14 best base layers for men and women, tried and tested
14 best base layers for men and women, tried and tested
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66 North has created the holy grail – the perfect 100 per cent merino base layer set of top and bottoms. They are just a joy to wear – warm, delightfully soft against the skin, stretchy and flattering. We liked wearing these pieces so much, we found ourselves reaching for them daily, whether we were off hiking or skiing or just walking in the park. They hold up well after washing, and we reckon the zip-neck top is smart enough to pair with jeans. These base layer beauties are expensive but they’re worth the investment if you’ll wear them regularly.
These simple thermal bottoms trap in heat well and feel soft against the skin. The thin material works well layered under tighter salopettes, jeans or an outer pair of trekking tights but these thermal bottoms can’t really be worn as standalone leggings (especially not the translucent white pair). The quality is decent for the affordable price – a good choice if you just need bottoms for your first ski holiday or for occasional use.
Good base layers can be surprisingly – even shockingly – expensive. If you’re off on a beginner ski trip or just want something you can pull on for cold-weather dog walks or an especially chilly school run, however, you can’t beat Mountain Warehouse for budget-friendly base layers. If you do want a decent set that is warm yet breathable for sport, we rate the brand’s merino base layers set – you get all the benefits of merino wool at a bargain price.
Half thermal legging, half sweat pant, there’s lots to like about these fleece trousers, which were one of the warmest we tested – they trap in heat fast, feel lovely and soft and can be worn both as a base layer and as standalone trackie bottoms, thanks to a comfy wide waistband and tapered fit. We liked the more casual cut of these stretchy pants, which can be worn pretty much anywhere, from work to mountainside. It’s just a pity the R1 costs an arm and a leg, although buying from Patagonia is a planet-friendly choice – here, the fabric is recycled and Fair Trade.
