Vaude Base LS Shirt £72

A merino baselayer with a twist, this Vaude top mixes 20 per cent polyester yarn with 80 per cent wool. This result is the instant-hit warmth of wool but with a faster drying time. Next to the skin it feels smooth, almost silky, which is an advantage when you’re adding midlayers over the top. The cut is semi-fitted so it’s fairly close to the skin, meaning that it wicks better than more casual styles, without looking too out of place off the bike. The addition of a chest print is a nice touch in this respect. With a fit that’s good and long through both body and sleeves, it doesn’t leave you wanting for proper coverage on the bike. You also get a ‘Green Shape’ label, which means it meets Vaude’s criteria for environmentally-friendly production, which covers the manufacture and lifecycle of the garment. www.vaude.com