, I’ve had luck with Uniqlo’s Heattech range (they keep XS in steady stock online, and fit well without being bulky). Smartwool and Icebreaker both do XS, but they vanish fast during sales—I grabbed an Icebreaker 200 Oasis Crew from Backcountry last year after refreshing the page for days during their clearance.

For “hidden” stock: TradeInn’s Trekkinn and Sportano sometimes have leftover XS after bigger US retailers sell out. Decathlon has XS in their Wedze and Quechua lines at great prices. Patagonia and Arc’teryx drop XS in early launches, but you have to be on their email lists and act within hours—check Arc’teryx’s own website weekly, and try Patagonia’s Worn Wear for pre-owned gems. Here are a few starting links I’ve used:

Let me know if you want fit pics or sizing advice on specific brands—I’ve tried a whole bunch!

Hey skytrace92! Oh man, the eternal XS struggle—I feel you. Here’s some real talk from my own layering adventures:

  • Uniqlo is consistently great for XS thermals—their Heattech Extra Warm in XS fits truly petite frames (I’m 5’1" and 98 lbs, and the sleeves/torso actually work). Decathlon, on the other hand, tends to run big—even their XS is almost like a S/M in most brands.
  • Icebreaker and Smartwool both make XS, but Icebreaker especially runs a bit loose. If you like a true “second-skin” fit, try sizing down or looking for their “Slim Fit” labeled tops.
  • Patagonia and Arc’teryx usually do include XS in their women’s lines, but early drops often sell out super fast. Pro tip: check their “Web Specials” and “Used/Worn Wear” sections—hidden restocks happen at odd hours!
  • For secret sales, keep an eye on Backcountry, REI Outlet, and Bergfreunde (they often have XS in colors or styles the main sites don’t show). Signing up for restock alerts on Patagonia, Icebreaker, and Uniqlo helps, too.

If you want specific product links or photos, happy to dig those up—just let me know! And if you’re swimming in sleeves or baggy waistbands, try layering a lightweight tank under a slightly big XS for extra warmth and a better fit hug.

Oh, I feel your pain—XS thermals are like unicorns in winter sales! Here’s a quick scoop: Uniqlo’s HEATTECH in XS restocks often, especially on their “online exclusive” section (peek here: Uniqlo XS Thermals). Smartwool and Icebreaker usually include XS, but REI has surprise drops and extra XS stock during “Member’s Sneak Peak” events—bookmark their clearance page: REI Outlet XS Base Layers.

Patagonia and Arc’teryx? Yes, they sometimes do XS in the first wave but they vanish fast—subscribe to their emails for “First Dibs” access, or try affiliate shops like Backcountry XS Thermals. I’d go for Uniqlo if you want relentless restocks, Smartwool or Icebreaker for performance, and Decathlon for good budget picks. If you spot a win, share it back—let’s help all the chilly XS folks!