How to Choose Base Layers

Just as beloved while sweating as while sleeping, the ultrafine merino wool of the women's REI Co-op Merino 185 base layer bottoms is soft, breathable and naturally odor resistant.
Imported.
View the REI Co-op Merino 185 Product LineView all REI Co-op Women's Base Layer BottomsBest Use | Multisport |
---|---|
Fabric | Merino wool |
Sun-Protective Fabric | Yes |
UPF Rating | 30 |
Moisture Wicking | Yes |
Quick Drying | Yes |
Underwear Weight | Lightweight |
Inseam (in.) | 29 inches |
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 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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If I had 3 pairs, I'd be very happy. The fabric is wonderful and not so thick you can't wear them under jeans. I find myself reaching for them as after-work/lounge pants, and even as a looser alternative to leggings. They air out wonderfully, which cuts down on the number of washings. Great length. I got the almost-black/very dark grey colorway, which I love.
Good price, but the seams are ugly and annoying on the skin. Pretty itchy. The elastic feels cheap, but they’re the cheapest option, so it makes sense. They work well enough but they aren’t appropriately fit to plus size bodies.
I am very literal when I say that these were fine for 2 light wears. After that I started noticing holes. Such flimsy material. I would recommend the REI Co-op Lightweight Base Layer Tights (the one that's almost entirely polyester).
Very comfortable -- wore these under a pair of waterproof pants during an Antartica trip when I was out cruising or on an land excusion. I never washed them for the timeswhile I was on the trip; finally washed them when I returned home. (Yay for merino wool!) They were warm and comfortable and never needed additional layers, temperatures were 1-5C most days. And paired with a long tunic, was great for lounging in the evenings.
The base layer is so comfortable and did the job keeping me warm. Too bad it lasts for less than 5 wears before developing holes. The fabric is not in any way durable given the price. I would not recommend this at all. My Old Navy tights last longer than this.
Nice fit, not bulky, warm and cozy. The perfect layer under trousers or a long skirt. Love how comfortable they are.
I’ve never been toasty on a plane, but these wool bottoms were fantastic. Never too warm, even in the heat of the desert!