Best women's cycling base layers

When it comes to wearing weather-suitable cycling kit, never overlook the benefits of a good quality base layer. Designed to be figure-hugging in order to wick away moisture from the skin, the best women's cycling base layers should accommodate curves where needed, and fulfil all the other duties expected of them. 

At this time of year, base layers should provide an extra layer of warmth to help you regulate your core temperature and feel comfortable on the bike. When it's warmer out, their job is to help you manage moisture build-up to stay fresh and cool, as well as keeping body odour in check.

There are lots of options to choose from, like differing fabrics and technical materials, or natural fibres versus synthetic ones. Some of the best cycling base layers are designed for specific weather conditions, so sleeve-length, cut, and thickness will also have a part to play.

When it comes to the best women's cycling base layers, the fabrics and technologies are much the same as men’s and unisex options. The key is in the cut. To do its job properly a base layer must comfortably hug your figure and sit flush against your skin, so if you have a curvy figure, you probably need a women-specific base layer for the ultimate comfort and fit.

To make the decision easier, we’ve rounded up a list of the best women’s cycling base layers on the market, for a variety of budgets.

Here’s what to look for when choosing a women's cycling base layer

Best women's cycling base layers for keeping warm

If you’re riding in blustery conditions, keep the cold out and protect your core with some windproof kit. Gore’s Windstopper membrane has been designed specifically for this purpose, to counteract wind chill and provide an impenetrable barrier between you and the gales.  

With its comfortable close fit, the Windstopper base layer creates a thin but powerful addition to whichever warmth strategy you opt for. Pair it with a single jersey for a little protection, or make it part of a full-blown winter layering system. The Gore Windstopper membrane is an essential part of any serious all-weather cyclist’s wardrobe.

The Windstopper membrane is water-repellent and features on the areas most likely to feel the full brunt of the elements: the front and shoulders. The back, as well as the under-arm panels, are constructed from an open mesh to disperse heat and cool you down.

Read our Gore Windstopper base layer review for more.

Part of a trio of merino mesh base layers in Velocio's women's kit range, the long-sleeve version impressed our reviewer with its exceptionally soft hand-feel and the comfort and warmth it provides. While it's not a cheap item, it's certainly versatile and is sure to add warmth and moisture-wicking to your cycling wardrobe for several seasons. It's also durable enough to last a fair few years as well.

Even in its long-sleeve guise, the Merino Mesh base layer is impressively lightweight, and it packs down nice and small, which makes it an excellent option for bikepackers and anyone else wanting to travel light with spare layers.

We've not even mentioned the merino wool yet, which is a wonder material for cyclists. Providing natural antimicrobial and moisture-wicking properties, it also helps you stay warm even when wet, and is stretchy enough to allow you to move freely.

Check out our Velocio Women’s Merino Mesh long sleeve base layer review for even more.

Endura’s Baabaa Blend base layer combines merino wool with Lyocell synthetic fibres to offer an all-in-one package of thermoregulation, odour control and sweat management. Once again it’s a great option for layering or wearing as a standalone top.

The Baabaa Blend base layer gets ethical brownie points too, as the merino used is non-mulesed (meaning the cruel practice of mulesing is not involved in its production). What results is a soft and itch-free blend of natural and synthetic fibres that’s so comfortable you’ll forget you’re wearing it.

The fit is pretty relaxed, meaning it works well as a standalone long-sleeve top or an upper layer with something else underneath. It’s still reasonably form-hugging though, with no uncomfortable bunching when paired with a fitted jersey.

We have reviewed the men's Endura Baabaa base layer and found it works best at lower temperatures, as its warming properties can be a bit too much on milder days. 

Read our Endura BaaBaa Blend base layer review for more information.

When you're cycling in the dead of winter you're often relying on some kind of neck gaiter to help keep the chill out of that more sensitive area, not to mention your face and ears. While a separate gaiter is a handy thing to have around, sometimes one garment that does it all is preferable, and in this case perhaps you'll be endeared to Rapha's unique winter base layer with an integrated face covering. 

Essentially a very long turtleneck, you can fold it over to double up the warmth around your neck, or pull it all the way up to cover your chin, cheeks, nose and ears for extra warmth against the biting winds. There's even a ponytail port at the back, which both helps it stay up, and enables you to ride comfortably.

If you’re looking for the coveted properties of merino wool without spending the last of your savings, then dhb offers a fantastic value merino base layer too. M200 signals the weight of the wool used, and this particular base layer is more geared towards winter riding. A lighter M150 version is also available.

Merino wool is a dab hand at naturally regulating body temperature, and stays fresher for longer. While we do recommend regularly washing your base layer, you may find yourself able to take it on a multi-day ride and come out almost fresh as a daisy.

