What to Wear Under Motorcycle Leathers: Base Layers for Track and Road
Quick answers: Wear a thin, close-fitting, moisture-wicking base layer under your leathers, ideally a one piece undersuit for a one piece suit, plus technical socks that do not bunch inside your boots. Avoid cotton, which holds sweat, and avoid bulky layers that change how the armour sits. A base layer also makes a sweaty leather suit easier to put on and take off.
Key takeaways
- A base layer wicks sweat away from the skin. It does not reduce how much you sweat, but it helps the body release heat.
- Thin and close-fitting is better than thick and loose. Loose layers bunch and can move the armour away from the joint.
- A one piece suit works best with a one piece undersuit, because a two piece top can come untucked and bunch.
- Cheap base layers often work as well as expensive ones. Fit and fabric matter more than branding.
- In cold weather, add thin layers rather than one thick one.
Why wear anything under leathers?
- Comfort. Leather does not breathe like fabric. A wicking layer keeps sweat off the skin and the lining.
- Hygiene and longevity. Sweat is hard on leather and lining. A base layer takes most of it, which helps your suit last longer. See how long leathers last.
- Getting in and out. A smooth, tight base layer lets the suit slide on and off. Riders often notice that a sweaty suit is much easier to remove over an undersuit.
- Chafing. Seams on the lining can rub in a riding position. A soft layer reduces friction.
What to wear: layer by layer
Base layer
Choose a technical, moisture-wicking fabric such as polyester, nylon or a blend with elastane. It should be close-fitting without being tight enough to restrict movement. Look for flat seams, because raised seams can rub under armour.
One piece or two piece undersuit?
| One piece undersuit | Separate top and bottoms | |
|---|---|---|
| Stays in place | Yes, no gap at the waist | Top can ride up or come untucked |
| Putting on | Quick | Needs tucking |
| Toilet breaks | Awkward | Easier |
| Best with | One piece race suit | Two piece suit, road riding |
Socks
Use thin technical or merino socks that are long enough to cover the calf. Thick socks take up room in the boot and can make a snug race boot uncomfortable. See our racing boots guide for how a boot should fit.
Underwear
Choose a snug, seamless synthetic. Avoid cotton, which stays wet and chafes.
Neck and head
A thin balaclava or neck sleeve under the helmet keeps the collar clean and cuts chafing at the neck.
Hot weather
- Choose the lightest wicking fabric and a perforated suit. See our material comparison.
- Drink water and take breaks in the paddock. A base layer helps you shed heat, but it does not stop you sweating.
- Take the top of the suit off between sessions if rules allow, and hang it to dry.
Cold weather
- Add a thin insulating mid-layer over the base layer, such as a light fleece or thermal top, but keep it close-fitting.
- Do not wear a thick jumper under a race suit. It changes the fit and moves the armour.
- Wind blocking matters more than thickness. A windproof layer under the suit or an inner liner helps.
What to avoid
- Cotton: it holds sweat and stays cold and wet.
- Jeans or thick trousers: they bunch at the knee and hip and cut off circulation.
- Loose or bulky layers: they can move the armour off the joint and change the suit's fit.
- Anything with a hard zip, rivet or thick seam in the armour zones.
- Wearing nothing at all: it is uncomfortable and speeds up lining wear.
Fit check with your base layer on
Always try or measure a suit while wearing the base layer you ride in. A race suit should feel firm standing upright and correct once you are sitting on the bike. If you are ordering made to measure, take your measurements in a thin layer or bare skin as instructed in our measuring guide.
Frequently asked questions
Do you wear clothes under motorcycle leathers?
Yes. Most riders wear a thin moisture-wicking base layer and technical socks. It keeps you comfortable and protects the suit lining from sweat.
What do you wear under a one piece race suit?
A one piece undersuit is the neatest choice. A close-fitting top and bottoms also work, if the top is tucked in firmly.
Is a base layer necessary?
It is not a legal requirement, but it is strongly recommended. It improves comfort and helps the suit last.
Can I wear jeans under leather pants or a suit?
It is not recommended. Jeans are thick, bunch and cut off circulation, and they change how the armour sits.
Do cooling base layers work?
They wick sweat away so it can evaporate and release heat. They do not reduce sweating, so they work best with good airflow, perforation and hydration.
Should I size my suit with or without a base layer?
With the base layer you will wear. A thin layer does not change the size much, but a thick one will.
Sources
- RevZilla: Motorcycle base layers
- Motorcycle News: Best summer motorcycle base layers