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Active Base Layers

Find active base layers to build your layering system from the first layer up. Compare styles, sizing and fit details to choose pieces that work with your other layers, and check individual product descriptions for the features that matter to you.

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Women's Silk Underwear, Scoopneck
L.L.Bean Women's Silk Underwear, Scoopneck
A black silk long-sleeve undershirt offering comfortable warmth without bulk, perfect as a first layer.
(639)
$54.95 $45.99
SALE
What customers like:
Great fit
Lightweight
Warmth
Silky feel
Comfortable
$54.95 $45.99
SALE
Men's Two-Layer Union Suit
L.L.Bean Men's Two-Layer Union Suit
A supersoft red union suit with a wool blend for warmth and flexibility, featuring nonchafing flatlock seams.
(541)
$99.95 $99.95
SALE
What customers like:
Fits well
Well-made
Warmth
Comfortable
Good value
$99.95 $99.95
SALE
Men's Cresta Wool Midweight 250 Crew Top
L.L.Bean Men's Cresta Wool Midweight 250 Crew Top
A midweight merino wool crew top in carbon navy that wicks sweat, resists odor, and keeps you warm.
(489)
$99.95 $99.95
SALE
What customers like:
Perfect fit
Soft and comfortable
Durable fabric
Available in big and tall sizes
Great warmth
$99.95 $99.95
SALE
Men's Silk Underwear, Pants
L.L.Bean Men's Silk Underwear, Pants
A strong, lightweight black silk base layer offering warmth and comfort without added bulk.
(486)
$54.95 $45.99
SALE
What customers like:
Great fit
Quality
Warmth
Comfortable
Versatile for weather
$54.95 $45.99
SALE
Men's Cresta Midweight 250 Pants
L.L.Bean Men's Cresta Midweight 250 Pants
A versatile base layer made of dark black, itch-free merino wool that wicks sweat and resists odor.
(439)
$99.95 $99.95
SALE
What customers like:
Odor-resistant
Great color
Versatile use
Excellent warmth
Comfortable fit
$99.95 $99.95
SALE
Women's Silk Underwear, Turtleneck
L.L.Bean Women's Silk Underwear, Turtleneck
A lightweight, black silk turtleneck providing breathable warmth without bulk, perfect under casual or active outfits.
(424)
$69.95 $58.99
SALE
What customers like:
Soft and warm
Excellent customer service
Thin and comfortable
Great turtleneck fit
Lightweight and warm
$69.95 $58.99
SALE
Men's Silk Underwear, Crewneck
L.L.Bean Men's Silk Underwear, Crewneck
A lightweight black silk crewneck providing strong, comfortable warmth as a perfect base layer.
(410)
$54.95 $45.99
SALE
What customers like:
Durable
Comfortable
Warm
Great for travel
Feels like real silk
$54.95 $45.99
SALE
Women's Cresta Midweight 250 Pants, High-Rise Slim-Leg
L.L.Bean Women's Cresta Midweight 250 Pants, High-Rise Slim-Leg
A high-rise, slim-leg base layer made of 100% merino wool, perfect for versatile warmth and comfort.
(390)
$99.95 $99.95
SALE
What customers like:
Great fit
High-quality fabric
Non-itchy material
Comfortable to wear
Excellent warmth
$99.95 $99.95
SALE
Men's Cresta Midweight 250 Quarter-Zip Top
L.L.Bean Men's Cresta Midweight 250 Quarter-Zip Top
A dark black merino wool quarter-zip top that wicks sweat, resists odor, and keeps you warm.
(375)
$120 $120
SALE
What customers like:
Keeps you warm
Excellent base layer
Comfort
Durability
Versatility
$120 $120
SALE
Women's Cresta Midweight 250 Crew Top
L.L.Bean Women's Cresta Midweight 250 Crew Top
A form-fitting merino wool crew top in carbon navy that wicks sweat, resists odor, and keeps you warm.
(364)
$99.95 $84.99
SALE
What customers like:
Perfect base layer
Breathability
Warmth
Softness
Regulates body temperature
$99.95 $84.99
SALE
Women's Cresta Midweight 250 T-Zip Top
L.L.Bean Women's Cresta Midweight 250 T-Zip Top
A dark black, merino wool T-Zip top that wicks sweat, resists odor, and keeps you warm.
(203)
$120 $120
SALE
What customers like:
Well-made
Warmth
True to size
Versatile
Comfortable
$120 $120
SALE
Men's Cresta Ultralight 150 Crew Top
L.L.Bean Men's Cresta Ultralight 150 Crew Top
An alloy gray, 100% merino wool crew top offering lightweight warmth and comfort with thumbhole cuffs.
(157)
$89.95 $89.95
SALE
What customers like:
Soft material
Warmth
Good fit
Comfortable
Versatility
$89.95 $89.95
SALE
Women's Cresta Ultralight 150 Crew Top
L.L.Bean Women's Cresta Ultralight 150 Crew Top
An alloy gray, form-fitting crew top made of 100% merino wool, perfect as a lightweight base layer.
(147)
$89.95 $89.95
SALE
What customers like:
Not itchy
Lightweight
Warmth
Versatile
Comfortable
$89.95 $89.95
SALE
Men's Cresta Wool Ultralight 150 Pants
L.L.Bean Men's Cresta Wool Ultralight 150 Pants
An ultralight base layer made of 100% merino wool, offering warmth and odor resistance in alloy gray.
(142)
$89.95 $89.95
SALE
What customers like:
Stylish design
Lightweight feel
Durable material
Warm without bulk
Comfortable fit
$89.95 $89.95
SALE
Women's Cresta Ultralight 150 Pants, High-Rise Slim-Leg
L.L.Bean Women's Cresta Ultralight 150 Pants, High-Rise Slim-Leg
A high-rise, slim-leg base layer made of 100% merino wool, providing warmth and comfort in alloy gray.
(119)
$89.95 $89.95
SALE
$89.95 $89.95
SALE
Women's L.L.Bean Simple Soft Base Layer, Pants
L.L.Bean Women's L.L.Bean Simple Soft Base Layer, Pants
A lightweight, moisture-wicking base layer pant in Sea Salt, made from 94% polyester and 6% spandex.
(116)
$54.95 $54.95
SALE
What customers like:
Adds extra warmth
Lightweight
Softness
Good fit
Comfortable
$54.95 $54.95
SALE
Women's Cresta Wool Ultralight 150 Base Layer, Hoodie
L.L.Bean Women's Cresta Wool Ultralight 150 Base Layer, Hoodie
An ultralight, form-fitting Merino wool hoodie that wicks moisture, resists odors, and features thumbhole cuffs.
(103)
$99.95 $84.99
SALE
What customers like:
High-quality material
Perfect fit
Easy to care for
Lightweight design
Great color combination
$99.95 $84.99
SALE
Men's L.L.Bean Simple Soft Base Layer, Pants
L.L.Bean Men's L.L.Bean Simple Soft Base Layer, Pants
A lightweight, moisture-wicking base layer pant in dark black heather, made from a polyester-spandex blend.
(86)
$54.95 $54.95
SALE
What customers like:
Ideal for layering
Provides warmth
Lightweight feel
$54.95 $54.95
SALE
Men's Cresta Wool Ultralight 150 Base Layer, Hoodie
L.L.Bean Men's Cresta Wool Ultralight 150 Base Layer, Hoodie
A form-fitting gray hoodie made of 100% Merino wool, perfect for warmth and moisture-wicking comfort.
(86)
$99.95 $99.95
SALE
What customers like:
Warm and substantial
Soft and comfortable
Ideal for winter sports
Good fit
Fashionable design
$99.95 $99.95
SALE
Women's Cresta Ultralight 150 Crew Top, Stripe
L.L.Bean Women's Cresta Ultralight 150 Crew Top, Stripe
An itch-free 100% merino wool base layer in ocean waves and storm teal, perfect for cold-weather sports.
(67)
$89.95 $75.99
SALE
What customers like:
Ideal as long underwear
Provides excellent warmth
Soft merino wool material
$89.95 $75.99
SALE
Men's Cresta Wool Ultralight 150 Turtleneck
L.L.Bean Men's Cresta Wool Ultralight 150 Turtleneck
An alloy gray, 100% merino wool turtleneck that wicks moisture, resists odors, and features thumbhole cuffs.
(0)
$99.95 $84.99
SALE
$99.95 $84.99
SALE
Men's Mountainside Micro Waffle, 1/4 Zip
L.L.Bean Men's Mountainside Micro Waffle, 1/4 Zip
A blue quarter-zip pullover made from a durable, quick-drying recycled polyester blend with moisture-wicking waffle fabric.
(0)
$79.95 $67.99
SALE
$79.95 $67.99
SALE
Men's Cresta Ultralight 150 Turtleneck, Stripe
L.L.Bean Men's Cresta Ultralight 150 Turtleneck, Stripe
A lightweight, itch-free 100% merino wool turtleneck in regatta blue, perfect as a base layer for winter sports.
(0)
$99.95 $84.99
SALE
$99.95 $84.99
SALE
Women's Access Trail Pullover, Long-Sleeve Quarter-Zip Print
L.L.Bean Women's Access Trail Pullover, Long-Sleeve Quarter-Zip Print
A lightweight blue pullover with UPF 50+ protection, made from recycled polyester and spandex.
(0)
$54.95 $26.99
SALE
$54.95 $26.99
SALE

