What baselayer to wear this winter: a comparison
Products mentioned in the video:
Merino wool: a natural marvel
Merino wool, sourced from merino sheep, stands out as a remarkable choice for cycling apparel. Hailing from the high-altitude regions of various parts of the world, these sheep produce a fine, soft wool that is coveted for its natural properties. Merino fibers are exceptionally fine, minimizing itchiness and ensuring a luxurious feel against the skin. Embrace the natural versatility of merino wool in your cycling attire, where performance meets comfort, and antibacterial properties add an extra layer of hygiene to every twist and turn of the road.
Multifunctional & versatile
In cycling baselayers, neck warmers, and socks, merino wool's temperature-regulating abilities shine. These garments excel in managing moisture, wicking away sweat to keep cyclists dry and comfortable. The inherent breathability of merino wool makes it an ideal choice for baselayers, providing insulation in colder conditions while preventing overheating during intense rides. Moreover, merino wool exhibits antibacterial features, ensuring freshness and odor control even during extended rides.
Layer up!
Tough cookies keep on cycling in winter, also when temperatures drop to as low as below zero degrees. What to wear to keep you warm enough? Let's cut straight through to the answer: it's all about layering. With your core kept warm, you unlock the secret to riding comfortably in the harshest of weather. At Maats, we advise to adhere to ''The Three Layer Principle'', consisting of:
#1: The baselayer
This is the first and arguably most key component to keeping you warm. Various options of thermal fabrics allow you to make the right choice for the temperature you're defying that day. For instance, pick merino wool for its perfect temperature regulation capacities, or choose Polartec for state-of-the-art heat technology. Wear a snug fit to make sure the top layers won't look wrinkly.
#2: The longsleeve jersey
This middle piece may seem excessive, but let us tell you: it isn't. The longsleeve jersey is the ideal inbetween layer to add a level of temperature regulation, combined with the practical function of its pockets (as both layer #1 and #3 typically don't have these). Longsleeve jerseys come in variations from thin textiles to thermal fleece-lined fabrics. Choose what you feel aligns best with the outside temperature.
#3: The gilet or jacket
Lastly, wear a gilet or jacket over all of the above. A gilet keeps your core warm yet ventilates through your armpits, whereas a jacket's sleeves not only keep your body warmth, but also cover your arms to cold riding wind. The great thing about this third layer is that you can wear it (partly) unzipped to cool down, or get rid of it altogether during your ride. Lightweight gilets/jackets typically can be stowed easily into a back pocket of your jersey.
Now don't think this is it: treat yourself to a thermal long bib, and take care of your extremities by adding a beanie, a neck tube, gloves, thermal socks, overshoes and what not. At Maats, we have it all! ;)
Pas Normal Studios
Supreme Scandinavian Design
Pas Normal Studios, a cycling clothing brand from Copenhagen, has been around since 2015. Co-founder and artistic director Karl-Oskar Olsen wanted to combine his experience with his urban lifestyle brand Wood Wood with his great passion: cycling. The concept of Pas Normal Studios is to create technically perfect cycling clothing and to combine it with visionary aesthetics. Through innovative designs, collaborations with other brands and finding new production methods, Pas Normal Studios strives to release collections that are innovative and always of the highest quality.