REI Co-op  Merino 185 Base Layer Top - Women's

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.

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.

LOVED my co-op merino long sleeve top so much, I was willing to shell some dough out for the (ridiculously priced) short sleeve! These fit a lot snugger than the long-sleeve sister top, and is weirdly long in the torso section. If you have a larger chest like myself and wear a backpack or move your arms while wearing it, it will scrunch up around the armpit/shoulders. It is super comfy and surprisingly breathable. I will warn that it stains easily and the very particular washing instructions can make it hard to clean. Still worth it! I bring this bad boy with me on EVERY camping/hiking trip. It's getting its miles, for sure.

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.

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

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.

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!!

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.

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.

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.