The Baselayer - The Essential Part of Your Layering System

Ah, the humble baselayer: it’s the layer that doesn’t get much attention but does all of the dirty work.baselayer A vital component of your layering system, baselayers help to keep you warm while absorbing sweat and keeping you dry.

Base layers are incredibly effective thermoregulators, preventing you from overheating during intense activity and allowing your body to maintain a consistent temperature.baselayer They do this by transferring sweat from your skin to the outside of your clothing, so that it can evaporate and leave you feeling cool, dry, and ready for more.

They also provide insulation, trapping your body heat and insulating you from the cold.baselayer This keeps you warm without compromising on flexibility, comfort and movement. They’re also often designed with flatlock seams to prevent chafing while you’re working up a sweat.

In short, the baselayer is an essential part of your layering system for all outdoor activities and sports. They’re especially important for cold weather, and certain sports, such as skiing, ice skating and winter hiking.

As the name suggests, baselayers are worn closest to your skin. They should fit snugly so that they can wick moisture away and absorb it into the fabric, but they shouldn’t be too tight as you want to be able to move freely. They should also be comfortable on the skin, not too scratchy or irritating.

Most baselayers are made from either synthetic materials or natural fibres – merino wool in particular is a popular choice, thanks to its excellent thermo-regulating properties, ability to retain warmth when wet and antibacterial odor control. But synthetics like polyester and polypropylene are the most common, as they’re quick to dry and provide a comfortable feel next to the skin.

Whether you choose a synthetic or a natural fibre, the base layer should be breathable. Breathability is the ability of a fabric to allow water vapour to pass through it, just like air passes through an open window. If a base layer is not breathable, your body’s sweat will be trapped by the material, making you feel clammy and damp.

A quality base layer should be fast-drying, too. This is because a wet base layer can cause chafing, lead to bad odor and feel uncomfortable against the skin. It’s also a bit less effective at regulating your temperature than a dry one.

Our baselayers are made from high-performance fabrics featuring Polygiene StayFresh technology, so you can enjoy them with peace of mind knowing they’ll stay fresh and odor-free all day long, no matter how much sweat you’re working up. To find your perfect baselayer, check out our full range below. And if you have any questions about the different options, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our experts are here to help!