The latest version of the Flanders Warm base layer, named after the home of Belgium’s infamous Spring Classic, doesn’t disappoint. It’s exceptionally comfortable and performs on par with merino during rides. However, it doesn’t manage odours as well as merino, meaning it’ll likely head straight to the laundry basket after most outings.

Construction

The Flanders 2 W Warm Baselayer is made with a multi-denier, 100% polyester fabric, which the brand calls SottoZero Fleece - translating to “sub-zero fleece”. This technical fabric has a soft, brushed interior, intended to trap warm air and manage moisture effectively.

Flatlock seams have been used throughout. The layer also incorporates mesh inserts under the arms, designed to boost airflow and prevent overheating. The medium-height collar adds extra coverage.

In terms of fit, I typically wear a size medium across most cycling brands, very occasionally opting for a large. However, I was surprised to find I needed to exchange the medium I was sent for a small. With sizes ranging from XS to XL, my advice is to select with caution.

The ride

The first thing you notice about the Flanders 2 Warm is the cosy, brushed interior - it’s exceptionally soft against the skin. The fabric has substance but doesn’t go so far as to be weighty - the substance comes from the fleecy inner. Combining these properties with the flatlock seams creates a base layer that feels incredibly comfortable, giving a reassuring sense that you’re properly dressed for a cold winter training ride; Flanders, here we come... In reality, the UK shares the same winter conditions as the Flemish-speaking part of Belgium, so the base layer is perfectly suited to training in any part of the UK.

Despite having exchanged the size medium for a small, I still found the layer relatively loose around the torso - the photos show this well. The sleeve and body length are both generous - something I personally appreciate, though this may not suit every female rider. The fabric is in no way restrictive, so if you prefer something that hugs the body, you should be safe sizing down.

The layer performs exactly as Castelli claims; it provides excellent insulation. I wore it in temperatures down to 2°C/36°F and felt more than warm enough. The raised collar is really well judged for chilly days. In those low temperatures, there was no major moisture build-up, undoubtedly helped by the underarm mesh panels. Yes, if I rode tempo for a prolonged period of time, I would sense sweat, but the layer never got uncomfortably damp.

Castelli suggest a performance window of -2°C/ 28°F to 10°C /50°F. In my experience, the upper limit is not realistic. Unless I was putting in zero effort and teaming it with a very lightweight long-sleeve jersey, it was overbearing in anything above about 7°C/ 45°F. The raised collar exacerbates heat build-up in these temperatures too. I tried it in temperatures nearing double figures and with a moderate effort found the moisture build-up unpleasant, with the top becoming rather damp and clingy. For me, the window of performance would be a more conservative -2°C/ 28°F to 7°C /45°F.

While the warmth it provides is comparable to wool, the fabric’s ability to handle odours is certainly not on par with wool’s. I found it needs to be washed after every ride; body odours love it.

Value and conclusion

The £90/$130 RRP is premium and considering that it needs very frequent washing, the cost per wear is high. Investing in merino might be a better choice in the long term. I recently reviewed an option from Sportful, while I don’t think it is as warm as Castelli’s, with less laundering it would provide better value in the long run. However, if you don’t tolerate wool, the Flanders 2 Warm is probably the best alternative you’re likely to find.

I’ve loved testing the layer and will continue to pull it out for training rides on very cold days. For anything milder, I’ll be opting for a layer that doesn’t cling to odours quite as readily.

Sportful has been producing cycling gear for over forty years now. The company was originally established in 1972 as a ski clothing manufacturer. This goes some way towards explaining why I always find its base layers and accessories among the best on the market. Its latest merino base layer is no exception. I wouldn’t pigeonhole it as just cycling gear - it’s great for hiking and running too, if that’s your thing - which arguably makes it better value for money.

Construction

Sportful says the layer is ‘engineered with a unique blend of merino wool and polyamide’, adding that it is ‘enhanced with exclusive Techwool technology…to offer maximum warmth while remaining lightweight’. Specifically, the top comprises 60% polyamide, 30% wool, 7% elastane and 3% polyester.

Looking at the top, and indeed wearing it, I wouldn’t have guessed that there was any merino at all; it’s a lightweight, thin fabric that feels smooth against the skin. Indeed, there isn’t a huge percentage of wool when compared with, for example, Rapha’s Long Sleeve Merino Base Layer, which boasts 74% merino, or Castelli’s Seamless Merio Base Layer with a whopping 82%.

There is no variation in the fabric throughout the top. Panels are neatly stitched without a loose thread in sight. I didn’t notice the seams when wearing the layer - always a plus in my book.

Sleeve and body length are good - neither too long nor too short. The neckline is a well-judged height; anything higher could be overbearing in milder temperatures.

The Ride

The fabric impresses immediately. It’s quite soft to the touch; I’ve had cosier but it certainly doesn’t scratch. With an accommodating stretch, there’s no sense of pinching or tightness; it really does glide over the skin. If you like compression in a base layer, this isn’t for you. The thin fabric makes the top an ideal partner for snug jerseys and jackets.

I tested a size medium, despite Sportful's website suggesting a large. The large was too roomy for my liking, the photos show the good fit with the medium. If you're on the borderline of two sizes, consider sizing down.

At just 135g (for a size medium), it doesn’t feel like a winter layer. To its credit, I’ve been comfortably warm using it in the coldest weather we’ve had to date this autumn. I admit, it’s hardly been a cold autumn so far. Roll back to October and I managed some testing on mornings when there was a layer of frost on the verges in the lanes - this certainly gives you an idea of the layer’s capabilities - I was perfectly warm enough. The temperatures soon rose on said frosty mornings and by midday the mercury had crept into double figures. At this point I was on the verge of being too warm. In Sportful’s defence, a temperature range of 0 to 10℃ is suggested. I continued to ride, curious how it would handle the inevitable perspiration. The fabric doesn’t become weighty and, thankfully, it’s fast drying. At no point did I feel uncomfortably damp. I’d say this is where it may outperform those with a greater percentage of merino as moisture simply evaporates more quickly.

Back-to-back days of riding (wearing the top) were a good test of whether or not the wool content is sufficient to prevent odour build-up. It’s coped well during testing, invariably handling four outings before hitting the laundry pile. This is a positive in my book; it cuts down on washing machine usage, and helps prolong the life of the top (by avoiding fabric deterioration through over-washing). Let’s not forget that there is still a good percentage of man-made fibres present, so there’s no guarantee that a routine of ’several wears before washing’ will hold out in the long term.

Value and Conclusions

Merino content pushes up the price of any garment. The warmth, longevity, and environmental benefits fully justify this in my opinion. However, given the low percentage of merino in Sportful’s base layer (by comparison to some others), I feel like £80/$120 might be a little overpriced. Rapha’s, with a greater proportion of merino, is also £80. Make your own judgement.

I’ve enjoyed using the base layer and will certainly continue to do so. It’s a great piece of kit that’s comfortable, versatile, and ideal for the range of temperatures we get in autumn and winter - it performs as well as any other when the mercury is sitting between 0°C / +32°F and 10°C / +50°F.

BAM doesn’t make any clothing that it says is cycling specific, but I’ve found the BAM Reflex bamboo base layer works really well on the bike. It’s perfect for running or pretty much any other type of sport you do – and even as a casual top – and it might be my most-worn garment of the last few months.

BAM is obviously short for bamboo – which is what the company’s fabrics are made from – but the name is also a nice bit of onomatopoeia to suggest Impact Positive. BAM says it wants every piece of clothing it sells to have a positive impact on the planet. Its bamboo is sustainable, but the company is also looking at its wider impact, at its supply chain and at what happens when we dispose of its clothes. BAM’s goal is to be impact positive by 2030 and you can read more about how it aims to achieve it here.

So in some ways it’s a shame the company doesn’t try to align itself more with cycling, which is of course also a green activity – though the industry itself arguably has a long way to go.

BAM Reflex bamboo base layer: construction

About bamboo itself: it absorbs five times more carbon than hardwood trees. It needs half the land cotton needs to produce the same amount of fibre and it doesn’t need irrigation or pesticides.

Bamboo has been used to make bike frames in the past, but based on my experience of those I would say it’s much better for making clothes.

BAM says bamboo is to cotton what cashmere is to wool, and that bamboo is three times more absorbent than cotton.

Nobody these days would think about wearing a cotton base layer for cycling, but we love merino, and the feel of the BAM Reflex base layer falls somewhere between the two.

It’s not lightweight: 285g compared to 140g for a Helly Hansen synthetic base layer. Personally, I don't weight-weenie about base layers and I’m fine with that.

The cut is nice and long with raglan sleeves. The stitching between the panels is all flatlocked and there are thumb loops – which won’t be useful for cycling. When I’m running I also like to be able to see my watch. If I could change anything about the BAM Reflex, it would be to lose the thumb loops.

