Trying to hold my gut in and still look relaxed for these pics gave me a better workout than my daily 1980's Richard Simmons aerobics routine. All photos : Elodie Bardsley
Half way through winter and I feel I need to tell you about this rad little thermal T-shirt from Ground Effect before it's too late and a very hot summer pops it's head into our upcoming outdoor adventures. It's designed as a base layer combining a brushed polyester with a smaller amount of lycra and forms a snug fitting layer to be worn against your skin. But what sets it apart from every other product is a membrane of ceramic particles printed on the underside of the fabric (against your skin) that absorb your body heat loss and radiate it back into your skin warming up your capillaries, not only making you feel warmer, but has been proven to actually warm you up.
Does it really work? Yes, I'm pretty sure it does. It uses Far Red lightwave frequencies (or something). If you google far red lightwaves like I did, then you'll probably just get as confused as I did, so only do it if you are a tech nerd.
What makes me rate this T very highly is the fact that it looks great, feels great..it's like a compression top and snug everywhere it sits.. and it draws moisture off the skin and pushes it into the atmosphere. It can be worn straight out of the washing machine if necessary and if you are out in the pouring rain or fall in a river, just take it off, wring the water out of it and chuck it back on and it will still do it's job. And after some very over-dressed sweaty rides in the freezing cold, the hour long drive back to my place has been quite comfortable with things drying out quite nicely thanks.
That dark grey pattern is bonded on and contains the magic that absorbs lost body heat and radiates it back at your skin.
Sorry about the hand close-up..any manicure sponsorship welcome.
If you have a look at the far red print on the inside you can see it has been fashioned like an old school windscreen heater filament with some random gothic writing in places and you might think it's a bit of a crock, but it turns out that any pattern can be used as long as it's not a solid layer which would then be noticeable to the wearer as slightly less soft and silky.
It feel so nice against my skin that I'm pretty much in mine every day that it's not in the wash. It has become my pyjama top, my under T and my riding base layer but it will be a long time before it becomes a bike rag that's for sure.
I chose a size large and I wouldn't want it to be any more of a loose fit for a base layer, but that's personal choice. For reference I'm 183cm and 85kg.
I know what you're thinking...Why isn't therodfather a poster boy for Mens Health Magazine?
If you are in the market for something to keep you warm, on or off the bike then just get one. I rate it 10/10. I always wear a Large t-shirt, so I got this T in a Large and it fits great like a second skin but does relax it's fit a little if I wear it for more than a couple of days between washing (should I admit to that?), so I may try a medium for my next one.
THE GOOD: Does what it says, looks great, feels even better, wicks sweat, decent torso and arm length, dries quick, very stretchy so easy to go down a size for a super snug fit, very non-itchy.....fantastic for sensitive skin.
THE BAD: A bit pricier than good old polypro but it does work a hell of a lot better. Online only, but if it doesn't fit Ground Effect will swap it for the right size.
THE UGLY: I want to wear it all the time so I need to hand over more money for a few more so I can wash them more often.
Click here to have a look and to order your Odditee