Blog

Oct 14, 2024

The Best Base Layers for Women of 2024-2025 | GearJunkie Tested

The key to any successful outdoor excursion is staying warm and comfortable , and your layering system starts with base layers. Next-to-skin apparel is foundational for winter sports, alpine

The key to any successful outdoor excursion is staying warm and comfortable, and your layering system starts with base layers. Next-to-skin apparel is foundational for winter sports, alpine adventures, and the shoulder seasons. Whether you’re hitting the slopes or walking the dog, base layers help to manage perspiration, body heat, and overall protection. Base layers are made in various densities — lightweight, midweight, heavyweight — and each one provides a different degree of warmth and hand feel based on the fabric choice.

Merino wool tends to be a top performer. Among our favorites are the medium-weight Smartwool Women’s Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Crew and matching Bottoms, which provide middle-of-the-road warmth for moderately cold days at the ski area. Wool has the bonus of holding warmth even when it’s wet and beating back odors. The higher the percentage of wool, the warmer a base layer will be, making this fiber superior for frigid climates.

But synthetic fabrics have a lot to offer. They’re often more durable, elastic, and affordable, like the Helly Hansen LIFA Crew Base Layer, which you can snag for less than $50. And while you tend to give up some odor control, synthetics are the fastest-drying textiles. Some of these fabrics are a top choice for aerobic activities where you’ll work up a sweat, thanks to their quick-drying properties.

Since this field-tested guide was first published in 2019, our team has continued to thoroughly test ladies’ base layers in a range of weather conditions and climates for at least 7 months of each year. For many women, pulling on a well-constructed merino wool base layer hits the mark for most wintertime activities. To learn about base layer designs, jump down to the Buyer’s Guide in the lower half of this article, which spotlights Price & Value. Also, have a look at our Comparison Chart to steer your decision-making.

Editor’s Note: We updated our Base Layers for Women buyer’s guide on September 15, 2024, to include field testing images, history, and context, plus the Icebreaker Women’s 260 ZoneKnit Long Sleeve Crewe Thermal Top and Thermal Leggings.

Smartwool is ubiquitous in the world of women’s base layers, and our team found this set to perform well across a myriad of conditions while also being cozy and comfortable with clean style. Overall, this kit is a top-selling base layer for women and remains our top pick. The Smartwool Women’s Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Crew ($115) and Smartwool Women’s Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Bottom ($115), which was originally launched under the name Smartwool Merino 250, keeps you warm but isn’t overly toasty for most cold-weather activities.

You’ll find 100% merino wool in this best choice, and that’s just because it works so dang well. Women love both the fit and feel of this easygoing crew and pant, and the silhouette is right on target. This is also a size-inclusive piece: The top is available in extended plus sizes for women including 1X, 2X, 3X, and 4X for the Smartwool Women’s Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Crew Plus ($115). That 4X was recently launched for the winter 2023-2024 season, in response to ladies who wanted to see an additional size added, and we love to see the action. The plus-size bottom, the Smartwool Women’s Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Bottom Plus ($115), is likewise freshly available in up to 4X, as of winter 2023-2024.

After months of winter wear, we can attest this women’s base layer kit is a top performer. Following two full winter seasons, we have yet to see wear and tear or frayed seams. We especially love the softness and next-to-skin comfort as well as the ease of layering: It’s easy to pull overhead yet not overly dense, so we can pull on a midlayer if the temps drop. The unswerving construction feels denser than a handful of our other favorite base layers, like the Le Bent Women’s Core Lightweight Crew Base Layer, which is super soft but less stubborn and cozy compared to this classic grab.

We’ve worn dozens of midweight layers. The Classic Thermal Crew and set performs beautifully across temp ranges and size options. The design is our go-to choice for winter activities like skiing and snowboarding at the resort with stagnant breaks in the ski lift line or while riding up. Overall, the merino does a great job of masking stench, too. For some of our uphill, backcountry, and nordic ski testers, this kit feels a bit warm and heavy for high-cardio activities.

Sweaty folks, this one’s for you. One of the longest-standing base shirts we pull on for high-cardio snow sports is the Helly Hansen Women’s HH LIFA Long-sleeve Crew Base Layer ($45). At less than $50, the price tag is hard to beat for the decade-reaching quality without a single unraveled seam.

This extremely lightweight and breathable design doesn’t make us feel claustrophobic on a bell-to-bell powder mission or ringing mogul after mogul. The pull-on smoothly wicks sweat and doesn’t hold onto the moisture. The seams never rub or annoy our skin, even on the more sensitive folks. It’s also a blend that dries fast.

You’ll be giving up insulation for this women’s base layer, which really shines for breathability. That also means this base layer is super versatile, because it can be pulled on for sledding, off-trail snowmobiling, cross-country, or alpine skiing and backcountry tours without becoming an oven. You can always wear a thicker midlayer if more warmth is needed on those frigid days or during sedentary activities. Of course, the caveat is a drop in the oven factor and stench control that a toasty wool shirt like Kari Traa Rose Half Zip Baselayer Top provides. If you are moseying outside in below freezing temps, we suggest a base layer with wool.

The fit on the LIFA Long-Sleeve Crew is not too snug, either, which we appreciate around the chest and midline. But if you prefer an even looser fit, check out the men’s cut instead.

Ever since we pulled on the Ortovox 185 Rock’N’Wool Short Pants ($100) and Ortovox 185 Rock’N’Wool Long Sleeve ($110) women’s set for winter action, this comfortable, breathable kit has been one of our go-to sets for backcountry skiing, rippin’ snowmobiles, shoveling, and resort powder days. Any time Senior Editor Morgan Tilton is going to be working hard and breaking a sweat, especially in below-freezing conditions, this is her first choice.

When we wear this pair, we can’t feel it at all. The airy blend pulls up moisture and dries fast, and the seams don’t feel restrictive. We like that the pant legs reach just below the knee, so we don’t need to layer them over our socks. The waistband sits comfortably above the hips. And the fabric does a great job of covering up body odor after a long haul or uphill workout.

The kit is also climate-neutral and Fair Wear certified. This design complies with the ORTOVOX Wool Promise, which is a higher benchmark than the global Responsible Wool Standard, according to the brand. While merino wool is near the top-tier for baselayer construction, you’ll also pay for it — this set is pricey, but we believe 100% worth it. The tradeoff? A lower density means holes will appear earlier than other thicker base sets, but we still got through several heavy-hitting seasons before seeing tiny gaps and collapsed rebound.

