How to Choose Base Layers

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Hard-charging winter days start out cold, but you always warm up. The men's REI Co-op Midweight Base Layer half-zip top offers the warmth of long sleeves and the easy venting of a front zipper.
Shop newer versionImported.
View all REI Co-op Men's Base Layer TopsBest Use | Multisport |
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Shirt Type | Partial-zip |
Fabric | Polyester (bluesign® approved) |
Sun-Protective Fabric | Yes |
UPF Rating | 50 |
Moisture Wicking | Yes |
Quick Drying | Yes |
Underwear Weight | Midweight |
Sleeve Length | Long Sleeve |
Gender | Men's |
Sustainability | Contains materials that meet the bluesign® criteria Fair Trade Certified™ Factory From a Climate Label Certified brand |
XS | S | M | L | XL | XXL | XXXL | 24 IN Waist | 26 IN Waist | 28 IN Waist | 30 IN Waist | 31 IN Waist | 32 IN Waist | 33 IN Waist | 34 IN Waist | 35 IN Waist | 36 IN Waist | 38 IN Waist | 40 IN Waist | 42 IN Waist | 44 IN Waist | 46 IN Waist | 48 IN Waist | 50 IN Waist | |
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Chest | 35 | 36 - 38 | 39 - 41 | 42 - 45 | 46 - 49 | 50 - 53 | 54 - 57 | |||||||||||||||||
Sleeve Length | 32 | 32.5 | 33 | 33.5 | 34 | 34.75 | 35.5 | |||||||||||||||||
Waist | 27.5 | 28 - 30 | 32 - 34 | 36 - 38 | 40 - 42 | 44 - 46 | 48 - 50 | 24 | 26 | 28 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 38 | 40 | 42 | 44 | 46 | 48 | 50 |
Hip | 33.5 | 34.5 - 36.5 | 37.5 - 39.5 | 41 - 43 | 44 - 46.5 | 47.5 - 50.5 | 51.5 - 54.5 | 32 | 33.5 | 34.5 | 36.5 | 37 | 37.5 | 38.5 | 39.5 | 40.25 | 41 | 43 | 44 | 46.5 | 47.5 | 50.5 | 52.5 | 54.5 |
Inseam | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 |
Measurements are stated in inches unless otherwise indicated. Size chart values represent body measurements, not garment measurements.
SHORT: Some pants are available in short sizes, which generally means an inseam that is 2.5 inches shorter than regular sizes.
TALL: Some pants, shirts, jackets and parkas are available in tall sizes, which generally means an inseam that is 3 inches longer and a rise that is 1 inch longer, a shirt or jacket body that is 2 inches longer, a parka body that is 2.5 inches longer and sleeves that are 2.5 inches longer than regular sizes.
Capri or cropped pants have an intentionally shorter inseam—reference the technical specs instead of this chart.
Inseam is measured to the floor.
From feedback to field testing, all of our gear is dialed-in by REI Co-op members. Their adventures informed every stitch and detail—making for better, longer-lasting gear.
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Impulse buy on a Black Friday deal. Pretty happy I did. Fit is nice, garment is very comfortable with no tags or scratchy seams. I wear it cycling mainly, today was in the high teens and with a good lined jacket it was fine. If it gets a little colder maybe a thin t-shirt base layer under. I wear it in the 30's with a lighter jacket. My jackets are Gore cycling which fit somewhat tight so the not-bulky fit of this base is perfect. A note on fit. I generally wear a large but some REI branded gear (Two jackets and this) I can get away with a medium if I want a more fitted feel. Overall glad I got this instead of a thinner base as it's more versatile.
A few days before we flew to New Zealand I purchased one more REI brand shirt to be sure I had enough. It was on sale, in my size and my wife liked it. The first few times I wore it everything was fine. However about our third week into the trip my wife noticed a snag right next to the zipper placket, revealing some white underneath. She will try to fix it but if not we might be returning it. It’s too bad because I don’t remember having brushed against anything which would snag the fabric. All of the other shirts I purchased at REI for the trip are wearing well.
I was looking for something that could double for use by itself during "shoulder seasons" as well as a base layer when it gets colder. I took a flyer on this, and I'm glad I did. The fabric is very comfortable and it seems like it got a little softer after a few washes. The arms are a little longer than others I was looking at, which is a definite plus, and fit snugly at the wrist. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because I don't know how it will hold up in the long run, but in regular use so far (a couple months) it's been a nice addition. Not to mention that at this price point it's a great value. Thumb's up!
Loved the top! Felt great and looked great. Problem came from washing. I hand wash all my thermals and have never had a problem with REI brand clothing. Until now. Both times (I exchanged the first one and returned the second and got something else) defects in the fabric kind of like when you pull a loose thread that just keeps on coming. Since this happend twice, even though wash instructions on the label said machine washable, I urge REI to pull this item off the rack so others dont have to deal with this. I've been an REI member since they first opened a store in Salt Lake City and will continue to go to REI first for all my outdoor gear. Even though I had issues with this shirt, returns were hassle free and the staff are the best.
I have the lightweight version of this item and have been very pleased with its versatility - in that it can be opened up depending upon conditions. The zipper on this version is 3 inches shorter than the one on my lightweight piece! Both are size L.
I used this as a very nice over layer for a two week trip. Unfortunately, i found that the threads easily started to pull out with very casual contact with some velcro on a vest. I become more concerned when other threads started to pull out from a sleeve that had little or no contact. I don't think a layer like this should be so sensitive to any contact. I returned it for a refund and would be careful before buying it although, it is a perfect weight for an overlayer.
An excellent example of REI's ability to design and produce an excellent product at an excellent price. In my layering system I use this and the REI base layer bottoms when I need something a bit warmer than my usual lightweight base layer. Just came back from a ski trip to Vail and used this on the slopes under a lightweight fleece vest and midweight waterproof/breathable snow jacket. It's soft and almost fleecy against your skin. It does have a habit of absorbing odors during a long sweaty day but a trip through the washing machine remedies that easily. With a comfy close fit combined with an easy to take price, I'm gonna have to get another set!
The first thing I notice about this was that the cut seems a bit more tailored than previous REI branded tops I've bought which I like a lot. The weight seems just about perfect for me as it is thick enough to add some warmth but no too thick and breathable enough to keep you from getting too hot. Also, the inside is surprisingly soft and comfortable. I really hope this stands up to years of love, abuse, and cleaning. Wins on: fit, weight, comfort. Durability is TBD.
Shirt material easily pulls threads with as little as contact with a coat
Great mid-weight pullover. Perfect for 3-season wear in Colorado. Originally purchased in dark gray; loved it so much I bought another in navy. Large fits like a glove (6’0” 210lbs). One word of caution: the texture in these is slightly prone to snags, so long term durability may be an issue. But for a layering piece, this is tough to beat.