Sportful Women's Bodyfit Pro Long Sleeve Baselayer

Sportful's Bodyfit Pro Women's Long Sleeve Base Layer mirrors its short-sleeved version: think tissue-paper-thin fabric that the pros pull on for a race. Upon seeing and first feeling the vest it would be easy to confine it to a 'race kit' drawer, but testing it out has convinced me it has a very useful place in the winter kit wardrobe.

• Pros: Doesn't hold sweat so no damp feeling, snug and soft fit, keeps in warmth
• Cons: Sleeves prone to rolling, needs washing after every use

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You might initially wonder what on earth you've got for your money when you feel the weight of the top and see just how thin it is. Everything about it is minimalist – there isn't even a baseline hem, just an over-sewn, very thin strip of silicone. I was expecting this stitching to fray but it has held up so far and is showing absolutely no signs of weakness, even after excessive wearing and washing in a relatively short period of time.

The top actually fits really well (it's not me in the photos – small model wearing a medium top). It has plenty of length to cover the base of the back and there is ample arm length too. I would say that I have a longer than average torso, and the medium was perfect for me.

The neckline is sufficiently high to offer protection against potential rub from a stiff-necked outer layer, as well as against draughts – the material is doubled up here. It is not too high to be irritable or constrictive though.

My only niggle was with the sleeves, which had a tendency to roll up if I hastily pulled on a jersey with tighter lower arms/cuffs – a compact, narrow worm-like roll... annoying! Sportful tells us 'the fit is ergonomic and fits perfectly with other Bodyfit products' but I am not sure investing in all Sportful Bodyfit kit is a feasible solution to my niggle. Just remember to hold the sleeves when you pull on a jersey; not too difficult really.

Sportful is very specific that the Bodyfit Pro top performs best in cold temperatures when used under a wind-resistant outer layer. Some outer layers are so effective at keeping you warm that a baselayer just needs to manage that warmth and sweat rather than keep you warm too; the Bodyfit Pro does this brilliantly. Don't expect it to keep you warm on its own when temperatures really dip if you don't have the windproof outer layer and aren't working hard – that's not the intention!

On a three and a half hour steady ride in temperatures around 4-5 degrees I never once felt cold with a windproof outer, nor did I feel any build-up of moisture against the skin. It is not restricted to this combination though. It works well as a first baselayer of two. It is also ideal combined with a non-thermal jersey for riding or racing at a high tempo for a short period in temperatures between about 5 to 8 degrees; I was dry and comfortable throughout such efforts and my torso never felt cold, or overheated.

Whatever you choose to combine it with, it will ensure that you do not get a build-up of sweat inside, or a damp feeling against your skin.

> Buyer's Guide: 15 of the best cycling baselayers

The grid patterned, lofted polyester that traps warm air but allows moisture escape is presumably what makes the layer so effective, but this results in one of the biggest negatives: it holds bad odours. You definitely need to wash it after every use, it's not one for commuters to wear two or three times a week without washing. Thankfully, its dark colour means it's not begun to look faded or discoloured after so many washes.

At £45 it comes in at the more expensive end of the price scale, but if you want a layer that will perform in a variety of winter training sessions and races then the Sportful BodyPro won't disappoint.

Verdict

Floaty feel and weightlessness belie its effectiveness in biting temperatures – but you will need to wash it after each wear