Specialized Seamless LS Baselayer

The Specialized Seamless LS is a relatively thick, very warm baselayer that's best for when temperatures are under 5°C. It's comfortable against the skin, wicks really well and the fit is good – it's also competitively priced.

Staying warm – without just boiling over in your own sweat – makes a huge difference to whether winter miles are enjoyable or just a real slog. This Specialized base is thicker than most, and ideal for the coldest of winter rides.

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The seamless design and flat-locked stitching make it very comfy, with nothing to rub even when you're layered up and/or wearing a pack. I'm particularly fussy when it comes to baselayers with sleeves, as poorly fitting ones can gather or pinch at the arm pits, and I can happily report that this one caused no discomfort.

Most importantly, it's warm! Despite an abundance of similar bases in my drawer, more often than not this has been the first one out for rides under 5°C, as it often means you can ditch a midlayer and just pair it with a jacket.

The attention to shaping across the slim fit is very good, and various patterns of knit keep it snug all over with no overly tight or baggy bits. It has a good, comfortable stretch, and the sizing feels accurate. The sleeves are quite long compared to the body, though, which may not suit if you have a longer torso or bigger gut.

The medium-high collar provides ample protection against drafts without being too intrusive – a potential problem on the high-necked likes of the (more expensive) Spatz BASEZ 2 baselayer.

The Specialized is also excellent at wicking sweat considering its thickness; the different fabric styles for the armpit and back sections help here. It's also remarkably good at resisting smells – I wore this unwashed for five successive rides, often under not very breathable waterproof jackets, and it did very well!

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Washing instructions are printed on the bottom cuff should you nearest and dearest finally stage an intervention, which means no annoying labels. Overall it feels made to last, too – it's survived plenty of washes with no loose threads.

Value

At £55 it's not badly priced either. That's still a lot to shell out on a baselayer, but the Megmeister Drynamo Winter LS is £10 more at £64.95 and hard to distinguish, performance-wise, from this.

The dhb Aeron Polartec also performs very well, but even that is now £50 (up £10 since our test 11 months ago), while many make the Specialized look a positive bargain; the Santini Grido, for example, will set you back £120. Whilst it's very good, this thing will get you 99% of the way there for a lot less.

Overall

This baselayer does exactly what it promises to, and to a very high standard. It feels good against the skin, breathes well and retains useful warmth. I'd happily choose this synthetic offering over a merino alternative, and the price is competitive as well.

Verdict

Very warm, comfortable synthetic winter base for the coldest rides