It’s stretchy: the actual construction is 68 per cent bamboo viscose, 28 per cent organic cotton and four per cent elastane, which give it the stretch and helps it keep its shape.

Compared to cycling clothing – especially Italian cycling clothing – it comes up quite big. The size small on me (178cm, 68kg) is close fitting but not skinsuit tight.

There are no women's sizes in the Reflex model, which is for men; the women's equivalent is the BAM Perform. BAM women's base layers are here.

One of the many things about it that I liked was the flattering fit. Narrow shoulders and a waist that has a tendency to expand can be a bad look, but the BAM Reflex is kind to body shapes that aren’t quite godlike.

Ride

Because of its relative thickness, the BAM Reflex is best worn directly under an outer layer than as the bottom layer of multiple ones. The fabric has a slightly higher volume than lighter synthetic fabrics so can’t take the place of a mesh-style base layer – as I said before, it’s more like merino so needs a bit of space.

Underneath a jacket or shell I found it very snug. Thanks to its higher volume it traps warm air very well.

BAM claims that bamboo performs better than any other fabric it knows – and of course it would say that because it makes clothes out of bamboo – but I found bamboo’s warmth, breathability and sweat wicking very impressive.

Compared to synthetic fabrics, it does hold onto moisture more and is not as quick drying, but it makes up for it with its lack of whiffiness. Nylon can get stinky and washing machines can struggle to get the armpits ever to smell fresh again (hopefully that's not just me), but the BAM Reflex passes the sniff test with flying colours. I’d be lying if I said it was completely odour free, because any garment worn regularly for sport eventually succumbs to a degree of residual pong, but when it comes out of a 40° wash that's easily within acceptable parameters.

As for its durability, it has been through many, many washes because I like it so much. These pictures are as it is now, rather than when it first arrived, and it’s still in perfect condition.

Value

At £39 the BAM Reflex is just over half the price of the Ashmei women's long-sleeve merino base layer that Michelle reviewed recently (and noted that the price was very high). The GripGrab Freedom long-sleeve base layer is even higher priced at £89.99. Wiggle's dhb merino base layer is also more expensive at £45 so really the BAM represents good value compared to other base layers that are made from natural/sustainable fibres.

Ashmei is all about simple, quality kit that just works. The brand places a heavy focus on sustainability, as exemplified by its being part of the 1% for the Planet initiative, which means that one per cent of all revenue goes towards environmental charities. Letting actions do the talking, it has worked with Utenos to produce all of its Merino + Carbon fabric: the manufacturer was the first in the world to be certified by Greenpeace as complying with its environmental procurement standards.

Lovely as all that is, considered alone it doesn't tell you if you should buy this baselayer. The women's long sleeved merino baselayer from Ashmei uses the brand's Merino + Carbon fabric and is designed to keep the wearer's body temperature at the perfect 37.5ºc mark. It meets all its goals, in a beautifully comfortable package. The price tag is hard to swallow, which is really the only thing that lets it down.

See it here at Ashmei for £72

Ashmei women's long sleeve merino baselayer: construction

Whilst the baselayer's name refers just to Merino, what Ashmei actually provides is Merino + Carbon fabric with 37.5 Technology; the make-up is 65 per cent Merino (with a Woolmark Certified Wool Rich Blend) and 35 per cent Cocona 37.5 Polyester.

We already know that Merino is renowned for being quick-drying, insulating, and magically sidestepping odour build-up.

The newer innovation comes from the third-party 37.5 Technology, whose fabric has been used by a number of cycling and outdoor brands in recent years. The material aims to keep the wearer at 37.5ºC, which is reportedly the ideal core temperature for the human body. It does that by weaving in active particles - which when met with liquid (from sweat) become charged, speeding up the process of turning sweat to vapour and pushing it away from the skin. When no liquid - or sweat - is present, the particles take on the role of warming the body.

Ashmei claims that by using this technology it is able to achieve a twofold improvement on the drying time of solo Merino, making the wicking an impressive 10 times better.

The baselayer is styled so it can be worn as a top alone, though traditionally cyclists will be pairing it with a jersey. For those opting for the more casual look, there is a reflective logo on the hem, which is a nice touch, and all washing instructions are printed on the inside in gold lettering with no need for scratchy labels.

The fabric also boasts a 50+ UPF rating and the baselayer comes in sizes from XS to XL, and in green or black. I tested the size small, which came in at 122g.

Ashmei women's long sleeve merino baselayer: the ride

Ashmei's baselayer is extremely soft to the touch. It's been through the wash several times now and that statement remains true.

Out on the bike, it provides the warmth required on chilly mornings, without becoming heavy with sweat once the temperature begins to increase - there is no denying that Merino always has been excellent at this job, and the 37.5 tech adds to its prowess.

The baselayer is light so doesn't add bulk when paired with a mid-weight thermal long-sleeved jersey. I followed the fit guide to select a size small, and this was spot on across the body. If I'm being really picky (and for a baselayer priced at £72, I am), I found the sleeves a little short. Underneath a long-sleeved jersey that's no bother, but it would be if wearing this alone and reaching out for the handlebars, leaving exposed skin at the wrist.

'Loungewear' has been a popular sales category within the fashion industry during the Covid lockdown, and I will admit that as well as being a go-to choice for the bike, Ashmei's baselayer has become a firm favourite when milling around the house, or lounging, too. The relaxed fit means that's it's comfortable and warm enough to wear on its own, without being a layer too much when added underneath a jumper.

Ashmei women's long sleeve merino baselayer: value

Ashmei has attached a £72 price tag to this baselayer, and that's where this garment loses points.

Other brands have offered a Merino/37.5 fabric mix for far less, with Wiggle's in-house dhb being a prominent example - albeit with no stock currently available on the long sleeved option. The dhb Aeron Merino short sleeved baselayer with 37.5 tech costs £38 from Wiggle. The Megmeister baselayer I reviewed a year ago came in at £54.95 and whilst it was packed with a very different type of tech I still considered that expensive.

What you get from Ashmei, though, is a luxury aesthetic and the knowledge that you're buying from a company that puts sustainability at its heart - which is pretty cool.

See it here at Ashmei for £72

Given the speeds it’s possible to reach on a bike, it is quite incredible that the only form of protection most of us wear is a helmet.

>>>Read more: Cycling and safety

Part of this is down to availability, it’s a lot more difficult to create protective clothing for a cyclist than the rider of the motor-powered vehicle and as a consequence there aren’t many options to choose from. Breathability, freedom of movement and lightness are quite difficult qualities to blend with impact and abrasion protection.

But there are some brands that are taking up the mantel. ArmaUrto is a British based company and which was founded after its founder, Chris Battin, suffered broken bones and various abrasions in a cycling accident. The Impact Pro Base Layer is designed to protect the upper body, but there are complimentary shorts too.

Impact Pro Base Layer: Construction

Total protection would be impractically restrictive, so the protective inserts are placed only on the areas where most impacts and injuries occur, so on the shoulders and elbows.

These pads are 4mm thick and meet the standard for an EN1621 rating, which is the system used for assessing the protection of motorcycle clothing. As part of this, up to 80% of impact energy is said to be dissipated by the pads.

Unusually for a base layer, this one comes with ¾ sleeves. The extra length is required so it extends past the elbow and provides protection to this highly vulnerable area. But in order to make the application of this base layer as broad as possible, ArmaUrto has minimised material where it can, to make the base layer as breathable as possible.

The fabric used is definitely a testament to that, being a very thin open mesh employed so as to maximise breathability. The result is quite a juxtaposition when you hold it in your hand between the freely flowing fabric and the firm feel of the pads.

The ride

With the fabric being so fine and light, when first pulling on the base layer, it does take a second to then adjust the pads to get them to line up in the right places. But once everything is in place, they do at least stay there. A tighter fitting jersey certainly helps with this, but even with baggier options, I never had any trouble with them moving about.

First impressions wise, it did feel a little bulky, with my shoulders being broadened significantly and the elbow pads feeling a little cumbersome and splaying outwards when flexing my arms. But really, don’t be put off by the first impressions – especially if you’re trying it on for size the first time.

Because, when riding, it was really was surprising just how little I noticed the pads. This is perhaps fairly initiative with the elbow pads, as you’re rarely going to flex your arms more than 90° in any situation when riding. But even with the shoulder pads, once out on the road and the trails, they never really distracted me from the ride.

I’ve been riding with this base layer through the winter and the ¾ sleeves are a little bit of a frustration when pulling a long sleeve jersey over the top. It’s very hard to grab the cuffs of the base layer the way I would with a full length one to stop the sleeves riding up. But on the other hand, I can definitely see myself appreciating the minimal material in the summer, though once short sleeves come around new issues would present themselves.

