High-quality base layers are worth the expense. They keep you warmer and dryer, they don't get malodorous, and they last longer in better condition than the cheap stuff. It might hurt to shell out for an undergarment, but amortized over many years and combined with the greater comfort the premium stuff yields, we believe they're well worth the investment.

Assos' Interactive earlyFall base layer is the lightest of their long-sleeved base layers. This doesn't mean it's only for the warmest of cool days; it only means that you should take this into account when layering for outside. The thickness of the baselayer is for better regulation of the microclimate surrounding your skin. A heavy outer layer and light inner layer can work on some pretty cool days, and the light layer can also work well under a light long-sleeve jersey if the temperature is just under short sleeve and arm-warmer rides.

Assos goes with a crew-neck design on the earlyFall, in contrast to the Fall and Winter baselayers that have zippers. The earlyFall also uses the lightest fabrics of the three. The body is a thin, wicking fabric, while there is mesh under the armpits for venting. On the heavier baselayers, the main fabric is thicker and the armpit material, while thicker than the earlyFall's mesh, is thinner than the rest of the top.

Assos has also one-upped their competition by doing away with the raglan sleeve and cutting the garment so the front panel, shoulders and top of arms are all part of the same fabric. There are separate panels under the arms and for the back. This means it pinches and binds far less when you're bent over into riding position.

While you should size these baselayers the same as you would an Assos short sleeve jersey, the material is cut slightly more snug. This is supposed to fit like a second skin. The more skin contacted, the better the top is at wicking. The fabric employs the push-pull of a hydrophobic inner side and a hydrophilic outer, to quickly move moisture away from the skin and to the outside of the undergarment for better evaporation, keeping skin temperature more constant, making you feel more comfortable. They call this SPC.07, SkinPull Fabric. The yarn as a carbon coating for anti-odor properties. Available in Black and White.

One final note: Assos base layers are not specific to men or women. They are designed to be unisex.