Price: £55 / $70 / €70 Sizes: XS / S / M / L Colors: Black-and-white Sleeve options: Sleeveless Weight: 55 grams – S/M
It can sometimes be difficult to find a really good summer base layer, so when I find one that I really like, I often reach for it. This summer, that was the case for me with the underwear simply called “Summer Base Layer” from Australian brand Attaquer.
I wear a base layer on almost every ride. If it’s super hot I might skip it, but I live in the UK so I’m generally more comfortable wearing one. I also like the idea of an extra (albeit thin) layer between my torso and the tarmac in the event of a crash.
I’ve been testing it over the past few months and recently wore it at the Chasing Cancellara event in Switzerland; my longest ride ever, which at over 13 hours straight is surely a tough test for any base layer.
The Summer Base Layer is a lightweight polyester sleeveless garment available in two colours. The main body of the garment is made from a thin, lightweight mesh. It took first place in our guide to the best cycling underwear this year and costs £55 / $70 / €70.
On the front of the base layer there is a single logo (Photo credit: Tom Wieckowski)
Design and aesthetics
Atttaquer’s range of baselayers is easy to navigate. The baselayers are called Summer and Winter and it’s easy to tell which is which. The Summer Baselayer is designed in Australia and made in China from a polyester/elastane blend. It comes in black or white and in three graduated sizes: XS, SM and L-XL.
There is a single white vertical Attaquer logo on the chest that hasn’t cracked even after many washes (an issue I saw with the Attaquer All Day cycling jersey I recently tested). The bottom of the hem has the Attaquer slogan “Be Your Alter Ego” printed all the way around on the inside. I find this a bit unnecessary on a base layer, the comfort and performance speak for themselves. I’d say Attaquer, save yourself the trouble and extra cost.
The base layer is stretchy and fitted without being too tight or small, and sits well under a variety of jerseys. If you want the smallest possible base layer under a tight jersey, or simply prefer it, check out the Pas Normal sleeveless option in our guide to the best cycling base layers.
Design-wise, the Summer Base Layer uses a fine, sheer polyester mesh for the torso and shoulders, and then a solid, very soft polyester material on the torso sides and bottom hem. The seams are not flatlock seams, but only run along the sides of the torso and top of the shoulders, not on the back panels like the Endura Translite II. The seams themselves are clean, though, and didn’t cause me any irritation.
Attaquer’s sizes are staggered and I tested size SM, which fits me like a regular small in other brands, although it is quite stretchy.
I would say go for a size larger if you normally wear a large size or just want a little more room.
Performance
The torso net merges into a solid side part that is very soft (Photo credit: Tom Wieckowski)
The summer base layer is very comfortable, it feels great to put on and has a barely there feel. The upper body material is very stretchy and elastic but the more elastic hem pulls everything back together and gives a comfortable fit.
For tighter fitting summer jerseys. I prefer to wear a sleeveless base layer or vest, especially when the temperature rises. I have been very comfortable in this base layer on a number of jerseys.
The toughest test for the summer base layer was my 300km ride in Switzerland at the Chasing Cancellara event. The ride started in the early hours and I rode comfortably until dawn and then continued for the rest of the day as temperatures climbed into the mid to high twenties (Celsius). The ride ended just after 5pm, but not before it had rained for 90 minutes.
The base layer really kept me comfortable all day. There was no rubbing, chafing or any other discomfort and it handled moisture well. I didn’t have to adjust or think about it once and I didn’t feel like it didn’t breathe well. The temperature range on this ride was 15-25 degrees. I specifically chose shorts and a jersey for this ride that I felt totally comfortable in and the base layer matched that.
My only real complaint is that my review sample developed a few slight pulls in the mesh material in the chest area. I’m not sure how they got there, but they’re not causing me any problems.
Single layer, seamless layer in the neck area (Photo credit: Tom Wieckowski)
Verdict
Lightweight, soft and comfortable, the Summer Base Layer has become my go-to summer jersey piece this summer and passed my 13-hour road test with flying colors.
The seams are there and they are not flat or minimal, but they are positioned in such a way that they have not caused me a single problem and I do not consider that a negative.
If you’re looking for a lightweight, comfortable base layer for summer, look no further.
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Design and aesthetics
Lightweight, soft polyester mesh fabric with a tailored, stretchy cut
8/10
Value
Not exactly cheap, in line with many other higher quality cycling underwear
7/10
Fit
Really nicely made, drapes very well and the elastic hem works well. Size up if you are unsure about the tiered sizing.
8/10
comfort
Super comfortable, didn’t cause me a single problem
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