We’re wearing the Rock’N’Wool Short Pants and Long Sleeve more often than it’s hanging in our closet when winter comes. Perfect for athletic days in the hills, this against-skin kit excels in motion. While both designs feature 100% merino wool, the Smartwool Women’s Classic Crew and Bottom feels and performs like a midweight piece, which we most enjoy for lift laps at the ski area.

We were pleasantly surprised to see REI has plenty of offerings for base layers for plus-size women, between Smartwool and the REI Co-op brand. With an economic tag, the REI Co-op Lightweight Base Layer Tights Women’s Plus Sizes ($40) make them a shoo-in for gals who’ve often been left out of the world of athletic clothing.

In step, ladies of all sizes really do love REI Co-op Lightweight Base Layer Long-Sleeve Crew Top Women’s Plus Sizes ($40). The size range for both includes 1X, 2X, and 3X. Some outdoors folks found that the top is snug around the bust area for larger-chested ladies, so if that could be you, consider sizing up.

This is a lighter women’s base layer but will get you through a ton of activities with a fitted poly-spandex mix. If you want to level up and go merino, check out Smartwool Women’s Classic Crew Plus and Classic Bottom Plus.

Otherwise, the Lightweight Base Layer Tights and Long-Sleeve Crew in extended sizes fit the bill for many folks.

Merino continues to dominate, and the Kari Traa Rose Half Zip Baselayer Top ($120) brings a classic ski lodge feel to the list. Offered only in fashionable Nordic patterns, this 100% merino half-zip and the Kari Traa Rose High Waisted Baselayer Pants ($110) have a feminine touch with an athletic makeup. Developed by an Olympic skier, Kari Traa’s women’s base layers also have amazing features like underarm gussets, a more athletic fit around the shoulders and hips, and a hugging four-way stretch construction.

With a long, slender zipper over the décolletage, the Rose Half-Zip performs well doing laps on the slopes, and the zipper never jabs or digs into your skin. During sun-baked spring skiing, you can shed your hardshell and retain warmth with this layer. Speaking of warmth, the Smartwool Classic Crew and Bottom are likewise midweight, 100% merino wool designs — so, which duo is warmer? The Smartwool setup has a fabric weight of 250 gsm, and feels denser. The Kari Traa is 240 gsm with underarm side panels that are 180 gsm, which help dump heat while working up a sweat on a powder day. We found the extended collar, length, and arms on the Kari Traa top provides a bit more coverage and warmth.

Ultimately, similar to the Smartwool set, this Kari Traa design has a high warmth-to-weight ratio. We prefer to wear this Kari Traa base layer at the ski area when the temperatures hover below 20 degrees F plus windchill. The Kari Traa kit also pairs well for backcountry skiing in the 0- to 10-degree F range and definitely for temps in the negatives. The fabric weight can feel a bit too warm for high-output activities in warmer temps.

While this pullover provides top-shelf warmth, the blend can feel a smidge itchy for some with really sensitive skin. The textile also lacks a bit of stretch that other blends provide. All things considered, the Rose Half Zip and High Waisted Baselayer Pants are still our go-to pair when chasing off chills is the number one priority. If you do reach for this lovely design, the aesthetic is lovely, too. This style is also available in a slightly lighter fabric weight — 210 gsm versus the Rose’s 240 gsm — in the Kari Traa Else Baselayer Pants ($100) and Kari Traa Else Half Zip Baselayer ($110).

Read Review: Must-Have Warmth With Major Style: Kari Traa Rose Half-Zip Base Layer Review

This could be the lightest, softest, stretchiest, most attractive women’s base layer top we’ve ever worn. We wore the Le Bent Women’s Core Lightweight Crew Base Layer ($105) nonstop for several days of outdoor activity in the Colorado Rockies including frigid, windy trail runs, wintry walks, and even sleeping.

Senior Editor Morgan Tilton swears by this layer and uses it for everything outside and inside, even going out to dinner. The shirt’s buttery blend features bamboo rayon, merino wool, elastane, and four-way stretch. Bamboo rayon is super breathable and moisture wicking, so it’s a nice compliment to wool. We’ve noticed that we feel a tad cooler wearing a blend with bamboo rayon, than say, a full-on merino wool shirt like the Kari Traa Rose Half Zip Baselayer Top, which is also why its comfortable to wear from the slopes to the dining table.

The arms and torso are long, so no skin is exposed in extreme temperatures or wind chill. And the fabric masked odor for multiple days despite sweaty back-to-back action. This is the perfect do-it-all layering piece during and post-sport.

Our only issue is that there aren’t more heavyweight options — we would love a thicker weave for more static endeavors — but barring that, this Lightweight Crew Base Layer covers our need for luxuriously soft base layer tops for winter. The fabric has only starting to show slight pilling after several seasons, so it’s robust, too.

We love that the Wild Rye Olivia Onesie ($219) base layer is super fun, functional, and that there’s a drop seat — which works sublimely well. How is this the first one-piece base layer we’ve tested that’s achieved easy bathroom access? The zipper on the back door is lean and streamlined (we only pinched our skin once and take full responsibility for user error). While shredding the slopes or walking around the hut kitchen we don’t even notice the zip pull, even during cook-offs or high-action pow surfs.

Just pull on the onesie, zip up the front of the suit, and you’re encased in a smooth, stench-resistant, breathable yet warm layer. Made from fine 100% merino wool, both the 18.5-micron weave and zippers feel long-term. That hood adds extra protection and comfort. We dig that the legs reach the shins, so they don’t bunch in our boots. And we enjoy the lengthy arms with thick, 3.5-inch-long cuffs, which have thumbholes for extra warmth around the wrists and hands.

The onesie is a bit leaner and shorter in the torso region than we assumed it would be — making the form a tiny bit tight at moments in the netherregion. If you have a long torso, consider sizing up. Especially with such a large range of sizes — 0 to 18 — hopefully most ladies can find a fit that works.

A bright floral pattern and the tactfully placed seams along the hips create attractive style lines and playfulness: The Olivia Onesie looks good. We’ll be wearing this piece on our next ski trip or post powder day potluck.

Very, very soft defines this base layer bottom. The Halfdays Hallie Midweight Merino Legging ($95) is among the most stylish and buttery yet functional base layer we’ve tested to date. This elegant pant is among our favorites for fashion and function. The piece blends merino wool and bamboo, which hits a sweet mark of midweight, smooth, and stretchy with plenty of elasticity for long-term use.

Below our ribcage, the design is high-waisted with a form-complimenting 4-inch-wide band at the true waist: the narrowest part of the body, above the hips. Enclosed by fabric, a narrow elastic belt keeps the fabric up, sitting above the belly button, which you only slightly notice. We didn’t feel the elastic at all while riding.

