---
title: "Ski Base Layer & Fleece Mid-Layer Manufacturer"
description: "Custom merino and polyester ski base layers and polar, micro and sherpa fleece mid-layers, made in-house under your label. From 50 pcs per design."
url: https://mrbalaclava.com/ski-wear/base-mid-layers/
language: en-US
updated: 2026-10-14T16:24:31+00:00
alternates:
  fr: https://mrbalaclava.com/fr/vetements-de-ski/sous-couches-polaires.md
  de: https://mrbalaclava.com/de/skibekleidung/funktionsunterwaesche-midlayer.md
  es: https://mrbalaclava.com/es/ropa-de-esqui/capas-base-intermedias.md
publisher: Mr Balaclava (https://mrbalaclava.com/)
---

Custom ski wear · Category

# Ski Base Layer & Fleece Mid-Layer Manufacturer

Base layers and mid-layers are the warm, dry part of a ski outfit: the base layer moves sweat away from the skin and the mid-layer traps warm air under the shell. Mr Balaclava manufactures merino and polyester base layers and polar, micro and sherpa fleece in-house under your label, from 50 pieces per design and with a standard lead time of about 14 days.

[Request a quote](https://mrbalaclava.com/contact-us/) See catalog styles

Updated 14 October 2026

![Man wearing a grey textured base layer top and matching bottoms with a fitted silhouette](https://mrbalaclava.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/base-layer-fabric.jpg)

- **50 pcs** Minimum order
- **14 days** Standard lead time
- **100K pcs** Monthly capacity
- **ISO 9001** Certified (Eco Jersey Limited)
- **Sedex** Member (Eco Jersey Limited)

Specifications

## Base layer and fleece specifications

What we can build into base layers and fleece mid-layers, and the terms that apply to every order.

| Base layer styles | Crew-neck and half-zip tops, leggings, sets; long or short sleeves |
| --- | --- |
| Base layer fabrics | Merino wool jersey, merino blends with nylon or elastane, moisture-wicking and brushed-back polyester jersey |
| Fleece styles | Full-zip jackets, quarter-zip and half-zip pullovers, hoodies and vests |
| Fleece fabrics | Polyester polar fleece, microfleece and sherpa fleece; anti-pilling finishes |
| Weights | Light to midweight base layers; fleece weights set per style; both confirmed in the sample |
| Construction | Close, stretchy fit; flat or flatlock seams; printed neck labels |
| How it is made | Cut, sewn, finished and inspected in-house |
| Branding | Embroidery and patches on fleece; heat transfer, sublimation on polyester and printed neck labels on base layers; woven labels and hang tags |
| Sizes | All sizes: men's, women's, unisex and kids', graded to your size chart |
| Minimum order | 50 pieces per design |
| Lead time | Approximately 14 days after sample approval as standard; the confirmed schedule is agreed for each order |

Buyer's guide

## Merino or polyester base layers?

Merino wool is the premium choice: warm for its weight, comfortable when damp and naturally odour-resistant, so it can be worn for several days. Merino blended with nylon or elastane is stronger and holds its shape. Polyester base layers dry faster, cost less and can be printed edge to edge by sublimation.

Fit matters as much as fabric: a base layer only wicks sweat if it touches the skin, so it is cut close and stretchy, with flat seams that do not rub under a jacket or backpack. Compare the fabrics on our [merino](https://mrbalaclava.com/materials/merino-wool-blends/) and [performance fabrics](https://mrbalaclava.com/materials/performance-fabrics/) pages.

- **Ski and outdoor brands** Merino and synthetic base layer ranges under your label.
- **Team and school kits** Printed base layers in team colours under race suits and jackets.
- **Retail sets** Top and legging sets in retail packaging.
- **Workwear** Thermal layers for outdoor staff and cold-weather work.

Compare

## Which layer fabric fits your range?

The fabrics buyers request most for base and mid-layers, and what each one is best at.

| Fabric | Layer | Strengths | Best for |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Merino jersey](https://mrbalaclava.com/materials/merino-wool-blends/) | Base layer | Warm for its weight, comfortable when damp, odour-resistant | Premium ranges and multi-day trips |
| [Polyester jersey](https://mrbalaclava.com/materials/performance-fabrics/) | Base layer | Dries fast, costs less, can be sublimation-printed | Team kits, value ranges and printed designs |
| Microfleece | Mid-layer | Thin and light; fits under a ski shell | A close mid-layer for skiing |
| Polar fleece | Mid-layer | Thicker and warmer; the classic fleece jacket fabric | Fleece jackets, staff and team wear |
| Sherpa fleece | Mid-layer or worn on its own | Deep, curly pile with a cosy, fashion look | Après-ski and streetwear jackets |

Fleece mid-layers

## Polar, micro or sherpa fleece?

Microfleece is thin and light, ideal as a close mid-layer under a ski shell. Polar fleece is thicker and warmer, the classic fleece jacket fabric. Sherpa fleece has a deep, curly pile with a cosy, fashion look and works as an après-ski or streetwear jacket as much as a mid-layer.

Fleece stays warm when damp and dries quickly, and it takes embroidery and patches well. Our fleece garments are made in-house. For the fabrics, see the [fleece family](https://mrbalaclava.com/materials/fleece/) in our Material Library.

![Two men in colour-block quarter-zip fleece pullovers in teal and pink](https://mrbalaclava.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/demo-quarter-zip-fleece-pullover-768x768.webp)

![Close-up of a green sherpa fleece jacket with a snap front](https://mrbalaclava.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/demo-full-zip-sherpa-fleece-768x768.webp)

[Fleece fabrics in our Material Library](https://mrbalaclava.com/materials/fleece/)

The layering system

## How base and mid-layers work under a shell

Skiers stay warm by combining layers rather than wearing one thick jacket. The base layer sits next to the skin and moves sweat outwards; the mid-layer traps warm air and can be added or removed as the weather changes; the outer shell keeps snow and wind out. Each layer only works if the one beneath it can pass moisture on, so base layers are cut close and mid-layers stay breathable.

