Base layers have rapidly moved from being a novelty item in stores to being an absolute essential, respected by amateur athletes as genuine performance gear that fulfils, in most cases, a very specific role in their sporting love affair. Compression base layers can aid recovery, for example, and so are very popular among runners or athletes whose base training involves plenty of running; with this in mind, retailers can confidently promote compression gear to footballers, rugby players, even cyclists.

With its patented hDc Technology, McDavid's performance apparel helps prevent the body's core temperature from rising too high which can lead to poor performance, early exhaustion and dehydration. By rapidly spreading perspiration across the fabrics surface the biomechanics of evaporation can draw heat from the body, so keeping the wearer cooler in a warm environment and warmer in a cool environment. Available in a range of Compression fit or Coldwear (which has all the benefits of the compression fit garments with added thermal qualities) the garments work by supporting the large muscle groups thus reducing fatigue, injury and improving blood circulation. Garments also improve proprioception - the body's ability to sense surroundings - thus improving reaction time.

Skins the high-tech Australian clothing company has, in the past 12 months, significantly expanded its base layer range across both tops and tights. As well as its core ‘Sport' range, the company has introduced ICE which is a range of gradient compression tops and tights that also create a cooling sensation by Microencapsulation Technology (MET) - which embeds thousands of tiny menthol microcapsules into the garments which enables clearer thinking when under pressure.

Linebreak Compression and Temperature Regulation Base Layers are now widely used in all sports from Cricket - where they are Official Base layer supplier to Glamorgan - to Rugby, Soccer, Ice Hockey, Squash, Swimming and Archery. Inbuilt graded compression offers the best support to athletes both in terms of training and recovery. With distinctively different ranges for men and women Linebreak offer a wide range of garments for all types of users from Elite Athletes to the Weekend Warrior, all able to benefit from improved recovery, muscular support and temperature regulation whether it's hot or cold.

The X-Bionic Functional Sportswear compression range is designed to warm when you're cold and to cool when you perspire, thanks to its patented 3D-BionicSphere System. X-Bionic garments support what nature has provided, harnessing the cooling function of the sweat film instead of allowing it to dry up while exercising; then when you've finished, the garment's insulation qualities take over preventing a chill while cooling down. The body's preferred 37-degree temperature is maintained as heat in different parts of the body is pinpointed and then regulated. Smart compression is integral to all garments reducing muscle vibration and aiding circulation, thus helping with optimum supply of oxygen and nutrients to the muscles - resulting in enhanced endurance and performance.

2XU Compression clothing is a world leading garment range of performance apparel, endorsed by the Australian Institute of Sport.  The widely accepted benefits of compression clothing include; enhanced circulation for faster warm up and oxygen circulation; reduced muscle vibration ensuring maximum endurance and resistance to fatigue; and a faster recovery from rapid flushing of blood lactates from energy drained muscle groups.

Distributed by Big Bear Sports, CW-X Conditioning Wear features patented CW-X Support Web technology that is based on the Japanese science of Kinesio-taping which works with the body to allow full range of motion and increase blood circulation to rehabilitate muscles and relieve pain.  Scientists at Wacoal Human Science Research Centre in Japan, which is the parent company of CW-X, have tested over 35,000 people and analysed injuries related to warm-up and cool-down periods - they say that variable compression along the 'exoskeletal web' encourages circulation, minimising lactic acid build-up and muscle soreness, so you can stay active for longer and recover faster.

Trekmates offers the consumer a diverse range of good value, family oriented and attainable accessories. For next season they're focusing on high performance base layers in 100% Bamboo, Vapour Tech and Merino, with a retail support package dedicated to the ranges. 

The Prostar base layer range with Pro-Cool technology have been specifically designed to keep active sports men, women and children warm on cold winter days, enabling them to concentrate on achieving their peak performance. These premium garments are also competitively priced with the Geo T Performance Base Layer top at £14.50rrp for kids sizes, and £17.00rrp for adults.

This snug fitting Sub Zero Factor 1 Plus Long Sleeve and the Sub Zero Factor 1 Plus Bloo John are unisex thermal baselayers with plenty of stretch which makes them as comfortable as a second skin. The long sleeve has a long cut body, and the leggings have a high rise back which help prevent exposure under active conditions.  Added to that the super efficient hydrophilic finish on the 100% Polyamide fabric wicks perspiration away. Seamless body construction incorporates stretch rib zones for enhanced support and waffle zones for increased thermal efficiency. Both garments have Sun protection factor 50+ and can be used in conjunction with the Factor 2 range for more extreme temperatures.

High-tech Australian clothing company Skins has launched its first-ever thermal garment - a long-sleeve top, ideal for those cold, dark days ahead.

The top - introduced in response to the brand's growing success and seasonal demands in Europe - uses a brand new fabric developed exclusively by Skins which makes it 200% warmer than the company's existing ‘Sport' range. 

For Spring 2010 - and already available October 2009 - SUGOI Performance Apparel presents a complete Race + Recovery (R+R) Compression product line that is centred on the brand new Piston fabric technology. Piston uses polyamide-based materials that boast the lowest weight per square inch available in warp-knit compression fabric. Engineered graduated compression through ZoneConstructiom creates specific compression rings that provide lateral forces against the body, with the greatest force at the extremities that gradually decrease as you move closer to the heart. Each item of the R+R Compression line provides balanced graduated compression at the recommended compression values for athletic purposes that range between 5-15 mm Hg.

When undertaking sports women's breasts move and can result in temporary pain and discomfort, but it can also lead to a more permanent stretching of the Cooper's ligaments which leads to irreversible breast sag. With this in mind SGB's Zöe Foster has been road testing the leading sports bra brands. She says: "When a customer is trying on a sports bra the most important thing to do in the privacy of the fitting room, is to have a bounce up and down, so educate the customer as to how they should be assessing and buying the bra. When they have a good bounce, nothing should move, if it does suggest they adjust the straps and try again. If there's still movement try a different size." Sizing across the brands is a little different to say the least, but most have a system to help gauge your customer's  'brand' size, which makes fitting rooms important; always suggest that the customer take in a few different sizes, styles and brands.

While an awful lot of time and effort goes into choosing outer shells and mid layers, much less thought is given to the clothing worn beneath them. Yet ironically, no amount of breathability or waterproofing is going to keep someone comfortable if the layer next to their skin is cold, wet and clammy.