How to Choose Base Layers

Hitting the sweet spot between warmth and breathability, the women's Patagonia Capilene® midweight crew top excels both alone and layered for high-exertion activities in cool-to-cold weather.
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View the Patagonia Capilene Product LineView all Patagonia Women's Base Layer TopsBest Use | Fitness Running |
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Shirt Type | T-shirt |
Fabric | Polyester (bluesign® approved) |
Moisture Wicking | Yes |
Quick Drying | Yes |
Underwear Weight | Midweight |
Sleeve Length | Long Sleeve |
Thumbholes | Yes |
Gender | Women's |
Sustainability | Fair Trade Certified™ sewing Contains materials that meet the bluesign® criteria 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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I really liked this shirt, as it was just the right thickness for my needs (fall hiking). The material is super soft. Unfortunately I had to return this shirt as the armholes are too small for me. I am small build, 112lb; this shirt in small size fits perfectly except for these teeny tiny armholes!
I love the entire capilene line from Patagonia! I have a couple of these shirts and just bought a new one this season. This shirt is great for a base layer or even alone for snowboarding, skinning, snowshoeing, & winter/fall hiking. The quality is great not to mention that Patagonia stands behind everything they make if you ever run into an issue! I’m 5’7”, about 130lbs and usually wear a S or XS in Patagonia tops. I got an XS just for a little bit tighter fit. I went with the gray print and love it!
I purchased as a base layer but seem to wear it more often as an everyday LS shirt. The color is nice and the cut is slim-fit. The material is very soft. I purchased a medium (36C)
I ordered a medium, which is my typical size, but it felt a little binding across the shoulders as the material didn't give enough to make it comfortable. The blue and black color was really cute though.
I have had another Patagonia midweight capilene long sleeve shirt for 29 years and it is still one of my go-tos (although getting a little thin now!). I will eventually have to retire it, so bought this one on sale. So-far I like it just as much as my old one. There is a slight texture to the fabric, which I don’t mind but which surprised me. The wicking fabric is soft but feels a bit cold when I first put it on. The print is beautiful and feminine. I like that it comes down a little lower in the back. I wear a size 12 or L, and often Patagonia runs small so a 12 in Patagonia would be snug on me. However, the L in this shirt fits just right - loose but not baggy. My only complaint is that I wish there were actual thumb holes instead of just the little piece of elastic that goes across your thumb. The elastic is thin enough that it kind of bites into the crook between thumb and pointer finger. You don’t have to use the elastic though, so it is only a minor issue. I hope this one will last the next 29 years!
These base layers are one of the best options for backpacking. They are very quick drying and warm. As someone who prefers a non-wool but warm base layer, this is the one! I wore them in 40-50 degrees Fahrenheit and they were great without a mid-layer (I run warm though). I will say, they do tend to smell after a while but using a bit of vinegar and avoiding putting these shirts in the dryer has solved this issue. When air drying, these shirts dry FAST! I found that the fit was different on me around the neck as compared with Patagonia's capilene cool models, but that is most likely due to the thicker fabric. Overall, solid shirt.
I love this top! I ordered my regular size, which is small and immediately fell in love with the fit and feel of this top. It’s super soft, light weight, and a bit loose. I was able to comfortably wear another tight fitting base layer underneath. It didn’t keep me as warm as I had hoped and I spent most of the day feeling chilly but still love the top because of its comfort.
I'd like to give this 5 stars & have only one complaint. After a strenuous day on the trail, I was ready for something dry to sleep in. I was a bit sweaty/damp from the weather; temps were in the low 50's, cloudy and rainy. This piece made me itchy. I probably could have done a better job of washing up beforehand but that's not always an option. The material is nice and light with an easy stretch but its not very soft.
This shirt is so comfy and looks so good that I wear it as just a regular shirt, not as a baselayer when doing anything sporty. Although I hope to wear it hiking soon!
Beautiful color. Unfortunately Patagonia changed the sizing. It’s almost 2 inches longer than the one I bought about 6 years ago. I’m 5’6”. It’s tunic length on me. Way too much to tuck in and looks weird when worn out. I returned it.