Top Base Layer Brands for Ultimate Comfort and Performance

As temperatures drop and outdoor adventures become more brisk, finding the perfect base layer becomes imperative for comfort and endurance. Base layers play a crucial role in maintaining body warmth by wicking away moisture and providing insulation, making the choice of brand exceptionally significant. With innovations in fabrics and fits, several brands stand out for their commitment to quality and performance. Below, we explore some of the top brands renowned for their exceptional base layers.

Illustration of base layers

Best brands of base layers in 2025

Smartwool

Smartwool is a leading brand in the base layer market, renowned for its high-quality Merino wool products. Their Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer, available in crew and 1/4 zip styles, is highly praised for its softness, warmth, and odor resistance. Made from 100% Merino wool, these base layers are ideal for cold-weather activities such as skiing, hiking, and climbing. Smartwool has been perfecting its layering system for over 30 years, ensuring comfort and functionality with features like flatlock seam construction and offset shoulder seams. The brand is also expanding its offerings with plus-size options to cater to a broader range of consumers.

Icebreaker

Icebreaker is a leading brand in the production of high-quality base layers, specializing in merino wool clothing that offers exceptional comfort, performance, and sustainability. The company, which began in New Zealand and expanded to Australia, Europe, and the US, has seen significant growth, with sales reaching approximately $200 million by 2014. Icebreaker's products are known for their temperature-regulating properties, breathability, and natural odor resistance, making them ideal for outdoor and sports activities. The brand's latest innovation, the Featherlight Baselayer, combines 20% ethically sourced merino wool with 80% TENCEL™ cellulose fiber, ensuring a lightweight, quick-drying, and skin-friendly garment. Icebreaker's commitment to sustainability and performance has earned it the ISPO Award in 2024.

Patagonia

Patagonia is a leading producer of base layers, renowned for its commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. Founded in 1973 by Yvon Chouinard, the company has consistently innovated in outdoor apparel, with a significant focus on sustainable materials and practices. In 2022, the synthetic segment, which includes many of Patagonia's products, held the largest market share of 69.05% in the base layer market. Patagonia's dedication to sustainability is evident in its pledge to donate 1% of sales to environmental conservation groups, a practice that has been in place since 2001. The brand operates over 70 stores globally and has an estimated value of $3 billion, reflecting its strong market presence and consumer loyalty. For more details, visit Patagonia's official website.

Under Armour

Under Armour is a leading producer of base layers, renowned for its innovative and high-performance products. Founded on the principle of first-layer performance apparel, Under Armour has continuously pushed the boundaries of technology, as seen in their UA Packaged Baselayers introduced in 2019, which feature advanced properties such as four-way stretch fabric, odor control with SCENTRY technology, and a polyester/Elasterell blend for improved layering efficiency. The brand's commitment to innovation has made it a favorite among athletes, with products like ColdGear Baselayer pioneering the technical base layer market since 1996. Under Armour's base layers are designed to provide warmth, stretch, and odor control, making them essential for various sports and outdoor activities. The brand's global reach and partnerships with top athletes further solidify its position in the base layer market.

Arc'teryx

Arc'teryx is renowned as one of the top producers of high-quality base layers, particularly favored by athletes and outdoor enthusiasts for their comfort, breathability, and durability. The brand's parent company, Amer Sports, reported a 44% rise in the technical apparel segment in the first quarter of 2024, highlighting the strong demand for Arc'teryx products. Known for their merino wool base layers, such as the Satoro AR, these garments are praised for their lightweight design and exceptional performance in various weather conditions. Arc'teryx's commitment to circular fashion and durability is also evident through their scaled repair operations and customer education initiatives. The brand's focus on quality and sustainability has contributed to its growth and customer loyalty.

merino.tech

Merino Tech is a renowned Canadian brand, established in 2018, specializing in high-quality base layers made from 100% New Zealand Merino wool. Known for its soft, lightweight, and excellent temperature-regulating properties, Merino Tech's products offer unmatched comfort in various conditions. The brand ensures rigorous quality control at every stage of production, using non-mulesed Merino wool to avoid any discomfort. Their range includes lightweight to heavyweight options, suitable for daily activities, outdoor sports, and extreme conditions. With a strong presence in the global market, particularly in the United States, Merino Tech's products are praised for their warmth, breathability, and durability.

REI Co-op

REI Co-op is renowned for producing high-quality base layers, utilizing materials such as 92% recycled polyester and 8% spandex, which are bluesign approved for environmental sustainability. Their base layers are available in various weights, including lightweight and midweight options, and are designed for both men and women. With a strong membership base contributing to over 90% of purchases, REI Co-op leverages customer data to enhance product design and customer experience. Their products, such as the Merino 185 Long-Sleeve Base Layer Top, are highly rated for their thermal range and moisture-wicking properties. Since its inception by 23 mountain climbers, REI Co-op has grown to serve 16 million members with 150 stores across 36 states.

Helly Hansen

Helly Hansen is renowned as one of the top producers of base layers, particularly noted for its LIFA(r) technology which offers exceptional moisture-wicking and quick-drying properties. The brand has been recognized as the world's top-selling baselayer brand, highlighting its dominance in the market. Helly Hansen's base layers are popular for their durability, elasticity, and affordability, making them a favorite among athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. The brand's products, such as the Helly Hansen LIFA Crew Base Layer, are highly recommended for high-output activities and are known for their lightweight and breathable design. With a strong presence in the global base layer market, Helly Hansen continues to innovate and meet the evolving needs of its customers. For more details on their base layers, you can visit their website.

Odlo

Odlo is a prominent player in the base layer market, known for its high-quality and innovative products. The brand is part of a global market that was valued at USD 7.49 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.64% from 2023 to 2030. Odlo, along with other key players like The North Face and Gore, contributes significantly to the market's growth, particularly in regions such as Europe and North America. The brand's products are popular across various distribution channels, including online platforms which are expected to observe the fastest growth with a CAGR of 4.46% over the forecast period. Odlo's commitment to quality and performance has made it a favorite among consumers, especially in the sports and fitness segments.

Columbia

Columbia Sportswear Company is a prominent player in the base layer market, known for its high-quality and functional clothing. As of 2022, the global base layer market, which includes brands like Columbia, was valued at USD 7.49 billion and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.64% from 2023 to 2030. Columbia's products cater to various applications, including sports and outdoor activities, with the sports segment holding a significant market share of 49.67% in 2022. The brand benefits from the increasing participation in sports and outdoor activities, as well as the rising demand for online purchases, with the online segment expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.46% during the forecast period. Columbia's presence in the market is further strengthened by its distribution in regions like North America, which accounted for 38.18% of the global base layer market share in 2022. For more information on their products and opportunities, visit Columbia Sportswear's official website.