What is a base layer and why do you need to wear one?
A base layer is worn next to your skin. Base layers help regulate your body temperature by moving perspiration away from your skin, which will help keep your dry. Staying dry allows you to stay warm and happy in the winter. Base layers come in many forms from T-shirts to tights to briefs and sports bras. Some are designed to contour to your body while others are loose fitting. Base layers usually come in three weights; light, mid and heavy. The temperature and your activity level should be taken into account when choosing the right base layer.
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In buying a base layer, you will want to consider:
Generally, there are three different base layer weights.
Lightweight
This is usually your first layer that goes next to your skin with the ability to easily add layers over it. Lightweight base layers are a crucial step in layering as they must be comfortable on the skin and are designed to fit tighter for the best moisture management. Worn alone they are best suited for mild to cool conditions with high levels of activity like running, climbing, cross-country skiing, etc.
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Midweight
This weight of layer can be worn as a warmer first layer or as a second layer over your next-to-skin layer, providing a combination of insulation and moisture wicking. Alone it is best suited for cool to moderately cold and cold conditions with medium levels of activity where you will be moving some of the time but standing still at other times. It can be combined with lightweight layers underneath or heavyweight layers over it to accomplish the desired warmth.
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Heavyweight
This is best suited for cold conditions combined with any level of activity. Almost always worn over a lighter weight layer, heavyweight layers are designed to add insulation and are worn looser without as much focus on moisture management. These layers are thicker due to their higher loft for insulation.
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The majority of base layers in today’s world are composed of either Merino wool or synthetic fabrics. Rather than absorbing moisture, these fabrics wick (transport) moisture and perspiration away from the skin and disperse it on the outer surface where it evaporates. Both of these fabrics do roughly the same things: efficiently transport moisture away from skin, dry much faster than conventional cotton underwear and reduce the risk of dramatic swings in body temperature.
Synthetic vs. Wool
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Synthetic |
Wool |
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The Good |
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Soft
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Easy care
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Lightest base layer
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Abrasion-resistant
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Wrinkle-resistant
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Very stretchable
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Excellent moisture management
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Excellent drying time
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Fairly priced
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Soft to skin lightweight fabric
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Stain and wrinkle resistant
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Natural fiber
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Excellent moisture management
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Excellent temperature regulation
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Excellent odor resistance (it doesn’t stink)
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Very good stretch
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The Bad |
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Slightly slower temperature regulation than wool
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Synthetic fiber
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Odor can build up if not consistently washed
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Petroleum-based synthetic fiber
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Potentially vulnerable to staining
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Slower drying time than synthetics
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Potentially vulnerable to shrinkage if not washed properly
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More expensive than synthetic base layers
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Tops
Long Sleeve - Long sleeve base layers are generally used in colder conditions under additional layers in order to maximize warmth.
Short Sleeve - Short sleeve base layers tend to be used in hot to warm to cool conditions where moisture wicking is more important than heat retention and wearing just a short sleeve base layer won’t make you freeze.
Bottoms
Long Leg - Long leg base layers are generally used in colder conditions and generally as a part of a set of layers. Snowboarding, skiing, alpine hiking, riding in cold weather are all examples of activities that need a long leg base layer.
Three Quarter Leg - ¾ leg base layers are generally used for skiing and snowboarding. They stay out of the ski boot or snowboard boot therefore eliminating discomfort.
One-piece
One-piece - One piece base layers are the ultimate in base layer protection. They seal out any drafts and cover the majority of your body, making for a perfect base layer in cold conditions. Some one piece base layers even have a hood because 40% of your body heat can “escape” through your head.
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All base layers are designed to perform whether worn alone or with other layers.
