Road Cycling Clothing

8 of the Coolest Summer Base Layers

Keep cool this summer with these short sleeve base layers

Base layers are a cyclist’s best friend. They’re worn throughout the year as a second skin to offer moisture and temperature control.

With summer fast approaching, it’s time to stock up on kit essentials – and a summer base layer is undoubtedly a must have. While merino wool and second skin base-layers aren’t usually the first thing that pops into mind for a summer shop, they have some brilliant qualities that actually help you to keep you cool.

Though adding an extra layer to your jersey on a hot day may seam counter intuitive, base layers are designed to act as a second skin. They suck up sweat, preventing you from feeling a chill caused by cooling sweat and also help to keep you cool by aiding air circulation. On top of all that, they provide an extra layer should you put your skin at risk of abrasion with any slips or falls.

We’ve rounded up our favourite short sleeve base layers for summer riding.

Trail 42 Tech-T

Trail 42 produce superb cycling wear for women with lovely performance wear, and post-ride apparel.

The super soft Tech-T has a women’s specific cut, and is constructed from bamboo viscose and organic cotton fabric.

Despite being a t-shirt style, the selected fabrics offer moisture wicking and breathable properties which keep you cool and comfortable throughout the ride.

Sizes: Small – X.Large

Available here for £29

Findra Merino Blend Trail Shirt

Launched in 2014, the Findra brand has gone from strength to strength offering high-quality cycling apparel for women.

Their Trail base layer is made from Coolmax merino fabric with temperature and moisture regulating properties.

A seamless top with subtle detail, this base layer is great for riding in, and for layering up on chilly rides.

Sizes: UK 6/8, UK 10/12, UK 14/16

Available here for £60

Queen of the Mountain Base Layer

The UK based brand, Queen of the Mountain, stylises cycling gear for women with lovely pastel and bold colour-ways.

Their netted sleeveless base layer is super breathable and kind to the skin with its soft mesh design.

Sizes: X.Small – X.Large

Available here for £30

Castelli Core Mesh

One of our TWC Champion brands is Castelli with their quality technical cycling apparel.

Their mesh sleeveless base layer is ideal for wicking away moisture on those hot days. A lengthened cut on the body allows ample coverage behind and easy tuck-in for your shorts.

Sizes: X.Small – X.Large

Available here for £35

Rapha Graphic Souplesse Base Layer

Rapha continues to cater for the hobbyist and athlete alike with their stylish road cycling apparel.

Find out why Rapha is on of our champion brands

This race-fit technical base layer is ideal for hard training and hot days. Stretchy and breathable, this base layer is exactly what you need to keep cool while looking good.

Colours: Cherry or Purple

Sizes: XX.Small – X.Large

Available here for £45

Giro Chrono Base Layer

This sleeveless crewneck from Giro is a great summer base layer. It’s lightweight and soft touch fabric makes it comfortable and great for riding in.

TWC Champion Brand: Giro

The mesh stretch and fit mesh fabric allows the base layer to fit snug to the skin, whilst allowing for maximum movement on the bike.

Sizes: X.Small – X.Large

Available here for £50

Madison Isoler Mesh Base

Madison produce a fantastic range of women’s cycling apparel, across all disciplines. They work hard to ensure comfort, functionality and style which they marry harmoniously.

TWC Champion Brand: Madison Clothing

Their Isoler Mesh base layer is designed for all style of riders with the goal to keep you cool and comfortable on those hot rides. Constructed with minimal seams, this base layer really does feel like a second skin, and at £20, it’s reasonably priced also.

Sizes: UK 8/10, UK 12/14

Available here for £20

Pearl Izumi Transfer Base

This versatile base layer offers everything you need to see you through a warm day of riding.

Peal Izumi’s base layer is designed to help regulate moisture and temperature levels by the use of wicking fabric. Odor control helps you keep fresh, while the quick drying material doesn’t weigh you down.

Sizes: X.Small – Large

Available here for £40

Base layers are considered to be a kit essential throughout the year. A good summer base layer shouldn’t cause you to become too hot on warm days, but will also make sure cooling sweat doesn’t mean you’re chilly when the temperatures drop, either.