How to Choose Base Layers

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, thanks to the soft, breathable, naturally odor-resistant merino wool.
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 | Short 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 Âľ 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 love this shirt. It keeps me cool by wicking the sweat from my body, it washes beautifully, it dries quickly on a hanger. I love the coverage the sleeve length provides, it's Almost to my elbow. The length of the shirt is longer than Smartwool too, and it's perfect, I find smartwool short sleeve shirts to be a bit too short. It isn't as soft as Smartwool short sleeve shirts but it's much more opaque which is a win.
I purchased the coral and teal tees. These are soft and the perfect weight—-not too thin and not too thick. These ARE NOT see through so the 185 wool weight matters! I wear a 3X and it’s a perfect fit. I can dress these up or down. I haven’t laundered them yet, so this will be the next happiness test. I’m replacing all my long and short sleeve tops with merino wool. I live in FL but travel to colder places and am tired of sporting two wardrobes. Merino wool is definitely an all season fabric. I’ve purchased several Smart Wool base bottoms and use them as leggings and tights. Perfect fit and use all year round. Fantastic to travel with. I’m learning to travel for up to 2 weeks in a 17L backpack, repeating wearing tops and bottoms, and doing some overnight laundering as needed. Merino wool does not hold odor! You can launder less. And when you do launder, it dries quickly. I look forward to using my new travel fabrics of merino wool and linen. These two fabrics hold up fantastically well over time and they pack small. I just embrace the wrinkles with the linen. I pack 4 tops and 3 bottoms, one silk night gown, one silk caftan, 3 pr of compression socks and 5 pair of underwear and 2 bras. Put them in compression packing cubes. Done! My test with this combination is in 2 weeks. Wish me luck!
I really wanted to like this as a summer t-shirt since there are so few wool options in 3X, but the neckline was too high to be comfortable (and the sleeve length was not so flattering). After much deliberation and it just sat in the drawer, back it went. Oddly, the long-sleeve version's neckline was just a tiny bit lower and it's ok - I've kept that one. The coral color was muted but nice.
I have several of these in the taupe print and overall really like them. I feel like that color runs a little small (usually I wear an XL), but is well made with a nice heavier weight fabric that's not see through at all. However, I tried a couple of different colors, and both had issues. The orange print had defective stitching at the neck on a couple of shirts, and the periwinkle was absolutely huge compared to the taupe. Also, the fabric felt thinner and lower quality. It's annoying to not be able to count on getting the same fit and quality in different colors.
I have been looking for some wool shirts cheaper than smart wool, so I thought I would try this. I love my Smartwool women’s tops, but this is clearly am men’s shirt with a women’s tag on it.
The shirt was okay for a few months, although the seams were a little uncomfortable. However, after about six months of wearing it about once every 2-3 weeks and only hand washing it with cold water and wool-safe soap then air drying flat, it started to fall apart. The stitching is coming undone and there are several holes developing. Other merino wool shirts I've owned have lasted several years on average, so this is very disappointing.
Colors are great, fits a little tight--I ordered my usual 1x, but could have used a 2x. The tight fit is good for a base layer though. I was hoping the merino wool would be soft, but it's a little scratchy. I think this t-shirt will help keep me warm camping this week.
This has a fantastic fit in 2x. Close but not too tight, perfect sleeve length (not cap sleeve, not too long). It's very comfortable and the color is fantastic. This will become my go to flying shirt and I already have another one in my cart! Thank you for creating and selling well designed, well proportioned plus size clothing! It's not just "bigger". Please keep up the awesome work!
Just purchased and sent through its first wash. Took the shirt out to hang dry and realized the seams are completely asymmetrical. I’m going to bring it back and have now wasted my membership 20% off an item.
I’m trying to add more natural fibers to my wardrobe and bought this on sale. The fabric and color are great! But the fit feels like a men’s shirt marked as a plus size women’s shirt. Boxy and not forgiving of curves. The picture looks more like a relaxed fit A-line/swing style kind of cut - but in real life the shirt is very rectangular. I’m going to keep it as a hiking shirt but probably won’t wear it much outside of that.