Why wear a cycling base layer?

If you are looking for the perfect cycling kit for road biking, you probably know that the outfit consists of several layers for the upper body, including a cycling base layer. After consulting the buying guide for cycling base layers, we explain why you should wear a cycling base layer rather than regular clothing.

Why should you wear a cycling base layer?

The base layer (or technical underwear) has the primary purpose of wicking away sweat (and thus moisture) that you will produce during your training to the outer layer (the cycling jersey). This is necessary regardless of the season and allows you to stay dry throughout your ride, while also regulating your body temperature so you don’t get cold.

The cycling base layer, made from synthetic fibres such as polyester, polyamide, or polypropylene, is specifically designed to fulfill this function, unlike everyday clothing made primarily of cotton, which retains moisture. It is worn tight, close to the body, so it can be slipped under a cycling jersey.

How to choose your cycling base layer?

The cycling base layer (or underwear) is primarily chosen based on the season. Indeed, whether it’s summer, winter, or the mid-season, you need to adapt the technical underwear to the outside temperature.

Thus, in summer, when temperatures are high, you will use a sleeveless base layer under a short-sleeved or, possibly, sleeveless cycling jersey, to wick sweat as quickly as possible to the outer layer.
During the mid-season, you will rather use a short-sleeved base layer under the jersey, always with the objective of regulating body temperature and wicking sweat.
Whereas in winter, you will wear a long-sleeved base layer under a long-sleeved cycling jersey which will then be covered with a thermal jacket for optimal protection against the cold. The winter version of the base layer, in addition to wicking sweat, also provides thermal insulation.

Now that you know you should wear a cycling base layer rather than regular clothing, how about discovering the essential cycling underwear for men and the essential cycling underwear for women?