SmartWool NTS Midweight Bottom - Women's - 2009 BCS

I love every smartwool item I've gotten & these are no exception. The wool is amazingly soft. I ordered small (I'm 5'5"; 120) and they fit just right. I think I read a review that said they were low-rise and good for not coming up too high on your waist. I would disagree and say they are going to show over the waist of most low-rise cuts of jeans. But I really don't care about that and would rather have them stick up and not allow a gap for a cold draft to blow in.

These were out of stock but I managed to snag the last pair in my local shop, which was a size M. I suspect I would prefer a size small, but I'm not quite so convinced to go for the XS which is available online. The waist is about 2" below natural waist with a comfortable fit, just some bagging behind my knees and about 2" more than necessary at the ankles. I'm anxious that they won't shrink in the wash, but will loosen up. I'm 5'4" and 126, so size seems true. I haven't tried running in them yet because I'm still waffling on the size.

I have had these for 3 weeks, and have worn them everyday as a baselayer to walk the dog in our unseasonably cold December in Virginia. No itch, great fit. I am 5'5" and weigh 130 and bought a small. They are pilling some, but I am wearing them under wind pants, so no big deal.Thought I'd try the microweight pair as well, ordered a medium and did not like the material or fit in comparison. I put my finger through them trying the on. They will go back.

The day these stripy long-johns arrived, I wore them as running tights in 28 degree weather. My legs were not too hot; not too cold. Never sweaty. Perfect! The next day, I X-C skied in them, again as tights, with gaiters on. It was 33 degrees. Again, they kept my legs just right, temperature-wise. The day after that was in the low 20s and breezy, so I wore them with wind pants to ski again. Again, perfect. You'd think they be ready for the laundry after all this? Actually, not really. Now that is a versatile, high functioning pair of long underwear! Plus, I think they'd look cute with a skirt and boots. Basically, I want to live in them 24/7.

How could you not love the stripes. A nice weight, not too tight. I plan on running in winter here in the tundra of Wisconsin or perhaps under a skirt. Fit more like tights than leggings or does not bag around the knee.

I love these. Smart wool is the best invention right after the wheel and sliced bread. Your prices are the best. Speedy delivery too! Thanks backcountry.com

Unlike the top these are more true to size. However the piling of the wool drives me mad! I wear them around the house and as a base layer. they are warm and do keep away sweat and moisture. Pretty comfortable, waist band is a bit too tight, but does have a low rise which is a bonus. Downfall is the piling, they dont look like what I paid for them! But it does the job!

I bought this midweight bottom for my wife along with the matching zip neck top. She has stayed toasty warm wearing this as a base layer for skiing or spending anytime outdoors in the cold. She loves the softness and warmth of this piece. I am sure we will be getting more of these in the future. We have bought smartwool socks before and loved them, but never anything else. We are now big fans of smartwool. Fit seems true to size.