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 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'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 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!