How to Choose Base Layers

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When you're giving it all you've got, you need layers that work with you. The women's Kari Traa Fryd base layer pants dry fast, stretch with your body and reduce chafing.
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View all Kari Traa Women's Base Layer BottomsBest Use | Multisport |
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Fabric | 90% polyester/10% elastane |
Moisture Wicking | Yes |
Quick Drying | Yes |
Underwear Weight | Lightweight |
Gender | Women's |
XS | S | M | L | XL | 1X | 2X | 3X | 4X | XS/S | L/XL | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Numerical Size | 2 | 4 - 6 | 8 - 10 | 12 | 14 - 16 | 18 - 20 | 20 - 22 | 22 - 24 | 24 - 26 | ||
Chest | 31.5 | 34 | 36 | 38.5 | 41 | 44.5 | 48 | 52.7 | 56.2 | 31.5 - 34 | 38.5 - 41 |
Waist | 25 | 27.5 | 30 | 32 | 34.5 | 39.7 | 43.3 | 48 | 51.6 | 25 - 27.5 | 32 - 34.5 |
Hip | 35 | 37 | 39 | 41.5 | 44 | 47.6 | 51.2 | 55.9 | 59 | 35 - 37 | 41.5 - 44 |
Inseam | 29.5 | 30.5 | 31.5 | 32.5 | 33.5 | 32.5 | 32.5 | 32.5 | 32.5 |
If you're in between two sizes, order the larger size for a looser fit or the smaller size for a tighter fit. Measurements are stated in inches unless otherwise noted.
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I am 5'5" with a 28" waist and 38" hip and bought these in a size medium. I loved the print and they felt warm, but were so incredibly tight and low rise I could barely get them on and the material stretched really thin over my thighs. Because I loved the print so much I exchanged them for a size large hoping they would work, but they were too loose in the crotch and still so low rise that I knew they would roll down under my ski bib. I wanted to love these, but I think they are only suitable for a thin person with not much curve in the butt, hip, or thigh. If you really want them, size up.
I was looking for a lightweight base layer that would work under a pair of fitted workout tights without bunching up and also work under my hiking pants. These definitely fit the bill. They have a slick surface which means your outer layer glides over them rather than sticks as you pull them over the base layer. These are super comfortable and soft not rough like some synthetics or scratchy like some merino wool blends. They just add a light layer of warmth which was all I wanted since it often heats up during the day. If you are looking for a super warm base layer, these would not be it. As far as fit goes, I was super happy that these were long enough (I am 5'10"). I bought a size Medium since I tried them on at the store. My waist is about 27.5" and my hips about 36". If I would have ordered these online the sizing chart would indicate that I was a Small but there was no way the Small would have fit me. Just keep this in mind when ordering and maybe go up 1 size larger than the chart indicates, or try them on in the store if you can. Also, I got the flowery ones and they are super cute. Plan to order another pair in the stripes while they are on sale.
5'5", 130 lb, 33-28-39. Ordered size small (I am usually a small, sometimes a medium on bottom, but with a base layer, figured small would be the way to go), and the waistband was at least 2 inches too small. I would have needed a large to be comfortable, but the rise is so low, I didn't try it.
These bottoms are a nice weight for all-around winter use, indoors and out. And I love the print. Wool is too itchy, and synthetic base layers that are not yoga pants are getting harder to find. I tried these on at the store, and I'm glad I did. Usually I'm a size small, but found the large and extra-large are a better fit--the waistband doesn't dig in, and it hits higher up (closer to my waist), and the legs are not skin tight.
I am 5'4", waist 28, hips 38. I ordered medium, and the measurements for that size are waist 30 and hips 39. I could barely get them on. So small and tight. Pretty colors, though...
I own two pairs of these in different colors, one in Small and one in Medium. Both fit on the small side, so if I bought one again I would buy Large (I am normally S/M). These are not high-waisted, but they do not slip down, so I have had no issues. The only sign that the sizing is small is that the pattern gets paler and stretched. This doesn't happen with the tops, which are true-to-size. These are my go-to base layer (top and bottom). Super cute.
This top is tiny…I bought a large, I am a size 10 on top and 8 on bottom…I could have gotten an xl and still super tight…not flattering..love the pattern and the fabric…but this is not going to work for me..
I wish I had read the reviews on these before purchasing. I’ve always heard Kari Traa was a premium brand. The fabric is so thin, and the print just disappears if it’s stretched at all. Also, they’re SO SMALL! I wear a medium in everything. These are more like an XS. Buyer beware. (Maybe this is why they were on clearance.)
I bought these for my daughter to wear while snow shoeing, but she says they are really tight and uncomfortable.
I have a few pairs of the TK Fryd pants and I absolutely love them! Unfortunately I have a reaction to wool so synthetic is my next best option. They aren’t as warm as my merino wool baselayers but the do a pretty good job considering how comfortable they are!