best travel long sleeve shirt

12 Best Travel Shirts for Men & Women

These 12 travel shirts aren’t going to stink up or wear down on you. They’ll last you through a hot day of taco hunting in Mexico City or a wet day trekking in the mountains of Nepal.

Shirts. Just how do you wade into the tsunami of options to pick out the absolute best travel shirts on the market?

Do you look for brand popularity? Couldn’t hurt. What about quality materials? Most definitely. How about intended uses? Certainly.

In fact, you should look at all these points and more. But don’t worry, I’ve done the nitty-gritty research for you. And I’ve emerged with the best travel shirts for both men and women.

All you have to do is sit back and absorb everything you need to know before purchasing travel clothes for your next adventure.

The backbone of any travel clothing ensemble is undoubtedly the T-shirt.

Low-key, low-maintenance and low-profile, the T-shirt is perfect for transiting busy airports, stepping out of the hotel to poke around a new city or just squeezing in a workout. The trick, however, is finding a T-shirt that can accomplish all of this, and not stink or look like a cow’s been chewing on it.

I’ve, therefore, picked out several of the best t-shirts for travel to cover everything from comfort to near indestructibility.

• Best Travel T-Shirt Overall: Ably's Bradley and Daffodil
• Most Versatile Travel Shirt: Bluffworks Threshold
• Best Merino Travel T-Shirt: Ibex Merino Tencel Short Sleeve Tee
• Best Travel T-Shirt for Hiking: Patagonia Capilene Cool Trail Shirt
• Best Travel T-Shirt for Women: Eddie Bauer Favorite V-Neck
• Best Long Sleeve Travel Shirt: Unbound Merino Wool Long Sleeve Crew Neck
• Best Long-Sleeved Travel Shirt for Women: Icebreaker Zone Base Layer
• Best Travel Button Down Shirt: Bluffworks Meridian 2.0
• Best Travel Henley: Olivers Convoy Henley
• Best Travel Polo Shirt: Icebreaker Merino Tech Lite II Short Sleeve Polo Shirt
• Best Travel Hoodie: Unbound Merino Compact Travel Hoodie
• Best Travel Tank Top: Icebreaker Merino 125 Cool-Lite Speed Tank Top

Best Travel T-Shirt Overall

Ably's bradley and daffodil.

• Filium coating
• Cotton, but liquid-repellent
• Odor-resistant
• Quick-dry T-shirt

Most Versatile Travel Shirt

Bluffworks threshold.

• UPF 50 protection
• Wrinkle-resistant
• Gold and silver nanoparticle embedded material for odor-resistance
• Machine-washable
• Moisture-wicking

Best Merino Travel T-Shirt

Ibex merino tencel short sleeve tee.

• Very durable merino blend with nylon
• Temperature-regulating
• Anti-microbial

Best Travel T-Shirt for Hiking

Patagonia capilene cool trail shirt.

• Made completely from recycled materials
• Lots of odor control
• More affordable than most
• Great for everything from hiking to city travel

Best Travel T-Shirt for Women

Eddie bauer favorite v-neck.

• Budget-friendly T-shirt
• Minimal piling

Best Long Sleeve Travel Shirt

Unbound merino wool long sleeve crew neck.

• Wrinkle-free
• Odor resistant
• Merino wool material
• Moisture wicking

Best Long-Sleeved Travel Shirt for Women

Icebreaker zone base layer.

• Thumbholes for added comfort
• Very durable

Best Travel Button Down Shirt

Bluffworks meridian 2.0.

• Classic or slim fit options
• Machine washable

Best Travel Henley

Olivers convoy henley.

• Water-resistant

Best Travel Polo Shirt

Icebreaker merino tech lite ii short sleeve polo shirt.

Best Travel Hoodie

Unbound merino compact travel hoodie.

Best Travel Tank Top

Icebreaker merino 125 cool-lite speed tank top.

• Merino-Tencel blend for excellent durability

Ably's Bradley and Daffodil : Best Travel T-Shirt Overall

The Filium shirt treatment employed by Ably easily makes their product earn the title of one of the best travel shirts on the market. Liquid-repellent and quick-drying, these cotton shirts are absolutely perfect for wearing on back-to-back-to-back days and still looking fresh.

And, as an added bonus: Ably produces this almost odor-free T-shirt in both men’s ( the Bradley ) and women’s ( the Daffodil ). Just be aware that this T-shirt for travel comes at a price. And it’s also susceptible to shrinkage (remember it’s still a cotton shirt!).

• Pros & Cons
• Technical Specs
• Odor-resistant, so you can wear for long periods of time
• Quick-drying
• Susceptible to shrinkage if dried too long
• Moderately expensive

Bluffworks Threshold : Most Versatile Travel Shirt

Instead of relying on a material’s natural anti-microbial properties, such as merino, or secondary treatments for odor control, Bluffworks adopts the unique approach of embedded gold and silver nanoparticles. Recall that Bluffworks is always pushing for the very best in durability and style, and that’s exactly what they deliver here.

These gold and silver particles keep bacteria and odors at bay with ease. And they keep the Bluffworks Threshold smelling great after traveling, sleeping and also even exercising. Add UPF 50 protection and wrinkle-resistance, and you have what can definitely be one of the best travel T-shirts for both men and women . It’s certainly one to add to your packing list.

Remember, however, that these features come with a price tag, making this shirt fairly expensive, compared to an ordinary T-shirt.

• UPF 50+ sun protection
• Expensive compared to a regular cotton tee

Ibex Merino Tencel Short Sleeve Tee : Best Merino Travel T-Shirt

If sweaters, hoodies and long sleeves can all benefit from merino, then why can’t T-shirts? At least that’s what Ibex thought when they produced the Merino Tencel Short Sleeve Tee . This company has stylish longevity at the forefront of their line as they continuously produce high-quality men’s travel shirts and apparel to last for the long run.

The ultra-fine combo of merino wool and nylon accomplishes this goal by creating excellent temperature regulation and anti-microbial properties with extreme durability. So this produces a luxuriously soft T-shirt that will smell great and also hold up in the face of every travel escapade ever. The greatest drawback for me, however, is justifying paying $85+ on a T-shirt. But for this powerhouse combination, it may well be worth it for you. There’s a women’s version as well.

• Very expensive compared to other shirts on this list

Patagonia Capilene Cool Trail Shirt : Best Travel T-Shirt for Hiking

The best travel shirt in tee form doesn’t need to break the bank—and the Patagonia Capilene Cool Trail Shirt (also available for women ) is a perfect example of a functional yet affordable shirt. It’s made of a quick-to-wick 100% recycled polyester spun jersey blend that will keep you comfortable hiking a trail or around a new city.

It’s durable enough to be your sidekick for any and all of your travels, and it holds up to multiple washing cycles very well.

Fortunately, you won’t even need to wash it too often, as this shirt also has lots of odor control. You’ll have a solid unisex T-shirt for all your adventures—and since it’s made from recycled materials, you’ll be doing your part to help the environment!

• Less expensive than others on this list
• Comes in a wide array of colors
• Made from 100% recycled polyester
• The sizes seem to run smaller than normal—if you're a size small, you should probably get a medium

Eddie Bauer Favorite V-Neck : Best Travel T-Shirt for Women

For an inexpensive travel V-neck , Eddie Bauer puts forth their “favorite” T-shirt. Eddie Bauer has been equipping mountaineers and explorers for many years, and they bring that experience to all their clothes. Think: excellent quality along with a policy of standing behind everything they produce.

The cotton-polyester blend here follows this trend and makes for a comfortably soft fit, while the polishing helps prevent any annoying piling. This material, however, lacks any temperature regulation or anti-bacterial properties. So be prepared to wash it while traveling.

All this comes in at a very reasonable price that makes it an ideal addition to any informal travel wardrobe.

• Minimal pilling
• Not odor-resistant
• No temperature regulation

Unbound Merino Wool Long Sleeve Crew Neck : Best Long Sleeve Travel Shirt

Every traveler worth their salt needs a reliable and stylish long-sleeve shirt. This should be your go-to option for a day in the city or for an evening out. It can also act as a layer when the temperatures begin to drop.

Unbound is one of the best travel clothing brands and they put their proven quality and merino prowess to work to provide that exact go-to shirt in their long sleeve merino crew . I rank it among the best men’s wrinkle-free travel shirts – an important feature when you’re living out of a backpack.

This shirt embodies each and every one of the benefits of coveted merino wool—cool and moisture-wicking in warm weather, and temperature-insulating on cooler days. The wool is, furthermore, naturally anti-bacterial. Therefore it’s anti-odor, so you can wear it time and time again without washing.

But the time for washing will eventually come and, when it does, you may find merino wool to be a little more particular than your average T-shirt. While it can be machine washed, line drying is highly recommended to prevent shrinkage and premature wear. Unbound provides several very handy, but potentially headache-inducing, guidelines to keep this wool shirt in peak health.

While all the benefits of Merino make this shirt functionally perfect for nearly every traveling situation, the uncomplicated but stylish design by Unbound is the icing on the cake. Available in solid navy blue or black, this shirt will look perfectly comfortable as a layer on a skiing trip or as a standalone in a cafe or restaurant.

I, therefore, wholeheartedly recommend the merino crew from Unbound as one of the best travel shirts for men. Certainly the finest option with long sleeves. Stay warm when needed, cool when needed and classy always.

• Extra maintenance required
• Only two colors

Icebreaker Zone Base Layer : Best Long-Sleeved Travel Shirt for Women

Finding a reliable long-sleeve that can function as a layer, a standalone top for around town and an exercise shirt is no small task. Especially when you need to find the perfect travel shirt to last for as long as possible.

The Icebreaker Zone Base Layer , however, perfectly fills this niche. And it can easily become your favorite traveling top for any situation.

This incredibly comfortable merino top will keep smelling great through every aspect of your trip, while the nylon blend seriously increases the durability for absolute longevity. And the added thumbholes and inherent temperature regulation further add to the comfort.

Plus, the straight-black coloring and sleek design offer near-limitless versatility. Wear it for a run, a day out, during airplane travel or as a warm base, and look good in every situation.

Recall, however, that merino abhors dryers, and so line drying is the way to go. Furthermore, several users report that the shirt may feel itchy upon purchase. But a single wash usually clears this up without any further issues.

Icebreaker has been cranking out high-quality merino products for several years now. And this long-sleeve top for women certainly lives up to their reputation. All the benefits of merino, the durability of nylon, a sleek design and, of course, thumbholes all come together to make this long-sleeve the best travel shirt for women travelers.

• Extra merino care
• Can be itchy upon purchase

Bluffworks Meridian 2.0 : Best Travel Button Down Shirt

Looking to make an impression while on the road? Perhaps you’re headed to a high-stakes business meeting. Or maybe it’s a romantic evening out in a new city. It certainly pays to look your best while traveling. And the Meridian Dress Shirt 2.0 easily accomplishes this goal to the point that others will be thinking: “I wonder if his tailor travels with him.”

Bluffworks has invested an enormous amount of time and energy into developing a unique clothing line that lasts. And also a line that looks great. This shirt promises just that, making it the best travel dress shirt on the market.

The Meridian Dress Shirt 2.0 is entirely wrinkle-free. For example, pull it from your suitcase after a flight, and you’ll be good to go.

Plus, there’s no sense in smelling like a rumpled and rugged traveler. The Meridian, again, hurdles this obstacle with an anti-microbial treatment that keeps you smelling fresh for days. And the polyester material is perfect for keeping you cool in all conditions. But remember that it doesn’t offer much insulation.

That all said, when it’s time for a wash, the Meridian is also refreshingly straightforward. This shirt is 100 percent machine washable, and you can simply tumble dry it or throw it up on a line.

However, for all its benefits, I’ve found that the Meridian does have one chink in its armor. The button spacing seems to be ever-so-slightly large. Meaning that, when sitting down, the gaps between the buttons can open up to reveal your undershirt (or lack thereof).

• Wide button spacing

Olivers Convoy Henley : Best Travel Henley

The Henley adds a few degrees of style to the standard long-sleeve shirt with the addition of a three-button collarless placket. But now consider the travel Henley, Oliver’s 100 percent merino wool variant that is anti-odor, water-repellent, lightweight and always ready for the road.

Olivers provides a refreshingly large color selection, so you can pick what matches your vibe. And the straightforward solid color also creates a subtly pleasing style that is just as versatile as your travels. Airports, dinners, beach trips, workouts and everything in between—your Convoy Henley won’t even break a sweat, literally.

The 100 percent merino wool construction will remain cool in warm conditions, and while wicking moisture away from your body. But, when the thermometer takes a dive, the wool will also provide excellent insulation. Add its natural odor protection and Olivers’ added water-resistance, and you have a shirt that will keep up on all of your travel escapades.

The fit, however, can be a bit of an acquired taste. Olivers has opted for a very athletic fit. Meaning you casual wearers out there can expect a much tighter fit and significantly narrower sleeves. So, if this worries you, be sure to pick one size larger than usual.

What merino gives us travelers in temperature and odor protection, however, it takes back in maintenance. Be sure to read up on how to best protect your wool shirt, and do your best to make it last. Additionally, this shirt must always dry on the line or lying flat, which can be a bit of a drag to you quick-moving travelers.

Nevertheless, the mountain of benefits of merino wool far outweighs the additional maintenance. It’s, therefore, easily the best travel shirt for Henley lovers to add to their packing list.

• Athletic cut, especially in narrow sleeves

Icebreaker Merino Tech Lite II Short Sleeve Polo Shirt : Best Travel Polo Shirt

Whether it’s salsa night in your new city or you’re simply a polo aficionado, the Icebreaker Merino Tech Lite II Short Sleeve Polo Shirt is the best travel shirt for those looking for a classy collar. Combining all the benefits of merino wool with a stretchy nylon results in a stylish platform that hides a plethora of travel-friendly perks.

So let’s start with the style. First, Icebreaker presents a simple solid color pattern in two darker colors that look good in almost every circumstance. So from your travel day at the airport to an evening out with new friends, this polo shirt easily projects tastefulness without straying into the realm of preppy.

But, also, within this fashionable men’s shirt hides merino wool superpowers. So enjoy the benefits of your shirt being naturally odor-resistant, temperature-regulating and moisture-wicking, all of which are pivotal for the best travel shirt. Remember, however, that merino requires extra Tender Loving Care (TLC), and it cannot be tossed in a dryer.

In fact, while we’re discussing the downsides, beware that many consumers have reported that the chest region of this polo often fits snugly, bordering on tight. Apart from the tight feeling, this also leads to a lot of chest for all to see if you leave it unbuttoned. Consider sizing up if you prefer a more casual fit.

For combining fancy and function, gentlemen, you can’t go wrong with this polo from Icebreaker. The design and style will keep you looking good for every aspect of your trip. And the merino material will constantly fend off smells and uncomfortable temperatures. So that’s definitely a win-win that makes this the best travel shirt for men who love a good polo.

• Tight fit in chest and arms
• Merino requires extra maintenance

Unbound Merino Compact Travel Hoodie : Best Travel Hoodie

Enter: all the benefits of merino, with tons of extra perks (like being wrinkle-resistant), spun into an incredibly soft and compact hoodie that will keep you comfortable wherever your travels take you. I believe Unbound Merino has definitely hit a bullseye with this product. And it easily earns the title of one of the best traveling shirts.

Unbound Merino has targeted extreme adventurers for years with their line of comfortable yet durable merino wool products. And this particular hoodie embodies everything I love about their line.

The 97 percent merino wool will keep nasty odors at bay, even after days and days of wear. And, meanwhile, it will regulate your temperature in both warm and cool situations. Unbound Merino threw in 3% elastane, which seriously ups the durability of this garment, and it makes it ready to tackle everything from the trails to the trams.

Plus, this shirt is light and breathable, and fast-drying to boot—it’s absolutely perfect for backpack-toting travelers who may need to wash their clothes by hand. As always, keep in mind that merino needs a little extra love where maintenance is concerned. This is, furthermore, a very thin and lightweight travel shirt that, while perfect for traveling, may be prone to snags or tears.

Travelers looking for the perfect blend of comfort and durability, therefore, can’t go wrong with the Unbound Merino Compact Travel Hoodie .

• Light and breathable, and quick-drying
• Very thin material, may be prone to snags

Icebreaker Merino 125 Cool-Lite Speed Tank Top : Best Travel Tank Top

I spent a great deal of time searching around for the very best shirts for travel in each category, and Icebreaker simply kept appearing. They once again make my list, therefore, with their Icebreaker Merino 125 Cool-Lite Speed Tank Top that, again, ushers in an unbeatable merino-Tencel blend.

The merino easily handles the odor and comfort aspect to this travel tank, while the Tencel, in turn, shores up the durability and moisture-wicking/quick-drying aspects. Together, they make this stylish tank top ready to take on the world, from exploring an outdoor market to enjoying a nice meal to completing the best hike of your life.

The relaxed draping fit will also be comfortable for any and all parts of your adventure. Wear this under a blazer or cardigan, and you’ve got something slightly more formal. But take note here that the draping fit may not be for everyone. Those of you who prefer a more sporty athletic fit may want to consider moving one size lower. But this is seriously small potatoes for such an awesome shirt.

For serious traveling in hot climates, this tank is certainly one of the best travel shirts you can invest in. Smell fresh wear after wear, look great wherever you go, enjoy merino’s endless comfort and get a traveling tank that will last your entire trip. In short, you can’t get any better than that.

• Cannot tumble dry
• Drapes for a loose and relaxed fit. Drop down a size for tight athletic fit.

What Makes the Best Travel Shirt?

You may look at your closet and see plenty of shirts that you could pack, but would they really stand up to the rigors of travel and earn the title of travel shirt? Probably not. Travel shirts are a special breed that are specifically designed for all the hardship, odors and harsh weather conditions on your radar.

These special design points generally focus on materials, additional treatments and simply high-quality craftsmanship that all work together to make the best travel shirt last as long as your travels do. And always look good while doing it.

So, now that you know exactly what to look for in this essential piece of travel gear, these three points are key.

Tough Threads

Arguably the most important aspect of the best travel shirts is its material. Cheap or weak material is much more likely to prematurely fray and fail mid-trip. So this leads to an unscheduled and unanticipated shopping stop to replenish your travel wardrobe.

I, therefore, cannot overstate the importance of finding travel clothes that will complement, and not hinder, your travels. My best advice is to look for merino wool or an alternative.

• Merino: Merino wool is incredibly soft and feels great. And, more practically, it’s naturally anti-bacterial, which means that it’s anti-odor. It’s also temperature regulating. That said, it does need some more care, as it cannot be tossed in the dryer. And there are also certain chemical deodorants that some manufacturers say to steer clear of.
• Synthetic Alternatives:  Polyester, a manufactured synthetic material, is breathable and moisture wicking, but lacks insulation. Tencel is also employed as a more durable and quick-drying option to merino wool, and is often blended with wool to get the best of both worlds. Lastly, lyocell is a natural man-made fiber that is often deployed for its excellent moisture management and anti-microbial properties.

As an extra layer of awesomeness, you will often see many manufacturers adding their own material treatments to further bolster a travel shirt’s robustness.

Treatment for Travel

The raw materials that make up the best travel shirts typically benefit from an additional chemical treatment in the form of water-repellency, anti-microbial shields or UPF protection . For most travelers, these can be absolute gold.

Fend off the rain or drink spill, both of which are unfortunate inevitabilities. Or keep those smelly bacteria at bay for more uses between washes. Some of the best outdoor clothing brands even have their own special formulations to boost their shirts to the heavyweight level, as Ably’s Filium accomplishes.

Filium launches what would simply be an average cotton shirt to the traveling level with a three-part combination knockout. It’s stain-resistant thanks to liquid repellency, odor-resistant thanks to anti-microbial properties, and quick drying. These three items are just what I love in a good travel shirt, and that’s why you’ll see Ably amongst my top T-shirt picks.

Therefore, run an eye over a potential shirt’s specifications, and pay special attention to any treatments that may be the thin line between a throwaway gym rag and the best shirt of your life.

Excellence for Every Escapade

The last item to consider when purchasing the best travel shirts, as with all travel gear, is quality. Poorly constructed shirts will simply not hold up to the rigors of travel.

Look for products from established and reputable manufacturers. Preferably those in the outdoor adventure or sport fields. They will know how to make shirts that last. This quality will, unfortunately, come with a price tag. But investing in a shirt that will last, look good for most occasions and resist stains and odors is well worth spending a little extra on in my opinion.

Off to trek the Salkantay trail or headed to the cold Bolivian salt flats? Whatever the case, these travel shirts will make sure of no wardrobe malfunctions. From long to short, hooded to collared, buttoned to casual, this list has you covered.

You have everything you need to know about purchasing your best shirt for travel ever at your fingertips. So go forth, get your shirt, and keep on exploring the world.

• The Best Gifts For Travelers
• What to Wear Hiking

Travel Shirts FAQs

What is the best shirt to wear when traveling.

The best shirt for traveling is one that is lightweight, breathable, and antimicrobial.

What clothes are good for traveling?

The best travel clothes are ones that work in a variety of situations, are lightweight, and are comfortable.

What is the best antimicrobial travel clothing?

Merino wool is the best antimicrobial material for travel clothing.

What is the best travel clothing brand?

Unbound Merino makes some of the best travel clothing on the planet.

What is travel t-shirt?

A travel t-shirt is one that is very lightweight and packable.

Jeremy Scott Foster

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The 13 Best Travel Shirts for 2021

Caroline Morse Teel

Caroline Morse Teel is the Managing Editor for SmarterTravel Media. Follow her on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline .

Caroline joined Boston-based SmarterTravel in 2011 after living in Ireland, London, and Manhattan. She's traveled to all seven continents, jumped out of planes, and bungeed off bridges in the pursuit of a good story. She loves exploring off-the-beaten path destinations, anything outdoorsy, and all things adventure.

Her stories have also appeared online at USA Today, Business Insider, Huffington Post, Yahoo, Boston.com, TripAdvisor, Buzzfeed, Jetsetter, Oyster, Airfarewatchdog, and others.

The Handy Item I Always Pack : "Earplugs. A good pair has saved my sleep and sanity many times!"

Ultimate Bucket List Experience : Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro.

Travel Motto : "Don't be boring."

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat : "Aisle (when the first class private suite isn't available)."

E-mail her at [email protected] .

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The best travel shirts all share qualities that make them ideal for travel. They must wick away sweat, fight odors, resist wrinkles, and of course—look stylish. Here are our top picks for the best travel shirts for men and women.

UNTUCKit Flannel Sherwood Shirt

It can be tough to find casual men’s shirts that don’t look sloppy, but UNTUCKit nails it with their Sherwood flannel . Like all UNTUCKit shirts, the shirt is designed to be the perfect length when worn untucked. The soft brushed cotton fabric is ultra-cozy, making it comfortable on even the coldest days. Choose from a regular, slim, relaxed, or tall fit to get the perfect cut for your body type.