The yarn is superfine, promising a soft and comfortable mid-weight base layer that will see you through the colder months. You can layer it up all winter and then wear it on its own once temperatures rise. It’s also comfortable enough to wear off the bike, thanks to the close but relaxed fit.

Madison’s Isoler Mesh base layer is another budget-friendly option that offers basic performance, great for entry-level cyclists exploring what the world of lycra has to offer. There are two versions available: long-sleeved or sleeveless, providing options for year-round training. 

The Isoler Mesh base layer is constructed from a circular knit design, meaning more comfort thanks to the lack of seams. The binding on the neck and arm openings are soft to the touch and irritation-free. It comes in a close race-fit, but is completely unrestrictive and works well both on and off the bike. 

At this price point, it doesn’t have any bells and whistles but this base layer is covered by a limited lifetime warranty, and is perfectly fine if you’re only just getting into cycling.

Sportful's Bodyfit Pro long sleeve base layer is hugely versatile and ideal to handle autumn and spring, plus mild winter temperatures. It offers an excellent fit with nice long sleeves, and sits at a comfortable point on the hips without feeling too long and leaving you with a lot of bulk to tuck into your bib tights.

Its clever dual-layer construction features a single lightweight external facing, and a three-dimensional internal lining that contains channels for adding bulk and thermal insulation. By trapping air between the channels, it not only seals in warmth but also allows the body to breathe through the thinner and more breathable backing.

We've tested out the men's version of this base layer, so check out our Sportful's Bodyfit Pro long sleeve base layer review for all the details that come with the women's version as well.

Best women's cycling base layers for keeping cool

Designed for use on the hottest days when you'd usually be tempted to skip the extra layer, Rapha's Pro Team Mesh base layer is lightweight and breathable to help you stay cool and dry. It draws sweat away from the skin and dries quickly, which helps to regulate your core temperature and avoids those destabilising wind chills from fast descents with wet skin.

The fit is close but relaxed, so it can do its job. The garment is constructed from a super-light open mesh polyester with high-stretch, high-wicking side panels, and excellent breathability all over. It was developed with feedback from the Canyon//SRAM pro team, comes with free repairs courtesy of Rapha, and it’s a very nice piece of kit to have.

Assos' Summer base layer is designed to keep you dry on the sweatiest rides, with its Carbon/Polypropylene blend that provides exceptional moisture-wicking performance.

It's also designed to be comfortable, with a circular seamless tubular knit, which means the main body of the garment is stitched in one piece without any side seams, so there's less potential for chafing and irritation - the last thing you need when you're hot and bothered. 

Its close-to-body fit enables it to move moisture away from your skin efficiently, while there's ample stretch to allow you move freely and comfortably.

If you’re not looking for warmth from your base layer, then the Pro Issue 2 will keep you fresh and dry without causing you to overheat. This mid-range base layer from Castelli is designed to be worn in milder temperatures, from 15-25 degrees Celsius.

The Castelli Pro Issue 2 is made from a light 3D mesh fabric that uses capillary action to draw sweat away from the skin, making for a dry and comfortable ride. Minimal collar seams and a single flat hem around the waist mean there are fewer irritation points.

The Pro Issue 2 has a snug fit that sits flat without bunching up. It pairs well with aero jerseys, or anything with a tight collar, so there’s no need to compromise on performance. 

The only downside is that Castelli is notoriously biased towards the svelte Italian physique, so it may not be the best option for curvier bodies. Always check the size guide before buying online.

If you’re looking to spend a little less, Wiggle’s budget-friendly brand dhb has some cards up its sleeve. The dhb Lightweight Mesh base layer, for example, is both performance-focused and great value for money. 

It’s treated with a Polygiene antibacterial finish to combat body odour and keep you feeling fresh. The open mesh knit successfully wicks away sweat while trapping air to regulate body temperature. 

To help with layering, all stitching is flat-locked and there are minimal seams. Overall it’s a good base layer that won’t break the bank, however, sizing does come up small so be sure to check Wiggle’s size chart before purchasing.

Stolen Goat is known for its fun and colourful cycling kit, and its lightweight base layers are cut from the same cloth. With three colourful pattern options, you’ll be proud to unzip at the top of a climb. Of course, if this doesn’t sound like you, there’s a low-profile white version as well.

Constructed from four-way stretch AirMesh that’s super breathable, this sleeveless base layer is ideal for summer rides. The race fit hugs your form perfectly and moves with you, making it a comfortable option when you’re likely to feel hot and bothered. The fabric is fast-drying and moisture-wicking too.

Far be it from you to be mistaken for a fair-weather cyclist, however, the Stolen Goat Mesh base layer could also be a great piece of kit to wear year-round when paired strategically with warmer jerseys and jackets. Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with any sleeved options.

How to choose the best women's cycling base layer