Gear Guide Tried & Tested

Base Layers

Keep warm or cool while riding with these tried and tested technical choices

Our testers: These base layers were tested for three months. They were worn regularly for activities including riding, yard work and sports, and were washed frequently.

The products

RRP
£64.99

Ariat Tri Factor

The sun protection fabric helps to lower skin temperature 

Sizes: XS–XL

Breathable

Quick-dry

UV Protection

“This base layer is brilliant. The fit is flattering and the coloured panels give a tailored look. I found it super-breathable and really liked that the SPF fabric protected my skin. I wore it for riding and to the gym, and it kept me cool. It washed like new and dried in minutes.”

RRP
£69.00

Kastel Charlotte Signature

Includes mesh inserts and offers complete UV protection 

Sizes: XXS–XXL

Breathable

Quick-dry

UV Protection

“I absolutely love this base layer, it’s flattering and the half zip is practical. It’s really lovely to wear – the soft, breathable fabric moves freely and the mesh has proven to be durable. I wore it in hot and cooler weather, but always felt comfortable. It washed well and maintained its shape. Overall, I’d highly recommend it.”

 

RRP
£38.00

Harry Hall Willow

Includes a cross-over mesh back panel, underarm ventilation and thumbholes 

Sizes: 8–18

Breathable

 

 

“From the gorgeous grey colour to the flattering fit, it ticked all the boxes. The fabric’s thick, but I could wear it on warm days because of the underarm and back vents. As a layer, I had to tuck it in into my breeches so it didn’t ride up, but it didn’t lose its colour or shape after washing.”

RRP
£39.99

Mark Todd Liv Competition

Lightweight and breathable, it’s made from stretch fabric that wicks away moisture

 

 

“I found it comfy for running and riding, although it would benefit from mesh inserts because I did get a little warm. However, it wicked away sweat, was easy to wash and quick to dry –  I could almost wear it straight out of the washing machine. I really liked the style, but the vinyl logo on the arm is showing signs of wear.”

Dublin
RRP
£22.99

Dublin Airflow CDT

With mesh underarm panels, it’s made from technical fabric 

Sizes: XS–XXL

Breathable

“I found it quite comfortable and easy to ride in, and I liked the mesh sections. It was very light and breathable, so good in warmer weather or as a layer, but the fabric was a little thin. It washed fine, didn’t lose any shape or elasticity, and dried easily.”

RRP
£39.50

Equetech Isabella

Made from technical fabric, with stretch lace panels on the sleeves

Sizes: XS–XXL

Breathable

Quick-dry

 

“I really liked the colour and lace sleeves on this base layer, and I had several compliments on it. It was a good fit and didn’t restrict my movement. I found it worked best on cooler days and, although I liked the idea of the mesh sleeves, they could snag or pick up bits of hay. It was really easy to wash, quick to dry and kept its shape well.”

RRP
£35.00

Toggi Giselle

A crew-neck top that includes rubberised details and thumbholes

Sizes: 8–20

Breathable

Quick-dry

 

 

“This base layer was so cosy – the material is super-soft, so felt wonderful on my skin. It offers great freedom of movement and fits well without being figure-hugging. The thumbholes are a little tight for me, though. It washed well, dried quickly and was breathable. I feel it’s a quality top that will last for years to come.”

RRP
£26.99

Aubrion Maywood

Made from quick-drying fabric, it features thumbhole cuffs and a zipped money pocket

Sizes: XXS–XXL

Breathable

Quick-dry

 

“The soft material is really stretchy and flattering. The fitted shape doesn’t limit movement and it’s a generous length, too. It was great as a layer, but breathable enough for warmer weather. It’s held up well to yard work, riding, gym classes, casual wear and plenty of washes, and the pocket is really useful. For the price, I’ll definitely invest in a few more.”

RRP
£25.90

Felix Bühler Evy Performance

Made from soft, stretchy fabric with a marl look, it’s breathable and fast-drying

Sizes: XS–XL

Breathable

Quick dry

 

 

“I liked the shape of this base layer – it was fitted without being skin-tight – and the colour is lovely. It was very comfortable and I didn’t overheat or get sweaty on warmer days. It washed well, didn’t fade and dried really quickly. Overall, it was great value and I’d buy it again.”

