Base Layer vs. Leggings (2024)

FAQs

Can leggings be used as a base layer? ›

With a quality base layer, sweat is removed from your skin and evaporates elsewhere. Depending on your activity, environment, and comfort level, your base layer can be anything from a sleeveless top and lightweight tights to a thermal long-sleeve base layer and thick leggings.

The easiest way to determine if leggings can function as thermal underwear is to look at them. What are they made out of? You want them to be made from synthetic materials or wool. If they are cotton, you definitely want to avoid them as you will get cold.

The main difference between the two is in their thermal properties. Thermal leggings are typically made with thermal fabrics such as thermal wool or thermal polyester, which provide superior thermal insulation but can be a bit heavier than fleece-lined leggings.

A base layer is typically made of synthetic fibers or wool, while tights are made of a blend of nylon and lycra. Base layers are perfect for exercising in cold temps because it's extremely thin.

Can you wear a base layer on its own? Yes! A base layer can be worn either as a single layer or under another garment.

A base layer top is ideal for maintaining body temperature, helping wick away moisture caused by sweat from the skin, so you stay warm and dry in all weather. Base layer tops are mostly worn in the winter for keeping warm and in the summer for staying cool and dry.

Are leggings warm enough to wear in winter? A standard pair of leggings is usually lightweight and relatively thin—which is great for intense workouts and everyday wear, but means it's not always your best option to wear as a pant once winter hits, unless you're layering them underneath sweats or jeans.

Leggings can sometimes get a bad rep during the summer–but that's due to picking the wrong designs and materials. Thanks to technical fabrics and clever cuts, there are now leggings you can wear in even the hottest conditions. The main thing you should consider is not the aesthetics, but the materials.

Wear thermals under daily clothes

You should check the indoor temperature when you wake up in the morning. If that temperature is lower than 18 degrees C, then, you should wear your thermals under a daily outfit.

How should your base layer fit? In order for a base layer to wick properly, the fabric needs to lay against the skin in order to pick up moisture. To enable this, the fit should be relatively snug. An exception to this is if you are wearing the garment with no additional layers in warm weather.

What is the best base layer for extreme cold weather? ›

Merino wool is a popular choice for its natural warmth, breathability, and moisture-wicking properties. Synthetic materials like polyester or nylon can also be effective at keeping you warm and dry. Always avoid cotton, as it tends to absorb moisture and won't keep you as warm when wet.

While both base layers and thermals do the work of protecting your body from cold and keeping it dry, one is more specialized in the latter than the other. The main duty of the base layer is to keep your body dry whereas the main duty of thermal clothing is to keep your body warm.

Base layer leggings – The most popular base layers for your bottom half are leggings. These are suitable for both men and women and are available in a variety of thickness grades depending on your activity. These are perfect for both sports and colder climates due to their versatility.

Base layers are important because they provide an extra layer of insulation while also wicking sweat away from your skin. If you'll be going from hot to cold throughout the day, or doing any activity where you might be sweating in a colder environment, you should definitely opt to wear base layers.

For general backpacking, I always recommend having one set (1 top, 1 bottom) of hiking base layers and one set of sleeping base layers. Base layers generally come in three different materials: Synthetic, Merino Wool, and Silk. Synthetics are great at quickly wicking moisture and drying.

2 / Athleta or Lululemon Long Sleeve Base Layer Tops– Perfect for layering under a ski jacket to keep extra warm thanks to sweat wicking fabric! Bonus if it's a turtleneck style, or if not I add a neck gaiter.

Saree in Heavy Fabrics

You can replace the petticoat with the leggings or shorts to serve as a base for pleating and tucking.

Ensure that your leggings are made from a moisture-wicking material, as this will help keep your skin dry and comfortable while you're on the slopes. If sweat isn't being wicked away, the wearer will end up wet. And — you guessed it — being wet leads to being cold.

Focusing on being an 'outer' layer for their day-job, gym leggings can sometimes feel a little bulky in comparison to the lighter weight baselayer. But, if you're looking for something warmer than the standard polyester baselayer, then your leggings will be a good stand-in.