How to Choose Base Layers

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Comfy as you warm up, comfy as you cool down, even comfy when you break a sweat—the women's REI Co-op lightweight long-sleeve base layer top is ideal for skiing, hiking and lunch break, too.
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View all REI Co-op Women's Base Layer TopsBest Use | Multisport |
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Shirt Type | T-shirt |
Fabric | 92% polyester/8% spandex |
Sun-Protective Fabric | Yes |
UPF Rating | 50 |
Moisture Wicking | Yes |
Quick Drying | Yes |
Underwear Weight | Lightweight |
Sleeve Length | Long Sleeve |
Gender | Women's |
Sustainability | Fair Trade Certified™ factory 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 | |
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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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I ordered the REI Lightweigh Base Layer Crew in Rose Currant Heather and Purple Haze Heather, both a Large. I am returning both because the material is not great for normal wear, almost like basketball shorts material? It has holes throughout and is oddly shiny. And it looks ok in the photos but felt baggier than I like. I’m 5’6”, 37” bust, 30” waist, 45” hip and I think a medium would have fit better.
I got this shirt specifically for a backpacking trip through the Grand Canyon as my hiking shirt. I was looking for sun protection with long sleeves but that could be work in 100+ degree heat 4 days in a row. This shirt was perfect. Was great in the heat and getting in the water whenever we could to cool down. Fits true to size.
What stands out about this top compared to many others available is the longer length, tailoring in the waist, rounded hem, and plenty of room in bust. Fabric is soft and light. I bought this to work out in gym and it certainly works great for that. It does seem to wrinkle easily so pull it out of the wash machine right away and hang to dry. I paid full price and I feel for this type of top it is a bit pricey. The only color I really liked was the darker gray color. I wear 34F/G bra and bought the Large which was a good fit without being tight.
I liked the lightweight, breathable material and the raspberry color, but the fit was awkward, so I'm taking it back. I tried two sizes since my tall frame (5'9", 145lbs) makes women's sizes hard to predict. The medium was snug in the body and across the shoulders and the sleeves ended a full inch above my wrist. The large size was better in the sleeves but was sort of extra-large where the arms met the torso, which made the shirt pull and gape strangely between the chest and armpits. Both sizes were too long for my taste - I think that's the style now but it doesn't work for me for a fitness shirt.
I found this in the store and loved the fit. I'm 5'9" and 122 lbs so I have a hard time finding the right proportions of long and narrow. My regular clothing size is a XS but I went with the S to get the extra length and shoulder width. It is rare for me to find a top that is long enough to stay tucked in or not expose my back if untucked. It fits well around the arms and shoulders, too, not bunching up in the armpits. I bought the gray. I find the other colors kinda weird and wish they made it in different/more colors because I would buy several of them if they did.
I purchased the prior version of this shirt a couple years ago, maybe 2 at most. The product description doesn’t make it clear that it’s different now and it’s impossible to tell from the photos. The prior version was a solid knit, similar to the mid weight. That one fits me beautifully and is very flattering, comfortable, basically like having nothing on. This newer version is nothing like it. The photos capture it very poorly… the material has offset “vents” every 1/4” or so that are minimally threaded, rather than the entire fabric being the same thickness. It makes the material feel delicate like it might tear if snagged in the thinly woven spots, and it’s also a much rougher fabric on the skin. The shirt itself is a more snug fit so the perfect XL of the older shirt is now unflattering and tight. None of those changes is positive for me. Hate that REI continues to discontinue great products that work well for tons of people. Product discontinuation in favor of what’s shiny is the most hated thing about shoe companies… it’s a bad bandwagon to be riding, REI.
This has been my go-to base layer for skiing for two seasons, and it can't be beat. This is my third time purchasing since I loved my first purchase so much. I generally wear this top under a micro-grid fleece and my shell and am plenty warm and dry. The cut is super flattering (fitted without limiting movement or being too tight in the wrong places) and I love the color options and the addition of new ones each season. This base is great at wicking moisture, and I never feel super sweaty or gross after skiing. Personally, I tend to run hot so this base plus a fleece is perfect for me. I also just wear it casually out under a vest in cool weather. I'd highly recommend it for your base layer needs this winter.
Purchased this to take on a trip to UT to see Canyonlands and Arches National Parks. True to size and long (which I like!). This is the perfect long sleeve layer under a vest or jacket! Thanks REI!
Very strange fit. I went up a size and got a large and it's fine on top but very narrow through the hips. The cut is very long and goes below my butt, so the tightness around the hips is more exaggerated and awkward. I suppose if its a shirt you plan to always tuck in or have narrow hips, this wouldn't be a problem but it's not going to work for me. It's unfortunate because the material seems nice and lightweight and was what I was looking for as a transitional season top.
I am 5'3", 125 lbs and bought several in medium. It just covers the tush (which I like). Wear them as tops (medium for me is loser fitting, though not baggy, sloppy lose), or base layer with vest or jacket etc. If one prefers a more body fitting base layer, perhaps order small. It has a nice design, more fitting at the top (so ya don't look frumpy) with minimal flare (though not too much) at the lower body. I am slender though lift weights so muscular.