I didn't have good luck with silk as a base layer. It was just too hot and didn't wick to the next layer well.
For wool, some manufactures say to air the shirt. The composition of the wool oxidizes odor when you hang it up after your ride. I use a polypro base layer, and wool mid layer. The mid wool layer gets washed about 1X/Mo. That's about 25 wears between washing (I bike about 4 days/week and I don't usueally wear the sweater on the return ride. Your mileage may vary.
Originally Posted by
jaidog
Based on advice I read in this forum, I picked up a silk turtleneck sweater and merino wool crewneck
sweater from Goodwill today. Now, I need to determine the best way to wear these in 40 degree
weather.
I recall reading that merino wool and silk can be used as base layers. Is this correct? If so, should
I sew these sweaters so they fit tight or wear them loose as they currently are? I plan on wearing
a shell jacket over a sweater, and really prefer to limit myself to two layers.
If I'm better off using these sweaters for something other than a base layer, please advise.