Why silk base layers?
 

A few of the people I work with are skiers, and these people love silk base layers. I haven't been skiing since I was a kid, so I don't know why they're so well loved. Can anybody fill me in?

What I really want to know is if they might be appropriate for cycling.

I use silk socks and silk glove liners, they seem to be pretty warm and they add almost no bulk. It'd probably do the same as a base layer. For cycling I really doubt it's an improvement worthy of the cost.

I don't have to pack on lots of layers around my torso as it is.

i believe moisture wicking.. keeps you dry and that = warmer... but synthetic wicking material is as good and more durable silk wears out tears easy

Silk is said to make arrow and sword penetration less painful. Plus makes it less painful to remove said sword or arrow. at least that's why samurais use silk base layers.

:thumb::thumb::thumb::thumb::thumb::thumb::thumb::thumb:

^ epic humor fail

Easier on the nipples. This is more useful for running, but some people get chafed nipples on long rides.

This gets to my true motive for this thread. I have three shirts, which are all the same blend: 85 % silk, and 15 % cashmere. All of them are paper thin, like all of my best merino base layers. Naturally, I'm wondering if these will be a good idea for cycling? Seems like silk would hold onto sweat and feel clammy, but I doubt the skiers would like it if it did ... but I want to ask before I try it, and possibly find myself soaked with sweat an hour and 20 miles away from home.

Silk and wool are much more breathable than any synthetic fiber in use for clothing. Silk and wool also keep you warm even when wet, and don't get smelly like synthetics. Silk tends to be pricier than wool. Merino wool is non-scratchy and machine-washable (but will probably shrink if tossed in a dryer).

You're right... I should've included the mandatory "WTF" image to go along with the joke.
http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/g...ai-cyclist.jpg

this is a fun thread. i think people use silk because they are a bit girlie but that's ok if you are a girl.

I don't know about that. I would guess that it works. I'd still stick with wool or synthetic.

Because some of us look really, really good in silk.


Of course, some of us just look like silk wrapped Michelin men, but such is life.

I ride with silk base layer quite a bit. Wicking properties are good. Would classify warming properties one step below merino wool blends.

With winter outfitting, like snowboarding/skiing, the 3 layers approach is recommended to stay dry and warm.

The first layer is either polyester or silk. Typically polyester that is very stretchable and breathable. This "wicks" the moisture away from your skin.

The next layer is fleece. This keeps the body heat inside while also allowing the moisture to escape.

Then, you have the outer shell. This is also for breathability, but also mositure/water resistant to not let moisture back into the other layers. These usually have ratings for breathability and moisture resistance.

Same principle should apply for cycling, yet you want better/thinner clothing to allow movement and be aerodynamic, yet stay warm.

Maybe not the absolute authority, but this REI page has a chart at the bottom detailing silk vs. wool. vs. poly:

http://webcache.googleusercontent.co...&ct=clnk&gl=us

Shouldn't the Samurai be riding a Fuji?

Concur. It's just about perfect for here where it tends to be high 30s-low 40s.

Skiers wear silk base layers to make apres ski that much more fun!

Thanks for the info, everyone. Sounds like these are worth a try this time of year.

I asked one of the skiers, but he said he doesn't sweat all that much taking a lift up, then sliding down the hill. He said it's a little bit of work navigating down the slope, but that he's lazy. This thread has been a lot more helpful. :D

Silk Glove liners are a must for the cold NorCal winters!

I have silk, I vastly prefer merino wool. The absolute best base layer, synthetics can't come close. Phenomenal wicking, and tremendous ability to keep the stink out.

Silk is also the oldest and lightest natural insulator. That is why it started out with backpackers. I don't know how it would work with riding because its so fragile that it would have to be worn loose.

I should amend the above, although I have silk and use it from time to time, I use the wool almost exclusively, summer, winter, rain, sun.

Look around on Sierra Trading Post or some of the other discount sites-- they often have silk base layers for dirt cheap so you can try at a low entry cost before dropping bigger bucks on quality stuff.