How to Choose Base Layers

Wherever you're out in the cold, you'll love the streamlined warmth, moisture-wicking comfort and easy layering of the women's REI Co-op Midweight long-sleeve base layer top.
Imported.
View all REI Co-op Women's Base Layer TopsBest Use | Multisport |
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Shirt Type | T-shirt |
Fabric | 92% recycled polyester/8% spandex (bluesign® approved) |
Sun-Protective Fabric | Yes |
UPF Rating | 50 |
Moisture Wicking | Yes |
Quick Drying | Yes |
Underwear Weight | Midweight |
Sleeve Length | Long Sleeve |
Thumbholes | Yes |
Gender | Women's |
Sustainability | Fair Trade Certified™ factory Contains materials that meet the bluesign® criteria Contains recycled materials 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 really like this comfortable long sleeved base layer. So far, I’ve worn it on vacation in the Pacific Northwest, got caught in a rain shower near home and wore it under a day pack on a local hike. It has been breathable in weather from 45 – 70 deg and when it got wet in the rain it never felt clammy or cold against my skin. It has some nice design details: under arm gussets make the shirt easier to move in, the thumbholes retract into the sleeve hems when not in use (rather than dangle below the wrist), the shoulder seams are flat and spaced away from pack straps, the shirt back dips down lower than the front so it doesn’t ride up under my pack, the high crew neck protects from sun and cold and the side seam curves around towards the front making a nice line. A good-looking base layer! One heads up: I thought this shirt had a very slim fit when brand new. It loosened up to a just right slim fit after the first washing. Some might want to order one size larger.
I ordered the REI Midweight Base Layer Top in Tidal Blue Heather and Shaded Sumac Heather, both a Large. I am exchanging for a Medium. I love both of these colors – vibrant without being an eye sore, great with my skin tone. The thumb things were a nice surprise. I have kind of long arms and these thumb things actually were comfortable.I’m 5’6”, 37” bust, 30” waist, 45” hip and I think a medium would have fit better.
As a base layer, I love this shirt. It's really soft - even after multiple washings, and line drying. It's perfect for fall bike rides, wicking away sweat and keeping my arms warm. I often don't like synthetics - but this feels great. I like the thumbhole design to help keep my knuckles warm. It helps me keep active when the weather turns cold! But by itself, it's too tight, especially around the stomach. I usually wear a 3X, but I like loose clothes. This isn't loose. Then again - as a base layer, the snug fit will protect against cold breezes. I just like to be sure I have a nice layer to cover it up in public.
I am so sad to return this. The last base layer I purchased was this same shirt (121926) from REI in 2018. I have worn it a million times in the last 6 years through outdoor adventures and traveling abroad and it still looks brand new. It's soft, the perfect weight, and cut really well. It's my favorite shirt and I just went back to my order history to get a few more for upcoming trips. The new version (207875) is immediately low-key itchy when you put it on, thinner material, longer, and tighter around the midsection and arms. I am guessing they changed the material to cheapen costs, and changed the cut to fit people with skinnier hips. The only improvement is the addition of thumb holes. It's also twice the price I paid 6 years ago, which makes sense for inflation but not for the reduction in quality. I would happily pay the new price for the old one. There are still good elements, like the placement of the seams (off shoulder so it can be worn with backpack). Given the issues, I would give it 3 stars if it were $20, but not $55. I am really bummed and will be searching Poshmark for the old version. Size in both photos: M 30 band, 35 bust, 29 waist, 39 hips
It took multiple attempts to get the right size. I'm 5'4', 160 lbs, and normally wear L-XL. The XL was uncomfortably snug. The 1X might have been OK but I was afraid it would shrink in the wash. I didn't want something form-fitting and prefer breathing room in my clothes. The 3X was much too big. I settled on the 2X which is loose but will probably be fine after a run through the dryer on low. There was a surprising difference in size between 1X and 2X, especially in the body. On the plus side, the fabric is very soft and comfortable. I've been wearing it as pajamas.
I just bought this shirt and I can already tell it’s going to be a new favorite. Medium weight makes it great as a solo layer on moderate days or a good base on colder ones. The fabric is soft but not so delicate that I’m afraid it’ll snag easily. I’m also a sucker for a good thumb loop, and the colors are lovely. I’m sure I’ll be buying more.
It is fine if you didn't purchase this base layer years ago. The new version is not as comfortable-just like other reviewers have noticed. My older ones are so soft and totally comfortable, but this one was different-material not as soft and it was tight in my chest area. Higher in the neck area too. If you don't own the older versions of this base layer, you will probably be happy, but if you own the older version, you will immediately notice the difference in comfort. Was disappointed and returned immediately-unfortunately had to pay the shipping cost for a product that really is not the same as years past. Hope REI brings back the old version (bottoms too)! They were amazing and live in them all winter all!
I took this top backpacking in Peru and I was obsessed with it the entire trip. It’s a great weight for cooler activities and doesn’t get stinky like some performance fabrics. I wash it carefully and six months of regular use later I still have no pilling or fabric issues. The design is thoughtful with functional thumb loops and seams off the shoulder. She’s a solid pick. Pictured here at 15,000ft in tan size L
I have 2 of these shirts I purchased several years ago, they are perfect for wearing over a t-shirt or tank for cool early morning hikes where you know it's going to get warm later. Just love them. I was on a trip last month that turned cool and rainy so decided to pick up another one for the road. They've changed! I normally wear small but I got a medium, same as the others, so it would easily fit over a t-shirt, but it's much tighter and uncomfortable. The sleeves are tighter as well, I hate that feeling of clingy sleeves. The material seems thinner. Overall, not the same shirt. Why take a perfect product and change it? I'll probably return it if I get a chance to get to a store soon.
Alas, the shirt I LOVED has been replaced by an inferior version in terms of comfort. If you are an owner of Item #121926 be warned, the new version feels thinner, rougher, and tighter. While this shirt alone may seem fine, side-by-side with the version I purchased in-store only 6 months ago, it's a disappointment. This winter I was wearing my original shirt weekly and planned to buy several more so I could wear one daily. But now, instead of feeling like a warm hug, this new version just feels irritating. Please bring the old fabric back.