Ibex Journey Long Sleeve Crew

Available in a men’s and women’s version, the Ibex Journey Long Sleeve Crew will be the most versatile shirt in your travel wardrobe. Made from merino wool and nylon fabric blend, this shirt is warm but never itchy. The merino wool makes the shirt odor-resistant, thermoregulating, and breathable.

Nathan Tempo Quarter Zip Long Sleeve Shirt

The Nathan Tempo Quarter Zip is the perfect layer for active trips. Made from a soft knit fabric, the shirt is slim enough to layer under a jacket or sweatshirt, but still extremely warm. Thumb holes, reflective details, and flat lock seams make this quarter zip the shirt you’ll reach for every time for cold weather workouts.

Public Rec Go-To Polo

Public Rec’s Go-To Polo is as comfortable as a T-shirt but looks classier—so you can wear this from a meeting to drinks afterwards. Made from a blend of pima cotton, TENCEL, and spandex, this ultra-soft shirt packs easily, feels great, looks awesome, and stands out as one of the best travel shirts.

Bluffworks Azores Blouse

A women’s button-down that doesn’t gape at the buttons can be hard to find, let alone one that doesn’t wrinkle and is actually comfortable. Bluffworks’ Azores Blouse magically meets all those requirements, with plenty of pockets thrown in as an added bonus.

Tasc Carrollton Long Sleeve

Made from a bamboo/cotton/spandex blend, Tasc’s Carrollton Long Sleeve shirt wicks away moisture, prevents odors, protects you from the sun, and is ultra-breathable—plus, it’s unbelievably soft. With a clean crewneck design, this shirt can be worn for both workouts and sightseeing without looking out of place.

Title Nine Grace Long Sleeve Top

For an active trip, you’ll want to pack Title Nine’s Grace Long Sleeve Top . Made out of a trademarked Buttah LT fabric with StinkStopper treatment, the shirt feels smoother than butter and resists odors even if you subject it to multiple workouts without a wash. Details like a ruched back and space-dye design make this shirt wearable outside of the gym.

Unbound Merino Classic Button-Down

Unbound Merino’s Classic Button-Down beats a traditional button-down on several fronts: It’s short enough that it can be worn tucked or untucked without looking odd, it’s made from a merino wool/organic cotton blend that’s odor-resistant and breathable, and it’s fast-drying so you can wash it and re-wear it on a long trip.

Coolibar Hightide Swim Shirt

Protect yourself from the sun without overheating in long sleeves with Coolibar’s Hightide Swim Shirt . Made to be worn in the water, this shirt offers UPF 50+ protection, won’t float up while you swim, and won’t fade from chlorine or saltwater. This lightweight and silky-feeling shirt can be worn out of the water as well, when you need to save yourself from the sun on dry land.

Alternative Apparel Everyday V-Neck

Alternative Apparel’s Everyday V-Neck is not only soft, but it’s also eco-friendly. The trademarked Lenzing fabric used to make this travel shirt is a sustainable cellulose fiber that comes from beechwood pulp—resulting in a material that’s twice as soft as regular cotton.

PFG Zero Rules Long Sleeve Shirt

Ever wished you could wear your own personal air conditioner? Columbia’s PFG Zero Rules shirt comes close to achieving that dream. This long-sleeve travel shirt actually lowers your body temperature. The Omni-Wick technology wicks sweat and moisture away from your body and keeps you dry, while Omni-Shade blocks UV rays and heat.

Patagonia Short-Sleeved Capilene Cool Trail Shirt

Patagonia’s Short-Sleeved Capilene Cool Trail Shirt is a shirt that all other T-shirts should be modeled after: a lightweight, breathable fabric that’s moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and soft. Plus, it’s made with anti-odor technology to keep the stink away. The design offers just the right amount of fashion while still keeping it classic.

Stantt Performance Dress Shirt

Get the perfect fit (no tailor required) with Stantt’s Performance Dress Shirt . This innovative brand offers shirts in 99 different sizes. Simply take a 30-second quiz on Stantt’s website to find your ideal size. The Performance shirt is great for travel, as it’s wrinkle-resistant but still soft and stretchy, so you’ll look good and feel comfortable as you step off the plane.

More from SmarterTravel:

• The Best Plus-Size Travel Clothes to Flatter Any Body
• Ultra-Packable Travel Dresses for Summer
• Allbirds vs. Rothy’s: Which Comfortable Shoe Brand Is Right for You?

Caroline Teel continues her search for the best travel shirts. Follow her on Instagram @TravelwithCaroline to see her fashionable adventures around the world.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2017. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

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We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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The 17 Best Men’s Travel Shirts for Style, Comfort, and Adventure

As much as I hate to admit it, the perfect men’s travel shirt doesn’t exist.  You might find comfortable travel shirts that look good – but those same “perfect travel shirts” may be too delicate to adventure hard in, dry too slowly, and get destroyed when you drop it off at a Southeast Asian laundry kiosk. On the other hand, a shirt may dry quickly and withstand a beating but be a little too ugly to be your only shirt. So what’s the solution?

The solution to the “perfect travel shirt” problem is to strategically pick a few shirts for your travels with a dedicated shirt for looking good, a few shirts for adventuring and wandering hard, and an all-purpose shirt that sits somewhere in between – and I think I’ve mastered this compromise.

Read on to discover my favorite shirts for traveling, adventuring, and still looking good along the way

CONTENTS OF THIS GUIDE TO THE BEST MEN’S TRAVEL SHIRTS

• My optimal travel shirt setup
• What to look for in a Good Travel Shirt Based on Your Travels
• Technical Flannel Shirts
• Travel Ready Dress Shirts
• Short Sleeve Oxfords
• Denim Travel Shirts
• Hawaiian Shirts
• My Favorite Travel Jacket: The Bluffworks Field Jacket

THE OPTIMAL SHIRT SETUP FOR TRAVEL

If you want your packing list to be ready for anything, pack the following shirts in addition to some travel-ready pants and travel-worthy shoes :

• One shirt for looking good and going out – a versatile button down shirt, ideally short sleeve oxford that is sweat wicking and wrinkle free or a denim shirt
• One shirt that doubles as a warmth layer but can be worn anywhere – I’m a fan of lightweight, technical flannel shirts
• Three or more travel friendly t-shits –a mix of short sleeves, V-necks, and Henleys made of wool, synthetic materials (polyester), or a proven active wear blend to dry quickly and resist funk

If you stick to these three options, you’ll keep your bags light while still being ready for any occasion or adventure.  Read on to discover my favorite options for Men’s travel shirts.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A GREAT TRAVEL SHIRT

Keep in mind that though a shirt might be branded as a great “travel shirt” it still may be over kill (or inadequate) for your travels.  To pick the right travel shirt, that will keep you comfortable, looking good, and smelling good through whatever travels you have in store, think heavily about your destination and consider these points in your potential shirts…

What is the right style for your travels (if any) based on the destination if any?

What materials are best (polyester, wool, or an active wear cotton blend), durability: how hard will your adventures be on these shirts.

• Versatility: What situations will you need to dress for?

Smell and dirt resistance: How often will you be able to shower and do laundry?

If you’re going to Europe, having a nice short sleeve button down is highly recommended.  If you’re going to Southeast Asia, don’t even think about taking any long sleeve shirts.

If you’re doing the Banana Pancake Trail (Thailandà Laosà Vietnamà Cambodia) and the most you’ll do is a pub crawl, ditch the fancy stuff

And if you’re heading to Bali, plan on beachwear and your “nice clothes” being shorts and a nice short sleeve shirt.

In any case, think about the situations you’ll be in and the style required (or not required) to avoid extra clothing.  Here’s a quick cheat list to help

• Southeast Asia: You’ll be in sandals and shorts the entire time.  No long sleeves.
• South America: It may get chilly and adventurous, especially if you’re going to Patagonia, so a long sleeve flannel, an “island-ish” short sleeve button down, and plenty of Merino Wool/Quick Dry t-shirts will do you well.  Also, bring a set of nice clothes – as Buenos Aires, Rio, Cusco, and Medellin have some amazing nightlife
• Europe: You’ll only need one or two “adventurous” pairs of clothes at most (unless you’re trekking).  Dress for the seasons as  winter in Europe is vastly different than summer
• Middle East: Dress conservatively and plan for the deserts to be hot by day and cold by night. You’ll be surprised how far a wool t-shirt and flannel button-down will take you here.
• North America: Dress for the seasons and for specific locations.  We’re all across the board in the US and Canadialand.
• Central America: No long sleeves.  Plan to exist completely in shorts and sandals.

If you can afford it, wool is the most amazing material for shirts .  ( Read about how I decided to wear a wool shirt for a week straight to test the idea).  They resist funk, still keep you warm when wet, and dry quickly.  The only downside is these shirts will breakdown quicker than polyester – especial if you’re using an industrial washer.

Polyester/synthetic shirts are an excellent, cheap option, especially for hard adventuring.  You can purchase them at target for ~$10 or less and they stand up to heavy abuse.  Along the way, they dry quickly and insulate when wet. The downside is they don’t resist funk too well.  Personally, I always hike and travel (by bus, train, and plane) in synthetic shirts because they’re so cheap I don’t care if they get destroyed.  I recommend picking up at least a couple synthetic t-shirts for routine wear in hard conditions.

Cotton: Limit how much of your wardrobe is cotton.  Depending on how often you’re getting wet and how often you wash, cotton can be fine or can be a complete pain.  On the upside, some cotton shirts look good, they’re extremely durable, and they can stand to go a good amount of time between washes in a pinch (denim, not necessarily t-shirts). The only options I consider in cotton are Short sleeve button downs which class up very well, and denim shirts which are super durable, look good, and are a great protect layer for light adventures (like motorbiking in Asia .

The only upside of cotton is that it is much tougher than wool and polyester, with good abrasion resistance and actually gets better with wear.  This is why my denim shirt was my shirt of choice to wear during my motorbike ride through Vietnam , to save a little skin just in case I fell.  All the while, it still looked good enough for the bars.

If you’re in Europe and (should be) showering everyday and have laundry nearby, materials and worrying about getting smelly shouldn’t be too much of an issue.

On the other hand, if you’re moving super quickly through humid Southeast Asia or adventuring through South America and can only wash ever week and a half, do yourself a favor and get shirts made of technical materials (wool, polyester, etc.) that wick sweat, resist odor, and do more to keep you dry.

Now that you know what to look for in a travel shirt, let’s take a closer look at your options

THE BEST MEN’S TRAVEL SHIRTS

• T-Shirts (Wool, Polyester, and active wear blends – timeless, simple, near perfect travel shirts)
• Technical Flannel Shirts (every traveler should have one)
• Wrinkle Free Dress Shirts (great for looking good anywhere)
• Short Sleeve Oxfords (great for looking good anywhere)
• Denim travel shirts (the “all-arounder” and travel shirt underdog)
• Hawaiian Shirts (for Beachy Travel)

BEST T-SHIRTS FOR TRAVEL

(wool, polyester, and active wear blends).

As unexciting as it sounds, t-shirts are by far the best travel shirt option. They’ve been around for ages, worn in every activity, and performed well while staying stylish every step of the way.  If you take only one type of shirt traveling, stick to t-shirts.

In terms of style, you can’t go wrong with a well fitting t-shirt.

The small packing foot print of t-shirts makes them easy to pack and wash, lightening your load and making life easier.

Some might insist that t-shirts are too boring to wear for a year straight.  I disagree.

To stay looking good (and not get bored), avoid traditional crew neck t-shirts and light V-neck and Henley shirts in dark colors (grey, burgundy, darker blue, black).

For material, invest in at least two wool shirts and grab two cheaper synthetic shirts. 

I have been very satisfied with Wooly’s merino wool t-shirts, Bluffworks’ synthetic travel t shirt, Outlier’s insanely great Ultrafine Merino shirt, and a handful of others I’ve tested and highly recommend below. 

For active wear synthetic shirts, my go to is actually the Hylete Icon-2 performance Henley, designed as gym wear but looks so great I wear it on nights out. For a Target’s G9 Champion brand shirts which are comparable in quality, function, and style to Lulu Lemon’s men’s line and quite a few of Nike’s pieces, but available for ~$10 to $20 for us budget travelers .  

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves…read on for the 17 best travel t-shirts for men, and you’ll definitely find the perfect gear for your upcoming travels.

My Favorite T-Shirts for Travel

1. bluffworks threshold tee.

This amazing t-shirt was obsessively designed specifically for travel. If you’re trying to keep your bags light by getting a shirt that you can wear over and over (without washing) in a variety of conditions, the Bluffworks Threshold T is a perfect candidate.

High breathability, great odor resistance, and a feel softer than cotton make this a great shirt to wear. A unique synthetic blend keeps this shirt super light while drying quickly and making hand washes and line drying possible for “one bag” travelers”

Where to buy: Click to see more colors at Bluffworks Online

2. THE OUTLIER ULTRAFINE MERINO T SHIRT

This is insanely soft yet comfortable and durable shirt is absolutely the best wool shirt I have ever owned.

Made of 100% extremely fine Merino wool, this shirt naturally resists odor (I’ve worn the shirt for a week straight to test), dries quickly, and does a wonderful job keeping me cool even in tropical climates.

The construction is top notch, very durable and cut with a just slim enough and stylish fit. With 2 or 3 of these shirts, a traveler could easily wander the world with these as their only shirts.

Where to buy: Click to see more colors Outlier Online

3. THE HYLETE ICON HENLEY

The Hylete Icon 2 Henley is a perfect blend of style and function that fits daily life, adventure, and travel equally. The quad blend performance fabric (that is stretchy, odor resisting, and quick drying) and design are actually intended as hard core exercise that can be worn in everyday life. With the classic Henley stylish three button front, this dresses up nicely with Chinos and a blazer or will simply keep you looking good on long treks.

From the cool highlands of the Himilayas to the warm days and posh night clubs of Bali, this Hylete Henley has been a favorite piece of apparel in my pack and will continue to be. I highly recommend this affordable yet stylish piece of performance gear for your travels

Where to buy: Click to see more colors available at Hylete Online.

4. WOOLY CLOTHING

Woolly Clothing offers great wool clothing direct to you, which means its cheaper than many other options.  I own a few of their shirts (a V-neck and a Henley) and wholeheartedly vouch for the.  Great style.  Great performance

Where to buy: Check out the selection of Woolly Clothing on Amazon

5. C-9 CHAMPION TEES

Champion C9 is Target’s in house attempt to compete with active wear giants like Nike and Lulelemon for the men’s athletic wear market.  The result is great gym wear that wears beyond the gym for a great price.  I always load up on a few of these shirts for upcoming travels whenever I’m in the US.

Where to buy: $12.99 at Target

6. H&M ACTIVE WEAR V-NECKS

Though these shirts somewhat break my rule of avoiding cotton, the 95% cotton/5% Elastene blend works extremely well.  Not only do these shirts fit well and maintain that fit, they dry much quicker than normal cotton shirts and resist funk pretty well too.  I tested these shirts against high dollar “performance cotton” shirts from other brands (think $60-$80 per shirt) and the H&M slim fit shirts performed much better.

If you’re ever traveling and in a pinch need some shirts anywhere in the world, just drop by an H&M and pick these up. 

Where to buy: $24.99 for 3 at H&M Online

7. RIDGE MERINO JOURNEY TEE

The Ridge Merino Journey tee is an awesome, travel-ready wool tee-shirt design for durability, hard use, and quick-drying comfort while still fighting funk. This Merino Wool shirt combines 13% nylon into the fabric, making it twice as durable as your average, 100% Merino wool t-shirt. The result is a high performing wool t-shirt that you can abuse for years.

I’ve carried my Ridge Merino Journey tee shirt for just over 2 years of travel and worn it for a week straight without washing, and the anti-microbial nature of the wool keeps me smelling fresh. Hard use of trekking, hand washing, and abrasion from backpacks hasn’t damaged the shirt at all over the two years, proving this is one tough t-shirt

If you’re looking for a single, comfortable t-shirt that looks good and is adventure ready, check out the Ridge Merino Journey t-shirt.

Where to buy: Click to see availability at Ridge Merino online

TECHNICAL FLANNEL SHIRTS

A single technical flannel shirt is a priceless addition to the traveler wardrobe.  Wool flannel shirts are great (I have a Pendleton Board Shirt that I love) and there are plenty of other synthetic “technical flannel” shirts combine nylon and polyester to be just as warm, more durable, and are much lighter and easier to pack.

Additionally, the right flannel shirts can add a touch of style if you pick the right one.  My current flannel works in nearly any occasion, and my Uniqlo Oxford Travel shirt works in the rest of those classy sitauations.

I tested Eddie Bauer’s Traveler Flannel Shirt and fell in love (you’ll see pictures all over the site of me in it) and purchased 3 while it was on sale.  Plus, there are several other options for travel ready technical flannel shirts– read on to discover my picks

MY FAVORITE FLANNEL SHIRTS FOR TRAVEL

8. eddie bauer technical flannel.

A flannel shirt crafted perfectly for travelers.  Lightweight polyester and “FreeDry” technology insulates like a jacket when cold but wicks moisture and breathes to keep you cool and dry in the heat.  The fit on this shirt is more classic, giving you room to move make it great for exploring the outdoors and getting active.  The cuff accent colors offer a great touch too.

I’ve toted this shirt around for the last year, love it, and can’t recommend it enough.

Where to buy: From $35 to $70 at Eddie Bauer Online

9. THE PENDLETON BOARD SHIRT

The Pendleton Board shirt, originally rocked by surfers in the 60’s is a classic that goes anywhere, and being 100% virgin wool is extremely functional too.  It stays warm through the cold and the rain and still breathes in the heat.  I’ve worn mine around more campfires and in more national parks than I can remember – and with good reason.  Better yet, I can wear it right into the city and no one is the wiser.

A timeless shirt that you’ll literally be able to wear forever

Where to buy: $135 at Pendleton.com

10. ICEBREAKER LODGE SHIRT

Icebreaker’s new take on a classic.  100% Merino Wool, this shirt is as technical as it gets, performing in the outdoors (and traveling) while still looking good enough for city life. 

The Merino wool fights odor and stays warm throughout.  Pair with a Merino wool t-shirt for best results

Where to buy: $135 at REI online

TRAVEL READY DRESS SHIRTS

Most commonly labeled “easy care” and targeting business travelers, these shirts are a perfect “dress up” shirt for travelers.  They are usually sweat wicking, breathable, and wrinkle free but have the cut of a nicer button down Oxford.

Best yet, good options can be had for very cheap through Uniqlo and H&M and even better options can be found through Bluffworks that cost a bit more but are well worth the money.

One of my two current “dress up” shirts is actually a Uniqlo easy care oxford that I wore through the cold season of Europe and then came to Asia, chopped of the sleeves and had it sewn for ~$5, and now wear as my island shirt.  But there are plenty of shirts that you won’t have to chop in order to look good.  Read on for my faves.

11 . WESTERN RISE AIRLIGHT BUTTON DOWN

This high tech, travel focused, easy care button down gives you the style of a dress shirt and the durability/easy care you need for travel.

49% Nylon added to the fabric delivers abrasion resistance and easy care properties that make a good shirt to tuck in the bottom of your bag or bring as your only shirt.

Finally, the slim and stylish fit make this shirt perfect for daily wear and long term “one bag” travel just as much as outdoor adventures.

Where to buy: $109 at Western Rise | Click here to check available colors

12. UNIQLO EASY CARE DRESS SHIRT

If you’re on a budget and still need to look good during your travels, Uniqlo’s easy care dress shirts are a great option.  The technical materials breathe, wick sweat, and resist wrinkles so you can wear them longer without caring. I wore one of these through Europe and then chopped of the sleeves to make it my casual island shirt…worked like a charm!

Where to buy: $29.90 at Uniqlo.com

13 . BLUFFWORKS MEDIAN TRAVEL SHIRT

A completely “technical” dress shirt, blending 98% polyester and 2% spandex gives the sweat wicking, anti-microbial qualities so you can wear longer, along with wrinkle resisting qualities and freedom of movement so you can stay comfortable along the way.  If you need to “class up” on the road, the Bluffworks Meridian dress shirt is a safe bet.

Where to buy: $98 at Bluffworks

SHORT SLEEVE OXFORD SHIRTS

Though these commonly break the travel rule of “no cotton”, they actually manage to work very well.

First, the airflow you get from a button prevents you from sweating all over it and getting it completely nasty

Second, most people only wear button down shirts when lounging, so you get away with washing it infrequently.

Third, these shirts are always quite durable and can actually go a little longer without a wash than your common cotton t-shirt. 

Last, these are a classic style staple that can be had for cheap and worn with a bit of versatility.  My go to spot is the Gap – as the shirts always have a classic cut, have a more timeless design (fits just as well in the 1970’s as now and can be worn anywhere in the world), and you can always pay $5 to have the shirt tailored and the fit improved later on.

14. GAP OXFORD SHORT SLEEVE SHIRT

A classic shirt made simply and durably make this another one of my go-to shirts when traveling.  The construction is surprisingly good meaning it will work on hikes and in active situations if you feel like pushing it.  Though this shirt is cotton, it breathes well enough to avoid funk for longer than your active t-shirt.  Beyond the adventures, it looks good enough for most any situation.

Where to buy: Starting at $35 at Gap online

MY FAVORITE DENIM SHIRTS FOR TRAVEL

Denim shirts are the unsung hero of travel shirts.  There is a reason that Levis Strauss made his “can’t bust ‘em” gear for goldmining rough necks out of cotton denim – because it works.  Denim shirts are a great all around travel shirt that sits side by side with the technical flannel.

Granted, these denim shirts don’t insulate as well, suck when wet, and take forever to dry, but they look better than flannel and are better if you’re in a situation where you might get thrown around and need an extra layer of skin – like riding a motorbike anywhere in Southeast Asia. Plus, the denim shirt looks good.

A travel tip I got from my buddy “Dr. Strangelove” and his Spanish friends was to actually carry a denim button down on adventures to throw on for nice pics – instead of wearing that sweaty hiking shirt.  That’s actually excellent advice – but I’m a touch too apathetic to execute.

So, if you want a good all-around shirt, that looks good, and you won’t be getting too wet or sweaty, consider the denim shirt.

15. GAP DENIM SHIRTS

Classic cut and fit and constructed well enough to last through your travels.  I have a couple Gap denim shirts that I’ve worn for years and countless countries, and they keep getting better with age.  They’re durable and look good too.

Where to buy: From $40 at Gap

16. THE ORIGINAL: LEVI’S DENIM SHIRT

Levi Strauss did something right with his first couple of creations, cementing “denim” as a style staple.  If you’re going to pick up a denim shirt, you can’t go wrong with the original – Levi’s

Where to buy: Levis.com

HAWAIIAN SHIRTS

Though you wouldn’t expect to see it on this list, if you are venturing to hot or humid climates, Hawaiian shirts are an excellent option.  For one, they’re fun.  People may judge you, but those who don’t will automatically assume you’re fun.

