How to Choose Base Layers

Delivering exceptional performance and improved functionality, the women's Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino crew base layer top maintains your warmth and comfort as you hike, ski, bike and more.
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Imported.
View the Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Product LineView all Smartwool Women's Base Layer TopsBest Use | Multisport |
---|---|
Shirt Type | T-shirt |
Fabric | Merino wool |
Moisture Wicking | Yes |
Underwear Weight | Midweight |
Sleeve Length | Long Sleeve |
Gender | Women's |
Sustainability | Contains ZQ merino wool |
XS | S | M | L | XL | 1X | 2X | 3X | 4X | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Numerical Size | 0 - 2 | 4 - 6 | 8 - 10 | 12 - 14 | 16 - 18 | 16 - 18 | 20 - 22 | 24 - 26 | 28 - 30 |
Chest | 32 - 33 | 34 - 35 | 36 - 38 | 39 - 40 | 41-42 | 43 - 45 | 47 - 49 | 51 - 53 | 55 - 57 |
Sleeve Length | 27 - 28 | 28 - 29 | 29 - 30 | 30 - 31 | 31 - 32 | 31 | 31 | 32 | 33 |
Waist | 24 - 25 | 26 - 27 | 28 - 30 | 31 - 32 | 33 - 34 | 39 - 41 | 43 - 46 | 47 - 50 | 52 - 55 |
Hip | 35 - 36 | 37 - 38 | 39 - 40 | 41 - 42 | 43 - 44 | 45 - 47 | 49 - 51 | 53 - 55 | 57 - 59 |
Inseam | 29 - 30 | 30 - 31 | 31 - 32 | 32 - 33 | 33 - 34 | 30 - 32 | 30 - 32 | 30 - 32 | 30 - 32 |
Measurements are stated in inches.
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Not only is this thermal excellent for temperature regulation, but it's also quite an attractive shirt! I am 5' 10", 140 pounds, and the medium fits perfectly. It's my most-worn long-sleeved shirt by a long shot. If you only air-dry it, and keep it in a bag during washing (we have a spindle-style washing machine, which tends to stretch out items over time), it will last a long time. Just recently I also took a sweater shaver to it, and boy howdy, it looks brand new now! I've even worn this for our engagement photos, which was a perfect Pacific Northwest clothing choice. Love this shirt, and highly recommend it. Sports I use this shirt while doing: hiking, backpacking, cold water sea kayaking (under my drysuit).
This is my go to top when I want something basic and to be warm without the bulk and weight of a fleece or other type of top. It's so comfortable and flattering. Wore it throughout my Camino de Santiago in Spain this summer - was in 60s and misty most days of the walking.
Bought this right before a hiking trip in France. I could toss out half my suitcase without missing the clothes in them. But this shirt is saving my bacon! I toss it over a short sleeve layer and can put whatever on top of it (REI Polartec lightweight jacket often, sometimes a not-very-functional Cotapaxi REI rain jacket) and it keeps me both cool AND warm, as needed. And it doesn’t retain BO, apparently, so no need to wash every night. I also brought a Smartwool vest and cannot wait to use it in cooler weather due to kick up tomorrow. I’m going to get more Smartwool and divest myself of some of the less functional REI purchases going forward.
The 250 long sleeve has been my favorite for years. Versatile for running, hiking, and European travel in the shoulder seasons. But the new raglan sleeve design (on right) makes the shirt far less flattering. No longer appealing as outerwear. So disappointed, particularly because it’s one of the few Smartwool products still 100% merino.
I'm in the PNW and wear two Smartwool wool tops I purchased a couple years ago from REI all the time, both were rated as Merino 250. So I did a search on your website for Merino 250 to find another and bought this, as it was listed at Merino 250. I really like that the sleeves are plenty long (5'7", 150#, bought a Medium), and it fits overall really well. However, the thickness and warmth of this top is only slightly more than the Smartwool Merino 150 tops I've previously purchased from REI. This top nowhere near as warm or thick as previous Smartwool Merino 250 tops. It's not warm enough by itself (as the previous tops are ); I will have to layer over it. I'm sad that it appears Smartwool is cutting corners. Just call it a Merino 180 and be truthful!
I love wool clothing and have always been a big fan of Smartwool base layers for their warmth and durability (years). However, the last one of these that I purchased developed small holes where your jeans button goes in just one winter season…the issue is I usually wear with yoga-type pants and only rarely wear with anything with a button. It’s also not a fit issue as the shirt is not tight on me. REI considers this regular wear and tear so return is not an option. If this is standard for Smartwool base layers nowadays, I’ll have to change brands!
I have 20+ Smartwool tops and am disappointed with the new styling and quality. This year I purchased 2 l/s crews, a hoody and 2 pair of pants. I am considering sending 4 of the 5 pieces back do to piling or stitching quality. I have l/s crews that are 15+ years old that look new compared too my new pieces. Also, I have 3 pair Icebreaker pants that I have had about 8 plus years that still look perfect (no pilling). I realize that Smartwool is now part of a large sports clothing conglomerate (VF) but bigger is not better is this case.
Moveable, soft, warm. In this top I get to feel good and look good!
I wear Smartwool 250 all winter, as both under- and outerwear--and also as sleepwear, though it pills when I sleep in it so I use my older items for that. I love the warmth, softness, colors, and lack of plastic/synthetics (but I'm guessing the thread used on the seams is synthetic). This year's model has lost the shoulder seams, which makes the sweater bunch up and sag around my shoulders and armpits - a much less tailored look than the previous sleek, fitted design. I'm disappointed about that and hope the company will reconsider this change.
This is my second smart wool shirt and I love it! I usually wear a small but purchase a medium in these. I am 5’6” and 135 lbs. Great base layer under a vest and looks like a million bucks!