The best cycling base layers provide a foundation for comfort while cycling. Despite being often unseen and overlooked, base layers play a crucial role in regulating temperature and ensuring optimal performance. If a rider is too hot or cold, their power and performance may be impacted. When worn under a cycling jersey or a winter cycling jacket, base layers help to wick moisture away from the skin and keep the wearer comfortable across a range of temperatures.
To maximize comfort, base layers should be a tight fit and close to the skin. They work by trapping a layer of air and wicking away sweat to ensure the wearer stays dry. For warm weather or indoor cycling, a lighter-weight base layer with short sleeves or none can help keep one cool. For colder weather, a heavier-weight long-sleeve base layer will retain warmth and wick away moisture.
This guide focuses on men's base layers, but we have a separate guide for women's cycling base layers too. If one is unsure about what they need, they can refer to the buying advice at the bottom of the page. We are committed cyclists at Cyclingnews with decades of combined experience. We've put these base layers to the test in various conditions, temperatures and riding intensities to do the hard work for you and ensure the base layers included in our guide are all up to scratch.
Best cycling base layers for summer
The Endura Translite II base layer is constructed from a super soft and fine polyester mesh that's partly recycled. It's available in sleeveless and short-sleeved variants. There is also a Windstopper version. I however tested the short sleeve version.
The Translite is amongst the most comfortable base layers in this whole guide, it's super soft and comfortable with flat lock seams and the cut is ever so slightly more relaxed than some of the other more tightly fitting race cut base layers here. This adds a little bit of versatility and you could even wear it as a base layer for a walk or run.
It kept me comfortable and wicked sweat well on the smart trainer and riding outdoors, and for the price is a really solid base layer option.
It's only available in white, has a silver Endura logo on the chest and the label is soft and sewn into the rear of the neck.
The Nalini AIS base layer comes in sleeveless and short-sleeved options and I have tested the sleeveless version. The base layer is made from Polypropylene mesh and is close-fitting and comfortable
I usually ride a size small base layer but the Nalini 'Italian sizing' means it does run slightly small so we recommend you size up one size from your normal size. I wore a Medium and it fitted me like a small.
Nalini has been making cycling kit for a long time and the AIS just does what it says on the tin. It's a little tighter fitting than the Endura Translite, tucks in neatly to the bottom of shorts and is unrestrictive. The labels don't get in the way or chafe in any way which I find important in a summer base layer when there's the chance of sweating that little bit more or working hard in a race or sportive.
The AIS also features flatlock stitching and there is a stylish Nalini logo in silver on the front of the base layer.
The Echelon is Galibier's lightweight spring/summer base layer and like the Nalini AIS is available in sleeveless, short sleeve and even long-sleeve versions. It comes in white and has a stylish Galibier logo in black on the chest.
It is largely constructed from Airmesh, which is a perforated Polyester mesh fabric, and is unsurprisingly a lighter weight to the heavier-duty Galibier barrier base layer I reviewed this winter.
The size small sample I've used is well-fitted with good-length sleeves and will sit well under all but the tightest of skinsuits or race jerseys, making it a versatile option.
It's kept me comfortable and warm on early spring rides and has also fared well during sweaty zwift workouts in the garage.
The Rapha Pro Team base layer sits alongside eight other offerings from Rapha. The Pro Team thermal base layer can be found in the winter base layers in this guide. This time around in the warmer weather I've been testing the Pro Team sleeveless base layer.
The Pro Team sleeveless is available in three different colours and has a stylish nod to Paris Roubaix on the front. The front and rear panels are mesh with two stretchy solid side panels on either side.
It's close-fitting and unrestrictive and will sit well under any jersey or kit. The mesh isn't as soft as some of the other base layers we've tested, certainly not as soft as the Endura offering but this doesn't affect comfort in the slightest and the Pro Team has performed brilliantly, again soaking up a sweat indoors or as a starting layer on outdoor spring rides.
The Pearl Izumi Transfer base layer probably wins the award for most eye-catching design in its 'Fuego Coslope' colour scheme which is fun and stands out - though it is also available in white. But behind the Pizza slices and fish there are some technical details that work really well.
Like several base layers in our test, the transfer is constructed mainly from Polyester mesh, but a good portion is recycled. Pearl Izumi is passionate about sustainability and has set itself the goal of having 98% of products made from sustainable materials by 2024.
The Transfer features GoFresh anti-odour technology to help it stay smelling fresh so seems suited to longer days or bikepacking trips. It also has more of a dropped tail than the other base layers on the test which provides just a little more lower back coverage and wicking.
