The temperature has definitely dropped, so now is the perfect time to be wearing a specific winter golf base layer. I've enlisted another F18 team member, selected a few of the latest styles and have written some buying advice to help you in your quest to find the right one.
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Peak Performance Zip Golf Base Layer
This golf base layer is for an athletic individual, but is far from compression fit and traps heat well. Made from a fine merino wool/polyester mix with a Thermocool treatment, it insulates well, is breathable and wicks moisture with the best. Although the soft material is thin, the wool blend feels warm and is extremely comfortable, with the zip neck not causing any irritation. This garment exudes quality and looked great when on show, with the Peak Performance Frost Down Vest.
Comfort - 4/5 -
Soft fabric with no wool irritation. Snug fit and comfortable around the neck.
Warmth - 4/5 -
Lightweight, but the wool blend provides good warmth.
Value - 3/5 -
At £59.99 this garment is almost the most expensive golf base layer that we stock, but the Peak Performance quality is evident.
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FootJoy ProDry Seamless Mock
In my opinion the comfiest out there, this nylon/polyester and spandex garment is a snug fit but doesn't feel compressive. The body mapping detail enhances the look and the seamless construction at the side body, cuffs and hem eliminate any potential friction on the body at critical areas. This golf base layer has some stretch in it and doesn't restrict you when you swing. It definitely provided adequate warmth, and on-course, I noticed how comfortable the branded collar was.
Comfort - 5/5 -
Feels great straight out of the packet. The mid-height collar and key seamless areas work very nicely.
Warmth - 4/5 -
A weight and fabric mix which feels great for winter golf.
Value - 5/5 -
Priced at £44.99, this is FootJoy's premium base layer but with body mapping, anti-microbial technology (which will keep you smelling nice) and moisture wicking properties, you get a lot for your money.
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Oscar Jacobson Rock Golf Base Layer
Built for the extreme cold, this WPS (Oscar Jacobson's polyester technology) golf base layer also provides the softest feel against the skin with it's fleece inner. The garment is loose fitting, and thick in comparison with most base layers on the market, meaning it could definitely be worn on its own or as a cover up in warmer conditions. The zip neck with chin guard is extremely comfortable, and the simple OJ branding looks great.
Comfort - 5/5 -
This loose fitting base layer is very comfortable, with a soft touch against the skin.
Warmth - 5/5 -
A heavy weight base layer with unbeatable warmth.
Value - 5/5 -
At £49.99 this garment is high end, but the quality of manufacture, thickness of material and warmth factor make it excellent value.
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Under Armour Cold Gear Crew Neck
First feeling about the Under Armour Cold Gear was how tight it fits. This is compression wear, is 100% a base layer and would look daft if worn any other way. It fits like a second skin and feels strange to swing in at first but I warmed to the extra support it provides and the heat had nowhere to escape. Annoyingly though, this base layer was prone to ride up around the lower body.
Comfort - 3/5 -
An acquired taste and very tight in comparison to others in the guide. Was prone to ride up around the lower body.
Warmth - 4/5 -
Cold Gear technology has been in UA products for years, is tried and tested and works well. Heat feels trapped under the garment.
Value - 4/5 -
£34.99 is good value for this golf base layer. This product is well made and will last for years.
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Galvin Green East Base Layer
The Galvin Green East is a loose fitting base layer, not a compression top. I would say that the garment is still fitted, but not skin tight as advertised on the packaging. This golf base layer features insulation technology which Galvin claim to be from a combination of 'advanced knitting techniques', and whatever they have done works. The roll neck on this garment is very comfortable and a bit more traditional in it's styling.
Comfort - 4/5 -
Very comfortable fit and soft fabric used in it's construction.
Warmth - 5/5 -
The "knitting" people at Galvin Green have got it spot on.
Value - 4/5 -
Top end of the market at £49.95 but Galvin Green always deliver a quality product.
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Adidas Climawarm Mock Neck
Slipping into the Climawarm golf base layer, this garment felt fitted, but not skin tight. I immediately noticed how soft the base layer was, probably because of the fleece like lining, which is great for comfort as well as warmth. This base layer was definitely one of the lightest in the product test and this may have reduced the warmth factor slightly. Featuring a raglan shoulder construction for ease of movement, the product is finished with contrast Adidas performance brandmark on the left cuff. It also features a small mock neck, which is just visible when worn under a polo shirt.
Comfort - 4/5 -
Very comfortable, not too tight and soft inner feels nice.
Warmth - 3/5 -
Lightweight but still feels warm because of the inner.
Value - 5/5 -
The cheapest in our test at £32.99 and would definitely be money well spent.