How to Choose Base Layers

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The women's Patagonia Capilene Air base layer bottoms insulate even when wet, dry quickly and resist odors, offering the greatest range of warmth and comfort of any Patagonia base layers.
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View the Patagonia Capilene Product LineView all Patagonia Women's Base Layer BottomsBest Use | Multisport |
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Fabric | 5.6 oz. 51% merino wool/49% recycled polyester |
Quick Drying | Yes |
Underwear Weight | Lightweight |
Inseam (in.) | Unavailable |
Gender | Women's |
Sustainability | Contains recycled materials |
XXS | XS | S | M | L | XL | XXL | 00 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 20 | 22 | |
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Numerical Size | 00 - 0 | 2 - 4 | 6 - 8 | 10 - 12 | 14 - 16 | 18 - 20 | 22 | 00 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 20 | 22 |
Chest | 31 - 32 | 33 - 34 | 35 - 36 | 37 - 38.5 | 40 - 42 | 44 - 46 | 48 | |||||||||||||
Waist | 24.5 - 25.5 | 26.5 - 27.5 | 28.5 - 29.5 | 30.5 - 32 | 33.5 - 35.5 | 37.5 - 39.5 | 41.5 | 24.5 | 25.5 | 26.5 | 27.5 | 28.5 | 29.5 | 30.5 | 32 | 33.5 | 35.5 | 37.5 | 39.5 | 41.5 |
Hip | 34 - 35 | 36 - 37 | 38 - 39 | 40 - 41.5 | 43 - 45 | 47 - 49 | 51 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38 | 39 | 40 | 41.5 | 43 | 45 | 47 | 49 | 51 |
Inseam | 30 | 31 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 31 | 31 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 |
Inseam varies depending on style. Measurements are stated in inches unless otherwise indicated.
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These are amazing. They are one of the most comfortable things I've ever worn. I wore these under Arcteryx Gamma LT pants to summit Mount Shasta, as well as just under snowboarding bibs. They kept me warm starting our hike up the mountain in under freezing, and by the end of the day it was almost 90, and I was comfortable in both conditions. Others mentioned being irritated by the tags but I haven't even noticed them. They are sooo comfy and the waistband, unlike all other base layers I've had, does NOT have elastic to dig into me. I am 110, 5'3, got the XS and it fits great. LOVE these. Make more colors!
Recently booked a winter trip to Hokkaido and needed a warmer layer than my Patagonia Midweight set and discovered Capilene air! The best way to describe them is a look and feel like like sweater leggings. They are super breathable (wind will cut through if worn alone) and soft. On sizing and fit, I am 5’4” 155lb and decided to try the Large because I have a Medium in the Midweight and the strong elastic band feels tight and sometimes uncomfortable when sitting or curled up in train/plane seats. Big mistake! The Capilene air has no band or elastic at all, its more like the natural hem of a knitted sweater and super comfortable on the waist. The large was baggy through the bum, thighs, and through the back of the knees, so I will be exchanging back to the Medium. If you are looking for a base layer fit (not even as fitted to the skin as leggings) you may want to consider sizing down. If waist size/band fit is a concern, go with the smaller size without worry.
I don't typically take time to write reviews, but these base layer bottoms deserve a shout out. They are so perfect. I bought these for hiking and backpacking. They are ultra-light, wick moisture, and dry quickly. I loved them so much the first time I hiked in them, I started wearing them all the time and bought another pair for casual use. I'm extremely picky and don't buy a lot of clothing, so buying two of these is the biggest endorsement I could personally give! The fabric is perfect for a base layer. The wool is breathable and the polyester adds softness, durability, and stretch. The fabric does seem susceptible to snagging -- I'd caution against wearing these as pants! Disclaimer: The fabric pills, a lot. This happens to pretty much all fabrics made with short fibers (like wool), and I recently learned that pilling does not affect the garment's durability. I don't care how my underwear looks, so I didn't factor the pilling into the product's rating. The fit is exceptional. The knit waistband is wide and perfectly snug. Unlike Patagonia's other base layers (with elastic waistbands), this one won't dig in no matter how you move. The butt and legs were initially snug, but the fabric relaxed with activity. I prefer my base layers to be slightly relaxed in the butt (wedgies, man...), so I consider this a plus. If you prefer your base layers to always fit tight, you might want to size down. I'm 5'6'' ~140lbs, and typically wear a medium. These leggings fit true to size and length, but the fit relaxes as they are worn. If you are between sizes and prefer a tight fit, you might want to size down.
These base layers are the real deal. So comfy, warm and the fabric doesn't itch. I ordered small based on other reviews. I'm 5'2, 127lbs and the Small feels a bit loose. I saw that others mentioned they will stretch out so I may return the S for an XS. Other than that, I'm excited to wear these for winter!
I haven't had these long enough to comment on anything other than fit and warmth... but I know I'm going to like them. I'll wear them often. Sometimes Patagonia runs small on me, but these are perfect. Light weight, comfortable, good fit (stretchy, forgiving and the waistband is very comfortable) and warm! Over the last year I've become a big fan of wool, both for everyday wear and for hiking/backpacking. These are pricey but I know I'll get lots of wear out of them.
I typically would not spend nearly $100 (sale price) on a pair of long john bottoms, but I was heading to Hokkaido, Japan for a ski trip and read another review saying these were warm. They were warm, however, Hokkaido was so cold, (and I run cold), so I wore these along with an additional pair of long johns. They stretch out a bit after wearing consecutive days, but after washing, they regain their shape. True to size. They feel great on and I would purchase these again.
I wore these under Cirque pants (or any other shell pant would be great!), and I was very comfortably warm while not sweating. I did order a size bigger than usual, just because I don't like my base layers super tight.
Fits well and light weight all while keeping you warm!