I like to wear Underarmour "compression" tops and bottoms as baselayer. I know they're not medical compression (hence the quotes), but I like the feeling. I have two merino shirts now, and I like them for merino's touted properties, but they aren't tight enough for my taste. Both are slim fit, but the material itself is just too stretchy.

Are there brands out there that fit more like Underarmour? Wool/poly/spandex blend maybe? Or maybe buying a size too small would work? I imagine that would cause quicker wear, though.

I've had success with slim-fitting Icebreaker 150 for compression-style merino baselayers. Some of the styles are Lycra enhanced.

http://www.icebreaker.com/site/icebreaker_man_beast150_anatomica_ss_anatomica_crewe.html

Edited by evanrussia on 03/14/2011 10:52:26 MDT.

I wish the boxers had a longer inseam, but whattaya gonna do.

I've been wondering if there are any nice wool/spandex/poly or wool/spandex/nylon blends around for a similar reason. I don't know about a compression fit, but I do like base layers to be snug. The XXL merino I've had has all gotten too big with the stretching that comes in normal use, so I've started buying XL. Either way, I'd prefer that a top fit well and didn't get baggy after a few months.

Yes, this is a problem too. Have you tried the dryer? I lay mine flat to dry. I'm afraid the dryer might ruin them. But maybe it would shrink an item just enough...

The dryer can work, but you have to be careful and babysit it. Usually. I've seen a Smartwool top in XXL shrink to M/L... But my wife has also put my Red Ram top in the dryer with no ill effects. I usually line dry because our dryer does high heat and nothing else, not worth the risk. :)