Thin Underlayer with bra for winter riding

[jpbayarea]

I'm wondering what you women have found works for the next to your skin layer under your jersey? I don't like it to feel bulky and so want the bra to be a part of this layer. Most bra/sports bra types don't seem to be very good at wicking the sweat and I end up damp under my jersey even if it's dry. Not a problem in summer but not so great in cooler weather. I'd love to hear if you have a 'working' system. thanks.

[snapdragen]

Do you mean for a little extra warmth? I wear a Craft undershirt under my jersey.

Craft Tank (http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=14312)

[DeniseGoldberg]

I wear an REI midweight MTS tank - you can see it here (http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=47899152&parent_category_rn=4501794&vcat=REI_SSHP_WOMENS_CLOTHING_TOC).

--- Denise

[SadieKate]

Built in bras rarely fit me and I like to be able to vary the underlayer thickness and sleeve length (tank, short, or long). I like zip turtlenecks (PI or REI). For tanks and shortsleeve underlayers I just go to the local running store for the most choices. Not sure what TE has to offer other than Craft which I want to try one of these days.

[Veronica]

I've started wearing Capilene bras from Patagonia. They seem to wick pretty well and some are on sale right now.

I haven't been cold enough yet to want an undershirt. Wool or cashmere seems to keep me pretty comfy.

V.

[wavedancer]

I like the EMS seamless bra. It's light-weight and wicks quite well.
http://www.ems.com/products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442584796&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302181819&fromTemplate=navigation%2Fsubcategory.jsp&bmUID=1131939860251

[BikeMomma]

When I was out shopping for new winter pajamas at Target, I came across some sports-specific sweat-wicking long underwear. I can't remember what they call them, but they were in packages in the same rack as the regular long underwear (lingerie/pajama section). I bought a couple long-sleeve ones just because they were cheap, and tried one out last month when I was in Maine's blustery weather. It worked great! I haven't used it since, because it hasn't been cold enough here in CA yet. Just my $.02. :p

[jpbayarea]

thanks for all the suggestions. Is that Craft tank with or without bra built in? I just prefer only the two layers and not a third. With heart monitor, bra and underlayer then jersey it can feel bulky...

Guess I am a spoiled Californian who doesn't have to bulk up to ride...most of the time.

[Duck on Wheels]

Believe it or not, there is such a thing as a wool sports bra. Claim is that it doesn't itch either. I plan on getting one next time I'm home (Norway), then I can tell you how it works. I've seen them at a little sports shop called ute.no (as in out.Norway). Otherwise, my cold weather excercise (trekking rather than biking in that season for me) inner layer has been a superlight, no-itch, wool longsleeve with sports bra under. I have a couple of different wool longsleeves. Any that itch wind up getting tossed. The nicest one serves as my cold weather May 17 undershirt (under the linen blouse and vest of a nat'l costume). They wick fine plus stay warm even if damp. Worst I've experienced was when the wicked-away moisture froze on the inside of my gore-tex jacket. From now on, top layer has to be cotton when it's really cold.

[newfsmith]

wick fine plus stay warm even if damp. Worst I've experienced was when the wicked-away moisture froze on the inside of my gore-tex jacket. From now on, top layer has to be cotton when it's really cold.


I think you may have had a separate issue, Gore-tex for hiking often is not adequetely vented. You need front & back vents as well as pit zips. Of course that increases the "draftiness" when cycling in sub-freezing weather. I prefer to use a cycling jacket from REI that has a windproof front and tight-like material on the back. Cotton, even on the outer layer tends to retain moisture. I would like to try one of the windproof but still wicking polarfleeces, like the Lands End Maraniac, which is supposed to also be water resistent so it would be good in snowy weather. By the way, if you have wicking layers underneath,and aren't wearing a back pack, a little frost inside isn't that bad. My kids used to wait for me to get back from my winter evening runs to watch me shake the "snow" out of my nylon shell

[Nanci]

I like the Patagonia Tiny Bra. I bought a couple for cycling, but end up wearing them all the time. Super wicking, so light you can barely feel it. I also have another Patagonia bra, with a twisty front, the Gemini. Really cute, but it gets kind of water-logged, and has _no_ elastic underneath, so I always feel like I'm falling out of it. Then I have _another_ Patagonia bra, the Capilene Mesh Bra (with the skinny straps) which is really wicking, and really supportive, but has a double layer in front, so is warmer, and is more sports-bra like, so gives a major uni-boob. But I still love it. Also highly recommend the Patagonia panties- super comfy, light, wicking, seamless.

Nanci

[Veronica]

I second the vote on the Patagonia Undies. I've been reluctant to try the Tiny bra, because of the name.

V.

[Nanci]

I think they call it tiny because it is so light and delicate. Not so much tiny in coverage. Probably wouldn't work for C's, though. I can even wear it to sleep in instead of a tank, or whatever. _So_ comfortable.

Nanci

[anne_77]

I use UnderArmour sports bras. They're made of moisture-wicking material and I just love them. During the summer I wear them anytime I know I'm going to be outside sweating - like the Women's Pro Golf Tournament I went to watch in Maryland - it was absolutely sweltering! I think they give decent "support" too. I'm a C-cup and they hold me in place well enough to jog, do aerobics, and cycle.