How to Choose Base Layers

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Whatever high-intensity activity you get into, the women's Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino quarter-zip base layer top delivers functional performance to keep you warm, dry and comfy.
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View the Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Product LineView all Smartwool Women's Base Layer TopsBest Use | Multisport |
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Shirt Type | Partial-zip |
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 | |
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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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Smartwool really downgraded the quality of these tops and ruined them! I own several from past seasons/years and absolutely love the old ones for the thickness and warmth. I ordered a coupe of these when they went on sale and was shocked at the quality (or lack of) when they arrived. They are SO thin compared to previous years. The gold dot pattern is literally see through. I’m addition to ruining the quality they screwed up the sizing. I have always worn XS in Smartwool tops but these seriously looked like they were child size. Really sad to see this brand jump on the less quality for more money bandwagon. Don’t waste your money on these.
I went on a 30 day trip overseas and brought two of these sweaters with me. I wore each probably four days and they kept their shape and didn’t get smelly. I layered these with a silk undershirt and a down vest on top most days when it was 40 degrees outside. I added a jacket on top and I didn’t feel bulky. The sweaters looked nice for dinners out on the town and drinks with friends. They were versatile and and a great laying piece.
I bought this pullover to wear traveling to and during a 7 day backpacking trip through the Peruvian Andes. I wore this every morning during the week of backpacking. I needed something that would dry quickly and not stink over the course of a sweaty week. This did great! Temperature swings in high elevations are pretty great, and this was warm enough to wear while heading out in the morning, but kept me cool until lunch as the sun rose. My only note is I had originally bought this in blue, but exchanged it for black and the black size was definitely more snug. It worked fine for me because I had on tank tops underneath, but it’s not really loose enough to fit long sleeves underneath.
I have a collection of these Smartwool Base Layers that I wear around the house, gardening, hiking, skiing, traveling and exploring other countries. I've been a fan for years and can not say enough about how versatile this item is. As a base layer in Iceland, to a layer of warmth on a cool summer evening at the beach this has never let me down. The wool is soft to the touch, easy to wear as a base layer and/or top layer. Washes well (I'm replacing one I've had for the past nine years (puppy tore the sleeve, so the previous one will become a garden shirt)). Sizing is true. I'm 5'10", 165 and the medium is a good fit. Highly recommend.
I am a huge Smartwool fan. This is my second quarter zip mid layer purchase and I think the design has changed a little since a couple years ago. This one is still great but the fabric is not quite as soft and the fit is a little tighter. My last one loosened with wear though so I expect this one will too. I would still highly recommend it as a go-to layer for spring and fall, and for winter sports. It’s so cozy! I bought black, size Small. I’m 5’3” and 115 pounds, on the petite side. I’m an XS in most tops but definitely needed the Small in this.
I was hesitant to purchase this base layer due to the cost but justified my purchase assuming it was so expensive due to it being better quality. I was wrong. I wore this product twice. It was soft, fit me perfectly, and I loved how it looked but I only wore it twice (without even washing) and it began piling. It looked as if I had washed it 100 times by only wearing it twice! I ended up returning this product. I have smart wool socks and love them. Bummed this product did not work out.
Slightly larger than the 250 weight top but still love this Zip design. Bought the lavender color and love it except for the stark white zipper! The white zipper is an eye sore. Bummer! Washed it twice already and put it in the dryer, didn’t seem to shrink too much. Still keeping it since I will layer it with a vest as needed. LOVE SmartWool! Toasty warm and great, reliable quality! FYI - I was disappointed that this was thinner than the normal 250 weight. I was surprised that the fabric was thinner. A bummer. I LOVE the color so much, I decided to keep it even though the stark white zipper is an eyesore.
New design is frumpy. The old design had additional stitching at the neck and shoulders that provided definition and allowed the neck to stand up. Neck collapses now and hangs funny. Old design was also surprisingly flattering, not so the new. Fabric also seems thinner and more subject to pilling. 3-stars because it still functions well as a base layer, even if the new design was obviously done to improve Smartwool's bottom line and not to improve the product for the user.
I love Smartwool 250 Base Layers. I have the crew neck style in 4 colors and wear them most days all winter. I got the quarter zip as a present and think I might like it better than my crew necks now!! Fitted but comfortable, similar to the "old" smart wool sizing. (My most recent crew, received with this quarter zip is much bigger than all my others.) Soft and warm. Not itchy at all. Great colors. And they hold up really well over time! I like this top so much I bought one for each of my three daughters as gifts and they love them too!
I purchased one of these quarter zips in winter 2020. After 2 years, I'd say it's held up very nicely. I haven't noticed any major pilling; it retains the proper warmth for activity. I tend to get really hot in sweaters, but this maintains a good temperature without me sweating. I recently just got another one in the Black cherry heather color at it is beautiful. Its a deep garnet color. I wear these as both regular sweaters and as a base layer while hiking or camping. The cut is very flattering. I'm 180lbs, wear a size 12/14 in pants, and the XL fits perfectly. Not to snug to be uncomfortable but not baggy to inhibt layering.