The Zerofit Heatrub Move strives to keep you chill-free without falling apart at the seams

Zerofit may be a relative newcomer to the UK base layer scene, but they’ve quickly established themselves as a favourite in the MCN offices thanks to products like the Heatrub.

• Related: Best heated motorbike kit

The Japanese firm was founded out of a desire to carry on doing hobbies during the winter. CEO, Mr Koji Higashi, developed clothing that allowed him to keep doing what we wanted outside whilst regulating his body temperature.

As a result, there is a range of products for a range of hobbies on the Zerofit website, but this Heatrub Move Baselayer was one of the first products they sold.

Comfort

As a base layer, comfort is of high importance as it is almost a layer that you shouldn’t feel at all, and that’s what you get with this Heatrub Move. Although it is slightly thicker than other base layers I have tried, it didn’t really impact when adding layers and it kept me toasty.

If I had to point out a few niggles, I would say that the elastic has now stretched after a bit of use so isn’t as figure hugging as it initially was and I did get a bit of static when under many layers, but that’s pretty much it. I didn’t use this base layer unless the temperature was around freezing, but the Move technology is also claimed to remove sweat from the skin and evaporate off the garment, so even if you get caught out, you should stay comfortable for the entire ride.

Practicality

It acts just like a t-shirt, so how could it not be practical? As mentioned above, the only issue with practicality is that the elastic did start to give so wasn’t as skintight as it could have been, but to be honest, you don’t tend to wear a skin-tight top over a base layer – at least I don’t – so it didn’t affect me too much.

Looks

With its straight black styling, you might say the looks are reserved, but again, as a base layer, it’s almost never going to be on show. The lack of styling works in its advantage as you don’t have uncomfortable plasticky logos that can irritate you under clothes, but I do like the small logo on the collar just to give it a bit of something to look at.

Quality

The fabric itself feels thick and durable, and it has stood the test of time since I first got it in 2022. It’s been through a few bouts of cold weather and I’ve noticed a discernible difference with the base layer on, so it is good quality as a thermal. Even after multiple washes and wears, there was no bobbling of the fabric and aside from a little stretching (not a massive amount) it still looks as good as new.

Value

At the end of the day, nobody wants to spend a load of money on a garment that doesn’t see the light of day, but, if it works well, it’s worth its weight in gold. This base layer certainly keeps you warm, and although I only used it when the mercury was showing single figures, it is claimed to be great up to 12 degrees and even sorts out your sweat too, so a great all-rounder.

That being said, at £40 it’s nearer the more expensive end on the base layer market, but still not your top tier as Rukka’s Outlast shirt RRPs at £69.99. Oxford base layers will set you back around the £34.99 mark depends on the type you go for and at the cheaper end of the market you can pick up a DXR for around the £15 mark.

Verdict

If you’re after a base layer that’s going to keep you warm but isn’t going to feel like a furnace underneath all your bike clobber, then the Heatrub Move Baselayer is a great solution.

The quality is great, and the feel of the fabric particularly on the inside is lovely, but after a bit of use the fabric did stretch a touch. But there was no bobbling, and I never felt like I was overheating. Sure, the pricetag is a bit more premium than some of the market, but it’s not at the top either, so you’ve got a nice mid-ranged price for a quality bit of kit.

Sizing Note

The Heatrub Move base layer has been engineered to stretch to the demands of many outdoor sports and activities, and although the size chart shows optimum chest sizes, the flex of the fabric and the construction process allows the user to fit into a higher selection of sizes with comfort.

We suggest matching your base layer size to a t-shirt or polo shirt as a good guide if you’re unsure as to what size you will require.

*Please note this assumes standard bust and abdomen size read more about base layer sizings here

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