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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - In the North, people have to fortify themselves against frigid temperatures. Since we don't have a natural warm coat of fur like the polar bear, what better way to fight the cold than with a pair of long johns?

Mark's Work Wearhouse manager Theresa Campbell shows off Helly Hansen polypropylene long underwear, the Rolls Royce of the long johns world. Campbell said they're popular among those who work in the mines and are outdoors for long periods of time. - Andrew Livingstone/NNSL photo

Long johns are named after 19th century American boxer John. L Sullivan. Sullivan was the first heavyweight champion of gloved boxing from 1882, spanning a decade. Sullivan used to wear an outfit when he boxed that resembled long underwear, hence the re-branding of the undergarment.

Long johns are big sellers in Yellowknife. Mark's Work Wearhouse currently has approximately 32 square feet dedicated to long johns - and this is the off-season.

Manager Theresa Campbell said during peak months the store will double the area of long johns and add an additional section just for women.

Long johns generate more than $1 million annually in sales for the Yk store alone, selling 60,000-70,000 units a year. That's a helluva lot of long johns.

"It's a big thing for us," she said. "We just sent out 6,000 units up North to the mines. We get a lot of large orders like that."

But what long johns are best overall?

"Most of the guys like polypropylene because it keeps the cold out and for the warmth," she said. "It sticks close to the body and fits tight. It would be like your typical undershirt."

Helly Hansen polypropylene long johns are the store's biggest seller, especially with people who work in harsh Northern conditions, like the mines. She said microfibre products tend to be a big seller among younger guys and athletes.

"You'll see a lot of that stuff on people that are jogging," she said. "They wear it underneath their clothing to keep warm. It also helps to remove moisture."

Women also have options for long johns, from polypropylene to silk.

"They make them thinner for women for comfort, but they still do the job," she said. "It's just like wearing a pair of panties."

Campbell said older people tend to stick with Stanfield's for their long johns, even though they are bulkier and create more moisture than they stop. She said it's all based on personal preference.