Base Layers that are comfortable

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Stenners

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I ended up living at the yard/riding in t shirts and sweatshirts but sooo many people now are out and about in base layers but they are sooo tight fitting and i'm very concious of my stomach (i'm a size 12 and had a baby!) so don't have a flat stomach as such and also some of them are just not comfortable and are shiny material etc.

Can anyone recommend any that aren't stuck to your skin - i know that's the idea and i would size up but hopefully you get what I mean!! I will look to wear gilets over them when it warms up.

Equally - what are your day to day essentials tops to wear for riding incase I'm missing anything?!
 
I have the proverbial middle age spread so share your aversion to skin tight tops.

I also buy from Amazon, I have the Sillictor running tops and find the size comfortable rather than constricting!
 
Isobaa from Sport Pursuit, completely non-itchy merino, non-mulesing (ie not cruel) and not plastic. You also don't need to wash them too often as merino is naturally anti bacterial. Make great pyjamas when they're not fit for public view too!
 
I thought base layers were always covered by another looser layer anyway?

I wear these all winter underneath Regatta fleeces, I have 5 of them which I’ve had a number of years. They’re not specifically sold as base layers and are not skin tight especially if you size up.

 
sbloom said:
Isobaa from Sport Pursuit, completely non-itchy merino, non-mulesing (ie not cruel) and not plastic. You also don't need to wash them too often as merino is naturally anti bacterial. Make great pyjamas when they're not fit for public view too!
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100% anything merino wool for these reasons. It also breathes brilliantly so never traps sweat but does trap heat. I only use merino wool socks now as well.

Think I will invest in these Isobaa ones from Sport Pusuit....so much cheaper!
 
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Agree with the M&S heatgen tops, very well priced and the medium weight (which I am wearing right now) is super warm, I wear them for everything including under smart work clothes. They are close fighting but not so tight that they are uncomfortable, I always have something over the top so less bothered about a bit of tummy showing. In the worst of weathers I switch to Helly Hansen merino wool baselayers, usually with a cashmere jumper, and don't need anything else under a decent coat.
 
lynz88 said:
100% anything merino wool for these reasons. It also breathes brilliantly so never traps sweat but does trap heat. I only use merino wool socks now as well.

Think I will invest in these Isobaa ones from Sport Pusuit....so much cheaper!
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I've had a couple of my tops for over 2 years and they're wearing well, I fear they might never get demoted to PJs 😄 (by the way, menopausal gals, merino does help a bit with night sweats, most pleasant thing I've ever slept in).

I have M&S heattech (edit, heatgen, I think heattech is Uniqlo) and not overly impressed, for me personally. The leggings are better than the tops imo but I think I only have a pretty lightweight turtleneck.
 
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sbloom said:
I've had a couple of my tops for over 2 years and they're wearing well, I fear they might never get demoted to PJs 😄 (by the way, menopausal gals, merino does help a bit with night sweats, most pleasant thing I've ever slept in).

I have M&S heattech and not overly impressed, for me personally. The leggings are better than the tops imo but I think I only have a pretty lightweight turtleneck.
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They are on my list!!

I looked at the M&S and it looks like it is made from polyester....which I stay away from as a rule as much as possible, especially as a base layer or in bedding as it traps too much heat/sweat (am a super hot sleeper) and then get a chill.
 
In sumer I too buy running tops from amazon.

In winter I wear m&s heatgen max polonecks. They're supposed to be thermal underwear but are nice and thick and perfect under a gilet or jacket.
 
proper horsey brand, but i find the black heart equestrian ones tend to be a bit more forgiving - i hate lemieux ones in particular, i don’t like the look but i also hate how tight the sleeves are and how the seams sit on my arms🤣
 
I live in base layers but they are rarely seen. They work well because they are close fitting so trap a thin layer of air right next to you.

I have two M&S ones but when their local shop closed, I had no luck with online orders from them so I've got a John Lewis one which is just as good. These ones are designed as underwear. I have a cheap next one but it's not particularly effective.

The one I have which is surprisingly good is a Horseware crew neck base layer which I bought to be a light but long sleeve summer layer for those hot days when you need something very thin under your BP (long sleeve to avoid sunburn, scratches from trees etc). It describes its benefits as cooling and wicking but its one of my favourites for keeping warm under a thin fleece. It even has a sporty mesh back; it has no right to be that good!!
 
I have an Ariat one that I got the wrong size and it’s a bit on the large size, but it’s actually really comfortable being that bit looser.
The material isn’t really clingy either. I think it’s a summer mesh one or something.
 
I have a few Heatgen ones from m&s, two different weights. I wouldn't wear them on their own, a have a lovely short lightweight gilet that I wear over them
 
Dave's Mam said:
I have these too & they are so comfy! I didn't think they'd be warm, as they are so light, but they are toasty.
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Errin Paddywack said:
These are what I wear and wish I had found long ago. Beautifully light, warm and can be worn alone or under other tops.

Thermal Womens Base Layer Top | Mountain Warehouse GB

www.mountainwarehouse.com www.mountainwarehouse.com
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WOW they are on sale at the moment. I have just bought 3 in navy (zip neck style) including delivery for £22.48. Using a discount code and sale pricing, and free delivery today!
 
I wear a mix of horsey base layers (Noble Outfitters, Ariat, Kramer and Shires/Aubrion are my favourites) and non horsey (typically Karrimor, Decathlon or Nike).

I always size up for a more flattering fit.
 
For summer weight, cooling base layers, I have a mix of Under Armour, Nike and Skins. For winter weight, thermal base layers, I have a mix of Under Armour, Trespass and Jelly Hansen lifa. I've had a few of the Lifa ones since around 1998! They are a bit saggy now but still work really well.

I usually wear something like a t-shirt, long sleeve t-shirt, softshell, waterproof, down jacket or fleece over the tight ones, depending on the weather.
 
MuddyMonster said:
I wear a mix of horsey base layers (Noble Outfitters, Ariat, Kramer and Shires/Aubrion are my favourites) and non horsey (typically Karrimor, Decathlon or Nike).

I always size up for a more flattering fit.
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I have a Noble Outfitters one I wear under my show jacket and I love it!
 
My favourite ones are Cameo and Hkm. You’ll find me in one of these everyday! I have a LeMieux one that I find quite a strange fit- size small but seems huge in every aspect. I also have a few from decathlon and regatta but the above ones are my favourite.
 
Stenners said:
Do you find these nice and long so they don't ride up?
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Yes they are nice and long. My friends also have them and love them. I have a premier equine one but much prefer the airiat lowell ones which are the winter ones. The lowell ones come up quite big so the small ones are about a 12 the medium 14 the large 16 the xl 18 they aren't tight and restrictive. They have thumb holes the sleeves are quite long but doesn't really bother me.

They are baselayers so I wear them under something but they aren't restrictive and I tuck them in as I can't do with drafts round my back.

This one is my favourite I get so many compliments about it.

They wash well don't tumble dry them obviously.

www.griggsequestrian.co.uk

Ariat Women's Lowell 2.0 1/4 Zip Baselayer Team Print

* AriatTEK® Cold Series technology keeps body core warm. * Moisture Movement Technology™ wicks moisture away from the skin. * Sporty styling with flattering panelling. * Brushed stretch jersey. * Ergonomic thumbholes. * Standing collar. Product Code - 10037375
www.griggsequestrian.co.uk www.griggsequestrian.co.uk
 
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