Despite being a midweight fabric, we found that the pants dried quickly and wicked well on resort days. A side pocket on the right thigh is available to conveniently slide your phone (even a large one) into when you’re walking around the kitchen or cabin but your hands are full. While the Le Bent Crew Base Layer likewise includes bamboo, the fiber is mixed with rayon rather than viscose, which is an iteration of rayon that goes through a different manufacturing process. The result in the Halfdays recipe is a more sheen fabric that’s a tad warmer. But this midweight pant also pulls in nearly double the quantity of wool, so while it’s likewise soft, it hikes up the warmth factor.

While this base pant is super comfortable for resort days, it’s not our number one pull-over for tours. In our experience, the bamboo can have a bit of a cooling effect, the waistband feels a little much for a minimalist approach in the backcountry, and the density is a tad high. But overall, we didn’t want to take this Merino Legging off at the end of the ski day in town. Smooth with attractively placed seams, we enjoy wearing this base layer, even when we come home after a day at the hill.

Fresher on the scene, the Le Bent Women’s Feathertop Ultralight Hooded Long Sleeve Tee ($160) has a special place in our hearts and closet. So does the men’s version, especially when we’re cooking under the sun and powering ourselves through terrain. This layer is so feathery that it’s not even accurate to describe it as butter-soft — it’s too light at only 125 g. Others agree — on a global scale: The shirt walked home with a 2022 ISPO award for innovation and sustainability.

Don’t let “Tee” fool you — the sleeves reach shoulder to wrist but this shirt indeed feels like wearing a t-shirt. We happily wear this 4-way stretch sun-protective layer against skin, especially on a warm spring or sunny day on snow, and it barricades at UPF50+. There’s a light hood that we love to pull up beneath a billed hat while skinning uphill, for sun protection, and it can even slide beneath a helmet.

The brand partnered with Nuyarn Technology to develop a proprietary merino wool and raw bamboo blend: sustainable, regenerative fibers instead of traditional petroleum-based synthetic material. From spinning to dyeing, the product doesn’t incorporate any harsh chemicals, either. The 2-ply twist-free pattern is 35% finer than conventional ring-spun fabric. The result? A textile that’s more elastic, resolute, and faster drying than 100% merino wool layers while offering more thermal retention, which we found to be true. The fit comfortably slides on and moves with us throughout the day — zero restriction. This design feels lighterweight and more breathable than even the Le Bent Core Lightweight Crew, plus it has a hood: It’s really ideal for sun-shielding on ski tours.

How that translates on snow is being a layer that’s protective and extremely light yet offers great aeration. We would not grab the Feathertop Ultralight Hooded Long Sleeve Tee or the men’s version for a freezing day on the skintrack or lapping the ski lift. Rather, it’s one of our favorite layers for warmer temps and enjoying spring lines. Though we’ve tested the most recent iteration, the shirt originally hit shelves in September 2023.

The Voormi Women’s Baselayer Bottoms Full Length ($119) is one of our top choices for backcountry skiing and splitboarding, resort skiing and riding, post-adventure après, and year-round camping. One of our favorite details about this one-of-a-kind tenacious fabric is that beads of water roll right off the surface, so these bottoms don’t get soaked.

In step, the Voormi Women’s Long Sleeve Baselayer Crew ($119) is constructed with the same material: Dual Surface precision-blended wool technology, which boasts a thin interior layer of fine micron-wool that pulls moisture off the body and disperses it to the exterior. That’s blended with a portion of polyester and nylon. The fabric has an average softness but the gold star here is an extremely durable exterior.

Despite back-to-back usage, the pants and shirt don’t reveal odor. Senior Editor Morgan Tilton has taken multiple hut trips packing only these women’s base layers in a range of climates and conditions from gripping-cold blizzards to sunshine. Our sweat and any water patches dry fast. And the wool works its magic with regulating temps, so we never feel damp or clammy in these long johns or top.

This blend is lightweight for the density and warmth provided. The material and seams hold up through arduous usage beneath snow pants and work pants in all seasons. They aren’t as stretchy as other baselayer options we tested, which we especially notice when pulling on and off the pants and in the seams. But we appreciated the inverse effect of not sagging. As a result, we don’t particularly like using the top’s thumbholes, which feel a bit too restrictive.

If you’re looking for a bottom that hugs your legs and doesn’t slouch on high-action days, these Voormi Bottoms are worth the investment. The same goes for the Long Sleeve Baselayer Crew. Alternatively, the Ortovox 185 Rock’N’Wool Pants and Long Sleeve dish out plenty of stretch — they’re just not as dogged nor do they repel water.

Our team balked at the bill: $330 for a single base layer match is steep. And no, that shirt doesn’t include a shoulder massage. While many shredders might not feel amped to spend that much on a small but mandatory piece of apparel — and for good reason — that doesn’t trump the reality that this product is pretty stellar. The Icebreaker 260 ZoneKnit Long Sleeve Crewe Thermal Top ($165) and Icebreaker Women’s 260 ZoneKnit Thermal Leggings ($165) most stood out for their innovative body-mapped design, which supports breathability despite being a midweight weave made with 100% merino wool.

While testing the leggings, we immediately noticed the tiny perforations in the lean-feeling fabric below the kneecap, against the knee pit, and along the upper glute, which increased breathability. On the long-sleeve shirt, that same perforated merino wool was incorporated under the arms, against the entire back, and around the front of the hips.

During long days outside or high-octane activity, our sweat accumulation was greatly diminished in high-heat areas, where we tended to perspire and where our ski backpack rested against the body. Sweating less ultimately helped to keep us warmer and more comfortable. While the textile zoning is similar on the 100% wool Kari Traa Rose Half Zip Baselayer Top and Baselayer Pants, this Icebreaker kit offers larger zones of that less dense material, making it the more breathable option between the two.

Snowboarder Julia Spadaro found that this material helped to eliminate odors that we would normally be concerned about in the armpit region, making it a choice piece for lodge time, après, or drinks after hiking on snow. Made with a slim fit and extended hem on the backside for adequate coverage, the shirt was comfy. Both pieces are made with a fine fiber — 18.5 microns — which is among the softest out there. However, we noted the fabric felt slightly itchy, which is likely due to being 100% wool, which some folks are more sensitive to.

While we are not usually big fans of thin elastic waistbands on pants, this one felt soft and easy to forget about. Overall, the 260 ZoneKnit Long Sleeve and Thermal Leggings did what it set out to do. If it was $100 cheaper, we would buy it in both colors.

