It took me a while to convert to Merino wool. Now that I have, there’s no going back to synthetics. Not only will a good Merino base layer make you more comfortable through a variety of temperatures, but you won’t stink even after days of hiking in the same top (I think after an hour in a synthetic base layer!).
There are lots of options when it comes to Merino base layers for women. Yes, there actually is a difference in quality – but not always enough to justify the cost of one top over another. Here are the best women’s base layer tops actually worth the cost and what you need to know to choose.
Quick Picks:
- Best Midweight: Icebreaker Oasis
- Best Heavyweight: Icebreaker Tech
- Best Lightweight: Smartwool 150
- Best Designs: Kari Traa
- Budget Pick: Woolly 150
- For high-intensity activities: Icebreaker ZoneKnit or Helly Hansen Merino-Lifa
Tip: Check these places for discounts
You can often find discounts on last-season’s items or returned items.
Best Women’s Merino Wool Base Layers
Scroll down for a mega comparison table with all the options listed by price, weight and other features.
1. Icebreaker Base Layers
Choose because: You want great construction and durability and are willing to pay for it
Icebreaker regularly gets listed as the best Merino wool brand. They are pricy but the quality is really evidence. The 100% Merino is extra-soft and they are really nicely constructed with flatlock seams that won’t chaffe. They hold up better than most other brands, so you’ll get more use out of them.
They have a brand new women’s base layer top called the Zoneknit (shown below). I haven’t tried it but it looks amazing. There is an articulated construction. Some of the panels are made of eyelet Merino mesh for breathability. It’s really a great pick for high-intensity activities where you will be sweating a lot. It’s just too bad the top costs a small fortune.
Top Options:
- Icebreaker Everyday: 175 g/m2 – crew or ½ zip; set-in sleeves
- Ice breaker Oasis: 200 g/m2 – crew, ½ zip or scoop; set-in sleeves
- Icebreaker Tech: 260 g/m2 – ½ zip or scoop; set-in sleeves
- ZoneKnit: 200g/m2 – crew, articulated, mesh panels
2. SmartWool Base Layers
Choose because: Good quality and can usually find on sale
When it comes to quality, Smartwool and Icebreaker are pretty close (serious backpackers tend to say that Icebreaker is better). The main difference is that Smartwool women’s tops have raglan sleeves. It’s also easier to find Smartwool products on sale or secondhand.
Top Options:
- 150 g/m2: Crew or ¼ zip
- 250 g/m2: Crew or ¼ zip
3. Backcountry.com Spruce Merino Base Layers
Choose because: You want thumb holes and some synthetic material for better durability
Backcountry.com has their own exclusive brand of Merino wool base layers. The “Spruce” tops are 235 g/m2 but they also have a lightweight 180 g/m2 top too.
The base layers come in quite a few color options and even some cute patterns too. More importantly, the tops are actually cut in a way which is conducive to movement but prevents the material from getting stretched out. The raglan sleeves have arm gussets underneath. The bust area is made from a separate piece of fabric. And there is some spandex added to the Merino to improve stretch. Oh, and thumb holes!
Get them Here at Backcountry.com
4. Kari Traa Else and Rose Base Layer Tops
Choose because: Cute patterns from a cool woman-run brand
Kari Traa is my personal favorite brand of women’s base layers. I love the designs on these and also that the brand is run by women. I have two of their Rose Merino tops and they’ve survived multiple washings already. The company has a great policy towards sustainability and responsibly-sourcing materials.
My only real complaint is that the designs are too vivid. Sometimes I feel ridiculous wearing them with my other patterned hiking gear (I’m definitely the most colorful person on the trail!). The weight makes them awesome for camping pajamas.
These base layers are pricy but you can usually find them on sale.
Top Options:
- Else: 210 g/m2, ½ zip and Henley
- Rose: 240 g/m2; ½ zip and Henley
5. Arc’teryx Rho
Choose because: You need a base layer for climbing or lots of movement
Currently Arc’teryx only makes on woman’s base layer top: the Rho. It’s a fantastic top though. The main thing to love is the articulated construction. There are 12 separate panels sewn together in a way for comfort and mobility. The front panel is somewhat narrow, so it isn’t the best base layer option for women with large busts, but otherwise it is really comfortable.
