How to choose your baselayer?
The primary goal of a baselayer (also called technical underwear) in your cycling or running equipment is to remove the mositure created by the transpiration and to keep you dry during the exercise, no matter the season. The baselayer is the layer in contact with your skin and can be worn in winter as wells as in summer, and makes the 2nd intermediary layer and the 3rd protective layer more efficient.
We propose a guide to help you choose the most suitable baselayer depending on the season.
The different types of technical underwear
Summer baselayer
Objective: thermoregulation and moisture removal
Wearing a baselayer with short or no sleeves in summer helps to regulate moisture and to offset corporal heat during exercise. Thanks to a technical and ultra-light fabric, you'll stay dry and fresh as a daisy.
This kind of underwear is often very aerated to ensure a good evacuation of transpiration, even if temperatures rise above 30°C. It stops the shirt from absorbing transpiration and staying moist during your trip. The cut fits perfectly under a shirt and you can also use it as base for a multi-layered outfit in winter.
Mid-season baselayer
Objective: thermoregulation, moisture removal and windshield effect
In addition to evacuating transpiration and regulating your body temperature, the mid-season baselayer has a windshield effect thanks to a well-placed membrane on the torso. It's often short-sleeved to be worn under a summer shirt. It's a good compromise when temperatures are still fresh early in the morning. It's thicker than the summer baselayer to keep an isolating effect but less hot than the winter baselayer.
Winter baselayer
Objective: thermoregulation, moisture removal and thermic isolation
In winter, it's essential to stay warm! The baselayer's mission is to remove moisture, to regulate your body temperature and to isolate you from the cold. Thicker than the mid-season one, its long sleeves and high collar provide you with a better protection against the cold.
The case of the Merino wool baselayer
The Merino baselayer has the incredible advantage of being wearable in every season. Merino wool is a polyvalent fibre which regulates body temperature and keeps you warm in winter and cool in summer, all the while never having bad odours. Merino fibre is soft, naturally antibacterial and anti-odour, and quickly removes moisture. It's a naturally thermoregulating fibre, therefore it's more expensive than polyester, which is usually used for thermic underwear.
These assets make it the ideal garment for cycling trips or hiking for example. Whether it's sleeveless, short-sleeved or long-sleeved and with a fitting cut, this type of baselayer will accompany you all year round.
Conclusion
A baselayer must be well-fitting without being too tight. Take note that size may vary between fabricants. Look for maximum comfort with soft and elastic seamless fabric.
No matter the season, the cut is well fitted and is longer on the back for cyclists.
