Gear Guide

Home Gear Guide Rider Wear & Accessories base-layers Buying Guides Base layers

Riders often face the difficulty of staying warm without overheating, not easily overcome as our horses’ workloads stay constant despite the worsening weather. These cleverly developed sports tops allow you to sweat without catching a chill and offer a warming layer that won’t make you overheat. Take a look at these great options on the market. Not only are they a sporty, comfortable layer, but they also offer a few handy extras to help you out…

Mesh These inserts provide an extra element of breathability, ideal to keep you cool during hard or fast work. Some include mesh across the back, while others have it under the arms, across the ribs or over the shoulders. Layers with mesh tend to be best suited to the warmer months, or as an under layer during the winter.

Odour control A super-helpful feature in sportswear, some base layers include odour control to keep you fresh and comfortable even during hard work. Handy for a trip to the supermarket post-ride!

Antibacterial Some materials offer natural antibacterial properties to keep you feeling your best during a workout. Your sportswear goes through a lot, so these antibacterial layers aim to help give your skin a break from dirt and sweat.

Brushed inner Baselayers with brushed inners provide a soothing feel against more sensitive skin and can help keep you a little warmer, too. They’re soft, comfortable and toasty – perfect for those cold days on the yard.

Zipped neck?

Not sure whether to go for a longer, zip-neck base layer or a low neck option? Generally speaking, layers with higher necks are more suitable to be worn on their own when it’s cold, and are handy against cold wind. On the other hand, low neck versions are ideal for layering and rides during warmer weather.

Kirstie Performance

£18.95

This lightweight, soft layer is tailored with just the right amount of stretch for comfort. It washes easily and dries quickly, making it super-practical.

Mesh fabrics
Machine washable

madmucker.com

Felix Bühler seamless long sleeved shirt

£21.90

Highly elastic and seamless, this insulating yet breathable undershirt is made with a flat hem and a smart, ergonomic fit.

Mesh fabrics
Machine washable

kramer.co.uk

Horseware Technical Crew baselayer

£21.95

Made from technical, wicking polyester, it comes in a variety of colours to suit your tastes. It’s multi-functional, machine washable and perfect for the yard.

Machine washable
Antibacterial

horseware.com

Airowear BodyBase Sport

£38.40

The perfect baselayer for riding in any weather conditions. It’s quick drying and stretchy for a fantastic fit, with a mock turtleneck, too.

Machine washable

airowear.co.uk

EDZ Merino womens top

£39.99

This baselayer is naturally antimicrobial and machine washable at 30°C. It’s shrink-resistant and ideal as an everyday thermal layer.

Machine washable
Brushed inner
Odour control

edzlayering.com

Mochara Technical baselayer

£40

Stylish yet practical, this streamlined baselayer’s technical fabric will keep you super-comfy. It’s easy to care for and is made from moisture-wicking fabric.

Machine washable

mochara.co.uk

Fouganza 500 long-sleeved polo shirt

£14.99

Perfect for layering, this long-sleeved baselayer is both warm and breathable, ideal to keep you comfortable on the yard or in the saddle.

Mesh fabrics
Machine washable
Brushed inner
Thumb holes

decathlon.co.uk

Toggi Lingdale

£40

It has a removeable snood and brush backed stretch fabric with contrast detailing. Flattering seam lines give it a distinguished look, too.

Machine washable
Brushed inner

toggi.com

Rab Forge LS Tee

£50

Lightweight and made from a Merino wool and polyester blend, it’s slim fit and quick drying, making it ideal for all outdoor activities.

Machine washable
Odour control

rab.equipment/uk

Dublin Rachel

£34.99

Made from smart, two-way stretch jersey fabric, this top has a soft fleece lining and a matt outer that effectively repels dirt and hair.

Mesh fabrics
Machine washable
Thumb holes

dublinclothing.co.uk

Aubrion Tipton

£26.99

Quick drying and with a 1/4 zip for adjustable ventilation, this layer features a money pocket and a flattering rear pleat for comfy yet stylish riding.

Mesh fabrics
Machine washable
Thumb holes

shiresequestrian.com

Super X Country Airflow

£29.99

With a durable zip and contouring seams, this top is the ultimate in comfortable, stylish riding wear. It includes a practical zip cover to prevent rubbing, too.

Mesh fabrics
Machine washable

superxcountry.co.uk

HY Fashion Kensington

£31.99

With a stand-up collar, this comfy top allows for a full range of movement thanks to its four-way stretch material.Perfect for layering or on its own.

Machine washable

hy-equestrian.com

HV Polo Oakford

£35

This sporty top is made from a smart, stretch fabric to provide the perfect fit. Its warming material will keep you comfortable as the days grow colder.

Machine washable

hv-polo.com

My LeMieux baselayer

£39.95

Made from thermal, antimicrobial fabric, it offers 360° stretch to allow greater mobility and its moisture movement system takes sweat away from the skin.

Machine washable
Antibacterial

lemieuxproducts.com

Noble Equestrian Athena

£39.95

With a 1/4 zip and a high neck, this power stretch fleece allows freedom of movement, leaving you ready for anything the day might bring.

Machine washable
Brushed inner
Thumb holes

nobleequestrian.co.uk

Mark Todd baselayer

£39.99

With branding down the arm, this lightweight layer features four-way stretch. It’s quick-drying and comfortable, ideal for chilly days.

Machine washable

marktoddcollection.co.uk

Equetech Cross-Over thermal base

£43.75

Super-smart and breathable, this baselayer has a warming cross-over collar to protect your neck from the chill, and a soft brushed fleece lining, too.