WoolX Explorer Base Layer Merino Shirt Review
How was the brand grown since the early days of merino clothing? Should you consider this base layer for your travel layering needs?
WoolX Explorer Base Layer Review Introduction
WoolX - I’m pretty sure you’ve heard of them. From the looks of things, they’ve definitely come a long way as a brand since I first came across them in 2018 or so. More polished. Back then, merino clothing and applying it specifically to travel was new. And if I’m being honest, it was a real mixed bag. Mostly because of the pattern cutting and weird fits that brands used. They were all over sized in floppy but not in, like, a trendy oversized Japanese way. Nothing like that. In my experience back then, WoolX was no exception. No shade, those brands just hadn’t really figured things out yet.
With a brand becoming more polished, you typically get more refined products as well. Better fits. Better construction. Maybe nicer next-to-skin feel. Better sourcing and thread quality. Etc. Enter the WoolX Explorer Base layer long sleeve merino t-shirt. A mid-weight merino tee that is designed as you guessed it - a base layer to wear during the cold months of living or travel. And boy did I ever get to test it out in some cold weather.
This is my review of the WoolX Explorer Base layer Merino Tee (Long sleeve). Initially I was going to test it out later in the year for a trip to Peru but well, winter came in like a lion this year in the US North East, and we’re getting hit with regular -10C days in NYC. Just brutal stuff. So I started wearing it around my home while working from home, as well as when I got out to layer up. I also used it to travel to and from the airport while (thankfully, VERY thankfully) taking a trip to the Caribbean to actually escape. Twice to the airport, unfortunately. (Thanks Great Dallas-To-NY Snow Storm of 2025).
As always for full transparency - This article is 100% HUMAN written. I asked if I could have a couple of their merino long sleeve tees to review (and have comparison points between the two options) and WoolX was kind enough to send me a pair to try. That said, this is not a sponsored OR paid article and WoolX had no input into the content. I do use affiliate links to support the site, but this comes at no cost to you if you choose to use them. Thank you for stopping by!
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Explorer Base Layer Overview and Features
Macro of the fabric.
WoolX as a brand has grown into a leader in the space for sure. Many (and they themselves, obviously) would argue they are a leader in merino clothing. That’s hard to define, but they are definitely a top, top player in the space.
As a brand, they typically focus on two main things as their unique value prop: the softness of their wool, and the machine-readiness of their products. While there are exceptions, they want to design their products to be machine washable. This is a bit of a white whale for a lot of merino shirts so that’s a great goal.
The other thing to mention I think is that the brand is focused on using certified non-mulesed wool. For those not in the wool industry (raises hand) that means ethically sourced and humanely treated sheep. Hard to argue with that goal.
They are definitely now a full range brand. Hoodies. Underwear. Mid-weights. Base layers. Polos. Accessories. The works. You want merino, they generally have it.
Today we’re focusing on the Explorer base layer long sleeve tee and as noted this shirt comes with all the merino wool specs built in:
-Midweight 230 g/m2 (which is a bit heavier, designed for colder temps of course)
-100% Ethically sourced merino
-Machine washable
-Merino properties like anti-bacterial to help stave off odor as well as merino’s temp regulating qualities.
-Designed to be soft on skin
While it does look like they might be clearing out some colors as of the writing of this article in Feb 2026, it currently comes in black, bourbon oak, and winter moss. I have the winter moss version. Typical price is $140.00 USD but the current sale items are $98 USD as of Feb 2026.
The Fit of the Explorer Base Layer Merino Shirt
The fit on the Explorer Base Layer tee is definitely a slim fit. That said, that’s by design. Some folks will of course be fine wearing that on its own, but this no-kids-still-dad-bod rocking 45 year old kept it to mostly a layering piece. That said at home, I def just wore this and was frankly super comfortable.
So, expect it to be form fitting but NOT compression. It’s got good give and movement even though it’s slim/form fitting. I think it’s important to note that base layers SHOULD be form fitting. That’s why they are base layers so you can put the looser stuff on top. So keep that in mind as you’re planning how you want to be kitted out in your system.
Here are a couple shots of how it looks on me. I am 5’6 for reference, about 140lbs after the holidays. The Explorer is a size Men’s Small. One shot as I’d wear it while tucked in, and one I just tossed it on to show what that looked like.
The Good
No surprise here, the quality of the product is top notch. It’s certainly priced as such, but it delivers. The company itself also stands behind their mission of doing everything they can the right way in terms of manufacturing. I’d say the seams are nice and tight, things like the cuffs and collar are clean, etc. The weight and stretch also feels really good.
