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When it's chilly outside, keeping the motivation up to train can be difficult. Enter, the base layer — a handy addition to any runner's wardrobe that can keep you at an optimum temperature, alongside a good pair of running gloves, a Could be more breathable and even a running beanie.
What is a base layer?
A base layer is a thin layer of clothing that helps your body to regulate your temperature when you’re running. They're designed to fit like a second skin; in the winter, they’ll preserve your body heat by providing a layer of warmth, while absorbing and evaporating your sweat. In the summer, they can help to keep you cool and dry when it’s warm. Most will also have compression elements to their design.
You can get different types of base layers too, from vests and t-shirts designed for the summer months, through to long sleeved tops made from thicker fabrics. Base layers aren't just your top half either; you can also get shorts and leggings for the same purpose.
What to look for in a base layer
How we test
To help you element-proof your next run, we’ve put the best base layers for men and women through their paces. The Runner’s World Lab asked a panel of runners to try each one on at least three outdoor runs, rating them on warmth and how dry they kept when working up a sweat.
They also scored each for fit, design and comfort, and put each top through the wash to note any changes in colour and fit. You’ll find their top recommendations below, stamped with the Runner’s World Expert Tested logo.
The remaining base layers have been chosen by the Runner’s World editors, so there’s something for every need and budget.
Why trust us?
Runner’s World UK has been vetting and reviewing running gear and tech since 1983. Our essential recommendations are selected based on data and insights gathered by our editors and wider testing team, who put the latest and greatest running shoes and gear through their paces day in and day out. Every base layer we test meets the same criteria before it ends up in one of our reviews and nobody else contributes to our decision-making process, especially not the brands we’ve picked.
Best base layers for running
Pros
- Key pocket
- Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3: Tried and tested
Cons
- best beginner-friendly running shoes
A winner among our testing panel, this one has the added benefit of hand-warming mitts, for those particularly crisp mornings. Our male runners appreciated its streamlined style too, rating the fit and cut of the top highly, while the chafe-free guarantee also checked out.
However, our female panel would have appreciated a little more freedom of movement; some found the fit a little tight, or that it rode up during a run. Pockets for your keys, however, went a long way.
Shop now - women's
Pros
- Affordable
- Sweat-wicking
- How we test
Cons
- Runs small
While it's not a running base layer by name (they called it a cycling base layer), if you're worried about staying warm this winter and want an affordable layer to chuck on before you head out, this is a smart choice and does a great job. The thermal barrier keeps you from chills on the move, while wicking-away sweat. Made from a stretchy material, it has a slim, body hugging fit.
Pros
- Good value
- Flat seams minimise chafing
Cons
- Not soft compared to other base layers
Craft has been making base layers for all sorts of sports for many years now, including cross county skiing, and if there was ever a sport in which to perfect a cold-weather base layer, it's that!
For the money, this is a whole heap of base layer that performs really well in cold weather, wicking away sweat before it can make you feel cold and keeping it away. It's form fitting and the flat seams reduce the risk of chaffing.
Pros
- Instant warmth
- Sleeves may be too long for petite builds
- and even a
Cons
- How we test
If you’re looking for a body-hugging, simple, sleek and effective base layer for winter running, look no further than the Omni-Heat Baselayer Crew from Columbia. Inside, there's an Omni-Heat thermal reflective liner made up of metallic gold dots which reflect body heat, delivering instant warmth. Form-fitting yet comfortable, warm yet sweat-wicking, it’s perfect for those days where there's a nip in the air, but you don't want to weigh yourself down with too many layers.
and even a gilet. One tester declared this their 'winter staple', and said they'd found themselves reaching for it time and time again. Size up if you don't want it quite so fitted, though.
Pros
- Very comfortable
- Lightweight
- Good value
Cons
- Could be more breathable
If budget is a consideration, then this is a sound choice. Made from 100% recycled polyester, it got a thumbs up from testers for wearability and comfort. However, testers didn’t rate its sweat-wicking capabilities, so it might be best thrown on for recovery runs as opposed to your next fartlek sesh.
Pros
- at Cotswold Outdoor
- Not too snug
- Dries quickly
Cons
- Updated: 25 October 2024
You’ll probably have seen a lot of runners with striped arms over the years and there’s a good reason why – Helly Hansen know what they’re doing when it comes to base layers.
