Baselayers may be the most vibrant sector in ski fashion right now.
Everywhere I turn, I’m finding beautiful, stylish, brightly colored and stunningly patterned long underwear. The days of boring long johns are long gone.
Just take a look at Lon Gundie, a winter and summer baselayer company offering some of the best prints you’ll find anywhere, for women and men. I’ll be reviewing their winter layers on Thursday.
In addition, I’m happy to feature Woolpower and Andie’s Outdoor Undies.
Woolpower may not look fancy, but I’m loving their soft, insulating wool warmth from the tips of my toes to the top of my neck. The Woolpower review will be up tomorrow.
As for Andie’s Outdoor Undies, this brand is for women only and the key word here is “discreet.” If you’ve ever yearned to take a backcountry “bio break” without baring your bum, these layers are for you.
Introducing Andie’s Outdoor Undies
Andie’s Outdoor Undies was founded by Andra Byrnes, a smart, talented woman (and a ski mom, too!) who took a good idea and made it better.
While living in Alaska, Andra came across long underwear with cleverly placed flaps that open when one squats, allowing hands free (and bottom covered) relief in the woods.
After wearing out a pair and finding no suitable replacements, she pulled out her sewing machine. With much trial and error, she perfected the design, creating (in her words) “just exactly what I believe a base layer should be for a woman.”
How They Work
Reading the product description online, I didn’t quite get it.
“I squat and the base layers open? I stand and the baselayers close? Huh?”
While speaking with Andra, she let slip that she’d be in our shared hometown (who knew?) and could drop off some undies for me to try.
Once I put them on, I realized the design is sheer brilliance. They work exactly as advertised (squat to open, stand to close), and yes, they are discreet.
Plus the fit is comfortable and flattering, and the winter baselayer fabric is so soft and fleecy on the inside that I didn’t want to take them off.
Andie’s Outdoor Undies are sewn from a poly-lycra combination treated with ChitoSanté. ChitoSanté is an environmentally friendly blend of crab and shrimp shells that combines with textile fibers to increase absorbancy, durability and breathability. It’s naturally anti-bacterial and is the only anti-bacterial bio-agent certified by the US EPA.
The winter layers are heavier and fleecy on the inside, while the summer layers are smooth both inside and out.
Care is easy: machine wash in cold water, without fabric softener, and line dry.
How, and Where, to Use Them
Andie’s Outdoor Undies leggings are suitable anywhere and any time you want some extra warmth (in winter) or you’re adventuring away from facilities (winter or summer). Think skiing, fishing, backpacking, climbing, hiking and the like.
I tried the shorts (along with the “It Fits Me” top in pink) this fall on trail runs and hiking, underneath a skirt. They worked great, but you must keep covered up and sit like a lady. If you don’t wear them under a skirt, they work great under hiking pants or loose shorts.
The long leggings made their début hiking at altitude and are outstanding. They are so comfortable that if it weren’t for the openings, I’d be wearing them as yoga pants around the house.
This winter, I’m looking forward to wearing them cross-country skiing. They’d also work well for downhill skiing, especially in the backcountry, or if you don’t like totally stripping down in a tiny bathroom stall.
The only caveat: Don’t wear any other underwear. That defeats the purpose.
Tops, Too
In addition to leggings, Andie’s Outdoor Undies offers a line of short and long-sleeve tops. Many of her tops are princess seamed for a fit that flatters everyone. The summer fabric is wicking, sun protective and fast drying. And it comes in 6 colors.
For winter, Andie’s Outdoor Undies is launching a new cozy, warm turtleneck in a soft heathered fabric. It’s called the Beyond Your Basic Turtleneck. I love it. In fact, the first weekend I wore it, I barely took it off.
The fit is generous and long. It’s a layer that works next to your skin or over another baselayer. I like the angled thumb hole (in just the right place) and the relaxed neck that pulls up over your face for extra protection.
All Andie’s Outdoor Undies are made in Colorado.
Sizes run from 0-22. I found the fit true to size, but if you’re in doubt, I suggest ordering up a size for shorts and leggings, as I like having a little extra coverage to totally close the flaps when you’re standing.