The open mesh does allow for a very good amount of airflow. When on the bike and in the zone, the Impact Pro Base Layer does perform really well.

It’s when off the bike and riding with others that I notice the pads most. Unlike the shorts – which are quite discrete – it is very obvious that this base layer is being worn and it does stand out. This item might lend itself more to a commute, when stops with friends are less likely, and a losser jacket over the top may obscure the pads.

Value

There is very little to compare this to, as there isn’t really much like it on the market for road cycling. Protective base layers are quite common in downhill mountain biking, but these are generally far too bulky and hot for road cycling.

On the more lightweight end of this spectrum is the Alpinestars Paragon Lite Protection Long Sleeve Jacket at £170, but this is still significantly heavier built than the Impact Pro Base Layer and misses the mark for road cycling.

DSM Protective Materials has been working in collaboration with Craft and Team Sunweb to integrate Dyneema fibres into abrasion resistant jerseys, but it is difficult to find ones that are currently available to consumers. This technology also won’t provide the impact resistance present in the ArmaUrto Impact Pro Base Layer

Megmeister is not a brand I was aware of before this base layer arrived at Cycling Weekly HQ. 'Meister' comes from the German word for 'master' or 'craftsman', and since the marque has a tunnel vision focus on base layers alone - each one specifically formulated for one sport - then it follows that it considers itself the base layer master.

The jewel on Megmeister's crown is its 'Drynamo' technology. This method of construction weaves yarn in a way which promises the best in wicking capabilities, at a very low weight.

>>> Megmesiter short sleeve base layer reviewed 

This sport specific version has been created for cycling, of course. Body mapping - with extra breathability at the back and tons of venting under the arms - aims to optimise airflow. The lower back is kept long, to ensure it doesn't rise up when over the handlebars.

Megmesister's seamless cycling base layer includes a 12 per cent Elastane content and offers four-way stretch which is unmissable when pulling this garment on. The material snaps to fit close against the skin perfectly, but feels as though it could encompass two of me if required (no, I've not tested this).

This fabric does feel notably different when compared with a standard base layer; I found it more comfortable than most - although the aesthetic did remind me of the kind of get-up I remember from teenage visits to Camden Town's Cyberdog store.

>>> Best base layers for cycling

The goal of this material is to wick sweat and repel water, keeping the skin dry - with air pockets working to manage airflow. The Drynamo material has an antibacterial treatment deigned to keep whiffs at bay, too.

Heading out on cold winter mornings, I tried pairing this base layer with arm warmers and a Castelli Gabba on one occasion, opting for a winter jacket as the over-layer on most rides.

Where some deep winter base layers can swaddle you up, resulting in a feeling of claustrophobia, this garment breathed well and still kept me warm, even during high intensity rides where I was riding three to five minute intervals.

Upon return, the base layer generally felt quite damp, but didn't feel wet against the skin when I paused on the ride.

Costing £54.95, this base layer is a considered purchase, however you are playing for a quality construction. After several washes, it still looks and feels like new - and I'd expect Megmesister's offering to pass the test of time.

The defining feature of the Megmeister Drynamo Cycle base layer is its seamless construction. There is only a single seam over each shoulder, but otherwise it’s all one piece. That extends not just to the body, but to the armholes, collar and waistband which are all unseamed around their edges.

When not worn, this gives the Megmeister Drynamo Cycle a rather unfinished look as the edges, particularly at the armholes, tend to curl up. But the effect disappears once the Megmeister Drynamo Cycle base layer is worn and the fabric is stretched out more. And the lack of seams means that it’s very comfortable worn under a jersey and bib shorts, with no obvious transition at the base layer’s edges.

It also leads to a very stretchy piece. The Megmeister Drynamo Cycle base layer comes in two sizes, which should fit the vast majority of wearers. You can choose between black, blue and white colour options. Although it appears opaque, when stretched, there’s a network of small holes across the grey front and rear panels of the Megmeister Drynamo Cycle base layer. That’s supported by a more closely woven, but still lightweight weave in the black areas.

This leads to good airflow even on hot days, coupled to enough fabric contact with the skin to wick sweat away very effectively. There’s plenty of length too and the stretch, coupled to the vertically ribbed sections at the midriff means that there’s minimal tendency to ride up. Even under a Gabba on a wet day, there’s little tendency for the Megmeister Drynamo Cycle base layer to get damp.

Although not quite on a par with the Castelli Pro Mesh summer base layer, the £50 price tag of the Megmeister Drynamo Cycle puts it at the premium end of the price range for a sleeveless base layer and £20 more than perfectly serviceable options like the popular Craft Cool Mesh base layer. It’s also £5 more than the equivalent Megmeister option for runners.

Founded by a Norwegian and based in Switzerland, Odlo is a brand that should know about cold weather insulation. But it also produces lighter weight pieces like the Odlo Performance Light base layer to cope with the hot summer weather in the Alps.

>>> Buy now: Odlo Performance base layer from Cycle Surgery for £30.40

Odlo has flirted with cycling for years, sponsoring the AG2R La Mondiale pro team a couple of years back. It has a range of cycling kit including bib shorts and jerseys as well as extra-light base layers. But Odlo caters for a range of different sports and the Odlo Performance Light base layer is not marketed as cycling specific and would be just as suitable for alpine trekking and other sports.

Odlo says that it has improved the breathability of its Odlo Performance Light base layer by 20 per cent over its older version. That’s certainly something I felt when out riding: there’s excellent airflow through the lightweight mesh.

>>> Buy now: Odlo Performance base layer from Cycle Surgery for £30.40

That mesh is different thicknesses in different parts of the Odlo Performance Light base layer. The lighter coloured stripes are thinner than the darker areas. So your tummy, which needs to be kept warmer, is better covered than the chest, back and sleeves. That means that there’s enough versatility in the Odlo Performance Light base layer to cope with the normal lower temperatures at the start of a day ride, followed by the – if luck is with you – warmer riding in the later parts of the day.

Also nice is the total lack of seams in the body of the Odlo Performance Light base layer, with just flatlocked seams over the front and the back of the raglan sleeves. So there’s nothing to rub or chafe as you ride. Length is good too, so there’s good back coverage when riding.

So although it’s not Odlo’s lightest summer undergarment, the Odlo Performance Light base layer is a good weight for the typical British summer, with enough versatility to cope with its inevitable hot and cooler periods.

When I unwrapped the Le Col Pro Mesh short sleeve base layer, I was pretty sure I’d been sent the wrong size. It looked as if it was going to be a good fit for a ten year old. But there’s a ton of stretch in the predominantly polypropylene fabric, so it actually fitted my medium frame just fine, without feeling constraining.

>>> Buy now: Le Col Pro Mesh short sleeved base layer from Wiggle for £55

It’s important for a base layer to fit closely, to ensure skin contact and that sweat is wicked away effectively, rather than sitting on your skin with the damp resulting in cold spots and less efficient cooling. So having a lot of stretch is a good thing. Le Col says that the fabric composition makes the Le Col Pro Mesh short sleeve base layer hydrophobic, so it wicks moisture away from the skin. Even on warmer climbs towards the middle of the day, I didn’t find that I ended up feeling damp.

The Le Col Pro Mesh short sleeve base layer is, like the Endura Fishnet, a base layer with a string vest look, with quite large holes in it through which air can pass. That’s nice on warmer rides, to help keep you a bit cooler. It’s knitted without seams in the body, although there are flatlocked seams at the shoulders and arms.

>>> Buy now: Le Col Pro Mesh short sleeved base layer from Wiggle for £55

The holes are not evenly distributed either, with a closer weave with smaller perforations over the rear of the shoulders and upper back, where you can expect more air circulation as you ride, there's more pressure on your undergarments and the fabric needs to support the garment more. The breast bone is also covered by a non-perforated fabric.

As with other white base layers that I’ve tested, staining with sunscreen can be an issue around the collar and the ends of the sleeves, particularly with the 30C wash recommended. There’s a black option available too, if this bothers you, although by definition your base layer isn’t going to be on show much.

>>> Base layer buyer's guide

At £55, the Le Col Pro Mesh short sleeve base layer is on the premium priced end of the base layer spectrum, with many perfectly serviceable pieces coming in £20 or £25 cheaper. But it’s comfortable and feels durable, so it should see you through many warm days’ riding. There’s a sleeveless version available too, priced at £50 as well as a women’s version.

The Craft Fuseknit Comfort RN base layer is a mid-weight option that serves well in cooler spring and autumn weather. It’s not as warm as most winter base layers and so provides a good halfway house until the weather warms up enough to bring out a summer weight piece.

