Lusso Race Base Mesh Base Layer

Like many other tops of its kind, the Lusso Race Base Mesh Base Layer works really well in warm conditions, wicking away sweat and keeping you cool, but it's the overall design and fit that makes the Lusso stand out.

The cut is more like a race jersey than an undergarment, and you certainly feel ready for your ride when you put it on.

As with all of Lusso's kit, the Race Base is made here in the UK and it's good to see that homegrown goods can still compete on price: at £24.99 it's a good tenner cheaper than the recently tested Castelli Pro Issue and even less than the Hackney GT Bang.

Lusso hasn't achieved that price by scrimping on quality either. The overall construction is very neat and tidy – the whole thing just screams a top notch jersey, and it feels impressively durable too.

I've quite a collection of these mesh baselayers, from the likes of One-ten, Castelli, Craft, to name but a few, all at varying prices, but the Lusso trumps them all in the way it feels when you are wearing it. The Race Base is made from a synthetic fibre – an Italian multi-filament yarn is how Lusso describes it – and boy is it soft against the skin.

Lusso has designed the Race Base to fit close by using multiple panels and the stretch of the fabric. It cinches in at the waist too so there is no bunching of fabric underneath a tight fitting race jersey, the same at the sleeves. While I mention the sleeves, I'm also a fan of how short they are – you won't find them poking out under the arms of your jersey.

The cuffs, waistband and neck all use a more stretchy material than the main body to keep everything in place, and the hem has a significant drop to the rear to stop any gaps when crouched low in the saddle.

Size-wise, the baselayer is available in small through to XXL, a spread of 36-48in chest, and the sizing in the charts seems to be pretty spot on; this medium is the size I'd order and it fitted a treat.

> Buyer's Guide: 14 of the best cycling baselayers

As far as breathability goes, the mesh design works very well. If you work really hard or it's a very hot day it can get damp but you never notice it when you are riding. I always wear a baselayer regardless of the weather, and even if the Lusso does get overwhelmed it's still a nicer garment to have next to the skin than a race jersey.

The UK brand has really delivered here right across the board, and even though the Race Base scored well when we reviewed it last year, for 2017 Lusso really does seem to have added some impressive tweaks, it's lighter and seems to have an even better fit. Well worth the price increase of a few quid.

Verdict

Nothing groundbreaking in terms of fabric but attention to detail and the fit makes it one of the best