This winter’s best baselayers

When it comes to staying warm in sub-zero temperatures, we have one word for you: layers. It’s not about one big coat or thicker socks, but a series of thinner layers built on top of each other to trap warm air.

The most important layer is the one next to your skin. A ski-specific baselayer is a much better option than a stretched old T-shirt, wicking away sweat from your body and helping you to avoid that nasty clammy feeling. Here’s ten of this season’s best.

1. ARC’TERYX 
PHASE AR ZIP NECK LS
£52

These super-comfy mid-weight baselayers have found their way into the Fall-Line suitcase for many a year now, and quite rightly too. The soft-to-the-touch Phasic fabric offers low-bulk thermal regulation and first-rate moisture management, while silver ions mean stench-free thermals even on the warmest of days. Available in men’s and women’s versions. 

2. FALKE
SKIING AIR INSULATION
£310 

While it looks like a wetsuit, the Skiing Air Insulation outfit is actually made up of separate baselayer tights and a hoody, both highly elastic and without seams. The clever use of material earned the get-up an ISPO award: a special knitting process creates open ventilation spots which grow larger with movement, and polyamide fibres with embedded crystals, which convert the heat of the body into infrared rays. That’s a lot of clever tech. 

3. HELLY HANSEN 
HH WARM FLOW HIGH NECK 1/2 ZIP
£70

HH Warm is a two-layer construction combining Lifa Stay Dry Technology and 100% merino wool, making it the ideal baselayer for sub-zero days where you might just work up a sweat. Flatlock stitching means no annoying chafing, too. In men’s and women’s versions.

4. ICEBREAKER 
OASIS LEGGINGS
£60

Slim-fit leggings made from lightweight 200gm merino wool to keep your pins warm on icy chairlifts. No centre back seam and a brushed elastic waistband keeps things comfy, too.

5. MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR 
SUPER POWER TIGHT
£60

Made with the same toasty and durable thermal weight stretch fabric/microfleece combo as the Super Power Half-Zip. Wick.Q moisture wicking keeps you cool and dry, while a soft drawcord at the waist ensures a good fit against chairlift drafts.

6. ODLO
REVOLUTION L/S CREWNECK WARM
£65

A relaxed fit top made with a new fabric for Odlo that combines a wool exterior with a polyester interior. The result? A warm, lightweight and fast-drying fabric with none of that annoying wool itch. Worked up a sweat? No problem. Antibacterial properties will keep odours in check.  

7. MONS ROYALE
ORIGINAL LS
£75

Since 2009 the Original LS has held its own in the Mons Royale range, a relaxed-fit long sleeve top that has all the benefits of 100% merino and doesn’t look like your dad’s thermals or some kid’s pyjamas. It features ride-friendly thumb loops, long length and anti-stink properties.

8. PATAGONIA 
CAPILENE 4 PRO BOTTOMS
£70

The female-specific version of the men’s Capilene 4 Pro Bottoms. Same slim-fit design with R1 fleece to keep your joints and derrière warm and Capilene 4 fabric panels for breathability. A touch of spandex adds stretch – useful when touring – while Polygiene odour control keeps smelly whiffs at bay. 

9. SCOTT
8ZR0 ZIP SHIRT
£75

The blend of Merino wool and eco-friendly super-absorbent Tencel fabric keeps you warm and dry, with the extra breathability of a quarter zip. Job done. 

10. SKINS
A200 THERMAL ALL-IN-ONE SUIT
£120

Inspired by the suits worn by the Austrian Ski Jumping Team, this fully-specced all-in-one suit is part of Skins’ new A200 Thermal range. It is made with warp-knit fabric and four-needle flatlock stitching for warmth without added bulk or restricted movement, and features SKINmuscle+ for muscle stability and support; SKINdry for high-performance wicking and moisture management and SKINUVblock for 50+ UV protection in all non-mesh areas. Tech-tastic, we reckon.