Second, they’re traditional Hawaiian shirts for a reason.  They’re great in the heat and allow just enough breeze while blocking the sun.  They’re also perfect for when you’ve just gotten out of the water.  So, if you’re heading to the islands, consider having some fun and making a Hawaiian shirt your shirt of choice.

Where should you buy these?  Honestly…nowhere in the US.  Buy one on the road as a souvenir.  You can have a custom one made in Southeast Asia for cheap or buy the Balinese version (with real coconut buttons) when you’re in the area.

17. BONUS: THE ONLY JACKET YOU NEED FOR TRAVEL – THE BLUFFWORKS FIELD JACKET

So, you have your perfect travel shirt setup and now need something to layer over it to stay dry, warm, and stylish…what do you choose?

There are literally thousands of options to choose from, between waterproof puffy down jackets, to rainproof shells, but my travels have led me to…exactly one.

The Bluffworks Field Jacket .

This waterproof, windproof take on the classic M-65 military issue field jacket combines the best of style and function that travelers need.

Top of your torso by checking out this Bluffworks Field Jacket Review for full details and even better pictures…

Now that you have the top half of your wardrobe for travel worked out, what’s next?  Clearly you should figure out the best pair of bottoms for your trip by checking out the 15 best travel pants for men and the 5 best travel shorts for men followed closely by my 8 favorite travel shoes for men to create your perfect travel rig.

Like it? Pin it!

Other Great Travel Gear  Content:

• The 8 Best Travel Shoes for Men
• 5 Great Men’s Travel Shorts
• The Best Travel Pants for Men
• My Carry on Packing List

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Carlos is a nomad, slow traveler, and writer dedicated to helping others live abroad and travel better by using his 7+ years of experience living abroad and background as a management consultant and financial advisor to help other nomad and expats plot better paths for an international lifestyle. Click here to learn more about Carlos's story.

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The Best Men’s Travel Shirts and Jackets for One-Bag Travelers

Years ago, I never put much thought into the clothes I packed for a trip. I would follow the standard formula of different outfits, centered around a unique cotton t-shirt each day. I would bring nearly as many pants or shorts because I knew they couldn’t last more than a few wears. Part of that was my naiveness but it was also largely due to the state of the industry. Performance travel clothing, like travel shirts for instance, are a relatively recent phenomenon (say the last 2-3 years), but this progression has changed the landscape of travel, forever.

Purposefully designed and constructed travel clothes marry the technical advantages gleaned from sports and fitness to well designed clothes that work well in a variety of situations on your trip. Besides looking great, travel shirts are much more versatile than normal clothing. They are often constructed of merino wool or a combination of polyester, nylon, and spandex. They usually are antimicrobial (which means they don’t stink), quick drying (meaning you can wash them in the evening and they’ll be ready by breakfast), anti-wrinkle (so go ahead and fold it up in your carry-on), and they are constructed with stretch (so you can articulate all you want).

Together, this means you can pack less, without sacrificing anything. But every brand or piece in this space isn’t exceptional. So in this ‘Best Men’s Travel Shirts and Jackets’ article, I’ll be showcasing the pieces I think are, and because of that, they’ve made it into my personal packing list.

A quick note: these are all men’s shirts and tops, that I tested. Often, these brands make the same or a similar version for women, so make sure you visit their websites for more details.

What is a Travel Shirt?

You can choose to bring any shirt or top on your trip, but a travel shirt is an article of clothing that is purpose built for the voyage. Instead of merely looking good, they are usually made of technical fabrics (either man-made or natural), and have some extra features built in.

What Makes A Good Travel Shirt?

Versatility.

I want to pack as few shirts as possible when I travel. That means I value shirts that look great in the city but also can pass at dinner or a meeting. I care about how I look and I want to be presentable and dress appropriately. For me, having a shirt that does not look out of place is very important. For t-shirts, I want simple designs, void of any major branding or logos or offensive imagery. For dress shirts, I’d like colors, decorative buttons, and a nice tailored fit.

High Performance

Anyone can make a shirt, but it takes some real design chops and knowledge of material and body science, to make a good travel shirt. I look for shirts that exhibit some of the following features: moisture/sweat wicking, quick drying, anti-microbial, odor resistant, wide temperature support and stain-resistant.

Quality Materials and Construction

Merino wool is the name of the game here. While not all good travel tops are made of wool, this is nature’s miracle fabric that has replaced much of my travel wardrobe. We’ve extolled the virtues of wool before, but briefly: it keeps you warm when it’s cold and cool when it’s hot and doesn’t stink.

Here’s my list of the best shirts I’ve used and tested for the past six to twelve months. I’ve worn them on weekend trips to LA for weddings, to Portland for the holidays, to DC during a heatwave, a couple of weeks in Japan and just plain EDC to work and about town.

Best Travel T-Shirt

Western Rise Dryweight Merino Tee

I had been wearing Western Rise’s StrongCore tee for a few years but I yearned for something a little lighter and more versatile, especially for warmer summer months. The Dryweight tee is perfect and actually my go to year round, except for the coldest of climates.

What I Liked:

Instead of a 100% Merino t-shirt, the team at Telluride put in equal parts wool and Tencel. The latter is derived from Eucalyptus plants and excels at wicking and cooling, so perfect for high intensity, warm weather activity. Combining it with the natural Merino, gives the shirt super-fabric capabilities; performing better than pure Merino alone.

What I Didn’t Like:

This is my go to t-shirt so there isn’t much I don’t like. A small niggle is the $96 price tag. I received mine as a test sample and I still would buy it, especially after testing it, but I can see how it could be a hard pill to swallow for a t-shirt.

• -Lightweight and perfect for most climates
• -Regulates temperature and quick wicking
• -May be expensive for the price sensitive

Softest Travel T-Shirt

CIVIC The Antoni Tee

CIVIC was born from Taylor Stitch, one of my favorite San Francisco brands. While TS has figured out the secret sauce and makes everything from suits to leather boots, they needed a way to design and sell an essentials line. I almost said “basics” but that does a disservice to CIVIC because they produce a cohesive collection of clothing that could serve as staples in a very impressive wardrobe.

The handfeel of this shirt is amazing. It’s a heavier weight (falls sort of between the DryWeight and StrongCore shirts), yet drapes nicely and has a luxurious feeling weave. This shirt keeps you a little warmer than the DryWeight and its thickness lends itself well to wearing to a semi-nice restaurant if you needed.

CIVIC is not the only maker affected by this but I really don’t like how the edges of the shirt, particularly at the bottom, sort of curl or roll up. This could be my drying technique (low tumble, no heat), or the fact that I don’t iron my tees, but it sort of irritates me. I don’t really think people even notice it but I know it’s there. Again, really minor issue that is entirely cosmetic.

• -Super soft and feels substantial to wear
• -The cut and material means it pairs well with a nice pair of jeans for a clean, slightly dressed up look
• -Edges (bottom, sleeves) have a tendency to slightly curl. You may want to consider ironing after you wash

Best Basic Travel T-Shirt

Woolly Ultralight Short Sleeve V-Neck Tee

Woolly was founded by three friends in Seattle who wanted to bring Merino wool to the masses. Their garments are made from certified Australian Merino and have a satisfaction guarantee.

At $50, this is a fair price for a basic tee of this caliber. I am just using the word basic to simple in design and not lacking in features. At 150 GSM, Woolly calls this Ultralight but I’d call it “just right”. It’s actually has some heft and weight to it, which you can feel when you pick it up on the the hanger.

This shirt is a wardrobe staple. The neckline is not too aggressive and it’s reinforced which means it lays better on your body instead of crinkling or curling. The weight keeps you warm but is not too heavy so it should be comfortable in everything but the hottest days.

The fabric is not the softest. Certain Merino can have a slightly rough, almost cotton feel to it. The logo and wash directions are printed behind the neck where you’d normally find a tag but has a tendency is rub off after a few washes. While I appreciate minimal (and in this case, disappearing) branding, it also means I lose laundering directions with it.

• -Great price for an intro to the world of Merino
• -Versatile; pack one t-shirt for your whole trip
• -Nice weight
• -Hand feel is not that great; kind of rough. Feels fine when wearing though
• -Laundry directions can rub or wash away after a few wears

Also consider:

There’s nothing more core to a travel wardrobe than the Merino tee and pretty much every company in this article will sell you their version. It’s really hard to narrow things down and at the end of the day, it just came down to personal preference, and not because of any major issues. If the Woolly doesn’t check your boxes, you can take a look at the Conyoy Tee from Olivers , and tees from Unbound Merino. Outlier’s Ultrafine line is also a staple amongst our contributors and but is in the top-tier pricetag at $110. And if you haven’t already tried shirts from heavyweights like Icebreaker and Smartwool , you really owe it to yourself to stock some of their wares in your closet. If not their basic tees, then their socks and boxers should make an appearance. They consistently make some of the best performing wool clothing.

Best Travel Henley

Olivers Convoy Henley

David Wolfe launched Olivers in 2013 after his successful Kickstarter campaign for the All Over Short. I’ve had my eye on them since after wearing a different short of theirs, The Capital. At that time, I took it all over Washington D.C. exploring the sites and trying to stay one step ahead of the July heatwave. I declared it the best travel shorts at that time, and no others have usurped it since. I’ve kept in touch with the team and in six years, they’ve grown their collection into something mature and refined, but playful and fun at the same time. Designed and manufactured in Los Angeles, I feel like Olivers has one of the more complete one-stop shops for performance everyday clothing, which happens to be perfect for travel as well.

I have to admit, I wasn’t much of a henley guy until this past winter. Personally, I have issues regulating body temperature and comfort exactly and often get hot quickly if I go out in a sweater or jacket but I also have goosebumps when I am out in only a tee. What’s the solution? At least one that still looks great? The Convoy Henly is super soft, slim fitting, and has four buttons which helps you regulate your body temperature. Wear it unbuttoned for a more casual beach vibe or bundled up for a cleaner look.

The price might be a little high for some but I think it’s well worth it for an item that should last years.

• -Excellent cut, fit, and comfortable to wear
• -Nice variety of colors
• -Versatile; works in casual and nicer scenarios
• -Easy to regulate temperature with buttons; can be paired with a warm vest for core warm while keeping arms cool

There are a number of brands that make excellent henleys. Another to consider is the Zaha from Civic . Imagine the soft plush Civic tee I described above but in a long sleeve form. It uses their Mercerized wool which is a treatment to remove the itch from traditional Merino. It’s one of the most comfortable pieces I own and I just love the drape and how it fits. At $125, it should definitely be on your radar.

Best Long Sleeve Travel Crew

Unbound Merino Long Sleeve Crew

Similar to Woolly, Unbound Merino was also founded by three friends. They followed a rock band around the country, and found a passion for living abroad. Constant travel and minimal packing is the perfect use case for Merino and Unbound is perfectly suited to create solutions based on their experience in this arena. If you are looking for a long sleeve crew that is a little more basic and less frills than a henley, this might be the perfect top.

At 190 g/m2, Unbound considers their long sleeve crew ultralight. This is certainly the case and unless you’re in temperate conditions, I’d use this only as a baselayer, with at least something light on top or a vest. The material is ultra soft, maybe among the softest and most comfortable of all base tops I’ve worn but it is certainly light. Holding it up to the light, you can see the silhouette of your hand through one layer.

The construction is no-frills but well done with reinforced stitching at critical areas. It naturally is moisture-wicking, antibacterial and anti-wrinkle. I found the fit to be slim but not limiting and the simple colors, black and navy, make it a no-brainer to pack on a trip.

I found the sleeves to be a bit too narrow but of course, your mileage (and build) my vary. I don’t mind form fitting clothes but, in my case, it took about twenty minutes to get used to.

• -Each product comes with a little booklet with care instruction
• -Super soft and luxurious feeling, 100% Merino
• -Flattering cut
• -Depending on your build, arms may be a bit slim

Wool & Prince also offers a long sleeve crew neck and it works a treat. This is truly a no frills shirt and won’t win any fashion awards but as a baselayer or paired with a vest or sweater, it does quite well. It’s 160gsm Merino with about a quarter nylon blend for an excellent drape and handfeel. I love the deep blue in my navy sample and it’s a staple for me during fall and winter months.

Also Duckworth’s Comet Crew is super solid.

Best Travel Polo

Wool&Prince Polo

Wool&Prince are no strangers to wool but whereas some companies above are focused on the basics market, Wool&Prince have their sites more upmarket, targeting someone who is regularly dressing up, for work or play, but wants the benefits of technical fabrics. While they are mostly known for their wool dress shirts, the item that find myself always grabbing from my closet, is their polo.

I received a polo in Heather Gray for testing and it’s my go to piece. I know that for some men, polos are relegated to the golf course or seem like a lazy way to look presentable when you were in grade school, but hear me out: I think that anytime you have a collared shirt, you are already showing some amount of effort. And while short sleeves often designate a casual look, having that collar paired with buttons and a clean, modern cut, makes for a convincing outfit for a nice lunch or even an early dinner.

The heather gray color of my sample is so non-polarizing which makes it versatile. I loved the 205 g/m2 weight which is a tad heavier than some baselayers listed above, but gives enough coverage and warmth without being sweater-like. They also designed the collars to stay upright more for a more modern look. The best thing I like about the Wool&Prince polo is they managed to get it as comfortable as a t-shirt but while ticking off some of the formal boxes.

After a couple of wears, the button holes in my shirt are showing wear. This is true of most polos and in this case they do look reinforced. I think that it may be a con of Merino to not be rigid enough to handle repeated stretching that comes with operating buttons.

• -Great construction and comfortable
• -Easy solution to look dressed up without much effort
• -Just the right weight
• -Priced under $100
• -Button holes show wear easily. Be careful when operating

If you are into polos, and want a more slim, perhaps more minimal look, check out what Woolly has to offer . I often wear one in black and I just love it. It’s closer to a t-shirt – a bit slimmer, feels a bit lighter weight, and more form fitting. It’s extremely comfortable and works best untucked and unbuttoned (at least the top one) due to how the collar rests. At just over $50, it’s a downright bargain.

Best Formal Button-Up Travel Shirt

Mizzen+Main Leeward

Mizzen+Main is a brand after my own heart. They were started when the founder saw a D.C. staffer run up the hill is a sweaty, wrinkled shirt. So he sought out to combine the advances in athletic wear with custom dress shirts. While we often think of Merino as nature’s super-fabric, there have been many advances in man-made technical fabrics and the Leeward is an example that leverages this.

I received a Hampton (in the Leeward collection) in Blue Check and it is a great all around shirt, but I primarily focused on using it during the summer. It’s constructed of a mix of 85% polyester and 15% spandex. You may have seen similar compositions before, especially in travel pants. The advantages are clear – four-way stretch, moisture-wicking, machine washable, and anti-wrinkle.

Whenever I find a company that is making dress clothes with technical fabrics, I am usually weary that they are an athletic company trying to break into fashion. It’s never a good look. What I like about Mizzen+Main is they are a dress-shirt maker first, and they were able to apply that knowledge and construction using non-traditional fabrics. They added features that you’d find in traditional dress shirt makers like darts for a slimmer fit, contrast stitching button holes, optional magnetic collar stays, and a spread collar.

At first, polyester dress shirts always take some time getting used to, especially if you’ve gone all your life wearing traditional materials. I also wish they included metal collar stays.

• -Beautifully tailored modern dress shirts with great features
• -Three different fits available means there’s probably something that works for everyone
• -Plenty of pattern choices
• -Fairly priced for a shirt that is no hassle and so versatile (does great in wet weather, stretch for comfort, washes easily and doesn’t wrinkle)
• -Plastic collar stays
• -Polyester may not be for everyone

I only brought one dress shirt with me on my honeymoon and it was from Wool&Prince . Their button-downs are 100% Merino but look and feel just a tailored shirt. If you have any experience with Merino, you know there are limitations of how you can cut and sew it but somehow Wool&Prince cracked the code. Their shirts are super comfortable, are offered in over a dozen styles and prints, and three fits. I went with the regular but I think I’ll try slim next time for a more modern look.

Ministry of Supply also has a number of shirts on offer, but I am really drawn towards their Apollo 3 Dress Shirt . It was one of their first offerings and it takes its name from the fact that it’s made of the same material that NASA invented to keep astronaut body temperatures regulated.  It’s reportedly 19x more breathable than comparable cotton shirts. And last, but not least, how can we forget about Bluffworks? I  have their first Meridian Dress shirt in blue check and I’ve worn it to many a meeting and, of course, on trips. The 2% spandex added helps with stretch and it maintains all the key features you want: quick drying, doesn’t wrinkle, cool in all temps, and antimicrobial.

Best Casual Button-Up Travel Shirt

CIVIC The Jack

Purposely or not, performance clothing companies tend to slot themselves into certain categories. You have Mizzen+Main which prefers to use polyester and spandex paired with traditional shirtmaking to up the performance while giving wearers the same good looks they expect. And you have some other companies that focus on the basics of a wardrobe (simple tees, henleys, boxers, maybe a polo). CIVIC is one of my favorite companies because they lie somewhere in between. Merino wool is their weapon of choice but they have some great design chops as well; not surprising given their heritage from Taylor Stitch.

The Jack has become one of my favorite pieces to pack on a trip. In fact, I did just that when I visited some friends in Portland a few weeks ago. It uses their blend of 70% Merino and 30% Sorona, a plant-based fiber which gives increased strength and movement. The result is a perfectly balanced 220 gsm that provides both warmth and structure. It’s difficult to make certain types of clothing out of 100% wool. It’s a naturally soft material so you cannot get that  crisp look that people expect from certain items (like dress shirts). The buttons are high quality and the construction is great.

First and foremost, I love the fit of The Jack. I think the chest, shoulders, and waist are perfect. It’s a slim fit which is usually flattering, but not too tight as to restrict movement. It looks great tucked or not, so it’s perfect for many different occasions. I paired it with a jacket for a meal at an upscale sushi restaurant and it definitely filled the role.

On me, the arms are a little long and this picture exaggerates it a bit. In practice, I don’t feel the bagginess at all but as always, your mileage may vary.

• -Perfect construction; great trim fit.
• -Blend of Merino and Sorona is just right to give softness while maintaining some crispiness  you expect from a dress shirt
• -Great everyday shirt
• -Arms may be a bit baggy

If you are traveling for business, especially in less secure areas of the world, check out the Clothing Arts Pick-Pocket Proof Business Travel Shirt . While being a mouthful to say, it’s a shirt built from the ground up with travel and security in mind. It features UPF 30+ sun protection, quick dry for easy travel laundry, and a combination of hidden and secure pockets so you can rest assured you’ll be able to access your passport or emergency cash if you do get targeted. The look is a little less fashion forward compared to The Jack, but the cut and materials are more suited for warmer weather (even tropical) while looking perfectly passable for business casual.

Best Travel Blazer or Travel Jacket

Ministry of Supply Kinetic Blazer

Ministry of Supply is a company that is rooted in Boston and got its start on Kickstarter. After numerous successful campaigns, they now operate multiple stores, as well as a modern online presence. Aman and his team really fancy themselves clothing scientists, studying pressure, doing temperature scans, poring over stretch details and surveying users. I view them as the Tesla of the clothing world, up there with brands like Nike and Lululemon which operate performance labs, except they may be the only ones doing it for the performance fashion sector and not sports.

My Kinetic Blazer is a beautiful navy and the texture reminds me a bit of an old jacket a professor or your father might have worn. It’s made with a Japanese warp-knit Kinetic fabric which gives it four-way stretch, great wrinkle resistance, and quick-dry features. What I like most though is it looks and performs just like a regular blazer and fits like a glove.

It’s not the cheapest jacket, weighing in at just over $300 but I think it’s worth it. It is a more considered blazer than one you’d find off the rack with performance features built in.

• -Japanese Kinetic fabric has four way stretch, dries quickly, and is less likely to be wrinkled when you arrive to your destination
• -Comfortable and fits well; pairs with any dress shirt and slacks
• -Fabric has a great feel and looks different depending on lighting

When I think of performance travel blazer, the first thing that comes to mind is the Bluffworks Gramercy Blazer . I met Stefan at OR a few years after I had already been testing his clothing; first with his pants then later shirt and blazer. It has been amazing to see a small company tackle one item at a time and work with factories and fabric companies to get it just right. The Gramercy Blazer uses 100% polyester that is engineered for stretch, breatheability, machine-washable, and most importantly, looks great. I’ve seen plenty of polyester clothing but when you feel the Gramercy Blazer, you’d swear it’s a natural material. Besides the performance features, Bluffworks knocks it out of the park by adding in 10 pockets (many hidden) to make the jacket a perfect travel companion.

Best Travel Jacket For Wet Weather

Clothing Arts Cubed Travel Jacket

I’ve gotten to know Adam from Clothing Arts and through our months of communicating, you can tell that he is one passionate traveler and maker. Like others on this list, he found a need and a market that was not being addressed and he started Clothing Arts to tackle the problem of how to travel safely, anywhere in the world. Their clothing has stopped over 70 pickpocket attempts worldwide, with more stories coming in all the time.

The first Clothing Arts sample I was sent was the big daddy, their flagship, the Cubed Travel Jacket. This thing is a beast, featuring an eVent DVStorm Membrane, innovative pocketing, and 4 season versatility. The jacket is waterproof and windproof while maintaining breathability. It weighs 1lb 11 oz so it’s not exactly lightweight but you get loads of performance in return. Luckily, it folds down quite nicely and can easily be stowed in a packing cube.

Depending on your torso height, when it’s fully zipped, the jacket can encroach on the neck and lower half of your face. This is not unlike other shells but I found the upper part of the jacket/hood to be somewhat stiff and I didn’t like having it fully zipped at all times. This is rarely an issue since the hood is so easily removed and you’ll most often be wearing it unattached.

• -Top in class rain and wind protection from eVent DVStorm fabric
• -Quick-attach hood system
• -Multiple security pockets
• -Cinch pulls, waterproof zippers, velcro closures – all make for great protection against the elements
• -Neck and hood area stiff and can get uncomfortable if fully zipped

On the surface, this is a purely technical jacket. It uses eVent which is a high performing wind and water resistant fabric. If you’re just looking for a shell, you have a lot of choices including offerings from Patagonia and Arcteryx, they’re classic and awesome. The difference is Clothing Arts is a travel and security focused company so they put in a bunch of security and hidden pockets. If that’s not vital to you then any good technical shell would work great for travel.

