When choosing a base layer, you have to consider how the base layer will fit against your skin, and how the base layer will manage moisture against your skin. Base layer have to remain in contact with your skin in order to effectively move moisture away from your body. However, if the base layer is too loose, a elements will be exposed to the air within the base layer when the wind hits that layer.
Additionally, if the base layer is too tight around your body, it can restrict the circulation of blood in your body, which can cause you to sweat excesivly within the base layer. Thus, when choosing a base layer, you have to find the proper size for the garment such that it remains in contact with your skin, but does not excesively pinch your skin. Many people feels that the sizing of base layers is the same as regular shirts.
How to Choose a Base Layer
However, base layers dont follow the same sizing as regular shirts. Instead, the measurement of the body that are the most important for base layers are those of men’s chests and waist measurements, or women’s bust, waist, and hip measurements. Size charts provide sizes in inches and centimeters to make it easier for customers to find the correct size for the product.
Additionally, most size charts also include sizes for those who are “big and tall” which have longer torso and sleeve measurements to prevent the base layer from riding up when in motion. The weight of the base layer determine the types of temperatures for which that base layer is suitable. For example, midweight base layers are appropriate for cool days, while a manufacturer make heavier base layers with four layers of fabric and a brushed interior to retain more heat for colder climates.
Additionally, since heavy base layers are thicker than light base layers, they tend to have a more snug fit with their owners when the chest measurement are the same. Thus, people should of size up one step in heavier base layers for comfort. For children, height should be used to determine size rather than age, as children grows at different rates.
A child who is tall for their age may have a different size requirement different than a child of the same age. In these instances, it is better for a child’s base layer to be slightly larger than necessary in order to retain body heat better, as a base layer that allows for excessive movement of air away from the body will lose its ability to retain that heat. Base layers should be part of a system of three layers of clothing for maximum efficiency.
The base layer will move moisture away from the body, the mid layer will trap warmth against the body, and the outer shell will protect against the environment. Cotton should never be used in any system of layers because it will hold moisture against the body when it is wet, and it will lose its insulating properties when wet. In order for a base layer to function as intended, you should care for it in the same way as the manufacturer recommended.
Typically, manufacturers suggest base layers be washed with cold, gentle water, and dried on low heat settings. Additionally, you should use no fabric softener, as the heat from the softeners may degrade the base layer’s wicking properties. In order to determine fit, raise the arms to check that the hem does not ride up.
Additionally, check the seat and the crotch to ensure that there is no excess fabric that may bunch up against pants. For people who are between sizes, determine how the base layer will be used. Base layers can be sized down for high physical activities, but should be sized up for those who want to have better movement or to layer additional clothing on top of the base layer.
Because women’s bust and hip measurements indicate different sizes, use the larger measurement to determine size for women. Additionally, for garments that cover the bottom half of the body, use the hip measurement to determine size to ensure that the bottom garment will not restrict movement. Temperature guides can be used to determine the weight of base layers that are appropriate for the climate and weather outside the home.
For instance, the extreme cold climates require heavy base layers, but light base layers are better for cool climates when the individual is engaged in physical activities. For example, a person who is hiking and active at 30 degrees is experiencing a different level of comfort then a person who is standing still at the same temperature. Therefore, if the individual properly chooses the size and weight of the base layer, the base layer will perform as intended and keep moisture moving away from the body.
