How to Choose Base Layers
Smartwool Merino 250 Base Layer Bottoms - Women's
This product is not available. Good news: we have a newer version.
Made with warm, cozy wool that won't scratch, the Smartwool Merino 250 Base Layer bottoms for women are ideal for stop-and-go activities in cold weather.
Shop newer version- Merino wool helps maintain comfort whether the climate is warm, cold or in-between
- UPF 50+ fabric provides excellent protection against harmful ultraviolet rays
- Chafe-free flatlock seams enhance comfort
- Wide, women-specific waistband enhances fit
- Merino wool does not itch and will not shrink; machine wash and dry
- Close-to-skin fit and natural rise
| Best Use | Multisport |
|---|---|
| Fabric | Merino wool |
| Sun-Protective Fabric | Yes |
| UPF Rating | 50 |
| Moisture Wicking | Yes |
| Underwear Weight | Midweight |
| Inseam (in.) | 30 inches |
| Gender | Women's |
Smartwool Clothing - 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 |
Sizing Notes
Measurements are stated in inches.
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Most Helpful Favorable Review
Fit not as good as before
Occasional Adventurer11 years ago
May seem odd that I call out fit as comfortable AND uncomfortable - But I have a pair purchased in 2012 and this pair just purchased. They've changed the styling and, while I still like them, the new wider elastic of the waistband, which also now sits a bit lower than the natural waistline, gives me the feeling that the back rides TOO low. The lower rise and wider elastic also makes for more bulk directly underneath my belt. The earlier model is more comfortable in that I don't feel like I have to keep pulling it up in the back or adjusting where seams fall under my belt. Otherwise, I like them both - They fit well under jeans, not bulky, and keep me warm.
Occasional Adventurer
MI
92 people found this review helpful
Most Helpful Critical Review
Very Poor Design and Functionality
RockyMountaineer9 years ago
I'm a (former) avid SmartWool fan. Been wearing them since the company first started. Get new sets every 2-3 years. The newest version is just awful. (1) Very fine-spun wool that is actually COOL against the skin, instead of the soft, instant warmth they used to provide. (2) They are now designed as very low riders, well below the navel. HUGE GAP between these bottoms and the top of ski pants... just what I don't want on cold slopes. Soooooo disappointed with SmartWool. The only alternative I've found with good, soft, warm, merino wool long underwear is Cresta @ llbean.
RockyMountaineer
CO
126 people found this review helpful
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Occasional Adventurer
Michigan
Fit not as good as before
11 years ago
May seem odd that I call out fit as comfortable AND uncomfortable - But I have a pair purchased in 2012 and this pair just purchased. They've changed the styling and, while I still like them, the new wider elastic of the waistband, which also now sits a bit lower than the natural waistline, gives me the feeling that the back rides TOO low. The lower rise and wider elastic also makes for more bulk directly underneath my belt. The earlier model is more comfortable in that I don't feel like I have to keep pulling it up in the back or adjusting where seams fall under my belt. Otherwise, I like them both - They fit well under jeans, not bulky, and keep me warm.
Traci
Bronx, NY
Quality is lacking
7 years ago
I'm on my second pair of these now, thanks to REI's generous exchange policy. Both my first and now second pair get holes in them, for no apparent reason. I have all the curves of a string bean, so the fabric isn't getting stretched tight. I am wearing the proper size. I only wear them a few times each winter. This past weekend, I brought them camping, put them on inside my tent, and crawled out of my sleeping bag the following morning to new holes! I love the color, softness and warmth, but I am definitely seeking out a different brand next time.
No, I do not recommend this product
cep
San Francisco, CA, United States
design change
8 years ago
I've been a smartwool loyal customer for many years but bow will look elsewhere for underwear bottoms. Like other reviewers, I do not care for the low riding waist line as well as for the wide elastic band. Why reinventing the wheel? It is meant to be worn as underwear, to be warm. The company seems to try to appeal to young skinny yoga girls. Personally, I wear those on backpacking trips to be warm in camp and at night in my sleeping bag when necessary. I also wear the tops and bottoms at home to lounge around and be toasty, not as a fashion statement. I want it to cover my belly and keep my core warm. Smartwool, you may have gained a yoga girl but you've lost a backpacker.