Giveaway
Andra Byrnes has generously provided Andie’s Outdoor Undies signature product, the Gotta Go leggings for giveaway! One winner will be chosen randomly from all entries on Friday, October 21, 2016.
To enter, please leave a comment. For a second entry, please follow Andie’s Outdoor Undies on Facebook, and let me know that you did.
Good luck!
To facilitate this post, I received four items from Andie’s Outdoor Undies to try and review. As always, all opinions are my own and are exactly what I would tell my family and friends.
This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations to Patti!
Coming Up This Week:
- Winter Baselayer Preview, Part Two: Woolpower, October 12, 2016
- Winter Baselayer Preview, Part Three: Lon Gundie, October 13, 2016.
© 2016 – 2017, braveskimom. All rights reserved. Any use or publication of content, including photos, requires express permission.
Kris says
Base layers are key to warmth! Cool giveaway. Followed Andie’s Outdoor Undies too- fun name 😀
braveskimom says
Thanks Kris. The fabric is really nice…and warm! Thanks so much. Two entries for you!
braveskimom says
Thanks for entering! As a thank you Andra is offering free shipping to anyone placing an order between 10/22 and 10/29. To take advantage of this offer, please email andie@andiesoutdoorundies.com or call 970-507-0297.
Cheers!
Andra Byrnes says
Thanks Braveskimom for your support! We have had such positive responses and are excited to be getting these products to ladies to keep them warm and comfortable this winter. Call or order on line today! Andra
braveskimom says
Thank you Andra!
Jen Charrette (@pedaladventures) says
I love that squat feature. And made in CO so they must be good!
braveskimom says
Indeed! Thanks Jen. I think you’ll love them.
braveskimom says
Thanks for entering Jen! As a thank you Andra is offering free shipping for orders placed between 10/22 and 10/29. To take advantage of this offer, please email andie@andiesoutdoorundies.com or call 970-507-0297.
Cheers!
Jennifer Simpson says
Such a great idea! Nothing worse than trying to peel off all those layers when you gotta go…
braveskimom says
Thanks Jennifer! Andra Byrnes, the company founder, uses the example of backpacking when explaining her outdoor undies. If you’re on the trail and you’re wearing a heavy pack, it is too hard to peel down. This way you can just lean against a tree, squat and go. Cheers!
braveskimom says
As a thank you for entering Andra is offering free shipping to anyone placing an order between 10/22 and 10/29. To take advantage of this offer, please email andie@andiesoutdoorundies.com or call 970-507-0297.
Patti Bonnet says
Love the squat and go design! (And the always helpful tip to remember to sit like a lady when wearing a skirt.) Followed Andie’s Outdoor Undies as well. Thanks!
braveskimom says
Channeling Emily Post, you know! You’ll be happy to know that Andra, the company owner is a GJHS grad, too. Ha! Thanks for the FB follow. You have two entries. Cheers!
tkoob says
Always interested in trying out some new base layers. And I followed on FB as well.
braveskimom says
Thanks Tanya! Appreciate it! You’ve got two entries!
braveskimom says
While you didn’t win Tanya, Thanks for entering! Andra is offering free shipping to anyone placing an order between 10/22 and 10/29. To take advantage of this offer, please email andie@andiesoutdoorundies.com or call 970-507-0297.
Cheers!
Martha says
Finally, I say! Not that I haven’t perfected the swiftest strip down out of bottoms ever, BUT (no pun intended) I sure would like to try the bottoms and the luscious looking tops! Thanks, BSM!
braveskimom says
Thanks Martha!
braveskimom says
Hey Martha, while you didn’t win you can get free shipping! As a thank you Andra is offering free shipping to anyone placing an order between 10/22 and 10/29. To take advantage of this offer, please email andie@andiesoutdoorundies.com or call 970-507-0297.
Cheers!