Despite being made of 240g Merino wool, it is considered “lightweight” because it also contains 220g Chira. Like with other Arc’teryx clothing though, the top is really pricy.
6. Ortovox Rock’n’Wool
Choose because: You want a regular fit instead of a slim fit or have a large bust
Ortovox is a German brand of Merino base layers which recently became available in North America. Their Rock’n’wool women’s top is made from 185g Merino which is ethically sourced. The top has a cool design to it. But the real standout feature is that it is a regular fit instead of a slim fit. The way that the front panel is cut also makes it good for women with larger busts.
Get It Here at REI
7. Helly Hansen Merino-Lifa Base Layer Top
Choose because: You’ll be doing high-intensity activities (lots of sweating!) in cold weather
The Lifa base layer top by Helly Hansen is a bit different than the others here. The inner layer of the top is made from their trademarked Lifa material, which has excellent wicking properties. The outer layer is Merino. This combination makes it the perfect base layer for activities like snowshoeing, alpine skiing or winter backpacking because you get the both sweat-wicking and insulation properties. The top is cut in a way which allows great movement.
Get It Here at REI
8. REI Merino Base Layers
Choose because: They are durable and cheaper than Icebreaker
REI makes lightweight (185 g/m2) Merino base layers for women. There are a few nice color options and the construction is generally good. They use a “merrow” stitch which is similar to the flatlock in that it won’t cause chaffing, but is supposedly tougher. The Merino fabric used on the REI base layers doesn’t seem to be as soft as the Icebreaker fabric, but the REI Merino prices are slightly lower – especially when you factor in that there is more fabric (185g vs 170g) in the REI top versus the Icebreaker lightweight top.
Get It Here At REI
9. Minus33 Women’s Base Layers
Choose because: It’s affordable but still good quality
While not exactly cheap, Minus33 is definitely a more budget-friendly brand of women’s Merino base layers. They save money by using a lower-quality weave on their tops. The tops are still comfortable and warm, but they will snag more readily than other brands. They have two weight options: 170g and 235g.
Get them Here at Amazon
10. Woolly Women’s Base Layers
Choose because: They are cheap
Woolly is a budget brand of Merino wool. Their fabrics aren’t as soft and the construction isn’t great: it will get stretched out around the arms and bust. You will also get runs in the tops fairly soon. But, for occasional use, Woolly base layers are a good option for a lightweight base layer.
They also have a heavyweight pullover with an attractive cowl neck. This one is good for everyday wear in winter when you won’t be sweating a lot.
Top Options:
- Lightweight: 150 g/m2: 95% Merino; various neck options
- Pullover: 260 g/m2 with a cowl neck
Get Them Here at Amazon
11. Merino.Tech Women’s Base Layers
Choose because: You want the cheapest base layer which is still good fabric
The fabric on Merino.Tech base layers is actually really great. The problem is with the construction. The stitching will come loose fairly quickly. This is to be expected with such a cheap brand of Merino wool though. So, if you really are on a budget (and don’t mind sewing up your shirts as they come apart), then Merino.Tech is an okay option. They come with a free pair of Merino socks.
Top Options:
- 165 g/m2: Crew
- 250 g/m2: Crew and ½ zip
- 320 g/m2: Crew and ½ zip
Get Them Here at Amazon
Comparison Table
*The table is sorted by weight (g/m2) by default, but you can click the arrows to sort it in other ways, such as by price.