>>> Buy now: Craft Fuseknit Comfort RN base layer from Chain Reaction Cycles for  £25

Craft targets the Craft Fuseknit Comfort RN base layer at a range of activities in cooler conditions. So it’s not quite as close a fit as many cycling specific base layers, which are designed to be skin tight to fit under an outer layer and wick sweat away efficiently when you are working hard. The fit is more like a tee shirt and there’s quite a lot of extra length, so the Craft Fuseknit Comfort RN base layer will work well on its own for running, hiking, at the gym or for other sports, adding to its versatility.

The body of the Craft Fuseknit Comfort RN base layer is seamless, so it’s comfortable under close fitting outer garments. Although it looks uniformly opaque, the fabric has woven-in chevrons of a more open mesh down its sides. There is also a pinpoint mesh area under the armpits, where air circulation is most important. Unlike many base layers, the arms are not flatlock stitched to the body of the garment, although the shoulder seams are flatlocked.

With the concern about waste synthetic materials in the environment, it’s good to see that Craft includes 35% recycled polyester in the fabric mix for the Craft Fuseknit Comfort RN base layer. It’s a trend that we’re increasingly seeing, with Giro, for example, using recycled yarns and making some of its summer jerseys from 100% recycled fibres.

>>> Buy now: Craft Fuseknit Comfort RN base layer from Chain Reaction Cycles for  £25

As you’d expect from the Swedish brand, the performance of the Craft Fuseknit Comfort RN base layer is really very good, with good moisture management and a comfortable feel to the fabric. There’s a long sleeved version available, if you want a bit more insulation on your arms. Sizes range from S to XXL and there are seven colours on offer as well.

Gore’s entry into the summer base layer sweepstakes, the Gore M Base Layer shirt, comes with a lightweight pinpoint fabric with a soft touch. Whereas other manufacturers have gone with wider meshes or, in the case of the Endura Fishnet base layer, an open net design, Gore gives you a more even texture to its weave.

>>> Buy now: Gore M Base Layer Shirt from Evans for £34.99

The company markets the Gore M Base Layer shirt for running, fast hiking and cross country skiing, as well as for cycling. So the cut is more all-round than some base layers, without the dropped tail that can help with coverage at the bottom of the back. Nevertheless, there’s plenty of length, so you’re unlikely to end up with a cold, damp spot above your shorts.

Since it’s sleeved, there are a few extra seams in the Gore M Base Layer shirt over a sleeveless number. But the raglan sleeves and the body seams are all flatlocked, so that’s really not an issue. There’s a sleeveless variant if you prefer and both are available in black as well as the white colour tested.

Gore’s website suggests that its sizes may run a bit on the small side. That’s true of some of Gore’s garments, but there’s plenty of stretch in the Gore M Base Layer shirt, so you’re unlikely to find that its an issue; I was comfortable in my usual medium rather than needing to size up. And in a base layer, it’s good to have a closer fit to ensure that sweat is wicked away well.

I was comfortable climbing Monte Grappa in the Gore M Base Layer shirt under a summer weight jersey, even though the final 700m of elevation gain was above the snow line. There was minimal sweat build-up, even at lower elevations, thanks to the predominant polypropylene content.

But, as you’d expect, coming down was a bit cold, even under a shell jacket; with such a lightweight fabric, Gore’s claim that the Gore M Base Layer shirt will prevent windchill is a bit wide of the mark. There’s a version with a Gore Windstopper front panel if you want more protection.

>>> Buy now: Gore M Base Layer Shirt from Evans for £34.99

But for hotter summer rides, the Gore M Base Layer shirt is an efficient undergarment that will definitely help keep you at a comfortable temperature.

At first sight, the Bontrager B1 Sleeveless base layer looks like a very lightweight option. But it’s not quite as light as it looks, with the fabric used a bit denser than some of the competition. The Profila Cool fabric has a mesh structure, with areas of thinner fabric between the more structural parts.

>>> Buy now: Bontrager B1 Sleeveless base layer from Trek's webstore for £32.99

There’s also not as much stretch as in other summer base layers we’ve tested, so it’s more important to make sure that you’ve chosen the correct size for you. Fortunately, there are six size options available, from X-Small to XX-Large, so you should be able to find a good fit.

The less stretchy fabric means that the Bontrager B1 Sleeveless base layer fits closely, so it wicks sweat away effectively and keeps you very comfortable as you ride. There’s good length and a dropped tail, so it tucks nicely under a jersey and into your summer shorts. The grey seams are slightly raised. They are not uncomfortable though and at least some seem to be aimed at supporting the Bontrager B1 Sleeveless base layer’s structure rather than actually connecting together multiple fabric panels.

>>> Buy now: Bontrager B1 Sleeveless base layer from Trek's webstore for £32.99

Like the Mavic Hot Ride base layer, which we’ve also reviewed, there’s a mix of fabrics which includes 37.5 tech. This is claimed to absorb and release heat, helping to keep your body working at its optimal 37.5 degrees centigrade. That makes up around 19% of the fabric content, with the balance being 66% polyester and 15% spandex.

Also like the Mavic Hot Ride, the Bontrager B1 Sleeveless base layer comes in white only. It suffers from the same tendency to stain yellow from sunscreen as a result. It’s one of a range of eight summer base layer offerings from Bontrager, which includes both sleeved and sleeveless numbers, with separate cuts for men and for women.

At first sight, the Mavic Hotride Sleeveless base layer looks thicker than its competition. It has less of the string vest look, with a more opaque fabric used, although it has a large number of pinpoint perforations in it, so airflow is still pretty good. There’s a stringier Hotride+ option if you want more cooling, although the standard Hotride tested here is amply comfortable for typical UK and European riding conditions.

>>> Buy now: Mavic Hotride Sleeveless base layer from Tredz for £27

Weight wise, there’s not a lot between the Mavic Hotride Sleeveless base layer and other similar summer base layers and the soft 37.5 fabric used keeps you comfortable even in warm conditions. That, says Mavic, is down to “active particles” in the weave, which it says absorb heat and wick away sweat five times faster than untreated polyester. The 37.5 name refers to the body’s optimum temperature, expressed in centigrade.

The cut is well suited to riding, with a longer back than front. The bottom hem incorporates a silicone band to help keep it in place. There’s some zoning in the fabric with more perforations in the centre front than at the sides and rear. The body is seamless, with just a single flatlocked seam at the shoulders, so there’s nothing to rub and irritate when riding.

Mavic makes the Mavic Hotride Sleeveless base layer in just three sizes: XS/S, M/L and XL/XXL. That reflects the inherent stretch in the fabric and the Mavic Hotride Sleeveless base layer’s ability to cater for a range of body types.

>>> Buy now: Mavic Hotride Sleeveless base layer from Tredz for £27

Mavic’s vee necked collar means that you get good airflow when you unzip your jersey, helping you keep your cool and there’s plenty of cut away around the shoulders and armpits too.

The Mavic Hotride Sleeveless base layer comes in white only. That’s a good option to help reflect the sun’s rays. But since it’s going to be used in hotter conditions, I will usually have used sunscreen on my neck. This tends to discolour the white fabric and over time, I’ve found that the collar has developed a yellow tinge.

But that’s my only real complaint about what is otherwise an excellent, comfortable summer weight undergarment.

The Endura Fishnet base layer is a proper string vest style cycling undergarment. It’s the only summer base layer we’ve tested which has spaces between the ribbed parts of the fabric, all the others with an open weave pattern having a thin layer of fabric covering the holes.

>>> Buy now: Endura Fishnet base layer from Wiggle for £28

The more open structure of the Endura Fishnet base layer leads to really good airflow through the mesh, so it’s comfortable even in very warm conditions. I’ve also worn it under a Gabba-style jersey, where it copes well with the lower airflow and tendency to perspiration and clamminess that this can cause. The mix of nylon with 9% elastane and 3% polyester is not prone to dampness and does a good job of wicking sweat away from the skin.

It’s only the front and rear panels of the Endura Fishnet base layer that are made of the open mesh; the side panels are woven in a closed knit. But the Endura Fishnet base layer is completely seamless through the body, with the transition between the open and closed fabric sections absolutely smooth.

There are just a couple of flatlocked seams in the shoulders and a flat seam at the bottom hem, holding the base layer together. There’s a lot of stretch in the fabric, so it fits closely for good skin contact and effective moisture management. This makes it very comfortable under tighter fitting jerseys and means that it will cope with a wide range of body shapes.

>>> Buy now: Endura Fishnet baselayer from Wiggle for £28

Endura makes the Fishnet in just two sizes: S/M and L/XL, reflecting the flexible, stretchy fit. There are black and white options. There’s good length and the stretch means that you can pull the Endura Fishnet base layer down to get overlap with your shorts. But unlike some base layers, there’s no extra drop to the tail to accommodate the cycling position.

