How to Choose Base Layers

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Skiing or climbing in the snowy cold, you'll love the streamlined warmth, moisture wicking comfort and easy layering of the women's REI Co-op Midweight Base Layer Crew Top.
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View all REI Co-op Women's Base Layer Tops| Best Use | Multisport |
|---|---|
| Shirt Type | T-shirt |
| Fabric | 92% polyester/8% spandex |
| Sun-Protective Fabric | Yes |
| UPF Rating | 50 |
| Moisture Wicking | Yes |
| Quick Drying | Yes |
| Underwear Weight | Midweight |
| Sleeve Length | Long Sleeve |
| Gender | Women's |
| Sustainability | From a Climate Label Certified brand |
| XXS | XS | S | M | L | XL | 1X | 2X | 3X | 0 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 18W | 20W | 22W | 24W | 26W | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Numerical Size | 00 | 0-2 | 4-6 | 8-10 | 12-14 | 16 | 18 | 20-22 | 24-26 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 20 | 22 | 24 | 26 |
| Bust | 31 | 32-33 | 34-35 | 36-37 | 38.5-40 | 41-42.5 | 43-45 | 47-49 | 51-53 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38.5 | 40 | 42.5 | 45 | 47 | 49 | 51 | 53 |
| Sleeve Length | 29.5 | 30 | 30.5 | 31 | 31.5 | 32 | 32.5 | 33.5 | 34.5 | 30 | 30 | 30.5 | 30.5 | 31 | 31 | 31.5 | 31.5 | 32 | 32.5 | 33.5 | 33.5 | 34.5 | 34.5 |
| Waist | 24.5 | 25.5-26.5 | 27.5-28.5 | 29.5-30.5 | 32-33.5 | 34.5-36.5 | 37.5-39.5 | 40.5-42.5 | 44.5-46.5 | 25.5 | 26.5 | 27.5 | 28.5 | 29.5 | 30.5 | 32 | 33.5 | 36 | 38.5 | 40.5 | 42.5 | 44.5 | 46.5 |
| Hip | 34 | 35-36 | 37-38 | 39-40 | 41.5-43 | 44-46 | 47-49 | 50-52 | 54-56 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38 | 39 | 40 | 41.5 | 43 | 45.5 | 48 | 50 | 52 | 54 | 56 |
| Inseam | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 |
Measurements are stated in inches unless otherwise indicated. Size chart values represent body measurements, not garment measurements. Some women's pants are available in petite and tall sizes. Typically petite sizes fit women 4'11" to 5'3". Regular sizes fit women 5'4" to 5'8". Tall sizes fit women 5'9" to 5'11".
PETITE: Generally, as compared to regular sizes, petite sizes are 2.5 inches shorter in inseam, 1 inch shorter in body length, 1.25 inches shorter in sleeve length and ¾ inch shorter in total rise.
TALL: tall sizes are 3 inches longer in inseam, 2 inches longer in body length, 2.5 inches longer in sleeve length and 1.25 inches longer in total rise.
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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This is a wonderfully soft, silky, and stretchy baselayer with good quality stitching. I can wear it on its own in 60 degree temps while biking, or under other layers in colder temps. The only downside is that it's long in the body and arms. If you're tall, this would be awesome, but as for me it requires rolling up a cuff on the sleeves and bunching up the hem on my hips a bit. Not perfect, but for the value on sale this shirt is worth it. I like that it fits closely but is not super tight in the arms and waist. The neck and shoulders fit very well. I'm 5'4 and 110 lbs, bought the XS.
I've had a hard time finding base layers that work for my body type. This top didn't work for me. I'm petite in height but large on top. I purchased a large because I didn't want a skin tight fit. The top fit well across my chest but was too long in the torso and a bit loose. I might have kept it but the sleeves were really long on me, probably 4-5" too long. I considered having the top tailored but that would have been costly. The color is very pretty and the fabric is soft. I'm on the fence about trying a smaller size. Even with my sizing issues, I'd recommend trying the top if you can get the sizing right.
I bought the 2016 model and I love it. It fits perfect and looks great, beautiful color. I just bought two more and I am totally disappointed in the length. The shirt looks more like a mini dress on me (5'3", size medium) and the sleeves are bunched up at my wrists. The colors this year are drab and dark except for the beautiful turquoise. Now I have to decide if I am going to wear the shirts all bunched up on my hips or have them altered for $25 each (that does not include the sleeves) after paying $79 each for them. I can live with the sleeve length, but the shirt length is unflattering.
Great layer on a long backpacking trip.
Soft, stretchy material allows for easy movement and nice length doesn't creep up. I'd give it 5 stars if it had thumb holes and if sizing was a bit more standard. I ordered a medium and a large based on other reviews (I'm typically a medium). The medium fit better through the arms and chest but was tighter than I like through the core and waist area. The large was a little baggier in the arms and chest but way more comfortable through core. I ended up keeping the large. It is super comfy and a new regular go-to for active wear and lounging around at home.
I love REI’s base layer top and bottoms. I tried on the Smartwool brand as well and it felt itchy and not very stretchy. The top and bottoms and silky soft and super comfortable. I would highly recommend. I’m normally a medium, sometimes a large and I ended up buying the top in a small and the bottoms in a medium. I wore both for three days straight hunting in Wyoming in the spring and they did great, didn’t smell bad after wearing all day for three days without washing. I’m just under 6ft tall and weigh around 165lbs. I just wish they’d make this same product in a heavy weight.
I've used this to run in 20 degree (with a zip up over) to mid-30 degree weather and it's been good. It keeps me dry and warm. Based off other reviews, I did size up to a small because I don't like very tight tops when working out. It's very still fitted like on the models, but not too tight. For reference, I'm 5'2", wear size 25 pants, and a 32C. What has held me back from giving this 5 stars is this rides up while running. I've worn it with several different pants and happens with all of them. I bought this during the winter sale, so am happy with my purchase; however, it is annoying feeling my lower back getting colder and knowing it's time to pull the shirt down again.
Three things I love about this midweight base layer crew top: The color, the fit and the weight. The purple heather color is deep and beautiful so this top can be dressed up or down. I am 5'2", 110 lbs and ordered a medium It allows room for a lightweight base top underneath as needed and since I'm all about comfort, it's perfect. It's also long enough to wear over fitted bottoms for a great look. Last, this is truly midweight, so it can be worn alone, with a top underneath, or with a sweater, vest, or jacket on top. It packs well, can be scrunched into that extra little space in your backpack or suitcase, and doesn't wrinkle. Go ahead and click purchase, you won't regret it.
I ordered this in the size Small & it fits me perfectly, form fitting without being tight. I am 5'8" and weigh around 127 lbs for size reference. The sleeves are just long enough, I wouldn't mind if they were even an inch longer and the length of the top is long enough that it comfortably covers my hips & the top half of my butt. I would love for it to be a tad longer to cover my entire backside to be more appropriate with leggings. The material is super soft & keeps me warm enough, this top is the perfect base layer for when I take my dogs walking on a chilly day, I just throw this on with a hoodie and I am good to go. I saw one reviewer complain that the top is too long, if you are a petite person I could see how the top might be too long in the body & arms, but for us tall girls it is perfect! I plan on buying every color available.
I took this top on a 2 week trip to Israel and wore it most days. Every few days I would wash it out in the sink it would dry overnight and it was ready to wear the next morning. Very comfortable, when we had warm days it was not too hot and on cool days it was perfect. How about making more styles in petite, however?