No, I do not recommend this product
RockyMountaineer
Colorado
Very Poor Design and Functionality
9 years ago
I'm a (former) avid SmartWool fan. Been wearing them since the company first started. Get new sets every 2-3 years. The newest version is just awful. (1) Very fine-spun wool that is actually COOL against the skin, instead of the soft, instant warmth they used to provide. (2) They are now designed as very low riders, well below the navel. HUGE GAP between these bottoms and the top of ski pants... just what I don't want on cold slopes. Soooooo disappointed with SmartWool. The only alternative I've found with good, soft, warm, merino wool long underwear is Cresta @ llbean.
lindsey86
Chico, CA
Quality Product; Comfortable
11 years ago
Just bought these for a snowboarding base layer and to sleep in while camping in the high sierras. They are very soft and comfortable, and also the most stylish base layer I have owned. I do agree with the person who said 'petite' sizes would be nice. I'm usually a medium, and while the medium felt more comfortable in the legs, the inseam area was far too baggy and the waist either had to be folded over or pulled way up over the belly button to keep from sagging and bunching. I exchanged for a small size (REI was very helpful!), and the small look much sleeker, just a tad too tight through the knees and lower legs. However, still cutest and most comfortable in comparison with other mid weight base layers.
Yes , I recommend this product
sadie
Weird Sizing and Doesn't Retain Shape
7 years ago
I have several different Smartwool bottoms in an L that fit me perfectly and I would give them 5 stars. I got these ones because they are thicker and I wanted something warmer. These are a lot bigger than other Smartwool bottoms in an L, but the M was too small and I was afraid it would shrink. I got the L thinking they would just be a little loose and maybe they'd shrink a little, but after about an hour of wearing these they lose their shape and sag really badly (especially in the knees). It's not so bad to wear them under another pair of pants, but they look silly to be worn on their own.
No, I do not recommend this product
SkierWoolLover
Knoxville TN
Extremely uncomfortable at waist (not true to size
5 years ago
Material is fine. I have had Smartwool base layers for more than 10 years. This is the first time my this bottom hurts my waist. I measured it is only 25"; the elastic band has no elasticity at all. I am getting rashes and feel very uncomfortable wearing it. I now try to remove the elastic band. Wow, it is not easy at all and the 2 " waist is an add-on with three times of stitches. Now only it will take forever to cut the stitches, it will also need to add it back. Never seen such a design for base layer bottoms. I always wear S and still weight the same. I have some from previous purchases, they fit fine. Will not buy this pants. Will be careful to ask how the waist was designed and made.
No, I do not recommend this product
jordana
Salem, OR
Love, love SmartWool
12 years ago
Another great SmartWool product. I have not spent much time wearing these tights since it is summer, but they will be great with boots under skirts once the northwest drizzle sets in again for the winter. I was surprised that a small was the right size since I usually take a medium in bottoms. The only thing taht could have been an improvement is if they came in petite. I really appreciate REI's great customer service that made exchanging for the correct size at the store easy.
Yes , I recommend this product
Joe P
Sisters, OR, United States
I've loves them!
8 years ago
Bought this for my wife so she would be outfitted the best way I could find. You see, we were planning our very first snowshoeing adventure and I wanted to make sure she was safe, comfortable and wanting to do it again! It worked! :-)
Yes , I recommend this product
Girl next door
Southern California
Smartwool leggings keep you warm all day
12 years ago
I used these under insulated ski pants for extra warmth. My legs were never cold despite single digit temps at 15,000 feet. I also wore them a couple nights for pajamas and under jeans at night. Very comfortable, loved the purple color. After a couple wears they stretch out but they retain shape after washing. These are a keeper!
Yes , I recommend this product
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