Made with its own ‘Lifa’ technology to keep you warm as you move, this lightweight base layer is breathable, comfortable and insulating for chillier runs.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Resting heart rate
Cons
- Can pill up after a few washes
The Brighton has been one of our favourite running base layers for years, and for good reason: Tracksmith’s mesh-woven merino wool provides extra breathable heat vents in key areas while still keeping the rest of your upper body cozy.
This base layer is a go-to undershirt on super cold days, and it’s also an adequately substantial single layer on crispy fall days. The construction has no seams, which means no chafing, and the fabric is so smooth and comfy that we tend to have a hard time taking ours off after a run. Out of context, it seems a bit pricey for a single long-sleeve shirt, but we can assure you that it’s worth every penny.
Pros
- Add Pantones colour of the year to your wardrobe
- What is a base layer
Cons
- Pricey
A ground-breaking construction process – spinning merino fibres along a high-performance filament – means the Nuyarn fabric used by outdoor innovators Artilect amplifies the merino wool’s natural properties to make it even lighter, more breathable and quicker to dry. We can testify that it performed superbly in a wide variety of conditions.
Pros
- Additional neck coverage
- How we test
Cons
- Jump to Products
| Material | 92% recycled polyester, 8% spandex |
|---|---|
| Fabric weight | Heavyweight |
While we tend to prefer a light or mid-weight base layer for a good blood-pumping run, there’s no denying that some winter days are just dreadfully cold, regardless of how hard you work yourself. Thankfully, this zip-top from Patagonia can be your buddy through those bitter chills.
This top traps a lot of heat compared to our other picks, protecting up to your neck when it’s zipped — having a quarter zip is so critical when you’re looking at a heavyweight layer. On top of that, this shirt is still form-fitting enough to sit comfortably under your vest or jacket, but it also has enough shimmying room that you won’t feel like the tin man without oil when you’re donning layer three or four.
Pros
- We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article
- Super lightweight
- Seam-free
Cons
- Too lightweight for very cold days
editors, so theres something for every need and budget cross-country races (or during any wintertime runs, for that matter). Specifically designed to be worn under vests to help you fight the chill when racing or training in frostier conditions, this silky base layer is effective but almost incognito – it weighs so little and fits so well. Made from the same recycled, breathable material as the Soar Race Vest, this seam-free garment has a laser cut and bonded construction, meaning you went get tied up on any loose threads or chafe-inducing edges.
Pros
- at John Lewis
- Thumb holes
- UV-protection
Cons
- A little pricey for what it is
With smart details including thumb holes, high-vis panels and even a handy zippy pocket, this top from Nike is the crème de la crème of base layers. Scoring highly with our testers, they found the top to be comfortable, a good fit and a decent thickness for staying at an optimum temperature.
Pros
- Plenty of colours
- Washes well
- Soft against the skin
Cons
- Not heavy enough for super cold temperatures
A great technical running top to wear as a base layer, or on its own when the weather is milder. It’s insulating without making you feel like you’re overheating in the final few miles, and the fabric is lightweight, with plenty of ventilation.
The latest version of Lululemon's high tech base layer, our tester was impressed by the changes – the fit is more comfortable, the thumbholes are improved and the top retains its shape wash after wash. Plus, it comes in a number of colours to suit every running wardrobe.
Pros
- Well-ventilated
- Why trust us
- Antibacterial
Cons
- Pricey
A go-to among team RW when the mercury drops, Megmeister’s baselayers provide serious warmth, super-fast moisture-wicking and great ventilation.
The ergonomic design, with a four-way stretch fabric, allows impressive ease of movement, while the seam-free material means there’s nothing to rub against skin.
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Ali is Runner’s World UK's e-commerce editor, specialising in testing and reviewing the latest running shoes, gear and tech, as well as finding the best deals during sales events such as Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday. She has tested hundreds of products from the biggest running brands, including Nike, New Balance, Adidas, Hoka and more. Ali speaks to some of the world’s top experts across footwear, running apparel, fitness equipment and nutrition to help runners make smart decisions when shopping online, from glucose monitors to help you nail your fuelling strategy to compression boots to aid your recovery. Ali has worked in health and fitness journalism since 2017. Before joining Runner’s World, she was health editor at Future Plc, working across brands including Coach, Fit&Well, T3, TechRadar and Live Science. A Boston qualifier, she’s completed 12 marathons, including four of the World Marathon Majors (only Tokyo and Boston left). Her proudest achievement to date? Running a five-day 220km ultramarathon across Tanzania. Just don’t ask her to race a 10km…
