Women's Merino Wool Base Layers
Women's merino wool base layers
A women's merino wool base layer is a close-fitting layer that keeps your skin dry and therefore warm. Merino fibre absorbs about 14–16% of its weight in moisture, so the base layer feels dry even when you stop. The range includes tops, zip necks, bottoms and 3/4 bottoms, from light 150 g/m² fabric to a heavy 260 g/m² thermal. The merino fibre is 17.5–19.5 microns.
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35 products
How do I choose a women's merino wool base layer?
Choose the weight based on how much you move:
- Touch 150 and Motion 150 – light, stretchy base layers for cross-country skiing, running and everyday wear. 83% merino wool, 12% recycled polyamide and 5% elastane.
- Intense pro 150 and 180 – sporty base layers for training: 150 g/m² for sweaty efforts, 180 g/m² also for hiking and downhill skiing.
- Multi Action 200 – a base layer set with a top and bottoms in one pack.
- Active 210 – 100% merino wool, an all-round base layer for the outdoors and downhill skiing.
- Sensitive 225 – soft bamboo viscose against the skin, merino wool on the outside. A good choice if you are sensitive to the feel of wool.
- Arctic 260 – the heaviest base layer in our range: a merino thermal for freezing weather and stationary activities.
What is the warmest women's base layer?
Our warmest women's merino wool base layer is Arctic 260: 100% merino wool and 260 g/m², the heaviest fabric in our range. It is designed for freezing weather and stationary activities such as ice fishing and outdoor work, and in severe cold it can also be worn as a mid layer over a lighter base layer. If you move a lot, the warmer option is often a lighter base layer with an extra layer on top: skin that stays dry feels warmer than sweaty skin.
Is a merino wool base layer itchy?
Prickling is caused by wool fibres over 30 microns, which do not bend against the skin. The merino fibre in our base layers is 17.5–19.5 microns, so for most people it does not trigger an itch. Everyone's skin is different, though, so if yours is sensitive, we recommend Sensitive 225, with bamboo viscose on the inner face of the fabric and merino wool on the outer face. Read more: is merino wool itchy?
Does merino wool need to be worn against the skin?
A base layer is designed to be worn directly against the skin. It moves moisture away from the skin when the fabric touches it; a base layer that is loose or worn over underwear leaves moisture on the skin. That is why a base layer should fit close to the body. You will find the measurements in our size guide.
Synthetic or merino base layer?
A synthetic base layer dries quickly and suits hard, sweaty efforts. Merino wool absorbs moisture into the fibre, so it feels drier when you stop. It also resists odour better. For hiking, downhill skiing and everyday wear, a merino base layer is usually the more comfortable choice.
How do I wash a merino wool base layer?
Wash your base layer at 30 °C on a wool or delicates programme with a wool detergent that has a pH of 7 or below. No fabric softener and no tumble dryer. The fabric shrinks by about 3–5% in the wash, which is allowed for in our sizing. Often, simply airing it out is enough between wears. Detailed instructions: merino wool washing guide.
See also
All base layers and a comparison of weights can be found on the merino wool base layers page and in the base layer guide. To wear over your base layer, see women's mid layers.
North Outdoor is a Finnish company specialising in merino wool clothing. We design our products in Finland. We use only mulesing-free merino wool in our products.