Can we live in our First Lite Kiln Long Janes ($95) and First Lite Kiln Hoody ($130)? The answer is yes, and we have. Hunter Nicole Qualtieri wore these feminine long janes for days on hunts, only to find that they stave off body odor better than any other we’ve tried, even after hours of hiking and packing.

And hoodies are either your jam or not. We like to wear this one when we know we want a second layer to keep our head warm beneath a hat or when the weather isn’t bad enough to require a shell hood. These things just beat back odor, wick, and breathe like magic, and fit in a way that eliminates bulk. If you caught us wearing either, you’d likely think it was a new purchase. Fewer washes beget longer use times. We’re into it.

Another benefit to remember with paying more for wool is if you get wet, you still retain heat. Synthetics might dry faster, but the warmth that merino offers is a big plus. The design is also made with 18.5-micron fibers, which is superfine merino wool. High-waisted, soft, and with seams in the right spot to avoid backpack misery, these leggings are made for women and are our favorite fit of any base layer we’ve owned.

That said, the size large pants tend to slide down for some users, so beware. If you’re looking for a base layer fit that doesn’t budget, but is slightly hard to pull on, don’t overlook the Voormi Bottoms and Long Sleeve Crew.

Merino rules the day, and these are opaque enough to wear as a first layer on warmer days with no issues. With a 250 g merino and spandex woven fabric, these are a true midweight pant. But in our humble opinion, they’ll get you through the great majority of cold situations with no problem. We’ve worn ours for a few years, and they feel practically new. Though First Lite is a hunting brand, it offers its Kiln Long Janes and Kiln Hoody in solids for those of you who might not need camouflage in your life.

Scroll to the right to view all of the columns: Price, Weight, Fabric, Thermal Category.

The GearJunkie product testing team includes a range of skiers and snowboarders from intermediate to expert who explore ski areas around the world, venture into the backcountry, skin uphill at the resort, après in the parking lot, and enjoy Nordic trails. We don’t shy away from winter runs and embrace the mantra “there’s no bad weather — only bad clothing,” when it comes to playing outside in the depths of winter.

Our team includes avid hunters and folks who live in wintry, cold, mountainous locations from Bozeman, Montana, to Crested Butte, Colorado. We backpack, alpine climb, hunt, and track elk in the fall shoulder season. In the spring, we go ice climbing and mountaineering. The first iteration of this guide was authored by then-contractor Morgan Tilton, in 2019, following extensive field tests.

To narrow down the top 10 base layers on the market, she heavily researched, coordinated, and dispersed base layers to a diverse group of outdoor professionals and athletes nationwide, who reported detailed findings in addition to Tilton’s personal field tests in Colorado. Since then, this guide has evolved through eight published updates, as of September 2024. Today, the guide highlights 14 tested product collections that represent the best of the best base layers for women.

GearJunkie Senior Editor Morgan Tilton specializes in snowsports and manages the majority of the publication’s winter guides, including Base Layers for Women, which has been on her edit desk since 2022. Raised in Telluride, Colorado, she grew up playing at Telluride Ski Resort and now lives in Crested Butte. She’s worn a ton of base layers over the past three decades — and the ladies’ designs really do keep getting better.

As an outdoor industry journalist, Tilton has covered winter gear for more than 12 years including reporting for the Snow Show Daily, and serving as Snowboard Editor at Teton Gravity Research. She’s Wilderness First Responder certified and has completed all three AIARE recreational-level avalanche training courses.

In addition to a sugar beet harvester and ski patrol tail guide, the contributing field testers for this guide include:

GearJunkie Senior Editor Morgan Tilton lives and primarily tests gear in the Elk Mountains. She skis, snowboards, snowmobiles, and shovels unbelievable amounts. She’s also tested base layers on the blustery slopes of Eldora Mountain, foggy and icy days at Utah’s Snowbasin Resort, powder rounds at Telluride Ski Resort, and the backcountry of the San Juan Mountains. The majority of her inbounds gear testing takes place at Crested Butte Mountain Resort, a few miles away from her shoveling habitat.

While using these second skins, we adventured across North Dakota farmlands, up cracks in Utah’s Indian Creek, and throughout Colorado’s high-elevation peaks and limestone walls. Temperatures stretched from splitting cold at sunrise in the glades to scorching under the sun during fieldwork.

In spring 2022 and 2023, Crested Butte Mountain Resort was the host location for the GearJunkie Ski and Snowboard week, where our team met to test goods.

Our team field tests all of the women’s base layers that are included in this guide. While the Smartwool and REI base layers constructed for extended sizes have not yet been field tested, we are onboarding plus-size testers for the winter of 2024-2025. To start, we have tested those products in alternative size runs, attended plus-size apparel panel presentations, interviewed the plus-size base layer designers, and are confident in our conclusions.

While she teams up with many gear testers, Tilton puts goods to the grindstone between keyboard blocks. To date in 2024, Tilton has packed in 62 days and 216 hours of testing women’s base layers. From January to December 2023, Tilton tested women’s base layers across 68 days and 198 hours of recreation. Her outings took place in the frontcountry and backcountry including bebopping via snowmobile.

Those days entailed blizzards, sub-zero temps, harsh wind, heavy and wet snow, plenty of perspiration, and sunshine. That metric excludes running to get the mail (with base layers on under jeans) and the intense daily shoveling responsibilities at her home in Crested Butte, when she often pulls on bibs.

One of our testers is environmental journalist Kylie Mohr, who spends time running and skiing up and down the mountains of Montana in various blustery conditions. She wore these base layers in and out-of-bounds to see what most kept her warm and dry. Avid snowboarder and Utahan Julia Spadaro spends her winters snowboarding at the resort and splitboarding in the backcountry, as well as hiking in the shoulder seasons. She tests women’s base layers throughout all of her adventures and delivers knowledgeable reports on what she does and doesn’t like.

Throughout our field tests and personal experience, we determine the most competitive women’s base layers based on a variety of metrics including quality, comfort, fit, longevity, and value. We take a close look at each product’s warmth, breathability, wicking and drying capability, material, elasticity, stretch, weight, density, seams, hems, cut, hand feel, and style.

We also consider the most innovative, sustainable, legacy, award-winning, and popular designs on the shelf today. Hands down, these women’s base layers serve a wide range of athletes, applications, and budgets.

In our guide, we focus on the best options for cold weather and the winter season, which are often long-sleeve tops and ankle-length bottoms.

