Base layers (girls) - confusion!

[Morrisette]

Hi all,

I am kitting myself out for spring/summer (well you've gotta keep hoping) and am after a couple of base layers. I'm new to buying sports clothing, so a bit clueless over what to look for - obviously I want a nice feminine baby pink or powder blue colour

Something either sleeveless or v. short sleeved (need a smooth tan, no "cyclist" tan marks halfway up the arms)

Something with sleeves to wear underneath a long-sleeved jersey

Anyone got any recommendations? I'm not looking to spend a lot of money (as I've already done that ), had a glance at DHB but they don't seem to do women's.

Thank yooooooou!!

 

[Tim Bennet.]

I'm not an expert myself, but I have just been rummaging through Mrs TB's underwear drawer. She would seem to favour in order of most usefullness on both road and mtb year round;

1. Sleeveless, white, thin, synthetic thermal top that is used even on the hottest days. Helps to keep skin dry when she is 'glowing' (like a pig) and not chill on the downhills. (Campagnolo)

2. Synthetic, t-shirt cut with wind stopper front and shoulders. Used with a Buff for keeping drafts out of neck. (Gore)

3. Merino, long sleeve, zipped polo neck for when it is freezing and the ride very long. (Icebreaker)

 

[e-rider]

dhb definitely do womens base layers - bought one for my girlfriend (yes, very romantic!) anyway, she liked it.

 

[HelenD123]

If you can afford it I'd recommend merino wool. Synthetic base layers start to smell very quickly.

 

[jimboalee]

Some ladies wear a short sleeve road jersey underneath a long sleeve road jersey.
Two short sleeve jersies in warmer weather.

The reason for this is they can carry all the little nik-naks they usually have in their handbag in the inside rear pockets; and PRK, moby, purse etc in the outside rear pockets.

 

[Morrisette]

dhb definitely do womens base layers - bought one for my girlfriend (yes, very romantic!) anyway, she liked it.

Nothing on Wiggle today??? Maybe they are under 'jerseys' or something, I'll have a look later.

Silly question alert!
Re Merino, I have heard this stuff mentioned - is it like normal wool? I mean obviously it's finer, but I can't stand ordinary wool next to my skin, it's way too itchy. Is it not too hot for summer (OK I know, but, a real summer!)?

 

[Tim Bennet.]

Proper merino wool is not itchy, but such is the demand at the moment that some of the 'better value' brands do seem to have had the wool 'cut' with a smattering of Herdwick, which some find a tad itchy. But the good stuff is perfect.

It does have a much wider usability temperature range than synthetic polypropylene, but is best when it's cold. However some people swear by the retro merino cycling tops in all conditions.

 

[HelenD123]

I read that merino also keeps you cool in hot weather. I've only got a long-sleeved top so haven't tried it in summer though.

 

[yello]

I read that merino also keeps you cool in hot weather.

I've read that too but couldn't vouch for it on personal experience as I too only have long sleeve merino.

I have a sleeveless T.Ess baselayer (from LewisKIT) that I can recommend from personal experience but, sadly, the only women's ones they have are long sleeved.

 

[e-rider]

You're correct - wiggle no longer have womens dhb baselayers - a few months ago they had several different ones for between £15 and £25, which seemed to be great value for money.

Must have sold out!

 

[Cathryn]

Personally, I don't like cycling gear - i don't think it's very foxy.

So I tend to wear normal gym/running tops - sleeveless tops from Nike, for example and then a long sleeved top over the top if it's nippy. Last year I toured for a month and at the very last minute chucked a little bolero style cardigan into my pannier and wore it solidly for a month. Not very technical but really useful!

minxgirl is the cutest cycling girl shop. I love it at the moment.