It’s not just marketing from what I can see - the next to skin softness on here is really great. The product truly does feel nice and soft. I’m not selling unicorns here - here and there I can still tell it’s merino. But, they do a fantastic job getting rid of MOST of that. This is one thousand percent a personal preference category - but I’d put it near the top of what you’re gonna find. I own Western Rise StrongCore, Aviator, etc. This rivals StrongCore and that’s worth noting because StrongCore is a blend with nylon. Again, completely anecdotal, but that’s what I got.
Love that most of their stuff is designed to be machine washable. Now that doesn’t mean you can go putting on the “whites” setting and blast the crap out of it with nails and tacks in there and whatever else comes out of your pockets like some muppet and expect it to come out roses. We all have personal responsibility here people, lol. So wash it on gentle, maybe use a bag if you have it, and dry on low heat. I personally have not dried it, as I typically air dry all my performance gear anyway, so it wasn’t a bother for me to hang to dry. But I like that this is an option.
Fit and feel was a success for me. I liked the form fitting yes not tight FEELING nature of it. Worked very well as my base layer with zip ups, denim shirts, sweatshirts, etc.
Now to throw you a bone, since there’s not much to photograph with a base layer - here’s some proof I left the cold! But as noted, it served me well when I left the house. Especially when we tried to beat the weather by heading to an airport hotel near JFK right in the middle of the 18 inches of snow the night before our trip. Yeah, the flight was still canceled the next day. Womp. We had to, last minute, book an entirely new trip for a week after. In order: Zemi Beach Resort, SALT at Four Seasons for dinner, Conch Salad).
The Bad
Not TOO much for me to really highlight here but I’ll try because these things might matter to you, the reader.
You pay for what you get, if that makes sense. It’s certainly not a cheap product. But really - I’m not sure you want this kind to be. For high quality merino, using actual certified production processes for humaneness, and not being a company the size of Patagonia, well that adds to the cost. Now with that said I think it’s fair for what the product is. I don’t see you finding a $65 or less option of this quality OR humane production qualities.
The merino-ness of it. Slightly tongue in cheek but hear me out. Some folks just cannot stand the feel of wool. The slightest itch or scratch and they are OUT. Fair play. Don’t force it if it’s not your thing. The other side of this is that some people are allergic to lanolin, which is the natural oil that gives merino its super power so it can also be some humans’ kryptonite. Again if that’s you - no harm done but this won’t be your product.
Sleeves are a LITTLE long for my liking on a small - so might be something to them to consider. I was OK with the hem length because I wear a base layer tucked in.
Final Thoughts On My WoolX Explorer Base Layer Merino Review
So there we go, the full review treatment for the Explorer Base Layer longsleeve from WoolX. I hadn’t reviewed a merino shirt in a while, so it was good to check out what’s current.
It’s no surprise, but merino is still the best pure performance fabric for travel. Now, that doesn’t mean it’s the best fabric for you personally. Remember that. Some folks don’t like the feel. Some folks are allergic to lanolin. People have their reasons. But for temperature regulation, versatility, and anti-odor - I’ve not found a better option on paper.
WoolX specifically is doing their best to make theirs the right way. They take part in multiple certifications to keep the manufacturing humane for the sheep. They also focus on the quality of the output to ensure that it’s as soft as they can make it. That’s going to be the biggest factor for most people I think.
Being able to wash in the machine as well, is quite the feature. Now, use your head. Old, rough machines can still cause issues so maybe use a laundry bag. Don’t wash on hot with high heat dry and get upset if it comes out looking like a t-shirt for 8 year old you. That’s not the brand’s fault.
I can also say that the quality of the shirt itself in construction and details has really come a long way since the early days of this vertical. That’s a really good thing to see and it’s worth calling that out for the WoolX. Good stuff here.
Merino these days is a plentiful option in the market. I can’t sit here in good faith and say “YOU HAVE TO BUY XYZ PRODUCT”. That’s always for you to decide. What I can say, is with all things considered and with my personal experience, WoolX has made a really nice shirt that performs its designated job very well and it really did help me improve my comfort as a base layer on some outrageously cold NYC days, as well as just wearing around the house and not needing to wear giant sweatshirts all the time. The down side to quality merino is of course a higher price point for entry per piece and well, but you get what you pay for many times. One way to think about it is this: Do you want to have to buy 3 shirts to match the amount of wears of this 1?So, consider this as one for your must-look to check out if you’re in the market. Later this year, we’ll be testing their non-base layer version on a trip to Peru, so be sure to get on our mailing list to know when that comes out in H2.
Buying direct is best, so head on over and check them out and see if they are right for you.
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