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As temperatures drop and layering season kicks in, Ciele’s HLS Longsleeve steps in as one of the brand’s most premium cold-weather base layers. With a $165 price tag, it sits well above the average running long sleeve. The question is simple: does the performance justify the cost?
To answer this question, Ciele sent me a pair of the HLS Longsleeve to test out. After wearing it for a few days, here are my findings.
Fabric: A Premium Merino/Silk Blend
Most performance brands blend merino with nylon or spandex to reduce cost and increase durability. Ciele takes a different route, leaning into a 72% merino wool / 28% silk construction.
Silk is naturally more expensive, and that immediately pushes the price up—but it also means:
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The garment stays fully natural and biodegradable
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Silk reinforces the wool for excellent strength and longevity
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The fabric has a noticeably more premium, smooth, almost luxurious feel
This blend also enhances everything runners want from merino: odor resistance, moisture-management, temperature control, breathability, and that soft, non-itch feel that makes merino so coveted.
Fit and Features
The HLS Longsleeve is designed as a true base layer, meaning it’s cut close to the body for easy layering. Key details include:
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Integrated thumb loops that keep sleeves in place under jackets
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Reflective back label and detailing for low-light visibility
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UPF 30+ protection
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Machine washable (rare for high-silk blends)
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Ciele Athletics™ Million Miles Guarantee—a strong confidence signal
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Weight: a light 153g
On the Run
This is where the HLS earns its keep.
The merino-silk fabric regulates temperature beautifully in cold weather, pulling moisture away during harder efforts while avoiding the clammy feel common in synthetic layers. It’s warm without being bulky, breathable without feeling thin, and soft enough for all-day wear.
As a layering piece, it’s excellent: the slim fit disappears under a mid-layer or shell, and the thumb loops are especially useful during long runs or variable-weather days.
Durability
Silk adds structural integrity to merino, and it shows. The HLS feels more resilient than typical 100% merino layers, which often develop holes over time. With Ciele’s “million miles” guarantee, durability is clearly a focus.
Review
My first honest impression is that it is indeed lightweight, loose-fitting, rather thin, but very comfortable to wear as an underlayer. After wearing the Ciele HLS Longsleeve for a few days in sub-zero Canadian winter temperatures, I concluded it was definitely a must-have winter essential for your closet.
Is It Worth $165?
If you’re looking for a high-end base layer that’s natural, biodegradable, soft, temperature-regulating, and built to last, then yes: the HLS Longsleeve justifies its price.
You’re paying for:
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A rare merino + silk luxury blend
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Exceptional comfort and breathability
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Serious durability with a lifetime guarantee
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A runner-first design that performs in variable conditions
Verdict:
If you run frequently in cool to cold temperatures and appreciate premium materials, the Ciele HLS Longsleeve is absolutely worth the investment. For casual or occasional runners, the price may feel steep—but for dedicated runners, this is one of the best merino layers on the market.