RRP
£50.00

Mountain Horse Move Tech

With a tailored fit, it’s made from quick-drying, wicking fabric and has flat seams 

Sizes: XS–XXL

Breathable

Quick-dry

 

 

“This base layer was very flattering and the arms are a good length, but it’s a little short in the body for me. It allowed total freedom of movement, and was particularly comfy for hacking and training. It wasn’t as breathable as others I’ve worn, but it was very quick to dry, and I stayed comfortable and relatively cool.”

RRP
£44.95

Noble Outfitters Ashley

Offering UPF50+ sun protection, it has a stock loop, mesh back and lace underarms 

Sizes: XS–XXL

Breathable

UV Protection

 

 

“The lace panels felt soft and airy, and are a good addition if you’re fashion conscious. It fitted well and gave me lots of freedom of movement. I had no issues with sweat marks and liked the half-zip on the neck. It’s comfortable on its own or as a layer and, despite being washed on numerous occasions, the colour has stayed vibrant.”

RRP
£40.00

Aztec Diamond Equestrian Technical Stretch

Made from four-way stretch fabric with mesh panels and zips on the sleeves 

Sizes: XS–XL

Breathable

Quick-dry

 

 

“I was really impressed with how well it fitted – it was very flattering, comfortable and stylish. The material was stretchy and good quality, and dried really quickly after being washed. The zipped cuffs made it tricky to roll the sleeves up, but on the whole I’d definitely buy it again.”

RRP
£39.95

Horse Health My LeMieux

With soft, flat seams to avoid chafing, it’s made from antimicrobial stretch fabric

Sizes: XS–XXL

Breathable

Anti-bacterial

 

 

“The cool-touch fabric was soft, stretchy and really breathable. I didn’t get sweaty, even in warmer weather, although I could get a little overheated when it was really hot. It’s true to size and very fitted, but still gave great freedom of movement. Washing hasn’t affected the colour and it dried quickly.”

RRP
£35.99

Montar Sage 

Made from cotton-rich fabric, it features a metallic logo and stitching

 

 

“I really liked this base layer. The fabric was slightly thicker than others I’ve seen, but still breathable and I didn’t get too hot. It was really comfortable and easy to move around in, so great for riding and yard jobs. I’ve washed it a number of times and it still looks new, and it dried quickly.”

Sizes: XS–XL

Breathable

Quick–dry

RRP
£54.99

Tredstep Symphony Sun Chic 50

With UPF50+ sun protection, it has temperature control technology and mesh underarms

Sizes: XS–XL

Breathable

Quick-dry

UV Protection

 

 

“This base layer was everything I could want – it’s lightweight, stylish and breathable. The fit was good and it didn’t cling. It was comfortable for riding, cycling and Pilates, and I didn’t ever feel too hot thanks to the mesh underarms. It’s easy to care for and wash, too – even balsamic vinegar and oil washed out!”

RRP
£34.99

Just Togs Aircool Sports

With ombre print sleeves, it’s made from fabric that optimises body temperature

Sizes: XS–XXL

Breathable

 

 

“The pink stitching and printed sleeves gave a feminine look, and the thicker material was flattering as it gave my body a smooth appearance. I got warm on hotter days, but it wicked away sweat and dried quickly. The only downside was the sleeve seams could irritate my skin if I wore it all day. It washed well and gave great freedom of movement.”

RRP
£34.95

Pikeur Sina

A cotton-rich, rollneck top that’s breathable and wicks away moisture

Sizes: XS–XL

Breathable

Quick-dry

 

 

“The rollneck design is perfect for keeping out draughts. It’s true to size and comfortable for riding in, but has quite a close fit, although this helps to keep you warm. My skin can be irritated by non-natural fabrics, but this top was impressively breathable. It washed well and dried quite quickly.”

RRP
£27.95

Horseware Aveen Melange

Made from wicking, antibacterial fabric, it has contrast panels for a flattering fit

Sizes: XXS–XXL

Anti-bacterial

Breathable

 

 

“This top has become one of my wardrobe staples on and off the yard. It’s comfy, lightweight and doesn’t get crumpled or creased. The material has a cool feel, so it’s great for warmer days, and I love the sporty look. It’s showing no signs of wear and tear, despite lots of use.”

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