How to Choose Base Layers

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With a zip-neck design and 100% merino wool construction, the men's Icebreaker Merino 260 Tech Half-Zip Thermal top is a breathable foundation for cold-weather layering and active days outside.
Shop newer versionImported.
View all Icebreaker Men's Base Layer TopsBest Use | Snowsports |
---|---|
Shirt Type | Partial-zip |
Fabric | Merino wool |
Sun-Protective Fabric | Yes |
UPF Rating | 35 |
Moisture Wicking | Yes |
Quick Drying | Yes |
Underwear Weight | Heavyweight |
Sleeve Length | Long Sleeve |
Gender | Men's |
Sustainability | Contains ZQ merino wool |
S | M | L | XL | XXL | XXXL | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Chest | 33-36 | 36-39 | 39-42 | 42-45 | 45-48 | 48-52 |
Waist | 27-30 | 30-33 | 33-36 | 36-39 | 39-42 | 42-46 |
Hip | 34.5-37 | 37-39.5 | 39.5-42 | 42-44.5 | 44.5-47 | 47-50.5 |
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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Cozy, stylish, warm, functional. I'm 6' & 170lbs and the medium fits me snugly - just how I wanted. If you workout it will show off your muscles a bit which is always a plus. I wear it while running and keeps me warm enough in 20 degree weather after about 10-15 minutes of running. It's also nice and stylish enough that I can also wear it to work in a professional office environment, yet soft and comfortable enough that I also wear it while just reading in bed. Highly recommend. The clove is such a beautiful and unique color once you see it in person. I frequently get compliments on the color.
The newer "260" weight is a lighter weight than the 260 top I bought a few years ago. Disappointing. Also left sleeve seam is poor and started to fray immediately. This is a real contrast to the Icebreaker tops I have worn constantly during the winter for many years.
I have had IcebreakerMerino half zips for years and just started buying the 260 half zips three years ago. I have black, navy, and olive, more than one of the two darker colors. These things are basicaly what I wear instead of T-shirts in North Florida winter, besides as undrgarments for layering in especially cold and field wear. My only gripe? I want one in burgundy/maroon.
This top is great for a day of skiing or snowboarding. The mock turtleneck provides nice warmth. Depending on the temps I will wear this beneath a shell and be comfortable for the entire day on the slopes. This fits large, I am 5'9" and 180 and wear a size small. It is form fitting and feels nice and snug like a baselayer should. I have two of these and a few of the 200 crew shirts. As far as I'm concerned these are the best base layers available. They are a bit pricey but go on sale during the holidays but are worth every penny.
I bought these to sit in a 10 degree freezer to stay warm while programming PLCs and robots. They must only work when you are very active. My Cabello's are twice as warm with half the activity. Very disappointed in the warmth. Quality and fit seemed as expected for the high dollar investment.
Ihad the impression that Icebreaker made good products but the three different colors I bought of this product have changed my opinion. First impression was mostly positive except the neck of the shirts was very large compared to the rest of the shirt. Then, after about a year, the shirts started fading in splotches and when I spoke with Icebreaker customer service that said that with dark colors, the wool fibers start to separate a bit causing the fading. Now, two of the three shirts are starting to get holes in them, one has one large hole near the bottom of the shirt and the other one has three smaller holes in it, one under the arm, one on an upper sleeve and one toward the bottom. Now, you could say this is normal wear but I have two Smartwool shirts like these that I have had for twice as long as the Icebreakers and the Smartwool shirts are in perfect condition. Icebreaker offered me 40% credit toward new shirts and I declined because I will probably not buy any more Icebreaker items.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] You cant not wash this garment more than a few times during its short life. Every top I have ever bought never lasted more than 11 months. The people at icebreaker refuse to reinforce those areas like elbows and under the arms which could extend the life of this garment. I imagine that they want to make people purchase this over and over again. So to make up for this they allow you to get a free sweater if you send them pictures of the one that has worn out in less than a year.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] This most recent 260 purchase demonstrates the Icebreaker is making changes for the better. I own several 260's already from past years. This newest shirt has what appears to be a somewhat different weave. It is softer and even more comfortable. It is immediately noticeable and very pleasant. One caveat: I usually wear a size large in Icebreaker, but the Large size here was too big. I exchanged for a medium, which fit precisely. Can't go wrong otherwise.
This has quickly become one of my go-to layers. The merino wool is warm without being bulky, and it breathes really well so I don’t overheat when I’m moving around. The half zip makes it easy to regulate temperature, and it works just as well on its own as it does under a jacket. Super comfortable against the skin, no itch, and it doesn’t hold odor like synthetics do. Great for work, travel, or the outdoors — definitely worth it.
Love it! Love everything wool. Irish sweaters. Hand knit socks. Love all my Icebreaker clothing. Perfect fit. Tried to shrink after losing weight. Machine washed. Hot dryer. Most wool felts and shrinks with anything other than handwashing. Not this. Wore this half-zip all winter. Seemed like every day for 8 yrs before replacing. Price tag a bit ouchy.