To choose a base layer for yourself, you must first become familiar with your body measurement. The size chart for the base layer is a tool that you should use to determine your body measurements. Many people use the size of their shirt to determine their measurement for the base layer.
However, using the size of their shirts will often result in a base layer that is either too loose or too tight for the wearer. A base layer that is too loose will not effective wick moisture away from the bodys surface. A base layer that is too tight will restrict the wearer’s movement when performing activity with strenuous arm movements.
How to Choose the Right Base Layer
Using the size chart for the base layer ensures that the wearer will select the base layer according to the wearers body rather than making an assumption about the proper size of the base layer. Another factor to consider when selecting a base layer is the weight of the base layer. You must choose a weight for the base layer according to the type of activity that you will be performing while wearing the base layer.
Three different weight of base layers is available. Lightweight base layers use a thin knit material to effective move moisture away from the wearers skin during high levels of activity. Midweight base layers contains a brushed interior that retains heat while allowing for the base layer to remain breathable.
Heavyweight base layers are used for stationary activities as they contain an extra layer of insulation for the wearer. Youth base layers follow a different system for sizing than adult base layers. For youth base layers, the wearer’s height is the primary measurement that should be used.
Because youth base layers have to account for the fact that children grows quickly, the youth base layer may have to be sized up to account for the rapid growth of the youth wearer. Sizing up for youth base layers ensures that the wearer will continue to benefit from the base layer for a longer period of time. The fabric for base layers consists of polyester and spandex.
The polyester in the base layer is responsible for move moisture away from the skin. The spandex in the base layer allows for the wearer to move normal while wearing the base layer. Because the base layer uses synthetic material, the base layer will dry faster than wool base layer and will cost less than wool base layers.
However, synthetic base layers dont have the same resistance to bodily odors as do wool base layers. Thus, synthetic base layers are effective for those who use them regular, but are not the best option for those who may be wearing those base layers for a weeklong expedition. Base layers are the foundation of a three layer clothing system.
For the remaining two layers in the system to fulfill their roles of retaining heat, the base layer must function correct. If the base layer does not effectively move moisture away from the body, that moisture will enter the midlayer base layer, reducing its ability to retain heat. If the base layer is too thick to allow moisture to effectively pass into the midlayer, the outermost layer will lose its ability to effective vent moisture from the body.
For these reasons, it is essential that the wearer fits the base layer correct. In choosing between base layer weights, it is more important to choose a base layer according to the type of activity you will be performing than you are to the temperature of the activity. For example, if you plan to ski or snowboard, a midweight base layer is best.
These activities include periods of both movement and remaining stationary. If you plan to hike or run on trails, a lightweight base layer is best. These type of activities create body heat.
For stationary activities, such as hunting or fishing for ice, a heavyweight base layer will retain the most heat for the wearer. There are difference between synthetic base layers and premium merino wool base layers. Merino wool base layers are better for managing the temperature and odor of the body then synthetic base layers.
However, wool base layers cost more than synthetic base layers. For these reasons, most individual choose synthetic base layers. For example, an outdoors enthusiast might use a wool base layer for a long trip over the mountains with a set itinerary, but will choose synthetic base layers for regular use of their clothing.
To ensure that the base layer continues to perform its main function of wicking moisture away from the body, certain care step must be followed. Base layers should be washed in cold water on a gentle cycle. Base layers should not be treated with fabric softener because the fabric softener may prevent the base layer from effective wicking moisture from the body.
Finally, the base layer should air-dry or be dried on a low heat setting in a dryer. Using these methods will preserve the spandex in the base layer and ensure it continues to fit proper on the wearer. The size chart is a crucial tool in determining the proper size of the base layer.
Base layers require a close fit to effective wick moisture away from the bodys surface. By using the size chart, not only will you know the weight of the base layer that you should purchase, but you will also know for certain that the base layer will fit into your body correct. Thus, the size chart ensures that the base layer will effective fulfill its function of wicking moisture from the body.