Danish brand GripGrab has built its business out of selling clothing that for other brands is a bit of an afterthought. Its range of gloves, overshoes, headwear and arm and leg warmers has consistently come up really well when Cycling Weekly has reviewed it. Now it’s moved into base layers, with the GripGrab Freedom being one of two long sleeved base layers it’s launched this winter.

Although it’s more expensive than the Expert base layer, the Expert is actually warmer than the GripGrab Freedom base layer. But the Freedom base layer comes with a more technical, very stretchy fabric mix. Its outside layer is made of polyethylene, while the inside face is made of polypropylene. It’s a mix designed to keep you drier, which it does effectively. Even worn under a gabba-style jacket and riding fast, although I built up a sweat on the inside of the jacket and the outside face of the GripGrab Freedom base layer, there was no clammy feel. It’s also very soft against the skin.

The synthetic fabric does get a bit smelly, despite its claimed bacteriostatic properties, although less so than many synthetic base layers – I was OK wearing it multiple days, before deciding it really did need a wash. Merino wool is still a better option for odour suppression. You can machine wash the GripGrab Freedom base layer at 30C, but need to air dry it rather than using a tumble dryer. Since it doesn’t absorb much water, it will dry out quickly though.

It’s also woven in one piece, with just a single seam over each shoulder, so it’s comfortable worn under tighter fitting outer garments.

If you like a bit of colour in your under vest, the GripGrab Freedom base layer comes in five colours, including the favourite black and navy options. Being stretchy, there are just two sizes: S/M and L/LX – I was fine in the smaller size.

GripGrab sells its products via its own site. They’re also available via Wiggle and Chain Reaction Cycles, where the GripGrab Freedom base layer sells for £90. That’s a lot for a base layer, but it’s a piece that should give good service and will certainly be comfortable to wear.

With the hot weather, a lightweight sleeveless base layer like the Castelli Pro Mesh provides wicking without extra insulation to stop airflow through the fabric. It’s made of a very airy mesh, with the spots being almost transparent, so it adds little to heat build-up as you ride. It’s very soft too and with flatlocked seams you won’t find it uncomfortable – of even notice it’s there most of the time.

As a change from the usual white, the Castelli Pro Mesh base layer comes in a range of four printed oblique dash patterns. The orange is particularly bright and redolent of warm rides – it cheered me up just getting it out of the drawer. As well as lime green and light blue, there’s a grey option so you can tone it down if you want to.

There’s plenty of stretch in the fabric, with 7% elastane and the rest polyester. So the Castelli Pro Mesh base layer is comfortable and close-fitting under a range of jerseys. There’s plenty of length too, with a dropped tail making sure that you’ve got good coverage when bent over the bars. Castelli makes the Castelii Pro Mesh base layer in sizes from XS up to XXL, so along with its stretch, there shouldn’t be a problem finding one which will fit.

Wicking is exceptionally good and the Castelli Pro Mesh base layer copes well with faster rides and hot climbs even on the most balmy of days. Since there are no sleeves, the bas leayer doesn’t tend to get whiffy, despite its synthetic fabric composition.

>>> Base layer and thermals reviews

At 50 grams in size medium, the Castelli Pro Mesh base layer is one of the lightest weight base layers out there. But it is expensive and you could buy a couple of the excellent and equally lightweight Craft Cool Mesh base layers, which we’ve recently reviewed, for the same price.

The Craft Cool Mesh Superlight baselayer is one of the most popular summer undergarments out there – Wiggle alone has over 1300 customer reviews on its site. At 52g, it’s definitely lightweight and is made of an open mesh fabric that lets plenty of air circulation through once the temperature starts to rise.

It’s also a good fit and very comfortable as the fabric is soft. There’s lots of stretch in the material, so the baselayer fits closely – an important consideration as it means that sweat is wicked away from the skin effectively and evaporates on the outside of your jersey, keeping you cool.

>>> Hot weather cycling: five tips to help you keep your cool

Craft’s fabric is a six-channel polyester, which helps with the wicking effect. Being polyester, it’s a bit more subject to whiffs than a natural fabric. But since there are no sleeves, the whiff trapping element is kept away from the armpits, where odour usually builds up.

There are a couple of seams in the body, but these are flatlocked and so not intrusive. Otherwise it’s a very simple garment with a rounded collar and enough length to fit well when on the bike.

>>> Best cycling baselayers: a buyer's guide

The Craft Cool Mesh Superlight washes up well too. I’ve had one of these Craft baselayers for years and it’s still going strong (although it does only come out in summer). The white version is reasonably resistant to greying or staining, although there’s also a black variant if you’re worried about your baselayer showing the dirt.

Craft makes the Cool Mesh Superlight in six sizes from XS to XXL. Being a Swedish company, Craft’s sizing is pretty accurate for a UK rider. You should find that you can size down though, if you want to, as there’s enough stretch and length for a smaller size to still be comfortable and provide a good fit.

Icebreaker is a leader in the use of merino wool for activewear. Its range now extends to a full range of wool-containing garments, but it’s still best known for its baselayers, of which the Icebreaker Oasis long sleeve is a good example.

The Icebreaker Oasis long sleeve crewe is made of 100% merino wool. It has a weight of 200, which Icebreaker classifies as lightweight. For most cycling-specific baselayers, this would be classified as medium weight.

This is reflected in the level of warmth provided; the Icebreaker Oasis long sleeve is comfortable down to around 0C. On warmer days, you can quickly work up a sweat. Under a winter weight jacket, I would usually find that the back of the baselayer was quite damp.

The insulation properties of merino mean that this did not affect the level of warmth provides, however. And the natural odour resistance meant that I did not end up smelling sweaty.

>>> Best cycling baselayers (video)

But the Icebreaker Oasis long sleeve baselayer still has a tendency to smell once wet – of sheep! This didn’t go away even after multiple washes. Of course, you don’t notice it when out riding, but leave your baselayer in a wet heap and it’s pretty obvious. You may not find it offensive, but it’s something to be aware of if you’re planning to use the Icebreaker Oasis long sleeve baselayer for more intense efforts.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-zlRGHWA6A

Otherwise, the Icebreaker Oasis long sleeve baselayer is a quality garment. The fit is good, without being too close and all the seams are flatlocked, so they are not noticeable under a tighter-fitting cycling jacket. There’s a seam across the upper back and darts under the armpits, to help ensure a close fit. Arm and torso length is good for riding too.

>>> More baselayer reviews

So the Icebreaker Oasis long sleeve baselayer is a good option for colder rides, providing you can live with the sheepy smell once you get back.

A good quality base layer is a great start to keeping warm and comfortable when on the move. That’s true of most outdoor sports, not just cycling. So although the Sherpa Rinchen short sleeve base layer is billed as 'adventure gear' rather than being cycling specific, it nevertheless serves well as a cycling undergarment.

The Sherpa Rinchen short sleeve base layer is made of a soft, thin, synthetic fabric. It has flatlocked seams too, so it’s very comfortable to wear under a cycling jacket. Sherpa has built in underarm panels so that the fit is good, although it’s not quite as tight as many cycling base layers. Nevertheless, it fits well under a cycling jacket or jersey and the tail is long enough to avoid cold spots on the back when riding. There’s nine per cent Spandex in the weave, so there’s plenty of stretch.

An advantage of the more relaxed fit is that the Sherpa Rinchen short sleeve base layer has other uses, not just for cycling. It would be comfortable to wear on its own as a T-shirt in warmer conditions or could be used when running too. It’s also UPF 40 rated, so if you did wear it on its own you shouldn’t get sunburnt too easily.

>>> Winter cycling survival guide

The Sherpa Rinchen short sleeve base layer incorporates silver ions in its fabric. These should help protect against odour build-up and Sherpa says that it is incorporated into the weave and will not wash out. In practice, I did find that the Sherpa Rinchin short sleeve base layer got a bit whiffy after a ride, although definitely less so that some other base layers that I’ve tested.

>>> Base layer buyer's guide

The Sherpa Rinchen short sleeve base layer is also very resistant to dampness from sweat, wicking perspiration away effectively and remaining comfortable even under less breathable outer layers. It washes up well and dries quickly too.

With the arrival – sort of – of warmer conditions, I’ve been casting off the heavy long-sleeved baselayer on some rides and testing dhb’s short-sleeved merino version. dhb makes some good quality, well priced pieces and is sold through Wiggle and Chain Reaction Cycles.

The dhb Lightweight Merino baselayer still has all the benefits of merino, being 64% wool, but the rest of its composition is made up of polyester. The fabric is a lot lighter than most merino at 120 grams per square metre, so the baselayer only weighs 88g. dhb says the polyester component also increases durability and moisture transfer.

