What are motorcycle base layers? They are layers of clothing that are designed to be warn close to your skin, inside other layers of clothes to prevent you from getting cold. An essential item of clothing to keep you warm during the winter, but also useful to wick away sweat and keep you dry in the summer.
You can wear motorbike base layers alone (e.g. in the summer) or with extra clothing (e.g. in the winter), so if you want optimal warmth and wicking, then layering is best.
To gain maximum effectiveness from your base layers you should ensure that they are fitted, not loose. There should be no gaps between you and the fabric as the cold is likely to get in. It is best to go for your actual size in base layers as they are made slightly smaller than normal t-shirts to take into account the fitted styling.
The most common fabrics used for motorcycle base layers are synthetic fabrics and merino wool. Cotton is not suitable for a technical base layer as the fabric soaks up the moisture and draws heat away from the body leaving the wearer cold and uncomfortable.
A good quality layer of wool is comfortable, wicks away moisture if you sweat under your jacket, but will still hold in your body's natural heat. Shirts made of polyester that are designed specifically for cold weather sports like skiing, make excellent base layers for motorcycle riding.
While slower to dry than synthetics, wool fibres have an outer sheath that resists water and often feels dry on skin. Silk absorbs some moisture and is thus fairly slow to dry. If breezes arise before it dries, a wearer could get chilled. In hot, humid conditions, faster-drying synthetic layers are usually best.
Let is have a look at some of the motorbike base layers that are available:
Main Body: Motorcycle Base Layer Sweatshirts and Long Johns / Leggings
The Halvarssons Light Wool Outlast Sweatshirt and Halvarssons Light Wool Outlast Long Johns are made of a comfortable Merino Wool construction which wicks moisture away and the Outlast fibres help to regulate body temperature by distributing heat. These Halvarssons base layers keep the heat and transports the moisture away from your body.
Similarly, the Rukka Ladies Outlast long sleeve shirt base layer and the Rukka Ladies Outlast Long Johns base layer with Outlast Temperature Regulation stores and releases body heat. It works to keep the wearer’s temperature not too hot... not too cold... but just right, over a broad range of environments and activity levels. When your activity level or the outside temperature increase, the Outlast thermocules that contain the phase change paraffin begin to change from a solid to a liquid which provides you with a comfortable sensation of thermal equilibrium. The energy required to activate this process comes from your warm body or the rising ambient temperature. When you begin to cool down, Outlast thermocules begin to change back from a liquid to solid. In this phase change, the energy that was absorbed by the thermocules while you were active is returned to you.
Dainese D-core Aero under shirt and Dainese D-core Aero under trousers are a high-tech base layer for hot conditions, the D-Core Aero Tee has active moisture management to keep the upper body dry in all conditions. Comfort is maximized via a seamless build, and Press Structure construction optimizes muscle compression. These Dainese base layers are designed primarily for hot climate usage.
This two piece base layer, the Dainese Air Breath D1 2 piece inner suit gives you a technical cooling layer between you and your riding gear. The breathable Coolmax Extreme fabric wicks away moisture and is antibacterial to keep you fresh and cool and is made from elasticated breathable fabric designed to give you the best fit possible.
The all in one Dainese D-core Aero under suit is a high-tech base layer for hot conditions, the D-Core Aero Tee has active moisture management to keep the upper body dry in all conditions. Comfort is maximized via a seamless build, and Press Structure construction optimizes muscle compression. There is and armour pad for added comfort on contact areas and mesh armour for superior breathability.
Head/Neck: Motorcycle Base Layer Balaclavas and Neck Tubes
Not forgetting the head area, the Dainese D-Core Balaclava is designed for all year round use and is designed to keep your head dry from moisture and keep your head from getting cold.
Similarly, the Oxford lycra neck tube is a comfortable base layer with flat-lock seams and made with 4-way stretch material and is designed to keep your neck area from sweating by keeping the moisture away from your neck.
Feet and Hands: Motorcycle Base Layer Socks and Under Gloves
Not forgetting your feet, these Halvarssons Wengen Long Wool Socks are an essential must have to complete your base layering which are a superb liner for wearing inside your boots to prevent your feet from getting cold.
Another great addition to your base layers are these Dainese Silk Undergloves which are designed to give an ergonomic fit, they are made from soft 100% fabric designed to keep your hands dry and warm under your motorcycle gloves.
All that is needed now is for you to decide which motorcycle base layers suit your riding style, the look you are after and your budget the best.
Ride safe.