I tested over a dozen tees, henleys, button-downs, and jackets to find what would work best for traveling. We are big proponents of packing not just minimally but intelligently and the only way to do that effectively is to ask more from our clothing. Companies like Western Rise , Civic, Wool&Prince , etc are taking modern fabrics and pairing it with research and adding in clever features, to make clothing that looks great and performs even better. I don’t expect you to mimic my choices exactly here. Instead, I hope that by giving you information about the brands and products, you can start thinking about what features you need and want in travel shirts and this article can serve as a guide to help you when you’re packing for your next trip.

Liked this article? Why not check out these too:

The Best Travel Pants for One-Bag Travelers

The Best Backpacks for One Bag Travel

The Best Travel Shoes for Every Type of Traveler

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David gets right into the details, in a way that few can. He prefers carry gear that lets him get active. He rides bikes, eats good food, and has a digital footprint approaching a yeti.

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What type of shirt is best for heat? 🥼11 Best Travel Shirts For Hot Weather For Men And Women

What type of shirt is best for heat? Opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics like linen or moisture-wicking materials for the best heat-resistant shirts.

Wearing appropriate attire becomes essential as the temperature rises, especially for frequent travelers. We explore the world of the best travel shirts for hot weather in this guide, offering both fashion and practicality.

Exploring the essential characteristics that make a travel shirt perfect for hot weather . From moisture-wicking technology to UPF sun protection, we’ll delve into why these features matter for your comfort and well-being during your travels.

Understanding why investing in the right travel shirt is crucial. We’ll discuss the impact on your overall experience, from avoiding discomfort to enhancing your enjoyment of the journey.

We’ll explore the key features, types of fabrics, how to choose the perfect fit, and highlight the best travel shirts for hot weather from leading brands.

🧐 Things To Consider Before Buying The Best Travel Shirts For Hot Weather [Buying Guide]

• 1. Women's Classic Long Sleeve Roll Tab Button Down Shirt By Tommy Hilfiger

2. Polo Shirts For Travel

3. tasc carrollton long sleeve .

• 4. Women's Tech Stretch Long-Sleeve T-Shirt By Amazon Essentials
• 5. Men's Classic Button-Down By U.S. Polo Assn

6. Hightide Long Sleeve Swim Shirt By Coolibar 

7. short-sleeve v-neck t-shirt by alternative.

• 8. Men's PFG Zero Rules Long Sleeve Shirt By Columbia
• 9. Men's Long Sleeve Shirt By Columbia 
• 10. Women's Short Sleeve Tee Tops Cotton T-Shirts Blouses 
• 11. Columbia Men's PFG Bahama II UPF 30 Short-Sleeve Fishing Shirt

✅ Key Features of the Best Travel Shirts

B. polyester, c. merino wool, q. what is the best shirt to wear in hot weather, q. what fabric is best for hot humid weather, q. what colour is best for hot weather, q. is it better to wear shorts or pants in the heat, q. are oxford shirts good for summer, q. what is the best shirt material for extreme heat, q. what is the best top for hot weather, q. what to wear when flying in a hot climate, q. are travel shirts with uv protection necessary, 😇 conclusion, 🗨️ tell us in the comments your favourite travel shirts for hot weather..

Traveling is a relaxing activity, so the shirt that we will wear on the trip should be comfortable .

We also need to pay attention to a few points before buying clothes for travel . comfortable clothes will enhance your enjoyment on the trip.

• Price : Does the price of the shirt justify the quality? We recommend trying to buy more cheap shirts because in today’s life we are all photo addicts, so after doing that, you will have photos on various shirts.
• Does it work in a variety of situations?  Exploring what a city offers is part of the joy of traveling. Your travel shirts must fit in several situations, from treks and temples to restaurants and nightlife. Always bring sensible clothing that you can wear to religious sites or while visiting fewer tourist areas.
• Is it multi-purpose? Can I use it on several occasions? Every shirt in your bag should serve more than one purpose. A travel shirt doesn’t need to serve multiple purposes because we all want to carry clothes as little as possible to keep our luggage light.
• Is it light in weight? Roll up a shirt before purchasing it or select one from your closet to see how much space it needs. Consider bringing more lightweight clothes if it’s very bulky.
• Fast dry: Will this take a long time to dry? Quick-drying fabrics of shirts are advantageous because they appear to pack lighter and are often easier to wash while you’re always on the go.
• Is it compatible with the other pairs of travel clothing you have chosen? With limited wardrobe choices, it’s important to maximize your travel wardrobe. Choose each cloth with consideration, and dress for interchangeable clothing. Determine if your clothes can be mixed and matched, and experiment with the various combinations that can be created with your choices.
• Consideration for different body types: Providing insights into choosing the right travel shirt based on body types. Whether you’re petite or plus-sized, find tips for a comfortable and flattering fit.
• Importance of trying before buying: Highlighting the significance of trying on travel shirts before making a purchase. Learn why this step is crucial for finding the perfect fit.

• Rapid-dry, interlock jersey knit wicks away…
• 50+ upf rating for excellent uv protection
• More tailored, contemporary fit
• Tag-free neck for comfort

• Temp iq intelligent cooling for advance…
• Wicking technology to move moisture away from the…
• Raglan sleeves for improved mobility
• Ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) rating system…

• ACTIVE CREW T-SHIRTS: Elevate your workout gear…
• ATHLETIC STYLE: Look and feel great in the gym…
• WORKOUT TRANSFORMER: Say goodbye to sweaty…
• WORKOUT WITH FREE MOTION: Enjoy a non-restrictive…

Last update on 2024-04-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

📃 A List Of The 11 Best Travel Shirts For Hot Weather

After a lot of research, we have selected the below travel shirts that will provide you with an amazing experience during your trip .

1. Women’s Classic Long Sleeve Roll Tab Button Down Shirt By Tommy Hilfiger

It’s difficult to find a women’s button-down that doesn’t gape at the buttons, let alone one that doesn’t wrinkle and is genuinely comfortable. It is one of the best long sleeve shirts for hot weather

The Button-Down Shirt from Tommy Hilfige r magically fulfills all of those requirements, with plenty of pockets thrown in for good measure. It is also one of the best breathable long-sleeved shirts for hot weather.

• Quality comfort: Lightweight cotton button-up…
• Classic design: Styled like our classic Tommy…
• Versatile styling: These classic button-down…
• Year-round luxury: Wear these cotton shirts alone…

Last update on 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Also Read: 12 Best Crossbody Bags For Travel

Polo is as casual as a T-shirt but has a more elegant appearance, allowing you to wear it from a meeting to drinks afterward. This business casual polo shirt can be used for offices as well as for casual outings.

This ultra-soft top, made of a combination of Pima cotton, TENCEL, and spandex, packs quickly, feels great, looks great, and stands out as one of the best travel shirts. It is one of the best travel shirts for hot weather for men. 

• REGULAR FIT: Comfortable, easy fit through the…
• PERFORMANCE FABRIC: This lightweight, breathable…
• GOLF POLO: This short sleeve golf polo is not just…
• DETAILS: Flat knit rib trim at collar, contrast…

Also Read: Top 9 Trends In Little Black Travel Dresses To Watch

TASC’s Carrollton Long Sleeve Shirt is made of a bamboo/cotton/spandex blend that wicks away moisture, removes odors, protects you from the light, and is ultra-breathable—plus it’s incredibly comfortable.

This shirt’s simple crew neck design makes it suitable for workouts and sightseeing without appearing out of place.

• Moisture wicking
• UPF 50+ protection
• No top shoulder seam
• Extreme comfort

Also Read: 15 Best Amazon Fanny Packs  For Travel That Is Perfect To Carry Items For Easy Access

4. Women’s Tech Stretch Long-Sleeve T-Shirt By Amazon Essentials

The Tech Stretch Long-Sleeve T-Shirt from Amazon is ideal for an active ride. The shirt is made of a trademarked Buttah LT fabric with StinkStopper treatment that feels buttery smooth and resists odors even after repeated workouts without washing.

This shirt can be worn outside of the gym thanks to features like a ruched back and a space-dye pattern. Also one of the long sleeve shirts for hot weather women .

• RELAXED FIT: Relaxed, comfortable fit through the…
• TECH STRETCH FABRIC: An ultra-light weight and…
• ACTIVE LONG SLEEVE TOP: Train in confidence with…
• DETAILS: Featuring a classic crew neck.

Also Read: 15 Best Leggings For Travel

5. Men’s Classic Button-Down By U.S. Polo Assn

U.S. Polo’s Classic Button-Down beats a conventional button-down on many counts: It’s short enough to be worn tucked or untucked without looking weird.

It’s made of an odour-resistant and breathable merino wool/organic cotton mix, and it’s fast-drying so you can wash and re-wear it on a long ride. It is the best shirt for hot weather.

• Button down collar
• Single patch pocket with embroidered logo
• Shirt tail hem
• Classic fit

Also Read: 13 Best Lightweight Warm Jackets For Travel (For Women And Men)

With Coolibar’s Hightide Swim Shirt, you can protect yourself from the sun without overheating in long sleeves. This shirt is designed to be worn in the water and provides a UPF 50+ cover.

It won’t float up when swimming and won’t fade from chlorine or saltwater. When you need to protect yourself from the sun on dry ground, this lightweight and silky-feeling shirt can be worn out of the water as well. Also, it’s among the best travel shirts for hot weather for women.

• UPF 50+ – blocks 98% of UVA/UVB rays
• FABRIC: Aqua Classic is a technically elegant,…
• FEATURES: Gripper elastic on back hem, flatlock…
• RECOMMENDED FOR: swimming and water sports like…

Must Read: 11 Best Travel Scarves For Men And Women

The Everyday V-Neck from Alternative Apparel is not only soft but also eco-friendly. The Lenzing fabric used to produce this travel shirt is made from a renewable cellulose fiber derived from beechwood pulp, making it twice as soft as normal cotton.

• Short-sleeve T-shirt with V-neckline

Also Read: Travel Essentials For Women | What To Bring On Your Next Trip?

8. Men’s PFG Zero Rules Long Sleeve Shirt By Columbia

Have you ever wished for your air conditioner or breathable shirts for hot weather? The PFG Zero Rules shirt from Columbia comes close to accomplishing that goal.

This lightweight clothing for hot weather is perfect for almost all body types. Moreover, this long-sleeved travel shirt helps to cool you down.

Omni-Wick wicks sweat and moisture away from your body, keeping you dry, while Omni-Shade protects you from UV rays and heat. 

• DVANCED TECHNOLOGY: Columbia Men’s PFG Zero Rules…
• FABRIC: This long sleeve shirt features a 100%…
• SIGNATURE LOGO: Our signature Columbia logo is…
• CLASSIC FIT: This long sleeve shirt features a…

9. Men’s Long Sleeve Shirt By Columbia 

Long sleeves can seem like the last thing you want to wear on a hot day, but some of the best travel shirts with long sleeves will keep you cooler than short sleeves while still protecting your forearms from sunburn.

Columbia’s Tropicwear shirt has a proprietary SunSmart cover to keep you protected from the sun’s harmful rays. The fabric is also wrinkle-free , so you won’t have to think about ironing the shirt before packing it. It is among the best hot weather shirts.

• Sun protection: Columbia men’s pfg Bahama ii long…
• Handy features: this long sleeve fishing shirt…
• Comfort & breathability: hidden vents at the…
• Relaxed fit: a relaxed, lightweight fit make this…

Also Read: 11 Best Lightweight Boots And Shoes For Travel

10. Women’s Short Sleeve Tee Tops Cotton T-Shirts Blouses 

All other T-shirts should be modeled after this Short Sleeve Tee Tops Cotton : a lightweight, breathable fabric that is moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and soft.

It also features anti-odour technology to keep odors at bay. The new style is just the right amount of fashion while keeping class.

This shirt is the best travel clothing for hot, humid weather. It is the perfect breathable shirt for hot weather.

• ❤ Fits all kinds of figures and you will feel…
• ❤ Good for daily wear, Works great with under…
• ❤ A basic tops and chic tees for women, goes…
• ❤ Size: S-2XL are available. Please read the…

11. Columbia Men’s PFG Bahama II UPF 30 Short-Sleeve Fishing Shirt

The Columbia Men’s PFG Bahama II Short Sleeve fishing shirt is made of our unique UPF 30 fabric, which filters UVA and UVB rays and helps to prevent sunburns and skin damage when spent in the sun for long periods.

Keep yourself safe and secure. Omni-Shade helps to prevent sunburns and long-term skin damage by blocking UVA and UVB radiation. UV absorbent yarns and a tight weave architecture block the entire spectrum of damaging UV radiation.

This fishing shirt’s relaxed, lightweight style makes it ideal for both casual days outside and being active on the water.

• OMNI-SHADE: UV protection at its best, Omni-Shade…
• FISH EASY: Designed specifically for anglers, this…
• BREEZY COOL: Mesh-lined back vents let in and out…
• PERFORMANCE DETAILS: A rod holder provides…
• Moisture-wicking technology: Exploring how moisture-wicking technology keeps you dry and comfortable in hot climates. Dive into the science behind this feature and its practical benefits.
• Breathability and ventilation : Unveiling the significance of breathability and ventilation in hot weather travel shirts. Learn how these features contribute to enhanced airflow and a cooler experience.
• UPF sun protection rating : Understanding the importance of UPF sun protection in travel shirts. Discover how it safeguards your skin from harmful UV rays, ensuring a worry-free adventure under the sun.
• Quick-drying fabric : Explaining the advantages of quick-drying fabric in travel shirts. From unexpected rain showers to washing on the go, discover why this feature is a game-changer.

💁 Types of Fabric for Hot Weather Travel Shirts

These are a few readily accessible materials that make nice-looking shirts for warm weather.

Delving into the breathable and lightweight qualities of linen for hot weather travel shirts. Explore the pros and cons of this classic fabric choice.

• Men’s cotton linen set is made of premium…
• Casual henley shirt feature solid color, v-neck,…
• Men’s Linen Pants design in a loose fit, solid…
• This white linen shirt and pants are great for…

Uncovering the benefits of polyester in travel shirts. From durability to moisture-wicking properties, discover why it’s a popular choice for travelers.

• Technical Tee: MIER Mens Workout Shirts are made…
• Quick-dry & Breathable: This mens dry fit T-shirts…
• V-Neck Design: V-Neck provides a nonrestrictive…
• Easy care: Polyester fabric is more durable for…

Exploring the unique properties of merino wool. Learn how it regulates body temperature, resists odors, and provides comfort in various climates.

• MIDWEIGHT – Mens Merino Base Layer Available in:…
• SUPER SOFT & COMFORTABLE – 100% Superfine 17.5…
• MOISTURE WICKING & ODOR RESISTANT – Merino base…
• EASY CARE – Washer/dryer safe. For longer…

Understanding why nylon is a go-to fabric for hot weather travel shirts. From its durability to its quick-drying nature, explore the perks of this synthetic material.

• Nylon Seersucker
• Cargopockets

Discussing the suitability of cotton for hot weather travel shirts. While a classic choice, we’ll explore both its advantages and potential drawbacks.

• Women round neck with 5 front buttons linen long…
• This summer baggy short sleeve tunic dress has two…
• Ladies loose linen midi dress perfect for daily…
• Summer cotton linen tunic tops great for large…

🙋🏻‍♀️ FAQs About Travel Shirts For Hot Weather

People have so many queries about the best hot weather shirts for travel some of the commonly asked questions are answered below.

A. The best shirt for hot weather is usually one made from materials like linen, cotton, or moisture-wicking fabric to ensure comfort and breathability.

A. Opt for fabrics like linen, cotton, or moisture-wicking blends, ideal for hot and humid weather, providing comfort and breathability.

A. Light-colored clothing, especially whites and pastels, is best for hot weather as they reflect sunlight and help keep you cool.

A. Wearing shorts is generally better in the heat as they allow for better air circulation and help cool the body compared to pants.

A. Oxford shirts can be suitable for summer but choose lighter fabrics and colors like pastels to enhance breathability and comfort in warm weather.

A. The best shirt material for extreme heat is typically moisture-wicking fabric, such as polyester or specialized blends designed to keep you cool.

A. The best top for hot weather is one made from breathable materials like cotton, linen, or moisture-wicking fabric to enhance comfort in high temperatures.

A. Choose lightweight, loose-fitting clothing made from breathable fabrics like cotton or linen for optimal comfort when flying in a hot climate.

A. Understand the importance of protecting your skin from harmful UV rays, especially in hot weather destinations.

Finding the best travel shirt for hot weather is essential for a comfortable and enjoyable journey. Whether you opt for Columbia, ExOfficio, Patagonia, Uniqlo, or Icebreaker, prioritize the features that align with your travel needs. With proper care and consideration, your hot-weather travel shirt can be a reliable companion on all your adventures.

Also, don’t forget to book your personalized holiday package with  Fiery Trippers . Let us make your vacation a romantic as well as a dreamy getaway.

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Rahul Siddharth

He is a dedicated travel writer with a wealth of 10 Years + experience that enriches his narratives. He holds a degree in Hospitality and Hotel Administration from IHM Dehradun, which he couples with hands-on expertise in the field. Drawing from his diverse experiences, Rahul's writings offer readers a captivating glimpse into the world of travel. Embark on a journey of exploration and inspiration with Rahul as your guide. Read More

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Travel Europe on a Budget

The Savvy Backpacker

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The best travel clothes | guide to high-performance & fashionable travel clothing.

We talk about our favorite travel clothing and help you find the perfect travel-friendly clothes to keep you comfortable on the road.

I’ve been a nerd about travel clothes since my first trip to Europe back in 2006—now I have a closet full of travel pants and shirts and jackets (you get the idea). It’s been refreshing to watch travel clothing evolve from hideous outdoorsy gear to stylish clothing made from high-tech fabrics.

In this guide, I’ve gathered some of the most popular travel clothing brands to help you find the best travel clothing so you can stay fashionable and comfortable while traveling.

The Current State Of Travel Clothes

In the old days, travel clothing used to look like this…

But now travel clothing looks like this!

So what’s the deal with travel clothes these days?

I’d argue that the “travel clothing” market hasn’t changed much but the “performance clothing” market is actually what’s pushing the category forward—so these days, I consider travel clothing and performance clothing essentially the same thing.

And it makes sense because many of these new high-performance fabrics offer a ton of benefits that complement both everyday wear and travel.

Even mega-brands like Levis, Gap, Dockers, Lululemon, and Uniqlo are starting to offer fashionable “travel-friendly” or “performance” clothing but small niche brands are pushing the boundaries (which I’ll cover later in this article).

The Good Things About Travel Clothing

Travel clothes are finally being designed to be fashionable and stylish so you can easily wear them in Paris, Milan, or New York without looking out of place.

My #1 travel clothing rule is that I’ll never wear any “travel clothing” that I wouldn’t wear in my everyday life.

Second, high-tech clothes continue to evolve because more companies are developing better fabrics and competition is driving innovation.

The Bad Things About Travel Clothing

Unfortunately, high-tech travel clothing tends to be expensive.

First, many of the fabrics used are high-end so the raw materials are expensive. Second, a majority of travel clothing is made by small companies so they can’t mass produce their products—which pushes prices higher.

Another negative thing about travel clothing is that there are many options for men but fewer for women. This is probably because guys tend to stick to very basic items and they nerd out on “high-tech fabrics more than women.

So what can you expect to pay for travel clothes?

• Nice merino wool socks will be $10-$20/pair
• A pair of travel pants will range from $70-$180+
• A wool shirt will be $50-$100+

Do You NEED Travel Clothing?

Do you really “need” to shell out your hard-earned cash for these high-end garments?

I’ll be the first to say that you certainly don’t need clothes made out of technical fabrics when you travel. Many of these fabrics can make certain aspects of traveling easier and more comfortable… but they’re more of a “nice-to-have” than a “must-have.”

In my opinion, there are a few key pieces that I think deliver a ton of value and there are other items that are more optional — I’ll cover both throughout this article.

The Benefits of Travel Clothes & Performance Wear

What’s so great about travel clothing? Let’s take a look…

Durability & Multi-Day Wear

One of the main benefits of travel clothing is that you can wear them multiple times without having to wash them. This means you can pack fewer items so you can travel lighter.

Odor-Resistance

Many of the fabrics used in travel clothes have anti-odor properties. Merino wool is naturally odor-resistant but some synthetic materials are manufactured in a way to reduce odor.

Quick-Drying Abilities

If you plan on washing your clothes while you’re traveling it’s nice to have items that can be hand-washed and air-dried quickly (i.e. washing your socks and underwear in the sink). Quick-drying fabrics can also be beneficial if you get caught in the rain.

Wrinkle-Resistance

While it’s hard to completely prevent wrinkles when you’re living out of a suitcase, many materials have anti-wrinkle properties. In general, synthetic materials resist wrinkles better than natural fabrics but it depends on the fabric.

Lightweight & Packability

Performance fabric tends to be lightweight so it won’t weigh down your luggage as much — for example, a pair of tech pants will weigh half as much as a pair of jeans. Lightweight fabric also tends to dry quicker than something like cotton jeans which absorb water.

Moisture Wicking & Breathability

One of the most important factors in keeping comfortable is keeping dry. Moisture-wicking fabric helps pull sweat away from your skin and its breathability lets the moisture escape from the fabric.

Stretch and Comfort

Every fabric will have a different amount of stretch. Unsurprisingly, fabric with more stretch tends to be more comfortable since it allows you to move with less restriction.

But you’re always making a compromise when it comes to stretch because, in general, you sacrifice durability/water-repellency for stretchability.

Water Repellency

Certain fabrics are naturally water-repellent and others have chemical coatings which help keep water from soaking into the fabric. In my opinion, water repellency isn’t super high up on my “must-have” list (unless it’s a rain jacket) but it’s a nice bonus.

Note: The chemical water-resistant coatings aren’t permanent so they will become less effective the more the garment is washed.

High-Tech Performance Fabrics Explained

There are multiple different types of fabrics that travel clothing companies use to make their products. There is a lot of nuances and technical/marketing mumbo jumbo when it comes to each fabric but we’ll start with the three main fabric categories — natural fabrics, synthetic fabrics, and natural/synthetic blends.

Natural Fabrics

There are a handful of natural fabrics but the most common are merino wool and cotton.

Merino Wool

The best kind of natural fabric is fine merino wool because it has many natural benefits. Merino wool is naturally odor-resistant, soft, fairly durable, wicks moisture well, dries quickly, and works well in both hot and cold weather.

However, merino wool does have some downsides. First, it’s expensive so even a “cheap” merino wool t-shirt will cost around $50.

Second, thin wool has a tendency to develop holes much more quickly than a more robust fabric like cotton or synthetics.

And third, most wool can’t go in the dryer since heat will make it shrink so it does require a little extra care.

Cotton Should Be Avoided

Most travelers highly recommend avoiding cotton when it comes to travel clothing because cotton holds moisture and doesn’t dry quickly. For example, a cotton pair of socks will trap sweat which will cause odors, blisters, and sweaty feet.

That said, I’m not as militant when it comes to wearing cotton so I still wear cotton jeans and t-shirts. However, I still generally avoid cotton for socks and underwear.

