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Best Base Layers for Running in 2023

 

Running shoes might get the most attention, but they’re not the only important piece of running gear you’ll need.

A base layer is a long or short-sleeved shirt you’ll wear to help keep you comfy and warm when running in cold weather. Perhaps most importantly, base layers should wick sweat away from your skin, keeping you dry. You can wear a base layer on its own, or add a warm jacket over it.

The best base layers keep you warm and dry, but not hot or uncomfortable. They’ll draw body heat away from your torso while also protecting you from cold and wet weather. Sorting through the various features of base layers can seem confusing, but we’re here to help.

Your complete guide to the best base layers starts right now…

Top 3 Best and Favorites

 

Smartwool Merino 250 Crew

 

  • Lightweight but warm
  • Made from 100% Marino wool
  • Shoulder panels instead of seams
CHECK MEN’S PRICECHECK WOMEN’S PRICE

 

Under Armour ColdGear Armour Compression Mock

 

  • Slim fit for easy layering
  • Wicks moisture
  • Compression fit
CHECK MEN’S PRICECHECK WOMEN’S PRICE

 

New Balance Q Speed 1Ntro Long Sleeve

 

  • Comfortable and warm
  • Dries quickly
  • Reflective details
CHECK MEN’S PRICECHECK WOMEN’S PRICE

Best Overall

1. Smartwool Merino 250 Crew

This baselayer will keep you comfortably toasty when running in cold weather. It’s made from 100% Merino wool with flatlock seam construction to prevent chafing.

Interlock knitting allows for a form fit. You can wear the Merino 250 Crew as a single layer when running in mild temps, or use it as an underlayer when you need to beat winter’s harshest chills.

Instead of shoulder seams, the shirt uses shoulder panels. When you wear a backpack, there are no seams to press into your shoulders.

Keeping the garment clean is easy. Simply machine wash on warm on the gentle cycle and then tumble dry on low.

PROS:

  • Lightweight but warm
  • Made from soft 100% Marino wool
  • Shoulder panels instead of seams
  • Machine washable for easy cleaning

CONS:

  • Minor knubs may appear after several months
 

Top Compression Baselayer

2. Under Armour ColdGear Armour Compression Mock

The Compression Mock from Under Armour has a tight, compression fit that provides a solid base of warmth and dryness. It’s made from a blend of 87% polyester and 13% elastane. Plus, flatlock seam construction prevents stitching from rubbing against your skin.

The base layer has 4-way stretch so you have freedom of movement while you run. Anti-odor materials will help prevent this shirt from smelling like yesterday’s dirty laundry.

While not a true compression shirt, it’s snug fit works well as a tight-fitting base layer to help keep you warm.

PROS:

  • Slim fit for easy layering
  • No seams to rub against skin
  • Anti-odor fight power

CONS:

  • Logo on the back breaks easily
 

Best Value

3. New Balance Q Speed 1Ntro Long Sleeve

This long-sleeved base layer shirt combines comfort, warmth, and safety.

Unique New Balance HEAT technology pulls moisture away from your skin to keep you dry. Plus, rayon/polyester blend allows for consistent and comfortable airflow.

Reflective details make this shirt safer in low-light if it’s warm enough to wear on its own. We really like the thumbholes on the women’s shirt. Unfortunately, you can only find these on the women’s shirt, not the men’s.

PROS:

  • Comfortable and warm polyester construction
  • Slim-fit for freedom of movement
  • Reflective details

CONS:

  • Men’s version doesn’t have thumb holes
 

Top Eco-friendly Baselayer

4. Rockay Seamless Long Sleeve

Everything made by Rockay – including this long shirt baselayer – is made with recycled materials. So it’s good for the planet as well as for your runs!

Rockay’s long sleeve uses recycled plastic for 81% percent of the shirt in the nylon material. The other 19% is polyester for comfort and increased sweat wicking. This also helps the shirt stretch to keep you comfortable while running.

The seamless design is great for preventing chafing and hot spots. And this shirt has technology built-in to resist odor.

PROS:

  • Seamless design to prevent chafing
  • Made with recycled materials
  • Anti-odor properties

CONS:

  • Expensive
 

Best 1/2 Zip

5. Icebreaker Merino 175 Everyday Long Sleeve 1/2 Zip

You don’t have to choose between substance and style with the Icebreaker 175 Everyday 1/2 Zip. This long-sleeved running shirt keeps you dry and warm. Merino wool is soft and isn’t scratchy – and unlike polyester shirts – stays odor-free.

This shirt is tough yet won’t weigh you down. It is water-resistant and breathable. You’ll be insulated from rain and snow, but heat and sweat are still pulled away from your body. The thinner merino wool layer keeps you warm without overheating.

The shirt has a short zipper at the top which drops down to about mid-chest. Zip it up to protect your neck from the winter chill or leave it unzipped to reduce any build-up of body heat.

