Best Base Layers for Women of 2026

"I bought the Merino Tech 100% merino wool thermal sets for my parents, and they absolutely love the comfort, warmth, and luxurious feel. The fabric is incredibly soft and not itchy at all, and the design is stylish and flattering. I was also impressed by the exceptional customer service—they honored my forgotten discount and refunded me after purchase, which is rare these days. I’m so glad I chose these as a gift and would highly recommend Merino Tech for anyone seeking premium, natural thermal wear."

"These thermals are super soft, cozy, and kept me warm and dry even after skiing in single-digit temperatures all week. I appreciate that they are breathable and don’t retain odors like synthetics. After washing and drying, they’re still holding up great with no shrinkage. I’d suggest sizing down if you want a snugger fit, but overall I’m really happy with the comfort and performance."

"At first, I was worried because the fabric felt scratchier than expected, but after a few washes, it became noticeably softer and comfortable. The breathability and odor resistance have been a huge plus for me. I now wear them almost every day during the cold season and even recommended them to family and friends. Just a heads up—if you don’t live in a colder area, they might be a bit warm for daily indoor use."

"I love how comfortable and soft these tops are, especially with the nice fleece inside. They keep me warm under my scrubs, and even though I ordered a size up, I’m happy with the looser fit. A size medium would have been snugger, but I’ll stick with the large."

"Honestly, these are a wonderful surprise! The material is soft and stretchy, which lets me move around easily, and they’re warm enough for layering. They remind me of more expensive brands and are totally worth the money."

"I got the four-pack and the colors look great, plus three of them fit perfectly and are snug for warmth. Unfortunately, the charcoal gray was way too tight compared to the others, even though it was labeled the same size. Still, I’ll keep the set because the others fit as expected and feel good to wear."

"I'm really impressed by how soft and cozy these thermals feel, both inside and out. As someone who's 5'10" and 320 pounds, I appreciate the stretchy fit—even a size up could work for larger folks. The quality is outstanding and the colors look just like they do online. I wore mine out at 39°F in Ohio, and while I could feel the chill, the wind didn’t get through and I stayed very warm. I highly recommend these to anyone looking for a reliable thermal."

"When I got these tops, I was worried about the fit and warmth, but I was pleasantly surprised. The snug fit keeps me warm without feeling bulky, and the sizing turned out to be spot on. I plan to buy more soon and recommend them for anyone who wants to layer up comfortably in cold weather."

"These tops are perfect for layering—they're not too thick, but still keep me nice and warm. The material is super soft and comfortable to wear all day. I really like the balance between warmth and a lightweight feel."

"I'm really happy with these leggings—the merino wool is incredibly soft and keeps me warm as a base layer under my ski pants. I especially appreciate the comfortable wide waistband and longer length, which is perfect for my 5'8'' frame. The fit is spot-on according to the size chart."

"As someone with a curvier shape, I was relieved to find these leggings fit comfortably without riding up or giving me a wedgie. They're warm, not bulky, and work well under jeans or rain pants. They made a huge difference during chilly, wet weather."

"I wore these leggings for several days straight while traveling in Iceland and was impressed that they never held any odor and kept me toasty. The fabric is soft and breathable, but after a few months I did notice some thinning and a small hole along the seam. Still, I feel they're worth the investment for the overall quality."

"As someone who spends a lot of time in cold weather, I’m impressed with how these base layers keep me warm without overheating. The fabric is soft, never itchy, and they’re perfectly thin for layering under other clothing. I especially appreciate the bonus beanie and socks that came with my order—such a thoughtful touch!"

"After years of trying different brands, I can honestly say this is the best feeling merino wool I’ve worn. The shirts and pants are super comfortable and breathable, even after multiple days of wear without washing. I love that they don’t feel bulky and make great pajamas too. If you’re thinking of buying, just remember the fit is a little roomy—sizing down worked better for me."

