Last Updated on 14/02/2022
How Tight Should A Base Layer Be?
Getting your base layer right will keep you warm and dry. Getting it wrong can mean chafing, lack of movement, or a cold and sweaty day on the hill. But how tight should a base layer be?
Should Base Layers be Tight or Loose?
With all base layers, you should aim for an active fit that is neither tight nor baggy but somewhere in between. A good fit means that you have the layer close to your skin without restricting your mobility.
It’s essential to think about the fact that there are lots of different types of base layers. Some are designed as a thermal layer to keep you warm, while others are there to keep you cool and dry. It is universally accepted in all these cases that a base layer should not be tight or loose but somewhere in the middle to provide a close and athletic fit.
Thermal Base Layers
Thermal base layers are among the most common style. Thermal layers must fit close to your skin, especially around the cuffs. A loose-fitting thermal will allows cold air to move around, displacing the insulating air that had collected.
These thermal layers need to wick away perspiration effectively, and this is done best by close-fitting layers. Any moisture that isn’t wicked away will sit on your skin and cool down quickly and cause your body temperature to drop.
Warm Weather Base Layers
Base layers aren’t just thermal, though. In warm weather, these base layers can keep you cool and wick away sweat. There is some contention here between tight and loose-fitting layers and their performance.
A loose-fitting base layer will allow airflow around your body, which can make your skin cool. However, these looser layers aren’t as effective at wicking moisture away from your skin and will likely leave you sweatier. Sweat buildup in cold weather means that when you stop, you are likely to cool down quicker.
Dynamic Activities
Running, cycling, big mountain days, cross country skiing, and ski touring. All of these activities come with a high potential for you to sweat buckets. However, some of these, like ski touring and mountain walking, also risk a quick cooling down if your base layers aren’t wicking correctly.
On these activities, close-fitting layers are essential to wick away the moisture. Loose layers are going to leave your skin sweaty and prone to quick cooling. Whatever material you choose, remember to keep your mobility a priority for these sports.
How Tight Should a Base Layer be on Different Parts of Your Body?
From hiking balaclavas and hats to Merino socks and everything in between, you should ensure your base layers are a comfortable and athletic fit.
Tops
Your top half contains all the vital organs that your body prioritizes. So if your core isn’t warm, your body isn’t going to worry too much about your extremities. On the flip side, it can have dangerous consequences if your core overheats, so keeping it cool in the summer is vital.
In winter, doubling and even tripling up layers of base layer tops is normal. Each layer should fit comfortably and closely over the previous one so that they can still wick effectively.
Chafing under your armpits and around your neck is not uncommon if layers are too tight. If you wear multiple layers, consider different fits or tops with zips to give you some breathing room. Vest, or gilet, style layers can keep your core warm without adding bulk to your arms, so you still get maximum movement.
Bottoms
Although your legs don’t have any vital organs, they still need to be kept warm and are in fact more susceptible to the cold than your top half. you can double up on base layers bottoms however it should be in the sub zeros for this to be necessary. Adequate moisture-wicking and an athletic fit can avoid chafing and discomfort in areas that you want to avoid those things.
Base layer underwear in the summer is essential to avoid overheating and chafing. A good quality set of breathable underwear can be the difference between completing your trek or having to find a cool bath.
The Importance of Base Layers Being Stretchy
When it comes to maintaining mobility and getting a close fit, your base layers will have to be stretchy. Layers also need to be close fitting on a range of different body shapes and sizes, and stretch is the only way to achieve this. A tight, non-stretchy layer would restrict your movement and leave you with sore sports.
How are Base Layers Made Stretchy?
Of course, some materials like polyester and wool have some natural stretch, but not compared with elastic and lycra. Stretchy materials and thermal fabric are blended together to provide the best of both worlds. This combination of materials gives them the stretch they need to sit close to your skin and move comfortably.
Base layers come in a variety of elasticities. Some, like cycling layers, are skin tight and spandex-style, requiring high levels of lycra or a similar material. Merino layers tend not to stretch quite as much but are sometimes woven with nylon or polyester to enhance this.
Can a Base Layer be Too Tight?
Yes. In many ways. The main issue with a base layer being too tight is that you will limit your mobility. You may find that walking, skiing, or even simple movements become uncomfortable if your layers aren’t letting you move freely. Tight layers also contribute to chafing.
If your layers don’t fit right, you may find that they ride up or sit uncomfortably. For example, a tight-fitting top layer is liable to ride up over your stomach, while bottoms may expose your ankles and lower legs. Of course, any exposed skin will get cold, but your layers aren’t going to be able to wick moisture away effectively.
Should Merino Wool Base Layers be Tight?
Merino layers should fit the same as any other base layers. Remember, though, that they don’t have the same stretchy qualities as lycra. Merino layers should be worn close to your skin, rather than stretching over you like other materials.
It’s worth considering that merino layers may shrink slightly in the wash. So if your merino layer is already close to being too tight when you buy it, you might find that it soon becomes uncomfortable.
Why Should You Avoid Baggy Base Layers?
Base layers work by wicking away moisture and, in terms of thermal layers, insulating you with a layer of trapped air. If your base layers are too baggy, the moisture-wicking qualities are lost, leaving you with a layer of sweat against your skin which can cool you down suddenly when you stop moving.
Thermal layers need snug cuffs and neck or waistbands to stop air from wafting around. If cool air can blow in, it negates the insulating qualities of the warm air that you had otherwise managed to trap.
How to Choose the Right Size Base Layer?
Choosing the right size base layer is as personal as buying any other item of clothing. What fits one person might not be the perfect fit for you.
Different materials suit different activities. These materials also come with different fits. Once you know what base layer style you are looking for, it can help you try a range of brands and styles to find the perfect fit.
Some people find that buying a size-up is necessary because of how close-fitting base layers are. Knowing this can be especially useful if you plan to layer your base layers or wear them as a T-shirt. Also, remember that materials like merino are likely to shrink a little in the wash.
It can be a delicate balance, finding a layer that fits you without being overly snug, but once you do, you will feel the true benefit of a quality base layer.
We hope this answered your question of how tight should a base layer be but please get in touch with any other questions
