Base Layers

When the temperature drops and the wind picks up, what you wear closest to your skin matters most. The Ona Polo base layer collection — Howsh for men, Quillah and Selknam for women — is built for riders who don’t stop when the conditions turn. All three styles are crafted from a technical blend of 67% fine Merino Wool, 22% Polyamide and 11% Elastane: a 160g long sleeve equestrian base layer with natural thermal regulation, moisture management and odour resistance, four-way stretch and flatlock seam construction — close to the body, free in the saddle, made in Italy.

Selknam Women’s Crew Neck Lago

£100.00

Selknam Women’s Crew Neck Mist

£100.00

Selknam Women’s Crew Neck Blossom

£100.00

Quillah Women’s Zip Base Layer

£125.00

Howsh Men’s Zip Base Layer

£125.00

Base Layers FAQs

A base layer is the first garment you put on — the layer that sits directly against your skin. Its job is to manage your body temperature and moisture as you move, keeping you warm when you are still and comfortable when you are active. Unlike a mid-layer or outer shell, a base layer works by regulating what happens closest to the skin: wicking perspiration away, trapping warmth when you need it and releasing heat when you generate it. For equestrian sport, where you move between periods of intense activity and standing still, a well-chosen base layer makes a significant difference to comfort and performance throughout the day.
A base layer should fit close to the body — snug but not restrictive. It needs to sit against the skin to manage moisture and temperature effectively; if it is too loose, it cannot do its job. At the same time it should allow full freedom of movement in every direction. Think of it as a second skin rather than a garment you wear over clothing. All Ona base layers are designed with this in mind: close-fitting, with four-way stretch construction that moves with you rather than against you. If you are between sizes, we recommend sizing up.
Both Merino Wool and synthetic fibres are used in performance base layers, but they work differently and suit different riders. Merino Wool is a natural fibre that regulates temperature, wicks moisture and resists odour without chemical treatments. It does not feel cold or clammy when wet, stays fresh across multiple wears and is naturally soft against the skin. Synthetic fibres — typically polyester or nylon — dry faster and are generally more durable, but they do not regulate temperature as naturally and tend to retain odour over time. For polo players and equestrian riders who value comfort across long days and variable conditions, Merino Wool is the benchmark choice. The Ona base layer collection uses a technical blend of 67% fine Merino Wool, 22% Polyamide and 11% Elastane — combining the natural performance of Merino Wool with the durability of polyamide and the stretch of elastane.
The choice between a crew neck and a quarter-zip comes down to how and where you plan to wear your base layer. The quarter-zip — Howsh for men and Quillah for women — gives you precise temperature control: open the zip between chukkas or during warm-up, close it when you are still or the temperature drops. It is the more versatile option for active riding and polo, where conditions change quickly and you need to regulate your temperature on the move. The crew neck — Selknam, available for women in Blossom, Mist and Lago — is the more considered, lifestyle-oriented choice. It sits as comfortably off the yard as on it, works as a standalone top in cooler months and layers cleanly under a jacket or coat. If your priority is performance and temperature control during play, choose the quarter-zip. If you want a base layer that moves seamlessly between sport and everyday life, choose the crew neck.
Care depends on which style you have. Howsh and Quillah are made from superwash Merino Wool — a specialist treatment that makes them fully machine washable without shrinkage or loss of shape. Machine wash at 30°C on a gentle or wool cycle and lay flat to dry. Do not tumble dry. Selknam uses a non-superwash Merino Wool — a finer, softer fibre that requires more gentle handling. We recommend washing Selknam on a wool cycle inside a mesh garment bag, or handwashing in lukewarm water with a specialist wool detergent such as Woolite. Lay flat to dry, do not wring, and store folded rather than on a hanger. For all three styles: do not bleach, and cool iron on the reverse if needed.

Customer reviews

Satisfied customers attest to the quality and design of our products.

Adam Stankiewicz
Ona Polo products are the best quality and the service is always quick and efficient!
Nicola Carotenuto
I have bought a pair of ona VS Carbon gloves and I have used them ever since without a glitch. The Ona pants were also stretchy and comfortable and ONA was very forthcoming and patient when asked to add the club's embroidery on the kit. Customer service Is impeccable and quick. Great quality
Antonio Aguerre
I’ve been playing Polo for over 8 years, always with ONA. The quality and technology of the ONA products is absolutely incredible and would recommend to anyone getting into the sport or playing professionally!! Thank You ONA for constantly innovating to keep players like myself safe while playing the game we love!
Tommy Beresford
Ona is the best polo equipment brand on the market. The quality and care they put in to the products is unlike any other which means you buy a high performance products that last. Although they’re at the top of the game, they are always striving to improve!
Julie Crocker
Excellent products that provide protection and exceptional durability, outstanding service and very good value for money. ONA - the best by far!! Highly recommended.
Klari Du Toit
Ona Polo is simply the best in the business, reliable and good quality.The white jeans are a classic, durable while still comfortable and flexible, stretch to move easily while playing. They fit amazing and hold up great during play... Read More >
Tincho Merlos
Onas has been with me worldwide providing the best products for over 10yrs Now he also provides my son Rufino with the best around the world . Thanks ONA !
Lisa Hughes
Super company - we have used them for years and they have ALWAYS been top notch in terms of quality of product and their customer service is second to none! In a crowded market we wouldn’t go anywhere else
Mariano Aguerre
Calidad , confort y eficiencia!!! En pocas palabras describo el experiencia ONA/ Los Machitos!!! De las muchas opciones que hay, sin lugar a dudas elijo ONA!!!
Facundo Sola
El mejor producto del mercado y el mas confiable!! Desde hace 15 años trabajo con la marca y todos los años es cada vez mejor!! Muchas gracias
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