Long-sleeve baselayers
Every cyclist needs this winter must-have
01 Van Rysel Women’s Baselayer
£29.99 Sizes XS-XL Colours Black
● THE CHEAPEST OF THE OPTIONS, this tight-fitting, waffle-patterned number from Decathlon was certainly warm and I was pleasantly surprised that it wicked away sweat effectively. It didn’t ride up and the seams were very minimal, but it’s fully synthetic and I found that if I wore it all day, it started to get itchy and the waffle pattern marked my skin around the elbows and armpits. I’m a grubby bikepacker who’s looking for multi-day comfort, but if you’re not, this has all the hallmarks of a good baselayer and you could definitely do worse.
02 Endura Transloft Baselayer
£42.99 Sizes S-XXL Colours Black
● THE UNISEX TRANSLOFT HAS A breathable panel up the back which I liked aesthetically and practically, and nearly half of the material is made from recycled polyester. However, I found the high neck and thicker, waffle-patterned Primaloft Energy material kept the heat in much more effectively than advertised. Although the material got wet with sweat, the top stayed warm next to my skin, while the fit and finish quality was comparable to the most expensive options. I’d keep this for temperatures below 5°C, or for long, steady-state rides.
03 Altura Tempo Seamless Baselayer
£50 Sizes XS/S, M/L, XL/2XL Colours Charcoal ●
IN TERMS OF LOOKS, THIS UNISEX top was my least favourite as it’s a bit too skintight for me (almost compressive in feel) and I wasn’t sure about the colour. Its performance, however, was undoubtedly good and the seamless body was very comfortable. Three different weaves maximise breathability and airflow where you need it, and despite the tight, long-bodied fit, I didn’t seem to overheat too badly, even when doing intervals. A zipped neck would allow for better heat moderation, so this is best for those who feel the cold, or in chilly conditions.
04 Santini Dry Baselayer
£59 Sizes XS/S, M/L, XL/XXL Colours Black
● THIS IS DESCRIBED AS ‘SILK WEIGHT’ and I’d agree. Its super-light construction made it very comfortable to wear under multiple layers, and suitable for multiseason use. The material didn’t get itchy after a long ride or cause compression in unwanted areas and it dries very fast, which helps you avoid post-effort chills. The unisex fit was quite flattering, skimming over the hips, but the length is shorter than some. I was worried that as it’s 100% polyester it would smell after a while, but there is no sign of that after several wears and washes.
05 Velobici Hugo Thermal Baselayer
£70 Sizes XS-XXL Colours Silver Green
● THIS ACTS LIKE A COMFORTING second skin, perfect for day rides where you know it’ll be cold or wet throughout. I found it too warm to be worn under much, but it would layer well under a jersey. It’s a unisex fit, so it rode up off my hips but still worked fine with bibs.It was silky, comfortable and looked classy, which you might expect for the price. The Silver Green colour has been chosen to coordinate with other items in the range, but it’s a bit light for my liking and seemed greyer after a few washes so it’s a shame there’s no colour choice.
06 Rapha Women’s Merino Baselayer
£70 Sizes XS-XL Colours Dark Grey, Black
● THE VERSATILE COLOUR AND v-neck design helps make this the best-looking top here. It’s loose enough to feel flattering but tight enough to be worn under a jersey. It’s also the only Merino item here, which pushes the price up, but it behaves just as a baselayer should: it’s breathable, quick drying and stays warm when damp. The high-grade Merino wasn’t itchy and the top stays whiff free all day. There was no thinning or shrinking after several washes. It’s an investment, but probably worth it. A men’s roundnecked version is available. Gail Brown