Technically, women’s base layers feature a range of designs including tank, long-sleeve, and short-sleeve tops, as well as ankle-length or capri pants. Some tops feature a hood, partial zipper, or thumbholes. Others are tailored with a crew collar, mock neck, or turtleneck. While most against-skin layers lack pockets, we’ve seen leggings popping up with a spacious side pocket, which is useful to stash a phone, especially post-activity when you pull off your snow pants.

Two fundamental umbrellas will help you decide which women’s base layers to buy:

If you plan on being physically active in above-freezing but cool weather, we recommend a synthetic blend. If you’ll be rounding out winter days in a below-freezing climate, wool can be your greatest companion for warmth. Other factors can influence the best base layer choice including your body’s circulation, skin sensitivity to fibers (like wool), and the layers you put on top.

Your alarm goes off. Don’t snooze: It’s time to get up and dressed for cold weather fun. Your layers will work in a tiered system:

First, put on your underwear and socks. They better be wool or a synthetic blend — not cotton. Your warm, dry epidermis will thank you. Your base layers go on next.

Base Layer

Add your base layer top, bottom, or onesie. If your bottoms are long, make sure they go over your socks. Unless you like your socks on the outside of your bottoms — that’s personal preference. If your bottoms are mid-shin length, like some compressive performance options, adjust your socks and fabric, so there aren’t any overlapping, uneven points that could rub or chafe.

Midlayer

Now, it’s time to slip on your midlayer top and bottom, depending on the day’s activity.

Going skiing in bounds? Reach for a streamlined fleece that still allows full range of motion. Hanging out at the campsite? Pull on a bulky deep-pile sherpa fleece.

Your activity will dictate what appropriate midlayers to add on the bottom. Maybe you’ll pull on a fleece or insulated puffy pants for extra warmth below workwear trousers or snow bibs.

Outer Layer

Headed to the backcountry? Wear a comfy insulated jacket on the way to the trailhead then strip down to your baselayer or midlayer to start, given you’ll quickly warm up from exertion in the cold temps. Running in a breeze on an otherwise warm afternoon? Go for a softshell with no insulation.

If we’re resort skiing in below freezing temps, and we run cold, we’ll often do this trio: an uninsulated ski shell over both a fleece and puffy jacket. Insulated jacket wearers will likely find they don’t need all three.

An ideal layering system is all about learning what works for you and how many layers you need to stay warm and dry.

The fabric blends of women’s base layers include wool, synthetic, or a blend of the two. Within those fabrics, there are various densities from lightweight to midweight or heavyweight.

We love wool. It regulates temperature really well and provides warmth when it’s damp or wet. It’s evolved to be much more comfortable against the skin and resists odors like a champ. The warmth-to-weight ratio is high, packing a punch in a fairly light package. It’s an ideal choice for low-intensity outdoor activities like ice fishing or spectating a hockey game. Among our top base layer choices is the Smartwool Women’s Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Crew and Smartwool Women’s Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Bottom, a 100% merino wool collection.

That said, 100% merino wool tends to be less stout than synthetics, wears holes more quickly, and can get baggy throughout use. If you have sensitive skin, even the smoothest 100% merino wool might feel a tad less than cloud-like next to the skin. Wool gets heavier when it’s wet and doesn’t dry as fast as synthetics. Depending on your preference, activity level, and the weather conditions, you might prefer a wool blend or straight synthetic materials.

Wool can cost more than its counterparts. Beyond merino-sourced wool, we have tested base layers with wool from yaks, which was a premium thread, extremely soft, and super insulating.

An alternative to wool is a synthetic fabric, which is typically a blend that includes polyester plus elastane or spandex for rebound, form, and long-lasting use. Some synthetic fabrics are proprietary to a brand with treatments that enhance their odor-fighting ability and moisture-wicking prowess — the qualities that occur naturally in wool.

Synthetic blends do not offer as much warmth and overall temperature regulation that wool provides. Because they don’t absorb as much moisture and they dry fast, they’re a great choice for high-intensity activities that produce a lot of perspiration without long moments of standstill, like during a hunt, when a chill could set in.

These fibers can work really well for people with sensitive skin, especially for exercise use and the bonus of greater durability, stretch, and elasticity. Also, synthetics typically cost less than wool. One of our favorite synthetic options is the REI Co-op Lightweight Base Layer Tights Women’s Plus Sizes, at a whopping $40.

One drawback: Odor-intense days are not typically covered up well by this fiber in its naked form.

Many folks find a fair balance of managing heat and chill, sweat absorption, and covering up odors in a design that weaves together both wool and synthetic fibers. Adding synthetics to blends can enhance the strength and overall lifespan of wool apparel.

One of our all-time favorites for wearing from the skintrack to happy hour is the Le Bent Women’s Core Lightweight Crew Base Layer, which includes 5% elastane and maintains a nice shape throughout long days.

When you shop for women’s base layers, the products are categorized by three weight zones, which generally refers to how heavy or light the layer is and feels. The weight class is influenced by the fabric density and thickness, which changes the activities that layer is compatible with.

Here, we listed the weight class in each products Specs — under Thermal Category — which is based on our test results.

Weight class isn’t directly correlated to warmth. A lightweight, pure wool top can bounce back a ton of body heat. It will be easier to move in, less dense, and more breathable than a midweight or heavyweight wool design.

While everyone’s circulation and preferences are different, here’s a general starting point for deciphering a weight class based on activity level and outdoor temperature:

Sedentary:

Active:

If you’re running hardpack snow trails, snowshoeing, skate skiing, or doing uphill ski workouts in 30-degree temps, a lightweight base layer top or bottom should do the trick, as long as there’s no wind chill.

Lightweight layers dump heat really well. These could be a good piece for warmer spring laps at the ski resort. But sitting idle on lift rides in cold temps typically calls for a warmer midweight base layer. One of our favorite lightweight synthetics is the Helly Hansen Women’s HH LIFA Long-Sleeve Crew Base Layer, and a lightweight wool blend that’s super soft and versatile is the Le Bent Women’s Core Lightweight Crew Base Layer.

Not too airy and not too stuffy, the midweight base layer is optimal for wintry days skiing and riding at the resort. It’s a good choice for snowmobiling, when pulling the throttle can pack windchill at high speeds.

That said, for intense heat-building activities like huge ski or splitboard tours or snowshoeing, a midweight layer might be too much unless the temps are colder, like 15 degrees or less.

Squarely midweight, we love the Smartwool Women’s Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Crew and Smartwool Women’s Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Bottom as a well-rounded kit for cold or below-freezing temps and days at the ski resort.

