Can anyone recommend a plus size base layer?

Hello, friends,

Weather-weenie me is ready for a real cycling base layer, but I can't find any in XXL. (And, yes, I've checked TE, and yes, Knot, I've checked all of your favorite wool people.)

I currently wear a long-sleeve cotton t-shirt from Target. It's comfortable, but DH this morning sort of shook his head and muttered something about wicking moisture and wind resistance and asked me if he bought me a base layer shirt, would i wear it? Well, sure, but from what I can tell, nobody makes one my size.

This morning I went out in my long knickers, the white t-shirt, my short-sleeve jersey, my teal TE arm warmers, and my winter PI gloves with the long fingers. I was warm enough, but I was a little damp with sweat by the end.

I'm blessed to be in San Diego where winters are really mild, but the wind off the ocean really is cold. As long as I stay in the sun, I'm good. I guess I'm just frustrated that they don't make base layers for plus-size people.

Do I need to buy a men's XL and roll up the sleeves? Should I just suck it up and be glad I'm not looking at 12 ft snowdrifts out my door?

Sigh. Sorry for whining.

Roxy

Have you tried just an XL from Icebreaker or Smartwool? I ask because according to their size charts, neither should fit me, but I can wear them. Yes, they're a little tight...but since I use them as base layers, I really don't care.

Before turning to wool, I bought "long underwear" tops meant for snowsports. They usually came in foil packages from sporting goods stores, and the fabric was of the stretchy technical/performance variety so fit was never really an issue. Again, they were clingy, but I didn't care because I always had on something (even just a vest sometimes) over them. Costco and Target also usually carry something similar--one of them under the brand "Cool Duds." (Or maybe it's "Warm Duds"...sorry, my brain isn't fully online during the weekend evenings.)

For some size reference: I'm 5'5", 220 (though I've been up to 240-ish with my current wardrobe), an "apple", and most often wear an 18 or 20 in regular clothes.

Love my "Cuddl Duds." Got mine at Target maybe 10 years ago, and they are still going strong. I have both L and XL, and the XL Cuddl Duds fit better. http://www.cuddlduds.com/

Ibex sizes are a bit on the large size. I'm a size 20-22 (5'8" and 200 lbs) and wear womens L in Ibex wool baselayers.

Have you tried Athleta.com? They sell many items in plus size and I think their XL runs large.

Thank you all for the suggestions, friends. I'm goin' shoppin'!

Roxy

Roxy,

have you tried Craft Pro Zero Extreme? It's thin, stretchy, comfortable and wicks like nobody's business. The XL should fit you.

TE is sold out of the 'regular' long sleeve ones in XL, but they still have:

Zero Extreme Moving Wing Base Layer
http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodCR_1900244.html

Pro Zero Extreme Shortsleeve Base Layer
http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodCR_192443.html

I have both of these and I love them. The only thing that might be a down side for you is that the first one (with the wings) has mesh around the wrist, which makes it hard to push up my sleeves all the way up to my elbow. Then again, that might not be an issue for you.

Cari

Thank you, Cari. I'll look into those, too. When I was on that page, I saw the Sugoi base layer, as well. Does anyone know if that fits larger than sized? My worry is the bottom fitting over my hips without riding up.

I actually am quite Weeble-shaped.

Roxy

I just stumble across this, and remembered this thread so thought I would come back and share. Wool base layers in up to an XXXL in women's sizes.

http://www.minus33.com/catalog