The 10 Best Women's Base Layers of 2022-2023
By: Sarah Ziffer: Women's & Kid's Techwear Buyer | November 4, 2022
The key to any good layering system is the base layer. That’s the foundation for the entire system and can make or break your ski or snowboard outfit. A good base layer has two main functions: it provides a warm, comfortable barrier between your skin and your insulating layer, and it wicks any moisture you produce away from your body so that it can evaporate. That second function is often overlooked, but it’s very, very important. Even when it’s really cold out, we produce moisture by sweating, and if our base layers don’t wick that moisture away, we’ll end up uncomfortable and shivering. The best women’s base layers do this by using synthetic and natural materials, like merino wool, to keep you warm and dry.
New This Year:
And this year, women's base layers have gotten even better. More brands than ever before have figured out how to make soft, comfortable wool base layers. And, instead of making a few standard sizes that don’t fit most people very well, baselayer manufacturers have tweaked their fits to have more plus size options, and more base layers especially tailored to women’s bodies. So, if you’re looking for new long underwear, we’ve got a great new base layer just for you on this list.
This Year's Best Thermal Underwear for Women:
Oyuki Hitatech Funnel Neck Longsleeve
Developed specially for those who prefer a synthetic performance garment, the Oyuki Hitatech Funnel Neck Longsleeve top is super warm with superb moisture-wicking properties. It comes in two cute colors, with a looser fit that moves easily with your body.
| Material | Style | Original Price |
| 93% Polyester / 7% Spandex | Turtleneck | $74.95 |
Oyuki Hitatech Pants
The Oyuki Hitatech Pants are constructed from a material that effectively draws sweat away from your body, keeping you dryer and warmer. Designed with a four-way stretch and chafe-free seams, these base layers move with you for unrestricted mobility. They breathe well but will keep your legs warm and cozy through a long day of riding lifts or touring.
| Material | Style | Original Price |
| 93% Polyester / 7% Spandex | Tights | $64.95 |
Kari Traa Rose Wool High-Waist Pants
Add a boost of warmth to your wintertime wardrobe with the Kari Traa Rose Wool High-Waist Pants. These all-merino wool cozy underwear are comfortable to wear in nearly any condition thanks to flatlock chafe-free seams and super soft fabric. If you’ve ever used wool base layers you know how big of a difference they make, and these are some of the nicest wool tights around.
| Material | Style | Original Price |
| Merino Wool | Tights | $99.95 |
Wild Rye Olivia Onesie
Get rid of pesky gaps where cold air and snow can breach in the Wild Rye Olivia Onesie. This merino wool base layer features a good back zip for easy entrance and exit. Thanks to its buttery soft fabric that wicks moisture and keeps you warm, it'll be even harder to resist that sweet mid-winter pow. This onesie is one of the most comfortable and cozy base layers in the world.
| Material | Style | Original Price |
| Merino Wool | Onesie | $229 |
MONS ROYALE Cascade Mock Neck Top
The MONS ROYALE Cascade Mock Neck Top features a temperature-regulating, odor-resistant Merino blend fabric and a mock neck style for extra warmth. The mock turtle collar provides extra warmth and a seal against snow and cold.
| Material | Style | Original Price |
| 81% Merino Wool / 12% Nylon / 7% Elastane | Mock Turtle | $119.95 |
Kari Traa Voss Cashmere Mix Long Sleeve Top
Treat yourself this winter to the soft and cozy Kari Traa Voss Cashmere Mix Long Sleeve Top. This warm, wicking, and breathable base layer features eco-friendly merino wool cashmere, and a slim fit that's optimized for active activities in cold weather. This top works just as well going out for a night on the town as it does for a day on the slopes.
| Material | Style | Original Price |
| Merino Wool | Long Sleeve Top | $150 |
Burton Midweight Pants
A good day on the hill starts with comfort, and comfort starts with your base layer. With the moisture-wicking, odor-resistant Burton Midweight Pants, you've got all your bases covered. They’re just as comfortable as they are stylish, perfect for anyone who knows that to feel good, looking good helps.
| Material | Style | Original Price |
| Synthetic | Tights | $59.95 |
Smartwool Merino 250 Baselayer Bottoms
Upgrade your baselayers to something warm, luxurious, and made of natural fibers with the Smartwool Merino 250 Baselayer Bottoms. A slim fit with an elastic waistband keeps the fit dialed, with a next-to-skin feel and breathability that only merino wool can provide. Flatlock seams and an interlock knit keep everything cozy and chafe-free so you can focus on your adventure in the mountains and beyond. Smartwool is synonymous with comfort and performance, and this base layer is no exception.
