Comfortable, soft, looks great...I love these shirts!
I initially just bought one of these to use as a mild weather layer when I go camping in the hills of Kentucky in the fall. I haven't treated that initial shirt lightly when wearing but I do follow the care instructions for cleaning. It has remained a phenomenal base layer! I even like the comfort and look of these so much, I am slowly adding more colors to my collection as every day wear. I did write this review with 100 percent honesty even though I will be entering the sweepstakes! #sweepstakes... Show more
Steve
originally posted on smartwool.com
I live in this shirt
I have this shirt in multiple colors and wear it over a Prana cotton T-shirt in the Fall, Winter and Spring. They did change the fit slightly--it looks better in the shoulders but the arms are slightly shorter. I wash mine in warm water and then hang dry (I pull a little on the arms to get the length back which has worked fine for me over the last 5+ years.PLEASE BRING BACK THE NAVY COLOR! I need to replace the one I currently have--it developed holes in the elbows (which is the only place this shirt seems to break down for me). I can appreciate new colors and that you still offer black and gray, it would be nice if navy blue was part of the conservative staple and it would still give those who are not so bold consistent color options.Also, PLEASE BRING BACK THE ... MoreI have this shirt in multiple colors and wear it over a Prana cotton T-shirt in the Fall, Winter and Spring. They did change the fit slightly--it looks better in the shoulders but the arms are slightly shorter. I wash mine in warm water and then hang dry (I pull a little on the arms to get the length back which has worked fine for me over the last 5+ years.PLEASE BRING BACK THE NAVY COLOR! I need to replace the one I currently have--it developed holes in the elbows (which is the only place this shirt seems to break down for me). I can appreciate new colors and that you still offer black and gray, it would be nice if navy blue was part of the conservative staple and it would still give those who are not so bold consistent color options.Also, PLEASE BRING BACK THE HUDSON SWEATER IN THE ORIGINAL FABRIC. I will layer this over the Thermal Long-Sleeve. The second generation Hudson is made from a different material that (I believe is more eco-friendly) is warmer but not as comfortable. It would be a unfortunate to decide to discontinue such a great sweater because the new material was not well received.I only wear Smartwool socks, even the everyday dress socks for the office.Wool is an amazing natural material: insulates when wet, order-free after days of backpacking, and helps regulate temperature across a broad range of temperatures.I'm always searching to dial in my gear, clothes, etc. and this product is one I have not upgraded, hence, the shirt I wore today with holes in the elbows. It attracts comments from my friends but I don't care. Please bring back the navy blue color!... Show more
Todd
originally posted on smartwool.com
I've Worn Every Brand, This Is The Best
I'm a Canadian mailman living and working in the middle of the prairies, where the winter can be truly brutal. I am about to begin my seventeenth winter, proudly serving the people of my community.Winter generally lasts from early November to mid-March. Temperatures remain below freezing at all times, even during the daytime. January and February are the coldest months, with low temperatures often dropping below -30°C (-22°F) and high temperatures not rising above -10°C (14°F).Every item of clothing you put on must be justified. When you are balancing performance, durability, weight, product care, and value there is no room for anything but the best. And the only way to know is to buy and try. I am not a "brand" guy. Brands come and go. Amazing products come and ... MoreI'm a Canadian mailman living and working in the middle of the prairies, where the winter can be truly brutal. I am about to begin my seventeenth winter, proudly serving the people of my community.Winter generally lasts from early November to mid-March. Temperatures remain below freezing at all times, even during the daytime. January and February are the coldest months, with low temperatures often dropping below -30°C (-22°F) and high temperatures not rising above -10°C (14°F).Every item of clothing you put on must be justified. When you are balancing performance, durability, weight, product care, and value there is no room for anything but the best. And the only way to know is to buy and try. I am not a "brand" guy. Brands come and go. Amazing products come and go. But sometimes you find a brand that impresses you so much that it seems too good to be true.I've worn just about every base layer from every big name in outdoor clothing; thousands of dollars over the years. I'm happy to report that -- with a few appalling disappointments aside -- you mostly get what you pay for and there are still many people in many companies who are genuine outdoorspeople, sincere in their passion to create excellent products.Like many of you I came to Smartwool for the socks. Neither of us has the time for me to tell you about how impressed I am by Smartwool's socks. But that's kinda their main thing, so we should not be too surprised. I digress. Having won me over with their socks, I tried this classic 250 weight merino wool base layer.When I opened the package and felt the fabric of this product I was immediately impressed. There's a lush, silky suppleness to a high quality merino wool and I'd never felt anything like this Smartwool base layer outside of a high-quality cashmere. I wore it that day in the middle of another fierce winter and then annoyed my wife when I got home as I was unable to shut up about how impressed I was. That positive impression only grew, and one by one the other dozen or so base layers I had been rotating faded out. Now there is only Smartwool.Full disclosure: I'm sorry to say I abuse my Smartwool base layers and socks terribly. I come home, strip down and throw everything into the hottest wash cycle possible. I use regular detergents that are not in any way ideal for wool. This garment care abuse if the final hurdle for any piece of clothing I try, and many otherwise excellent products aren't able to clear it.Somehow, Smartwool prevails once again. I wear them hard, wash and dry them hard, repeat through eight months of sub-zero, and they just don't disappoint.... Show more
MailMonk
originally posted on smartwool.ca
Just a great thermal top that also happens to look great.
For my size the fit is perfect. I'm 6' at about 175 lbs. I'm in good shape but certainly not obsessed with working out.This shirt is great looking so you can wear it just about anywhere and of course while camping or any outdoor activities. It has a great stretch to the material and it's warm enough by itself for any chilly fall night. Simple to layer under clothing as well when the need arises.... Show more
Andrew
originally posted on smartwool.com
No Substitute for Winter Hiling/Camping!