Dhb also certifies that the sheep used to produce the merino wool in Australia have not been mulesed – a procedure sometimes used to prevent flies laying eggs in the fleece which is of concern to animal welfare campaigners.

The Lightweight Merino baselayer retains the smooth feel and odour resistance of merino wool though, so it’s comfortable. The fit is very good, with enough stretch to be close without being constrictive. There’s plenty of length to overlap your shorts and it’s cut a little longer in the back.

>>> Best cycling baselayers: a buyer's guide

Worn under a lighter-weight jersey, there’s enough extra warmth for mild spring rides and the baselayer doesn’t get sweaty if you’re more wrapped up. dhb has flatlocked all the internal seams so that they don’t rub.

The Lightweight Merino baselayer has washed up well and still looks box fresh after a number of wash cycles. There’s no evidence of any pilling either. If you need something warmer, dhb also sells two heavier weights of short-sleeved merino baselayer.

Currently discounted to £18.75, the dhb lightweight merino baselayer is well priced and a good option for riding in intermediate conditions.

Pull the MAAP Seamless Base layer Tee out if its packaging and the first thing you'll think is that you've ordered the wrong size – it just looks tiny. But you'll have no trouble squeezing into it. The seamless design expands easily, without ever losing its snug fit.

It looks  similar to Altura's Thermocool base layer albeit with short sleeves. However, the issues of fit with Altura's base layer don't make an appearance on the MAAP Seamless Base Layer Tee.

Instead, the size small fits like a glove. The torso length was definitely long enough, meaning there was never any chance of it coming untucked or letting draughts in. Similarly, the short sleeves were a comfortable length on the arm.

A base layer should always be a fit-and-forget product, something which the MAAP Seamless Base layer Tee definitely is.

Equally impressive is that despite its small stature, the MAAP Seamless Base Layer is seriously warm. I was out pedalling in it through some seriously cold weather, and when paired with a winter jersey and MAAP's Surface Team Vest I was perfectly warm at all times.

It's a lot smaller than, say, Café du Cycliste's Cosette Ceramic baselayer but it does prove that technical proficiency can come in small packages.

Watch: Buyer's guide to spring and autumn clothing

However, having used it through recent warmer spells, I've found this base layer to be a useful bit of kit for the recent milder weather too. I can see myself making use of it through all the seasons, meaning it's a definite year-round contender for those who like the added protection on every ride.

The MAAP Seamless Base layer Tee is full of other nice touches, too. For example the bold anti-odour claims actually proved true as I (as well as my riding group!) can confirm.

Similarly, when it does become damp – something I suspect is due to the jersey worn on top rather than the wicking abilities of the base layer itself – it has been quick drying. This is definitely useful if you don't want to chill at your coffee stops or pull on a damp top when riding the next day.

Of course you might comment on its price, which at £58 is steep. However, if you're looking to buy a year-round technical baselayer with oodles of comfort, then the MAAP Seamless Base Layer Tee is a great choice.

For information contact: maap.cc

Within the Café du Cycliste bundle of clothes sent out to CW Towers, the immediate standout product was the Cosette Ceramic base layer.

For starters, it looks great. The light grey body matched with the darker arms and back make this as much a fashion piece as a technical item of clothing.

>>> 15 tips for keeping warm on a winter bike ride

Then there’s the high neck – not something you regularly see on cycling base layers. But after months of winter use, it has become something I can’t really live without.

Not only does it keep the chill out, it also makes wearing other layers more comfortable, stopping any rubbing or annoying labels reaching the skin.

The rest of the layer is good, too. It ticks all three of the most important boxes: comfort, softness and warmth.

>>> Spring cycling clothing: a buyer's guide (video)

No doubt this success is partly due to the extra thickness of the base layer. The Cosette Ceramic is definitely chunkier than other base layers I’ve worn. So much so, that Café du Cycliste suggests you could wear it by itself, or with just a jacket on top.

Watch: Buyer's guide to cycling winter clothing

I’m also sure that plenty of the warmth is provided by the Merino blend from which the Cosette Ceramic is made.

In my book, Merino is something of a magic material. It’s warm, breathable and never seems to get smelly. This latter property being something that all cyclists should hold in high regard.

>>> Winter road bike tyres: A buyers guide

In fact, it’s something I value so much that the Cosette Ceramic has become my go to base layer for every ride – that is, until I finally wash it for the sake of public hygiene.

For me, though, the icing on the cake has to be the fact it fits my long arms, which instantly makes it a hit.

My only real gripe was with its fit on the torso. It’s billed as having a race fit so I was expecting it to be figure hugging, but I think it could be tighter still. Certainly, other base layers I’ve worn, such as the Altura Thermocool, sit closer to the body.

Pick up and put on Altura’s Thermocool base layer and the first thing you’ll notice is that’s tight. So tight, in fact, that it has a concave shape to its torso.

This is of course, deliberate. One of the many technical aspects of the Thermocool is its figure-hugging shape or, as Altura says, ‘performance fit’.

However, while it’s tight, it’s never uncomfortable – almost the opposite is true. When worn under other layers it becomes unnoticeable.

This has a lot to do with the Thermocool’s largely seamless design. The only stitching on the item is around the neck and shoulders.

Instead of seams, the rest of the Thermocool is held together by Altura’s ‘Four Way Stretch Technology’, which definitely impacts for the better on how comfortable it is.

>>> 11 things you absolutely have to do after cycling

Plus, thanks to its tight fit, there’s no opportunity for what small amount of stitching there is to move against your body. This results in a rub-free riding experience.

Watch: Buyer's guide to winter clothing

That said, I struggled with the Thermocool’s sizing. While the torso length was spot on, the arm length came up drastically short. Imagine three quarter length sleeves and you’re in the ballpark in terms of sizing.

Granted, I do have particularly long levers and speaking to a colleague who also tested the Thermocool revealed it fit his shorter arms fine.

>>> Winter road bike tyres: A buyers guide

Stitching and fit aside, the base layer does its job admirably. Having worn this out in some seriously cold temperatures on the bike it’s kept me warm. Granted, I kept my fore arms warm through other means.

Heat retention is significantly aided by the elasticated cuffs and waistline that stopped any stray drafts getting in. Happily, it’s also breathable and was rarely damp after finishing rides.

Compression garments are increasingly being used by athletes, both during competition and as an aid to recovery after an event. Claimed benefits include better performance while competing and diminished delayed onset muscle soreness and faster recovery afterwards.

Compression garments have a longer history in medical use than in sport and it’s been shown that they aid venous blood return in those with poor circulation, particularly from the legs and arms. Getting the right level of compression is important too: too much and circulation could be impaired while too little will reduce the garment’s effectiveness. The consensus is that optimal compression to the leg muscles provides a gradient from tighter nearer the foot to looser nearer the torso, with a pressure on the leg ranging from 18 to 32 mm of mercury.

Is bespoke better?

Hitting these ranges in an off-the-shelf garment is tricky, as everyone’s shape is different. Kurio tackles this with a fully bespoke offering based on measurements of an athlete’s dimensions. Kurio arranges a visit to take 36 measurements of the two legs at different points from the ankle to the crotch. In some sportspeople, such as racquet users and field athletes, asymmetry of muscle development can be quite extreme.

>>> Watch: maximise your recovery window

Using these measurements, Kurio will make up a totally bespoke garment at its premises in Mansfield, delivering it to you in 7 – 10 days. Kurio also tailors the fit to the intended use, so its Recovery leggings are more compressive than its Performance or Travel fits. The garment comes in a neat drawstring bag and is made of a fabric designed to keep its stretch over time. Kurio claims only a 1% loss in compression with washing and wearing when a typical compression garment would lose 8-10%. The fabric is also silver treated to reduce odour build-up.

>>> How to deal with inflammation

There’s a single, well-finished flatlocked seam up the inside of each leg and a drawstring elasticated waistband. Although black is the only fabric colour option, Kurio does offer a range of different colours for the stitching. Your initials and the type of garment (Recovery, Performance or Travel) are embroidered into the waistband too.

>>> Should cyclists stretch to prevent injury?

Getting the leggings on is slightly tricky. Starting with them inside out, I had to roll them over my heels, which were a tight fit. After that it was fairly easy to invert them over the rest of my legs, although I needed to be careful that they were pulled up fully and not bunched below my knees. Once on, they were comfortable though and did not feel unduly tight, except for a slight feeling of constriction around the back of my knee joints when seated.

>>> Review: CEP Socks For Recovery

I’ve used the leggings after long rides, typically wearing them for several hours. I have been happy slopping around the house just in the leggings but they’re comfortable and unobtrusive under trousers too. They do seem to make a difference in delayed onset muscle soreness after a hard ride, although they don’t eliminate it completely.