When we’re talking extreme temperatures — 15 degrees with windchill to well below freezing — then your best bet is a heavy-set base layer, especially for ski resort laps when you are sedentary on the way up.

Other more passive outdoor activities could include ice fishing, sailing, hunting, spectating events, hanging at base camp during a mountaineering expedition, or snowmobiling groomed trails, especially if sightseeing stops are frequent.

We don’t currently have any bulky heavyweight options in our guide. Many of our 100% wool midweight selects can be layered beneath a midlayer fleece and down jacket for super cold conditions, and we prefer that versatility. The Kari Traa Rose Half Zip Baselayer Top and Kari Traa Rose High Waisted Baselayer Pants feel lean but are packed with heat. These are our go-to on a 0-degree day at the ski resort. We don’t usually like wearing these while we ski tour to avoid an oven effect.

A standard unit for measuring fabric density is gsm (grams per square meter). The higher the gsm, the denser and warmer that textile will be. A fluid-feeling blouse might be as low as 50-100 gsm, while denim reaches into the 340-450 gsm range.

Some women’s base layers do not weigh much but have a dense fabric or high gsm. Therefore, they swing a high warmth-to-weight ratio, such as the Kari Traa Rose High Waisted Baselayer Pants with 240 gsm. After testing, we associated that legging as midweight, thanks to the relatively low density yet high heat punch.

Rather than adding gsm labels to our product reviews here, we shared the general weight class — lightweight, midweight, and heavyweight — which is more ubiquitously used across brands. Our listed weight class is based on our test results. That said, understanding how to interpret the density of a base layer is a very useful tool.

Here’s a broad rule of thumb for gsm:

You’ll want to match your physical exertion or circulation to the fabric density. If you plan to do high cardio activity, choose a base layer design with a lower density.

If you plan to be more sedentary — such as waiting in long ski lift lines during a blizzard, ice fishing, watching a hockey game, or running errands — opt for a higher gsm. A higher fabric density is also a good option for folks who have poor circulation or tend to get chilled during winter activities.

In addition to trapping heat, it’s important for your base layer to breathe well and efficiently wick moisture. Freezing sweat will make you colder faster. Generally, the lighter or less dense a design is, the more breathable it will be. Merino wool is also more breathable than synthetics. Base layers can be made with a blend of materials that place more breathable textiles in high-heat zones.

When we’re talking about engineering, we can’t forget about the Icebreaker 260 ZoneKnit Long Sleeve Crewe Thermal Top and Icebreaker 260 ZoneKnit Thermal Leggings, which has a breathable mesh-like merino wool layer in all the important places — the lower legs, behind the knees, across the back and upper glutes, under the arms — so sweat can’t ruin the day. The Kari Traa Rose Half Zip Baselayer Top uses a lighter density merino wool under the arms and along the sides, which feels more breathable.

In general, we found that the Smartwool Women’s Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Crew is a warm winter layer that breathes pretty well. It’s our top pick for the dead of winter but also for alpine pursuits in fall and winter. The Voormi Women’s Baselayer Bottoms Full Length and Long Sleeve Baselayer Crew also breathe rather well, and repel water, keeping us dry after sweaty ascents and snowmobile rips.

If you know you’re going to be busting it uphill on a warm day in the springtime, look for an even lighter and more breathable layer. Something like the Helly Hansen Women’s HH LIFA Long-sleeve Crew Base Layer or REI Co-op Lightweight Base Layer Tights Women’s Plus Sizes and Top will be a key part of your layering system.

If you’re packing minimally for multiday use, like a hut-to-hut ski, merino wool does wonders with hiding odors. Generally, synthetic materials don’t champion coating stench as well as this natural fiber. Merino wool wicks sweat away from your body, allowing it to evaporate rather than sink into your clothes. Wool fibers absorb nearly twice as much water vapor as cotton and 30 times as much as polyester. The structure of wool binds with odors, playing keep away from bacteria.

While polyester — a primary thread in synthetics — isn’t naturally odor-resistant, garments can be treated to mimic some of the same benefits as wool. Silver-based compounds and triclosan and triclocarban treatments are toxic to odor-causing bacteria, keeping the nose-pinch at bay. Keep in mind, these treatments’ effectiveness could decrease over time as a garment is washed.

Many base layers hidden beneath midlayers or outerwear jackets will never see the light of day. But others, especially lightweight ones geared for year-round or springtime use, will. That’s where sun protection is a nice added feature.

The REI Co-op Lightweight Base Layer Long-Sleeve Crew Top Women’s Plus Sizes boasts a UPF rating of 50+, as does the Le Bent Women’s Feathertop Ultralight Hooded Long Sleeve Tee. But Le Bent’s design also offers a hood, so you’re getting additional protection of your ears, plus the back of the neck. The Le Bent Women’s Core Lightweight Crew Base Layer likewise sports a UV 50+ tag.

Thermal layers are an investment, so it makes sense that you want them to last. They’re also only one piece of a long list of gear that’s needed to venture out in the winter.

Synthetic layers are often more steadfast than wool but can cause more trouble with retaining odors. Manufacturers often add synthetic fibers to their wool apparel to help increase the overall timestamp. Wool is naturally warmer and odor-fighting but tends to be more fragile. You’ll want to take care putting them on, as well as how you wash and dry them.

Hands down, the most durable construction of any of these base layers is that of the Voormi Women’s Baselayer Bottoms Full Length and Voormi Women’s Long Sleeve Baselayer Crew. In the brand’s proprietary process, in-house seamsters create their Dual Surface material, a precision-blended wool technology with a lean interior layer of fine micron-wool plus a portion of polyester and nylon. After several years of use, we don’t see holes surfacing in these layers any time soon.

Most base layers offer a degree of flexibility and are soft or nonabrasive, which supports overall comfort and fit. But some base layers we’ve tested in the past have had a tighter compression fit for optimal athletic performance.

One of the more challenging base layers to pull on is the Voormi Women’s Baselayer Bottoms Full Length and Voormi Women’s Long Sleeve Baselayer Crew, especially at the seams. However, we love how tough and time-withstanding this design is. The next most close-fitting design in our guide is the Halfdays Hallie Midweight Merino Legging, but it does offer ample stretch, even along the seams.

When we test base layers, we’re looking for tops that provide enough range of motion across the chest and shoulders, as well as when lunging or squatting. The seams need to be smooth or flat, and the gusset needs to be well-constructed, so we don’t feel any jabs or experience chafing. The construction is very smooth across the Ortovox 185 Rock’N’Wool Short Pants and Ortovox 185 Rock’N’Wool Long Sleeve.