Linda W says
What a great idea! I could use a pair of those. My backcountry ski pants already have a drop seat, but I still have to pull down my long underwear bottoms every time I “go.” These undies would make my drop seat ski pants work.
braveskimom says
Such a great point! I recently ran across Burton ski/board bibs that have a drop seat. As you say, these will make the whole system work! Thanks Linda!
braveskimom says
Hi Linda! Thanks again for entering! Just wanted to let you know that as a thank you Andra is offering free shipping to anyone placing an order between 10/22 and 10/29. To take advantage of this offer, please email andie@andiesoutdoorundies.com or call 970-507-0297.
Amelia says
Well those look amazing. My bum is always cold peeing in the outdoors! 😉 Thanks for the tip!!! And I follow them in FB now too!
braveskimom says
Thank you Amelia! Double entry for you, my dear!
braveskimom says
Hi again Amelia! Want to let you know that you can get free shipping for one week! As a thank you Andra is offering free shipping to anyone placing an order between 10/22 and 10/29. To take advantage of this offer, please email andie@andiesoutdoorundies.com or call 970-507-0297.
Cheers!
jenroeNYj says
wait what? you don’t have to pull them down to P in the trees?? LOL!
braveskimom says
You got it! Good luck!
braveskimom says
Hi Jen! Andra was so happy with the response that as a thank you she is offering free shipping to anyone placing an order between 10/22 and 10/29. To take advantage of this offer, please email andie@andiesoutdoorundies.com or call 970-507-0297.
Cheers!
Denise Hovanec says
I’ve met Andra before and love my seamed top for the summer. Looking forward to trying the bottoms and a new turtleneck during ski season this year!
braveskimom says
I’m sure you’ll love them.
braveskimom says
Andra asked me to share that as a thank you she is offering free shipping to anyone placing an order between 10/22 and 10/29. To take advantage of this offer, please email andie@andiesoutdoorundies.com or call 970-507-0297.
Cheers!
Chelsea MB says
What an upgrade in the thermals Im working with! Thanks for such a thorough review, Andies Outdoor Undies are what my aching joints have been hollering for. Also, thanks for the rad giveaway to boot. Liked them on Facebook! ❤❤
braveskimom says
Two entries for you! Thanks Chelsea!
braveskimom says
Andra was so happy with all the feedback that she is offering free shipping to anyone placing an order between 10/22 and 10/29. To take advantage of this offer, please email andie@andiesoutdoorundies.com or call 970-507-0297.
Cheers!
justbunny says
So many of my outdoorsy women friends love their Andies Undies whether for trail running or thru-hiking. I can’t wait to try mine!
braveskimom says
Great to hear! Thank you!
braveskimom says
While you didn’t win, Andra wanted to thank everyone who entered by offering free shipping between 10/22 and 10/29. To take advantage of this offer, please email andie@andiesoutdoorundies.com or call 970-507-0297.
Cheers!
Adventure Bound says
Wow, these sounds great! I’d love to try out a pair. So innovative and convenient.
braveskimom says
They are innovative! Who knew? Thanks for entering!
braveskimom says
One more quick note: As a thank you Andra is offering free shipping to anyone placing an order between 10/22 and 10/29. To take advantage of this offer, please email andie@andiesoutdoorundies.com or call 970-507-0297.
Cheers!
Jennifer Simmons says
Omg these undies are everything I’ve ever needed out on the trail but didn’t know anything like this existed. As a mom of two I seriously need this.
Also followed on Facebook!
braveskimom says
Thanks Jennifer! Two entries for you!
braveskimom says
Hi Jennifer! Thanks for entering! As a thank you Andra is offering free shipping to anyone placing an order between 10/22 and 10/29. To take advantage of this offer, please email andie@andiesoutdoorundies.com or call 970-507-0297.
Cheers!
Barbara Swindlehurst says
I have known Andra for several years – primarily thru her volunteer work in the community. My girlfriend and I were some of the “early adopters” and we had a chance to check this product out when Andra first introduced them here locally in Pagosa Springs. I am so happy to hear about the new products that she has added to her line. I look forward to trying those out too.
braveskimom says
Good to hear from an “early adopter”! Thanks for commenting!
braveskimom says
While you may not need shipping, as you live in the same town as Andra, she is offering free shipping to anyone placing an order between 10/22 and 10/29. To take advantage of this offer, please email andie@andiesoutdoorundies.com or call 970-507-0297.
