How to Choose Base Layers
REI Co-op Merino 185 Base Layer Top - Women's
$69.95
Soft, breathable and naturally odor resistant, the women's REI Co-op Merino 185 short-sleeve base layer top is an ideal next-to-skin layer for hiking, cycling and even sleeping.
- Ultrafine 185 g merino wool offers a soft feel without any itchiness
- Made with 100% merino wool that naturally breathes, wicks away sweat, dries quickly and resists odors, making it an ideal multiday trip companion
- UPF 30 sun protection
- Flat seams and merrow stitch construction eliminate chafing
- Underarm gussets allow full range of movement
- Designed to hug the body for optimum performance
- Weight: 5.1 oz. (size Medium)
- Machine wash warm, gentle cycle, with wool wash product; do not twist or wring; remove promptly; do not bleach; tumble dry low; dry cleaning not recommended
- Field-tested on its own and as a base layer while hiking, running, rock climbing, cycling, skiing and camping in diverse climates across the U.S.
- REI Co-op brand is certified to The Climate Label; we actively fund efforts to reduce carbon emissions across our business and support climate projects around the world
- Made in a Fair Trade Certified™ factory
Imported.
View the REI Co-op Merino 185 Product LineView all REI Co-op Women's Base Layer Tops| Best Use | Multisport |
|---|---|
| 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 | Short Sleeve |
| Gender | Women's |
| Sustainability | Fair Trade Certified™ factory From a Climate Label Certified brand |
REI Co-op Clothing - Women's
| 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 |
Sizing Notes
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.
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Most Helpful Favorable Review
Comfortable and breathable with excellent wicking
Nicki4 years ago
Received free productI’ve worn my Merino 185 short sleeved base layer top on 3 hikes so far and I really like the performance and fit! This shirt is probably more for fall type weather but its worked well on hikes in light breeze 72-82 deg weather too. The smooth soft fabric wicks really well and dries very quickly so I never overheated and even after soaking the shirt with sweat I never felt damp or chilled. This well made shirt is long so it doesn’t ride up and bunch under my pack. It fits my 5’2” frame perfectly: close but not clingy. I really like the fit and style of the front/side angled seams. The under arm gussets help with cooling and feel much less constricting than fitted sleeves. I found the high cut crew neck comfortable and it provided more sun protection, however the neckline might be too high for some. The label recommends machine wash warm gentle cycle using a wool wash product. I wash my shirt on cold in a regular cycle with my normal detergent and lay it flat to dry. It dries very quickly, keeps it shape and looks great.
NickiReceived free product
Mountain View, CA
31 people found this review helpful
Most Helpful Critical Review
Very tight neck
Tara3 years ago
Very tight neck. I am 5'2" and about 110lbs for context. The neck feels like its choking me. Its also so long it could double as a very short dress. I like that it is longer but its too long for my body frame.
Tara
33 people found this review helpful
Customer Images
Nicki
Received free product
Mountain View, CA
Comfortable and breathable with excellent wicking
4 years ago
I’ve worn my Merino 185 short sleeved base layer top on 3 hikes so far and I really like the performance and fit! This shirt is probably more for fall type weather but its worked well on hikes in light breeze 72-82 deg weather too. The smooth soft fabric wicks really well and dries very quickly so I never overheated and even after soaking the shirt with sweat I never felt damp or chilled. This well made shirt is long so it doesn’t ride up and bunch under my pack. It fits my 5’2” frame perfectly: close but not clingy. I really like the fit and style of the front/side angled seams. The under arm gussets help with cooling and feel much less constricting than fitted sleeves. I found the high cut crew neck comfortable and it provided more sun protection, however the neckline might be too high for some. The label recommends machine wash warm gentle cycle using a wool wash product. I wash my shirt on cold in a regular cycle with my normal detergent and lay it flat to dry. It dries very quickly, keeps it shape and looks great.
Age:55–64
Weight:Less than 100 lbs.