Merino is THE stuff for active comfort in the cold. The key is staying dry between rain, snow, and sweat...it's challenging. 100% (95 and 88 also good) merino helps to achieve this goal. It's warm when you need it to be and water (all types) evaporates quickly to keep you from getting chilled from damp clothing. It's got to be part of a system though, and you have to use that system properly or you will get damp and cold. We just came back from five nights in our tent @ an avg. of 26F at night. After hiking all day in these and then, putting on fresh Smartwool tops and bottoms we were warm all night (we could have stayed in the same set if we had to). Medium weight is probably fine for most applications, but do be sure you've got the right system for the conditions. ... MoreMerino is THE stuff for active comfort in the cold. The key is staying dry between rain, snow, and sweat...it's challenging. 100% (95 and 88 also good) merino helps to achieve this goal. It's warm when you need it to be and water (all types) evaporates quickly to keep you from getting chilled from damp clothing. It's got to be part of a system though, and you have to use that system properly or you will get damp and cold. We just came back from five nights in our tent @ an avg. of 26F at night. After hiking all day in these and then, putting on fresh Smartwool tops and bottoms we were warm all night (we could have stayed in the same set if we had to). Medium weight is probably fine for most applications, but do be sure you've got the right system for the conditions. In summer and spring it's less critical, but in winter (THE best time IMO)...having the wrong gear can make for a miserable experience...and a dangerous one. Smartwool has the added benefit of being able to go in the dryer at home...not all merino products can. That's my take.... Show more
Jbear
originally posted on moosejaw.com
Poor quality
Holes in less than 2 months. Purchased this around Christmas time. Very soft and comfortable. Worse it in doors to lounge around and a few times as a base lawyer when hiking. Worked well. Washed and dried as the label recommends, actually washed such that it was separated from the rougher clothing. However, in less than 2 months, hole showing up. First set, I felt was due to the belt buck. However, after the last wash, exact same holes on the opposite side. Can't figure out why and how that happened. But also do holes on the sleeve. This is a very expensive shirt. 2months of use.Reading other reviews, it appears the quality of smartwool products is questionable.... Show more
PRP
originally posted on REI
Same name but huge drop in quality
I bought this exact shirt in 2020 and have washed/worn it for years. It’s my favorites travel item hands down! I got THIS 2023 replacement just in case the original ever failed me. Uh, what failed me is this new item which is absolutely awful. It’s cheap and thin, has far less stitching, fits oddly, and when washed looks like a rumbled sweater with pilling all over it. The original product was amazing, but clearly this company has cut corners in quality, yet conveniently still charges the same price for a subpar garment. Avoid at all costs.... Show more
goodlife11
originally posted on REI
Smartwool Thermal Crews Never Disappoint!
I don't even know how many Smartwool crews I have bought over the years, but it's at least 10. They hold up to wash and wear really well. They hold their shape and you would think they would wear thin in places that get consistent rubbing or contact from movement, but they don't. I wear them as a top layer during the cooler/colder months all of time. Love 'em. The only watch out is wearing them untucked over a belt with an old style buckle. If you lean on the buckle and rub the fabric enough you will develop pin holes in that area. There are so many cool belts today that have eliminated those old buckles that I hardly wear them any longer for that reason. Can't go wrong with Smartwool. Enjoy!... Show more
Doug F
originally posted on REI
The Foundation to Warmth
The Smartwool Base Layer has become an absolute lifesaver for my winter lifestyle. Let me tell you, this isn’t the old, scratchy wool my grandma used to buy me from the army supply store. This Merino wool is on a whole different level, it’s soft, comfortable, and feels great even after hours of wear.I’ve taken this base layer on some seriously cold hikes, and it’s been a game-changer. The wicking material works wonders, pulling the sweat away from my skin so I never felt that dreaded chill after working up a sweat. The breathability is fantastic; I didn’t end up feeling clammy or damp, even when my heart was pumping hard on those uphill climbs.The fit is also spot-on. It’s slim enough to layer easily without adding bulk, and I love how it moves with me, no ... MoreThe Smartwool Base Layer has become an absolute lifesaver for my winter lifestyle. Let me tell you, this isn’t the old, scratchy wool my grandma used to buy me from the army supply store. This Merino wool is on a whole different level, it’s soft, comfortable, and feels great even after hours of wear.I’ve taken this base layer on some seriously cold hikes, and it’s been a game-changer. The wicking material works wonders, pulling the sweat away from my skin so I never felt that dreaded chill after working up a sweat. The breathability is fantastic; I didn’t end up feeling clammy or damp, even when my heart was pumping hard on those uphill climbs.The fit is also spot-on. It’s slim enough to layer easily without adding bulk, and I love how it moves with me, no bunching, no restrictions, just pure comfort. The ventilation means I don’t overheat, and the construction really feels like it’s made for every adventure.If you're someone who loves getting into the wild, even when winter is in full force, this base layer is a must-have. It keeps me confident and comfortable for anything that comes my way.... Show more
Shay
originally posted on scheels.com
Toasty in the cold but breathe well
I love these shirts. I wear them almost every day from late October to early May for my early morning runs. They keep me toasty in the cold but breathe well and are not suffocating even in slightly higher temperatures. The antibacterial properties of merino wool amazed me. These shirts just won't get stinky. I like to wash them, and eventually, they need replacing. That's why I keep an eye out for sales and take advantage when the prices drop, as they did this time. I am such a huge fan!... Show more
Richard
originally posted on smartwool.com