Warm to the core.
This is a phrase we hear often as winter approaches and the cold sets in. Even if you warm the outside of your body, you will quickly become cold again if you aren’t warmed from the inside. To maintain warmth, it is essential to be heated from the core.
The same can be said for what you wear. While it is certainly important to have gear that provides warmth, like the Micro Puff Vest we introduced the other day, it is even more important to choose something worn directly against your skin—the layer closest to your body's core—that is equipped with solid functionality.
The first thing required of such a winter base layer is warmth against the cold. However, that alone does not make for a great piece for getting through the winter. Whether in daily life, such as commuting by bicycle, or when engaging in activities like long rides, running, or hiking, we almost always break a sweat. Particularly during activities like long rides or hiking, where you alternate between movement and rest, if your clothing doesn't function well, you are highly likely to get chilled to the bone. It might be an exaggeration to say it could happen, but it’s possible that once you cool down, it would take a significant amount of time to warm your body back up, leading to a situation where even moving becomes a chore. Therefore, the key to choosing a winter base layer is warmth and whether it can handle sweat effectively and quickly.
Mid-layers and outerwear only perform well if you have the right base layer.
Regardless, choosing the right base layer is vital for a comfortable and enjoyable winter, and this Patagonia Capilene Thermal Weight is certainly a piece equipped with the functionality to serve as that foundation. It has been a staple in our shop every year, and it continues to have a massive following of repeat customers, not to mention those who are thinking seriously about their first base layer.
【PATAGONIA】M’s Capilene Thermal Weight Zip Neck Hoody
Price : ¥14,500_(excl. tax)
Color : Black, Big Sur Blue, Micro Green
The stretchy and breathable Capilene Thermal Weight is a base layer that uses soft Polartec® Power Grid™ fabric, offering excellent warmth and moisture-wicking properties. It contains 30–92% recycled material and features Polygiene® permanent odor control, meaning you can wash it less often and wear it for longer periods.
The three-dimensional hood construction, made with double-layered fabric and taped at the neckline, fits snugly around the head, while the high collar enhances warmth. Gusseted underarms accommodate a full range of shoulder movement, and off-set shoulder and side seams allow for a smooth fit under backpack straps. Stretchy thumb loops cover the wrists, and the slightly longer back hem provides extra coverage to prevent cold air from sneaking in.
The warm, brushed fleece interior of the Polartec® Power Grid™ is designed to quickly wick away heavy sweat, keeping you comfortable even during winter activities.
While it is designed for use as a base layer during activities, we also recommend using it in combination with your daily wear. It provides warmth around your neck, effectively acting as a neck warmer while serving as an accent to your style for the day. However, since the items you layer on top might also have hoods, or because the neck area can get cluttered with too many layers, a crew neck style can be very convenient.
【PATAGONIA】M’s Capilene Thermal Weight Crew
Price : ¥11,000_(excl. tax)
M’s Color : Black, Big Sur Blue, Forge Grey
Naturally, to fully utilize the functionality of a base layer, you should aim for a snug fit that follows your body's contours. However, because the Capilene Thermal Weight fabric has a bit of thickness, you can also opt for one size larger than your usual fit and wear it like a cut-and-sew shirt or mid-layer. For reference, I wear the Zip Neck Hoody in XS and the Crew Neck in S. In fact, one of our staff members, TMD, wears the Zip Neck Hoody a size up as his running gear. Even though it is a base layer, there are many ways to wear the Capilene Thermal Weight.
If you are concerned about sizing, please feel free to visit our shop. Trying them on is definitely an option.
In store, we have also received many other base layers, such as those from ACLIMA, which feature merino wool as the primary fabric. I know I sound like a broken record, but choosing the right base layer is the most important step to a comfortable winter. We hope you find the perfect piece to help you spend your winter in comfort.