PROS:

  • Half-zip allows for easy temperature adjustment
  • Lightweight fabric keeps you warm without overheating
  • 100% merino wool construction

CONS:

  • Sizing runs small
 

Top Lightweight Baselayer

6. Craft Fuseknit Comfort Long Sleeve

This lightweight, long-sleeved shirt is soft and stretchy. Body-mapped fabric structures allow for efficient thermal regulation. You’ll stay comfortably warm–not hot and sweaty.

The unique Fuseknit technology uses seamless knit to prevent chafing and irritation, especially when wearing other clothing on top. It’s made from 67% polyester, 31% polyamide and 2% elastane. The semi-relaxed fit conforms to your body shape while remaining loose enough to allow productive airflow.

The garment is also quick to dry. Moisture is wicked away, instead of allowed to saturate the material. You can run in pouring rain without the shirt becoming soaked and freezing. It’s suitable for mild, cool and cold temperatures.

PROS:

  • Seamless Fuseknit construction
  • Stretchable for a perfect fit
  • Lightweight and breathable
  • Quick-drying and moisture resistant

CONS:

  • No zippers
 

Best Nike Baselayer

7. Nike Pro Warm Long Sleeve

Looking for a base layer that fits as comfortably as your favorite T-shirt? Try this Nike long-sleeve. It’s made from a soft DriFIT fabric consisting of 88% polyester and 12% spandex.

The top is lightweight and breathable. Sweat and moisture are pulled away from your skin. Additionally, a flat-seam design helps prevent abrasions and irritations against your skin.

The semi-fit style is great if comfort is your main consideration. However, the shirt still fits snugly enough that you can easily layer other garments on top.

This top is also made with 75% recycled fabric, so it’s environmentally friendly – and will keep you warm.

The women’s version costs a bit more but is made with thicker, warmer material. It also features a built-in mitten with thumbholes plus a large, zippered side pocket.

PROS:

  • Comfortable polyester/spandex blend
  • Wicks away sweat and moisture
  • Flat-seam design prevents skin irritation
  • Made with recycled materials

CONS:

  • Not as warm as other base layers
 

Top for Cold Weather Running

8. Under Armour ColdGear Base 4.0 ½ Zip

It’s like wearing a flexible suit of armor that protects you from the cold! The 4.0 Crew base layer from Under Armour has a brushed negative grid interior that traps hot air, keeping you warm even in the coldest conditions. It’s made from 92% polyester and 8% elastane.

The next-to-skin fit hugs your body tightly but remains comfortable. Four-way stretch construction allows you to move in any direction without hindrance.

It’s fast-drying even in wet conditions. Under Armour’s microthread material wicks away sweat and body heat while a mesh panel in the back of the shirt provides increased ventilation.

PROS:

  • Grid interior creates a toasty layer of warm air
  • Next-to-skin fit allows for easy layering
  • Four-way stretch construction for easy movement
  • Water resistant and fast drying

CONS:

  • Next-to-skin fit can feel tight
 

Most Breathable Baselayer

9. Salomon Essential Seamless Midlayer

This breathable base layer has the features you want when running. And it works easily as well for a base layer on cold days or an outer layer during cool and mild weather.

Active Fit construction allows for a complete range of movement with no chafing or mobility restrictions.

Plus, the fabric prevents moisture from soaking through the material and dries quickly. Seamless stitching also means you’ll avoid uncomfortable scratching and prevent chafing. A zipper on the men’s version lets you control your body temperature as you run.

One thing to note is that the men’s version is hoodless but sports the 1/4 zip, great for regulating temperature.

The women’s has a hoodie, but no zipper in the front. Both are made with warm but breathable fabric.

PROS:

  • Allows for a wide range of movement
  • ActiveDry tech acts as a powerful moisture barrier
  • Works well as outer layer and base layer

CONS:

  • Sizing runs small on Salomon products
 

Top Short Sleeve

10. Smartwool Merino 150 Short Sleeve

Not every base layer needs to have long sleeves. The Merino 150 has short sleeves so it can be worn alone in summer or as a base layer under warmer gear during the winter.

The soft Merino wool is blended with a nylon core to help increase durability. Plus, flatlock seams allow for added comfort when wearing a backpack or additional layers of clothing. Overall, the shirt is breathable and lightweight.

The fit of the shirt is slim but not constricting. The material is 87% wool and 13% nylon, water-resistant, and comes with natural antimicrobial properties to help reduce odors.

PROS:

  • Soft Merino wool with a durable nylon core
  • Short sleeves perfect for warmer temps
  • Flatlock seams allow for comfortable layering
  • Water-resistant

CONS:

  • Tight, slim fit not usually ideal for casual wear
 
Ben Drew

Ben Drew

Ben is an avid road and trail runner, and has completed multiple marathons and ultras. A former running store owner, he now shares his knowledge and experience writing these articles.

The Wired Runner
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