The Transfers label is also on the outside of the garment which surprised me at first. I assume this is to minimise potential chafing or rubbing, but even though it's not going to be seen by many you still may feel the urge to cut it off. Despite its playful image, the cut is fitted without tight spots around the arms or neck and the Transfer was really comfy in use.
The simply named Pas Normal sleeveless base layer is a stylish and minimalistic base layer constructed mostly of Polyester mesh.
It's super light and airy and Pas Normal give it a temperature use rating of 15/30C - 59/86F, so it should wick moisture well and regulate body temperature on really warm days.
It's available in seven colours and has a Pas Normal logo on the front and a large vertical 'Road to nowhere' lettering down the back. It feels very unobtrusive to wear, almost like a second skin.
Pas Normal also provides a 50% discount crash replacement policy in the event of an off too.
The GTO NS Dermasensor is the top-tier summer base layer from Assos and is the most expensive base layer in the test.
Using a thin mesh front and rear except for the Assos solid line down the front of the chest. The Dermasensor is super soft and form-fitting. There are zero seams or labels apart from some minimal stitching at the shoulders and it makes for a very comfortable experience and aids layering. The mesh holes themselves are larger than most of the other base layers here and really open up when stretched which aids cooling.
Aesthetics wise the inside of the base layer is a light grey whilst externally the mesh features a black fabric overlay and gold Assos detailing and printed logo on the back of the neck.
Needless to say, we've found the Dermasensor incredibly comfortable and soft to wear and it's performed excellently across all test rides. If you want to splash the cash for one, it won't disappoint.
Owners also benefit from a two-year warranty and crash replacement policy from Assos.
Best cycling base layers for winter
The Barrier base layer from Galibier is an excellent budget winter base layer that punches well above its weight. The Barrier comes in at £29 and represents excellent value for money.
The polyester base layer is comprised of two layers that are heat-sealed together. You can actually see the second contrasted layer on the inside of the base layer. The poly-mesh air blend fabric also has a Polygiene treatment applied which Galibier claims makes it more odour resistant. If like me, you haven't heard of Polygenie before, it is a Swedish company providing a range of freshness and protection technologies for garments.
The Barrier has a high neck which isn't as tall as the Rapha or Spatz models but still offers protection and is comfortable against the skin. The Galibier doesn't have the elastane stretch of some of the other base layers in the guide but is close-fitting without being skin-tight. This however may mean you need to just check sizing if you are between sizes. There is also a women's specific version alongside the men's version that I have tested.
It has kept me snug and warm on several cold winter rides and is comfortable to wear. I have even worn it for a couple of runs on its own on gloomy days when the bright orange colour made me feel a bit more visible. I can't fault it or find anything to mark it down on. It's a brilliant base layer for the money.
The Rapha Pro Team base layer is a heavier-weight winter base layer designed to deal with everything winter riding conditions can throw at you. It's also one of the two garments in this guide to utilise Polartec Power Grid fleece.
Perfect for a hard workout in cold conditions when the temperature is comfortably in the single digits. It cuts a stylish figure in the black version I had, there is also an alternate teal colourway. A nod to the infamous Arenberg forest lettered on the front hints at the hard work riders put in over the winter.
It is constructed from polyester and elastane and uses Polartec Power Grid fleece material on the inside which is designed to trap air and is a fabric it shares with the MAAP base layer in our test. The cuffs on the ends of the sleeves are doubled over to ensure a comfortable fit at the wrists.
The lengthy neck of the base layer is the standout design feature allowing you to use it as a warmer right up to the nose on those freezing mornings. Once things warm up you can then roll it down or just fold it over and you have an integrated neck warmer. This pretty much eliminates the need for a buff and is a nice feature. Some of the base layers in the guide have longer necks like the Galibier or Spatz but none offer quite the same length the Pro Team does.
The base layer is soft and comfortable and still pretty lightweight. It kept me warm and snug on some very cold days. And though it is at the more expensive end of the spectrum it will probably pay for itself in the long run if you are doing a lot of winter riding.
The BaaBaa has featured in Scottish brand Endura's range for years. The BaaBaa blend baselayer uses a merino/synthetic mix and has a more relaxed cut than the other base layers featured in this guide. The merino / synthetic fibre mix isn't the most breathable, but it feels really soft against the skin and should keep you comfortable for extended periods in low and moderate-intensity riding.
