For all the fleece soft shells and ‘intelligently designed’ waterproof jackets, the most overlooked and underrated component of any winter outfit is the trusty base layer.
Despite being subject to scientific innovation like most cycling clobber, the base layer still uses a lot of traditional wisdom particularly with the use of merino wool.
However, lighter and higher-tech materials are also being employed these days and we’re here to investigate!
Gore Bike Wear Base Layer
What they say: This shirt is ideal for windy, cooler days. The combination of materials ensures rapid moisture wicking and protects against wind chill when riding.
What we say: An incredibly intelligent product, this base layer is specifically designed to not only regulate your core body temperature but protect it from wind, too.
The concept of using wind-blocking tech in a base layer might seem odd, as you want to allow your body to wick moisture away and you might think this would inhibit that.
But you’d be wrong. It works just as well as a standard base layer, but even cooler than that, it means you can get away with wearing just this and a long-sleeve jersey over the top on winter days when it stays dry.
No need for a wind-stopping softshell jacket, in other words.
It’s worth noting that this isn’t a deep winter base layer but on milder days and those late autumn/early spring rides it will help you avoid going out looking like the Michelin man.
The only slight downside for us is the price, but if you want to streamline your outfit this is a great shout.
Verdict: One of the pricier options but the high-tech wind-blocking tech keeps you warm on breezy days without too many extra layers. 9/10
£50, goreapparel.co.uk
Howies Light Merino Base Layer
What they say: This short-sleeved Merino base layer is a slim fit top with flatlocked seams and shaped armholes for extra comfort.
Made from high quality, fast wicking, itch-free merino wool; the Light Merino Base Layer is perfect for sport.
What we say: A great little number from British brand Howies. Much like the Rapha base layer it uses flatlock seams and a 100% merino wool structure giving it a snug and itch-free feeling against your skin.
Unlike the Rapha base layer, though, this is nearly half the price!
Howies base layers tend to be a bit more colourful (orange, grey, green, blue) which makes a nice change from your usual black.
Overall, we’d be happy to wear these off the bike as well as on it.
Verdict: Top warmth from the merino wool fabric, and we’re big fans of the range of colours and great price. 8/10
£45, howies.co.uk
dhb Merino Base Layer (M_150)
What they say: A lightweight superfine merino base layer for thermal regulation and natural performance.
Can be worn as the first part of a layering system in cool conditions or as a single layer in warmer climates.
What we say: Using a 18.5 micron yarn, this isn’t as fine as the Rapha yarn that uses 18.9, but then again it’s less than half the price.
Designed for milder temperatures, it is still highly effective when layered up with a thermal jersey and wind cape.
This is great for those autumnal rides but as deep winter draws in, we’ll probably opt for something thicker.
Despite that, the fit and feel are comfortable and we found no problems over long rides. And at that price it’s a competitive bit of kit!
Verdict: A good value option that’s comfortable and warm, but best used on milder days. 7/10
£30, wiggle.co.uk
Pearl Izumi Transfer Lite Base Layer
What they say: The Transfer Lite SL is the best-selling base layer in the Pearl Izumi range thanks to its high-wicking properties and extremely light weight.
The PRO Transfer Lite fabric using Minerale provides optimal moisture transfer, dry time and odour absorbance.
With its tuckable-length drop tail and all-season versatility, this is a great riding base layer.
What we say: The Transfer Lite is made of an incredibly light, thin fabric blend including Minerale Polyester, Pearl Izumi’s engineered temperature control fabric.
One feature we particularly liked is having the fabric’s washing instruction label on the outside, sparing us from some itchy miles.
They say it’s engineered to ‘keep the body dry year round’ which we’ll have to take their word for as we were only testing it in colder conditions, but in our road rides it certainly kept us dry and regulated temperature easily during both sunny and inclement days alike.
Verdict: A good base layer using technical fabrics that promise year-round performance and at a very attractive price. 8/10
£23, madison.co.uk
Caratti Thermal Base Layer
What they say: Tailor-designed to fit cyclists’ needs with a longer body and snug finish on the body.
Fibre technology allows for sweat to wick away from the skin instantly, essential regulating body temperature and keeping the body warm.
