I tried out all the high-performance mesh underwear that is rumored to be "too comfortable"

The amount of sweat you sweat while climbing or running is a troublesome thing that can only be uncomfortable for everyone. Even now that the base layer's performance has improved so much, I still need to bear some patience about its discomfort. However, did you know that over the past few years there have actually been a small revolution in combating the discomfort caused by sweating in Japan? That is the item we will be introducing this time: "High-performance mesh underwear."

However, these items have no official names as categories yet, and the names themselves have been given by the editorial department, and the current situation is that the manufacturers have different ways of calling them, such as "dry layer", "0.5 layer", and "transfer layer". In any case, the contents are simply put, and are mesh-shaped shirts that are worn under the base layer, in a direct contact with the skin, significantly reducing discomfort and cold sweat when sweating, and dramatically increasing comfort when you move around . This summer, a certain acquaintance recommended that I wear it because it's dangerous, so I'll try wearing it, so I kept wearing it with a skepticism. ...The result is a shock that is far more shocking than you imagined. So, this time I've put together that, so let's start off right away.

table of contents

What is high-performance mesh underwear?

4 highly functional mesh underwear we tried out this time

Comparing specs and performance

Comparison of this comparison

What is high-performance mesh underwear that won't bother you at all when you're on the move?

First, I'll summarize the simple questions I felt before wearing this unfamiliar item, and what I did to myself research.

What are the best features of high-performance mesh underwear?

1. Quickly absorbs sweat from the skin and spreads to the surface of the fabric, and excellent breathability and quick drying keeps the skin dry
2. Once sweat has been exposed, it will remain on the skin, and it will become cooler when exposed to the outside air, reducing the coldness and rejuvenation of sweat
3. Not too cold or too hot, maintaining a stable skin temperature (assuming that you wear it in combination with the base layer)

Is it not possible to use just a regular base layer?

Of course, general base layers already play a number of roles such as sweat absorption, diffusion, quick drying, and heat retention, so this is not a problem. So, what good things can happen with this underwear? It has two effects, broadly. One of the effects is that this underwear boosts the "sweat absorption, diffusion, and quick-drying" function, which is the role of the base layer. Another effect is that it adds a function to reduce sweat and coldness, which is an issue with the base layer . In other words, high-performance mesh underwear is a product that can maximize the functionality of the base layer by wearing it together with the base layer. For example, in winter, when used in combination with a base layer that is resistant to heat retention (sensitivity to sweat treatment), such as merino wool, you can complete the ideal layering shape that is perfect for sweat absorption, diffusion, quick drying, and heat retention. It's hard to imagine that once you've become addicted to this, you won't be able to stop it.

By the way, the role of the base layer is explained on this page, so please refer to it if you like.

What's the difference between a highly breathable mesh shirt?

What is the difference between the thin summer mesh T-shirts (including Uniqlo's Airism), which are often found in stores in the summer? Summer mesh is designed to improve breathability, dry sweat quickly, and let heat escape from the body, making it cool. However, many of them are weak in measures to prevent sweating and cold sweat, or do not take into consideration such as ensuring moderate heat retention. is the big difference between sweat removal and high-performance mesh underwear, which is intended to boost sweat removal and reduce cold sweat (ensure heat retention) The position is also slightly different in that it is intended to perform best when combined with a regular base layer.

How do you use high-performance mesh underwear?

To more effectively spread moisture from sweat to the surface of the fabric as water vapor, it is recommended to wear a quick-drying base layer that fits the body and fits the body However, some manufacturers may say that this single piece can be used as a base layer as is, so it is best to check each of the recommendations for details.

4 highly functional mesh underwear we tried out this time

Here we will introduce four of the most representative high-performance mesh underwear we've picked out and tried out.

finetrack skin mesh series

Skin mesh T

finetrack

4,536 yen

46g

A fine track hit that created the word "dry layer" and sparked the explosive popularity of this category. The unique concept is that the fabric has a strong durable water-repellent function, which sucks up sweat from the inside onto the base layer worn on top, and rain from the outside cannot reach the skin, resulting in a unique concept that the skin is always dry. This season, we have further enhanced functions, further improving the fit and further reducing wetness.

MILLET DRYNAMIC MESH Series

Drynamic mesh short sleeve

MILLET

5,724 yen

A next-generation base layer that made a huge hit in 2015, achieving the ultimate dry feel. It is so stretchy that you'll forget you're wearing it, and the bulky mesh does not allow sweat to be absorbed once it's absorbed onto your skin. Rather than mesh, it is hard to imagine from the impactful visuals that are similar to the "net shirts" that were once popular in the 1970s, and are comfortable to wear in summer and winter, without being cold.

Phenix Transfer Series

Transfer L/S Crew

Phenix

4,968 yen

?g

The skin surface uses water-repellent yarn to keep the skin dry, and the surface uses sweat-absorbent yarn to create a hybrid structure, "Quick & Dry UP." For this reason, this is a highly complete piece that can almost act as a base layer with just one piece. This one piece is enough to be a base layer in the summer, and in cold seasons you can choose from a wide range of options, from sweat-absorbing and quick-drying synthetic fibers to highly heat-retaining materials such as wool.

THE NORTH FACE Paramount Mesh Series

Short sleeve Paramount mesh crew

THE NORTH FACE

4,860 yen

55g

The material distribution (100% polypropylene) used in this item has the characteristic of not absorbing water and has not been a rare base layer that has been fast drying since ancient times. However, by using a coarse mesh structure this time, it ensures high breathability and elasticity. Layering it with a sweat-absorbent and quick-drying base layer reduces sweat rejuvenation and keeps you dry.

Comparing specs and performance

Comparison of this comparison (recommended 2nd place)

As you can see, it's dry and unclimated, and you've never experienced it, the extremely comfortable layer: MILLET DRYNAMIC MESH series

After trying out the four pieces several times, it was certainly dry and I didn't notice any stickiness caused by sweat, and the discomfort during movement disappeared. However, when it comes to sweating, this Millet is surprisingly the only one who doesn't feel cold even when exposed to the wind when a wet shirt is exposed to the air. This is probably because when other shirts get wet, they stick tightly to the skin and create contact with the outside air, while this shirt has a thick, bulky mesh that creates a layer of air, shutting out the outside air. This bulky mesh ( as you can see in official user comments ) is cool in the summer and slightly warm in the winter, providing unprecedented comfort in all seasons and in any situation. By the way, I've also tried boxer shorts for this, and it was the most touchingly perfect underwear I've worn so far.

Drynamic mesh short sleeve

MILLET

5,724 yen

Drynamic Mesh 3/4 Sleeve Crew

MILLET

6,048 yen

Drynamic Mesh NS Crew

MILLET

4,968 yen

High sweat processing performance and versatility that can be used with just one piece: Phenix Transfer Series

What's great about this shirt is not only its high sweat-removal capacity (the main focus of this comparison), but also its excellent balance. Considering that heat retention is not in the concept in the first place, we found that it is of high quality, with no gaps overall, including comfort and sweat removal, durability and odor resistance. In addition, this is a fine mesh that is not strange to wear as a regular T-shirt or as a regular T-shirt, so it can be used in any situation (other transparent mesh shirts are too difficult to wear on their own).

Transfer L/S Crew

Phenix

4,968 yen

?g

Mesh underwear is still not well known. I was skeptical until I tried it, but after using it, I was honestly surprised at how much comfort is still possible. It can be said that the effect is so good that everyone can feel it. It is certainly not a must-have item for now, but it may soon be that this outfit will become commonplace. So, if you have the time, I highly recommend giving it a try!