UA is the OG of baselayers, and its ColdGear range is one to turn to when the mercury drops…

Check out the rest of the best baselayers for keeping out the cold

Under Armour ColdGear Fitted Mock Baselayer

$55 / £49, amazon.com

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Pros:

  • Impressive fit and feel
  • Excellent coverage
  • Good breathability

Cons: 

  • Mock neck takes a little getting used to
  • Sleeves a bit too long and tight for regular watch checking

Comfort: 4.5/5
Warmth: 5/5
Wicking: 4/5
OVERALL: 4.5/5

Under Armour has come a long way since founder Kevin made his original baselayers for college football kids out of his grandmother’s Georgetown townhouse. It’s now one of the biggest names in baselayers and compression gear, and is used by professional sports teams across the globe.

So I had high hopes for the UA ColdGear Fitted Mock Baselayer, which I used for a winter’s worth of run training and hiking. I wasn’t used to wearing a mock neck, so I was keen to see how I’d fare with a high collar, especially during high intensity sessions.

Under Armour ColdGear Fitted Mock Baselayer features

The baselayer is made from 87% polyester and 13% elastane. It features dual layers – a brushed fabric inside that feels soft and comfortable against the skin and a smooth, quick-drying exterior for shifting moisture. Despite the close fitting, almost compression-like feel, the 4-way stretch fabric didn’t feel restrictive at all. It moved and stretched naturally and comfortably with me though a range of motion. Warming up with dynamic stretches before a run session, I’d almost forget I had it on.

Stretch-mesh back and underarm panels play their part in providing extra breathability. The thinking here is that the quicker the fabric can wick away moisture and provide cooling ventilation, the less chance sweat will stay trapped against your skin and lower your temperature when you stop moving. Those V-shaped panels help create a flattering, tapered cut and a dropped hem that’ll give you plenty of coverage for dynamic sessions or playing outdoor sports.

Because of those vent panels and the fitted construction there are a few seams. There not entirely flat either, but are purposefully kept away from possible abrasive areas like the shoulders. In use under gilets or jerseys I didn’t experience any rubbing or chafing, even after wearing the layer all day.

The Under Armour ColdGear Fitted Mock Baselayer comes in seven sizes available, from XS to 3XL, and five colours (black, white, marine OD green, midnight navy and charcoal light heather). After two months of regular low temperature washes it shows no sign of bobbling, fading or losing its shape.

Under Armour ColdGear Fitted Mock Baselayer performance

Given how plush the material feels, I was surprised at how well it breathes. Even with a gilet or light layer on top, the material didn’t get heavy or clingy, even in the usual hotspots like under my arms or my lower back. With a fairly long dropped hem, and that mock neck, I thought I’d overheat during even moderate exercise, but it was only when I really turned thinks up a notch for an extended period did I start to feel a little hot under the collar. I’d put this down to the mild UK winter more than anything else. In near or sub-zero temperatures this ColdGear top would be the one you’d want to turn to.

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