A woman wearing organic mauve long sleeve base layers with a lama

As the seasons change, a good base layer that works to maintain a consistent body temperature is essential for feeling comfortable.  A great quality base layer can be fantastic for outdoors adventures such as hiking, camping and skiing, and they can also form the foundation of comfortable day to day dressing, especially as we seek materials that are gentle on the skin and reliable for everyday life.  If you've relied on traditional synthetic layers (like polyester) or scratchy wool in the past, it’s time to discover the superior comfort and thoughtful quality of organic base layers.

Why choose organic base layers - for people and planet 

What you wear next to your skin matters, and choosing organic base layers is a step towards a healthier lifestyle and is better for our planet too.  Here's why:

  • For you: Traditional farming practices for materials like cotton often involve heavy use of pesticides, herbicides, and synthetic fertilizers. These chemicals can leave residues on the fibres, irritating sensitive skin and potentially being absorbed by your body.  Certified organic fibres like wool and cotton, on the other hand, are grown without these harsh chemicals, making them hypoallergenic and gentler on your skin. They also tend to be softer and more comfortable as the fabrics are made without harsh chemicals, dyes and bleaches which can damage fibres making them rougher on your skin.  

  • For the planet: The impact of conventional agriculture on the environment is staggering. Pesticides contaminate soil and waterways, harming biodiversity and human health. Synthetic fertilisers contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Organic farming, however, prioritises ecological balance. It builds healthy soil, conserves water, promotes biodiversity, and eliminates harmful chemical run-off, leading to a much more sustainable and planet-friendly production process.   For animal fibres such as wool, organic farming has the highest standards of animal welfare, ensuring the sheep are given plenty of outside space, and treated humanely. 

Discover the best organic base layer for you 

There's many different organic fibre options and blends, each with its unique strengths. Let's explore some of the most popular and effective combinations: 

1. Organic Cotton: breathable, everyday comfort 

Organic cotton is a fantastic choice for those seeking comfort and breathability in milder conditions or for everyday wear.  Our cotton base layers for men and women come in long sleeved vest and long john options. 

  • Benefits: It's incredibly soft, gentle on the skin, and highly breathable, making it perfect for regulating body temperature without overheating. It's also naturally absorbent, which can be great for wicking away light moisture.

  • Best for: Casual wear, light activities, hiking in warm weather, or as a comfortable layer for sleeping. It's an excellent choice for individuals with sensitive skin who might find wool irritating.

  • Why:  The natural cotton fibres allow for excellent airflow, preventing that clammy feeling. The absence of harsh chemicals makes it comfortable option for all day wear.
    A lady wearing organic cotton base layers in natural undyed colour

2. Organic wool and organic cotton: the versatile all-rounder 

This blend combines the best of both worlds: the softness of organic cotton with the thermal properties of organic wool.   

  • Benefits: Organic wool provides excellent insulation, keeping you warm even when damp, and is naturally odor-resistant. The addition of organic cotton makes the fabric softer, more durable, and often more comfortable against the skin for those who find pure wool a bit itchy. This blend offers enhanced breathability compared to pure wool while still providing significant warmth.

  • Best for: Multi-season wear, moderate intensity activities like hiking, camping, and everyday use in cooler temperatures.  Also ideal for colder homes or those that feel the cold, it's a versatile choice for layering.

  • Why: The cotton content enhances comfort and adds a touch of everyday appeal, while the wool ensures you stay warm, dry, and fresh, making it a highly adaptable base layer.   a man wearing mid blue organic cotton and wool base layers and sitting on the floor

3. Organic wool and silk: the ultimate in luxury and performance

For those seeking the best of comfort, warmth, and performance, an organic wool and silk blend is our number one choice.  Our organic wool and silk base layers come in both mens and womens styles.

  • Benefits: Silk adds incredible softness, a luxurious feel, and exceptional strength to the blend. It also enhances the natural temperature-regulating properties of wool, making the fabric remarkably good at keeping you warm in the cold and cool in the heat. This blend is often incredibly lightweight yet offers superior insulation and breathability. It's also naturally hypoallergenic and has a beautiful drape.

  • Best For: High-performance outdoor activities in varying conditions, cold weather adventures, travel, or anyone who desires the absolute best in comfort and functionality. It's also an excellent choice for individuals with very sensitive skin due to silk's natural smoothness.

  • Why: The silk fibres provide a fantastic level of comfort on your skin,  while the wool ensures warmth, breathability, and odor resistance. This combination creates a base layer that feels like a second skin, performs exceptionally well, and stands up to the rigors of adventure.

    a woman wearing black organic cotton and silk base layers

Choosing organic base layers is a decision that benefits your comfort, your health, and the health of our planet. With a range of materials and blends available, there's an organic option perfect for every adventure and every body. Make the switch and experience the difference.  Shop organic base layers for women and organic base layers for men at Greenfibres today.