How to Choose Base Layers

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Heading out to play hard? The REI Co-op lightweight base layer crew top keeps you warm until you warm up, then wicks sweat to maintain your cool when you're charging.
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View all REI Co-op Men's Base Layer TopsBest Use | Multisport |
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Shirt Type | T-shirt |
Fabric | 92% polyester/8% spandex (bluesign® approved) |
Sun-Protective Fabric | Yes |
UPF Rating | 50 |
Moisture Wicking | Yes |
Quick Drying | Yes |
Underwear Weight | Lightweight |
Sleeve Length | Short 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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This is a great shirt! Worn on the Virginia Triple Crown Loop- Super comfy- kept me cool!
Does what it is intended to do. Wicker moisture and dry quickly. And keep you warm. I use this as a base layer. And I actually like it better than the SmartWool t-shirt I bought and the funny thing is that the SmartWool smelled funny after. Whereas this did not. It feels pretty durable At the seams. Not as soft as SmartWool. But I feel it was just as effective. As a matter of fact after a run I opened up my jacket and felt wet but after a few minutes my shirt dried. Whereas my other stayed wet for a while. I think this shirt is great value especially if you get it on sale
Tried this on in-store: The change in fabric type/construction from years past has resulted in an inferior feel, fit, and function (look at the zoomed-version to see the obviously more 'slick' fabric with little 'holes'). This is a tragedy, as the previous REI baselayers were the most well-constructed, best fitting, and functional baselayers I'd found in *years* of searching. Why change something that was working so well? Really a bummer.
The previous version of this shirt was perfect in terms of fit, function, and feel. Not sure what REI was thinking with the update. Material is snaggy and unpleasant feeling. Fit is weird - the sleeves are long and loose, and bunch up when you try to layer anything over it for reference I bought a medium). So not very useful as a baselayer. On the positive side it's warm, wicks and breathes pretty well, and dries quickly; hence the three stars.
Shopping around for replacements for my old Sahara tees, I found these. I got some that are fitted pretty snug, so that might account for a somewhat scratchy feel. For the price (half of what some competitors charge, 1/3 the price of smartwool, what would you expect) a good shirt. I've worn them a few times, and they're definitely not as good a basic tee shirt in warmer weather - really are designed for a cool weather base layer. My best guess is that the scratchy feel will wear/wash out after a few months. If you're looking for something cooler and smoother in a similar price, check out the Co-op Active Pursuit shirts.
The REI Co-op Men's Lightweight Base Layer Crew Top is a reliable and practical piece for outdoor activities or layering. The fabric is soft, breathable, and does a decent job of wicking moisture, keeping you comfortable during light to moderate exertion. It fits well—slim but not restrictive—and the flatlock seams reduce chafing, which is a nice touch. While it’s not the most advanced base layer on the market, it performs well for its price point. The durability is good, holding up after several washes. It’s a solid choice for casual hikes or everyday wear, though it might not excel in extreme conditions. A strong 4.5-star option for the value-conscious adventurer.
No complaints with this shirt, it's warm but light, dries quickly, and is pretty comfortable.
I got a couple these for cold(er) weather biking, I am a big baby when it comes to cold weather. I am 6'2" and 195-200lbs and usually wear a L (tall if available) or XL. I bought M in this shirt so that it would be tighter for under cycling jerseys, and this size works very well. They don't bind in my armpits, which I was worried about, and they fit nicely under my jerseys.
Great shirt for layering or simply for wearing. Light, cmfortable material, attractive styling. Good quality for the price.
Great base layer option at an affordable price. It fits snug and close to your body to ensure proper heat retention, it keeps me warm without adding to much bulk and I would recommend these to anyone. Some reviews said the fabric pulls body hair but I had minimal issues. Size up if you would like some more wiggle room.