How to Choose Base Layers

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Layering makes hikes better when the mercury dips and rises. The women's Smartwool Merino base layer top works undercover on cool mornings or as a stand-alone piece in warmer temperatures.
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View the Smartwool Classic All Season Product LineView all Smartwool Women's Base Layer Tops| Best Use | Hiking |
|---|---|
| Shirt Type | T-shirt |
| Fabric | 87% merino wool/13% nylon |
| Moisture Wicking | Yes |
| Quick Drying | Yes |
| Underwear Weight | Lightweight |
| Sleeve Length | Short Sleeve |
| Gender | Women's |
| XS | S | M | L | XL | 1X | 2X | 3X | 4X | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Numerical Size | 0 - 2 | 4 - 6 | 8 - 10 | 12 - 14 | 16 - 18 | 16 - 18 | 20 - 22 | 24 - 26 | 28 - 30 |
| Chest | 32 - 33 | 34 - 35 | 36 - 38 | 39 - 40 | 41-42 | 43 - 45 | 47 - 49 | 51 - 53 | 55 - 57 |
| Sleeve Length | 27 - 28 | 28 - 29 | 29 - 30 | 30 - 31 | 31 - 32 | 31 | 31 | 32 | 33 |
| Waist | 24 - 25 | 26 - 27 | 28 - 30 | 31 - 32 | 33 - 34 | 39 - 41 | 43 - 46 | 47 - 50 | 52 - 55 |
| Hip | 35 - 36 | 37 - 38 | 39 - 40 | 41 - 42 | 43 - 44 | 45 - 47 | 49 - 51 | 53 - 55 | 57 - 59 |
| Inseam | 29 - 30 | 30 - 31 | 31 - 32 | 32 - 33 | 33 - 34 | 30 - 32 | 30 - 32 | 30 - 32 | 30 - 32 |
Measurements are stated in inches.
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I originally bought a medium because I have the long sleeve version in medium and it fits great. When it arrived, the medium was way too long. The medium was also just over all a little bigger than I would have liked but I probably would have kept it if it wasn’t for the length. I bought a small hoping it would fit better and it definitely does. The small fits like the medium long-sleeve version of this shirt. I’ll be keeping the small. I’m 5’6”, 135 lbs. You can also see from the photos that the shirt is pretty see-through and the medium’s neckline is cut a little lower for some reason. I do love the wool. I’ve worn the long sleeve version on many long backpacking and car-camping trips and it takes a lot longer to get smelly than my synthetic shirts, even the ones that have the “anti-stink” coating.
Perfect fit. Didn’t stretch out. Keeps its shape after washing. It’s a staple in my wardrobe now.
I love this shirt, it's very comfortable, and it looks great. I get compliments on it it doesn't chafe, and I've worn it bouldering.
I own an older version of a short sleeve base layer SmartWool, so I decided to buy a few more and this was my first. It’s very soft and a flattering fit. I’m 5’7” and 145, ordered M. The asymmetric seams at side and shoulders help give flattering look/shape. What I like most is a longer torso length, which stays tucked in for activity, or out, casually, over the top of my pants. Goodbye short torso base layer shirts that ride up, bulk up and allow in the cold air! Thanks SmartWool! 
I normally love smartwool and have quite a few pieces from them, but I was severely disappointed with this product. I've worn it about 3 times hiking on pleasant days (the shirt and my backpack) and it is pilled all over the place. My other smartwool shirts have not done this. For the price of the shirt I expected much better. The good things about this shirt is it fits my curvy body nicely and is long so it doesn't ride up with my backpack, and the bright pink color. I don't recommend due to the high cost but poor quality.
I have not worn it on a trail yet, but have been wearing it indoors and as a base layer/t shirt under a 250 or an outer layer. It's the softest wool, really cozy and not scratchy at all. I tried the REI brand to compare and that one was far itchier so I sent it back. The shirt runs narrow though throughout the torso, but particularly across the breast and waist. If you are large breasted or waisted then order one size up.
When it comes to T-shirts this was a pricey one for me and so I had high expectations for it. I was impressed. I wore this for backpacking and have since worn it for day hikes and just daily wear. The first time I wore it I did smell like a sheep especially as I wore it in a stream then I smelled like wet sheep. However after drying the wool smell lessened. I've been careful when washing the shirt washing in cold water and not frying it in the dryer, so it has held up really well. color has not faded. The fit is good.
I sized up to a small because I like hiking shirts to be a little loose. I'm 5'1" and the shirt came down to 2 inches above my knees. I considered keeping it and getting it tailored but decided it's not worth the cost. This would be great if you're above 5'9" (still long enough that it covers my 5'7" roommate's butt) and/or like long shirts and/or want a wool t-shirt dress.
I was hoping this would be an improvement over the last 150 tee and closer to the iteration before that. What kills the cut is the raglan sleeve that flares at the arm and leaves excess draping in the underarms. The upside is it seems longer and fits in the torso more than the last design and they got rid of the elastic collar and sleeves that didn't hold up very well after washes. Still not sold on the wrap around side seam as it just became more of a pain to fold as time went by. Will still always long for the crew neck design with the flat lock seams that came in the box as those held up so much better. Searching elsewhere for new everyday tees.
Initially I really liked this shirt, but after wearing it once and washing it in cold water (instructions say it’s machine wash warm), the shape completely changed. The seam on one side now runs down the side, while the other seam twists drastically around to the front. It’s now asymmetric and the tag is almost near my belly button. I saw someone else had left a similar review after washing it, maybe it was the way it was sewn. Either way, definitely not worth the price.