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Sportful BodyFit Pro Women’s LS Baselayer review

Can a high-tech synthetic baselayer match the warmth offered by Merino for chilly riding?

Our rating

4

55.00
95.00
60.00
90.00

Sam Voaden / Our Media

Published: February 12, 2023 at 12:00 pm

Our review
Impressive winter warmth without getting wet, but can become smelly

Pros:

Lovely snug fit; keeps you warm; wicks sweat effectively

Cons:

Can take on a bad smell easily after sweatier rides

A technical baselayer for cool and cold conditions, the Sportful BodyFit Pro Women’s Long Sleeve baselayer is dedicated to providing warmth.

Despite its snug fit, it doesn't compromise on sweat-wicking performance for higher-intensity training.

How it smells after that high-intensity riding might be an issue, however.

Sportful BodyFit Pro Women’s LS Baselayer details and specifications

Sam Voaden / Our Media

The Sportful BodyFit Pro baselayer is made with a simple panel construction met with flatlocked seams. It's finished with a high crew neckline and overlock hem at the bottom.

The polyester/elastane blend itself is the most interesting part, with soft, fleecy vertical ribbed inner material backed onto a much thinner, transparent mesh.

Sportful claims this combination offers thermal insulation by trapping air close to the skin, while simultaneously being breathable enough to aid with moisture regulation. The elasticated cut is designed to sit close to the skin.

Sportful BodyFit Pro Women’s LS Baselayer performance

Sam Voaden / Our Media

Fitting close to the body like a second skin across the torso and upper arms, with just a little excess fabric around the wrists, the Sportful BodyFit Pro baselayer certainly gives a snug fit.

I enjoyed the high crew neckline to prevent any chills, though people who don’t like the feeling of a collar around the neck may find better options elsewhere.

The fit is also fairly long, which gives plenty of material to tuck in to lower layers, while the overlocked hem doesn’t cause any bunching. The fit is true to size, though snug, and there’s a good range of sizes available from 2XS to 2XL.

The Sportful BodyFit Pro is best saved for really chilly rides, and it became too warm when the temperature was above 5°C. On the coldest winter rides, the soft fleece ribbed inner face proved to be a real treat, layered underneath a windproof jacket.

Sam Voaden / Our Media

Despite being a little too toasty when climbing or putting in higher-intensity efforts on milder outings, the baselayer’s sweat-wicking properties really came into play. Thanks to the thinner mesh material between the fleecy stripes, I was kept dry, which meant I stayed warm during any pauses from riding.

The synthetic material is prone to taking on a bad odour after sweatier rides, which lingered faintly even after washing at 30 degrees.

A Merino blend or pure Merino baselayer is likely to be more suitable if you’re planning any chilly multi-day rides for its odour-resistant properties.

How does the Sportful BodyFit Pro Women’s LS Baselayer compare to other baselayers?

It’s hard to fault the BaaBaa Blend; it's versatile, comfortable and robust. - Russell Burton / Immediate Media

Thermally insulated synthetic riding tops seem to be becoming more popular, with the likes of the 7Mesh Gryphon Jersey and the Specialized Trail Thermal Jersey using Polartec’s thermal grid.

Compared to Merino baselayers, such as the Endura BaaBaa Blend, the synthetic material used here can take on an unpleasant smell quite easily, so it's better suited to shorter rides than multi-day adventures.

Sportful BodyFit Pro Women’s LS Baselayer bottom line

While it can get a bit stinky, the BodyFit Pro Women’s LS Baselayer impressed throughout testing. - Sam Voaden / Our Media

Ideal for riders who get cold easily on chillier rides, the warming effect of the synthetic Sportful BodyFit Pro baselayer is mighty, as is its ability to keep you dry.

How we tested

A baselayer is a pretty simple piece of clothing, right? Not quite.

With options made from synthetic or natural fibres, as well as a range of thicknesses, there’s a huge range to choose from.

Here, we've focused on long-sleeve baselayers, which are best suited to riding in cool weather.

In testing, we've assessed fit, warmth, durability and – all importantly – stink factor. Some baselayers get smelly quickly, and worse still, can even hold onto a lingering funk

Baselayers on test

Product

Brandsportful
Price90.00 AUD,55.00 EUR,60.00 GBP,95.00 USD
Weight92.0000, GRAM (M) -

Features

br_genderwomens
FeaturesSizes: 2XS to 2XL
Material: 94% polyester, 6% elastane
Neckline: High neck crew neckline
Colours: Black colourway only