When it comes to the golfing season, fall can have the same effect as the Sunday scaries. But with hi-tech apparel and the right layering strategies, you don’t have to dread the colder weather and can extend your golf game well through the season. We’ve rounded up the best base layers for golfers that don’t let any forecast deter them. And if you’re not ready for a full 18 holes in a tundra, these pieces will also work well for winter workouts or walking the dog for now and when the thaw begins, help you get out on the course sooner.
Base layers are often mixed up with thermals when it comes to staying warm in cold weather. The purpose of a base layer is to retain body heat while absorbing and evaporating sweat. Often referred to as a “second skin,” these pieces are designed to regulate body temperature during activity. Thermals are for stationary activities and are designed to add a layer of warmth and insulation.
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Smartwool Men’s Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer
$115 | Smartwool Buy Now 
Dunning Men’s Long Sleeve Merino Base Layer $99 | Dunning Buy Now 
Ridge Merino Men’s Aspect Midweight Merino Wool Base Layer $75 | Ridge Merino Buy Now 
lululemon Women’s Long-Sleeve Crewneck Base Layer $88 | lululemon Buy Now 
Patagonia Women’s Capilene Midweight Crew $89 | Patagonia Buy Now 
Icebreaker Women’s Merino Long Sleeve
$125 | Ice Breaker Buy Now
Also called long underwear or leggings, base layer pants can be tricky to layer under golf pants. It’s much easier to wear these next-to-skin bottoms underneath rain pants, but a quality-made pair will have a lightweight construction that’ll comfortably fit under most golf pants, too. Look for a pair that has ventilation and a durable-yet-stretchy waistband that’ll stay in place without creating a squeeze.
Wool and Wool-Blend Bottoms 
Dunning Men’s Merino Base Layer Legging $99 | Dunning Buy Now 
Minus33 Men’s Merino Wool 706 Midweight Pants $80 | Amazon Buy Now 
Backcountry Men’s Cedars Merino Midweight Baselayer Bottom $99 | Backcountry Buy Now 
Smartwool Women’s Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer $110 | Smartwool Buy Now 
L.L. Bean Women’s Cresta Pants
$89 | L.L. Bean Buy Now 
Icebreaker Women’s 260 Tech Merino Base Layer Leggings $125 | Zappos.com Buy Now
When it comes to material, merino wool and wool-blend pieces are the best for base layers. It’s naturally temperature-regulating, wicking and odor-resistant. Synthetic layers—like nylon or spandex—typically cost less than wool but are more likely to trap sweat and odors. When shopping for affordable base layers, polyester pieces with elastane can be a great option. Be sure to move around a bit when you try it on to make sure there is a comfortable amount of stretch, seams are engineered to allow for the mobility required to swing a golf club and the compression is durable enough to stay next-to-skin and add warmth where you need it.
Options under $75 
Uniqlo Men’s Heattech Long Johns $20 | Uniqlo Buy Now 
Puma Men’s YouV Long Sleeve Baselayer Golf Shirt $60 $42 | PUMA Buy Now 
Under Armour Men’s ColdGear Base 3.0 Leggings $70 | Under Armour Buy Now 
adidas Women’s TECHFIT Long Sleeve Training Top $45 $41 | adidas Buy Now 
FootJoy Women’s Base Layer $68 | FootJoy Buy Now 
Mountain Hard Wear Women’s Mountain Stretch Tight $75 $30 | Mountain Hard Wear Buy Now More to consider: 
Lululemon Men’s Seamless Base Layer Tight 27″ $128 | lululemon Buy Now 
Castore Men’s Golf Long Sleeve Mock Neck Base Layer – White $52 | Castore Buy Now 
KJUS Men’s Baselayer Turtleneck $109 | KJUS Buy Now 
Under Armour Women’s ColdGear Authentics Leggings $55 | Under Armour Buy Now 
FootJoy Women’s Funnel Collar Pullover $125 | FootJoy Buy Now 
Galvin Green Women’s Ebba Base Layer $89 | Galvin Green Buy Now More From Golf 
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This article was originally published on golfdigest.com
