dhb Women’s Merino LS Baselayer review

An unusual 100% Merino material is on the menu with the dhb Women’s Merino LS Baselayer.

It uses a mid-weight 200gsm fabric to give a warm first layer at a great price.

The cut is designed specifically for women and its sweat-wicking properties impressed on test.

With an accompanying smart price, there's lots to like, although you need to follow the washing instructions carefully.

dhb Women’s Merino LS Baselayer details and specifications

Unlike many brands, which choose to blend Merino with polyester or other synthetic elements for their cycling baselayers, dhb has opted for a 100% Merino fabric for this long-sleeve baselayer, in a mid-weight 200gsm.

Soft and odour-resistant, responsibly sourced Merino wool is dhb’s fibre of choice for cool-weather layering, while the brand also claims Merino gives good performance when it comes to sweat wicking and temperature management.

A women’s-specific cut is on offer in UK sizes 8 to 16, with a crew neckline and multiple body panels to give a contoured fit.

dhb Women’s Merino LS Baselayer performance

Layered under a waterproof jacket on warmer November days and with extra insulated mid-layers when the sub-zero December temperatures hit, the dhb Women’s Merino baselayer has proven to be a winter clothing staple.

The Merino baselayer gave an excellent fit, with a snug crew neck, good-length sleeves and a fitted, yet not restrictive, cut. The good length leaves extra to tuck in for warmth without being excessively long.

Though there are many panels to give this contoured fit in the absence of a synthetic fibre blend, these are stitched with flatlock seams to avoid any irritation against the skin.

Beautifully soft against the skin, the Merino baselayer feels more like your favourite pyjamas than technical riding apparel, but that’s pretty much where the similarities stop.

The mid-weight 200gsm material has proven to be the ideal weight for offering generous warmth without having to sacrifice moisture management on steadier, lower-intensity rides.

The use of Merino also meant the top didn’t smell after a ride, and could be used for multiple shorter rides before washing.

If I was planning on some faster-paced laps, I’d probably opt for a Merino/synthetic blend, or even a fully synthetic baselayer for optimal sweat-wicking, but for lower to medium intensities the dhb merino was a good option.

It’s worth noting that, just like a woolly jumper, a little extra care is required to wash your Merino baselayers without shrinking them. Having said that, I was pleasantly surprised how quickly the dhb baselayer dried on a clothes airer compared to other Merino-blend baselayers.

I love the colour too, with other fun options including teal and coral available. Life’s too short for boring baselayers, eh?

How does the dhb Women’s Merino LS Baselayer compare?

A pure Merino offering is rather unusual in the cycling world, with baselayers usually blended with synthetic fibres, such as the Dryarn inner used with the Specialized LS Underwear baselayer, or semi-synthetic fibres such as Lyocell, as incorporated into the Endura BaaBaa Blend baselayer.

Another 100% Merino option is the Findra Leithen Merino Striped baselayer, though that retails at nearly twice the price of this dhb offering.

dhb Women’s Merino LS Baselayer bottom line

The dhb Women's Merino LS Baselayer's understated, no-frills design simply works.

It offers a fantastic-value Merino layering option to keep you warm and cosy through chillier conditions.

With an attractive price, it's a compelling option, particularly for lower-intensity riding.