A complete range offers all three in matching colours. Pair these layers with our [ski jackets](https://mrbalaclava.com/ski-wear/custom-ski-jackets/) and [ski pants and suits](https://mrbalaclava.com/ski-wear/ski-pants-suits/).

![Man in a fitted black long-sleeve base layer top](https://mrbalaclava.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/demo-merino-base-layer-top-768x768.webp)

![Woman in a black half-zip thermal base layer top with red flatlock seams](https://mrbalaclava.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/demo-half-zip-thermal-base-layer-768x768.webp)

Customization

## Build your base and mid layers

Every part of the design is yours. Our design team sends a mockup of each logo and label placement, and every detail is confirmed in a tech pack before sampling.

- **Choose the fabric** Merino, merino blend or polyester for base layers; polar, micro or sherpa fleece for mid-layers. [Material Library](https://mrbalaclava.com/materials/)
- **Choose the cut** Crew or half-zip tops and leggings; full-zip, quarter-zip, hoodie or vest fleece; your size chart. [Sizing and fit](https://mrbalaclava.com/manufacturing/process/sizing-and-fit/)
- **Add colour and details** Solid colours, colour-blocking, contrast flatlock seams, sublimated prints on polyester, pockets and zips.
- **Brand it** Embroidery and patches on fleece, printed neck labels that do not rub, woven labels and hang tags. [Customization and branding](https://mrbalaclava.com/manufacturing/process/customization-and-branding/)

How ordering works

## Three steps to your order

Every order starts with your brief and ends with tracked delivery.

1. **Send your brief** Tell us the garment, fabric, waterproof rating, sizes, quantities, branding and deadline. We reply with a quote and suggest a suitable build.
2. **Approve the sample** We confirm every measurement, fabric, colour and logo placement in a tech pack, then make your sample. Samples are paid 100% in advance.
3. **Production and delivery** Standard production lead time is approximately 14 days after sample approval. Every piece is inspected, packed to your specification and shipped with tracking.

[Request a ski wear quote](https://mrbalaclava.com/contact-us/) [See the full manufacturing process](https://mrbalaclava.com/manufacturing/process/)

B2B catalog

## Base and mid layers from our B2B catalog

Developed styles you can order with your own branding, or use as the starting point for a custom design.

[Browse all base & mid layers in the B2B catalog](https://mrbalaclava.com/product-category/ski-wear/base-mid-layers/)

More categories

## Other ski wear categories

See the other ski wear categories we make, or compare the whole range on the [custom ski wear](https://mrbalaclava.com/ski-wear/) page.

### Categories

- [Ski JacketsPadded, puffer, hardshell, softshell and snowboard jackets, waterproof 5K to 20K.](https://mrbalaclava.com/ski-wear/custom-ski-jackets/)
- [Ski Pants & SuitsSki pants, bibs, one-piece ski suits and matching two-piece sets.](https://mrbalaclava.com/ski-wear/ski-pants-suits/)
- [Ski AccessoriesSki masks and balaclavas, ski socks and helmet-friendly beanies.](https://mrbalaclava.com/ski-wear/ski-accessories/)

FAQ

## Base layers and fleece: frequently asked questions

**### What is the minimum order for base layers and fleece?**

The minimum order is 50 pieces per design.

**### Merino or polyester: which should we offer?**

Merino is warmer when damp and resists odour; polyester dries faster, costs less and can be sublimation-printed. Many ranges offer both.

**### Can base layers be printed?**

Yes. Polyester base layers can be sublimation-printed edge to edge from your artwork; merino takes smaller heat-transfer logos.

**### Do you make the fleece garments yourselves?**

Yes. Our fleece jackets and pullovers are made in-house, from cutting and sewing to finishing, inspection and packing.

**### Which branding works best on fleece?**

Embroidery and woven or rubber patches suit the pile of fleece best; heat transfer works on smoother microfleece.

**### Can a fleece be worn under a ski jacket?**

Yes. Microfleece and lighter polar fleece are made to fit under a shell as a mid-layer; sherpa is usually worn on its own.

**### Do you make matching tops and leggings?**

Yes. Tops and leggings are made from the same fabric and can be sold separately or as a set.

**### How long does base layer and fleece production take?**

Standard production lead time is approximately 14 days after sample approval. Actual lead time depends on the product, quantity, customization and material availability, and the confirmed schedule is agreed for each order. Express shipping by DHL, FedEx or UPS then takes 3–6 working days.

Buyer guides

## Further reading

Guides from the Journal on ski clothing and fleece.

- [Performance & Use Cases · 11 min readSki Wear Clothing: A Complete Guide for Winter AdventuresDiscover the ultimate ski wear guide: stay warm, dry, and stylish on the slopes with expert tips on jackets, pants, layers, and accessories.Read the guide](https://mrbalaclava.com/journal/ski-wear-clothing/)
- [Materials & FabricsFleece-Lined, Double-Layer or Unlined? Beanie Linings and Warmth ExplainedWhat a fleece lined beanie is, how it compares with double-layer, cotton and satin linings, which fleece to choose and what really makes a beanie warm.Read the guide](https://mrbalaclava.com/journal/fleece-beanie-guide/)
- [Brand & IndustrySki Wear by Region: Climate, Market and Sourcing GuideHow climate, season length and retail channel change ski wear needs across Japan, the UK, the Mediterranean and the Gulf - and what that means for brands.Read the guide](https://mrbalaclava.com/journal/ski-wear-by-region-climate-market-sourcing/)


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