Best Base Layers for Women of 2025

Mary Hopper Avatar
Mary Hopper
Last Updated: Jan 15, 2025

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Base Layers are essential clothing items for women who want to stay warm and comfortable during outdoor activities. These versatile garments are designed to be worn underneath other clothing and provide a layer of insulation to keep the body cozy in chilly weather. Made from high-quality materials, such as merino wool or synthetic fabrics, base layers are moisture-wicking and quick-drying, ensuring that sweat is pulled away from the skin to keep the wearer dry. With a variety of styles and thicknesses available, women can find the perfect base layer to suit their needs, whether it's for hiking, skiing, or simply enjoying the great outdoors.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Merino.tech Merino Wool Base Layer Set Cover #TOP 1
Merino.tech Merino Wool Base Layer Set
ftb score rating icon 9.8
32 Degrees Women's Baselayer Top Cover #TOP 2
32 Degrees Women's Baselayer Top
ftb score rating icon 9.7
32 Degrees Women's Baselayer Top Cover #TOP 3
32 Degrees Women's Baselayer Top
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Base Layers for Women

#TOP 1

Merino.tech Merino Wool Base Layer Set

.250 Black Set
Large
Merino.tech Merino Wool Base Layer Set Cover
Merino.tech Merino Wool Base Layer Women Set - Lite, Midweight, Heavyweight Merino Thermal Underwear For Women Top, Bottom (Large, 250 Black)

The Merino.tech Base Layer Set for women offers exceptional comfort and functionality. Made from 100% superfine merino wool, this set ensures you stay cozy throughout the day without any itching. Its moisture-wicking properties allow you to remain dry and fresh by efficiently absorbing sweat, which is perfect for outdoor activities. The breathable design helps regulate your body temperature, keeping you comfortable in various weather conditions. Additionally, this set comes with a pair of merino wool hiking socks, making it an excellent gift option for any outdoor enthusiast.

What We Like
Excellent fit and comfort
Soft and non-itchy material
Durable after multiple washes
Warm in cold temperatures
Great for layering
What We Don't Like
Fit not flattering for standalone wear
Odor after washing
#TOP 2

32 Degrees Women's Baselayer Top

Maroonish
Medium
32 Degrees Women's Baselayer Top Cover
32 Degrees Heat Women's Lightweight Crew Baselayer Top | Form Fitting | Long Sleeve | 4-Way Stretch | Thermal, Maroonish, Medium

The 32 Degrees Baselayer Top is designed for comfort and performance. Its fitted scoop neck and moisture-wicking fabric help keep you dry during your activities, making it perfect for layering. The anti-static feature reduces cling, ensuring you feel comfortable all day long. Additionally, the top is designed to resist odors, so you can wear it longer between washes. With its 4-way stretch, you’ll enjoy a full range of motion, whether you’re working out or relaxing at home.

What We Like
Soft and stretchy material
Great warmth retention
Comfortable, lightweight fit
Washes well, retains quality
Stylish with pockets
What We Don't Like
Seams may irritate slightly
#TOP 3

32 Degrees Women's Baselayer Top

LL801
Black
XX-Large
32 Degrees Women's Baselayer Top Cover
32 Degrees Heat Women's Lightweight Scoop Baselayer Top | Form Fitting | Long Sleeve | 4-Way Stretch | Thermal, Black, XX-Large

The 32 Degrees Baselayer Top is designed for comfort and functionality. Its fitted scoop neck provides a flattering silhouette while ensuring ease of movement. With moisture-wicking properties, this top helps keep you dry and comfortable, even during intense activities. The anti-static and anti-odor features enhance your experience by preventing cling and unwanted smells, making it perfect for all-day wear. Plus, the 4-way stretch fabric allows for unrestricted movement, giving you the freedom to enjoy your favorite activities without feeling constricted.

What We Like
Soft fabric
Warm and comfortable
Easy care
Great for layering
Good fit options
What We Don't Like
Pilling on white fabric
Delivery timing issues
#TOP 4

Smartwool Women's Merino Base Layer Bottom

Smartwool
Black
Large
Smartwool Women's Merino Base Layer Bottom Cover
Smartwool Women's Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Bottom, Black, Large

The Smartwool Merino Base Layer is designed to keep you warm and comfortable during your outdoor activities. Made from 100% Merino wool, this base layer effectively wicks moisture away, ensuring you stay dry while skiing, running, or hiking. Its slim fit not only flatters your silhouette but also allows for easy movement, making it perfect for any adventure. With thoughtful features like interlock knitting for breathability and flatlock seams to reduce chafing, you can enjoy your time outdoors without discomfort. This base layer is a reliable choice for anyone looking to stay cozy in cold weather.