Watch: Maximise your recovery window

As you’d expect, Kurio’s garments are not cheap, the company charging £240 for a fitting and a pair of fully bespoke leggings. There’s also the option to supply your own measurements via the company’s website, which brings the price down to £160. As well as leggings, Kurio supplies long sleeved tops, and calf and arm sleeves.

>>> Could compression clothing benefit your recovery?

The science behind compression in athletics is not well developed and Kurio is working with sports scientists at Loughborough University and other UK universities to improve the research base. It’s already signed up an impressive list of athletes, including Andy Tennant from Team Wiggins and a number of triathletes.

Ekoi is a French company selling directly via its website, which is available in English. Its products offer good value and are very popular in its home country. It ships to the UK and provides free delivery over a relatively modest minimum spend. >>> 15 cold weather clothing deals Ekoi’s singlet baselayer is a one size fits all garment with a seamless body and just a couple of joining seams on the shoulders. It’s very stretchy and has a structured weave with ridged sections over the upper front and the back and sides. The fabric is soft and a mix of 80% polypropylene with 20% polyester. This ensures good wicking too and the baselayer never felt damp or clammy even on slow hot climbs.

Watch: How to dress for hot conditions

The Morpho Senza’s airflow isn’t as good as in some other summer weight baselayers, due to the closed fabric. And the one sized design meant that the fit didn’t feel as close as some other brands’ multi-size offerings. To accommodate larger riders, the baselayer is quite long too. I found it had quite a large overlap with my bibshorts. I’m a UK size Medium and of average height, so I think anyone more slightly built would find that the Morpho Senza was a bit too large to fit them well. >>> Ekoi Guerra sunglasses review On the whole, the Morpho Senza is an adequate rather than an outstanding baselayer. It’s not cheap either and for the price there are options out there which provide a range of sizing and either lighter fabrics for summer use or warmer ones for when the temperature takes a dip.

Decathlon has a great reputation for great value products. But, does the low price correspond with poor quality? I'm happy to report that with the B’Twin 700 Warm Weather Mesh baselayer it doesn’t.

>>> See the Van Rysel RC500 mesh base layer at Decathlon for £9.99

I have tested many baselayers, used by professional teams, including those from the likes of Rapha and Castelli. However it may surprise you to here that the B’Twin 700 Warm Weather Mesh baselayer is also used by a WorldTour team in the shape of FDJ.

>>> Buyer's guide to summer clothing

The B’Twin 700 Warm Weather Mesh baselayer layer is a single piece, seamless construction with one size fits all sizing. It weighs slightly more than competing products from Castelli and Rapha, but this doesn’t translate to a hotter garment, with the open mesh design that allowing plenty of air in. I found the fit to be pretty good, with the fabric providing excellent stretch.

>>> Buyer's guide to summer cycling jerseys

Regarding fit, it is slightly too long on me, to be optimum and the fabric doesn’t feel quite as soft as some more expensive brands. However, these are minor niggles that I can live with, especially when the low price is considered. As you would hope and expect, the quality of finish and materials are superior on Rapha or Castelli baselayers, but at £35 more in the case of Rapha, it should be. However there isn’t much in it and for those not wanting to spend premium prices the B’Twin 700 Warm Weather Mesh baselayer is a great product.

New Zealand’s Icebreaker was one of the original proponents of merino clothing for outdoor activities and claims that it chooses the best quality wool from that country’s Southern Alps. Coming from the merino sheep whose wool is very fine, merino is non-itchy, odour resistant, warm and breathable.

>>> Ten essential pieces of kit advice every new cyclist needs to know

The Icebreaker Sphere is marketed as a t-shirt, although I’ve been using it as a baselayer. It’s not quite as tight-fitting as most baselayers, being cut with wider sleeve openings and a bit more room all-round. Nevertheless, it tucks in well under a cycling jersey and has enough rear length that I did not get a cold gap on my lower back.

Icebreaker says that the Cool-Lite fabric is its lightest and most breathable. It’s not pure merino, unlike many of the brand’s garments, being made of 65% merino with Tencel and nylon, which Icebreaker says makes it quicker drying than pure merino.

Watch: guide to spring and autumn clothing

I certainly found that it did not get sweaty under harder efforts and was odour-resistant so that I could wear it for several rides without feeling I was getting antisocial. It also kept me warm under a cycling jacket in colder conditions or under a jersey once the weather started to warm up, without feeling over-hot. It retains merino’s characteristic softness too.

>>> This new baselayer has a built-in heart rate monitor

The Icebreaker Sphere is available in five different earthy colours and five sizes. True to its tee shirt billing, it’s also available as a V-neck and a buttoned version too. Although it’s not as performance-oriented as many cycling baselayers, this has the advantage that it’s a garment which you can use for more casual rides and off the bike too.

For more details visit Icebreaker.

Castelli claims that its Flanders Warm is designed for conditions in Flanders in February – which will be about what we get here in the UK too. Baselayer garments for proper winter conditions are now often made of merino wool, but Castelli sticks with synthetic for the Flanders Warm, although it’s so soft that you would hardly know it is made of polyester. The fabric is fleeced on the inside surface.

And it is warm. Under a windproof outer it’s comfortable in typical UK winter conditions. This is helped by the high neckline and close fit, with a series of flatlocked seams to ensure that it follows the contours of your body. There’s plenty of stretch, so it will fit most body shapes. Castelli’s sizing is a bit random and I found that I fitted comfortably into a Small. There’s plenty of length too, so there’s good coverage of your lower back and no risk of cold spots. Likewise, the arms are long and I found I got good coverage right down to the wrist.

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It’s not a garment which gets too hot though. This is probably helped by the quite large areas of thin mesh under the arms which allow a bit of air circulation and cooling if you start to get hot. And the fabric does not wet out at all, so it is comfortable even if you do work up a sweat.

>>> Oneten merino baselayer review

Where synthetic garments do lose out to wool though is in odour control, and the Flanders Warm is no exception in this. Whereas I could probably – just about – go out for a second ride in a merino baselayer, the Castelli’s synthetic fabric is definitely in need of a wash after each outing.

Merino wool has become the fabric of choice for winter baselayers. It’s got a lot of warmth for its weight, manages moisture well and unlike synthetic baselayers is odour resistant. It’s also very comfortable. On the down side it’s usually quite expensive and has to be washed more carefully.

How to dress like a cyclist

Oneten’s merino baselayer addresses these potential problems with merino very well and is a much cheaper alternative to the leading brands’ garments. Oneten is the in-house clothing brand of Chainreaction Cycles and is sold exclusively through its website, so it can be offered at a lower price. At £29.99 it’s very good value for a merino garment and competitive with synthetic alternatives.

The Oneten baselayer is cut quite high around the neck and fits well, so you don’t get any draughts down the front and it’s got stretchy cuffs and waistband so that it fits closely there too. It’s a close weave and mid-weight and comes with raglan cut flatlocked seams which are unobtrusive, so there’s no irritation from rubbing when worn under multiple winter layers.

Sizing is quite generous and it’s cut to fit a typical UK build, so if you are on the skinny side you might want to size down: there’s plenty of length in the body and arms.

The Oneten is not quite as silky as its more expensive peers though and feels quite heavy for a baselayer. It does cope well with sweat though, although worn under windproof outer layers it will get damp, it does not feel cold and there is minimal odour build-up.

Buyer's guide to winter cycling clothing

The baselayer can be hand washed, but I’ve been cold machine washing it and line drying. Although it doesn’t look as silky-smooth as it did, it’s still holding up well. It’s also available as a short sleeved version if you want something to wear through into the spring.

A decent base layer is an essential item in your winter cycling wardrobe, if you want to maximise comfort. Having tested a wide selection over the last month, ranging from B'Twin to Rapha, the stand out performer has been this, the Pearl Izumi Transfer Wool base layer.

The existing version of this product was a decent performer and Pearl Izumi has improved it, with more stretchable fabrics and updated fit. The fit is very good and features thumb loops on the cuffs. All long sleeve base layers should have this feature! They are great for stopping the sleeves riding up your arms and prevent frost bite inducing gaps between your gloves and sleeves.

>>> For more reviews of base layers, click here

Video - How to dress for Winter. Buyer's guide to Winter clothing

This base layer is cycling specific, meaning that it is cut for an on bike fit with rotated sleeves. The anti odour treatment works well too. It doesn't prevent odours to same degree as a Merino base layer, but more than makes up for this with superior sweat wicking. For hard riding, where you are sweating lots, the Pearl Izumi Transfer performs superbly.

With many base layers at our disposal, this was the one that we found we were constantly reaching for during cold weather. It ticks all the boxes and despite not being a budget item, is considerably cheaper than many premium brands.

