{"id":19668,"date":"2021-04-16T00:01:00","date_gmt":"2021-04-15T22:01:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.siroko.com\/blog\/c\/a-guide-to-cycling-base-layers\/"},"modified":"2022-08-10T12:22:59","modified_gmt":"2022-08-10T10:22:59","slug":"a-guide-to-cycling-base-layers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.siroko.com\/blog\/c\/a-guide-to-cycling-base-layers\/","title":{"rendered":"A guide to cycling base layers"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/b>We have already talked about the importance of base layers in our previous article on What to wear in winter to protect your core<\/a>. This time we are going to get into a little more detail and explain different base layer options from Siroko<\/a>. Here is a short guide you can easily apply to other brands, as the differences between manufacturers are minor and based mainly on designs and finishes.<\/span><\/p>\n

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What is a base layer in cycling?<\/b><\/p>\n

A base layer is the first garment touching the skin. It must be breathable, quick-drying, well-fitting, and comfortable, considering that it has two jobs:<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Absorb sweat and wick away moisture in order to keep your skin dry.<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Regulate body temperature.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    To reach these two goals this item creates a thin layer of air that protects us from the cold during the winter and keeps our skin dry and fresh during the summer. That is why they must fit snugly so that the fabric is always touching the skin, while being comfortable to wear at the same time. They must help improve movements during workouts and prevent chafing.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Types of base layers<\/b><\/p>\n

    For starters, there is a distinction between base layers for women<\/a> and for men<\/a>. We won\u2019t be including sport bras<\/a> in this category so that we can – quite literally – stick to our base layers.<\/span><\/p>\n

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    There are three types according to fabric:<\/span><\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Synthetic fibers either with antibacterial and anti-odor treatment or without it. They dry up quite fast.<\/span><\/li>\n
    2. Merino wool. Natural fabric with antibacterial properties. It takes longer to dry up.<\/span><\/li>\n
    3. Blend of merino wool and synthetic fibers. It\u2019s particularly well-fitted, lightweight, and quick-drying.<\/span>
      \n<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      According to sleeve length there are also three types:<\/span><\/p>\n

        \n
      1. Long-sleeved<\/span><\/li>\n
      2. Short-sleeved<\/span><\/li>\n
      3. Sleeveless<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        The most common combinations for both men and women are:<\/span><\/p>\n

          \n
        1. Sleeveless base layers made of mesh type synthetic fabric.<\/span><\/li>\n
        2. Short-sleeved base layers made of mesh type synthetic fabric.<\/span><\/li>\n
        3. Short-sleeved base layers made of merino wool or merino wool + synthetic fiber blend.<\/span><\/li>\n
        4. Long-sleeved base layers made of merino wool or merino wool + synthetic fiber blend.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

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          When to use a base layer in cycling<\/b><\/p>\n

          Each type of base layer is designed to be used in certain situations:<\/span><\/p>\n