Base Layer Clothing

Merino Wool Clothing vs Cotton

We’ve all been told that layering clothing is the best way to dress when going outdoors, and it’s true, but materials matter too. The ubiquitous cotton t-shirt is perfect in hot summer weather, as the cotton will hold the moisture next to your skin, and help cool you down. But that same cotton t-shirt in February, even if layered under other garments is guaranteed to work against your core temperature, for the exactly the same reason.

Cotton doesn’t wick, and therefore it doesn’t make a good base layer. It can make an excellent outer, or top layer, but cotton right on the skin is best left to hot climates and muggy summer days. Synthetics and wool do a much better job wicking, so base layers made from these materials are vastly better at keeping one dry and warm. A lightweight wicking base layer can be removed and dried overnight, then worn the next day, ready to provide wicking duty on the “front line” of thermal protection.