How to Choose Base Layers

A technically capable base layer, the women's Icebreaker Merino 200 Oasis Long-Sleeve Crewe Thermal top is a reliable go-to for everyday comfort and active days outside.
Imported.
View all Icebreaker Women's Base Layer TopsBest Use | Snowsports |
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Shirt Type | T-shirt |
Fabric | Merino wool |
Sun-Protective Fabric | Yes |
UPF Rating | 20 |
Moisture Wicking | Yes |
Quick Drying | Yes |
Underwear Weight | Midweight |
Sleeve Length | Long Sleeve |
Gender | Women's |
Sustainability | Contains ZQ merino wool |
2X | 3X | XS | S | M | L | XL | |
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Numerical Size | 0-2 | 4-6 | 8-10 | 12-14 | 16-18 | ||
Bust | 42 - 46 | 46 - 49.5 | 30 - 32.25 | 32.5 - 34.5 | 34.5 - 37 | 37 - 39.5 | 39.5 - 42 |
Waist | 36 - 40 | 40 - 44 | 24 - 26 | 26 - 28 | 28 - 30.5 | 30.5 - 33 | 33 - 36 |
Hip | 45 - 48.5 | 48.5 - 52 | 33 - 35.5 | 35.5 - 38 | 38 - 40 | 40 - 42.5 | 42.5 - 45 |
Measurements are stated in inches unless otherwise indicated.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT SIZE: If your body measurements are midway between two sizes, select the smaller size for a tighter fit or the larger size for a looser fit. If your body measurements result in different sizes, we recommend using your chest measurement for tops and your hip measurement for pants.
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One of my favorite base layer tops, I’m 5’9” fluctuate between 148-155lbs lbs w/light muscle tone and got a medium. The sleeves are long enough for tall women. Great length through the torso too. Neckline is really comfortable. Fabric is a soft and not itchy wool, it is wool though… so don’t expect it to be silky smooth. I wear this under a jacket snowboarding for 20-35° ish nights, I add a light fleece if it’s colder than that. And wear just a shell over this if it’s a warmer day. Keeps me dry and pulls the sweat away from my body all day without getting the top stinky. I also like to just wear it around the house on chilly nights.
This is a great base layer and/or wool top but PLEASE include washing instructions on your site! Now that I have it, here's what others should know up front: Machine wash warm; do not tumble dry or dry clean; warm iron; line dry or dry flat.
After reviewing different types of base layers- wool synthetic, blend- I decided I wanted wool because of it's wicking, warmth, and antimicrobial properties. I tried on a bunch of shirts at different weights to find which would be most comfortable- snug but not too tight, warm but not too hot, and something that wouldn't be itchy as I have a bit of a wool allergy. Smartwool socks have never bothered me, but rough wool sweaters are a no. I settled on this shirt for a few reasons: it fit right, it was soft and didn't make me feel itchy, and it was that much cheaper than Smartwool or other brands. I've used it for a couple months now and even when I get sweaty while hiking I don't get itchy. And it's the right amount of added warmth for winters in south central WI. I've never gotten too hot or too cold while hiking in ~20 degrees with wind chills lower. So it works perfect for me!
I've had an Icebreaker 200 top for maybe 6 years and love it for its lightness and warmth. And durability. When I found the same thing (finally!) at REI on sale, I grabbed two, the sage green and the mushroom color called mink. The new ones seem cut a little tighter, though not by much: they may loosen a bit with wearing and they still fit fine. Since I got them I've had one or the other on almost every day. They're a great first layer, lovely against the skin and warm for such a light weight top.
I purchased the flash color in XL and found that the cut is much slimmer than other tops by Icebreaker such as the Sphere and the tech lite.
I have a couple Oasis tops that are my daily wear in cold weather (and that includes chilly summer nights camping in MN). I'm 5'10' and lanky with a normal torso length for my height, but with slightly long arms...definitely a long torso and arms when compared to the typical size L. Icebreaker considers this top to be a snug fit, but for me a size up from my normal base layer size means this is a long sleeved shaped merino t-shirt, perfect length for my torso, that I wear constantly in winter.
Love this base layer!! Wore it for my last 3 days hiking mt. Kilimanjaro and it worked so well!! I was warm, it was an easy layer to shed down to, and did not smell or seem damp/musty at the end of the day. Fit is TTS - I tried medium and small, kept the small (usual size, but sometimes I think merino can run on the smaller side, this I definitely felt was TTS)
How is merino wool always the perfect amount of warmth? This shirt does not disappoint. So comfortable. Bonus is that you can wear it days in a row without washing. Smells new and clean.
I bought this on clearance at the local REI. I appreciate that. I do love thin wool (not itchy) under or over garments and this one does NOT disappoint. Quality and fit are spot on.
I had never bought an Icebreaker, but my husband owns several and loves them. I got the gray one on sale at another retailer and was so thrilled by how it fit! It is very flattering, so comfortable, and warm. I live in FL during the winter and this top is perfect for those cold days and, because it breathes, I find I will keep it on even when the temp warms. I spend my summers & fall in CO, and it's perfect for cool mornings & at night. I wash it in cold water & hang to dry, and it's like new every time. Very form fitting & no bagging. Love this top!