p12,13 TOM HUTTON:SGBGolf_NEW_template 27/04/2009 11:15 Page 13
BASE LAYERS
Other, more expensive tops The big disadvantage is the ODLO
include silver oxide fibres price, with good quality
within the fabric. merino tops typically costing
This is effective twice as much as a synthetic
and lasts, but it one. It can also be quite fragile
does add cost. in comparison to the synthetic
Polypropylene fabrics.
is quite different There are also
to polyester and polyester/polypropylene
works by being hybrids and synthetic/merino
hydrophobic, hybrids, which try to achieve
meaning basically the best of both worlds. Most
that it dislikes of them succeed to some
water so won’t absorb it at extent, although it seems to
all. This makes it very quick depend upon the exact mixes
drying – perfect for those X-Bionic of the weaves, and the
that really pour sweat – but Energizer conditions.
against it, it tends to hold So what about style and fit?
odours even more than These tend to be a little more
polyester. personal, and within
Both these synthetic this category, it is also
fabrics rely on worth looking at the
petrochemicals for actual weight of the
production, so neither is fabric.
particularly green, although some Most fabrics come
manufacturers are now using recycled in varying weights: heavier for winter, lighter for summer and this
fabrics and also producing garments does offer some advantages; but in the most basic of layering
designed to be recycled. systems, it’s probably best to let each layer do its own individual
The other main option for a base job, therefore the base layer transports moisture away from the
layer is merino wool, which works skin, while the mid or insulation layers provide the warmth.
differently again. The main thing here is Therefore a mid-weight fabric will probably do for year round
that the wool actually absorbs the wear.
moisture, meaning it dries the skin very Style-wise, crew necks are versatile – warm enough, with
quickly. But unlike cotton, which then appropriate mid-layers, in winter, yet not too much for a
holds the moisture against the skin and summer day. And long sleeves are also versatile as they can be
feels cold, the wool then releases the moisture quickly so pulled up on warm days and left down in winter. They can also protect the
continues to feel comfortable and allows the outer layers to still do their job. arms from the sun in summer.
It has other advantages too. It is incredibly temperature tolerant, actually And fit-wise, snug is best for performance, basically the closer the fabric is
feeling warm in cold conditions and cool when the going gets hot; and it also to the skin the better job it’s going to do. But not everybody has the physique
resists odour, so is perfect for longer trips, such as multi-day hikes or treks. It is required for figure-hugging lycra, so some looseness won’t detract too much
also a naturally occurring product so a little more environmentally friendly. and may even feel a little cooler on a warm day.
So that’s it. Well, not
quite…
Before the customer leaves
the shop, there’s just one
more thing: if he or she
now realises the
benefits of a
technical base layer
top, surely they
aren’t going to
carry on wearing
their M&S
boxers or briefs?
Good job
there’s plenty
of choice in
technical
underwear
too…
ODLO
CANTERBURY
APRIL 2009 SGBOUTDOOR 13
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