27 Oct What Materials Are Base Layers Usually Made From?
The material of base layers will largely affect how well it performs. Base layers are made from specially formed fabric which helps to add a number of benefits to you as the wearer.
In this blog post, we are going to be answering the question of what materials are base layers usually made from, along with talking about the many benefits that the special materials of base layers bring.
About Base Layers
Base layers provide a large range of benefits to the body of the wearer. Base layers are specifically designed to be worn by sportspeople and those that participate in any strenuous exercise or physical activity.
A base layer should fit snug to the body, as this will help it perform correctly all whilst allowing you to move freely and be non-restricting. Temperature regulation, moisture and odour control all whilst adding compression are some of the many benefits that quality base layer clothing can provide you with.
What Materials Are Base Layers Made From?
For base layers to provide you with all the key features and benefits that they do, they are made from a specially engineered fabric that is made to hold so many features. This is the case for our quality Mizos Apparel Fresco Base Layer. It comes in a wide range of multi-sport variations to cater for you and your sport.
Investing in a quality base layer such as ours at Mizos Apparel is important as not all base layers hold all the amazing benefits that base layers can provide you with.
Most base layers are synthetic base layers. This means they are made up of synthetic materials such as a polyester mix although base layers with a wool mix are also available. Merino wool is a popular example of a natural material that is used in base layers.
Both natural and synthetic fabrics have their pros and cons, it depends on what usage you need your base layer for. This will determine which type of base layer you go for.
We are going to go through some of the main materials that are most commonly used to create base layers, so read on to learn more.
Polyester
Polyester is a versatile fabric that is used across many different base layers and sports clothing as well as other non-sport-related garments too. This fibre is synthetic and offers great performance aspects. It is durable and yet doesn’t absorb much moisture as it only holds around 0.4% of its weight in water. This, however, makes it super fast drying which is beneficial for a base layer.
Polyester has a fast-drying nature, which is what makes it so useful to be used within a polyester base layer or mixed with other materials in a base layer. Its fibres can be engineered and manipulated with a mix of other fibres and materials.
Merino Wool
A popular choice for hikers and campers, this natural material sourced from sheep can often be found in certain base layers and socks. This material is useful as it is naturally antimicrobial and has anti-bacterial properties too, which is great at eliminating the chance of any odours which is something that hikers favour when going for long hikes.
Merino wool is not to be mistaken for only being worn in cold conditions, as it can keep you cool during warm weather as well as warm during colder weather. This helps you maintain the perfect body temperature. Merino wool is different to normal wool, the wool fibres in merino wool are much finer. It is not itchy like many other types of wool and has impressive moisture-wicking abilities too – another win for those exercising.
Nylon
Nylon is another synthetic fabric that can be used in combination with other materials to form base layers. Nylon is great at moisture-wicking and is also quick-drying. It absorbs little moisture, which helps its fast-drying ability. It doesn’t have much breathability, but this is why it is often used within a mix of different materials and fibres in base layers or added as ventilation panels in garments instead.
Synthetic Materials
The great thing about synthetic materials in base layers is that they are simply the best at adding compression to a garment. They are also the best at being quick drying and lightweight too and good for wicking sweat. Perfect for high-energy activities including sports.
Materials That Are Unsuitable for Base Layers
If you don’t wear base layers, and work out in standard clothing then you may struggle. Take cotton, for example, standard cotton clothing is good for absorbing moisture, however, it is not fast drying. Once cotton absorbs the moisture from your sweat it will take longer to dry than other materials. This will weigh you down whilst you are exercising and could hinder your performance.
The Benefits of Base Layers Material
Having the right material for your base layers can benefit you in many ways. Some of the benefits that the specially formulated material will help you with can be found below.
Moisture Wicking
Materials of base layers have to be able to wick moisture. This means absorbing moisture quickly and effectively so that it is not sitting on your skin and making you uncomfortable.
The moisture-wicking abilities allow you to remain cool, dry and comfortable at all times and will not weigh you down or distract you whilst you exercise.
Lightweight
The lightweight nature of base layers material means that it allows you to move freely, and is lightweight so dries quickly. Any heavy garment, whether it is damp or not, would be likely to distract you and your performance.
Breathable
Allowing you to move freely, be a tight fit to the body and not be restricted and suffocated in any way is something that can only be achieved with special engineering.
Compression
Compression is something that synthetic fabrics are amazing at achieving. This is why synthetic compression layers are so commonly worn for many sporting activities.
A compression base layer helps the body in many ways, helping the muscles before, during and after you exercise, offering support throughout which helps with the build-up of lactic acid, energy loss through muscle vibrations and limiting the chance of injury.
All of these examples mentioned are crucial for professional sports people, especially as they are often overusing their muscles, more so than the average person.
Odour Resistance
Odour resistance is something that is only achieved with certain materials, such as the Merino wool we mentioned earlier, with its antibacterial properties.
Synthetic fabrics are not naturally antibacterial, so odour from sweat is likely to be held in the fabric until you wash the garment. This won’t be so much of a problem if you don’t intend to exercise for hours at a time.
Mizos Apparel Concludes
Whatever your base layers are made out of will be subjective to you. You will always make the decision and have a toss-up of what is important to you and what elements you need and therefore wish to forfeit when investing in the right base layer for you.
Take a look at our website for more information about our cleverly engineered base layers. Our base layers are Mizos Apparel are worn by professionals and have been tried and tested so that you can participate in your favourite sports and activities with no distractions.
So invest in our base layers today, and you will not be disappointed. Do get in touch with us if you have any questions.
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