How to Choose Base Layers

Get out in the cold with more confidence than ever with these women's Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino base layer bottoms. They're 100% merino and 100% capable.
Imported.
View the Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Product LineView all Smartwool Women's Base Layer BottomsBest Use | Multisport |
---|---|
Fabric | Merino wool |
Moisture Wicking | Yes |
Underwear Weight | Midweight |
Inseam (in.) | Unavailable |
Gender | Women's |
XS | S | M | L | XL | 1X | 2X | 3X | 4X | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Numerical Size | 0 - 2 | 4 - 6 | 8 - 10 | 12 - 14 | 16 - 18 | 16 - 18 | 20 - 22 | 24 - 26 | 28 - 30 |
Chest | 32 - 33 | 34 - 35 | 36 - 38 | 39 - 40 | 41-42 | 43 - 45 | 47 - 49 | 51 - 53 | 55 - 57 |
Sleeve Length | 27 - 28 | 28 - 29 | 29 - 30 | 30 - 31 | 31 - 32 | 31 | 31 | 32 | 33 |
Waist | 24 - 25 | 26 - 27 | 28 - 30 | 31 - 32 | 33 - 34 | 39 - 41 | 43 - 46 | 47 - 50 | 52 - 55 |
Hip | 35 - 36 | 37 - 38 | 39 - 40 | 41 - 42 | 43 - 44 | 45 - 47 | 49 - 51 | 53 - 55 | 57 - 59 |
Inseam | 29 - 30 | 30 - 31 | 31 - 32 | 32 - 33 | 33 - 34 | 30 - 32 | 30 - 32 | 30 - 32 | 30 - 32 |
Measurements are stated in inches.
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I love Smartwool anything, I buy their socks every year and I love their merino wool tops, hats, etc. However, these thermal bottoms are not the quality I'd expect from Smartwool. Just barely over 2 years into having these (and I haven't worn them very much, around 20-25 times) they have the most insane runs in them right in the crotch/bottom area. I never wear these bare or sit on rough surfaces, I always have my snow pants over them, so I can't understand why they look like panty hose runs. They're so fragile for how expensive they are, absolutely not worth it and Smartwool only covers within 2 years of purchase. I honestly think the problem is the material blend they're using for this, it should blended with something more durable. Truly disappointing.
These pants are pretty comfortable and keep me warm without making me feel overheated. But today I went to adjust them and my thumb went through the fabric... and not at a seam either. I've only owned them for two months and wore them about 2x a week.
These pants were my first Smartwool purchase (along with the 250 Base Layer top) and I LOVE them! I got these on sale and regret not having bought a second pair. I've been wearing them non-stop, pairing them with a down skirt on top (in- and outside the house) or under bike pants (have not yet tried them under jeans) in cold Boston winter. Even after days of wear they pretty much hold their form (aside from a bit of stretching) and after a wash (machine but air dried) bounce back to original form. I also have a pair of mid-weight Merriwool layers and they do not hold their form. They are warm, wick sweat quickly, and truly don't smell. I love them!
This is my third pair of heavy weight Smartwool bottoms. They fit well, are warm, and last a very long time. I’m 5’8” 140lbs middle aged and have a bigger butt and thighs. The mediums fit perfectly, with enough space and stretch to comfortably move around in. The wide waistband doesn’t dig in and they stay put. They are super warm, like soft sweaters for your legs. And lastly, at approximately 10 year old, my oldest pair are thinner and are quicker to stretch with wear, but they are still warm and get a lot of use. They have developed a few tiny holes that haven’t run. I just wish for more colors!
Sides of the inner thighs started rubbing down and thinning around 7 months, it's just a year now and I have gaping holes all along the sides. Poorly or cheaply made, paid $100 and didn't even last 9 months.
Having moved to the Pacific Northwest just as winter arrived, I was looking to bolster my cold weather wardrobe. Wool is my preferred fabric, so I was pleased to find this base layer, albeit a little pricey for my taste. I bought a top and bottom. They are thin and so they fit well under my usual garb, but I was underwhelmed by the warmth offered. I've owned other base layers that were a little heavier in weight but a lot warmer. They also attract every speck of lint and hair in the vicinity. It's not a performance issue, but is an annoyance for sure. For the price, I give this product a resounding "meh." For what it's worth, the length was just right for me, I'm 5'-4."
So I bought these for a my winter trip to Iceland to layer up with and they were perfectly cozy. Not only did they keep me warm but I’m convinced they saved me from being torn to shreds in an accident I ended up having in Iceland after falling down a icy, jagged rock covered cliff. My waterproof layer was basically ripped from my body, my thermal pants were gashed and torn. These leggings remained pristine. Not so much as a small snag, which in turn meant my skin was also left from being absolutely destroyed. Can’t say the same for my upper torso, arms and hands. Maybe it was sheer luck, but they truly were a life saver.
i like that these are 100% wool and I like to encourage that trend. They are not scratchy, but they are also not really thick enough. Though they make a comfortable base layer, but they are not really warm. I wore them in 30 degree weather on a 3.5 mile snow hike under some snow/winter pants (EddieBauer) that are not insulated. I could feel the cold through the pants and wool base layer. my butt was cold. maybe this would be a good layer to wear under powder pants. Not warm enough for what i was hoping to use them for. I got more warmth from $10 fleece leggings from Fred Meyer.
Purchased in Nov 2019 and used for winter season for hiking/walking in cold or for under my snowpants. Was not rough with them. Went to pull out for 2020/2021 winter season and there were multiple holes that had formed in the seat/groin seam area. Super soft and pretty warm but apparently not durable enough for average wear.
But the mons pubis/cameltoe situation has to be dealt with. `I am not “pronounced” in this area either. This hugs in exactly the wrong spots and accentuates the area. Which is fine, under ski pants. But if you like to lounge, never take them off, like i do, i don’t want the mailman popping by with these puppies on. `I LOVE SMARTWOOL and their quality is incredible. But I’m finding better base layer fit at Woolx and they are the same cost and they can double as a legging which can be worn without TMI and double as a base layer. On this model, i love love love the flat panel that does not muffin top even skinny girls, the butt is cute, just get that crotch worked out and I’ll get all colours. By the way if you are between sizes S and M, im 135 but skinny/medium tall, The medium was the winner.