How to Choose Base Layers

Beloved while sweating on the trail—and sleeping in the tent—the ultrafine merino wool of the women's REI Co-op Merino 185 long-sleeve base layer top is soft, breathable and naturally odor resistant.
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Imported.
View the REI Co-op Merino 185 Product LineView all REI Co-op Women's Base Layer TopsBest Use | Multisport |
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Shirt Type | T-shirt |
Fabric | 100% merino wool |
Sun-Protective Fabric | Yes |
UPF Rating | 30 |
Moisture Wicking | Yes |
Quick Drying | Yes |
Underwear Weight | Lightweight |
Sleeve Length | Long Sleeve |
Gender | Women's |
Sustainability | Fair Trade Certified™ factory From a Climate Label Certified brand |
XXS | XS | S | M | L | XL | 1X | 2X | 3X | 0 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 18W | 20W | 22W | 24W | 26W | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Numerical Size | 00 | 0-2 | 4-6 | 8-10 | 12-14 | 16 | 18 | 20-22 | 24-26 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 20 | 22 | 24 | 26 |
Bust | 31 | 32-33 | 34-35 | 36-37 | 38.5-40 | 41-42.5 | 43-45 | 47-49 | 51-53 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38.5 | 40 | 42.5 | 45 | 47 | 49 | 51 | 53 |
Sleeve Length | 29.5 | 30 | 30.5 | 31 | 31.5 | 32 | 32.5 | 33.5 | 34.5 | 30 | 30 | 30.5 | 30.5 | 31 | 31 | 31.5 | 31.5 | 32 | 32.5 | 33.5 | 33.5 | 34.5 | 34.5 |
Waist | 24.5 | 25.5-26.5 | 27.5-28.5 | 29.5-30.5 | 32-33.5 | 34.5-36.5 | 37.5-39.5 | 40.5-42.5 | 44.5-46.5 | 25.5 | 26.5 | 27.5 | 28.5 | 29.5 | 30.5 | 32 | 33.5 | 36 | 38.5 | 40.5 | 42.5 | 44.5 | 46.5 |
Hip | 34 | 35-36 | 37-38 | 39-40 | 41.5-43 | 44-46 | 47-49 | 50-52 | 54-56 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38 | 39 | 40 | 41.5 | 43 | 45.5 | 48 | 50 | 52 | 54 | 56 |
Inseam | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 |
Measurements are stated in inches unless otherwise indicated. Size chart values represent body measurements, not garment measurements. Some women's pants are available in petite and tall sizes. Typically petite sizes fit women 4'11" to 5'3". Regular sizes fit women 5'4" to 5'8". Tall sizes fit women 5'9" to 5'11".
PETITE: Generally, as compared to regular sizes, petite sizes are 2.5 inches shorter in inseam, 1 inch shorter in body length, 1.25 inches shorter in sleeve length and ¾ inch shorter in total rise.
TALL: tall sizes are 3 inches longer in inseam, 2 inches longer in body length, 2.5 inches longer in sleeve length and 1.25 inches longer in total rise.
Capri or cropped pants have an intentionally shorter inseam—reference the technical specs instead of this chart.
Inseam is measured to the floor.
From feedback to field testing, all of our gear is dialed-in by REI Co-op members. Their adventures informed every stitch and detail—making for better, longer-lasting gear.
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I bought two of these in medium, lost a little weight before I needed them so I exchanged both to smalls. One small fit great and the other was way too tight, so I had to return that one the store to get back my original medium. Confused about why this small size didn't fit and why I bought medium to begin with if one shirt was too big for me, I carefully checked the sizes by holding size mediums in different colors at the armpit area for consistency. The lack of quality control was astonishing for REI. Here you can see two black shirts where one looked to be an inch wider than the other, unless someone wore it and stretched it out before returning it (but my better guess is labeled incorrectly). Then you can see two other sumac and mauve colors where the sumac was slightly longer and wider. I am happy with my purchase in the end, even though yes the wool is a little itchy as others commented it has kept me warm. But I would caution everyone about the inconsistent sizing. It took a lot longer than I anticipated trying them out in the store.
Interested in the product because I needed a lightweight baselayer for a winter trip. Worked well once, until it started quickly forming holes. There seems to be a quality assurance issue with this product. Sadly beyond the return video. I would suggest avoiding this product and looking to some brands with more reliability.
This top was great as a base layer for a day on the slopes. I washed it according to the instructions but noticed the whole top had twisted when I pulled it out to dry. The side seam was now in the front of the garment and the neck/shoulders twisted the opposite direction. Really disappointed, especially as the product photos show the grain of the fabric straight.
This top was my most-worn article of clothing on a recent 15-day trip to Ireland and Scotland! I only bring a carry-on bag and a small backpack when I travel, so I needed something that met all of these criteria: could be worn many times without getting smelly, would work well for a few days of hiking, and would look casual/cute rather than super sporty in photos. This absolutely fit the bill! I think I wore it for a total of eight days--including multiple days of hiking and sweating a fair amount--and it still wasn't smelly. I rinsed/gently scrubbed the collar in the sink once to get rid of sunscreen marks, and it was dry by the next morning and ready to be worn again. Temperatures ranged from 50s to 70s throughout the trip, and I was always comfortable wearing this and just pushed up the sleeves if needed when it was warmer. On another note, I'm tall (6'0") and the length/sleeves of the large were long enough for me.
I love these tops. I am now fortunate to have 3 of them. They are SUPER durable, with a nice tight weave. They don't pill at all, and I am not kind to mine - normal wash and dryer, and they don't shrink, don't stink, and seem like they will last forever. They are flattering, and the seaming is thoughtfully placed AND looks nice. I'm not a fan of tight tops - I am 5'6", 148#, big shoulders, 30 inch waist, short waisted. I wear these in a large. They are a little too long in that size for my taste, but I'd rather the extra length than a tight fit. Highly recommend these for a warm, durable base layer.
At first I liked this shirt, liked the weight of it for the colder months in AZ. However, I did find it itchier than a similar Smartwool top. The dealbreaker for me is that after one wash, with 0 drying, this shirt twisted the fabric almost 25% to one side. For a shirt that has body contouring seams, the amount of twisting in the fabric is ridiculous. Who wants uneven body contouring seams? It's a neurodivergent person's nightmare. I'm going to have to hustle to return this and find something else for my upcoming trip. FWIW, I found the Smartwool top to also twist but not as much and was actually able to twist it back, mostly. Who has time for fabric blocking when you're traveling/hiking?
I have an older print REI Merino shirt I bought a couple years ago on clearance and although it has held up well (always machine-washed and hung to dry), these new ones are cut slightly different, seem to be softer and fit better. I hope they last as long as my old one! Please offer more colors, and the same 100 percent Merino in short sleeves and tanks?
I have several of these tops and bottoms and they have all worn well (I machine wash, hang dry). Impressed with the quality over more expensive brands, as they seem to feel softer than some and fit better. Pretty please: Dispense with the weird orange and dingy taupe patterns, or at least add some more attractive colors/patterns; I'm to the point I cannot resist stealing these out of my hiking stash for everyday wear! And please make some 100% Merino tanks; Tencel blend is not the same.
This kept me warm enough, but the tight neck and aggressively noticeable seams are pretty unbearable. There are three seams going down the arm for absolutely no reason except to chafe and irritate your skin. Would not recommend unless you're a highly unbothered person when it comes to materials.
Great weight fabric for year-round wear.