**Prices change but these are the general guidelines: $=up to $70; $$= $70-$90; $$$= $90-$110; $$$$=$110 and up
| Brand | Price | g/m2 | Merino % | Collar | Sleeves | Flatlock Seams | Responsibly Sourced | Buy At |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Woolly Flex | $$ | 150 | 95% | Crew | Set-in | Yes | N/G | Amazon |
| Woolly V | $$ | 150 | 95% | V | Set-in | Yes | N/G | Amazon |
| Woolly Ribbed | $$ | 150 | 100% | Henley | Set-in | Yes | N/G | Amazon |
| Smartwool | $$ | 150 | 87% | Crew | Raglan | Yes | Yes | Amazon, REI |
| Smartwool | $$$ | 150 | 88% | 1/4 zip | Raglan | Yes | Yes | Amazon, REI |
| Merino.Tech | $ | 165 | 100% | Crew | Set-in | No | No | Amazon |
| Minus33 Moriah | $$ | 170 | 100% | Crew | Set-in | Yes | N/G | Amazon |
| Minus33 Liberty | $$ | 170 | 100% | 1/4 zip | Set-in | Yes | N/G | Amazon |
| Icebreaker Everyday | $$ | 175 | 100% | Crew | Set-in | Yes | Yes | Amazon, REI, Backcountry |
| Icebreaker Everyday | $$ | 175 | 100% | 1/2 zip | Set-in | Yes | Yes | Amazon, |
| Backcountry Lightweight | $$ | 180 | 84% | Crew | Raglan | Yes | N/G | Backcountry |
| REI Merino | $$ | 185 | 100% | Crew | Raglan | Yes | Yes | REI |
| REI Merino | $$$ | 185 | 100% | 1/2 zip | Raglan | Yes | Yes | REI |
| Ortovox Rock'n'wool | $$$$ | 185 | 100% | Crew | Set-in | Yes | Yes | REI |
| Icebreaker Oasis | $$$ | 200 | 100% | Scoop | Set-in | Yes | Yes | Amazon, REI, Backcountry |
| Icebreaker Oasis | $$$ | 200 | 100% | Crew | Set-in | Yes | Yes | Amazon, REI, Backcountry |
| Icebreaker Oasis | $$$$ | 200 | 100% | 1/2 zip | Set-in | Yes | Yes | Amazon, REI, Backcountry |
| Icebreaker ZoneKnit | $$$$$ | 200 | 100% | Crew | Articulated | Yes | Yes | Amazon, REI, Backcountry |
| Kari Traa Else | $$ | 210 | 100% | 1/2 zip | Articulated | Yes | Yes | Amazon, |
| Kari Traa Else | $$$ | 210 | 100% | Henley | Articulated | Yes | Yes | Amazon, REI, Backcountry |
| Helly Hansen Lifa | $$$ | 225 | 57% | Crew | Raglan | Yes | Yes | REI |
| Helly Hansen Lifa | $$$ | 225 | 57% | 1/2 zip | Raglan | Yes | Yes | REI |
| Minus33 Ossipee | $$ | 235 | 100% | Crew | Set-in | Yes | N/G | Amazon |
| Backcountry Spruces | $$$ | 235 | 85% | Crew | Raglan | Yes | N/G | Backcountry |
| Minus33 Sequoia | $$$ | 235 | 100% | 1/4 zip | Set-in | Yes | N/G | Amazon |
| Backcountry Spruces | $$$$ | 235 | 85% | 1/4 zip | Raglan | Yes | N/G | Backcountry |
| Kari Traa Rose | $$$ | 240 | 100% | Henley | Set-in | Yes | Yes | Amazon, REI, Backcountry |
| Kari Traa Rose | $$$$ | 240 | 100% | 1/2 zip | Set-in | Yes | Yes | Amazon, REI, Backcountry |
| Arc’teryx Rho | $$$$ | 240 | 95% | Crew | Articulated | Yes | Yes | Amazon, REI |
| Merino.Tech | $ | 250 | 100% | Crew | Set-in | No | No | Amazon |
| Merino.Tech | $ | 250 | 100% | 1/2 zip | Raglan | No | No | Amazon |
| Smartwool | $$$ | 250 | 100% | Crew | Raglan | Yes | Yes | Amazon, REI |
| Smartwool | $$$$ | 250 | 100% | 1/4 zip | Raglan | Yes | Yes | Amazon, REI |
| Icebreaker Tech | $$$$ | 260 | 100% | Scoop | Set-in | Yes | Yes | Amazon, REI, Backcountry |
| Icebreaker Tech | $$$$ | 260 | 100% | 1/2 zip | Set-in | Yes | Yes | Amazon, REI, Backcountry |
| Woolly | $$$$ | 260 | 100% | Cowl | Raglan | Yes | N/G | Amazon |
| Merino.Tech | $ | 320 | 100% | Crew | Set-in | No | N/G | Amazon |
| Merino.Tech | $ | 320 | 100% | 1/2 zip | Raglan | No | N/G | Amazon |
How to Choose Women’s Merino Base Layers
Merino Wool Weight
Merino wool base layers come in different thicknesses and weaves. These are suitable for different types of use or temperatures. The thickness is measured in grams per meter squared, which tells you how much wool is in the fabric.
