Best cycling base layers 2024: A buyer's guide

Cycling base layers are a fundamental part of any rider’s wardrobe but there’s more to this commonplace garment than initially meets the eye. 

Choose well and the right base layer will reward you with superior moisture management and temperature control. And as you know, keeping cool when it's hot and staying warm when it's not can really impact just how much you enjoy the ride.

To help you in your search for the best cycling base layer, we've selected a few of favourite products.

Below our recommendations is our buyer's guide telling you what you need to know to choose the optimum base layer whatever the weather conditions you'll be riding in.

We've broken our product listing into winter weight base layers and summer base layers. There are important differences between the two categories, which we've explained in the buyer's guide section.

Cycling base layers: Our pick of the best

Winter weight base layers

Warm enough for winter, slim enough for summer and it packs a big technical punch. It's safe to say we're big fans of MAAP's Seamless Base Layer tee, although without sleeves (it is designed by Aussies after all) you may need to wear arm warmers to feel comfortable.

There's a huge amount of stretch, so although it looks small out of the box, fit and length provide plenty of coverage to keep you warm.

This is probably one of the most comfortable base layers we've worn. It sits a little looser but it's super soft, plus it has a high neck to keep the wind out and you super snug.

The Merino blend and thick material mean that the Cosette is super-warm and low odour too, while the long arms make it comfortable and ensure no gaps at the wrists when you're stretched out while riding.

Eco friendly and more absorbent than cotton, bamboo is high bulk and odour resistant and the elastane content gives the Reflex top stretch. BAM's clothing is not cycling-specific but it's a good option for riding nevertheless, although we'd prefer it if the sleeves didn't have thumb loops.

Weight-wise the bamboo fabric is somewhere between synthetics and cotton, so the Reflex weighs a bit more than many cycling base layers. This does mean that you can usually dispense with one of your other layers and still stay warm though. There's good stretch, although the sizing is a bit less skin-tight than most cycling kit.

Designed specifically for cycling, the Dyrnamo base layer is body mapped so it's warm where it needs to be with more vented areas out of the wind at the rear and under the armpits to keep you comfortable. 

There's loads of stretch, so it's a close fit but there's good length to the body, so you won't get any cold spots at the lower back. The design is seamless, so there's nothing to rub or itch. Odour control and breathability are good. Although the Megmeister top can feel damp it doesn't get cold but it is an expensive option.

First and foremost, the Pearl Izumi Transfer Wool base layer has a great fit. It's cut specific to riding a bike, with features like rotated arms and, although it's not fully merino, it does a really good job of keeping you warm.

It's also jammed packed with test-winning, technical features, including anti-odour and great wicking capabilities. We really liked the thumb loops on this base layer, which helped keep the sleeves in place, so there were no cold gaps between them and our winter gloves.

Summer weight base layers

This UK-made super lightweight base layer offers great value for money. On test we found that it was both lightweight and stretchy. Both these properties, when combined with the anatomical-shaped panels, led to a snug fit - just what you're looking for in base layer.

Other details include a dropped tail and seams that while not flatlocked are held directly against the body to prevent any unwanted rubbing.

Like all good summer base layers the Lusso Race Mesh wicks away sweat while on chilly mornings also doing a solid job of trapping warm air. We also found that it washed well, coming out the machine smelling nice and fresh - not something that can be said for all synthetic base layers.

The mesh fabric is pretty delicate and somewhat prone to pulls but this doesn't affect its performance. 

This base layer from Decathlon is a lightweight option that's mostly designed to provide comfort and minor insulation on warm rides. It comes in a single size. Happily, the fabric has a decent stretch to it and and it's soft – although fit may still be an issue if you're at the extreme end of riders' size range and it's perhaps not as soft as options from more premium brands. That said, it's really the price that's drawing people to this product.

A perennial classic, the Craft Superlight is an ideal weight for hot summer rides and works really well, although it can accumulate body odour. It's really durable and should last for years, washing up well and resisting staining.

The six channel fabric wicks sweat away well and stays comfortably dry however hot the weather gets. It's so lightweight that it doesn't impede airflow and the couple of seams are flatlocked, so they don't rub.

With high breathability and body mapped fabric, the Odlo Performance Light base layer is comfortable for summer riding - or, since it's not cycling-specific, it can be worn for other higher intensity sports. 

There's good length to the body and the design is practically seam-free, with no seams in the body and just a couple over the shoulders of the raglan sleeves. There's extra fabric density over the belly to help keep your core warmer if there's a cooler breeze and enough length to keep your lower back covered as you ride.

Best Cycling Base Layers Buyers Guide