| Material | Style | Original Price |
| Merino Wool | Tights | $110 |
evo Ridgetop Merino Wool Midweight Crew Top
Taking on-mountain comfort to new heights, the evo Ridgetop Merino Wool Midweight Crew Top features a pure 190-gram merino wool construction that consists of ultra-fine fibers for a silky smooth feel and natural climate control. With an attention to detail by way of low profile thumbholes and a backpack-friendly raglan design, the evo Ridgetop Merino Wool Midweight Crew Top is essential for dedicated lovers of the mountains. It’s simple, understated, and so, so comfortable.
| Material | Style | Original Price |
| Merino Wool | Long Sleeve Top | $79.95 |
Airblaster Merino Ninja Suit
The one-piece merino baselayer to rule all others. Wearing the Airblaster Merino Ninja Suit is like your skin won the comfort lottery. Stretchy, soft, and naturally odor-resistant, the Airblaster Merino Ninja Suit makes it easy to decide how you want to layer for a long day at the hill. A long, convenient zipper around the waist helps you to avoid the ants-in-your-pants hurried dance when nature calls, and thumb loops at the cuffs help you keep the fit on point even when charging super hard. It’s shocking that something so stylish and comfortable can be so high-performing as well.
| Material | Style | Original Price |
| 55% Merino / 37% Tencel / 8% Spandex | Onsie | $239.95 |
Learn More With Our Other Outerwear & Layering Guides:
- Waterproof Ratings & Breathability Guide
- Skiing & Snowboarding - What to Wear Skiing & Snowboarding
- Outerwear - How to Choose a Ski & Snowboard Jacket
- Outerwear - How to Choose Ski & Snowboard Pants
- Outerwear - Fit Guide & Jacket Length
- How to Wash Waterproof Jackets & Clothing
- Outerwear - How to Choose by Region
- Outerwear - Construction, Fabric & Features
- Insulated Garments - How to Choose
- Insulated Garments - How to Wash Down & Synthetic Jackets
- Base Layers & Long Underwear - How to Choose
- GORE-TEX® Fabric - How it Works & Product Testing
- GORE-TEX® Fabric - How to Wash & Keep Waterproof
- Backcountry - How to Dress
Learn About Our Favorite Gear
- The Best Men's Ski Jackets
- The Best Women's Ski Jackets
- The Best Men's Snowboard Jackets
- The Best Women's Snowboard Jackets
- The Best Kids' Ski & Snowboard Jackets
- The Best Men's Ski Pants
- The Best Women's Ski Pants
- The Best Men's Snowboard Pants
- The Best Women's Snowboard Pants
- The Best Men's Ski Bibs
- The Best Men's Snowboard Bibs
- The Best Women's Ski Bibs
- The Best Kids' Ski & Snowboard Pants
- The Best Men's Down & Puffy Jackets
- The Best Men's Ski & Snowboard Mid Layers
- The Best Men's Ski & Snowboard Base Layers
- The Best Women's Snowboard Bibs
- The Best Men's Fleece Jackets
- The Best Women's Down & Puffy Jackets
- The Best Women's Fleece Jackets
- The Best Men's Rain Jackets
- The Best Women's Rain Jackets
- The Best Men's Hardshell Jackets
- The Best Women's Hardshell Jackets
- The Best Women's Ski & Snowboard Mid Layers
- The Best Women's Ski & Snowboard Base Layers
- The Best Down Vests
- The Best Fleece Vests
The Selection Process:
Our techwear buyers have an endless amount of knowledge on all things outerwear stemming from years of experience in the outdoor industry in tandem with their countless hours spent outside in all conditions around the world. From hot to cold, snow, rain, wind, and even sunshine, they know what clothing will keep you comfortable. evo's buyers assess all products coming to market, lean into this knowledge, and put together this selection of the best products. They have a unique perspective as they truly see everything offered across the category.
Sarah Ziffer
Growing up in Florida, I missed out on the chance to get involved in snow sports. Tired of the heat, and seeking out the mountains, I moved to Seattle to start a new adventure. A few years after moving to WA I fulfilled my dream of learning to snowboard and immediately fell in love with it. After just one time out on a friend’s board I was hooked. I outfitted myself from head to toe with gear from evo, and got a season pass at Snoqualmie.
I quickly realized that snowboarding inspired me to live a lifestyle centered around the outdoors. I left my job at a fashion company to come and work for evo and become immersed in the culture and experiences that make the snowboarding community so vibrant. I have been at evo since 2017, am currently the women's and kids' techwear buyer, and enjoy learning and experiencing everything this incredible community has to offer.