Over 20 years ago, Patagonia introduced layering for the outdoors. From the original polypropylene in 1980 to the more environmentally friendly Performance Baselayers of today, we’re continually striving to set the standards for baselayer performance.

Patagonia Performance Baselayers offer two approaches to the goal of staying dry and comfortable: Capilene® polyester with recycled content or all-natural merino wool.

Capilene® Performance Characteristics

• Quick to wick, quick to dry
• Designed for fast-forward, aerobic activities
• Gladiodor® natural odor control
• Made with recycled polyester (50% recycled content or more)
• 100% recyclable
• Machine washable

When to choose a Capilene baselayer:

• For more fast-forward, aerobic activities
• For hot-weather activities (Capilene 1 Silkweight)
• For a quicker drying fabric
• If you have an allergy to wool
• If you’re looking for the most versatile option

Merino Wool Performance Characteristics

• 100% merino wool is the ideal natural fiber for performance baselayers
• Regulates body temperature by controlling the rate of evaporative cooling
• Soft next to skin
• Naturally odor resistant
• Chlorine-free
• Machine Washable

When to choose a merino wool baselayer:

• If you prefer the feel of a natural fiber on your skin
• If you want extra warmth (wool is warmer for its weight)
• For natural odor control that will not diminish, even with repeated washings

Fabric Details

Capilene

Capilene is the best option for high-sweat activities and wet conditions. We make four Capilene fabrics for different levels of exertion and temperatures. Capilene is a moisture-wicking polyester fabric that keeps you warm and dries quickly. Capilene is made with recycled fibers, is recyclable when it wears out and features Gladiodor natural odor control.

Capilene ® 1 Silkweight
Stay dry and cool in this silky baselayer ideal for high-exertion, hot-weather pursuits.
Fabric: 3.7-oz. 100% recycled polyester with Gladiodor® natural odor control. 100% recyclable through the Common Threads Initiative Recycling Program.

Capilene ® 2 Lightweight
Stay dry and cool in this highly breathable baselayer designed for use in a range of activity levels and temperatures.
Fabric: 4-oz. 100% polyester (54% recycled) with Gladiodor® natural odor control. 100% recyclable through the Common Threads Initiative Recycling Program.

Capilene ® 3 Midweight
Stay dry and warm in this versatile baselayer for moderate exertion in cool to cold weather.
Fabric: 4.8-oz. 100% polyester (64% recycled) with Gladiodor® natural odor control. 100% recyclable through the Common Threads Initiative Recycling Program.

Capilene ® 4 Expedition Weight
Stay dry and warm in this stretch baselayer designed for high-output, stop-and-go activities in cold weather.
Fabric: 5.3-oz (Polartec® Power Dry®) 93% polyester (50% recycled) 7% spandex with Gladiodor® natural odor control. 100% recyclable through the Common Threads Initiative Recycling Program.

Merino Wool

Only a few ranches in the world are capable of growing wool that meets our standards for Performance Baselayers. While all wool retains its insulative qualities while wet, only exceptionally fine wool can wick moisture away from the skin. Our merino wool is exceptionally soft, naturally odor-resistant and chlorine-free.

Merino 1
Stay dry and cool in our lightest natural-fiber baselayer designed for high-output activities in warmer temperatures. It's also an ideal first-layer in cooler temperatures.
Fabric: 3.2-oz 63% 16.5 micron 100% chlorine-free merino wool/37% recycled polyester

Merino 2
Stay dry and warm in our most versatile natural-fiber baselayer designed for a wide range of exertion levels and temperatures.
Fabric: 4.4 oz 100% chlorine-free merino wool

Merino 3
Stay dry and warm in this natural-fiber baselayer designed for variable activity levels in cool to cold weather.
Fabric: 6.9 oz 100% chlorine-free merino wool

Merino 4
Stay dry and super warm in this toasty baselayer designed for stop-and-go activities in cold to very cold weather.
Fabric: 7.8 oz 100% chlorine-free merino wool