If you aren’t sure which weight to get and only want to invest in one Merino base layer, I’d recommend getting something around 210 g/m2. This is versatile enough to be used in many situations and temperatures.
Ultralight:
- 120-150 g/m2
- For warm to hot conditions
- Usually a jersey knit
- Doesn’t stand up to abuse well
Lightweight:
- 170-200 g/m2
- Good for high activity in moderately cool weather
Midweight:
- 200-300 g/m2
- Good for high activity at cold temperatures or low activity at moderate temperatures
- The most versatile option
Heavyweight:
- 300+ g/m2
- Good for low-to-moderate activity during cold temperatures
- Not good for high-activity unless very cold temperatures
- Can be worn as a mid layer
Sleeve Construction
The way the sleeve is sewn onto a base layer top matters for range of movement. As a general rule, more fabric pieces = better movement. Not only are they more comfortable, but the base layer will last longer because it doesn’t stretch out in key areas so quickly.
However, having more fabric pieces means more seams, which can be uncomfortable. Sewing all those extra seams together also means the garment is more expensive to make.
There are three main sleeve options you’ll see with base layer tops for women:
- Set-in: These are standard sleeves sewn in horizontally at the armpit area. They are the cheapest to make.
- Raglan: These sleeves go up to the neck area. They create a wider underarm area for better range of movement. Because the seam is up higher, they are less likely to cause chaffing under a backpack. The construction method means they are slightly more expensive to make.
- Articulated: This means that the sleeves (or entire shirt) was made out of multiple pieces of fabric to maximize movement.
Neck Type
The neck type on Merino base layers really does matter when it comes to warmth, ventilation and comfort. There’s no one “best” option – it’s a matter of personal preference. For example, I hate having a zipper against my neck but other people love that you can easily
- Crew: This is the common option and works with many types of mid layers.
- Zipper (1/4 or ½): These necklines come up higher to keep your neck warm or can be unzipped to allow for ventilation. Zippers are expensive though so expect zip base layers to cost more.
- Henley: A Henley neckline has buttons which can be undone for ventilation. They are difficult to undo with gloves on though.
- V-neck: These provide the least warmth but are often more comfortable for women with very large breasts.
Percentage Merino
Base layers made out of 100% Merino will provide more insulation. However, some people prefer to have some synthetic materials in their base layers too. While not as warm, synthetic fibers helps make the base layer stronger so it sags less.
As a general rule, you want:
- 100% Merino: In heavyweight tops, since insulation is your primary concern.
- 80% or more Merino: In midweight tops, since insulation is still important.
- 50% or more Merino: In lightweight tops, since the synthetic helps with wicking and the Merino last longer.
- A higher percentage of synthetic is great since insulation isn’t your primary concern
- Midweight tops:
Note that some brands use special synthetics which are great at wicking away moisture. These combos are good for heavyweight base layers used for high-intensity activities where you’ll be sweating a lot.
Responsibly Sourced Wool Certification
There are a lot of moral issues with the wool industry (such as mulesing). As a result, many good brands of Merino base layers only source their wool from certified “responsible” sources. Read about this here.
The main certifications you’ll see are:
Don’t expect cheap base layers to come from responsible sources. They often get their wool from bulk wholesalers and can’t track the source at all. If they don’t mention that their wool is responsibly sourced, it probably isn’t!
Image credit: “Merino Sheep at Greenfield Village” (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0) by Maia C
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