Best Golf Base Layers

Abacus Men’s Spin Long Sleeve
Base Layer

RRP £38

The humble baselayer is the essential building block of any layering system. The Spin longsleeve from Abacus is made from 100% polyester Drycool fabric, which is breathable, stretchy and wicking – all the attributes you want from a baselayer. 

Abacus base and midlayers tend to run true to size for me and the medium size fitted my non-athletic 74kg, 173 cm frame just right. I’m not a fan of the close compression type of layer so this more relaxed cut suited me well. The turtleneck collar helps keep the warmth in, and the body and sleeve lengths are spot on.  

On the course, the Spin behaves just as you’d hope. It is comfortable and there’s no restriction to swinging. There’s nothing not to like about this piece of apparel. It comes in a choice of four colours – I tested the navy. It can be used for a variety of outdoor activities and is very good value.  

PROS

• Soft & comfortable material
• Stretchy & breathable
• Excellent value

CONS

• None

Sizes: S-XXXL
Colour: Navy, Dark cobalt, White, Black

Callaway
Crew Neck
Base Layer

RRP £40

If you are one of those who opts to wear a base layer when playing golf during the winter months, then Callaway may have provided exactly what you’re looking for in their AW23 collection.

The Callaway Golf Crew Neck baselayer is available in a selection of colours and provides comfort and warmth on your skin throughout inclement weather. Callaway’s Swing Tech technology provides the fabric with more stretching capabilities, which allows a bigger range of movement. There is still some restriction in your swing and range of motion when wearing the Crew Neck baselayer.

The Opti-Dri moisture management system keeps you dry as well, and also more importantly, keeps your skin dry throughout the round. The Crew Neck provides added cover to your throat and neck area in wind and rain to keep even more of your body warmer. This product comes in a range of colours, including black, white and navy.  

PROS

• Lightweight
• Warm

CONS

• Some swing restriction

Sizes: XS-2XL
Colour: Black / Grey / Navy / White

FootJoy Thermoseries Base Layer compression fit

RRP £59.99

This long sleeve baselayer from FootJoy is constructed from a hexagonal pattern Jacquard polyester weave which provides excellent breathability and wicking.  

The medium size fitted my non-athletic 74kg, 173 cm frame just right. The so-called ‘golf compression fit’ gave no great sense of compression, which for me, is a good thing, and there was certainly no restriction while swinging. I felt that the neck could do with a slightly higher rise to improve heat retention, and the body felt to be a little on the short side. I like a base layer that stays tucked in. 

Other than that, this ThermoSeries base layer performed really well and is particularly comfortable next to the skin, with no chafing from the lock stitch seam. It comes in just one colour, a crisp white, and is suitable for a variety of cool weather outdoor activities.  

PROS

• Very comfortable fit
• Excellent breathability and moisture control 
• Flexible use

CONS

• Not for the coldest of days

Sizes: S-2XL
Colours: White

Stuburt Knot Base Layer  

RRP £29.99

Base layers are an essential key to your winter layering. A thin warm layer below your thicker and more weatherproof layers makes keeping warm and playing golf in autumn and winter much more enjoyable.

The Stuburt Knot base layer is a nylon, polyester and elastane mix that creates an unrestrictive garment that feels great next to the skin and doesn’t impede the swing at all.

I would have preferred it to be slightly stretchier to make it easier to get on and off, but once it is on it’s a snug fit that feels like another layer of skin.

The colours are simple and the logo looks great on the neck, for this price, it is excellent value for money. 

PROS

• Very warm
• Great fit
• Great value

CONS

• Doesn’t feel stretchy enough

Sizes: S-2XL
Colour: French Navy/Black/White 

Oscar Jacobson Hamilton Thermal Base Layer 

RRP £44.99

The Hamilton base layer is a great option for any golfer looking to brave the winter golf. There is multiple colours available, and it fits great under your other winter garments.

Made from a lightweight technical fabric blend making it very comfortable and soft along with perfect mobility on your golf swing. I barely noticed I was wearing it when out on the golf course nor the chilly temperatures we played in. It is also looks very smart with a variety of golf apparel so can be combined with multiple layers or a single polo if you don’t like wearing jackets or jumpers when you play.