Synthetic Fabrics

Things get a little more complicated when it comes to synthetic fabrics because there are dozens of different variations and each has different performance properties.

That said, synthetic fabrics are usually much cheaper to manufacture but some of the high-end technical fabrics are still expensive.

Synthetic fabrics are very durable, they can be highly water-repellent or even waterproof, many resist wrinkles, they dry very quickly, and they’re lightweight. Some synthetic materials also have a lot of flex so they’re comfortable to wear.

However, there are some negatives. First, synthetic fabrics can become smelly after one or two wearings. Some synthetic fabrics are treated with anti-odor chemicals so that helps.

Next, cheap synthetic fabrics have an ugly “synthetic sheen” and feel fake. Most of these cheap synthetics also make that “swish swish” sound when you walk. Advanced synthetic fabrics can look and feel very similar to natural fabrics but these fabrics are expensive — so you’ll have to pay if fashion is a concern.

Some cheap synthetics also don’t breathe well so they can get pretty balmy in the heat. That’s why you should look for “breathable” fabrics.

Another issue with synthetics is fabric flexibility. The most durable fabrics tend to not have very little flexibility. So if you’ll have to sacrifice a bit of durability for comfort in some instances.

Natural/Synthetic Blends

Travel clothing brands are starting to combine fine merino wool and synthetic fabric to give you the best of both worlds — performance and durability. I heard from someone in the wool industry that there is no performance loss as long as the blend includes at least 70% wool.

You’ll usually see blends in socks, underwear, and shirts.

The Best Travel Clothes and Recommended Travel Clothing Brands

Okay, okay… calm down. I’ve broken down each type of garment (socks, underwear, pants, shirts, etc.) into its own section.

I’ve tried giving specific recommendations when possible (and I’ll try my best to keep the recommendations up-to-date), but sometimes I can only point you towards companies that make tech-wear travel clothes.

I will also do my best to recommend options for all budgets since I know not everyone wants to drop $100 on a t-shirt.

Socks for Travel

In my opinion, a few nice pairs of socks (along with comfortable shoes) are the most important travel accessory. So, if you have a limited clothing budget, spend it on socks.

Boring, I know… but it will be your best bang for the buck

Fine merino wool socks are my favorite and preferred style of socks. Merino wool socks with a bit of synthetic material also work well because the synthetic fibers help the socks keep their shape/fit.

From my experience, 100% synthetic socks aren’t great but they’re not terrible.

Avoid cotton socks if you can.

Obviously, you’ll want to match your socks to the season — i.e. thin, no-show socks for the summer and longer/heavier socks for colder weather.

My Favorite Sock Brands:

• Smartwool : The most famous wool sock company. They offer just about every style. Check Amazon to see what’s available.
• Darn Tough Vermont : Darn Tough socks are made in the USA and they offer a lifetime warranty so that’s awesome. Check Amazon to see what’s available.
• Unbound Merino : This small company makes merino wool basics but we really dig their all-season ankle socks. They don’t contain as much wool as we’d like but this helps keep the cost down. Check them out at Unbound .
• Farm To Feet : This is another 100% USA company that makes a small but quality range of wool socks. Take a look at Amazon to see their offerings.
• Wigwam : Wigwam makes both merino wool and synthetic socks. While they’re not our favorite socks, their prices are pretty good so they’re worth checking out if you’re looking to save a little money. Check Amazon .

Travel Underwear

Ahh, yes. Travel underwear.

I’ve already written at length about the many benefits of travel underwear , but I’ll briefly cover them again below:

• Quick Drying: Wash them in the sink and they’ll be dry by morning.
• Moisture Wicking : This helps keep your skin dry.
• Breathable: This helps stop you from getting all sweaty down there.
• Odor Blocking: Stop the stink (or at least delay it)
• Comfortable: You don’t want to spend your time thinking about your uncomfortable underwear.

Synthetic Underwear

Most travel underwear is made from synthetic fabric which is designed to be soft, lightweight, and breathable. It isn’t the best at controlling odor since some synthetic material holds in odor but many brands have various manufacturing processes that help combat odor.

The most popular travel underwear is made by ExOfficio (you can read our Exofficio review but these guys essentially invented travel underwear). We tend to find the best prices on Amazon and REI .

Patagonia (i.e. everyone’s favorite outdoors brand) has a handful of nice underwear options for both men and women.

Another very popular option is Under Armour underwear . They get a ton of great reviews on Amazon , many people swear by them, and they’re sometimes cheaper than ExOfficio.

For budget travelers, Uniqlo has their Airism line of underwear which isn’t bad but I’m not a huge fan of their cuts. But they’re very affordable so they’re worth looking at.

If you’re on a tight budget, you should check out Target and discount stores like T.J. Maxx or Marshalls because you can find “athletic” underwear for decent prices.

 Merino Wool Underwear

Merino wool is actually a very solid choice for underwear — even in the summer. It’s soft, it’s lightweight, it breathes well, and it’s the best option for resisting odor. The two main downsides are the high prices and durability.

There are a few different brands that sell quality merino wool underwear:

• Allbirds : Allbirds (the company famous for their merino wool shoes) also makes quality underwear and socks for both men and women. Check them out at Allbirds .
• Wool & Prince: This is our current “go-to” brand when it comes to anything merino wool. They currently only offer men’s underwear. Check them out on Wool & Prince .
• Icebreaker: Another popular wool brand is Icebreaker and they make everything from underwear to coats. Browse their selection on Amazon to find a cut that fits your style.

The Best Travel Pants and Jeans For Men

The number of companies making travel-friendly pants and jeans has exploded over the past few years. It’s actually kind of overwhelming but I’ll help you sort it all out.

And don’t worry — all the pants we recommend are actually fashionable so you won’t be looking like a mountain climber while city hopping.

The main thing to remember is that each of the pants on this list has different performance properties so that’s something you’ll want to match the performance to your needs.

Bluffworks Ascender Chinos

Bluffworks, which makes a range of travel garments, recently released their new Ascender Chinos . These are made with lightweight high-performance fabric. The polyester twill fabric has a nice amount of stretch and it has a minimal amount of “synthetic sheen”. The fabric is lightweight so it breaths well, resists wrinkles, and has water-resistant properties.

It’s also nice that these come in both a regular and tailored fit. I own the tailored fit but it certainly isn’t constricting.

The Ascender Chinos have multiple security features like multiple secret zipper pockets to keep all your stuff safe (so you can throw away that terrible money belt).

The Ascender Chinos sell for $125 via Bluffworks

Bluffworks Departure Jeans

There are a lot of people who think jeans make a terrible choice when it comes to travel pants… and they kind of are (they take forever to dry, they’re heavy, and can be hot). But I love traveling in jeans.

Well, Bluffworks helped address many of the “negative” things about denim with their Departure Jeans. These are made from 68% Cotton, 22% COOLMAX Polyester, 9% Rayon, and 1% Spandex so they are super stretchy and much more lightweight than normal denim.

And they included two cleverly designed hidden pockets that don’t interfere with the normal pockets.

But I’ve saved the best for last… these look like normal jeans and they’re legit comfortable. I wear them even when I’m not traveling and that’s about as good an endorsement as I can give.

The Bluffworks Departure Travel Jeans retail for $98

Western Rise AT Slim Rivet Pants

Western Rise is a small performance apparel company from Telluride, Colorado that wanted to make clothing that performed well on the trails but still looked good in town. We think the AT Slim Rivet Pants do a really nice job of walking this balance.

The AT Slim Rivet Pants look very similar to standard five-pocket pants. The fabric is durable yet fairly lightweight and breathable (97% nylon, 3% spandex). Western Rise describes the fabric as “air-texturized fibers” so while it is nylon, the fabric has a cotton feel so there really isn’t any of that synthetic fabric sheen (but it does make a swishy noise).

The fabric also has a DWR coating to help repel water in case you get stuck in the rain or spill beer all over yourself. Additionally, there is a hidden zippered pocket for security.

As for the looks, these come in a slim but not skinny cut. They look like normal pants — which is a top priority. I wear my mine even when I’m not traveling.

The Western Rise AT Slim Rivet Pants retails for $128.

Outlier Slim Dungarees

Outlier designed their Slim Dungarees as a “five-pocket pant that we could travel the world in” and they’ve found their way on many of our trips to Europe. These have a great look and I think they’re some of the best-looking/most stylish travel pants. unfortunately, they’re also some of the most expensive so that’s something to keep in mind.

The Workcloth Doubleweave Canvas is both soft and lightweight yet very durable. The fabric has a nice amount of stretch and it dries very quickly. It also has a self-cleaning” NanoSphere® treatment that helps it repel water, coffee, wine, and dirt.

The Outlier Slim Dungarees sell for $198

Prana Brion Pants

PrAna is a well-established outdoorsy company so most of their stuff is better suited for things like hiking and rock climbing. That said, their Brion Pant  is one of their best-sellers thanks to its fairly modern cut and the fact that they look similar to jeans/chinos.

These are constructed from their durable and quick-drying ‘Zion’ fabric that’s actually stretchy (4-way stretch) so provides a good amount of movement. It’s also coated in a water-repellent (DWR) coating so it will withstand a little water.

So, these might not win any awards for fashion, they’re a solid choice at a solid price.

The  PrAna Brion Pant  retails for $79 via  PrAna .

Everlane Performance Chinos

Everlane recently released their Performance Chinos which I’m also really digging. I own a pair so I can attest that these are very comfortable and they’re probably the most stylish pants on this list.

That said, their Performance Chinos are made from 94% Cotton, 6% Elastane so these are the least “technical” pants on this list as well. But I still think these are a nice option if you’re more concerned about comfort than technical features.

The Everlane Performance Chinos cost $68 and come in four colors.

Ministry Of Supply Kinetic Dress Pants

If you’re looking for a formal/dressy look, but still want a ton of comfort, then look no further than Ministry of Supply Kinetic Pants . These have been described as “dress pants with the feel of sweatpants”.

The Kinetic Pants are made from Japanese Primeflex polyester that has a ton of stretch, resists wrinkles, wicks moisture, and repels water.

The Ministry of Supply Kinetic Pants sell for $145

Travel Pants & Jeans For Women

As we mentioned before, there is a lack of travel pants for women but we’ve tried to find some of the best of the limited choices that are available. One thing to note is that most women’s travel pants tend to focus more on comfort than “technical” fabrics.

Ministry of Supply

Of all the travel clothing brands, Ministry of Supply makes some of the most fashionable and best-performing clothes. Their stuff certainly isn’t cheap but the prices aren’t totally outrageous either.

Their flagship travel pants are their Slim Kinetic Pants which get rave reviews for looks, comfort, and performance. And they can be machine-washed and tumble-dried.

The Slim Kinetic Pants sell for $145.

Anatomie is a high-end women’s travel clothing company that’s one of the few brands which puts a heavy focus on fashion. Most of their travel-friendly pants are expensive at $225+/pair but they have a ton of different styles and cuts for just about every body type.

Check out Anatomie to see their travel pants and other travel garments (shirts, shorts, dresses, jackets, etc.).

Prana Travel Pants

PrAna is one of the few companies that make women’s pants made out of legit technical fabrics. Most of their stuff falls into the “ugly hiking pants” category but they have a few different styles of pants and jeans that are actually cute. And most of their pants are priced around $80 so they’re not crazy expensive.

Check PrAna to see all their styles.

Lululemon may be known for its yoga clothing but they’ve also branched out to more fashion-conscious athleisure wear that works fairly well as travel pants.

Check Lululemon to see the different styles they have available.

The Best Shirts For Travel

Alright, moving right along to shirts made from high-performance fabrics that actually look stylish.

Wool & Prince Tees

I practically live in t-shirts so a few solid-color tees are a staple of any travel wardrobe. While pricy, I love my Wool & Prince merino wool tees . These can be worn for multiple days and I don’t have to worry about washing them.

They have both 100% wool tees and 78% / 22% merino nylon blends. I recommend the blend since it’s cheaper, more durable, and requires less care when washing.

The Wool & Prince Tees sell from $68-$78

Bluffworks Meridian Dress Shirt

If you’re looking for a sharp-looking yet no-fuss button up then look at the Meridian Dress Shirt from Bluffworks. It’s made from 98% polyester and 2% spandex so it won’t wrinkle and the fabric will dry very quickly. The fabric can take a beating and there aren’t any special care instructions. We also like how it comes in both a classic and slim fit.

The Bluffworks Meridian Dress Shirt sells for $98

Bluffworks Piton Polo

I’ve only had my Bluffworks Piton Polo for about a month but I’m already seeing why this is an excellent travel shirt. First, it looks great and I love how it comes in a classic and slim fit. Next, the breathable pique knit is breathable and it only has a very slightly noticeable synthetic look even though it’s 100% polyester. And like all Bluffworks clothing, the fabric is tough, wrinkle-resistant, and doesn’t require any special care.

The Bluffworks Piton Polo sells for $68

Wool & Prince Polo

My Wool & Prince Polo always finds itself in my backpack. I love the cut and the quality is top-notch. It’s a nice “dressier” change from a t-shirt while still being casual. And you get all the benefits from merino wool fabric.

Wool & Prince offers has two types of polos — a 100% merino wool version and a 78% merino wool, 22% nylon blend. I own the blend version and I love it.

The Wool & Prince Polo sells for $78-$98.

Bluffworks Threshold Performance T-Shirt

You might be seeing a pattern here… but Bluffworks is back with their Threshold Performance T-Shirt. This ultra-lightweight t-shirt is made from a blend of 66% Polyester, 29% Lyocell, and 5% Elastane so it has a ton of stretch, wicks moisture well, and is very breathable. The fabric is thin (which is why it’s airy/breathable) so if you like a little more heft to your shirts then you might want to look elsewhere.

The Bluffworks Threshold Performance T-Shirt sells for $45

Wool & Prince Button-Ups

Wool & Price has a number of both short-sleeved and long-sleeve button-up shirts made from merino wool. I own one of their button-down oxford shirts and the fabric is very sturdy — I’d say it makes a nice choice for cooler weather as I can see it getting a little warm in the hot weather.

They also have a new wool/linen blend which will be more airy and breathable so these look great for warmer weather (I’ll be testing these once they get back in stock).

The Wool and Prince Button-Up Shirts sell for $98-$138

Outlier Merino T-Shirt

Outlier is another high-end brand that makes excellent products and one of my favorite items is their Ultrafine Merino T-shirt. It’s made from 17.5, 195gsm Merino Jersey Wool so the fabric is sturdy and drapes a bit better than many other merino t-shirts. And it comes in a lot of nice colors. But like all other Outlier products, the ultra-high-quality comes at a very high price.

The Outlier Ultrafine Merino T-shirt costs $110 each or three for $295.

Unbound Merino Wool T-Shirt

Unbound is another small company offering 100% ultra-fine 17.5 microns, 190g Merino wool shirts at affordable prices. I own a few of their shirts and while their shirts might not be quite as nice as other 100% merino shirts on our list, the price is a bit cheaper.

The Unbound Merino Wool T-Shirt sells for $65

Uniqlo Airism Shirts

When it comes to budget basics, it’s impossible to beat Uniqlo’s Airism line of shirts. We own a few different Airism items and they’re not terrible but they certainly aren’t nearly as nice or perform as well as the other items on this list — but they’re cheap.

Check Uniqlo to see what they have because always changing their stock.

Women’s Travel Shirts

Ok, here’s the deal… there aren’t a ton of “performance” shirts for women that aren’t ugly. But here are a few decent items we’ve found:

• Bluffworks Womens : Bluffworks has recently released a line of women’s travel clothing that looks very promising.
• Ministry of Supply is a great choice for high-performance clothing that still looks fashionable. And while their prices aren’t cheap, we consider them very reasonable. They also have nice dresses and other items.
• Unbound Merino has a black v-neck 100% merino shirt in a women’s cut for $65.
• Anatomie has a number of high-end cute tops made from travel-friendly fabrics but they’re expensive.
• Lululemon has some decent options but many of their items lean heavily into athleisure.

Cold Weather Travel Clothing

Most of the items on this list will work well in colder weather but you’ll want to pair them with other items to achieve maximum warmth. The key is layering—which basically means combining a few lighter layers to achieve warmth without the bulk.

Base Layers

A base layer is technically anything that is worn directly on your skin. Socks and underwear fall into this category but it also includes items like shirts, undershirts, and long underwear.

In the winter we’ll throw on long-sleeve merino wool or synthetic long underwear and this helps keep us warm and dry when we’re outside all day.

For the best selection, I recommend checking out REI as they carry all the major long underwear brands. If you’re trying to save a little money, check out Uniqlo’s  HeatTech  line of long underwear since it is cheap.

A mid-layer is anything that is worn between your base layer and your outer layer. Its main purpose is insulation and it can be a sweater, vest, down jacket, hoodie, or just about anything. Sometimes the mid-layer can act as an outer layer if the weather isn’t too cold.

When it comes to tech-wear, the main pieces are Merino wool sweaters/jackets, fleece jackets, and down (or a synthetic variation) jackets. The piece just needs to allow internal moisture (sweat) to evaporate through the fabric. It’s also nice if the piece is lightweight and durable.

Fleece is always a popular choice because it provides a good amount of warmth, durability, and breathability without being too bulky. There is also a variation of fleece called hard fleece — which is basically a fleece with a smoother and more durable exterior. Most hard fleece garments are also more water-resistant than normal fleece.

There are hundreds of fleece jackets available on the market at all price points, so we’d check out the selection at REI and buy whatever fits your budget.

Another popular choice is down jackets — although a lot of companies now use synthetic down ( Primaloft , Coreloft, etc.) and many people prefer synthetic material to natural down. Synthetic down is incredibly lightweight, compressible, breathable, and it retains warmth even when wet.

It is crazy how compressible natural and synthetic down jackets are — some can compress to the size of a shoe. When compared to a fleece jacket, a synthetic down jacket is more water-resistant , wind resistant, packable, and lighter. 

Nearly every outdoor brand makes lightweight down/synthetic down jackets. One of the most popular and fashionable brands is Patagonia — check out both Amazon and REI for the best selection. The  Patagonia Nano Puff jacket is probably the most popular lightweight puff jacket on the market so it’s no wonder it’s a favorite among experienced travelers (it’s what we use).

Outerwear is generally the final layer and it is what protects you from the elements (wind, rain, snow, etc.). The problem with outerwear is that it encompasses a huge range of garments that perform a huge range of functions. It can be anything from a simple waterproof jacket for summer showers, to large winter coats capable of withstanding a harsh Scandinavian winter.

I’ll start off by diving into  waterproof jackets since that is probably what most people are interested in learning about.

Most traditional waterproof jackets are called hard shells . These are 100% waterproof and they have that plastic-y feel and sound. If you want the ultimate protection from the elements, this is your choice.

However, being impermeable to the elements means that the material doesn’t breathe — this is less than ideal because it doesn’t allow your body’s sweat to evaporate. Basically, it traps moisture and makes you feel all clammy.

Some high-end hardshell jackets have breathable fabric, but even those aren’t as breathable as softshells (which we’ll talk about later).

Unsurprisingly, most waterproof jackets are made by outdoor companies, so trying to find a stylish one isn’t super easy. However, there are plenty of decent-looking options by Marmot, Patagonia, and The North Face.

However, in the summer I generally recommend that a traditional rain jacket is unnecessary — mainly because it doesn’t rain a lot and most jackets are too heavy for summer travel.

However, Ultralight Rain Jackets are super lightweight (they only weigh a few ounces) and they can be packed into a pocket, so they’re easy to carry around in a daypack. Ultralight rain jackets won’t have very good breathability, but you’ll only be wearing them in the rain, so it isn’t a huge issue.

The best ultralight rain jackets are the  Outdoor Research Helium II , Marmot Super Mica , and the  Montane Minimus  (they all weigh under 10 oz).

When it comes to breathability, it doesn’t get any better than a softshell jacket. Softshell jackets aren’t technically 100% waterproof, but they’re essentially waterproof. They’re well-suited for urban travel because they’re more comfortable than a hard shell and they’re more stylish.

Again, there are hundreds of softshell jackets, so I recommend visiting REI (click here for Men’s and Women’s ) to see which ones fit your budget and style preference.

Heavy Coats

If you’re traveling during the winter, you may consider bringing a heavy winter coat . In some instances, you may be completely comfortable by layering a base layer, a few mid-layers, and an outer layer. But, sometimes, you need a heavy coat — especially if you’re traveling to Northern or Eastern Europe in the dead of winter.

Puffy down coats provide an amazing warmth-to-weight ratio — which is always something to consider when traveling. Combine that down coat with a base layer and a warm mid-layer, and you’ll be staying toasty. Natural down is the warmest, but it becomes ineffective if it gets wet.

On the other hand, synthetic down isn’t quite as warm, but it still works if it gets wet and it dries quicker. Different coats have different amounts of water-repellant, so this is something to take into consideration.

For the best selection of insulated coats , I recommend checking out REI  simply because they have the best selection. Look for one that fits your personal style.

If you’re looking for the ultimate protection from the elements, you’ll want a standard waterproof, winter coat. A lot of coats have a 3-in-1 system that contains a waterproof outer shell and an interior insulated lining. Again, REI is a good place to start your search because they have the best selection.

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• Travel Clothes

The Best Travel T-Shirts: Pack These Tees for Your Next Trip

Published August 22, 2023

Written by:

Fred Perrotta

Co-founder, tortuga.

Fred Perrotta is the co-founder and CEO of Tortuga. His first backpacking trip to Europe inspired him to start the...

Nick Hilden

Pacific Northwest native Nick Hilden is a travel and culture writer whose work has appeared in Afar, the Daily Beast,...

Jessie Beck

Jessie is a writer, editor, and content marketer who covers travel gear and adventure travel. She’s called many places home...

Jeremy Michael Cohen

Jeremy Michael Cohen is a co-founder of Tortuga. He also works as a screenwriter and director. Aside from travel and...

The Tortuga Promise

At Tortuga, our mission is to make travel easier. Our advice and recommendations are based on years of travel experience. We only recommend products that we use on our own travels.

Table of Contents

A great t-shirt is at the core of every traveler’s wardrobe. They work well on their own or as a base layer. Tees are small, light, and can be rolled up and stuffed into your travel backpack . The right travel t-shirt can be hand-washed and hang-dried or worn multiple times.

In this article, you’ll learn what makes a great travel shirt and find a range of men’s and women ‘s tees based on your needs and budget.

Why You Should Trust Us

Our team at Tortuga works remotely and travels frequently. You’ll find us in t-shirts more frequently than in business casual clothes.

Here on the Tortuga blog, we write gear guides about what to bring for your trip. When you’re traveling, your clothes count as gear too. Sure, you want to look good. But you also need clothes that perform. That’s why we test everything and share our favorites with you.

