How to Choose Base Layers

Beloved while hiking, biking and even just sleeping, 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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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 | 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 | |
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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 got this shirt a few months ago and it's become one of my go-tos. I find that the fabric can be very slightly itchy in some especially sensitive areas like my inner elbows, but it usually isn't enough to actually bother me, and I have pretty sensitive skin. I've worn this as an active layer while hiking, a warm layer to wear in the office or at home, or even as a sleeping shirt. It launders well (I usually wash it cold and hang it to dry) and doesn't retain significant odor. I love the deep red color. I'm 5'5 and about 250 lbs and I found that the 2x fit decently. It's a bit long in the sleeves, but not enough to get in the way, and I like the extra length at the bottom.
Love the color and pattern. This shirt is a nice lightweight base layer and dries quickly. I am a plus sized woman, and the fit was perfect without being too tight.
I bought this on the clearance rack in store. I was originally planning to buy Smartwool brand of the same general shirt but man, this was actually softer and dried very fast. I haven’t been able to really test this out but I am eager for my trip to put it through the paces. Initial thoughts are that it will work very well as I used it at the Oregon coast in early May and it kept me plenty warm.
This is a beautiful substitute for Smart wool, although thinner. The fit was generous while still being fitted, draped nicely around my hips, the arms were king enough and the shoulders were perfect.
It's kind of scratchy and didn't smell too great after wearing it for one day on my camping trip. I've only worn it a couple of times and it's already developed a small hole. I'm really disappointed with the REI brand merino wool items. The quality is very poor.
I love this too; it’s lightweight and comfortable, while still adding a nice layer of warmth. I’m 5’4” and 230 pounds and the 2x fits great with a little extra room so I don’t feel confined. I highly recommend it!
Having seen many videos praising the advantages of Merino wool garments, I bought a long-sleeve "tee". I wore it inside my cool house (without washing it first) and found that it did regulate my body temperature well. However, at the end of the day I noticed my skin was a bit irritated. I've never had an issue with wearing other types of wool, so I lightly rubbed the shirt against my cheek. I could feel tiny prickles on the surface, although the outside of the shirt felt a bit less scratchy. I washed the garment using Granger's wool soap (in the machine on delicate), wrapped it in a towel, patted more of the water out and laid it on another towel to dry. The next time I wore it it did feel softer and more comfortable to wear. I ordered another shirt and the bottoms in case the weather prognosticators are right and we have a cold, snowy winter. If anyone else has had this issue, maybe it will help to wash the garments first using soap made just for wool. The Granger's also works for silk garments.
I love the fabric and I'm giving it 5 stars because it's very functional and cozy and highly recommend it - if crew necks are comfortable for you. It's just not the right cut for me. I kept this but also bought the zip neck, which I want to wear every day.
The perfect weight! Keeps you warm as a base layer but I also wear in warm weather when I need long sleeves.
On Sale - it’s WOOL! Cost effective and great as an under garment or just because I want to wear it. Love the color and size is RIGHT. Thinking of camping in higher elevations summer 2023 so perfect for my personal aspirations.