Baselayers - A question

[Manx]

I have just bought some HH lifa baselayer tops and bottoms. The top seems a bit tight side even though I am in the middle of the range it is supposed to cover.

So, is this the way they are, or are HH sizes a touch on the small side?

Thanks for any info.

[Xander]

Originally Posted by Manx

I have just bought some HH lifa baselayer tops and bottoms. The top seems a bit tight side even though I am in the middle of the range it is supposed to cover.

So, is this the way they are, or are HH sizes a touch on the small side?

Thanks for any info.

How tight? Base layers are supposed be be close fitting and against the skin.. I don t have HH stuff I like Marino stuff so i dont know the sizing.. but tight and uncomfortable is not good, close fitting (like a superhero) is right

[Matt Cartney]

Helly Hansen sizes are quite small and the tops are frustratingly short (which is odd as the Scandics are all huge). I have ditched them in favour of Berghaus thermals which are designed to be looser fitting (which means you can wear them on their own in the pub without embarrasment) and are IMHO much more comfortable.

Matt

[Toyark]

I didn't get on with HH and sold it- then a friend recommended Icebreaker and I have never looked back!
I use:
Base layer= Icebreaker GT 180 (Merino wool) very snug fit
Next layer Icebreaker Bodyfit 260 (Merino wool)
Next Layer Icebreaker Sport 320 (Merino wool)
Topped by North Face Apex wind-breaker polo neck
then a Swazi Wapiti long jacket, Gore-Tex top of the line, weatherproof, wind proof and warm.
Mix ''N match in any combination - always warm and dry
Best investment in clothing I ever made- and the only 5 items you need for your upper half!

[Manx]

Thanks, I shall have a look at the icebreaker/berghaus stuff. The HH stuff definitely doesn't make me look like a superhero... ...might need a miracle for that though.

[Manx]

Just done an actual measurement of the top's chest size and its 36" - HH say a Meduim is up to 41".

[Matt Cartney]

A second on Icebreaker stuff. Personally I find merino stuff itchy next to the skin but I have a Icebreaker jumper/zip-cardigan thing that is the comfiest and warmest mid-layer I've ever owned and is not bulky so fits under the biker jacket very comfortably.

Matt

[Manx]

Well, I had a look at the icebreaker stuff, and the cost put me off, around £50. So I bought a Rukka RVP Technica top, £20. The fit is quite good, the material is thinner, I think than the HH, allowing it to stretch more easily, BUT its an itchy fabric compared to the HH. I didn't expect that as it was polypropylene same as the HH. So, I can't really reccomend that particular Rukka line.

I think you get what you pay for. I'll keep searching, damn this is getting expensive...

[Toyark]

Merino wool if hand washed (always) in a very soft detergent (Stergene is best) becomes very very soft- absolutely no itchy bits anywhere.

It is so comfortable to wear - very versatile but a bit expensive I agree - still, for me it was worth the expense- kit is very subjective- why/where/what for etc etc

[Manx]

I decided to take a longish ride, to try out these two base layers. I washed the Rukka top, which became much less scratchy than out of the packet and wore the HH bottoms.

The Rukka top felt much better, quite comfortable, although slightly scratchy, not too bad, the HH bottoms felt a bit sweaty. So, change of verdict, the Rukka is ok. I am less enamoured with the HH.

[SpitfireTriple]

Nothing but silk next to my skin