BASE LAYER BUYING GUIDE


Layers are undisputably the best way to keep warm on the slopes, and this all starts with nailing the basics. Your base layer is there to manage moisture, so should effectively move sweat away from your body and keep you dry from the inside. But remember, layering systems are as individual as your ski boots or favourite runs. What works for someone else may not work for you - and that's where we come in. We've created this guide to everything there is to know about base layers, so you can choose the right one for you.


baselayerguide

Material

MERINO

 

Merino wool base layers offer excellent heat retention and fine fibres, which allow freedom of movement and feel soft against the skin. Merino has naturally antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, due to the lanolin and keratin wax produced by the sheep - which basically means merino base layers can be worn for days without needing to be washed. Merino is also great for breathability, which means sweat vapour can easily escape, keeping you dry while you're working hard on the mountains.


SHOP MERINO BASE LAYERS

 

SYNTHETIC

 

Synthetic base layers are usually made from polyester or polyester blends. They're also great for breathability and moisture-wicking, and are quick-drying, reducing uncomfortable sweat against your skin, but they don't tend to be as warm as merino base layers.

 

Whichever material your base layer is made from, something to look for is ventilation, such as a quarter zip or mesh panels on the underarms or down the spine. These help improve air flow and keep your temperature consistent when you're switching from intense shredding to waiting for the lift.


SHOP SYNTHETIC BASE LAYERS

baselayerguide2

Fit

Your base layer should be close-fitting to effectively trap body heat and wick away moisture. 

 

TOPS

 

A base layer top should cover all exposed areas, and you should be able to tuck it into your outer layers to stop the cold from getting in. Choose your usual t-shirt size, as the fit will be snug by design.

 

BOTTOMS

 

As with top base layers, a close-fitting bottom base layer will offer more warmth. They should reach the bottom of your lower leg and rest around your ankle. Like with tops, choose your usual size.


baselayerguide3

Your Layering System

Layering is the best way to keep warm on the slopes because it traps air between each layer, so having the right layers is much more effective than one thick jacket. A basic layering system consists of a base layer, mid-layer and outer layer, and they're all as important to get right as each other.

 

Check out our mid-layer buying guide and ski jacket buying guide.

 


shop all base layers


Let us know you agree to cookies

We use marketing, analytical and functional cookies as well as similar technologies to give you the best experience. Third parties, including social media platforms, often place tracking cookies on our site to show you personalised adverts outside of our website.

 

We store your cookie preferences for two years and you can edit your preferences via ‘manage cookies’ or through the cookie policy at the bottom of every page. For more information, please see our cookie policy.