Active Base Layers

Active Base Layers are a starting point for an active wardrobe, and choosing them can be as personal as choosing a favorite pair of jeans. Begin with the styles you already like to wear: a familiar neckline, a preferred sleeve length, or a top-and-bottom combination that feels like you. Think about how each piece will fit into your existing wardrobe rather than choosing a whole new outfit around it. If you tend to reach for simple, understated clothing, consider colors that work with the pieces you own. If you enjoy a little variety, different shades can give otherwise similar outfits a distinct look. There’s no need for every piece to match. A thoughtfully chosen assortment can reflect your own style while keeping the emphasis on what matters most: making time to get outside, whether that means meeting a friend at the door or bringing the whole family along.

Fit deserves a closer look when comparing active base layers. Start with your current measurements and the size chart for each item, rather than assuming your usual size will be the right choice across every style. Read the fit description, too, paying attention to how the cut is described and whether that matches your preferences. For tops, consider sleeve and body length alongside chest measurements; for bottoms, look closely at the waist and inseam information where available. If you’re between sizes, follow the item’s sizing recommendations rather than automatically sizing up or down. The details can help distinguish two pieces that look much alike in a photograph. Care instructions are also worth checking before you choose, particularly if you prefer to keep your laundry routine straightforward. The goal is to find pieces that suit your preferences, not to change those preferences to suit a piece of clothing.

Active Base Layers can also make a thoughtful gift for someone who enjoys choosing their next outing as much as planning time with friends and family. Take your cues from what they already wear: the colors they return to, the cuts they favor, and whether they like coordinated sets or a more individual mix. Knowing their size is helpful, but knowing their style makes the choice more personal. A carefully selected piece can be a welcome addition without requiring you to put together an entire wardrobe. When shopping for yourself, take the same considered approach. Look through what you already own, notice what you reach for most often, and choose something that fills a genuine gap. Building an assortment a few well-chosen pieces at a time leaves room for your own habits, tastes, and plans.

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