Cheers!
Sandy Henderson says
Congratulations on all of your new exciting happenings. So excited for you! I know Julie loves her outdoor undies. Her favorite.
braveskimom says
Thanks for commenting Sandy! Good luck!
braveskimom says
Well if you or Julie need more, Andra is offering free shipping to anyone placing an order between 10/22 and 10/29. To take advantage of this offer, please email andie@andiesoutdoorundies.com or call 970-507-0297.
Cheers!
Karen Washington says
My first hiking skirt was from Andie’s Undies. LOVE IT. I am sure I will love the leggings too, especially for our New England winters. The video is awesome. The new FB site looks so nice, I liked it again.
braveskimom says
Thank you Karen! You’re entered twice!
braveskimom says
Thanks again Karen for entering. As a thank you Andra is offering free shipping to anyone placing an order between 10/22 and 10/29. To take advantage of this offer, please email andie@andiesoutdoorundies.com or call 970-507-0297.
Cheers!
Nicole Durham says
Very neat! I look forward to trying them.
braveskimom says
Thanks Nicole! Good luck!
braveskimom says
Thanks Nicole! As a thank you for entering Andra is offering free shipping to anyone placing an order between 10/22 and 10/29. To take advantage of this offer, please email andie@andiesoutdoorundies.com or call 970-507-0297.
Cheers!
Joanne Hardesty says
I love my Andie’s Outdoors Undies top and bottom. It’s so soft and comfy!!! Andie is also my sister-in–law! I live in Alaska and can wear them year round here.
braveskimom says
That’s so cool! Thanks for the testimonial!
braveskimom says
While you may want to let Andra know what you expect for Christmas, she also asked me to please let all entrants know that she is offering free shipping to anyone placing an order between 10/22 and 10/29. To take advantage of this offer, please email andie@andiesoutdoorundies.com or call 970-507-0297.
Cheers!
Ashley Hancock says
These look great. I would love. A pair for my upcoming thru hike!
braveskimom says
Sounds perfect for a thru hike! Enjoy!
braveskimom says
Good luck on your thru hike! As a thank you for entering Andra is offering free shipping to anyone placing an order between 10/22 and 10/29. To take advantage of this offer, please email andie@andiesoutdoorundies.com or call 970-507-0297.
Cheers!
Nikka_Mar says
These look amazing! Winter hiking would be so much warmer
braveskimom says
Precisely! Thanks!
braveskimom says
As you prepare for winter hiking, Andra is offering free shipping to anyone placing an order between 10/22 and 10/29. To take advantage of this offer, please email andie@andiesoutdoorundies.com or call 970-507-0297.
Cheers!
dawnmcguire says
Very cool idea! I know what I’m getting for Christmas this year . Following Andie’s Outdoor Undies!
braveskimom says
Thanks for commenting! As a thank you Andra is offering free shipping to anyone placing an order between 10/22 and 10/29. To take advantage of this offer, please email andie@andiesoutdoorundies.com or call 970-507-0297.
Time to Christmas shop!
Brandy says
Love love love them!!! Followed your page. I must buy the turtleneck asap!!!
braveskimom says
Thanks for sharing Brandy! You’ll love the turtleneck, I promise! You’re entered twice!
braveskimom says
Now is your chance to get that turtleneck! As a thank you Andra is offering free shipping to anyone placing an order between 10/22 and 10/29. To take advantage of this offer, please email andie@andiesoutdoorundies.com or call 970-507-0297.
Cheers!
Jennifer says
These sound amazing!
braveskimom says
Thanks Jennifer! Good luck!
braveskimom says
Thanks for entering! As a thank you Andra is offering free shipping on orders placed between 10/22 and 10/29. To take advantage of this offer, please email andie@andiesoutdoorundies.com or call 970-507-0297.
Cheers!
Andra Byrnes says
Thanks Braveskimom for this review! We’re glad you are enjoying these revolutionary base layers for women! We are looking forward to the announcement of the winner of the Give-Away on Friday Oct 21st! Good luck everyone! Andra
braveskimom says
Thank you Andra! You’re the real deal and a pleasure to work with!