What we say: This one has an incredibly silky feel with a lot of stretch, compared to some merino wool base layers which can be quite unforgiving.
We enjoyed the lack of seams and as the washing instructions are stitched onto the actual product itself we were also saved from unnecessary irritation by a pesky label.
Not the thickest on test, we’d suggest this is more one for milder days rather than those when brass monkeys need live in fear.
Verdict: Combines a luxurious silky feel and a forgiving fit for those who put on a few pounds over Christmas. 8/10
£20, caratti.cc
Madison Isoler Mesh Base Layer
What they say: The Isoler Mesh uses open mesh fabric to aid air flow and prevent over heating, while the 3D back reduces contact with the skin also aiding airflow.
Circular knit construction means you don’t have any seams running the length of your body and the soft binding ensures no itching.
What we say: Much like the Caratti base layer, Madison has opted for a Polyester and Elastane make up giving the product a stretchy feel and snug ‘race’ fit.
It is a little bit more expensive than the Caratti and slightly lighter which would make it slightly less suited for very cold days.
Having said that, the Madison Isoler base layer actually works well enough in temperatures colder than we expected.
Verdict: A lightweight base layer that performs better than you might expect in cold conditions. 7/10
£23, madison.co.uk
Rapha Winter Base Layer
What they say: The Winter Base Layer is made from 100% merino and uses an 18.9 micron yarn for exceptional softness.
The natural fibre is itch-free, high wicking and odour resistant. Made from a heavier weight yarn than Rapha’s regular base layers, the roll neck can be worn as normal for standard insulation, or with the neck pulled up over the face to work in the same way as the Rapha Winter Collar.
What we say: It’s expensive but this thick merino wool base layer is perfect for winter, and versatile too – the cut and the rollneck top means it’ll keep you warm whatever you’re up to.
The merino quality shows when washing the garment. Unlike the Howies base layer that still had a slight whiff coming off it, the Rapha base layer was fresh despite being in the same wash.
The heavier weight does a lot to keep the heat in and its flatlock seams ensure it keep chafing and itchiness to a minimum. A cracking item if you can afford it.
Verdict: One for the coldest days, this is a thick top made with top-quality merino wool – at a price. The rollneck is a nice feature, too. 8/10
£80, rapha.cc
Chapeau! Merino Base Layer
What they say: This lightweight merino Base Layer is designed to sit against the skin underneath a jersey or jacket.
With a snug performance fit you’ll barely notice it’s there, apart from the sense of warmth and comfort. Perfect for those rides from Autumn through to Spring.
What we say: Straight away, the merino blend on this base layer feels the best on test. Unlike the Rapha and Howies shirts, this blend feels more like brushed cotton than wool.
It gives the shirt an elegant feel against the skin, which is complemented by how light it is – it’s incredible to think Chapeau have pulled this off using 100% tural fibres.
When it comes to fit, the shirt comes up slim but it’s not a compression fit so it’s perfect for the slightly bigger-boned riders among us.
And with its Breton-style stripes, this wouldn’t go amiss in any fashionista’s wardrobe, making it perfect for use as an off-the-bike T-shirt.
It’s not the cheapest base layer here, but with its smooth looks, feel and versatility you get a lot for your money.
Verdict: A 100% natural base layer that feels wonderful against the skin and does a great job of keeping you warm. 10/10
£45, chapeau.cc
Altura Thermocool base layer
What they say: Our most technical base layer using temperature regulating ThermoCool yarns and body mapping technology.
We use intelligent yarn engineered for thermoregulation and our Altura Dry™ technology is engineered to move excess moisture away from the skin, keeping you dry and comfortable.
What we say: Tight fitting and seamless, this is a fancy bit of kit that screams pro. With its long sleeves and compressing nature, the Thermocool is very handy for when the temperatures drop.
Combined with its lightweight nature, Altura’s offering is a competitive choice for those wanting a pro level base layer that isn’t too thick.
The price is on the high side but Altura is known for providing good value and this futuristic piece is no different.
The effort to reduce itchiness has gone right down to the details of the washing instructions being sewn into the fabric itself, giving the product a nice complete finish.
Verdict: High-tech base layer packed with features for a snug, pro fit and excellent performance in all conditions. 9/10
£50, zyrofisher.co.uk