We care about the silhouette, because we prefer arms that at least cover our wrists and torso lengths that don’t allow the lower back to be exposed to the elements.

Most base layer pants reach down to your ankle but some capri styles hit below the knee, near the shin bone. We like a cropped length for easy layering with our socks and ski boots. The Ortovox 185 Rock’N’Wool Short Pants reach the knee and eliminate the need to layer our pants over socks.

Bottoms that reach closer to your feet are usually tapered and snug, so they can be easily tucked in when necessary. But there’s usually enough pliability in the fabric to slide your winter socks underneath, if you prefer.

Sometimes a separate top and bottom just won’t cut it. We’re thinking about those best-of-the-season powder days where a gap in base layer coverage could lead to snow where the sun doesn’t shine. Base layers with a seamless connection are a rare, but increasingly popular, option in the base layer lineup. They’re called onesies or one-pieces that include a top and a bottom sewed together. Think wet suits and footie pajamas.

Leading the charge is the Wild Rye Olivia Onesie base layer. Wearers are treated with head-to-toe merino wool. A hood adds coziness, and fun patterns like chunky yellow florals stand out against your friends’ all-black arsenal. A half-zip helps regulate temperature on this warm, 230 gsm style.

The best feature on a onesie is a rear zip, or drop seat, for easy release. The drop seat is a removable backside flap, usually with zippers that span hip to hip above your booty, to make using the bathroom easier. No one likes having to get totally naked to answer nature’s call. Brr! Though we haven’t tested this one yet, the Backcountry Airblaster Merino Ninja Suit is another onesie option on the market.

Hoods are fairly rare on base layer tops. After all, how many hoods do you really want to be wearing at once? Hoods can sometimes add bulk around the neck and head area, especially if your base layer, fleece, puffy, and shell all have one.

But some of our favorite base layers rock a hood, like the First Lite Kiln Hoody and the Le Bent Women’s Feathertop Ultralight Hooded Long Sleeve Tee, which is superb for spring mountaineering and sunny, warm ski tours. It can be nice to have a slender hood around your neck to layer under a helmet or hat, which can further block the sun and wind.

Certain base layers have a scoop neck while others have collars with a quarter- or half-zipper at the chest and décolletage. We like a mock turtleneck cut to fully protect our neck and chest without the restriction of a full turtleneck. The Kari Traa Rose Half Zip Baselayer Top combines a half-zip with a mock turtleneck.

On long-sleeve base layers, the cuff is a piece of fabric that demarcates the garment’s edge, at the wrist. It’s sewn on to help prevent fraying and increase comfort. The lengths of base layer sleeves, as well as the depth and elasticity of their cuffs can greatly vary. Longer sleeves can reach the knuckles, covering the backs of the hands and palms. Others end at the wrist, before extending over the hand.

Thumbholes, also known as thumb loops, are technical slits in long cuffs, which the thumbs can sit in. It’s like a seatbelt on a cocoon that helps to keep your hands and wrists warm. Adding thumb loops helps the sleeve stay drawn across the hand. That way, the fabric won’t bunch up when you pull on your outer jacket.

The precise width and placement of the loop that goes around your thumb varies by brand and design. A handful of thumbhole designs are simple elastic bands. But many thumbhole designs are created with a wide piece of fabric and include seams.

Sometimes, thumbholes can be tedious to slide into, cumbersome under ski gloves, or incompatible with a watch. Some ski jacket designs have built-in wrist gaiters with thumbholes, which leads a traffic jam around your wrist — and at worst, poorer circulation — if your base layer top also has thumbholes.

We especially like the thumbholes on the Black Diamond Women’s Solution 150 Merino Baselayer Crew. They are stretchy enough to be comfortable while wearing them for back-to-back hours. The Wild Rye Olivia Onesie thumbholes include a beefy cuff, so they’re cozy to wear indoors but outside, we pull them back to put on gloves. We found the thumbholes of the Voormi Women’s Long Sleeve Baselayer Crew to be too small and restrictive, greatly due to the lack of stretch in the seams. The First Lite Kiln Hoody thumbholes are really easy to pull on and off, as are the ones on the Icebreaker 260 ZoneKnit Long Sleeve Crewe Thermal Top.

When it comes to sustainability, buying new gear isn’t as environmentally friendly as having a closet swap with friends or finding scores at the thrift store. But conscious consumers can shop with Mother Nature and humanity in mind.

Finding sustainable base layers includes recycled materials, ethically sourced material, and responsible manufacturing facilities like those that don’t dump harmful toxins into nearby waterways and pay their employees a livable wage.

Some women’s base layers are certified by Bluesign, an organization that works to keep chemicals out of the supply chain for the health of humans, wildlife, natural resources, and the earth. Approved factories meet standards for pollution control and worker safety. Products reach those standards partially or as a whole. The Helly Hansen Women’s HH LIFA Long-sleeve Crew Base Layer is Bluesign-approved.

The Le Bent Women’s Feathertop Ultralight Hooded Long Sleeve Tee feature Nuyarn fibers, which set an impressive benchmark: Responsible Wool Standard Certified, Bluesign-certified, Oeko-Tex Standard 100, and the Global Organic Textile Standard.

Similarly, the REI Co-op Lightweight Base Layer Tights Women’s Plus Sizes and Top is made in a Fair Trade certified factory. That certification means the factory meets safe working conditions as well as environmental protections and that the supply chain is transparent. Ortovox gives two stamps to its Ortovox 185 Rock’N’Wool Short Pants and Ortovox 185 Rock’N’Wool Long Sleeve: validation from the Fair Wear Foundation, for equitable working conditions, and climate neutral.

We’ve seen the brand Daehlie do well with material sourcing for products, selecting fiber from fast-growing eucalyptus trees on a farm that’s certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.

Using textiles sourced from recycled materials, such as old plastics, is one way that companies reduce waste and demand for petroleum-based products. Materials can be partially or fully recycled, like the recycled polyester in the Patagonia Capilene line.

Smartwool argues that wool is an inherently responsible choice: It’s not plastic, and it breaks down in water and soil. The brand’s wool is ZQ-certified by a New Zealand-based group that sets standards for animal welfare, social responsibility, and environmental sustainability. You’ll see this wool in the Smartwool Women’s Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Crew and Bottom, as well as all of the brand’s base layer offerings.

Our favorite women’s base layers run from $40 to $229. That includes options for the budget-conscious shopper and the athlete wanting to splurge on a technical textile.

The most economic choices have a basic construction, fit, and work well. The blends are synthetic, not as complex or articulated, and typically do not include wool. You won’t find pockets in the leggings. The weight category, thermal power, and fabric density is usually lower. You probably won’t see a synthetic fabric coated to block odors.

