Under Armour base layers is designed to manage the temperature and moistures for a person based off the conditions and the level of activity that the person present. Under Armour base layer include three different systems that work to provide the proper levels of function for the various conditions that a wearer may encounter. Under Armour created HeatGear for warm conditions with a potential for the wearer to sweat, ColdGear for cool and crisp conditions using an insulating layer for the garment, and Base 4.0 for freezing conditions with thicker fabric containing heat reflecting technology.
Each of these systems work by using the reaction of the fabric to the body to perform its function. HeatGear use lightweight fabric to move moisture away from the body; moisture can make a person feel clammy. ColdGear features a brushed interior to the garment that trap a warm pocket of air, and allows moisture to escape from the body to keep the person feel warm yet not in excess bulk.
How Under Armour Base Layers Work
Base 4.0 features thicker construction with ceramic particles that reflect body heat back towards the body; this is effective for stationary activity. The activity of a person should be considered when wearing an Under Armour base layer. The activity level of a person can change the amount of body heats that the person produces.
For instance, a person that is jogging or otherwise very active will produce significant amount of body heat, indicating a potential need for a lighter base layer then the temperature of the condition suggests. A person that is stationary, like a hunter, will produce less body heat under the same temperature. Additionally, the wind that a person may encounter may affect the temperature that the body feels, thus impact the choice of base layer.
The fit of the base layer may also impact it’s function. Under Armour base layers come in three different cut: compression, fitted, and loose. Compression cuts are tight to the body and are most effective when worn as the only layer under an outer shell.
Fitted cuts include a small amount of room between the body and the garment, yet still close enough to the body to wick moisture away from the body. Looser cuts focus more on comfort; they are best for moving between heated area. Under Armour base layers come in different size, and it is important to select the appropriate size for the person wearing the garment.
Under Armour base layers is designed to sit close to the body. As a result, Under Armour may run smaller in size than the clothing that a person is used to wearing. Under Armour recommend that those in between sizes should of size up for fitted base layers, yet size down for compression base layer.
Under Armour provides charts to indicate the proper size for the wearer. In order to maintain the function of the base layer, care must be taken with the garment. Under Armour base layers should be hand wash inside out using cold water.
Fabric softener should be avoided as the water and fabric softener may clog the fiber that perform the wicking function of the base layer. The base layer should be dried on low heat to avoid damaging the stretch of the garment. Following these step will ensure the base layer maintains its temperature and moisture-regulating feature.
