How to Care for Your Base Layers
Your new favourite layers deserve looking after.
They’re the first thing you put on for cold mornings, ski days, winter walks and long travel days. Soft against your skin, easy to move in and made to keep you comfortable when the temperature drops.
The best bit? Caring for them is simple. Wash cool. Skip the softener. Air dry. Wear again.
The quick care guide
To keep your base layers feeling their best:
• Wash at 30°C
• Turn inside out before washing
• Wash with similar colours
• Use a mild detergent
• Avoid fabric softener
• Avoid bleach
• Air dry away from direct heat
• Store clean and dry
A simple routine helps protect the soft feel of the fabric, so your layers stay ready for the next cold day.
Do you need to wash them before wearing?
Only if you want to.
Your Arctic Eco-Sno base layers are ready to wear when they arrive. So if they land just before a ski trip, winter walk or cold weekend away, you’re good to go.
If you prefer to wash new clothing first, pop them on a cool 30°C wash, skip the softener and let them air dry.
How often should you wash base layers?
It depends how you’ve worn them.
After a full ski day, sweaty hike or active day outdoors, washing them is usually best.
After lighter wear, like travelling, layering under a coat or wearing them around the chalet, you may be able to air them out and wear them again.
A simple rule:
Worked up a sweat?
Wash them.
Wore them lightly?
Air them out and see how they feel.
Skiing for a few days?
Rotate between sets, so one can air while the other is being worn.
How to wash your base layers
Turn them inside out before washing. This helps protect the outside of the fabric and gives the inside a better clean after being worn close to your skin.
Use a cool 30°C wash with a mild detergent or sports wash.
Keep them away from anything too harsh. No bleach, no strong stain removers, and no fabric softener.
Fabric softener might sound like it would make them feel nicer, but it can coat the fibres and affect how the fabric performs.
Your layers are already soft. They don’t need it.
How to dry them
Air drying is best.
Hang them up or lay them flat somewhere with good airflow. Keep them away from radiators, heaters and direct heat.
Avoid:
• Tumble drying
• Radiators
• Ironing
• Hot drying cupboards
High heat can be tough on performance fabrics, so gentle drying is the safest way to keep them feeling good.
The good news? Arctic Eco-Sno base layers are quick-drying, so they’re easy to wash, air and wear again.
On a ski trip?
This is where a little care goes a long way.
At the end of the day, take your base layers out of your bag, turn them the right way round and let them air properly.
Try not to leave them bundled up with damp socks, gloves or ski gear.
For longer trips, rotating between two sets usually makes life easier. One to wear, one to air.
What about stains?
Small marks happen. Ski trips, muddy walks, coffee in the car, we’ve all been there.
For little stains, dab gently with cool water and a small amount of mild detergent before washing.
Avoid hot water and harsh stain removers, especially on lighter colours.
Why it matters
Your base layers sit closest to your skin.
They’re the layer you feel the most, even if no one else sees them. So keeping them soft and comfortable makes a difference.
Arctic Eco-Sno base layers are designed to be worn often: for ski days, cold walks, winter travel and everything in between.
FAQ's
Can I tumble dry my base layers?
Air drying is best. Avoid tumble drying and direct heat, as high heat can affect the fabric.
Can I use fabric softener?
No. Fabric softener can coat the fibres and affect breathability and moisture-wicking. Your layers are already soft, so they don’t need it.
What temperature should I wash them at?
Wash at 30°C on a gentle cycle.
Should I wash base layers after every wear?
Not always. After active or sweaty days, yes. After lighter wear, you can air them out and wear them again.
Can I iron base layers?
No. They don’t need ironing, and heat can damage performance fabrics.
How should I dry them on a ski trip?
Hang them somewhere with airflow, away from radiators or direct heat. Rotating between two sets makes this easier on longer trips.
Building your winter rotation?
Build your cold-weather rotation with soft, wool-free base layers designed to wear, air and wear again.