What We Like
True to size
Comfortable fit
Effective temperature regulation
Good for outdoor activities
Durable material
What We Don't Like
Picks up dust and hair
Pricey luxury item
#TOP 5

Merino.tech Women's Merino Wool Base Layer

MER-WMN-LS-BLK-250
.Black 250
Large
Merino.tech Women's Merino Wool Base Layer Cover
Merino.tech Merino Wool Base Layer Women 100% Merino Wool Midweight Long Sleeve Thermal Shirts + Wool Socks (Large, Black 250)

The Merino.tech Wool Base Layer is designed to keep you comfortable throughout the day. Its midweight fabric provides warmth without overheating, making it perfect for various activities. You’ll appreciate the super soft 100% Merino wool that feels great against your skin, eliminating any itchiness. Additionally, this base layer efficiently wicks away moisture and resists odors, ensuring you stay fresh and dry. With easy care instructions, you can simply toss it in the washer, allowing you to enjoy its benefits without the hassle.

What We Like
Soft and warm
Good fit
Excellent quality
No odor retention
Nice weight for layering
What We Don't Like
Socks larger than expected
Minor irritation from sleeve design
#TOP 6

32 Degrees Women's Thermal Crew Neck Top

#L803
White
Large
32 Degrees Women's Thermal Crew Neck Top Cover
32 Degrees Heat Womens Ultra Soft Thermal Lightweight Baselayer Crew Neck Long Sleeve Top, White, Large

The 32 Degrees Thermal Crew Top offers a lightweight and ultra-soft experience, perfect for layering. Its moisture-wicking property keeps you dry, making it ideal for active days or chilly weather. The anti-static and anti-odor features ensure you stay comfortable and fresh throughout your activities. With its four-way stretch, this top moves with you, providing unrestricted movement. You’ll appreciate the cozy feel against your skin, making it a great choice for both outdoor adventures and lounging at home.

What We Like
Super soft and comfortable
Warm yet lightweight
Great as base layer
True to size
Washes well
What We Don't Like
Possible inferior material
Poor finish quality
#TOP 7

32 Degrees Women's Thermal Leggings

#L887
Black
Medium
32 Degrees Women's Thermal Leggings Cover
32 Degrees Heat Womens Ultra Soft Thermal Lightweight Baselayer Legging Pant, Black, Medium

The 32 Degrees Thermal Leggings are designed for ultimate comfort and versatility. With a quick-dry feature, you can stay fresh and dry during your workouts or daily activities. The anti-odor technology ensures you feel confident, even after a long day. Enjoy the freedom of movement with the 4-way stretch fabric, which allows you to stay active without feeling restricted. Lastly, the lightweight and breathable material makes these leggings perfect for layering under other clothes or for lounging at home. They truly combine comfort and functionality, making them a must-have for any wardrobe.

What We Like
Soft and comfortable material
Good for layering
Warm in cold weather
True to size fit
Durable after multiple washes
What We Don't Like
Thin material may not provide enough warmth
Some quality inconsistencies noted
#TOP 8

Merino.tech Women's Merino Wool Leggings

MER-W-PNT-BLK-250
.Black 250
Large
Merino.tech Women's Merino Wool Leggings Cover
Merino Wool Base Layer Women Pants 100% Merino Wool Leggings Midweight Thermal Underwear Bottoms + Wool Socks (Large, Black)

The Merino.tech Wool Leggings are designed for your comfort and convenience. Made from 100% superfine Merino wool, these leggings are incredibly soft and won't irritate your skin, allowing you to wear them all day without discomfort. Their moisture-wicking properties help keep you dry by effectively absorbing sweat, making them ideal for both active and casual wear. Plus, they resist odors, so you can feel fresh throughout the day. Easy to care for, these leggings can be machine washed, but for longevity, hand washing is recommended. Their ability to regulate body temperature ensures comfort in various weather conditions.

