WHAT IS A BASE LAYER?
A base layer is the layer of clothing that sits against your skin. And because it’s against your skin it’s important to get it right. If something is a little irritating at the start of your run, hike, cycle or climb, it’ll be much worse after an hour.
There are a few things that will have a big impact on your comfort – so what are the most important things to look for?
Is your base layer soft? You’re constantly moving when you’re working out so your clothing is going to move against your skin. You want a soft fabric. Merino wool is often used for base layers but it’s definitely worth trying before you buy because it can be itchy. We love bamboo viscose because it is so soft against the skin and incredibly comfortable to wear.
Our Perform bamboo base layer has 4% stretch for easy movement and in a bamboo viscose and organic cotton blend, it’s supersoft and breathable.
How much stretch is there in your base layer? Look at the stretch or elastane content of your base layer as this will give you freedom of movement. Our Seamless Bamboo Yoga Top is part of our seamless range. It’s not only incredibly soft against your skin it has 360 degree stretch so it moves when you do.
How can you make sure your base layer doesn’t chafe? Endurance sports often involve repetitive movement so a top that is comfortable the first time you try it on might not be over ten miles. Take a look at the seams – flatlock seams mean they lie flat against your skin so they don’t rub. Or try our seamless range designed with minimal seams to avoid chafing.
‘Climbing can be a bit stop/start so you need something that breathes to keep you cool when you’re moving. But it also needs to be thick enough to keep you warm when you’re hanging on the rope. My BAM base layers not only do that but they have stretch over the shoulders so I can move easily.’ Mimi White, BAM Ambassador
Is your base layer breathable? Fibres such as cotton, organic cotton and bamboo are more breathable than synthetic fibres so they’re much more comfortable to wear. This will help you regulate your temperature.
Our Reflex bamboo base layer has long sleeves with thumb loops and flatlock seams that won’t rub.
‘In 2004, the year before I discovered bamboo clothing, I found myself crossing Greenland with a British Army expedition. It involved manhauling 100kg uphill for 300km then downhill for 300km. After 3 weeks, my feet were in bits (in poorly fitted boots – note to self…); I had multiple blisters, sores, bruised heels, frostnip, trench foot and general fatigue. But oddly the one thing I wanted to change above all else was a small itch in a difficult to reach place on my back. Just a tiny little irritating, annoying itch from my wool base layer. That’s always struck me as ironic.’ BAM founder, David Gordon
How absorbent is the fabric? One of the reasons we make our base layers from bamboo viscose is because it’s four times more absorbent than cotton. It wicks the moisture away from your skin so you don’t feel damp. This also means you don’t get cold quickly once you’ve stopped exercising.
‘This is the one top you want to wear again and again - it’s warm and yet somehow, I never get too hot. It’s long and doesn't ride up so I don’t get a cold back cycling and the thumb loops are really well designed, integrated into the sleeve so they’re comfortable and can be worn with gloves.’ Hetty Key, BAM Ambassador
Do you want to start cold? If you’re starting cold, look at the weight of the fabric – a heavier but breathable fabric means you won’t freeze in the winter months, but you also won’t overheat once you’ve warmed up. Zips and thumb loops are a good way to keep as warm as possible when you start off but as you warm up you can drop heat by unzipping. Our Zip Neck bamboo base layer is designed for comfort with a fabric guard to stop the zip rubbing.
‘Brilliant bit of kit, which I’ll use on all company and personal trips in future’ Andy Harvey, Operations Director of Extreme World Races said of BAM at the Magnetic North Pole
OUR LATEST BAMBOO BASELAYER ADDITIONS
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WZ636-SWS
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WZ636-EPS
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WZ636-LGS
