Best cycling base layers: The starting point for on bike comfort

The best cycling base layers can 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, they help to wick moisture away from the skin and keep the wearer comfortable across a range of temperatures.

Now winter is here (for those of us north of the equator), a thicker, warmer base layer can add a lot of warmth on the bike, and help you feel more prepared to face the elements, our winter base layers are in the first half of the guide. 

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 colder weather, a heavier-weight long-sleeve base layer will retain warmth and wick away moisture. For warm weather or indoor cycling, a lighter-weight base layer with short sleeves (or no sleeves) can help keep you cool.

This guide focuses on men's base layers, but we have a separate guide for women's cycling base layers too. You can also head to the how to choose section at the bottom of the guide to read a range of FAQ's. I have put in many cold miles out on the bike in all of these base layers myself and tested them all thoroughly so you can be sure you are getting an honest opinion and selection.

Best cycling base layers: Quick list

Winter base layers

Like a lot of Assos cycling kit, there is something special feeling about the LS skin layer. Its fit and feel are the best of any of the base layers in the guide for me. Construction is mostly from a mix of carbon and Polypropylene yarns with some elastane, which is meant to draw moisture away from the skin. The material is a little thicker than everything here bar the Spatz and GripGrab offerings, but it's definitely the softest feeling when you're wearing it, is stretchy and does feel like something of a second skin.

The skin layer has a raised neck that is well-shaped and fitted to help keep you warm. Make sure you pay attention and double-check your size against the Assos sizing when buying. I'm a size small in pretty much everything but this test product is an Assos M.  

The winter skin layer is a high-end base layer that will keep you warm and snug during the winter and on the coldest days. I found it did wick moisture well and kept me really comfy, and I almost looked forward to pulling it on before winter rides. If you want to go for a premium base layer for a lot of outdoor riding, the Skin layer won't let you down.

I tested a few base layers from Van Rysel this winter, but the Racer base layer stood out as my favourite and recommended piece. 

I've gotten on well with Decathlon's (the brand's parent company) own brand base layers for years and had another solid experience with the company's Van Rysel brand. Van Rysel bikes and equipment will also feature in the World Tour next year. 

The Racer base layer is a medium-weight option but proved to be incredibly comfortable thanks to its high levels of stretch. The feel is actually along the same lines as the Grib Grab Expert and the Assos skin layer for a fraction of the cost. 

The base layer also has some light ribbing woven into the inside of the piece, to aid warmth and trap air more effectively. If you don't want to spend too much on a good quality, winter base layer you can't go wrong here.

Spatz built on what it had with the Basez 2 base layer (already in this guide) and rolled out the Basez Extreme this winter which by feel and weight is the most heavy-duty base layer in the guide. 

I haven't seen anything like it before if you're looking for a really heavy-duty base layer for a lot of cold, outdoor riding, head this way. 

A key difference between the Basez 2 and Basez Extreme is the fit, in that the Extreme is a lot tighter fitting. If you are looking for a more fitted base layer to layer up for racing, harder training or riding, look to the Extreme. 

The Basez Extreme has an extended neck and ditches the thumb loops the 2 has. It gains a windproof panel on the chest and adds a lot more of the waffled weave. It's so thick it's into jersey territory and I've even gotten away with wearing it with just a gilet for a cross between warmth and lightweight on the bike. 

The Basez 2 is another heavy-weight winter base layer, albeit not quite as thick as the Extreme, 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. 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, 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 general deep winter riding in the cold, it's worth a look.

If you like the sound of the Assos LS skin layer but don't want to pay top dollar, the Expert 2 Thermal from GripGrab is worth a look. It sits at a competitive price point at around half the Assos option but offers a stretchy, compressive fit and has a very soft, luxurious feeling. 

GripGrab pretty much specialises in foul weather kit and the 2nd version of the Expert base layer is going to keep you warm and comfortable on winter rides. It's a little longer in length than some other base layers here and you can comfortably tuck it into shorts or tights for added warmth. 

It also uses Polygenie fabric treatment like the Galibier option below which should help keep things that little bit fresher. 

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. 

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. I've worn it several times under a short sleeve jersey and not bothered with warm warmers for more intense sessions. 

