How to Choose Base Layers

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Lightweight and supple, the REI Co-op Silk long-sleeve crew shirt provides great warmth for its weight and offers luxurious comfort.
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View all REI Co-op Men's Base Layer TopsBest Use | Multisport |
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Shirt Type | T-shirt |
Fabric | Silk jersey |
Underwear Weight | Ultralightweight |
Sleeve Length | Long Sleeve |
Gender | Men's |
Sustainability | From a Climate Label Certified brand |
XS | S | M | L | XL | XXL | XXXL | 24 IN Waist | 26 IN Waist | 28 IN Waist | 30 IN Waist | 31 IN Waist | 32 IN Waist | 33 IN Waist | 34 IN Waist | 35 IN Waist | 36 IN Waist | 38 IN Waist | 40 IN Waist | 42 IN Waist | 44 IN Waist | 46 IN Waist | 48 IN Waist | 50 IN Waist | |
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Chest | 35 | 36 - 38 | 39 - 41 | 42 - 45 | 46 - 49 | 50 - 53 | 54 - 57 | |||||||||||||||||
Sleeve Length | 32 | 32.5 | 33 | 33.5 | 34 | 34.75 | 35.5 | |||||||||||||||||
Waist | 27.5 | 28 - 30 | 32 - 34 | 36 - 38 | 40 - 42 | 44 - 46 | 48 - 50 | 24 | 26 | 28 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 38 | 40 | 42 | 44 | 46 | 48 | 50 |
Hip | 33.5 | 34.5 - 36.5 | 37.5 - 39.5 | 41 - 43 | 44 - 46.5 | 47.5 - 50.5 | 51.5 - 54.5 | 32 | 33.5 | 34.5 | 36.5 | 37 | 37.5 | 38.5 | 39.5 | 40.25 | 41 | 43 | 44 | 46.5 | 47.5 | 50.5 | 52.5 | 54.5 |
Inseam | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 |
Measurements are stated in inches unless otherwise indicated. Size chart values represent body measurements, not garment measurements.
SHORT: Some pants are available in short sizes, which generally means an inseam that is 2.5 inches shorter than regular sizes.
TALL: Some pants, shirts, jackets and parkas are available in tall sizes, which generally means an inseam that is 3 inches longer and a rise that is 1 inch longer, a shirt or jacket body that is 2 inches longer, a parka body that is 2.5 inches longer and sleeves that are 2.5 inches longer than regular sizes.
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 was surprised at the sleeve length. It is too long. I'm 6'4" with arm length proportional to my body but I have to fold the sleeves up at least once. This is a minor critique which is outweighed by the positives of the shirt. It functions well as a base layer beneath a heavier pair of long underwear to keep me dry during strenuous activity. I also wear it beneath casual clothing when I'm indoors at work. It is very comfortable against my skin and surprisingly warm for being as lightweight as it is. I would buy it again.
Over the past 30 or so years, I've used a few brands of men's silk long underwear. There's a few things about silk cold weather inner-wear that I've learned through trial and error. First, concerning this particular brand, is the REI care label misinformation: You should NEVER machine wash silk items; hand wash in COLD water using a mild soap like Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day hand soap. Secondly, do not wring the garment; squeeze the water out as best you can. Thirdly, NEVER use a dryer; always line dry. Following these steps will minimize shrinkage. Notice I wrote "minimize" but not "prevent". That said, even though I am only 5'10" and average build, I've always ordered the "tall" sizing....so when the shirt shrinks, it will still be wearable. Lastly, there have been concerns expressed about the "sheerness" of these silk undershirts. Don't let that fool you. Worn over a cotton tee-shirt, and under a plain ol' shirt & winter coat, they keep me warm in temp's well below freezing.
This is made of thin, lightweight silk so I don't imagine it will provide enormous warmth if I'm just sitting around in the cold, but for being active in winter it seems about right. And the tall size is long enough for me (I'm 6' 4").
I use this for bicycling on cooler mornings. The silk provides great warmth and dries quickly. I wear under my bike shirt and provides enough protection on those <50 degree F mornings in the PNW. Rolls up tight and goes in handle bar bag for commute home in the sun.
bought almost 2 years ago....used as base layer in very cold and warm.... strenuous trekking.... I am not sure why but I found it useless....it does NOT pull away the sweat and stays wet making me uncomfortable ......note that I have other base layers, both synthetic and merino wool....and they perform very well with the same mid and top layers..... I see positive reviews by others, and have no reason to question them.... but in my case, if I sweat a lot....it's just horrible base layer.... no better than regular cotton t-shirts, which I would never wear as a base layer
Silk is the best! Feels great. Other garments move easily over it. A buffering layer for hot or cold conditions. Washes and dries well. I recommend silk to my friends and all of my family have been gifted with one.
I use silk as the bottom Base Layer for Hunting. This is the best I’ve used.
ripped at the bicep with long thread pull 1st time i wore it. it was warm though.
My son loved this long underwear. He is tall and it fit perfectly. He wore the long underwear skiing.
living in alaska i went through the long underwear until i found these silk long johns