But if you need a basic base layer for sledding and ski hill laps, these certainly get the job done. On this lower end, there’s the REI Co-op Lightweight Base Layer Tights Women’s Plus Sizes and Long-Sleeve Crew Top, each for $40, and the Helly Hansen Women’s HH LIFA Long-Sleeve Crew Base Layer at $45.

In the “100 bucks, give or take” shelf, you’ll see a bump up in the complexity of the textiles, how they’re constructed, as well as a slightly higher quality and softer feel of materials. Merino wool enters the game.

These are among our favorite base layers out there. We’ve got the Smartwool Women’s Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Crew and Bottom for $115. There’s also the Le Bent Women’s Core Lightweight Crew Base Layer for $105. The Ortovox 185 Rock’N’Wool Long Sleeve and matching Short Pants are tagged at $110-$100. Despite being super cohesive and inherently water resistant, the Voormi Women’s Baselayer Bottoms Full Length and Long Sleeve Baselayer Crew sits at $119.

While the Wild Rye Olivia Onesie is available at $249, it’s close to a mid-tier price point when you consider the price of a bottom and a top base layer that’s woven together in a single package. This stylish one-piece is the most technical to create and includes a drop seat for bathroom breaks.

But those tad higher price points include the Kari Traa Rose Half Zip Baselayer Top for $120 (the Kari Traa Rose High Waisted Baselayer Pants are labeled at $110), which is woven with high-quality wool from merino sheep, has an articulated cut and the patterns are stylish. They look beautiful. The Black Diamond Women’s Solution 150 Merino Baselayer Crew is available at $135 a pop. The First Lite Kiln Hoody is $130, while the sister piece, the First Lite Kiln Long Janes, is lower at $95, for a good balance.

The most premium option in our guide is the Icebreaker 260 ZoneKnit Long Sleeve Crewe Thermal Top ($165) and Icebreaker 260 ZoneKnit Thermal Leggings ($165), which are strategically body-mapped for highly breathable zones in an otherwise heat-loaded wool package.

Base layers — as their name implies — are meant to be worn as the base of your clothing system, next to your skin. If you pile on cotton underwear and a cotton T-shirt under your base layers, you’re negating all the ways a base layer is intended to work. Most base layer bottoms are intended to be worn as long underwear. Incredibly soft base layers like the Le Bent Women’s Core Lightweight Crew Base Layer make this a breeze.

Be sure to pick out a chest layer from The Best Sports Bras of 2024 that can stay put, wick sweat, and help keep you comfortable in winter’s playground.

A base layer should have a close fit to your body without sacrificing freedom of movement. Some of our favorite base layers are tight-ish, but not restrictive or circulation-ending, while others are a tad roomier but not bulky.

Also, your skin and the fabric need to be touching in order for the base layer to do its job: absorb moisture. Base layers that are too loose, or saggy under the arms or around the groin or torso, can’t efficiently wick sweat.

Unless they’re heavyweight and bulky, most base layers should fit nicely beneath a fleece midlayer, as well as a pair of Carhartt pants, overalls, or ski outerwear.

Really, it comes down to what you can afford and what activities you do. Most of the women’s base layers on this list are 100% wool, a wool-synthetic blend, or a synthetic blend. Synthetics are highly relentless, high-wicking, and can be treated with odor-beating technology. Synthetics usually have a lower price tag.

Wool is less staunch, but it has temperature-regulating properties that can work in a wide range of weather. Wool combats odors and also wicks well. Wool, often sourced from Merino sheep, typically costs more than synthetic blends. In blends, wool is woven with other fibers for longevity, elasticity, and fit. The percentage of wool varies in each design, which is why some blends are warmer than others. Be sure to check the percentage of wool to get a better idea. The Black Diamond Women’s Solution 150 Merino Baselayer Crew is approximately three-quarters wool and one-quarter polyester.

The weight category of the apparel you choose is also important. Some people will do well with a pair of lightweight base layers. If you’re perpetually cold or doing a sedentary winter activity, grab midweight or heavyweight base layers or a wool blend. If you’re buying base layers to backcountry ski, run, or another intense activity, go light.

If you’re handling extremely cold temperatures, have poor circulation, or tend to be cold-sensitive, grab a toasty midweight set like the Kari Traa Rose Half Zip Baselayer Top and Rose High Waisted Baselayer Pants.

For all-around recreation and use in average winter temperatures, the midweight First Lite Kiln Long Jane and First Lite Kiln Hoody are also great options.

Cardio-intense activities, like running, cross-country skiing, or backcountry tours, as well as warmer winter days, are a good time to opt for lightweight base layers like the synthetic Helly Hansen Women’s HH LIFA Long-sleeve Crew Base Layer or the 100% merino wool Ortovox 185 Rock’N’Wool Short Pants and Ortovox 185 Rock’N’Wool Long Sleeve.

For the greatest warmth and protection, you’ll want to wear full underwear and a sports bra followed by base layers, which wick sweat and help manage body heat during high output or laidback activities.

Base layers fit beneath a mid-layer — like a fleece, micro-down jacket, or synthetic insulation layer — followed by an outer layer, like a shell, that protects against the elements from precipitation to wind. The shell can be insulated or non-insulated.

Depending on the day’s activity and climate, you might prefer to wear a base layer beneath an outer layer and skip that middle piece of insulation.

Of course, for us gals, bras are often a necessity, especially during activity. So don’t make the mistake of wearing a non-wicking bra beneath your base layers. Find yourself a sports bra that fits, wicks, and supports to combat sweat and chills on your upper half. Then let any of these base layers work their magic!

A women’s base layer top and bottom are essential components of your ski and snowboard gear. They build the base — literally — for a warm, dry day on the slopes.

Improper layering, or having materials like cotton next to your skin, is a recipe for a wet, cold, disaster. Getting sweaty without a good base layer to wick away moisture or one that quickly dries can lead to serious body chills, discomfort, loss of energy, and can steal away the fun. Getting goosebumps outside on a winter day is a mild inconvenience at best and potentially deadly at worst, leading to hypothermia if you’re not near a place where you can warm up, like in the backcountry.

Basically, base layers will help you stay warmer on the slopes, so you can happily ski bell to bell or midday to après.

We hit the slopes to find the best women’s ski bibs. Whether you snowboard or ski at the resort or in the backcountry, we’ve got you covered.

From a snowboard jacket’s fabric and hood to the pockets, a range of details can make or break a design. Find our best picks for riders here.