It works great as a base for very cold conditions or on its own for milder climates. For a basic, go-to base layer at an affordable price, you can’t go wrong with this REI Merino midweight top. Merino wool’s weakness is in the cost. Long underwear made of pure Merino wool is usually quite expensive. It’s not as durable as a synthetic material, so you must find the value in its comfort, temperature regulation, and odor-resistance to make your investment worthwhile. Silk: For anyone who’s averse to wool – whether due to personal taste or budgetary reasons – silk is a good way to go. You’ll probably find yourself using it more than you thought. For hiking it hot conditions at lower elevations, my Smartwool Merino 150 Crew is my go-to. When I am camping above 4,000 meters and need something to keep me insulated from the morning/evening cold – it is a 250 layer all the way. Insulation and Weight Which underwear weight you need will depend mostly on your typical level of activity, the conditions you’ll be in, and your metabolism. If you tend to run cold, a heavier weight will work better for you.

On the flip side, nylon and polyester’s weakness is odor resistance. Some synthetic garments are treated with an antimicrobial finish to limit the growth of odor-causing bacteria, but otherwise, they require frequent washing to eliminate the stink. Merino Wool: looking for cheap base layers? The best mens base layers? Heavyweight, lightweight, top, bottoms etc etc… we’ve got it all! This base layer is so warm and comfy; I’ve been using this one for years and love it. I’ve never had to deal with chafing because it’s functionally designed with flat stitching and offset shoulder seams. If you’re no stranger to snow, ice, and extremely cold weather conditions, you’ll want to gear up against the elements with the Icebreaker 260 Tech half-zip base layer. This thing is really warm with a heavyweight layer, but is built with stretchy fabric and mesh panels that make it breathable and easy to move in.Oh, and they look cool too. Even if you wear them mostly underneath an outer layer, the geometric mesh design makes for a nice-looking pair of tights. Long underwear that’s both functional and fashionable? Yep, you heard right. Silk is a great all-natural alternative for less sweat-inducing activities. Silk’s greatest strength is how soft it feels as a second skin layer. It’s extremely lightweight, which makes it comfortable and easy to layer. If you want to have just one go-to, year-round base layer, then the Smartwool Merino 150 is the way to go. It’s lightweight with the temperature control versatility of merino wool, making it ideal for the not-so-extreme cold – like for spring skiing.

This year, we've seen looks come and go on the runway. From New York to Milan, our fashion sense of style is often inspired by what we see in the latest designer collections. One thing that could not possibly ever go out of style is layering. In fact, this year, layering has been a huge trend thanks to the likes of Balenciaga and Gucci. So, if you're wondering how to perfect the layering look, see below our handy guide: What Is Layering And Why Do It?It’s the best base layer for women because it’s also versatile; it can easily be used as thermal underwear for extra warmth or on its own as comfy, practical performance gear. Smartwool Merino fabric adjusts to your body temperature, so you don’t have to worry about overheating either.