What to know: The best base layers manage moisture and regulate body temperature in cold weather. After testing all last winter, our team of expert testers named the Smartwool Thermal Merino Mock Neck the best overall base layer for women, and the Kari Traa Saga Half Zip and Pants the warmest base layer for women. Keep reading for four more top recommendations.
You can’t construct a strong building on a weak foundation. The same goes for layering. The best waterproof shell in the world won’t save you if you don’t wear a solid base layer underneath.
But instead of concrete and lumber, base layers are built from fabric—technical when you’re skiing, and cozy for après or yurt life. The market is flooded with options these days, from high-quality natural fibers and proprietary blends to fun patterns and various fits. Our crew of badass mountain women put almost 70 base layer tops and bottoms through the wringer last winter on hut trips in British Columbia, resort skiing in the Swiss Alps, and backyard missions in the Tetons, Sierra Nevada, and Cascade Mountains.
We braved blisteringly cold temps, relentless storms, slushy spring conditions, and even a little bit of rain, evaluating the best women’s base layers for warmth, comfort, breathability, style, and fit. Pros and Cons + Stylish for après and town wear + Midweight design is highly versatile – Mock neck can interfere with hoods We hardly went any days last winter without the Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Mock Neck base layer. Comfortable and cute, this long-sleeve joined us for bell-to-bell days at Jackson Hole and hut trips in Switzerland.
Plus, it never stinks.” The full merino wool construction provided optimal warmth and breathability on the hill. Testers wore this layer under shells and insulation and even on its own in temps ranging from −10 to 52 degrees F, dubbing it “the most versatile layer in the closet.” The fit isn’t as snug as other base layers for women—so it’s flattering and relaxed enough to pair with jeans but fitted enough to keep chilly air from sneaking in. A couple testers felt the mock neck was bulky when paired with a neck gaiter and a stack of hoods.
Pros and Cons + High value + Comfortable fit – Top isn’t super warm Merino wool for under $50? Quince usually isn’t our first stop for outdoor gear, but when we saw affordable merino base layers for women among their offerings, we knew we needed to take a set into the mountains. After wearing them on storm days and springlike conditions at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in February, testers were impressed with Quince’s basic and lightweight merino wool long-sleeve and leggings.
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