About once a month, I gather all the Merino I can find in the house and wash with Nikwax Wool Wash. It comes out smelling fresh and its nice and soft after drying. TMM Team Member Jami Synthetics Care By now, it’s common knowledge that taking your workout outside can be great for your mental and physical health. But this is Britain we’re talking about here, so chances are it’s going to be cold. Very cold. That’s where the best base layers come in. It doesn’t matter how good (or how inexpensive) a base layer is if it doesn’t fit you properly! Most brands have sizing that ranges from XS to XL. Patagonia, Smartwool, Columbia, The North Face, and REI Co-op have more inclusive sizing, ranging from 2XS to 3XL. As more people like Jenny Bruso from Unlikely Hikers speak up about how tough it is to find plus-sized outdoor gear, we’re hopeful that more brands will step up.

I am now the biggest base layer for kids convert, and I’m baffled on why it has taken me so long to invest in quality base layers for my kids. I’ll be the first to admit that I was late to jump on the base layers for kids bandwagon. I’ve always loved and worn them as an adult, but I did not appreciate until very recently how much they truly make a difference in keeping kids warm from the inside out. Base layers are not only for winter wear under ski/snow gear (although this is a great use for them). The great thing about base layers is that they can be used for recreational activities all year long.

ARE FOOTBALL SKINS THE SAME THING?

What we liked: Versatility, durability, most inclusive sizing, looks good on most people, color and pattern availability, reasonably priced The Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer is our winner for best base layer for extreme cold. It's got everything we love about the Smartwool All Season, but is the best heavyweight base layer for versatility, fit and comfort, quality and durability, and warmth.

Most synthetics can be tumble dried on low, but air drying is best for some pieces. Base Layers for Kids My personal favorite Reima layer is the Taitoa which is a merino wool blend that’s mixed with bamboo. I tell every mom who asks me what base layers to buy that these ones are the “overall best base layer” in our home. Unique features like thumb loops and a hood makes this Merino wool blend base layer super versatileThe Solution 150 won't be a perfect fit for everyone: the slim fit can be too tight for many body types to wear comfortably — especially if you're worried about the sleeves being too tight around the shoulders and pits. The NuYarn wool blend is a thin, stretchy fabric, but durability is a concern if worn alone and not safely underneath a top layer. Finally, we need to talk about the price: this is one of the most expensive base layers we've tested. Still, if you can swing the cost, you may never find yourself not wearing this hoody, from when the first flakes fall to when the last ski run closes. Keeping your base layers in tip-top shape will allow them to perform better, last longer, and give you some good resale value on those expensive merino wool pieces. Iksplor base layers– use code MTNMAMA20 for 10% off Merino Care As a team we speak from experience that warmth truly comes from the inside out and warm kids will stay and play longer outside with less complaining. Fit: A base layer is designed to fit like a second skin, so it needs to be snug but not so restrictive that you can’t move your limbs freely while running. Team members also mentioned that Reima base layers are more affordable than other brands and love having an option that’s high quality but doesn’t break the bank.

Reima has several different styles and base layer fabrics. The variety of different options is almost overwhelming, but I love that there is are so many different options at different price points. Finally, it’s a good idea to know your childs’ preferred temperature. One of my girls is always hot. Getting her to wear a coat outside in the winter is like pulling teeth. The best merino wool base layer we tested is the Ibex Woolies 2. Both Liz and Naomi tested this base layer seven years ago, and both of them consistently reach for that same shirt at least once a week. Since then, Ibex has gone through a major rebranding, but for 2023, it has re-released the Woolies. We are overjoyed. We're thrilled to report it has all the same great features we loved with the previous version. Weaknesses - As you’d expect from a natural material with this many benefits, Merino wool rarely comes cheap. Some products aren’t as comfortable as their synthetic counterparts either, so we asked testers to pay close attention to how their base layers felt. How We Test Caring for wool base layers can get a little, well, wooly. Some, like Smartwool and Icebreaker merino, are formulated to handle regular detergent. Others may require special detergents, like a specific wool wash, for optimal performance. Wool especially is prone to shrinkage in the dryer. If you live in a humid climate, you might want to lean more towards synthetics or wool blends for your base layers. DO YOU WANT A HOOD OR THUMB LOOP ON YOUR BASE LAYER?Slim athletic fit requires a slim athletic body type, expensive, not as durable as cheaper synthetics She's been testing base layers for years since her first story on base layers in 2015 for Wirecutter/New York Times.

Some base layer brands understand that people of all sizes love getting outside. Some brands still have yet to get the memo. Smartwool and Patagonia have the broadest range of sizes available, including plus sizes and kids’ sizes. Do you want base layers tight or loose?

Why You Should Trust Us

What we liked: Lightweight, soft fabric, hood, thumbholes, plus size availability, most breathable base layer on hot days, UPF sun protection