Height:5'2"
Yes , I recommend this product
Skye
issues with neck hem
1 year ago
Overall I like this shirt - the wool is relatively soft and the cut is cute and functional for hiking. Unfortunately, the fabric around the neck shrunk while washing (followed the washing instructions exactly), which made it too tight, and also caused the neckline to bunch up and pucker in a couple different areas. I bought two shirts and exactly the same thing happened on each. The puckers were even in similar places, which makes me think it's a construction issue. I could maybe be okay with this if they were deeply discounted items, but not for full price.
pnwblue
Received free product
Kirkland, WA
Very soft and high quality
4 years ago
I am very impressed with the quality of this REI merino shirt. I have loved the quality of another brand for a while, but the price was always slightly higher than other brands and other brands did not have the same quality merino layers as my preferred brand. I was pleasantly surprised with this new REI top. It’s very soft (no itching!) and feels just as soft after each wash (I’ve washed it twice so far, although I line dry rather than the suggested tumble dry low on the tag). The quality feels good with no evidence of it pilling or that it will break down anytime soon. I wore it on a run during 60 degree weather and it was too hot, but it’s great as a base layer on cool nights in the PNW and it will be great for fall hikes and winter skiing. I typically wear mediums and have this in a medium; the fit isn’t too tight, nor is it too baggy. I have a 36-38 D bust and it fits well.
Age:35–44
Yes , I recommend this product
Marg
Delaware
Doesn’t hold up well.
2 months ago
After 18 months of use (probably only wearing it 15 times), this shirt has developed several small holes on the shoulder just below the seam. If I could, I would return it, but the return period has passed. Just to let you know, this item did not wear well.
Age:75 or over
Weight:125–150 lbs.
Height:5'5"
No, I do not recommend this product
Tara
Very tight neck
3 years ago
Very tight neck. I am 5'2" and about 110lbs for context. The neck feels like its choking me. Its also so long it could double as a very short dress. I like that it is longer but its too long for my body frame.
Age:45–54
Weight:100–125 lbs.
Height:5'2"
No, I do not recommend this product
MaryKay
Colorado
Awesome shirt
11 months ago
I have always been a merino wool snob and stuck with Icebreaker brand. Thought I would try on the REI brand when I saw in a store … the fit and feel was very nice. Much better feminine fit than Icebreaker. Anxious to see how these fare with continual use. The amazing part was cutting off the tags. I am so frustrated when part of the paper tag is entwined with the seem … as that rubs me and irritates me. These REI brand have a tab of fabric that juts out with the paper tag … so a nice fabric remnant. Ingenious!!
Height:5'11"
Age:55–64
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Yes , I recommend this product
Debi
Need more
1 year ago
Bought a black one in the store. Wore it 3 days without washing. It held its shape, no odor, and washed up easily. I decided to buy 2 more on REI website. They arrived promptly in fantastic shape. True to color and size . I’m late 50’s , 140 lbs , 5’3”. Purchased a size L, this is the size I normally buy. Montana lady where the weather can fluctuate 50 degrees.
Age:55–64
Yes , I recommend this product
Renee
Roseburg OR
Holes in fabric
4 weeks ago
I loved the color and feel of this tshirt, but noticed 2 small tears/holes on the front of the shirt. So disappointed, And they don’t have any more in my size
Age:65–74
Weight:125–150 lbs.
Height:5'5"
No, I do not recommend this product
laralee42
Received free product
Portland, OR
i prefer it as a t-shirt
4 years ago
Fit/style: as a t-shirt, true to size; as a base layer, runs large (I size large in all things, but the large in this is kind of crinkly, or cluttered, under other items (except slightly oversized sweatshirts); as a t-shirt it is just right – slightly form fitting, but not too tight. Cut is a standard t-shirt style that depending on size, could be flattering as a t-shirt, or appropriate as a base layer, most especially just under a sweatshirt that may or may not be removed later. Material/comfort: this is an incredibly comfortable material and fit. It’s soft and moisture wicking and does not appear to leave “watermarks” after drying. It adds an extra layer of warmth - but not too much - if need be, or is just appropriate as is. Use/performance: I prefer this as a t-shirt actually, as I’ve never really found a need for a short sleeved base layer, but to each his own. It’s flexible and in the right size should layer nicely under other apparel. Activity does not stress the material and mobility is not an issue; I’ve used it for day hiking, yoga, and actually house cleaning and found it to be extremely comfortable, durable and appropriate for any type of movement. Aside from gym or at home workouts as just a standalone tee, I find that it is prime for a day hike that starts out chilly and ends up warm – just a sweatshirt over top that can be removed later and not end up looking like you’re wearing long johns. Overall I am pleased with this product and would find myself replacing several “workout specific” tees with it, even though it is a base layer.
Age:35–44
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:5'1"
Yes , I recommend this product
ETM61
Maine
Great for everyday and travel
1 year ago
I love theses REI Merino wool shirts and have several in the long sleeve version. They are great for travel. The only issue I have with the short sleeve version is that it runs tighter than the long sleeve version in the same size. So I just had to size up one for the short sleeve.
Age:55–64
Weight:125–150 lbs.
Height:5'2"
Yes , I recommend this product
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