We tested out a range of Zerofit thermals on a recent trip to Bad Hofgastein, and they might be a new Fall Line family favourite
While out skiing in Austria over Christmas, contributor and keen piste skier, Evie, tested a new range of thermal baselayers from award-winning company Zerofit.
Zerofit was founded by Mr Koji Higashi in his native Japan in 2005 and the brand was launched in the UK and Europe in 2018 before further expansion into North America in 2020 and Australasia in 2021.
A passionate golfer and fitness enthusiast, Mr Higashi was unable to continue to do the sports he loved when the weather turned extremely cold, because he felt there was a significant lack of suitable clothing options to keep participants warm and their body temperature regulated.
Now, motorcyclists, anglers, runners, hikers, sailors, golfers, gardeners, birdwatchers equine enthusiasts and – of course – skiers can get their hands on ‘the worlds most technical rage of baselayers’, designed and developed by a passionate design team in Japan.
Evie is one of these skiers. See how she got on…
If you’re like me, your ski wardrobe will focus on style first, warmth second. I’ll just layer up, I usually tell myself. But this inhibits movement, prevents breathability and, frankly, makes me look like the Michelin man.
As such, I wanted lightweight thermals that were thin, warm and comfortable – because nothing ruins a good ski day like discomfort. Lucky for me, and for our dedicated Fall Line followers, we might have hit the jackpot with the selection of thermal gear from the lovely folks at Zerofit.
I tested the Heatrub Move Baselayer (£40), Heatrub Ultimate socks (£25), and Heatrub Ultimate Baselayer (£55) and Heatrub Ultimate Leggings (£55).
The award-winning Heatrub Ultimate Baselayer and Heatrub Ultimate Leggings promise to keep you warm when temperatures plummet to -10°C, unusual for European resorts but more common in Canada, America and Japan, where these winter warmers originate from. In Bad Hofgastein, temperatures dipped to -5°C and the thermals kept me so toasty, that I was almost too hot.
The top wicked sweat pretty well, and fended off odour for a couple of wears, while the leggings made it to the end of the week. The leggings are also nice and thin around the ankle, meaning that you don’t get that oh so common dent from the pressure of regular thermals under ski boots.
The Heatrub Move Baselayer – thinner than the Ultimate Baselayer but much the same in look – was a better thickness for the sunny, mild weather we had throughout the week, recommending itself for temperatures between -5°C and 12°C.
The high neck design of both thermal tops kept the cold out even on the windiest chairlifts.
Because the thermals are unisex, I was concerned that the fit wouldn’t be great.
I am a short 5’2″ and a size 8, so I ordered the XS, and they were pretty much bang on – this might be because they are designed in Japan and accommodate a slightly smaller frame, or because they are insanely stretchy, but whatever the reason, they worked for me.
While the Heatrub Ultimate socks aren’t long enough to wear under ski boots, they are prefect to keep your toes toasty in snow shoes and walking boots when traversing the slippery sidewalks in and around resort. On top of this, the grippy soles take you from breakfast to the boot room comfortably and safely – heck, you can pass them off as slippers if you want to make yourself really at home in your hotel or chalet this season!
The socks are sold out on the website until February, which speaks volumes.
My only qualm would be with the Heatrub Ultimate Leggings, and even that’s a small one. Because they are unisex, the ladies out there will find that they have a little extra space around the crotch. Now, unless you are all about the baselayer aesthetics, this doesn’t impact the garment, or its performance, at all. The leggings are still insanely comfortable and toasty as hell.
Overall, Zerofit has delivered and is well on their way towards earning a spot on the skiing world stage as ‘the world’s warmest baselayer’.
