Freezing weather has a bad habit of turning up unannounced and leaving you out in the cold.
The first thing you should be reaching for on a cold day is a base layer, and there’s loads of different types available.
Our guide to five of the best have been chosen based on reviews left by customers on the Sportsbikeshop website…
RST Thermal Wind Block Top - Black
Customer rating:
Specifically designed for winter use, it’s no surprise that many Sportsbikeshop customers have credited this RST base layer with keeping them warm on colder rides. One customer even found this base layer so effective they ditched their heated jacket! The top is constructed from four-way stretch fabric, and plenty of reviewers have praised the top for its high level of comfort. Despite the level of stretch, customer reviews suggest ordering one size larger than normal. An average rating of 4.86 from the first 88 reviews is very impressive.
Rukka Outlast Shirt
Customer rating:
High-end kit brand Rukka’s base layers are popular with Sportsbikeshop customers, who gave this shirt an average of 4.78 stars from the first 81 reviews, praising its effectiveness in cold weather. The shirt uses Outlast material, which absorbs excess body heat and then gives it back when your skin temperature drops. The matching base layer trousers use the same material, and they’re also highly rated by customers. There’s also a womens Rukka Outlast shirt and the first six reviewers all gave a perfect five-star rating.
DXR Warmcore Long Sleeve Shirt - Black
Customer rating:
Sportsbikeshop customers highly rate the Warmcore long-sleeved shirt for its high-quality construction, especially considering the sub-£20 price, and gave it an average of 4.76 stars from the first 217 reviews. It uses a moisture-wicking material to keep your skin dry, which will stop sweat from cooling you down on chilly rides. For another £14.99, the matching trousers create a complete cold-weather ensemble. The women’s fit version of the DXR Warmcore is just as popular, collecting an average rating of 4.88 from the first 24 reviews.
Knox Dry Inside Dual Active Max Long Sleeve Top - Grey
Customer rating:
Our customers have rated this Knox base layer highly, awarding it an average of 4.73 stars from the first 15 reviews. Customers have commended the top for its wicking performance, which has kept them dry regardless of sweat level. As well as being fast wicking, the Knox base layer is also quick-drying, and features Silverplus fabric for enhanced antibacterial properties.
Held Ladies Style Skin Baselayer Shirt - Black
Customer rating:
It’s meant to be worn next to the skin, but this womens-specific layer from Held has perhaps the most striking design of any item of clothing on the Sportsbikeshop site. Bold colours, peace symbols and Day of the Dead iconography adorn this long-sleeved shirt, which is made from a material designed to keep you dry in all weathers. Owners adore it, with the first 10 customers to leave a review all awarding a maximum five stars, also saying the fit is true to size.