Base layer buying guide

What are base layers?

Base layers are the base of any layering system – they are designed to sit next to the skin, and wick moisture away from your body; they do this by absorbing moisture (sweat) from the surface of your skin, then allowing it to evaporate away.

By wicking sweat away from the body, a base layer keeps you dry, comfortable and chill free. Thermal base layers can also help to keep you warm, by trapping an insulating layer of warm air around the skin.

Base layers can be made of several materials: namely synthetics (Polyester or Polypropelene) or Merino wool.

Cycling base layers also come in a huge variety of styles; from long sleeved, with high collars for the cooler weather; to mesh sleeveless garments for the hot days.

In this Wiggle guide, we look at what you should consider when you are buying a base layer; including the fit, the materials, and the season that you are buying for.

Base layers can keep you warm, or keep you cool

Summer cycling base layers

What should you consider when you’re buying a base layer for summer use?

The most important factors for your summer cycling comfort:

1. Material: you want a fabric that will wick moisture away from your skin, leaving you cool and dry.
2. Fit: you want a summer base layer to be close fitting, so it doesn’t clump underneath tight summer riding kit, and so it sits close to your skin.
3. Cut: summer base layers come in short sleeved and sleeveless options. What will be best for you, depends on the riding conditions and your other riding kit.

Summer base layer materials

Summer base layers are normally made of synthetic materials, because these have excellent stretch properties – to provide a good fit; they are also resistant to shrinking with continued use, and they are highly effective at wicking away moisture.

Look out for fast dry fabrics such as CoolMax, CoolMesh, ThermoCool and DriFit; these will ensure that sweat is quickly moved away from the body, keeping you cool and comfortable.

Many modern polyester fabrics also use odour reducing technology: such as Microban and Polygiene. These anti-microbial finishes stop odour building up in the base layer, even with heavy perspiration; making them more pleasant when in use for long days in the saddle.

Summer base layer fit

The great stretch properties of modern synthetic materials mean that base layers can fit like a second skin; indeed it’s important they do, to provide the best moisture management.

Use our detailed size guides on each base layer product page, to ensure you get the best fit.

Summer base layer cut

Sleeveless or short sleeved? Summer base layers could be either.

Which one you choose depends largely on personal preference; a vest style base layer will typically be cooler.

Summer base layers we recommend:

• dhb Short Sleeve Seamless Base Layer
• Craft CoolMesh Superlight Base Layer
• Castelli CoreMesh Short Sleeve Base Layer

http://guides.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-tri-suit-buying-guide