Base Layers

JohnBoyUK
JohnBoyUK Posts: 206
edited September 2010 in Road beginners
Hi Guys,

In preparation for the colder weather, I've invested in two Helly Hanson base layer tops. My question is how tight should they actually be to the skin for them to work properly?

Should they be as close to the skin as say a pair of cycle shorts would be or should they be worn as a tight, but not skin tight top?

I've bought XXL and its fits my chest and belly well enough but there is a bit of room in it...

What do you think?

Comments

  • trailstar
    trailstar Posts: 114
    personally i like a super-skin tight feel.
  • Garry H
    Garry H Posts: 6,639
    To wick properly, it needs to be skin-tight.
  • furrag
    furrag Posts: 481
    They need to be tight and touching the skin in order to work. I guess it's called compression wear for a reason. :wink:
  • JohnBoyUK
    JohnBoyUK Posts: 206
    Cheers guys, perhaps I better change down a size then. Thanks for the advice.
  • pbt150
    pbt150 Posts: 316
    You don't want them as tight as your shorts, but still a fairly close fit. IIRC they don't have as much Lycra in them as some other clothes (eg shorts or Under Armour baselayers), so you need a bit of room in them to be comfortable. If they're skin-tight I'd say go up a size.

    Helly Hansen baselayers aren't marketed as compression clothing, they're just good baselayers.
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  • bendertherobot
    bendertherobot Posts: 11,684
    I used to have a LOT of UA stuff.

    Now I swear by Craft. Light years ahead.
    My blog: http://www.roubaixcycling.cc (kit reviews and other musings)
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  • Dodger747
    Dodger747 Posts: 305
    Second skin tight! When my winter Under Armour gets wet, I need help getting it off... :lol:
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  • trailstar
    trailstar Posts: 114
    i love craft baselayers. Now own four.. amazingly soft and comfy.. great fit. Only niggle is that it can be a little long for shorter guys. The windproof baselayer is awesome.. so warm for cold winter days.
  • nferrar
    nferrar Posts: 2,511
    Another vote for Craft, been using their summer baselayers for a while but now changing from various merino to Craft baselayers for winter as they're just more comfortable.
  • paggnr
    paggnr Posts: 101
    I like craft in winter. Which craft baselayer arecyou using for summer +28C
    Cheers
    Pagey
    "Don't buy upgrades; ride up grades." -Eddy Merckx
  • paggnr
    paggnr Posts: 101
    I like craft in winter. Which craft baselayer arecyou using for summer +28C
    Cheers
    Pagey
    "Don't buy upgrades; ride up grades." -Eddy Merckx
  • trailstar
    trailstar Posts: 114
    this guy -

    http://www.roadcyclinguk.com/bike-revie ... /4230.html
  • JohnBoyUK
    JohnBoyUK Posts: 206
    Yep, definitely needed XL rather than XXL.

    Once the bib tights are on, there's still room in the XL as well to a certain degree.

    Cheers chaps :)
  • timmyflash
    timmyflash Posts: 526
    nferrar wrote:
    Another vote for Craft, been using their summer baselayers for a while but now changing from various merino to Craft baselayers for winter as they're just more comfortable.

    Ahh, this is what i wanted to hear. I have a merino baselayer, but it's just damn itchy.. Think may make the switch.
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  • bendertherobot
    bendertherobot Posts: 11,684
    You simply will not regret changing to Craft. I stand on the touchline at kids rugby a lot in the winter and teh Craft stuff just works. With the UA stuff you have to move around to get it to work.
    My blog: http://www.roubaixcycling.cc (kit reviews and other musings)
    https://twitter.com/roubaixcc
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  • fruitbatlover
    fruitbatlover Posts: 1
    Hi,

    I always buy Craft base Layers for both summer and winter from Always Riding:

    http://www.alwaysriding.co.uk/

    The Craft Base Layers are here:

    http://www.alwaysriding.co.uk/bodywear- ... ayers-220/

    I believe they base layer has to touch the skin at all times, otherwise it cannot transport moisture effectively.

    Cheers!
    Old school 1997 Zaskar Le
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  • Garry H
    Garry H Posts: 6,639
    Furrag wrote:
    They need to be tight and touching the skin in order to work. I guess it's called compression wear for a reason. :wink:

    He's not asking about compression wear, with it's mythical recouperation qualities. A base layer is designed to move sweat away from the skin. It passes through better if it's skin tight, in the lab anyway...

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