spec84

I just got a nice Giordana long sleeve winter base layer on sale. They actually sent me the wrong size which was one size too small. I was going to just send the thing back, but its got me to wondering, how are these things supposed to fit? I can get it on but its pretty snug. Its made of pretty stretchy material but I have to tug at the material to get it to shift into place. The length is fine everywhere. Should I just hang onto it?

kbarch

Normally it's intended to be form-fitting, so it's not going to fall into place once you've got your head and arms through it if that's what you were expecting.
I have the opposite problem. With cyclist arms, base layers designed for any other kind of athlete (or otherwise normal person) can be too loose there and look like pajamas. Under a jacket or long sleeve jersey, it doesn't make a difference, but whatever is exposed you'll want to be snug, or else wrinkles and flappy bits will act like cooling fins.

Robius

Base layer fitting is all about shoulders. If they don't feel to thight on shoulders they are a nice fit.

RPK79

I can get my long sleeve base layer shirts on fine it's the taking them off that is difficult. Sounds to me like yours fits.

woodcraft

I've gotten a couple that barely cover the navel.

This is supposed to be for cycling!

Is the bare-midriff look coming back in style?

I <3 Robots

The shoulder is a good way to gauge fit. If it's too tight in the shoulder/armpit area...then it's a no go. Length is the the other. It should be long enough for you to tuck into your bib. If you lift your arms and it shows your midsection...then it may be a bit too small.

PaulRivers

Snug, but not constricting. It's mostly your call, I don't like stuff that's really loose, but yours sounds to tight to me.

spec84

Thanks guys, I've pretty much decided to keep it, especially since I got it on sale. I'd hate to get a bigger size and it be loose when this one fits pretty snug.

PaulRivers

I've had stuff that's to tight and regretted keeping it before. If it was I would see if they could send you the size you originally ordered, then return whichever one fit worse. Of course if you have extra money you can always experiment to.

caloso

For baselayers, I would rather go too snug than too loose. I want it to be flat, with no bunching, under my outerlayers.

TimothyH

PaulRivers

I don't like spending time with any layer making me uncomfortable on the bike if I can help it. I've sometimes had problems with to loose not trapping the heat, but never bunching personally. I'd rather have something that fits right than have it to tight.

"Fred"

I like my base layer to be very tight, just make sure it does not affect movement or comfort.