Base
Layers.

Base layer fabrics are designed to sit next to your skin and help manage moisture and temperature. They should wick sweat, allow airflow, stretch with your body, and help maintain warmth without trapping excess heat during activity. <br> <br> For different base layer needs, Polartec offers options like <a href="https://www.polartec.com/fabrics/base/delta">Polartec® Delta™</a> for airflow and reduced wet cling, <a href="https://www.polartec.com/fabrics/base/power-grid">Polartec® Power Grid™</a> for lightweight warmth and moisture wicking, and <a href="https://www.polartec.com/fabrics/base/power-wool">Polartec® Power Wool™</a> for Merino wool performance with faster drying, better durability, and less shrinkage.

Polartec base layer fabrics are built to manage sweat, airflow, and movement during a wide range of activities. They wick moisture away from your skin, help release excess heat, dry quickly, and stretch with your body so the fabric stays comfortable as effort levels change. <br> <br> For active use, <a href="https://www.polartec.com/fabrics/base/power-dry">Polartec® Power Dry™</a> delivers advanced moisture wicking to help keep you dry and comfortable, while <a href="https://www.polartec.com/fabrics/base/power-stretch-pro">Polartec® Power Stretch™ Pro</a> Pro adds four-way stretch, durability, and abrasion resistance for more demanding movements.

For cold weather, <a href="https://www.polartec.com/fabrics/base/power-grid">Polartec® Power Grid™</a> is the strongest base layer option because it provides lightweight fleece warmth, thermoregulation, and moisture wicking without adding bulk. <br> <br> <a href="https://www.polartec.com/fabrics/base/power-dry">Polartec® Power Dry™</a> is also effective for active cold weather use when sweat management and fast drying are the top priorities. For very cold conditions when insulation is the priority, <a href="https://www.polartec.com/fabrics/base/alpha">Polartec® Alpha™</a> can add breathable warmth as part of a layered system.

Yes, fleece can be used as a base layer if it has strong moisture wicking and breathability. Traditional fleece is usually designed as a mid layer or insulation layer, so it may not manage sweat as effectively during high intensity activity. <br> <br> For next to skin performance, <a href="https://www.polartec.com/fabrics/base/power-grid">Polartec® Power Grid™</a> is a strong option because it is a lightweight fleece that combines warmth, moisture wicking, and thermoregulation. <a href="https://www.polartec.com/fabrics/base/power-dry">Polartec® Power Dry™</a> and <a href="https://www.polartec.com/fabrics/base/power-stretch-pro">Polartec® Power Stretch™ Pro</a> are also engineered for direct skin contact, with advanced moisture management for active use.

A moisture wicking base layer focuses on moving sweat away from your skin to help keep you dry during activity. <a href="https://www.polartec.com/fabrics/base/power-dry">Polartec® Power Dry™</a> is ideal when sweat management is the top priority. <br> <br> A thermal base layer focuses more on warmth while still managing moisture. <a href="https://www.polartec.com/fabrics/base/power-grid">Polartec® Power Grid™</a> is built for cold weather and provides lightweight fleece warmth, breathability, and moisture control without added bulk.

Yes. Polartec® thermal base layers are engineered to hold warmth while allowing heat and moisture to move through the fabric. <br> <br> For example, <a href="https://www.polartec.com/fabrics/base/power-grid">Polartec® Power Grid™</a> features a lightweight grid construction that creates airflow, manages moisture, and helps you stay warm without overheating during activity.

For warm weather and high output activities, <a href="https://www.polartec.com/fabrics/base/delta">Polartec® Delta™</a> is the best choice. It is specifically designed to increase airflow, reduce wet cling, and enhance evaporation to support the body’s natural cooling process during intense activity. <br> <br> For a more versatile lightweight base layer, <a href="https://www.polartec.com/fabrics/base/power-dry">Polartec® Power Dry™</a> is also a strong option. As an all-weather moisture wicking fabric, it helps regulate body temperature across a wider range of conditions.

If mobility is a priority, look for a base layer with four-way stretch, shape retention, moisture management, and a smooth feel that layers comfortably under other gear. <br> <br> <a href="https://www.polartec.com/fabrics/base/power-stretch">Polartec® Power Stretch™</a> is a strong option for flexible, breathable movement, while <a href="https://www.polartec.com/fabrics/base/power-stretch-pro">Polartec® Power Stretch™ Pro</a> adds extra durability for more demanding use. Both are designed to deliver dynamic stretch and recovery that moves with the body without restricting activity.