If your child plays football, hockey, soccer or basketball, the coach may have asked for a base layer. Here is what that means, what it does, and how to pick one.
What a base layer is
A base layer is a fitted shirt or pair of pants worn under the uniform, directly on the skin. It is made from a stretchy synthetic fabric, usually polyester with spandex, that hugs the body without squeezing. Ours are 88% polyester / 12% spandex.
What it does
- Moves sweat off the skin. Polyester does not absorb moisture the way cotton does, so sweat spreads out and dries instead of soaking the shirt.
- Adds a thin warm layer. For early-morning or late-season practice, a base layer under a jersey keeps the chill off without the bulk of a sweatshirt.
- Reduces rubbing. Pads, straps and jerseys rub less against a smooth fitted layer than against bare skin. Flatlock seams, which lie flat instead of standing up, help here.
- Stays put. A fitted layer does not ride up or bunch under pads.
Compression vs. thermal
Compression base layers are thin and fitted, made for movement and sweat, and work in most weather. Thermal base layers are thicker and made for cold only. For a kid who plays through fall and into winter, a compression layer under the uniform is the everyday option; add a thermal layer only on the coldest days.
How it should fit
Snug but not tight. Your child should be able to raise both arms and squat without the shirt pulling at the shoulders or the pants sliding down. Compression pieces are sized the same as our other kids' activewear, 3-4 through 15-16, and the size chart is in the product photos. Because the fit is close, measure chest and height rather than sizing up "to grow into."
How many to buy
Base layers go on the skin, so they need washing after every practice. With two or three practices a week, a 3-pack of pants or a 4-piece set (2 shirts + 2 pants) means there is always a clean one. Ours are machine washable; skip fabric softener, which can coat synthetic fibers and reduce wicking.
Our base layers
- Boys compression shirts and pants 4-piece set: 2 compression shirts and 2 compression pants, 88% polyester / 12% spandex, flatlock seams, sizes 3-16.
- Kids compression base layer pants 3-pack: three pairs of compression pants, same fabric and flatlock seams, sizes 3-16.
- Girls long sleeve dry fit shirts 3-pack: a looser long-sleeve layer for soccer, volleyball and running.
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