This post includes contributions from Tortuga’s founders (and professional gear nerds), Fred Perrotta and Jeremy Michael Cohen , as well as travel writers Nick Hilden and Jessie Beck .

Pack for trips of one week or more without checking a bag.

• Thick comfortable straps
• Easy to organize
• Durable, waterproof fabric
• Backed by our Worldwide Warranty

What is a “Travel” T-Shirt?

What makes a t-shirt a travel t-shirt? At first glance, you might not see any difference between a basic cotton shirt that costs $10, a fancier brand that costs $30, and a merino wool tee that costs $100.

The main selling point of a travel tee is that you can wear it multiple times between washes. Anti-odor fabric, hydrophobic design, armpit gussets, sweat-wicking technology, and other smart features can all contribute to a great travel t-shirt.

As Outlier co-founder and creative director, Abe Burmeister says:

“The most important things for travel clothing are cleanness, durability, and packability. The longer an item stays clean the more useful it is and the less you need to pack. When you trust your clothes can handle getting pushed to the limits, you can carry less and the less you carry the further you can go.”

You can wear travel t-shirts longer than other shirts, meaning you can pack fewer total shirts. The less you pack, the easier it is to travel in just a carry on .

If you have a shirt that you can wear multiple times without washing (and without smelling terrible), you have a great travel shirt. But re-wearability is just the most important feature of a travel t-shirt, but it’s not the only factor. There are a few other considerations that go into choosing the best shirt for your travels.

What To Look for in a Travel T-Shirt

Cutting and sewing a t-shirt is pretty simple. The magic is in the material and the fit. When you’re shopping for a travel tee, focus on the fabric.

Pick the Right Fabric

Quick-drying, odor controlling, sweat-wicking, comfortable all day.

Merino wool is an outstanding material for travel as it’s comfortable, warm (yet breathable), and looks great. We like to call it “nature’s performance fabric.” Merino t-shirts offer the best overall performance on the market. However, they are also the most expensive and can have durability issues. So they aren’t the only option.

Cotton shirts feel pleasant on your skin but don’t travel well. Cotton wrinkles easily, absorbs sweat, and dries slowly. We like cotton at home but don’t recommend taking it on the road.

A blended fabric can offer high performance at a competitive price. Merino/nylon, cotton/polyester, or tri-blends can offer the positives of each material without all of the negatives.

For example, a strong fiber like nylon can offset the durability concerns of a more delicate fiber like merino wool.

Polyester dries fast and doesn’t wrinkle, which offsets some of the drawbacks of cotton. Cotton feels nicer than polyester, so the blend feels softer and more natural on your skin than 100% polyester.

When you’re traveling, you don’t want to spend your time at a laundromat. Instead, you can hand wash your clothes and hang them to dry in your hotel room or Airbnb. In this situation, you need a t-shirt that doesn’t take forever to dry.

My personal measuring stick for a quick-dry t-shirt is going from wet to damp in 30 minutes and hang drying in a few hours. At the minimum, your t-shirts should always dry completely when hung out overnight. You should be able to wash it and wear it the next day, no matter what.

Quick-dry shirts are also important if you’ll be sweating a lot, whether from hiking, exploring a city, or hauling your personal bag on and off airplanes and buses. Drying quickly will leave you feeling comfortable, not clammy.

Synthetic fabrics and blends are the fastest-drying materials. However, smells can linger on polyester and nylon if you’ve been sweating in your shirt.

Keep yourself smelling fresh, or at least not noticeably stinky, for yourself and for your fellow travelers. There’s nothing worse than being stuck on a flight next to the stinkiest passenger. 

Odor-controlling fabrics are increasingly common, particularly in shirts designed for travel. Don’t be surprised that we’re again suggesting merino wool, which is naturally stink-resistant.

Blended fabrics aren’t as inherently good at odor management. But some have anti-odor treatments, like anti-bacterial coatings or silver threads. For example, Western Rise uses Polygiene on their cotton/polyester blended X Cotton Tee . However, we haven’t found those odor-controlling treatments as effective at staying stink-free as merino.

I’ve already mentioned the importance of shirts that dry fast and tamp down odors. A shirt that wicks sweat will help with both of those issues.

Shirts achieve wicking with fabrics that lift sweat off your body to the exterior of the shirt, where it evaporates more quickly. 

While helpful for any traveler, sweat-wicking t-shirts are essential if you plan on being active during your trip. Whether hiking, cycling, hitting the gym, or simply walking around a hot city, you want to wear fabrics up to the job.

Synthetics are the best at wicking sweat but tend to hold on to smells and need to be washed more frequently. A blend provides a better mix of wicking and odor control.

Merino wool offers the best wicking in a natural fiber. Cotton is notoriously absorbent, making it a poor choice for wicking away sweat.

Alternatively, you can pack a separate gym shirt and accept that you’ll probably have to wash it after each workout.

Because a t-shirt is a core building block of your travel wardrobe , you should feel great whenever you wear it.

You’re going to wear your travel t-shirt a lot. You might even buy a drawer full of the same shirt. You should love wearing it.

Whether you’re buying an expensive merino t-shirt or a dozen of your favorite cheap shirts, you’re making an investment. Buy the one travel t-shirt that you really love and build from there. If you’ve never tried merino before, start with one shirt. Wear it on the plane. Wear it again. And again. Notice that it’s not smelly yet. Then decide how to build out the rest of your wardrobe. Don’t go “all in” with an expensive fabric you’ve never worn before.

If you go for merino wool, buy a shirt of high-quality, fine gauge merino that’s soft, not scratchy.

Blends often have a softer, more natural hand feel than 100% polyester or nylon. You’ll get the upside of a synthetic fabric without feeling like you’re wearing plastic.

If your shirt feels great, you’ll wear it with confidence.

When ordering online, check the shirt’s size chart and compare it to the measurements of your current favorite tee. Everybody is unique, and you probably have your own preferences for how long or short or how slim or loose you like your tees to fit. Check the size chart, read reviews, and size up or down to get a fit you’re comfortable with.

The Best Travel T-Shirts for Men

Best Merino Wool Men’s Travel T-Shirt

Unbound Merino Wool Crew Neck T-Shirt ($88)

Unbound Merino’s wool is so good you’ll almost forget this is a “travel” t-shirt. Wool is naturally temperature regulating and odor repellant. This tee from Unbound Merino is soft, lightweight, and so comfortable that you can wear it for days (or weeks) without washing it.

Streamline your packing list with a merino wool t-shirt, the perfect foundational piece to build your travel wardrobe around.

Best Blended Men’s Travel T-Shirt

Western Rise X Cotton Tee ($54)

A great cotton/polyester blend offers most of the same performance as merino wool at a fraction of the price. And many people prefer the feel of a smooth cotton blend over rougher wool.

Western Rise’s X Cotton T-Shirt is a medium-weight tee with great stretch. The shirt feels like cotton, but thanks to its polyester, dries faster and doesn’t wrinkle as much as you’d expect. The odor-repellant Polygiene coating even means that you can re-wear it between washes.

Best Quick-Dry Men’s Travel T-Shirt

Lululemon Drysense Training Short Sleeve Shirt ($78)

This is our go-to shirt for hitting the gym while traveling. Lululemon’s Drysense tech fabric is quick-drying and sweat-wicking. It also has a little loop on the back of the collar for hanging it from a hook, which helps with drying and ensures that the collar won’t stretch out of shape.

This training tee is also eco-friendly. All of the polyester in the Drysense series is recycled.

Best Budget Men’s Travel T-Shirt

Next Level Apparel Men’s N6210 T-Shirt ($8+)

This basic t-shirt from Amazon is an “excellent for the price” workhorse. The 60% cotton and 40% polyester blend feels good and never needs to be ironed. You can buy a trip’s worth of shirts for the price of one of our other picks. Despite the price, these shirts can last for years without any issues aside from pilling. We recommended the Next Level if you liked the old American Apparel t-shirts from before they sold to Gildan.

The Best Travel T-Shirts for Women

Best Merino Wool Women ’s Travel T-Shirt

Woolly V Neck Tee ($50)

Woolly’s V Neck Tee is made of merino wool, so it’s sweat-wicking, odor-resistant, and ultralight. A bit of elastane gives it some extra stretch.

Seattle-based Woolly is one of our favorites for a well-made, affordable, merino t-shirt for women .

Best Budget Women ‘s Travel T-Shirt

Uniqlo AIRism Scoop Neck Short-Sleeve T-Shirt ($15)

All the shirts in Uniqlo’s AIRism collection pass our test for travel-ready t-shirts. Made from a quick-drying, odor-resistant, and anti-microbial fabric, these tees can withstand the rigor of a full day (or three) out and about. They’re also lightweight and “feel like air,” which is ideal in hot-weather climates or as a barely-there base layer in colder weather.

At $15 each, they also come at a hard-to-beat price point for budget-conscious travelers. Really, the only downsides of these shirts are that they don’t tend to last as long as some of the other t-shirts on this list.

Travel Experts Advice

Prioritize breathable fabrics for comfort.

When I’m exploring new places and immersing myself in various activities, I want my clothing to work with me, not against me. I’ve experienced the discomfort of wearing non-breathable fabrics in warm and humid climates, and it’s not something I want to repeat. Breathable fabrics with moisture-wicking blends allow air to circulate, keeping me cool and preventing that sticky, uncomfortable feeling. 

Hammer Tsui , Travel Blogger, A Fun Couple

Avoid Tight or Short Shirts

As a digital nomad and fashion designer traveling for over five years, the advice is to avoid anything too tight or too short. When traveling, a lot of time is spent sitting on planes, buses, or trains. When standing up, a tight or short shirt tends to ride up, which can be uncomfortable and sometimes even embarrassing.

Pazit Reuven , Fashion Designer and Blogger, Shawlovers

Select Versatile, Easy-Care Shirts

Versatility is the key to selecting the right travel shirt. Ideally, it complements various outfits you’ve packed, can be layered to adjust to different climate conditions, and is easy to care for. That way, it’s both fashionable and practical. 

So, when you’re selecting a shirt for traveling, opt for versatile pieces that tick off all the boxes for comfort, style, and function. You can be assured they will serve you well!

Jackie Gately , Travel Writer, Enjoy Travel Life

Opt for Wrinkle-Resistant Fabric

A wrinkle-resistant shirt minimizes the need for ironing and allows you to focus on enjoying your trip while maintaining a polished appearance, making it a practical and versatile choice for any type of travel experience.

Jim Campbell , Owner, Honeymoons

A high-quality travel t-shirt that you love should form the basis of your capsule wardrobe and go a long way in helping you look, feel, and smell your best on the road. Tees are light and easy to pack so you can fit a week’s worth in your underseat backpack . Just make sure to pick a tee in the right material with measurements similar to your current favorite shirt. Then enjoy your trip and forget about doing laundry.

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Tortuga travel backpack pro $350.

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Fred Perrotta is the co-founder and CEO of Tortuga. His first backpacking trip to Europe inspired him to start the company. For over a decade, he’s traveled the world from his home base in the Bay Area while working remotely. When he’s on the road, Fred enjoys both walking and eating as much as possible.

Read more from Fred

Pacific Northwest native Nick Hilden is a travel and culture writer whose work has appeared in Afar, the Daily Beast, the Los Angeles Times, Men’s Health, Fodor’s, Popular Science, Scientific American, Thrillist, Vice, Runner’s World, and many, many more. He’s carried a Tortuga Outbreaker through year after year of traveling to places like Turkey, Tunisia, Thailand, Vietnam, Spain, Serbia, France, Italy, Greece, Mexico, all across the U.S., and beyond. You can follow his travels via Instagram @nick.hilden.

Read more from Nick

Jessie is a writer, editor, and content marketer who covers travel gear and adventure travel. She’s called many places home and traveled to 45+ countries.

She now lives in San Francisco with her husband where she splits her time between traveling, adventuring outdoors, and cooking (okay, eating).

Read more from Jessie

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The Best Long-Sleeve Shirts for Men To Wear Right Now

There are certain pieces in your style rotation you might overlook, like the seemingly humble yet downright essential long-sleeve shirt. This is a style that, to us features plenty of utility no matter the season. Long-sleeve shirts these days are much more than an afterthought, with companies putting as much care into your long-sleeve shirt as they might, say, a regular t-shirt or a pocket tee. And when designed in a minimal enough fashion, a henley is even worth considering among the pantheon of the best long-sleeve shirts. When you find the right long-sleeve shirt though, you’re finding both a comfortable shirt with a casual base layer and when made the right way, a piece that can be worn on its own.

Best Overall Long-Sleeve Shirt: Mott and Bow Long-Sleeve Driggs Crew Tee

Best long-sleeve shirt for the great outdoors: filson long-sleeve ranger pocket t-shirt, best long-sleeve graphic t-shirt: howler brothers lazy gators long-sleeve tee, best long-sleeve shirt right out of the box: paige bower long-sleeve crew, best striped long-sleeve shirt: armor-lux classic heavyweight mariner shirt, best long-sleeve shirt for travel: goodlife scalloped hem long-sleeve t-shirt, best long-sleeve henley: hnly la bourdain henley, other long-sleeve shirts we love.

The best long-sleeve shirts, like long-sleeve shirts made with merino wool , provide comfort and warmth, plus plenty of laidback weekend styling potential. When worn with tailored sweats to grab coffee or brunch, a long-sleeve shirt in the right color and cut looks a heck of a lot better an old logo or athletic tee. And when worn for travel underneath a denim jacket, for instance, you’re getting a layer that also looks great on its own. To start your search for a shirt that’s both a base layer and a reliable fall and winter style move, select from our favorite long-sleeve shirts of the moment.

Related Guides

• Best Henley Shirts for Men
• Best Short Sleeve Shirts for Men

That’s right: The brand known for making some of your favorite denim is also offering a full set of complementary menswear picks, including an ultra-soft line of t-shirts. Available in versatile colors and featuring a tagless back for a smooth fit and feel, we suggest picking up as many of these tees as possible, then layering one beneath a herringbone blazer on the weekdays and your favorite flannel shirt on the weekend (Mott and Bow jeans sold separately).

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Designed for year-round wear as a base layer or on its own, this Filson t-shirt is built with every bit as much durability as you’d expect from the famed heritage outfitter. It’s also made with breathable cotton jersey fabric, so it’s neither too light in cold weather nor too hot on breezy days. Right now, pair it with one of the brand’s much-loved waxed jackets.

Sometimes, the fun of wearing a long-sleeve tee shines through in unexpected ways. Whether you’re hitting the water or the trail, hauling firewood in the morning or cracking open a cold beer at night, this dependable Howler Brothers tee makes every pursuit unexpected and even fun, thanks to the engaging, cool graphic design.

Read More: Best Graphic Tee Brands

With a lived-in look and feel, plus breezy slub cotton construction, this deep midnight tee is a winner as soon as you open up the box and throw it on. The deep midnight color goes well with everything from grey stretch denim to black joggers for easygoing weekend comfort, and the chest pocket helps it look good on its own or layered up beneath a Paige denim jacket.

Trusted by the French Navy for decades, long-sleeve shirts from Armor-Lux are durable and of heirloom quality, not to mention about as visually striking as it gets, thanks to these bold stripes. The heavyweight cotton fabric and distinctive design are bonuses in matters of functionality and style, respectively.

Comfort is the name of the game as travel comes back slowly but surely, and this super-soft Goodlife t-shirt checks all the right boxes. It’s light to the touch, it’s breathable, it feels nice against your skin and you can wear it on its own (thanks to the unique scalloped hem) or layered under a zip hoodie for extra warmth in chilly conditions (looking at you, airport A/C).

It wouldn’t be a guide to the best long-sleeve shirts without including perhaps the most famous long-sleeve knitwear style, the trusted henley. The durable three-button placket can be buttoned all the way up in similar fashion to a classic crewneck tee, or you can rock a few buttons undone to show off a necklace or regulate air flow on breezy days. The organic cotton is substantial yet stretchy, and you can’t argue with the fact that its named for a famed henley lover, Mr. Anthony Bourdain.

Pangaia Organic Cotton Long-Sleeve T-Shirt

Pangaia really does go all out when it comes to making sustainable, stylish menswear, using bold colors and next-level materials in items as seemingly simple as the long-sleeve t-shirt. As the brand says, this tee is made with PPRMINT treatment, which “has natural antibacterial and antimicrobial properties.” Add in an eye-catching color, and you’ve got a long-sleeve t-shirt deserving of attention.

Read More: Best Cotton Shirts for Men

Rhone reign long-sleeve performance t-shirt.

If you’re the type who prefers to wear long sleeves when working out or heading out on a day hike (all the better to stay warm and work up a sweat), then Rhone’s Reign Performance T-Shirt is the right option for you. The stretch, moisture-wicking fabric and raglan sleeve design (for increased mobility) are all huge bonuses in terms of mobile design and, well, performance.

AllSaints Brace Long-Sleeve Crewneck T-Shirt

AllSaints is normally known for its slim denim and expertly cut leather jackets. This tee is a simple style move for pairing with that edgy and classic combo.

Marine Layer Box Waffle T-Shirt

Remember what we said about long-sleeve t-shirts so stylish, you can wear them on their own? This t-shirt, with textured waffle fabric, a visually neat chest pocket and a curved hem, is definitely one such t-shirt.

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When you grow up in the city of Seattle, flannel isn't a fashion choice — it's a way of life. Most of we Seattleites prefer to weave our own flannels from the fur shorn off a sasquatch, or we simply get them handed down out of our fathers' closets (all our fathers were loggers — every last one), but when we do decide to shop for a new flannel, we know what to look for in terms of quality. With all the time we spend living in the cold and rain, we've learned how to be properly dressed for the weather.

To that end, here's a roundup of the best men's flannel shirts to keep you warm this winter. This list includes both classic mainstays and great new releases, and each of them has been personally tested by a genuine Seattle native. Flannel-cred doesn't get more real than that.

Here they are, the all-around best men's clothing brands in the world right now. These head-to-toe outfitters offer a wide range of products — no specialty brands. To qualify for this list of best clothing brands, you have to be able to theoretically build at least 75% of a fully functional wardrobe from that brand alone. So you may not see your favorite footwear or outerwear brand here if it only specializes in that particular category.

The other qualification for the best clothing brands for men is that they have to design most of their products, so you won't find any wholesale retailers here. They can sell other brands when it fills a need to round out their collection, but they have to offer original designs predominantly.

• Work With Us

Best Wrinkle-Free Travel Dress Shirts: Bluffworks Zenith & Lenox

Written by Dan

Updated on April 26th, 2024

Are these the best no-iron wrinkle-free men’s dress shirts for travel? I'm reviewing the Bluffworks Zenith affordable and casual button-down travel shirts.

This article may contain affiliate links. We earn a small commissions when you purchase via those links — and it's free for you. It's only us (Becca & Dan) working on this website, so we value your support! Read our privacy policy and learn more about us .

Table of contents

• A brief rundown: Bluffworks Zenith button-down dress shirts
• Summary: The new Lenox wrinkle-free dress shirts
• Technical features of the Zenith Dress Shirts
• Versatile use cases for the Zenith and Lenox dress shirts
• Are the Bluffworks wrinkle-free dress shirts worth the money?
• Conclusion: Bluffworks dress shirts for travel

I never knew I needed button-down dress shirts specifically made for travel, but now I don’t know what I’d do without them. Bluffworks’ answer to a wrinkle-free travel dress shirt for men is the Zenith Travel Dress Shirt, an affordable and versatile travel staple.

When I’m traveling out of town for a wedding weekend, business conference or a family event, I need a shirt that won’t require an iron to get the wrinkles out. The Bluffworks Zenith dress shirts and Lenox dress shirts are the best travel dress shirt I can trust.

I find that they’re versatile, comfortable and have a heap of good features to talk about. If you’re considering these shirts as travel button-down dress shirts, keep reading about why these just might be the best travel dress shirts out there.

A brief rundown: Bluffworks Zenith button-down dress shirts

In the photos that follow, I am wearing the Zenith Dress Shirt in Classic Fit, Multicolor Gingham, Size S.

These smart travel dress shirts are more than a Zoom shirt, and I say that because I debuted my Zenith dress shirt at an online work Zoom party with my coworkers in 2020 while I was wearing a pair of loungey joggers .

Bluffworks says these shirts have many lives, and even outside the video meeting outfit, they sure do.

A lot of the excitement for these wrinkle-free flattering dress shirts for men is that they are timeless in style and have lots of qualities worth telling your friends about.

I say this because I often wind up talking about all my Bluffworks travel shirts when I’m on trips and wearing them: they’re a great conversation-starter once you start showing everyone how they refuse to wrinkle (and repel water).

Get an immediate 15% off, with our exclusive Bluffworks discount code (one-time use per customer)! Use code halfhalftravel15 at checkout.

Get the deal

Summary: The new Lenox wrinkle-free dress shirts

The Lenox dress shirt collection from Bluffworks is also made from the signature wrinkle-free, odor-resistant and soft knit fabric. The difference between the Lenox and the Zenith is that the Lenox has “pointed lapel with collar stays.”

This technical shirt is a dab more formal than the Zenith, and only comes in solid colors (think of wearing one to a wedding or formal event). Of course, the Lenox travel dress shirts are also machine-washable, which comes in so handy if you’re scared of ironing (I am).

Technical features of the Zenith Dress Shirts

The Zenith shirts have a host of features that earn them the titles of the “best men’s travel dress shirts” for professionals and travelers.

Let’s check them out here.

Wrinkle-free fabric

When I wear dress shirts, I prefer the look of rolling up the sleeves, so my ideal dress shirt is one that doesn’t get sleeve wrinkles. Only shirts that are wrinkle free allow this. Some of my other travel shirts look terrible when I try to roll down the sleeves after rolling them up.

The Zenith travel dress shirts don’t wrinkle… at all.

Specifically for the arm-rolling, this wrinkle-free feature is useful because you can wear the same shirt twice and not have sleeves be wrinkled after the second time. No one will ever know you wore it yesterday. This is a game-changer, specific to when you’re away from home and don’t plan to do laundry until you get back.

The shirts are even wrinkle-free after I take them out of my packing cubes during a trip. For more on packing cubes, including the Bluffworks packing cubes, check out my rundown of the best packing cubes for travel .

Slight stretch component

With a blend of 94% polyester and 6% spandex for the Zenith, these shirts are slightly stretchy. This makes them comfortable to wear for an entire day. They are more forgiving when you are dancing at a wedding, or sitting all day in an office.

Odor-wicking material

The material has odor-repellent qualities, so they tend not to smell like any BO, even after multiple wears. This is useful for me if I only bring one shirt on a trip, and have multiple times that I need to wear a nice shirt.

Water, stain and spill-resistant

I enjoy showing this off when I’m at meals with friends during a trip. I’ll splash a little water on my Bluffworks Zenith shirt and show everyone how it stays as a little droplet without making the shirt wet at all. You can just dab off any moisture droplets that fall on these shirts.