I wore it recently on a road ride paired with the Castelli Perfetto 2 jacket I recently featured in my gear of the year list. I noticed that the more relaxed cut feels really comfortable, more so than other tight-fitting base layers, but it isn't so voluminous that tucking the hem into bib tights becomes an issue.
If you ride across several disciplines this could be a great option to have in your wardrobe. It can be worn easily for road riding under a jacket, on its own with baggy shorts for mountain biking or even ridden in and then worn off the bike on a bikepacking trip, and the merino content should keep it smelling fresh for longer if you wear it for several days in a row. Available in five different colours, the BaaBaa is a versatile option that could serve several other purposes.
You can read an in-depth review of the Endura BaaBaa base layer here.
Le Col's Pro Mesh base layer is a versatile long-sleeve base layer. It's woven in one piece and is very stretchy. It looks like it would be too small when held aloft, and visibly looked a lot smaller than any of the other base layers here. But don't worry it is true to size and will stretch to fit you.
The base layer has large mesh panels on most of the back and from the chest down on the front to aid cooling and to wick moisture effectively. The Pro Mesh doesn't carry quite the same thermal properties as some of the heavier-weight base layers in this guide, but it will be a brilliant option for a cold, hard session where you are riding hard and sweating in the middle of winter but don't need the bulk of a thicker, heavier garment. Or alternatively in the spring and autumn when temperatures are beginning to drop and you are just starting to reach for the long sleeve base layers again.
Its tight fit and lack of bulk would also make it a nice choice for use in racing, for cyclocross for example or a local winter league or early season races whilst temperatures are still low.
The Castelli Miracolo was first seen being worn by Tao Geoghegan Hart on the Stelvio in the 2020 Giro d'Italia. The mystery base layer drew attention on social media and for good reason. It is a long sleeve merino blend mesh base layer that has a guide temperature range from 4C/39F to 15C/59F. It's minimalist and lightweight with a close fit and open mesh design.
In the autumn before temperatures plummeted I found myself wearing it a lot and reaching for it regularly, especially on my local chaingang where I knew I would be sweating before long. It wicks moisture really well and kept me comfortable whilst working hard.
Its open mesh construction can be a little fragile, though; I pulled mine off after one ride and ripped the rear of the neck open, it was unlucky more than anything but a little more care when taking the Miracolo off is probably a good idea.
The Basez 2 winter base layer from Spatz was designed by ex-professional cyclist Tom Barras to be the winter base layer he always wanted but never had, and the Spatz Basez 2 is unlike any other winter base layer I have come across.
The Basez 2 is a heavier-weight winter base layer with a high neck, thumb loops and a really interesting design that incorporates ribbing on several areas of the garment designed to create pockets of air to trap warmth next to the skin. The chest and arms are also thicker and there's a lot going on design-wise all over the piece. I tested the white version but it is available in black as well.
It feels quite special and you feel ready for anything the winter can throw at you when heading out the door wearing a Basez 2. The thumb loops especially are something I think only a cyclist could have come up with. With the base layer on, the thumb loops ensure about the first half of your hand is covered by fabric which helps keep your hands a bit warmer but also means the base layer extends down past the end of your jacket cuffs and under your gloves and minimizes the chance of any skin showing or cold air creeping in. It's a quality touch that will keep you just that little more comfortable.
The long neck like the Rapha base layer does the job of a buff and keeps your neck warm. I've worn the Basez 2 in some nasty weather this winter. In particular on a freezing day with sleet and snow for a few hours and it kept me warm and comfortable. If you want a base layer for deep winter riding in the cold, it represents a brilliant investment.
The Albion merino base layer utilizes a 75% merino wool blend to keep you dry and wick moisture away. The makeup also comprises 18% nylon and 7% elastane. Merino is something of a miracle fabric with the fibres absorbing moisture themselves and the keratin in them breaking down odours which is a desirable feature in a base layer.
The Albion base layer is a stylish piece, with a slightly more relaxed cut and a scooped neck. It's really soft to the touch and features a simple Albion logo on the chest. It's deceptively warm for its weight and the merino wool does a solid job of keeping you warm and comfortable. With the right layering on top, it can deal with spring and autumn conditions with ease and all but the coldest of winter temperatures.
I did find the base layer and I suspect specifically the merino wool ever so slightly scratchy when I first pulled it on, this feeling soon disappeared when I started riding and I wasn't uncomfortable in the slightest. This base layer is also Bluesign-approved. Bluesign is a solution for sustainable textile production and produ