Our Long Sleeve Base Layer is one of our own favourite products, but we aren't alone.

World Record-holding endurance cyclist, Alan Colville frequently trains and races in his in place of a jersey in milder conditions, and we know some customers run and even climb in theirs.

For our latest version we've sourced even softer, more performant recycled fabrics as well as taking on board some of your feedback asking for a closer fit around the neck.

However you choose to wear it, you'll be surprised at the warmth. But you'll also marvel at how dry you stay when the intensity - and temperature - rises.

Whatever the weather conditions, a layer of fabric between your skin and your outer garment is critical in both moisture and temperature management. Or to put it more simply: comfort.

Natural fibres like Merino have their place, but when it comes to helping you stay dry - essential in colder weather - nothing comes close to the performance of synthetic fibres.
 
Our v1 Long Sleeve Base Layer fabric was perfectly good. But at Kostüme we strive for more than just good. Which is why as soon as we saw these newer fabrics, there wasn't much of a decision to be made.

When you can see the quality of a fabric in pictures, you know how good it's going to be in - and on - the flesh.

We've also found the performance to be an improvement, with a slightly more open weave managing to stay both warmer and especially dryer than before.

It's hard to speak too passionately about a product like a base layer. And yet, if you don't use one, it's impossible to overstate the difference it makes to your ride comfort.

Because what you’re really managing on the bike isn’t just temperature. It’s moisture.

Your body cools itself by sweating. That part is obvious. What’s less obvious is what happens next. Because if that moisture sits on your skin, three things happen:

1. You lose heat too quickly when conditions change (descents, shade, wind)
2. Wet fabric sticks uncomfortably to your body
3. Your temperature regulation becomes inconsistent

In simple terms: you go from too hot, to too cold. Repeatedly. And in cooler weather, the last thing you need is a cold, damp core exposed to wind chill.

You may have noticed we like a pocket or two. But it's never a box-ticking exercise.

With the dual-purpose nature of our Long Sleeve Base Layer, it made perfect sense to add a discreet rear pocket for your phone, keys or credit card, allowing you extra flexibility in your layering decisions.

Finally, details like our super-soft close-fit cuffs (which help to stop the sleeves riding up when pulling on an outer layer) plus flatlock seams throughout makes for one of the best value multi-use products in our range.