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Description

Lightweight merino-blend cycling base layer for year-round riding

Designed for riding and racing in all conditions, the Merino Mesh Base Layer offers incredible breathability, exceptional moisture transfer and class-leading comfort. Wear beneath a thermal jersey and jacket in the winter or under a flyweight jersey in the height of summer for year-round performance. Made from a second generation merino-blend fabric, woven exclusively for Rapha, the higher merino content provides excellent moisture management and natural antibacterial qualities, with further ventilation guaranteed by the lightweight mesh structure. The Merino Mesh Base Layer is also available with short or no sleeves at all, and has a dropped tail for a great fit on the bike. It is finished with a Rapha logo tab on the chest.

For extra care machine wash in a garment bag to prevent any snagging on the delicate merino material.

Details and Materials

  • Made from a proprietary merino-rich blend for the perfect balance of breathability and insulation
  • Lightweight open mesh structure
  • Flatlock seams for comfort and low bulk
  • Dropped tail to cover the lower back
  • Rapha tab on neck
  • Raglan sleeves
  • Naturally anti-bacterial, itch free and odour resistant
  • 60% merino wool
  • 40% polyester

Sizing

|
|
XS S M L XL XXL
Chest 88 94 100 106 112 118
Waist 72 78 84 90 96 102
Hips 88 94 100 106 112 118
Chest 34.5 37 39 41.5 44 46.5
Waist 28 30.5 33 35.5 38 40
Hips 34.5 37 39 41.5 44 46.5

4.2

4.2 / 5

179 Reviews

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Q&A

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Care instructions

  • Machine wash at 30C in garment bag or handwash
  • Use Rapha Merino Wash, wool or non-bio detergent
  • Lay flat to dry in shade
  • Do not bleach

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Rated 2 out of 5 by from Good, but Not as Breathable as you Would Think I'm a huge fan of all things Rapha and merino, but I was somewhat disappointed by these new (as of April/May 2017) merino mesh layers. I have an older version of the merino mesh base layer (long sleeve) and it is a lighter, more breathable material. The "mesh" is larger and lighter than this new "mesh" which is tighter and does not breathe as well. The new fabric is 60/40 merino/polyester blend which (strangely) seems to absorb more heat and body odor than the older 70/30 merino/polyester blend of the older fabric. My guess is that Rapha got too many complaints of the older mesh being too delicate and easy to rip (which is valid, though I've never had any issues) and they made a tighter/more durable fabric. To me, I would have preferred to keep the older fabric. Also, these base layers seem to run on the smaller side with my usual size mediums being *almost* too tight.
Date published: 2017-05-04
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great base layer I am 1.76 m tall and 65 kg weight. I bougth the Merino Mesh Base Layer - Short Sleeve cream colour, on small size. I have a 95 cm chest circunference, so I exceded the maximun recomendation for a small size, regarding the sizing chart. In this way, the fit is really close to the body, a little bit thigth.with the long of the garment is right on the limit. For me is perfect fit, but I think some person could found it too short. The design of the garment is amazing, I really like the shape and the colour. The texture is also great. Is not super soft, and is not "silky". It has some texture and is really pleasent to wear. Regarding the range of temperatures wich can manage, I was wearing it under a regular polyester jersey. Using this way, in my opinion this base layer is ideal for temperatures beetwen 22 °C and 15 C°, on sunny days.
Date published: 2017-08-03
Rated 4 out of 5 by from Confused by the Sizing I really like the standard merino base layer, but it is almost always out of stock in the cream color. Not sure why as this ought to be the most popular color. I decided to try the merino mesh base layer. In general I am pleased with it, except the sizing is a full size smaller than the standard base layer. Not sure why this is necessary, there must be something about mesh that Rapha knows that I don't? At any rate I've worn it so I'm stuck with it now. Wish the size were closer to the standard base layer. One star off for the strange sizing.
Date published: 2022-06-24
Rated 4 out of 5 by from Fantastic base layer, beware sizing change. I bough a medium one of these last year and it has been a dream. Wicks away sweat on a hot summer ride. So I ordered this one in the same size and when it arrived I tried it on and to say it was snug would be an understatement. It was restrictively tight. The weave seems more tightly elastic and less forgiving so I had to return it for a large. This is spot on but frustrating that the sizing has changed. For the record I'm 6ft and have a 39" chest.
Date published: 2017-06-01
Rated 1 out of 5 by from Disappointing! Very flimsy material ordered 3 of these tops one ripped on the first time of wearing it and they pull really easily too! Will be returning them as faulty.
Date published: 2017-07-02
Rated 4 out of 5 by from Ace of Base Whilst I buy a range of different cycling brands, when it comes to base layers I will only use Rapha. I find that base layers are one of the most important pieces of kit to get right and Rapha merino feels good, looks good and really assists in regulating body temperature. It is equally good for use on the turbo trainer as it is outside. Two negative points with this particular model is that the mesh was more fragile and vulnerable to tearing than the usual merino base layer and was a bit shorter than the past.
Date published: 2019-11-27
Rated 5 out of 5 by from One of my very few indispensable clothing items... This is one top that goes on all my multi-month bike journeys. Perfect for when riding and when sleeping. Light, discrete beneath more normal tech t’s. One of the few pieces of clothing I now consider indispensable in my clothing kit list. Dries more quickly than any other item. Resists odours. Keeps me dry when working hard. With a little care it is surprisingly durable.
Date published: 2022-06-08
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Keeps me warm Love it - use it on winter rides, wicks away the sweat and keeps the chest warm. Wouldn't be without it.
Date published: 2017-07-14
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If chest size is between 100cm and 105cm....what would you recommend...medium or large?

Asked by: carla72
If your chest size puts you between two sizes when referring to the size guide, we recommend sizing up for this Base Layer.
Answered by: Caitlin Rapha
Date published: 2022-08-25

Are these different from the mesh that you sold a couple of years ago? They don't look the same.

Asked by: BillE
These garments are very similar in style and feel to the garments of two years ago.
Answered by: Rapha_MC
Date published: 2019-05-11

How is the fit and sizing for these baselayers. The medium classic and medium pro team jersey fits me really well. Should I get a medium or small?

Asked by: F1Rapha
Hi, we suggest staying true to size. Should you need to exchange or refund, we have a 90 days return period for new/unused garments with tags and in saleable condition.
Answered by: sezr
Date published: 2018-05-08

what is the expected shrinking after washing - the fit is great but a little short (I bought a Large and I'm 179cm tall)

Asked by: Berrons
The product, if the correct care is followed as per the washing instructions, should not shrink,
Answered by: Rapha_MC
Date published: 2017-05-05

Hello! I'd like to know if the fabric is made from a yarn where the polyester and the merino are intermingled together or if the fabric is plaited: polyester against the skin and merino on the outside (or vice-versa). Thank you.

Asked by: Berrons
The fabric is woven together, so this is a mix between both the Merino and the Polyester.
Answered by: Rapha_MC
Date published: 2023-09-06

For a bikepacking trip in summer, would you recommend this base layer or rather the 100% merino one? Which are the pros and cons in terms of comfort, temperature and (last but not least) odour resistance?

Asked by: Guido76
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Thank you for your request. We’ll contact you when your Men's Merino Mesh Base Layer - Short Sleeve is available.

  2. » Men's Products
  3. » Base Layers
  4. » Men's Merino Mesh Base Layer - Short Sleeve

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