Women's Cycling Base Layers & Bras

To keep your Merino base layers in top condition, we recommend washing them at 30°C using a wool-specific detergent. This preserves the natural lanolin in the wool, keeping it soft and maintaining its odour-resistant properties. Avoid fabric softeners and never tumble dry them; instead, reshape them while damp and dry them flat. Because Merino is naturally antibacterial, you’ll find you don’t need to wash these pieces as frequently as your synthetic gear.

We know that seam stacking (where the seams of your bra, base layer, and bib straps all overlap) can cause painful pressure points. Our women's base layers feature offset shoulder seams or raglan sleeves, which move the stitching away from the areas where bib straps sit. This ensures a flat, smooth interface against your skin, allowing you to ride for hours without the distraction of rubbing or digging.

The Women's Pro Team base layers are designed for the most aggressive riding positions. They feature bonded seams (rather than stitched) to be as low-profile as possible, reducing the risk of irritation under tight-fitting race jerseys. The fabric is a specialised high-stretch mesh that provides a compressive fit, ensuring that no matter how much you move on the bike, the layer stays perfectly in place to manage moisture.

It may seem counterintuitive to add a layer when it’s hot, but a lightweight mesh base layer actually helps keep you cooler. By creating a thin layer of air between your skin and your jersey, it accelerates the evaporation of sweat. This prevents your jersey from becoming saturated and sticking to your skin, which can lead to chafing and a clammy, uncomfortable feeling during long climbs.

A base layer should be your tightest piece of kit — think of it as a second skin. If it is loose or "bags" away from your body, it cannot effectively wick sweat, and the excess fabric will likely bunch up and cause discomfort under your jersey. When you try it on, it should feel snug across the chest and flat against your torso. Don't worry if it feels a little short at the front; it is designed that way to sit perfectly when you are in a seated, forward-leaning riding position.