"Living in the mountains, I need reliable warmth, and this set delivers. The temperature regulation is excellent, and I don’t feel restricted thanks to the well-designed fit. The flat seams prevent any irritation and I even wear the top out by itself because it looks great. For anyone who deals with cold climates or just gets chilly easily, this is a fantastic investment."

"I use this merino base layer for winter running in the Pacific Northwest and find it keeps me warm without overheating. The medium fits my athletic build well—not too loose, with generous sleeve and torso length. I’d prefer a shorter torso, but most seem to like the extra length. The material is the right midweight for temps in the 30s-40s. Bonus wool socks were included, though a bit large for my feet."

"I bought this for a trip to Iceland and have kept wearing it since then. The 250-weight shirt is soft, not itchy, and layers easily—not too clingy, so I feel comfortable wearing it alone. Wool’s breathability and odor resistance make it ideal for travel. I also received a lighter 165-weight shirt by mistake, and both have become essentials. The bonus socks were a pleasant surprise."

"These merino wool sweaters are my go-to for layering or solo wear, thanks to their softness and temperature regulation. I appreciate that they don’t get smelly, even after days of use, and the fit shapes to my body without being clingy. I recommend using a sweater shaver for any pilling, though I haven’t had that issue yet."

"I'm so glad I picked up this set! The merino wool is warm, comfortable, and the zip front is a big plus. The fit works for my long limbs, and the waistband feels nice—not too tight. I use it as a base layer or wear the top on its own. Just a heads up: it does attract some lint, so a lint roller comes in handy."

"I work outside in freezing temperatures, and these thermals are a game changer. They keep me warm, wick sweat well, and fit great on my 5'5'', 158 lb frame in a Medium. The wool fibers make a real difference compared to synthetics. I'm impressed with the performance and recommend them to anyone working in the cold."

"After trying this set, I can say the material is dense, stretchy, and soft—no itchiness for me even though I have sensitive skin. The top is stylish enough to wear alone, and the bottoms work well as leggings or under jeans. I did notice the leggings attract pet hair, but overall, I'm very happy with my purchase and already buying another set!"

"I’m really impressed by how soft, comfy, and warm these thermal sleeves are! They fit perfectly and the quality is outstanding. I would definitely recommend them."

"These are perfect for layering under my scrubs. They keep me nice and warm, though the neckline is a bit higher than I’d prefer and the sizing runs a tad small."

"My daughter absolutely loves these for her Colorado trip! They were the perfect size, super warm, and very comfortable for her."

"I've bought this shirt twice because it's just that good. The fabric is thick, soft, and not see-through, making it a perfect base layer or standalone top. Its odor resistance means I can wear it for days, and the marbled pattern looks even better in person than I expected. For my 5'3'' frame, the length is perfect, but taller folks might find it a bit short. I'm thrilled with the fit and quality."

"Even though the price is a bit steep, I keep coming back to these thermals. They hold up beautifully after years of use, never sag, pill, or lose their shape. The fabric stays warm and gets softer over time, and I love that the shirt doesn't ride up when I move. I choose XS for a snug fit or S for extra length and room. Absolutely worth the investment."

"I was drawn to this Smartwool shirt because of its vibrant print, and it exceeded my expectations in every way. I wore it for three days hiking in various weather conditions—cold, rain, sleet, and wind—and it kept me warm and comfortable. The sleeves are nice and long, and I appreciated the looser fit after sizing up. I even received compliments on the pattern. Highly recommend!"

"I've tried other brands, but these pants are incredibly soft, stretchy, and the perfect thickness. They fit my hips well and are ideal for chilly morning walks or hikes. I'm so glad I bought two pairs!"

"As someone who likes to ski, I found these make an excellent base layer—they keep me warm and comfortable without bunching in my boots. The updated design is a real plus!"

"I'm 5'6'' and 135 lbs, and the small fits just right. The stretchy material works for various body types and is great for staying warm on the slopes. They do feel a bit itchy, but that's expected with pure wool."