To select a base layer for your body, you must first understand how the base layer will fit against you skin. A base layer that is too tight will restrict your movement, as will a base layer that is too tight will trap moisture in the incorrect area of your body. Conversely, a base layer that is too loose will not effective wick moisture from your body, and a base layer that is too loose will allow for the formation of cold pockets on your body when you are not movement.
The measurement chart show you the measurements that are required to avoid these issues with your base layer, and separate the measurements for mens bodies from the measurements for womens bodies. While mens clothing requires measurements of the chest and waist of the individual to determine their size, womens clothing requires the measurements of the bust, waist, and hips of the wearer. These areas must be measured for womens clothing because a womens body is cut in these areas in comparison to a mens shirt.
How to Choose the Right Base Layer
If an individual of a womens body attempts to use the measurement charts for mens clothing, they must guess the measurement for the hips of the wearer. The hip measurement is the measurement that indicates whether the base layer will remain tucked in or ride up the wearers body during physical activity. These measurement charts provide ranges in both inches and centimeters so that the wearer can use the measurement system that they are most comfortaly using.
After determining the wearers size, you must choose the weight of the base layer. Base layer weight is measured in grams per square meter (gsm). You should purchase base layer weights of 150 gsm for days that are hot and for periods of high activity, while 260 gsm base layers are for periods of inactivity and cold weather.
The weight of the base layer should be chosen in accordance with the amount of heat that the wearer will be able to generate from there body. For example, many individuals will purchase a base layer that is too warm for their body, causing those individuals to overheat while performing the activity. Conversely, individuals that purchase base layers that are too light for the winter climates will have to incorporate additional base layers for warmth.
The micron count for merino wool will determine whether the base layer feels itchy against the wearers skin. Icebreaker uses merino wool that is 18.9 microns in their base layers. Wool that is 21 microns or above is considered coarse to the touch and will cause itching sensation at the neck and wrists.
Wool that is below 18 microns is considered fine to the touch, but wears out faster when incorporated into clothing for wearers of packs or harnesses. Manufacturers use the 18.9 micron wool due to its balance between comfort against the skin and durability. The ZQ certification for the wool base layers ensures that the wool is traceable to the farm from which it was grown.
The certifications ensures that mulesing is not performed on the sheep that provide the wool, and that the land on which the sheep live is audited each year to ensure that it meets the required land management standards. For those individuals that wear their base layers for extended periods, traceability of the wool to the farm allows for the monitoring of the quality of that wool. Wool from different farms may have different staple lengths and crimps, which will affect the wools drape and how easily it can be washed.
By knowing the source from which the wool came, there are no variable in the wools performance after extended wear. The construction of the base layer is another factor to consider when purchasing base layers. Icebreaker incorporates NOVA mesh zones in their base layers.
The NOVA mesh zones are areas in the base layer that allow heat from the body to escape from the garment during periods of activity. The solid sections of the base layer, in contrast, provide thermal insulation for the bodys extremities such as the arms. This construction of the base layer allows for the garment to allow for the body to release heat during exertion of physical activity while still retaining warmth for the bodys extremities.
Further to consider when purchasing base layers is the fit style of the base layer. Base layers come in a range of fit styles. For example, a core lite base layer is a relaxed fit that can be worn alone, while tech lite is a medium fit that is slim enough to wear under other layers yet not too tight as to restrict movement.
Finally, the anatomica fit is a tight, performance garment that is created for high performance sports yet limits the movement that can be made by the body in comparison to the other base layers. The fit of the base layer is another common mistake for those that purchase base layers. A relaxed fit base layer that is worn within a tight harness may lead to bunching, while a compression base layer within a loose outer layer will allow cold air to move into the wearer.
A three-layer clothing system will only work effectively for the wearer if each layer has a specific job within the layering system. Base layers manage moisture, mid-layers trap warmth, and outer layers provide protection from the weather. If the base and mid-layers is of the correct weight and fit for the wearer, the mid-layers will not have to work as hard to retain warmth from the body.
Additionally, if the base and base layer are of the correct weight and fit, the outer layer will be able to properly vent to allow moisture to escape from the body. These measurement charts and recommendations for weight are one of the factors that must be considered when creating a three-layer system. The individual can select base layers by following four steps.
First, the individual must measure their body. Second, they can refer to the measurement charts provided by the manufacturer. Third, they must determine the weight of the base layer according to the climates and activities that they will engage in.
Finally, they must determine the fit style of the base layer. Following these steps will ensure that the base layer will function according to the individuals need.
