How to Choose Base Layers

An odor-resistant, all-seasons base layer, this women's Arms of Andes 300 Lightweight Alpaca Wool Half-Zip top is breathable for summer hikes and warm from the slopes to apres-ski in winter.
Imported.
View all Arms of Andes Women's Base Layer TopsBest Use | Hiking |
---|---|
Shirt Type | Partial-zip |
Fabric | 300 g alpaca wool |
Moisture Wicking | Yes |
Quick Drying | Yes |
Underwear Weight | Lightweight |
Sleeve Length | Long Sleeve |
Gender | Women's |
XS | S | M | L | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Chest | 31 - 33.5 | 33.5 - 36 | 36 - 39 | 39 - 42 |
Waist | 23 - 26 | 26 - 29 | 29 - 31.5 | 31.5 - 34 |
Hip | 31.5 - 34 | 34 - 37 | 37 - 40 | 40 - 42.5 |
Inseam | 26 - 27.5 | 27.5 - 29 | 29 - 30 | 30 - 31 |
Measurements are stated in inches.
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Unfortunately I could not wear this as a base layer, it was extremely itchy. Alpaca wool is just not for me, it really irritated my skin even after washing twice. It's a shame because it looks like such a great base layer! Very disappointing.
First, feel, fit and look: It is 100% wool and it feels soft but it tickles a little. This does not bother me, but people with sensitive skin may not like this feeling. I got size small, navy blue shirt. The color is very dark blue; the fit is excellent. I am 5'2'' and majority of tops are too long, both in sleeves and and how they look on me. I am also in between small and middle sizes in tops and used to wear middle in base layer tops. This small size is perfect. It stretches well and does not feel restrictive. I really like how it looks, and wear it now all the time, and not only for sport activities as I thought I would use it. Second, warmth, breathability, and use: it is warm, warmer than lightweight base layers, but thin and not bulky. It seems to be exceptionally breathable. I used it for hiking (as a base layer and as the only layer), skiing, and as a shirt in and outside the house, and did not feel hot (very unlike me) or cold. Generally, I get hot easily during activities, but with this shirt on I felt comfortable during and after hiking and skiing, and did not need to change after activities. To test it, I wore it almost all the time (except for sleeping) for the whole week, and it still felt fresh, not smelly or sweaty. I washed it in the washing machine (although it still did not look as it needed a wash) following washing instructions; it did not shrink and looked the same as before washing. Still was a little tickly, but probably less than before washing.
This is my first alpaca garment and it kept me toasty warm on some chilly and windy days this winter. If worn directly next to my skin I did find it a tad bit itchy . I prefer to wear it as a mid layer (and would buy one size larger ). It did a great job adding warmth without feeling bulky.
For reference I’m 5’4” and 127lbs, usually size small in tops. I ordered this in size small. It was very fitted and sat close to the skin. I can’t imagine wearing anything underneath it other than a bra which is fine because it’s a base layer. The neckline is also super cute and zipper seems high quality. However! My god it’s itchy. I wear smartwool and have other wool clothing that don’t bother me but figured I’d try something new. Sadly I’m returning it.
This is a nice, no frills half zip layering piece for cool weather. I would call this a midweight layer, not a base layer, due to the weight/thickness of the wool material. It's a little snug for my taste -- I can't comfortably wear a lighter layer underneath. The material is nice and soft with a good amount of stretch that allows a good range of motion. I've worn this on cold morning hikes under a jacket and it was comfortable. I do like that the neck is not too high or restrictive. I was afraid the lack of material at the top of the zip would mean the zipper would irritate my neck, but it did not. I would prefer thumbholes, especially if this was my outer layer on a cool day, but it's not a deal breaker.
Well made! True to description. Wear your size if you want it close to your skin as a base layer. Wear one size up if you want room for a tshirt underneath. The whole making of the product is organically made in Peru w as little carbon print as possible. Uses alpacas from family run farms, not for mass production. Great quality. I’m sensitive to wools, this is comfy and warm.
Feels terrible, fits beautifully. Itch level is that of a mediocre merino - not alpaca. It feels like none of the twigs sticks or leaves were removed from the alpaca coat before carding and spinning