I have been testing a Falke Naima baselayer top for months. I have worn it for cycling, running, around the house and even to the office when I occasionally do newspaper shifts. It has been through the washing machine dozens of times but it still looks as good as new! I’m not sure how this can be, but it’s a good result!

This is one of Falke’s “ergonomic sport system” products. Ergonomic means a design that fits the shape and movement of the body as closely as possible. This is generally achieved through the choice of fabrics and by utilising a construction that is as seamless as possible

The Naima is a snug fit. But it doesn’t feel overly tight like some tops made with high contents of Lycra can feel. It doesn’t constrict and it does seem to move with the body.

The combination of different knits and fabrics magically help with the overall design of the baselayer. I can’t really describe why it does this, except to say that my Naima fits beautifully yet doesn’t fell over-stretched. A number of friends have commented on how nice the baselayer looks.

I have a Small size and being a size 10 if feels brilliantly. Even the arms are long enough for my Miss Tickle-length arms! The cuffs just about slot into gloves on colder days and this is a huge bonus for someone with extra long arms! Most of my other tops have cuffs that stop above the wrist!

Looks good but what about performance?

But looks aren’t everything. The baselayers needs to function well, too, and across a range of activities. I have mainly worn it on cooler days, either as a baselayer on its own or with a Gore-Tex breathable waterproof jacket over the top. And I really like it.

It is called a “midweight baselayer “and I’d say this is a perfect description. It is better suited to mild-ish winter days on its own or cool-ish summer days.

There are different panels of material in the areas where you’re most likely to sweat, and it does a pretty good job of getting rid of sweat. I don’t think the top wicks sweat away quite as efficiently as other lighter weight tops but then I guess this is a hard thing to do.

Other nice details include reflective logos on the logo at the rear and on the front, which are good for safety on darker evening runs.

Weirdly, though, and I still can’t work out why, there is an L and an R on the sleeves. Presumably this is for Left and for Right. But why would this be needed when the top obviously faces one way because of the front zip? Anyone have the answer?

The Falke Naima comes in XS to L and a range of colours. It costs around £70, which seems pricey but so far it has washed and worn very well.