Base Layers for women

[Shelley]

I don’t have any proper base layers and I could do with some advice. I have Paramo Cascada II trousers. Fantastic waterproof trousers that are also warm. However with recent weather I’ve felt I need something warm on my legs under those trousers. Also, I just wear cotton polo shirts with old lightweight cardigans or sweaters. Everyone says you shouldn’t wear cotton. I only walk about 5 miles but being in the Pennines quite a bit of it is up and down steep hills. So I work up a heat. What can anyone recommend please?

[windyrigg]

For short walks I doubt if cotton T's are as inappropriate as some would have you believe.
However, for a proper walk I have a choice of Helly Hansen merino wool long sleeved T, or ex-Army (UK) long johns (I guess that's janes?) and long sleeved vest set. Acquired both from my daughter after she left the Army, I'm unsure if there's a mens / womens fit but they fit me fine.
Merino is popular and resists odour, HH stuff seems to last indefinitely, and works best when it's a snug fit. Synthetics use different fabrics, some more suitable for summer than winter . The Army stuff works well in cooler weather, maybe too hot in the summer for me.

[Shelley]

Thank you. Will investigate.

[kinkyboots]

If you're feeling particularly rich Paramo do the Women's Grid Long Janes and tops but at a ridiculous RRP of £65 https://www.paramo-clothing.com/en-gb/explore-range/product/womens-grid-long-janes/

There's some currently on eBay at £38 https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Paramo-Womens-Grid-walking-camping-expedition-winter-Long-Janes/183775247361

Having said that Lidl and Aldi often sell far cheaper merino baselayers for skiing which seem to get decent reviews so it maybe worth checking their websites or your local branches out.

The general advice is to stay away from all cotton clothing because once it's wet (sweat or rain) it stays wet and can lead to rapid cooling and hyperthermia.

[richardh1905]

+1 for Lidl merino base layer - I bought a long sleeved top some years ago for less than a Tenner - a good fit and brilliant for winter walks. For summer use I wear Mountain Warehouse 'Isocool' synthetic tops - various styles available for less than £10, and they do the job just fine. No doubt they do Ladies versions too.

[WhitstableDave]

I'm a fan of Mountain Warehouse base layers too. 

I've got many in a variety of kinds: long-sleeved quarter zip, long-sleeved, short sleeved and vest. In fact, I've just finished my morning treadmill run in a MW vest and now I've changed into a MW short-sleeved T for my treadmill walk! 

When it comes to leggings though, my recommendation is for Icebreaker 175 leggings - around £45 - and equally good for cold runs under shorts and very cold walks under trousers. 

[forgotmyoldpassword]

Can't go wrong with Mountain Warehouse baselayers, cheap and cheerful.


I spent about £180 on three pieces of Icebreaker Merino base layers and replacing those with MW base layers was absolutely fine - they're not hugely inferior to be honest despite probably being a third of the price.  I'd also add Karrimor merino 200-weight base layers - which when I bought them were pretty decently priced for what is largely the same product as something you'd pay a lot more for.


If you want a 'winter technical base layer' try looking at something like a Patagonia R1 or Polartec Powergrid - which is like a base layer + fleece combined into one.   I tend to prefer the R1 on top + Arcteryx Rho AR bottoms for when it's freezing and I'm on the tops, but it's more pricey than a good set from MW, however the wicking ability of the Powergrid and R1 style winter base layers is much better when you're alternating between working hard then stopping.

[Jac]

Go Outdoors own label - North Ridge - merino base layers are excellent and currently in the sale.

[Skip]

+1 for Lidl merino base layer . . .

Similarly, Aldi sells Crane Brand outdoor clothing (AFAIK it's their'own brand' range). I have a couple of their merino base layers and several of their Viscose (bamboo) base layers. They were about a tenner IIRC and have given me good long-term service.

BTW, one drawback of merino is that it can be itchy.

[Shelley]

Wow so much helpful stuff here. We have an Aldi opening next week, so I’ll definitely look at what they have to offer. And look at some of the other suggestions too. Thanks everyone.

[Peak]

Always worth checking the weekly deals beforehand at Aldi & Lidl as some of it goes quickly. Last year I got some great Merino liner gloves at Aldi for£6 and winter cycling gloves for £5.

[Islandplodder]

I quite like the Marks and Spencer thermals, especially the leggings, which I wear under Paramo cascadas when it's really cold or windy.  They have the merit of not being too expensive.  I also have a Paramo grid thingy which makes a warm base layer in the winter and a lightweight fleece in the summer, a really useful layer, but horribly expensive.  I have bought icebreaker tops in the sales, and do like them.  I find the Mountain Warehouse and Aldi merino stuff a bit itchy and though I have some I don't wear it much.  From which you might gather that I feel the cold, and can always be persuaded to buy something which might keep me warm through the winter!

[lostme1]

I have had Aldi merino based layers for 2-3 years and so far have not found them itchy. I am currently wearing a long and a short sleeve top to keep warm in the house.

[Jac]

............................ have not found them itchy. I am currently wearing a long and a short sleeve top to keep warm in the house.

  merino everyday

[Percy]

Decathlon, if you have one local, are also very good for cheap synthetic base layers.