That is a great aspect of a travel shirt because the idea is that you may not have access to a washer during a three- or five-day trip.

Care and washability

The Zenith shirts are machine-washable, which is huge for anyone who dislikes going to a dry cleaners just to care for dress shirts. These travel dress shirts go right through the laundry and hang dry with no problem.

Versatile use cases for the Zenith and Lenox dress shirts

Plainly put, these travel dress shirts are very multi-purpose. You can wear Bluffworks’ dress shirts for a business meeting and then a nice night out.

Regarding how I’ve worn them during travel, I’ve worn the Zenith travel button-downs to holiday dinners with my wife’s family, wedding rehearsal dinners, client events and wedding weekend social gatherings.

The Bluffworks dress shirts are also ideal for wearing with a suit like the Bluffworks Gramercy travel suit . You can learn more at my Gramercy suit review ! Further, don’t miss my tips on how to fold a suit for travel .

Interested in packing like a minimalist? I have a few tips about minimalist packing, here , including how to get your wardrobe down to a small capsule of must-have essentials like these dress shirts.

Are the Bluffworks wrinkle-free dress shirts worth the money?

The Bluffworks Zenith travel shirts and Lenox shirts are absolutely worth the investment if you plan to have continued use cases for travel button-down dress shirts in the next few years.

I never even thought I’d be wearing them more than a few times, but I wind up packing them on most trips I take. The Zenith shirts work well under a blazer, or with Bluffworks’ Ascender Chinos for a decent business casual outfit.

While you’re here, don’t miss our list of the best men’s pants for travel , including the Bluffworks line of men’s travel pants.

I’ve worn them with brown or black jeans to the same effect. They’re an easy way to look put together, especially when you’re on the road without your entire closet at your disposal.

This being said, if you really don’t think you’d get use out of a shirt like this, then it’s not for you; however, the Zenith style and the Lenox style isn’t going out of style anytime soon, so if you may have a few limited uses even in the next few years, it’s great to have a wrinkle-free dress shirt on hand for taking on some travel.

Regarding the investment required for this essential in men’s travel apparel, note that Bluffworks often has seasonal sales during which the retail price of these shirts may get marked down as much as 30%. I wouldn’t wait though, because your desired size and color might go out of stock or on backorder.

Conclusion: Bluffworks dress shirts for travel

We hope you found value in this review of the men’s Zenith and Lenox travel dress shirts from Bluffworks.

Bluffworks is a brand that’s building great apparel for travel with all these useful features in mind.

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The Best Quick-dry Clothing of 2024

These pieces will keep you dry and comfortable no matter the activity.

In This Article

Jump to a Section

• Our top picks
• Tips for Buying
• Why Trust T+L

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure

Quick-dry clothing isn’t only a great way to stay protected from the elements during your travels, but it can keep you comfy and dry during a grueling hike or workout, too. While quick-dry clothing can be a utilitarian sweat-wicking base layer to be worn under your ski jacket, it can also serve to enhance your overall look while you’re out and about, which is the case for most athleisure wear, as long as you know what to look for. 

“When seeking optimal quick-dry clothing for travel, you should prioritize lightweight garments crafted from breathable fabrics,” says Joe Nardolilli, senior director of retail and eCommerce at Orangetheory Fitness. “Our members consistently value performance-driven fabric options, contemporary silhouettes, and vibrant color palettes.” 

So, which fabrics should you be looking for, exactly? Caroline Lee Butler, textile expert and CEO of WearFirst, recommends polyester and nylon with spandex blends, since they tend to be the most comfortable. “Polyester has become one of the most effective fabrics for quick drying. Nylon is another popular choice as it's lightweight, durable, and dries rapidly. These fabrics make for great hiking, backpacking, and any travel adventure where you might encounter rain or sweat,” she says. 

When traveling, Nardolilli also recommends looking for quick-dry clothing with anti-microbial properties to help extend the wear of your garment (which is especially relevant on the road, when you’ll likely have limited access to laundry). “This is particularly important if you want to stay fresh and less sweaty during and [after] workout sessions,” he says. 

The best part about quick-drying clothing? Nardolilli says these lightweight fabrics boast space-saving qualities when packing and are super resilient against wrinkles. “A few shakes, and your attire is ready to wear!” he says. Lee Butler adds that quick-dry clothing is also a great packing hack, as it allows you to pack clothing soon after it’s been worn — which can be a life-saver on a busy trip.

Outdoor Voices RecTrek Zip-Off Pant

They can be worn as either pants or shorts.

The zipper that hits mid-thigh might be distracting.

For a three-in-one solution to all your bottom-half dressing woes, opt for these genius zip-off pants from beloved athleisure brand Outdoor Voices. Not only are they made of quick-drying nylon with a touch of elastane for added range of motion, but their zippered construction allows you to wear them as shorts when it’s scorching hot out and capris or longer pants when you’re looking to stay protected from wind, rain, or snow. A removable nylon belt further adds to their adjustable properties and they come in cool color-blocked options for tons of styling opportunities. They also come with a drawcord band at the ankle so you can wear them as joggers (which further keeps wind at bay) and their generously sized cargo pockets will allow you to forgo a purse.

The Details: XXS to XXXL | Nylon and elastane

Best Shorts

Alo 5" airlift energy short.

They come in the cutest colors and are super flattering.

They don’t have any pockets, hidden or otherwise.

For a pair of shorts that won’t show a single drop of sweat (especially in the black shade), opt for these fan-favorite moisture-wicking bicycle shorts from Alo Yoga made of the brand’s popular sculpting Airlift fabric. They work perfectly on their own paired with your favorite crop top or sports bra, or even worn under a skirt or dress for anti-chafe properties during long days of exploring a new city on foot. Their 5-inch inseam is neither too short nor too long for ample modesty while the subtle dip in the hemline at the back creates a lovely curve in your figure. The combination of the high waist and compressive polyester and elastane blend keeps you feeling nice and tucked in as well as dry and comfortable.  

The Details: XXS to XL | Polyester and elastane

Best Tank Top

Nike breathe tank top.

Its mesh fabric is extremely breathable.

It has a bit of an old-school silhouette.

Nardolilli says you can “feel the air against your skin in this super-lightweight tank” because it’s “made entirely of airy mesh [and] you can go all out without worrying about clingy fabric.” He adds that its Dri-Fit technology moves sweat away from your skin for quicker evaporation, helping you stay dry and comfortable. Thanks to a cooling blend of polyester and spandex, you’ll be able to move through a full range of motion whether you’re lifting your carry-on into the overhead bin or hitting a personal record at the hotel gym. A scoop neck and open back further promote ventilation while a longer hemline keeps you feeling nice and covered up.

The Details: XS to XL | Polyester and spandex

Best Leggings

Lululemon wunder train hi-rise tight 25".

They’re cooling and sleek on the outside and soft and cozy on the inside.

They provide some serious compression, so if you want a roomier fit, size up.

If you were to invest in a single pair of quick-dry leggings to last through the next decade (yes, they’re that durable), let it be this moisture-wicking pair from Lululemon’s sweat-friendly Wunder Train line. What Nardolilli appreciates about these leggings is that they allow you to “train hard, not hot.” He adds that they’re powered by the brand’s proprietary Everlux material, which is “highly breathable and quickly wicks sweat so you feel less sweaty during (and after) your workout.” Most importantly, these leggings are complete with an infinite drawcord waistband for an adjustable fit, a discreet waistband pocket for your keys and card, and are available in four inseams for the perfect fit.

The Details: 0 to 20 | Nylon and elastane

Best Jacket

Patagonia torrentshell 3l jacket.

Backcountry

It’s highly packable for travel.

The material might be too sturdy to provide a full range of motion.

To stay dry in a downpour or warm on a chilly flight, you can never go wrong with this durable and quick-drying Patagonia jacket. It's made of ripstop fabric for a (near) infinite shelf life, it packs into its own pocket for ultimate portability, and it features convenient pit-zips for extra ventilation where you need it most and a zipper garage chin guard to keep you bone-dry. Its two-way adjustable hood also provides sun protection while its hook-and-loop wrist closure and drawcord hem help keep wind and precipitation at bay.

The Details: XS to XXL | Nylon

Best Sports Bra

Sweaty betty power medium support sports bra.

Sweaty Betty

It’s supportive enough for larger busts.

Certain patterns might be difficult to match with bottoms.

For a sport’s bra that’s supportive enough to stabilize your bust during high-impact activities, yet plush enough to wear while strolling through city streets, look no further than this quick-drying option from Sweaty Betty. It features a unique single adjustable strap at the base of the racerback to eliminate bulk, and it comes higher up on the chest and features thicker shoulder straps than typical sports bras to help keep larger chests comfortably contained. Its polyester and elastane material stays dry against your skin while hugging you in all the right places. Thick removable inserts keep you secure while festive patterns offer visual interest.

The Details: XS to XXL | Polyester and elastane

Smartwool Women's Hike Light Cushion Crew Socks

They’re designed to contour to your foot.

They’re quite pricey for a single pair of socks.

Whether you’re hiking in a remote location or seeking extra insulation in chilly temperatures, you’ll love these performance-driven Smartwool socks. Seamless toes ensure you can roam blister- and chafe-free, while materials like sustainable merino wool add durability, reinforcement, and moisture-wicking properties. Contributing to the socks’ durability and overall comfort is recycled nylon and stretchy elastane, which also contour to your foot for the perfect fit. Mesh zones add a dash of much-needed breathability while the on-trend crew height provides coverage from the trials of the trails.

The Details: S to L | Merino wool, recycled nylon, and elastane

Best T-shirt

Vuori women's energy t-shirt.

It’s one of the softest T-shirts on the market.

Its cropped silhouette might not provide as much coverage as you’re looking for. 

You won’t know just how heavenly soft Vuori T-shirts are until you run your fingers over their buttery material or treat yourself to one. Thanks to its polyester and elastane fabric, this tee is both quick to dry and allows you to move freely no matter what’s on the itinerary. It’s ideal for outdoor jaunts thanks to its built-in UPF 30+ sun protection and it’ll also stay nice and fresh for multiple wears thanks to integrated odor-fighting technology. Its cropped length allows you to pair it with everything from high-waisted leggings to trousers while its drop-shoulder short sleeve gives it that perfectly laid-back look.

Best Thermal Underwear

L.l.bean women's midweight base layer pants.

It comes in multiple inseams.

The thick seams on certain colorways might look or feel distracting.

Gone are the days of thermal underwear so unsightly it needs to be concealed at all costs — this midweight pair isn’t only as easy to style as your favorite pair of leggings, but it’ll keep you nice and dry under your snow pants or hiking pants during high-intensity cold-weather activities from skiing to snowshoeing, too. The combination of polyester and elastane dries immediately on contact while allowing you to move through a full range of motion, and its thick 1.5-inch waistband will keep you feeling nice and supported where you need it most. Multiple inseam options ensure you find the right fit without having to run to the tailor.

The Details: XS to XL | Polyester and elastane

Best Long-sleeve Shirt

Under armour women's heatgear long-sleeve t-shirt.

It provides tons of insulation and compression for high-impact activities.

You may want to size up for a roomier fit.

Wear it on its own in chilly weather or layered under your favorite jacket or sweater — either way, this compressive yet cozy long-sleeve shirt is bound to serve you well whether you’re on a hike or strolling through a wintry town. It’s made with a stretchy, moisture-wicking polyester and elastane blend you’ll have no qualms wearing for hours at a time, and it features ergonomic flat-lock seams for a chafe-proof experience. A high scoop neck gives you the coverage you need while its ultra-lightweight fabric will feel like a second skin.

Best Sweatshirt

Athleta sunrise v-neck sweatshirt.

It has thumb holes to keep sleeves comfortably in place.

It tends to sell out fast, so grab your preferred color and size quickly.

While we don’t often think of prioritizing quick-dry materials in outer layers like sweatshirts, this buttery, moisture-wicking sweatshirt from Athleta will make you glad you did. It not only features an elegant V-neck, perfect for looking a little more put-together while out and about, but it’s also made of the brand’s soft Nirvana fabric, made of sweat-wicking modal and lycra that’ll instantly absorb sweat post-workout. Thumb holes prevent bunched-up sleeves, while the semi-fitted silhouette is universally flattering across a wide range of body types. Looking for that perfectly lived-in slouchy look? Size up to nail the trend.

The Details: XXS to 3X | Modal and lycra

Best Base Layer

Columbia women’s omni-heat midweight baselayer crew.

It’s made with the brand’s famous heat-reflective Omni-Heat technology.

The style is better suited for active pursuits than more fashion-forward outings.

You can always rely on Columbia’s proprietary Omni-Heat technology to keep you warm while preventing you from sweating through your clothes. It’s perfect for year-round wear, serving you well as both a base layer under heavy coats or worn on its own in more temperate climates, whether you’re on the plane or a guided walking tour. Its built-in odor-fighting technology allows you to stay fresh in between washes while its flat-locked seams will keep you comfortable during high-impact activities. Grab it in standard or extended sizing for the perfect fit.

The Details: XS to 3X | Polyester and elastane

Tips for Buying Quick-dry Clothing

Choose the right fabrics.

Fabric is key when purchasing effective quick-dry clothing. Prioritize things like polyester, rayon, wool, and modal for their moisture-wicking properties so you can stay dry and comfortable on your travels and active adventures.

Prioritize versatility

Some pieces can be great for transitional weather or used as base layers in colder climates. Be smart about the quick-dry clothing you invest in so you can wear it again and again throughout your trip and on adventures to come. Also, opt for wrinkle-resistant travel clothes to maximize wearability.

Whether you run hot or have high-intensity activities on the docket, quick-dry clothing is always a smart investment. Not only can it help you stay comfortable for longer, but because it’s often infused with four-way stretch, you’ll also find yourself moving with much more ease.

You should wear quick-dry clothing whenever you need a little extra boost in the moisture-wicking department. That could mean popping on a quick-dry tank under your sweater should you start sweating on your commute or flight, or a pair of quick-dry base layer pants or leggings to keep your lower half dry during cardio-driven activities. Because quick-dry clothing tends to err on the casual side, you should reserve it for daytime wear and save your dressier pieces for evenings out.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

T+L contributor Marissa Miller has been writing fashion content, covering fashion shows, and obsessively researching fashion and the best deals on the latest trends for the last dozen years. For this article, she touched on personal experience as a certified personal trainer, consulted with textile experts, and scoured the internet to determine this list of the best quick-dry clothing. She also spoke with Joe Nardolilli, senior director of retail and eCommerce at Orangetheory Fitness, and Caroline Lee Butler , textile expert and CEO of WearFirst for their expert insights. 

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Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

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The Very Best Men’s Long-Sleeved T-shirts

In this article

• Best overall
• Best pocket
• Best heavyweight
• Best mid-weight
• Best supersoft
• Best slub cotton
• Best performance

Long-sleeved T-shirts are an underrated wardrobe staple. As stylist and fashion designer Jordan Page of @veryadvanced points out, the humble long-sleeved tee can look “classier than short-sleeved ones” by making an outfit a tad more formal — even if, at the end of the day, it’s still a T-shirt. And the versatility is truly unbeatable: A long-sleeved T-shirt can be layered under itchy sweaters or lightweight cardigans and, of course, worn on its own, whether for hitting the gym or running around town.  

As I’ve learned from testing and reporting on many wardrobe staples, the available options are abundant, and not all basics are created equal — long-sleeved T-shirts included. To help you narrow your search, I consulted a panel of stylists, fashion designers, and all-around cool people to find the best long-sleeved T-shirts for men. I also tapped several of my Strategist colleagues to tell me about their go-to tees and, of course, tried out a few recommendations for myself — all of which you’ll find detailed here. If you’re looking for more menswear intel, check out our buying guides to functional white T-shirts and oxford button-downs you can wear with a tie or untucked.

What we’re looking for

Fit and sizing.

As I compiled this list, I looked for a wide range of available sizes as well as different fit options to suit people of all proportions, whether they prefer a slimmer, tighter fit or a looser, boxier fit. I also looked at whether each brand offers longer-length shirts for guys who are tall or who have long torsos.

Neckline and style

A variety of details will determine the overall look of a long-sleeved T-shirt, starting with the neckline. The most common neckline is the classic crewneck, but there are also V-neck options and the henley style, which usually has three buttons at the chest, as worn by Ryan Gosling in the film Drive . The sleeves may have cuffs for a snugger fit at the wrists, as well as staying power if you like to wear them pushed up onto your forearms. Or they may be hemmed looser and more open so they have a French sailor shirt kind of vibe, as seen on Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol in the 1950s and ’60s. Finally, some long-sleeved T-shirts have a chest pocket; some don’t. We’ve noted all these details for the shirts listed below, along with how many colors each shirt comes in, so you can find one that suits your personal taste.

Fabric material and weight

Most of the options on this list are made of cotton, which is comfortable and breathable as well as machine washable and durable. The weight and type of cotton will determine how heavy or airy the shirt feels and how smooth it looks. Slub cotton , for example, has a bit of a lumpy texture due to how it’s woven, but is extra lightweight and breathable, making it great to wear in warm weather. Ring-spun cotton will be a heavier weight than slub cotton but softer than regular cotton. Regular cotton will be one of the heaviest weights and rougher in feel, but it will also be more durable.

Some long-sleeved T-shirts are made with a blend of materials, incorporating synthetics like spandex for added stretch, polyester for more strength, or linen for extra breathability. I’ve also included one hemp-blend option, as hemp is a sustainable, natural fiber that can be grown almost anywhere, so it has less environmental impact than cotton. It is also more durable than cotton and gets softer over time, but it comes with a heftier price tag.

Best long-sleeved T-shirt overall

Sizes: S–5XL | Neckline and style: Crew neck with cuffs | Material: 100% cotton (a few colors are a cotton-polyester blend)

Gildan’s basic long-sleeved tee is versatile, available in a wide range of sizes and colors, and affordable, which is why I crowned it the best long-sleeved T-shirt overall. I have owned a range of Gildan tees over the years, and I’m always impressed by the softness of their material and how it stands up to daily wear and regular washing. This one in particular is impressive: The 100 percent cotton feels substantial without being too thick for layering, and thanks to the tapered neck and shoulders, plus the well-proportioned sleeves, I was able to wear it under jean jackets without too much added bulk. Other features I loved: a side-seam-free torso and wide wrist cuffs that stayed in place whether I was lounging at home or going to the gym.

But don’t just take it from me: New York Times pop-music critic Jon Caramanica (the paper’s former “Critical Shopper” columnist) is also a fan. He says this tee is not only durable, with an “unflappable” crewneck, but its “personality begins to emerge” after a couple of washes. And as Strategist columnist Chris Black puts it, the Gildan is a seasonless wardrobe staple that looks good with almost anything: his navy pants, Levi’s 501s, or even five-inch Patagonia Baggies in the summer.

Best pocket long-sleeved T-shirt

Sizes: XS–2XL | Neckline and style: Crew neck with cuffs and a pocket | Material: 100% open-end cotton

Jared Johnson, co-founder of Season Three , favors Los Angeles Apparel’s pocket shirt because the heavyweight cotton doesn’t stretch out after several wears, making it worth the price. It has a relaxed fit throughout the chest and arms, according to Johnson, who typically styles his with sneakers and a pair of vintage Levi’s. He owns multiples — some of which date back to 2017 (and are still in wearable shape) — in black, navy, and a custom forest-green dye for his brand’s shirts . When asked why Season Three chose Los Angeles Apparel as their wholesale supplier, Johnson replied, “We felt like we couldn’t make shoes in Italy and print our tees on Gildan quality.” And the pocket was “especially necessary to fit with our utilitarian aesthetic.”

Best less expensive long-sleeved pocket T-shirt

Sizes: S–3XL | Neckline and style: Crew neck with cuffs and a pocket | Material: 100% cotton (a few colors are cotton-polyester blend)

At a fraction of the price, this Hanes option also has a handy front pocket and comes recommended by Mark Miguez, a co-owner of the Friend of a Barber barbershop. The fit is “boxy but sits on the body,” according to Miguez, adding that it gets better with every wash. It’s available in 14 colors; Miguez owns it in black and gray and says he wears both “all the time: at work with jeans and sneakers, on the beach with shorts, and dressed up with a leather jacket.”

Best heavyweight long-sleeved T-shirt

Sizes: XS–2XL | Neckline and style: Crew neck with cuffs | Material: Cotton-jersey blend

If you’ve read my guide to the best short-sleeved tees for men , you may recognize this top from Lululemon’s heavyweight cotton-jersey line. Designed with the same breathable material as the brand’s short-sleeved tee, it has become my boyfriend’s go-to. He loves that — like the short-sleeved version — this one is sturdy and durable yet airy enough to keep him from overheating on warm days. The tee also works well for his muscular body type: It’s made to fit loosely in the chest and has extra room at the waist so it never clings. Even after repeated washes, it still looks brand-new with no shrinkage or odor retention.

Best less expensive heavyweight long-sleeved T-shirt

Sizes: S–3XL in regular length; sizes M–3XL in tall length  | Neckline and style: Crew neck with cuffs | Material: 100% ring-spun cotton with cotton-elastane–blend cuffs

L.L.Bean has long been a Strategist-favorite brand, and Andrew Favorito, a senior public-relations director at Christian Dior, says this long-sleeved pocket tee deserves just as much attention as the Maine-based outfitter’s tote bags , slippers , and fleeces . “It’s exactly what you’d expect from L.L.Bean in regard to quality, cost, and styling,” he says. “No frills, no fluff, no ridiculous markup — just a good shirt.” It has a relaxed fit in the arms, shoulders, and chest; comes in 13 colors; and has ribbed cuffs. It’s made of 6.1-ounce double ring-spun cotton, which is heavyweight and meant to resist shrinkage in the wash. Selecting one of the “tall” sizes adds two inches to the shirt’s body length and one inch to the shirt’s sleeves.

Best mid-weight long-sleeved T-shirt

Sizes: XS–2XL | Neckline and style: Crew neck with cuffs | Material: 100% cotton

Keith Nowak, the founder of athletic brand Ten Thousand, says this Reigning Champ long-sleeved shirt is “part of my daily uniform and literally the only thing I wear that isn’t my own brand.” Reigning Champ, he adds, is known for doing classics with a tech angle. This mid-weight jersey tee is thicker than the brand’s basic long-sleeved shirt and has a relaxed fit throughout the arms and body. It also has flatlock seams, which means the fabric doesn’t overlap, to minimize chances of chafing or irritating the skin. Reigning Champ added raglan sleeves with a drop shoulder to reveal an even more relaxed look.

