Stay cool! It's the best summer motorcycle base layers

RST Coolmax top and pants are made from nylon and Lycra for a stretchable semi-compression tight fit but it isn't overly constrictive, meaning it contacts the skin all over. These summer motorcycle base layers have a good feel to them and expand easily.

The Knox Dry Inside range is a next-to-the-skin design, so it's intended to fit snugly but isn't meant to be as tight as say a compression-fit style of garment. Its Polyester and Elastine stretch material has a smooth, silky feel to it and the proportions seem to be very good, between torso size and arms, for example. Reviews are excellent, and it won a summer motorcycle base layers Best Buy award recently when tested by sister magazine RiDE.

This top from British kit giant Oxford has what appears to be a more solid outer layer but wicks moisture away from the skin nonetheless. Online reviews are good, and it's a loose-fit garment designed to sit against the skin where possible though not be overly tight.

This is the ladies' version of Dainese's D-Core Dry base layers and there is also a men's version available as a two-piece set as well as a one-piece item. The D-Core has a semi-compression-fit design so that it features differing material constructions to offer not only wicking qualities but also, support the muscles and promote blood flow in use. They are stretchy though, and not overly tight and mesh panels help with cooling.

It's not cheap but these technical garments from Forcefield are very good indeed. If you like a tight, compression fit, then these are for you. With multiple-material construction using different textures for different parts of the garment, they are designed to wick moisture away and dissipate it while supporting the body's muscles and helping promote blood flow.

Another one-piece suit that is also available as separate top and pants, this garment from Alpinestars is designed to be worn tight with a compression fit to support muscles and promote blood flow.

This two-piece set from Rukka is designed specifically to wick moisture away from the skin and prevent it from becoming damp and uncomfortable. They are best-sellers on Sportsbikeshop in Base Layers and at this price and with Rukka's reputation for quality, it's not hard to see why. They are described as 'year-roundy', but that moisture-wicking ability makes them perfect for summer too.