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 MAAP thermal base layer is a stylish long-sleeve winter unit that utilises Polartec Power Grid fabric. The base layer is more of a mid-weight piece but packs a punch in terms of outright warmth.

The Power Grid takes the form of tiny raised squares of fleecy fabric all over the inside of the base layer. Polartec states this technology strengthens warmth and breathability while reducing fabric mass and also aiding wicking. The purple colour I have the base layer in is no longer available but there are five colours to choose from.

The thermal base layer is another deceptively warm unit and I made the mistake of wearing it on a ride where temperatures rose up to around 10 degrees (or 50 degrees Fahrenheit) with a winter jacket and I ended up being far too warm. The Polartec Power Grid material does an excellent job of creating extra warmth.

Again this base layer kept me warm on the coldest days and makes for an excellent winter base layer.  

Take a look at our in-depth review of the MAAP Thermal base layer here. 

I've added some winter weight short-sleeved base layers during this update, something that was missing from the guide previously. 

Sometimes a heavier weight long sleeve base layer is overkill or doesn't mesh well with certain kit choices if you want to just wear a jersey and arm warmers for example

If you want or need to be a bit lighter on the bike for a race or training then the Windbreaking thermal short-sleeve base layer from GripGrab is a good option. The front of the torso has a single-panel wind-blocking section that goes under a jersey nicely for added protection without the bulk. I've worn it like this with a jersey and arm warmers which are more comfortable when not on top of a long sleeve base layer. The amount of warmth id added on cold days surprised me. You can then add a gilet into the mix if you want more protection on top. 

The rear of the base layer is made from breathable and stretchy material. Like the long-sleeve Expert 2 base layer from the brand, it features Polygenie-treated material. 

The Nalini Melange is another great short-sleeved, winter weight base layer option if you want to wear a little less or even add warmth in summer. It's stretchy and has a premium feel and cut with long sleeves extending down to just above the elbows. I've worn it to add warmth on colder days under a jersey with arm warmers. It's one of the comfiest base layers in the guide for me.  

You can take the same layering approach as mentioned in the GripGrab piece above, but if you don't want or need the windproof front layer, this is a really great option. The fit is similar to a nice summer jersey, especially with the longer arms and it's paired well with several of my similarly cut short-sleeved jerseys. 

Merino wool is popular for several reasons, for its thermal properties but also for being naturally odour-resistant. The Merino zip neck base layer from dhb is manufactured from 100% Merino wool and uses a quarter-length zip, giving you the option to add some ventilation if you need to. It has a 200 GSM rating (grams per square meter) this is the overall weight of the fabric, meaning the dhb option here is a slightly lighter weight than the Thermowave option below.

This base layer will be better suited to going under a winter jacket for less intense riding. It's very comfortable and there isn't much 'wool scratch' that you can sometimes get from woollen garments. If you are interested in trying Merino or investing in another base layer this is a solid, affordable option, you could also use it for walking or running, extracting even more value.  

I've included the Thermowave Merino Xtreme base layer here on account of its downright warmth and comfort. It's not a cycling-specific base layer and is popular in climbing and walking circles. 

It uses a Merino (80%) blend mixed with Polyester and Polyamide and is incredibly soft and comfortable. If you want a capable, luxury base layer to use on the bike, walking or even for lounging in post-ride. Which is what I've been doing in it a lot, this is going to tick every box. 

It uses 220 GSM material and a polyester interior lining to ensure there is no 'Merino scratch' when you're wearing it. Like the dhb option above, it isn't a super close fit so is better suited to layering up on less intense rides.

Summer base layers

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. 

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 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 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. 

How to choose

The best cycling base layers can be very specific in their design, but you can cover a wide range of temperatures with just a few well-chosen options. Start with a thin, lightweight option for warmer temperatures and a heavier-weight long-sleeve base layer for cold weather. By playing around with different clothing layering options you will learn what temperature ranges the base layers work best in and get a feel for what you prefer. 

As a starting point note the temperature on each ride, what you are wearing and how you feel on the bike this is especially relevant in winter. You will start to create a memory bank and get better at knowing what to wear to be comfortable in a certain temperature range. Base layer choice lies at the heart of getting this right.