What We Like
High-quality material
Warm and comfortable
Great fit for layering
Lightweight and breathable
Durable and long-lasting
What We Don't Like
Potential sizing issues
Minor quality control concerns
#TOP 9

BALEAF Women's Thermal Running Shirt

Baleafabd2980301519wa
White
X-Large
BALEAF Women's Thermal Running Shirt Cover
BALEAF Women's Thermal Shirts Long Sleeve Workout Tops Running Athletic Zipper Pocket Fleece Lined Cold Weather Gear Winter Thumbholes White XL

The BALEAF Thermal Workout Top is designed to keep you warm during outdoor activities. The fleece lining provides excellent insulation, making it perfect for chilly runs. With thumb holes, the sleeves stay secure, ensuring your wrists remain cozy. You'll also appreciate the convenient side zip pocket, which securely holds your keys or cards while you move. Plus, its lightweight, 4-way stretch fabric allows for full mobility, making it easier for you to enjoy running, hiking, or skiing without restrictions.

What We Like
Perfect fit and flattering
Warm and comfortable
Thumb holes for warmth
Not bulky under layers
True to size
What We Don't Like
May fit snugly for some
Sleeve length a bit long
#TOP 10

Dalavch Women's Thermal Fleece Tops

Large
Dalavch Women's Thermal Fleece Tops Cover
Dalavch 4 Pack Women’s Thermal Shirts, Women Fleece Lined Compression Long Sleeve Base Layer Tops for Winter Cold Weather 2 Black 1 Gray 1 White X-Small

The Dalavch Thermal Shirts are designed to keep you warm and comfortable during cold weather. With excellent heat retention, these shirts are perfect for winter activities or simply staying cozy indoors. The soft, skin-friendly fabric provides a pleasant wearing experience, ensuring you feel good all day long. Additionally, the breathable design allows for air circulation, preventing moisture buildup and keeping you dry. Plus, the superior elasticity allows for unrestricted movement, making these shirts ideal for both outdoor adventures and indoor workouts.

What We Like
Warm and snug material
Soft and lightweight
Great quality fabric
Form fitting design
Colors match any outfit
What We Don't Like
Unique fit may vary
Size inconsistencies reported
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are base layers and thermals the same?

Base layers and thermals serve similar purposes of protecting your body from the cold and keeping it dry. However, base layers focus more on keeping the body dry, while thermals prioritize providing warmth.

2. Do base layers keep you warm or cool?

Base layers provide a small amount of warmth and help regulate body temperature by wicking away moisture or sweat from the body. This moisture management prevents the body from getting cold due to moisture buildup.

3. Should base layers be tight or loose?

Base layers should have a relatively snug fit to effectively wick moisture away from the skin. The fabric needs to lay against the skin to pick up moisture. However, if you are wearing the base layer alone in warm weather, a looser fit may be more comfortable.

4. Are base layers warmer than thermals?

Both base layers and thermals provide warmth, but base layers are designed with specialized materials that also wick away sweat. If you expect to be in cold weather without sweating, thermals may be a better choice. Base layers are suitable for activities where moisture management is important.

5. Do base layers need to be skin tight?

In order for base layers to effectively wick moisture, they should have a relatively snug fit against the skin. This allows the fabric to pick up moisture and keep the body dry. However, in warm weather or when wearing the base layer alone, a looser fit can be more comfortable.

Editor's Notes

During our base layer for women research, we found 48 base layer for women products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 45,213 customer reviews through our big data system to write the base layers for women list. We found that most customers choose base layers for women with an average price of $32.01.

The base layers for women are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of base layers for women, including Merino.tech, Smartwool, BALEAF, Dalavch. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 308 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

Written by
Mary Hopper Avatar

Mary Hopper is an Italian fashion designer with 10 years of extensive working experience in the fashion industry. She can design clothing and fashion accessories, such as handbags, backpacks, shoes, and jewelry. She is also a professionally trained content writer specializing in managing various fashion and beauty blogs.

Base Layers for Women Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand Merino.tech 32º DEGREES 32º DEGREES Smartwool Merino.tech 32º DEGREES 32º DEGREES Merino.tech BALEAF Dalavch
Department womens womens womens womens womens womens womens womens womens womens
Fabric type 100% Merino Wool 111 %Polyester, 10% Spandex 90 %Polyester, 10% Spandex 100% Merino Wool 100% Merino Wool 90% Polyester, 10% Spandex 90% Polyester, 10% Spandex 100% Merino Wool 87% Polyester, 13% Spandex 90% Polyester, 10% Spandex
Care instructions Wash on Delicate Cycle and Lay Flat to Dry - Machine Wash Machine Wash Machine Wash Machine Wash Machine Wash Machine Wash Machine Wash Machine Wash
Origin Imported Imported Imported Made in the USA Imported - Imported Imported - Imported
Closure type - - Pull On Pull On Pull On Pull On Pull On Pull On Pull On Pull On
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.7
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 8.9
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