The Oscar Jacobson branding is also cleverly placed, easy to see what brand it is without being too invasive on the eye.

Overall, it was ideal for a base-layer. A great option for when it is particularly chilly, looks really smart, and felt comfortable. 

PROS

• Comfortable
• Stylish
• Good colour options

CONS

• None

Sizes: S-3XL  
Colour: White / Pewter / Black / Navy 

Puma
Base Layer

RRP £24.99

This base layer is solid and smart. The jet-black look is very striking, and the materials used will no doubt keep you insulated with the accompaniment of other layers.

This base layer can be worn with a multitude of different garments such as the Puma Frost Quilted Vest or the Puma Cloudspun Colourblock ¼ zip.

While recognising this is a base layer, I was surprised at how thin it was, having previously worn slightly thicker ones in the past.

Nonetheless, this black base layer is extremely versatile and could be worn in a number of different settings. Whether you are playing golf, rugby, football or just going for a stroll in the colder weather, this base layer will serve you on each occasion underneath other clothing.

It is extremely light, and you barely realise you have it on your back as you swing. The thin material contributes to this and while some base layers can be tight, this one allows maximum freedom of movement. 

PROS

• Light
• No tightness when you swing
• Fairly cheap addition to your golf wardrobe

CONS

• Thin material might not be to everyone’s liking

Sizes: S-XL
Colours: Black / White

Adidas Cold.Rdy
Base Layer 

RRP £45

Everyone should have a good base layer. I’ve previously shied away from them as owning a few poor ones has led me to having to pull it down and adjust it after every shot became too much of a pain, so I just opted to wear more baggy layers instead.

The Adidas base layer gave me no such problems, and I’m more than happy to recommend it. It’s thick and warm, easier to get on and off than previous base layers I’ve owned, and it stays in place when you swing.

They are a pretty essential item to have on during winter as they allow you to wear less bulky layers keeping your swing free and your drives long.

I like the logo on the neck and the forearms are tight enough and the right length. Highly recommend. 

PROS

• Warm
• Easy to get on & off
• Thick

CONS

• None

Sizes: XS-2XL
Colour: Crew Navy / Carbon

Under Armour Cold Gear Fitted Mock Base Layer

RRP £49

Who doesn’t love a base layer? The practicality of a good baselayer prevents you from having to add multiple layers while out on the golf course and, therefore, keep the freedom in your swing during the colder periods. 

The Under Armour Cold Gear Fitted Mock is exactly the baselayer to add to your wardrobe this winter. Their four-way stretch material allows for a better range of motion and to move in every direction while its comfortable feel and Cold Gear technology will enhance your winter golfing experience.  

Having worn this baselayer on numerous occasions, it’s fair to say that the above comes into reality. The baselayer fits to size exceptionally and doesn’t get in the way or restrict your movement, as some baselayers can often do, and it hits the main target of keeping you warm yet comfortable and not making you feel clammy due to its great breathability. 

PROS

• Comfortable
• Great fit
• Keeps you warm

CONS

• None

Sizes: XS-3XL
Colour: White/Black, Black/White, Charcoal Light Heather/Black, Marine OD Green/Black, Midnight Navy/White 

Castore Seamless Long Sleeve Mock Neck

RRP £65

The Castore seamless long sleeve mock neck is a great addition for those looking to layer up this winter. The mesh ventilation across the entire garment allows for great breathability and sits very tight to the body… or I hope it is meant to anyway!

Once the round started you barely realise you have it on. I complimented it the Castore gilet which felt great, kept me extremely warm and the mobility of the layers wasn’t even a consideration for my round. 

The design of the garment also looks great, it is available in three colours and the Castore branding on the sleeve, just below the neck on the rear and on the left side of the chest looks smart with cluttering the design.  

Overall the mock neck was very comfortable and practical for squeezing in an extra layer on those chillier of days.

PROS

• Comfortable
• Smart

CONS

• The fit may not be for everybody

Sizes: S-XL
Colour: Cabernet / Navy / White / Grey