To function as a base layer, a base layer must have a correct fit to you’re body. The fit of a base layer will determine how the base layer will move away from your skin’s surface. A base layer should fit close enough to your skin for it to effectively wicks moisture from your body.
However, the base layer should not be so tight around your body that it limit the way in which you are able to move. Base layers must use accurate measurements to ensure that the fit of the base layer to your body is correctly. A base layer that is too loose will not effectively wick moisture from your bodys surface.
Find the Right Size for Your Base Layer
A base layer that is too tight may restrict your movement. Base layers will use sizing charts that indicate the size of the base layer for both men and women. The sizing charts will show the size of the base layer bottoms and tops separately.
To determine your size for base layers, measure your chest, waist, and hip measurement. These measurements will allow the sizing charts to indicate the size that will best suit your body. If you are in between size, you can either size up or down.
Size up if you are planning to wear the base layer under other clothing. Size down if you want the base layer to have a close and athletic fit to your body. Getting the correct size for your base layer is important because the size may affect how well the base layer perform during your physical activity.
To determine your size for base layers, you must take accurate measurements of your body. The sizing charts will only be helpful if you use accurate body measurement. These measurements must be taken while you are wearing minimal clothing.
To measure your chest measurement, place the measuring tape around the fullest part of your chest. This part of your chest is under your arms and across your back. To measure your waist, place the measuring tape around the narrowest part of your torso.
This part of your body is one inch above your navel. For women, you must also take the hip and inseam measurements. For women, measure the hip measurement at the widest part of the seat of your pants.
Measure the inseam from the crotch of your pants to your ankle bone. Make sure that the measuring tape is snug against your skin. Do not take your measurement too tight on any part of your body.
Base layers come in three main collections: Heat, Cool, and Weatherproof. Base layers in the Heat collection is for cold climates. The Heat collection includes different fabric weights for base layers depending on the activity that you will perform and the level of cold that you would like to experience.
Base layers in the Cool collection are for warm climates. The Cool collection includes breathable fabric and items with sun protection. Base layers in the Weatherproof collection are for climates with mixed weather condition.
The Weatherproof collection includes fabrics that are resistant to both wind and water while also acting as a base layer. Choose a collection for your base layers according to the climate in which you will be performing your physical activity and the level of temperature that you will experience. The technology of the fabric from which your base layer is made will affect the way in which the base layer fits to your body.
Base layers with more spandex will maintain their shape after you wash your base layer. A base layer that maintains its original shape will continue to fit your body over time. The moisture-wicking properties of the base layer will only work if the base layer is in consistent contact with your skin.
A base layer will remain in contact with your skin if you set the size of the base layer to the correct size for your body. Your physical activity will determine the collection of base layers that you should use and the way in which you follow the sizing charts for that base layer. Activities that generate alot of body heat will allow the base layer to be more slightly looser in fit.
This is due to the fact that the sweat that is produced during these activities will naturaly evaporate from your body. Activities that generate less body heat require base layers that are closer in fit to your body so that the warmth of your body is trapped within the base layer. To ensure that your base layer functions as it should, you must follow certain care steps for your base layer.
Always wash your base layer in cold water and use a mild detergent. Cold water and mild detergents will prevent the base layer from losing its ability to effectively wick moisture from your body. Air dry or use a low-heat setting in the laundry dryer.
High heat can break down the spandex in your base layer. If the spandex in your base layer breaks down, your base layer will lose its shape and no longer fit your body correct. You should of stored your base layer in a folded state.
Folding your base layer will prevent it from losing its shape when you are not wearing it.
