Carhartt Base Force Midweight Crew Review

Featuring a soft hand and a waffle knit to trap in warm air, the Carhartt Base Force Midweight Crew is comfortable next to skin and gives the wearer a bump in heat without feeling stuffy. Quality sewn flatlock seams keep everything together, with a paneled design that prevents tight spots. I have broad shoulders, and it fits well. Washing and drying is also a no-brainer: just stick it with the rest of your cotton clothes. It looks good even as a standalone piece and is a great choice for more casual outings.

Performance Comparison

Warmth

Out of all the metrics we tested the Carhartt Base Force Midweight Crew on, warmth was one of its weaker attributes. However, for a lighter-weight top, this isn't a big surprise. This likely isn't the top I would grab for a multi-day February ski tour, a frosty moonlight hike, or even to shovel the driveway after a dumping of snow, I wouldn't think twice before grabbing it for normal everyday tasks where a little extra warmth is needed. The Carhartt Base Force is perfect for wearing on crisp morning walks or for throwing on if it gets cloudy on a lunch break taken outside. I toss it in my pack just in case it gets a little chilly on my bike ride home. It's saved me more than a few times.

Our exercise test in a controlled environment left me warmer than when I started, but still comfortable without any buildup of sweat. My skin temperature got back to baseline pretty quickly, leading me feeling like that warmth isn't retained for too long before it's lost. This suggests that this would be a good top to wear during active pursuits, rather than sitting in one place. I found this top a good choice to supplement on after-work runs to keep warm after the sun goes down, but still stay relatively sweat-free.

Breathability

Usually, lighter weight base layees breathe better, which is is the case for the Carhartt Base Force Midweight Crew. When working out in controlled conditions, I didn't feel saturated with sweat during or after my workout period.

Our lab test revealed that air moved through the Carhartt Base Force Midweight Crew with ease, giving us higher numbers than most when testing with our portable air flow meter. One caveat is that cotton doesn't breathe (or insulate) well when wet, and this shirt is a 65% cotton, 35% polyester blend — something to consider when thinking of overall breathability performance.

Comfort and Fit

I found the Carhartt Base Force Midweight Crew looser than some base layers, but certainly not baggy. I have somewhat large shoulders and still found it a comfortable fit. The ligher weight fabric easily stretches to match body dimensions, rather than fighting it.

Flatlock seams are found throughout, preventing annoying chafing at crucial areas, like in the armpits. Likewise, the neck collar, sleeve ends, and waist were well-proportioned without any questionable pattern decisions.

In fact, the Base Force Midweight Crew's pattern seems to have been carefully designed to keep seams out of the way of problem areas. The shoulder seam has been split into two, allowing a full panel to contact any backpack straps you've loaded onto them. Likewise a panel is found on the sides of the shirt, providing a more three dimensional shape. These details could really benefit more husky and muscular folks who find many other tops too fitted or restrictive. I'll even wear it to sleep in; the soft and stretchy fabric feels comfortable without feeling too tight under my arms.

Durability

Good fabric stretch, excellent stitching, and a clever shirt patterning all conspire to make the Carhartt Base Force Midweight Crew very durable for the weight of its fabric. Polyester and cotton are both seen as far more durable than 100% Merino wool, and this top makes a good choice for everyday use or when working outdoors. The lack of features like zippers or pockets means fewer things to rip, tear, or break. Being dryer-safe and resistant to shrinking means you won't have to baby the top, and a top that's easy to maintain may just mean you'll also grab it out of your dresser more often.

The lighter weight fabric of the Base Force (compared to other base layers in our lineup) limits the overall durability score, as heavier synthetic base layers are just going to be more durable. This layer offers admirable durability for its weight. We noticed no manufacturer's defects, failing seams, or premature rips in the fabric itself during testing.

Drying Speed

Drying Speed was one of the strongest properties of the Carhartt Base Force Midweight Crew. For a cotton blend, it dried relatively quickly on the line. If you see yourself hanging out around a campfire in a backyard during a wintertime gathering and want to be comfortably dry and warm, this may be your top.

The lighter weight and breathable fabric doesn't readily entrap extra moisture, and the cotton/polyster blend is at least partially hydrophobic. The lack of accessories like pockets and a hood means there are fewer bulky areas for moisture to dry off of. Line drying is not required and the manufacturer states that tumble drying on low is fine. I throw this in the dryer with the rest of my cottons. Because it's so easy to clean — especially when compared to my wools — I find myself wearing the Base Force Midweight Crew more often.

Layering Ability

The soft fabric utilized in the Carhartt Base Force Midweight Crew not only feels good close to skin, it also easily slides over other tops you may decide layer over. This was a nice surprise, as classic waffle patterns like this can sometimes catch. The fabric's appearance doesn't have to be hidden in the depths of your layering system either. In casual settings or on the job, wearing this looser fitting top alone wouldn't look out of place.

Minimal thumb loops are present on the ends of the sleeves, keeping them from riding up your forearms when underneath other layers. A longer back, or drop tail, is present to help keep your own lower back covered when you bend down to tie shoes or pet good dogs.

Should You Buy the Carhartt Base Force Midweight Crew?

The Carhartt Base Force Midweight Crew is a great choice for a no-nonsense, lightweight and durable enough base layer top. It doesn't need any special washing or care. Because of its excellent breathability, it's a perfect top to use outside in cool conditions or inside if you naturally run cold or just want a little more warmth to feel extra comfortable. The cotton/poly blend feels extra soft on your skin compared to straight polyester. For those who are sensitive to wool, this top won't itch. Of the cotton blend tops in our lineup, this is one of the best.

What Other Base Layers Should You Consider?