The Assos Skin Layer P1 is without doubt an excellent piece of clothing. It is comfortable, lightweight and performs incredibly well in the warmest conditions – but that performance comes at a cost.
When getting any kit from Assos, you expect the best quality, and the Skin Layer P1 doesn’t disappoint. You can immediately feel the quality of this garment. It is lightweight and soft to the touch.
The only seams are over the shoulders. The cutouts for the arms are raw cut and carefully stitched to prevent fraying. You might expect this to leave the cutouts looking scruffy over time, but throughout testing they have maintained their structure really well and stayed sharp.
The mesh structure is much tighter than many warm weather baselayers, feeling more like a lightweight running top than a typical mesh. This slightly thicker construction made me question its ability in the warmth, but I couldn’t have been more wrong.
Assos claims this garment is meant for 21°C+, and in testing I wore it in temperatures in the high 20s to low 30s, where it provided excellent cooling, even when paired with a thicker jersey to really test it out. It was noticeable how well the Skin Layer worked when I compared it on consecutive days with my Van Rysel baselayer (a strong performer in its own right).
Value
At £65, this is an expensive piece of kit, especially for something unseen and often overlooked. Its value really comes down to how much importance you place on a baselayer.
Many top brands are releasing options at a similar price point, such as the recently reviewed Q36.5 Base Layer at £60, while Castelli offers its Active Cooling Baselayer for £85.
Nevertheless, it’s still hard to call it good value when you can get excellent baselayers for £20–£30 from companies such as Van Rysel, while the Sportful Pro offers impressive temperature control for £40.
> Wick away sweat and stay comfortable with one of the best cycling base layers
Overall
There is no doubting that this is an excellent baselayer. It’s comfortable and performs very well in warmer conditions. But for riding in the UK, where truly hot days are limited, I’d be tempted to opt for something more versatile that covers a wider range of temperatures.
Test Report
What does the manufacturer say about this product?:
The next evolution of the hypercooling, ultrabreathable Summer Skin Layer, re-engineered to be more elastic, more breathable, and 15% lighter. The sleeveless design eliminates layering bulk beneath second-skin, race-tuned jersey sleeves.
The new textile blend creates a more elastic, body-wrapping shape for a better second-skin fit. The textile’s more open structure also increases cooling airflow and breathability, and its permanent odour control doesn’t diminish after washing. The deep collar shape mirrors the collar shape of regularFit endurance jerseys and low-collar, second-skin racingFit jerseys alike, and the raw-cut armholes eliminate material for low-volume layering.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of this product:
Composition: 68%PP 29%PA 3%CF
1/3 seasons
>+21°C
Weight = 48g
How easy is the product to care for? How did it respond to being washed?:
Very easy – no issues at all when washing on a regular kit wash. Washing instructions clearly labelled on garment.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Yes
Would you recommend the product to a friend?
Yes, depending on budget
Use this box to explain your overall score
This is a great bit of kit. It’s comfortable, easy to care for and performs incredibly well in warm conditions. However, the price lets it down with so many good alternatives available for less.
About the tester
Age: 28Height: 185cmWeight: 65kg
I usually ride: Argon 18 nitrogen discMy best bike is: Canyon grizl CF 7
I’ve been riding for: 5-10 yearsI ride: Every dayI would class myself as: Expert
I regularly do the following types of riding: Road racing, Cyclocross, Gravel riding, Indoor riding, Bikepacking, Club riding