For more information, head over to Madison

Splashing out on on of the best winter cycling jackets might seem like the most obvious way to stay comfortable on chilly winter rides, but, as the one item of clothing actually in contact with your skin, a decent base layer will keep you warm by both providing extra insulation while also wicking sweat away from the skin. The Craft Active Extreme base layer does this job with aplomb, and is certainly an attractive choice at £30.

The Craft Active Extreme base layer is made from 100% polyester which means that it doesn’t have the luxurious feel against the skin of more expensive merino wool base layers such as the Madison Isoler base layer. However Craft have worked two other fabrics into the polyester weave. Six-channelled fibres are positioned against the skin to quicken the wicking of sweat, while hollow fibres on the outside of the base layer provide extra insulation. And we have to say it works! Through a number of rides in the Craft Active Extreme base layer in chilly conditions, we were always warm and comfortable, while never suffering from overheating when putting in hard efforts.

While Craft can’t quite match merino wool base layers for comfort, compensation is provided by the superb fit. The thin, lightweight material is also elastic, and the ergonomic fit ensures it sits close to the torso, a nice contrast to the likes of the Caratti Thermal base layer. The sleeves and neck are also nice and slim, perfect for the skinny cyclist build.

This slim fit means that the Craft Active Extreme base layer is all but invisible once you put other layers on top, with minimal bunching when stuffed down the front of shorts or bib tights. The high neck also provides good coverage without giving the feeling that you’re cycling around in a turtleneck jumper.

For such a good base layer, the mid-level price is reasonable. Of course there are cheaper options on the market, especially if you move away from cycling-specific garments, but we can’t think of anything cheaper that manages to hit the marks in terms of warmth, breathability, and fit quite as well.

For cold weather cycling a quality baselayer can significantly enhance your comfort and ride enjoyment. If you ride in cold weather and find your torso getting cold, sweaty and uncomfortable, a merino wool baselayer might be the solution.  A sign of a good baselayer, is forgetting that it is on – whilst riding, you shouldn't notice it. The main choices you are presented with are either a synthetic baselayer, or one made from merino wool. Merino wool tends to be more expensive, so why would you choose it?

 >>> For a guide to winter clothing, click here

From a cyclists perspective this winter has not been ideal. We have been out in ice, wind, rain, sleet and snow wearing a variety of baselayers. Our favourite? The Madison Isoler Merino long sleeve. The first thing to note is that feels supremely comfortable against our skin. Merino wool stretches as you move, and fits tightly without feeling constrictive – we don't notice it is on.

Moisture regulation is good too. Stopping at cafe in winter, and removing your jacket to reveal you are soaking with sweat is highly unpleasant. Perhaps even more unpleasant is then setting off from the cafe feeling freezing, because you are wet. We found that the baselayer did a great job of wicking sweat from our skin, and when paired with a good quality breathable winter jacket this worked especially well.

 >>> For a guide to winter cycling gloves, click here

A big, but sometimes overlooked advantage of merino is that it doesn't tend to hold odours as well as synthetic fibres. This holds true with the Madison baselayer – we were able to get several commutes out of it before we started to smell like a shower dodger. Conversely, in an effort to not alienate friends and loved ones we find ourselves washing synthetic baselayers much more often.

Whilst on the subject of washing, it should be noted that despite being wool, this item is still machine washable, just don't tumble dry it! Having used it for a couple of months, we noted some initial slight shrinkage after the initial wash. Subsequent washes have not changed the garment and it fits very well.

 >>> For the best cycling overshoes, click here

The only downside we can see is the price. At £44.99 it is certainly one of the more expensive baselayers on the market, but considering it has a limited lifetime warranty Madison clearly see this baselayer as an investment. A quality piece of kit that you will get years of use out of and its use is not limited to cycling either - we suspect it would perform equally well while worn skiing or hiking.

For more information, head over to Madison.

A quality base layer can significantly enhance cold weather riding comfort. In order to do this it needs to tread the fine line between keeping you warm, whilst preventing you from overheating and wicking sweat from the skin.

>>> Take a look at our Winter clothing guide.

At 6'1 and 70kgs we found that the medium Mavic Echelon base layer came up quite large so you may need to go down a size to achieve a close fit. The warmth of this base layer was enhanced by Mavic's 'Air Dry' fabric which did a great  job of wicking sweat away from the skin.

>>> For more base layer reviews click here.

We never felt cold whilst wearing this and it worked well in a range of temperatures. We have had some mild days this December, that resulted in us being slightly overdressed on some occasions. Above 10 degrees this base layer can get rather sweaty, but it remains comfortable and we didn't feel too hot.

>>> For 7 of the best winter gloves, click here.

We like the logo details, that are consistent with other Mavic kit and the rear of the base layer is cut lower to ensure your lower back remains insulated, but at £45 this base layer is not cheap. Although this base layer is comfortable, we still prefer the feeling of merino wool against our skin over the synthetic polyester used in this garment.

Visit the Mavic website for more details.

>>> For more buyer's guides, click here.

A good thermal base layer will run the fine line between keeping you warm, whilst preventing you from overheating and wicking sweat from the skin. This is quite a lot to ask from a 20 quid piece of clothing, but, in general, the Caratti Thermal Base Layer does a pretty decent job.

Caratti aren’t making any bold claims that their base layer is some sort of vast leap forward in breathable thermal technology. Indeed the information on Caratti’s website contains almost no information on the fabric whatsoever.

What the Caratti thermal base layer lacks in marketing blurb, it makes up for in warmth. Of course this is partly dependent on what you wear over the top, but when the cold began to bite elsewhere we never felt the chill on our torsos. It’s just a shame that Caratti don’t offer a long sleeve version for really bitter mid-winter days.

The warmth of this base layer was enhanced by the decent job it did at moving sweat away from the skin. Admittedly things got a little sticky when putting in hard efforts or when overdressed for the conditions, but this would only be a real point of criticism for a more expensive competitor, and for a £20 thermal base layer the Caratti did an admirable job.

The main issue we had with the Caratti thermal base layer concerned the fit. Perhaps the root of the problem is the strange decision to only offer two choices of size: S/M or L/XL. Our slim 6’ tester took a S/M which fitted fairly well around the neck and chest, but was simply far too long. This left us with a good couple of inches of material at the bottom of the base layer to be stuffed into bibtights, causing an unsightly bulge around the midriff. Perhaps a smaller size would have solved the issue of length, although this could mean an overly tight fit around the chest.

For more details visit the Caratti website.

It’s odd to find an item of clothing that performs well across the seasons, yet that’s just what we have here with the Merino Mesh.

I’ve found that with the right windproof jackets it works well on cold winter days, and with thinner long-sleeve jerseys it manages to work into double-figure temperatures as well. I can’t think of another base layer that does this and works across such a wide temperature range.

Arguably the most versatile in Assos’s range of base layers, the Early Winter works well under a summer jersey — kind of like a set of arm-warmers and baselayer combined — all the way into deep winter if you have a substantial enough jacket.

With its close weave it does a good job of trapping pockets of air next to the skin, and we found that with its mix of polymide, polypropylene and elastane it also managed to wick perspiration away quickly, keeping us warm and dry.

With minimal stretch compared to many base layers, the Assos fell down as a unisex item.

The small was only snug around the shoulders with little shape elsewhere.

The fabric was good, and it still kept warm, but care was needed when getting dressed to stop sleeves and back riding up. 

Simple, well thought out design marries well to great fabric.

With a raglan cut to stop awkward shoulder seams digging in and details like a care label on the outside to prevent scratching, Vanguard clearly knows its stuff.

Great wicking performance, a tight fitting nylon and polyester knit and a crew collar are all positives in themselves, but if you factor in the clever science in the fabric, the Second Skin base layer steps up a level.

Known as a bacteriostatic fabric, Meryl Skincare (of which this is made) maintains natural skin bacteria levels. Waffle aside, this means this synthetic base layer shouldn't pong for it's entire lifespan.

Base layers are a bit like pants; you always have favourites that you look through the pile to find. Craft’s Pro ZERO Extreme is a recent addition to my kit drawer that’ll be staying right near the top.

The most noticeable feature is its exceptional fit: a seamless knit, for the main body, with a huge amount of elasticity, keeping it permanently in contact with your skin, without feeling in the least bit restrictive. This is exactly what’s needed for the most effective moisture transportation and Craft’s design is superb in this regard.

On a cold day, it feels warm and dry, not cold and clammy. The combination of yarns are very light and thin, which suggests it would be equally good in hot conditions too, although we’ve yet to test this. In the cold the high collar is a comforting feature, keeping out draughts, even with the top of your jersey unzipped.