Lightweight and wicking
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It's not often we get sent an award winning jersey or base layer to test, the Women's Clarque baselayer won the 2005 Polartec® European APEX Design award. This award goes to the best Polartec® based garment and is decided on style, function and fit as well as the most appropriate use of the fabric.
Being a North Face garment we expect to see stylish designs and a good fit, but does the Clarque fill the other criteria of a base layer? Most importantly fast wicking properties, quick drying fabric, lightweight and suitable for high aerobic activities in a range of temperatures and conditions.
The Polartec® Powder Dry® fabric stood up well to under waterproof jacket wear on the bike, even on warmer wet days when sweating was excessive. It's stretchy nature and multi-panel design allowed for a close and easy fit and the ¼ zipper with medium high collar gave good versatile ventilation.
As we expected the quality of construction is high and reliable, nice little touches like the thumb holes show that plenty of thought has gone into the design too.
We proved the Women's Clarque's versatility by testing it as a baselayer and as a lightweight 2nd layer where it provided a reliably dry and comfortable fit whatever sport we fancied that day.
- Price: £45
- Sizes: XS - XL
- Colours: Pink/white, Grey/white, Blue/white
- Performance: 9
- Value: 8
- Keeps you dry in style
- Contact: The North Face www.thenorthface.com