Best supersoft long-sleeved T-shirt

Sizes: XS–2XL in regular fit or slim fit | Neckline and style: Crew neck with cuffs | Material: 100% cotton

Favorito also recommends this Polo Ralph Lauren long-sleeved shirt, which comes in both classic and custom slim cuts. He says it’s supersoft (so soft, in fact, he sometimes sleeps in them), with a fit that’s forgiving but still tailored enough to layer under an “unforgivingly itchy sweater without being bulky.” Plus, a Ralph Lauren tee like this one “truly never goes out of style,” he says, which is why he owns several “in a smattering of classic neutrals, that are in constant rotation.” It has cuffed sleeves, the trademark Ralph Lauren pony logo, and no pocket for a more streamlined look.

Best slub-cotton long-sleeved T-shirt

Sizes: S–2XL | Neckline and style: Crew neck | Material: 100% slub cotton

This tee is made with a unique Peruvian slub cotton that allows Donnell Baldwin , a former style director for men’s-fashion online retailer Mr. Porter, to dress it up or down for “whatever needs I have at the moment.” While it is pricey, Baldwin promises that it can be worn year-round, and the worn-in fabric makes it supremely soft from the first wear. Plus, “it gets better with every wash,” he says. It comes in 17 colors with no cuffs at the sleeves and no chest pocket. It also features some distressing at the hem and a bit of sheerness as well as a looser neckline and a soft, free-flowing drape.

Best less expensive slub-cotton long-sleeved T-shirt

Sizes: XS–2XL | Neckline and style: Crew neck | Material: 100% slub cotton

For about half the price, consider this slub-cotton option from Alex Mill. It’s been a favorite of Christopher Echevarria, the founder of loafer brand Blackstock & Weber , since 2017, when he bought his in L.A. The shirt stands out for its slub-cotton material, which Echevarria says “gives it the added elements of texture and softness.” It comes in four colors with no chest pocket and no cuffs on the sleeves, for a looser fit at the wrists than you’ll find on the shirts listed above.

Best performance long-sleeved T-shirt

Sizes: XS–XL | Neckline and style: Crew neck | Material: 94% polyester, 6% spandex

Multiple Strategist staffers and contributors swear by Outdoor Voices sweats, and MichaelAnn Cohlmia, a co-founder of CBD brand WeedSport , feels the same way about the brand’s long-sleeved tee. “I always grab it no matter what I am doing: traveling, hiking, or playing tennis on a winter day in L.A.” Cohlmia says she — yes, she (the savviest shoppers are not restricted by gender norms) — has washed it many times, and it always comes out perfect. “No shrinking or warping, and it’s forever soft,” she says. While she notes that the lightweight fabric is a touch clingy, she says its looser cut ensures it’s still comfortable and looks good. The best feature, she adds, are the thumbholes, which are “like hammocks for your thumbs” and keep the sleeves from rolling up or flapping around. It comes in five heathered colors, and the CloudKnit fabric’s blend of polyester and spandex is stretchy and quick drying.

Best less expensive performance long-sleeved T-shirt

Sizes: S–XXL | Neckline and style: Crew neck | Fabric: 100% polyester ZERO interlock

In Black’s monthly column, he recommended Columbia’s long-sleeved shirt as a stylish hiking essential. He likes that it has a looser fit, “so it hangs in a way that allows for some airflow,” and UPF 30, “so it will not only cover your arms from the sun, but shield its harmful rays, too,” he says. What’s more is that it’s made with the brand’s proprietary Omni-Freeze fabric. Contributor Steven John, who is also a fan of Columbia gear made with this fabric, explains that it’s “basically a matrix of dark dots that, once dampened by your sweat, help enhance your body’s natural evaporative-cooling process, releasing excess heat and helping you stay cooler even as the shirt helps you stay drier.”

Best lightweight performance long-sleeved T-shirt

Sizes: XS–2XL | Neckline and style: Crew neck with cuffs | Material: 84% polyester, 16% elastane

If you’re looking for an option to take you between seasons, try this lightweight tee, which our writer and resident fitness expert Jeremy Rellosa told me about. Compared with other performance fabrics he has tried, which can often “feel like you’re wearing plastic wrap,” this long-sleeved tee is designed with ultrabreathable micro mesh that doesn’t feel clingy on the skin. Rellosa appreciates the smooth, sweat-wicking material as well as the cut: It’s slightly baggy (a fit he prefers for workout clothes) but not so baggy that it billows or looks unflattering. “I’ve worn it on runs at least twice a week for the past six months, so it’s plenty durable,” Rellosa says, “especially after being thrown in the wash all the time.”

Best long-sleeved T-shirt with hemp

Sizes: XS–2XL | Neckline and style: Crew neck | Material: 55% hemp, 45% organic cotton

This Jungmaven Jung shirt is made with hemp, a sustainable natural fiber that’s more durable than cotton, even as it gets softer over time. When former Strategist writer Jordan Bowman first saw this tee, he assumed it would look like he was wearing a slub-cotton shirt. But he says it felt more heavyweight and “draped the body in a more appealing way than slub-cotton shirts I’ve worn.” Brand-new, it has a broken-in look “that calls to mind a well-loved vintage tee,” says Bowman, and feels “supersoft and incredible.” Plus, the classic crewneck is available in 16 different colors.

Some Strategist-approved men’s short-sleeved T-shirts

Our experts

• Kyle Andrew, actor and model • Donnell Baldwin , former style director for Mr. Porter • Chris Black, Strategist columnist • Jordan Bowman, former Strategist writer • Jon Caramanica , pop-music critic at the New York Times • MichaelAnn Cohlmia, co-founder of CBD brand Weed Sport • Christopher Echevarria, founder of loafer brand Blackstock & Weber • Andrew Favorito, senior director of public relations at Christian Dior • Jared Johnson, Season Three co-founder • Mark Miguez, co-owner of Friend of a Barber • Keith Nowak, founder of athletic brand Ten Thousand • Jordan Page , stylist and fashion designer • Jeremy Rellosa, Strategist writer

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Today’s Top Clicked

Want the Best Merino Wool T-Shirt for Travel? 15 Top Reader Picks

FASHION , Shirts & Tops , Travel Clothing

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If you’re looking for a solidly reliable top that works for both cold and warm destinations, a women’s merino wool t shirt is the way to go! Review these top reader recommendations for the best tee to take on a trip!

Merino Wool T-Shirts Women’s Styles for Travel

Table of contents.

It’s no wonder TFG readers are obsessed with merino wool clothing . It’s the ultimate travel fabric!

Merino wool is thermoregulating, which means it’ll help to regulate your body temperature in both cold and warm climates. It’s great at locking in body heat when you’re out in the cold for long periods of time, but its thin, lightweight fibers are incredibly breathable and draw moisture away from your body, keeping you nice and cool in the heat as well. 

An amazing bonus is that a merino wool t-shirt won’t smell, even after repeated wearing, making it the perfect, hassle-free addition to a travel capsule wardrobe. Not only that, but they pack small, won’t wrinkle, and feel incredibly comfortable. 

One reader took them to Europe in the summer and shares, “The hype is true—they kept me cool, don’t hold odor, dry quickly for bathroom laundry, wrinkles very little, is super lightweight and easily packable. LOVE them. Also, they were NOT itchy at all, and I have sensitive skin.” 

Another reader says, “I used merino wool as layers in the cold. Warm AND cool, no sweating. Multiple wearings between washing and never smells. Perfect travel items!” 

Readers have recommended their favorite merino wool t shirt women’s styles for travel. Take a look!

Best Merino Wool T-Shirt Women Wear for Travel

Shop Sizes XS-XL: Unbound Merino

Readers’ Top Pick:  Unbound Merino Women’s V Neck Tee

Dubbed the “ best merino wool t-shirt for hiking” , this Unbound Merino womens merino wool t-shirt  can definitely handle the trails but also head to dinner with a nice midi skirt or slacks. Wearers say its lightweight and fits well, not too baggy nor too small. With something this packable, it’s hard to not pick it up! 

One review says it all, “ I love my new t-shirts! I took them on a trip to Spain and wore/sweat in them every day. Dried quickly with no odor. The other shirts I packed did not get wear in preference to these.” You can get this in sizes XS-XL .

Unbound Merino Womens Merino Wool T-Shirts

The Unbound Merino merino wool t-shirts women’s style is a perfect option for layering in the winter or for getting some extra sun protection in the warmer months! This top features a crewneck that isn’t too low and it comes in a range of pretty colors. Layer it under a merino wool sweater for ultimate warmth and coziness, or pair it with leggings for a sunny hike!  

A reader shares, “I love Unbound Merino shirts. Comfortable, not scratchy, and wash easily. Merino wool is a great temperature regulator and does not hold odor.” Available in both standard and plus sizes, ranging from XS-XL . However, note not all the colors are available in up to XL; check before buying.

Shop Sizes XS-XL: ibex

ibex 24 Hour Merino Wool T Shirt Womens Style

Ibex is another super popular merino wool brand with readers. The 24 Hour ibex merino wool t shirt is made from 100% merino wool and is truly a performance top — super durable, cool to the touch yet warm when it needs to be, and really easy to care for. It’s not too short or too long and will look great with activewear for sporty adventures or tucked into jeans for a casual daytime look. 

One traveler sums it up, “Elegantly styled, trim merino t-shirt that goes well with everything and stays fresh. Perfect for traveling: wash it in the sink, wring it in a towel, hang it, and it’s dry and ready to wear the next morning. I love the smooth hand of the fabric. No clamminess! The scoop neck is flattering, too.” Sizes range from XS-XL .  

The Journey short sleeve tee is a similar shirt that’s more of an everyday go-to, lighter weight with a nylon core for extra durability. Users have worn this one over and over without washing and report that it stays looking and feeling (and smelling) fresh! 

If merino wool isn’t your style or isn’t in your budget, checkout the best alternatives to merino wool here.

ibex Merino Tencel Women’s Merino Wool Tee Shirt

ibex fuses merino wool with Tencel in this dreamy long sleeve merino wool t shirt to create a comfy and cooling top. Readers adore the relaxed fit that’s comfy yet not too baggy, as well as the smooth feel and versatility. A perfect base layer on a chilly day or a standalone top on sunny days when you want some extra coverage! 

A review raves, “What a lovely and stylish classic shirt. It’s comfortable, looks great, and can be worn styled up or out hiking. The material and craftsmanship are really fantastic.” It comes in sizes XS-XL .

Shop Sizes XS-XL: Amazon

Icebreaker Merino Wool T Shirt – Women’s Tech Lite II

Made of soft, 100% merino wool, these Icebreaker merino wool t shirts have you covered on truly any travel adventure you embark on! Whether you’re spending the day out and about sightseeing and want to stay comfy and fresh from morning till night, or you’re off on some adventurous outdoor excursions and need a reliable top, you’ll be set with this one. 

The cut is easygoing yet cute, and it boasts tons of great reviews from readers! One TFGer says, “My favorite brand is Icebreaker. Keeps you warm with a very lightweight. I can layer it, and doesn’t smell. Ideal for hiking and outdoor pursuits with limited washing. Packs very well too.” This top comes in sizes XS-XL . 

Readers also really love Icebreaker’s Sphere II tee , which is a blend of merino wool and a light jersey, keeping you extra cool on hot or super active days. Their Central Classic t-shirt is a cute, everyday tee made of merino wool and organic cotton blend. It’s ultra versatile as it doesn’t look overly sporty, and it’ll go with virtually any pant option!

Here are some  tunic sweaters womens styles that are comfy and cute! 

Icebreaker Oasis Lichen Womens Merino Wool T Shirt  

For a long sleeve that will take you from winter to summer, Icebreaker’s Oasis 100% merino wool t-shirt is as versatile as they come. The relaxed fit will add a cool factor to your look while giving you tons of mobility and comfort as well. It’s ultra-light and great for layering! 

One wearer shares, “Great long-sleeve shirt. I bought it in black so it can be worn very casually or dressed up with a scarf or jewelry. The fit is quite loose. Very comfortable and nice looking too!” Available in sizes XS-XL . 

Shop Sizes XS-XXL: Amazon |  Target | Walmart

Minus33 Appalachia Women’s Merino Tool Tee Shirts

Readers have talked a lot about their love for Minus33 thermals in the wintertime, but many also love wearing this brand’s tees all year round, even in the summer! The Appalachia black merino wool t shirt is a perfect base layer on an active day, regulating your temp and wicking away sweat. The cap sleeves and slightly curved silhouette make it a more elevated option, too! 

A reviewer shares more, “Good weight for travel. Sleeves are capped, so protects the shoulders from the sun but not too much bulk for warmer days. A good hiking shirt and travel shirt— wore it on a cold airplane trip, and it kept me comfortable.” It comes in sizes XS-XXL . 

Want a whole list of no-iron options? Check out these  women’s wrinkle free shirts !

Shop Sizes XS-XXL: Amazon

Woolly Clothing Co. Sunday Womens Merino Wool T-Shirts

Readers love that this Woolly women’s merino wool t-shirt looks like a regular tee — not overly sporty and designed with a flattering drape. The wide crew neck and cap sleeves keep it feminine and fun, while the merino wool with 5% elastane blend makes it functional for the most active of days. Wear it on a run or out to lunch (or both!).

A traveler shares, “They’re super comfy, soft, and wear very well. I went on a camping trip recently, and I work my Woolly’s 24/7. They performed perfectly!” Sizes range from XS-XXL . 

Shop Sizes XS-XL: SmartWool

SmartWool Short Women’s Merino Wool Tee

Readers say this Smartwool merino wool t shirt is flattering, with a slim fit silhouette that’s not too tight and a hint of comfortable stretch! This top is highly durable (due to the nylon core), feels amazingly soft, and has UPF 20+ sun protection! Whether you’re working up a sweat in the gym or spending the day sightseeing, this shirt will stay fresh and pair well with tons of different pant options ! 

A fan says, “My go-to shirt for travel. Lightweight, packable, and easily layered. Wash and dry easily. Kept me warm but not ‘too’ warm. These shirts do not disappoint!” Available in sizes XS-XL . 

Check out their super cute v neck merino wool t shirt , too!

Merino.tech Merino Wool Tee Shirts Womens Short Sleeve

Merino.tech’s lightweight merino wool t shirts feature slightly longer sleeves, an easygoing fit, and the option of a crewneck or v-neck! Wearers rave about the quality, easy care, comfort, and of course, the fantastic moisture-wicking and anti-odor properties that merino wool offers. This top comes in a wide range of fun colors to suit your style, too! 

One TFG who owns this shirt says, “I wore my pink t-shirt yesterday in the Texas heat and was so happy with how comfortable it was! Very lightweight.” Available in sizes XS-XXL .

These are our readers favorite merino wool leggings they love to pack for traveling!

Shop Sizes XS-L: Amazon

Roman Trail Outfitters Women’s Merino Wool T Shirt Long Sleeve

The Roman Trail Outfitters long sleeve is said to be the best merino wool t shirt for hiking and is overall a great option for outdoor travel adventures and sportier trips. It’s ultralight with all of merino wool’s stellar features, plus it has four-way stretch for optimal mobility and comfort. This shirt will keep you dry, fresh, and at a comfortable temperature all day, whether you’re hitting the ski slopes or the trails! 

One wearer shares her experience with this top, “I wore this as my base layer while traveling England , Scotland , Ireland , and France in mid-March. I was comfortable outside in the weather and inside buildings. We were also walking 8-10 miles a day, and this base layer kept me dry as well as warm.” It comes in sizes XS-L . 

Shop Sizes XS-XL: L.L.Bean

L.L.Bean Cresta Ultralight 150 Merino Wool T-Shirt Women’s  

L.L. Bean’s Cresta Ultralight t-shirt is a cute and sporty number, perfect for staying comfy amid a range of temperatures. It’s a great base layer for warm insulation when the weather gets chilly, and it won’t overheat you if the temps rise, either. Wearers love the longer length and form-fitting silhouette, giving this sporty top a feminine touch! 

One wearer says, “Wonderful top! Love the color and the feel of this shirt.” Sizes range from XS-XL . 

MERIWOOL Long Sleeve Merino Wool T Shirts Womens

Slim and sleek, this Meriwool long sleeve top is comfortably worn by travelers in the summer and winter! This breathable shirt will keep you at a comfortable temperature and feeling fresh, and wearers love that it’s fitted enough to be layered over but isn’t too tight, either. The flattering fit and range of pretty colors give it some style points as well! 

This top is very highly rated, with one traveler sharing, “Soft and comfortable wool layers that are also affordable? Amazing! I bought this for a trip to Europe in February and wore this shirt for many, many days. It kept me warm without being sweaty for miles and miles of walking. Perfect for traveling, hiking, or just keeping warm.” It comes in sizes XS-XL . 

Shop Sizes XS-3X: Wool&

Wool& Morgan Women Merino Wool T Shirt

This Morgan t-shirt from Wool& is such a cute basic that’s slightly fitted for a more polished yet still casual look. Its slightly longer length means you can pull it down to wear over leggings, give it a French tuck with jeans, or tuck it all the way in under some trousers. Whether sporty or elevated, the styling options are endless for this piece, and the functional fabric will have you feeling cozy with every wear!

A wearer says, “So comfy and useful. I have 4 of these shirts and 4 of the long sleeve version. They are great all year round and perfect for travel!” This top comes in a wide range of colors and sizes XS-3X .

Best Merino Wool T-Shirts Comparison Chart

What do you think are the best merino wool tee shirts ? Share and comment below!

For more women’s travel shirts, please read:

• Upgrade Your Travel Wardrobe with the Best T-Shirts for Women
• Best Long Sleeve T Shirts for Women: Ideal for Layering
• Looking for the Best Black T-Shirt? 15 Cozy Travel Picks
• What’s the Best White T Shirt for Travel?

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11 comments.

Love these t-shirts! Easy to wash and great quality.

Love love love merino wool layers – not just for travel but for life in general!

This article is just as great as all the others! I bought a merino wool tshirt after reading. I am one who finds wool it by to the point of cannot tolerate at all. So the jury is still out for me as I thought I felt some prickly feelings wearing the shirt. I will try it again!

Great ideas! Thanks!

Love a good tshirt!

Great suggestions. Nothing better but a few comfortable t-shirts & a couple of button down front shirts to wear as blouse or layering.

I personally found the WoolX shirt itchy..but glad it seems to work for others!

I have a WoolX sleeveless tee that I brought to Italy and it was great, even in the heat. Hand washes without wrinkling and stayed fresh despite feeling sweaty in the heat of Rome.

After reading about merino wool t shirts I ordered a Metrolino tee. Be been wearing it for two hours, no itching and feels very comfortable. I’m a convert. I’ve worn merino wool socks nearly every day for the past four years, so I shouldn’t be surprised.

Love merino wool!

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Harper's Bazaar

These Are the 15 Best Long-Sleeved Shirts for Layering

Posted: February 26, 2024 | Last updated: February 27, 2024

Stylists and fashion editors alike will confirm that the best T-shirts are essential parts of a well-rounded wardrobe. Often, they're a crucial piece that can make an outfit really come together. And even if they're not the focal point of a look, you can layer them under your favorite sweaters and sweatshirts. Of course, everyone needs variations on the classic, short-sleeved style in their closet—which is where the just as essential long sleeve t-shirt comes in.

Writer and brand consultant Laurel Pantin notoriously loves a good t-shirt, and when she is shopping for the best long sleeve tee, she always considers how she'll style it. “If I'm looking for a layering piece , I usually try to find something lightweight or tissue-weight in an interesting color to contrast with the neutrals and navy I usually wear on top,” she tells BAZAAR . “I like something that will add visual interest and a little warmth without bulk, or without causing wrinkles under whatever I'm layering it under.” 100% cotton is always a good idea for T-shirt fabrication, but a layering tee can also have a little spandex or elastane, depending on how fitted you prefer, or modal blend for softness.

Alternatively, if your long-sleeved shirt will be seen, Pantin believes it's a good idea to invest in a different cut than the slimmer, layering tees . “If I'm going to wear it on its own, I usually like something with wider sleeves and a boxy body, and typically a boat neck or crew neck,” she says. “I generally don't like fitted tops on their own, but I love how a slouchy, boxy long sleeve shirt looks tucked into wide-leg, slouchy trousers.” This is generally where you want to look for full cotton content, as well. If you're looking for a more modest look, you'll probably want a thicker material that can lend itself to creating more oversized silhouettes.

When researching for the very best long sleeve t-shirts out there, we considered every type—from the super sheer to the heavyweight variety—in crewnecks, v-necks, and scoop necks. Below, find our 15 favorite.

The Supima Form Ballet Neck Tee

If you fancy a scoop neckline, Everlane's version will be your new go-to. Made from super soft, Supima cotton, this particular yarn has a longer fiber length, so it's more durable and smoother to the touch. A little elastane gives a nice stretch to this form fitting silhouette, too. The neckline is actually inspired by ballerina leotards, so you'll get to shows off just the right amount of clavicle. Tuck into your favorite bottoms and pair with hoop earrings for a clean look.

What reviewers said: "Comfortable and flattering with great stretch! Nice scoop neckline without being too low. More colors, please and thank you!"

Sizes: XXS–XL

Material: 92% Supima cotton, 8% elastane

Colors: Black, white

Long Sleeve T-shirt

With over 1,000 rave reviews, the long sleeve T-shirt from Skims is a real customer hit. Made from a stretchy, jersey cotton fabrication, it has a skin-tight fit that hugs close to the body. Whether this crewneck tee is worn as is or tucked into a high-waisted bottom, or layered underneath a chunky sweater or oversized blazer, you'll get plenty of wear per week. The styling possibilities are endless.

What reviewers said: "I wear this multiple times a week. After washing, I hang dry it rather than use the dryer and it really helps hold its shape. I got an XS but usually wear a small. I’m 5’7, length is great, sleeve length is amazing, my chest is larger and it fits great around the girls, not see through with the right bra! Love it!"

Sizes: XXS–4X

Material: 90% cotton, 10% spandex

Colors: Bone, marble, light heather gray, mineral kyanite, soot, and limited editions

Regular-Fit Heavyweight Long-Sleeved T-shirt

Laurel Pantin recommends this crewneck from Cos as one of her favorites. "This one is excellent—a nice, heavyweight cotton with a boxy body and fitted sleeves," she says.

The hem is slightly cropped, giving it a loose, square shape. The wider, neck rib gives this tee a slightly retro feel that works well with the roomier silhouette. It's also made from organic cotton, meaning non-genetically modified seeds are grown without chemical fertilizers or pesticides to create the sustainable fabric. Tuck in and add a belt to play with proportions.

Sizes: XS–L

Material: 100% organic cotton

Colors: Dark gray, white, black, beige/undyed, navy, black/white/striped

Modern V-Neck T-Shirt

You can always rely on Gap for everyday basics, like this simple, V-neck. Made from a cotton modal blend, it's soft and lightweight. It also has a straight, relaxed fit that feels comfortable and doesn't hug the body too tightly. Whether paired with worn-in denim and sneakers on the weekend, or a high-waisted trouser pant for your 9-5, you're sure to live in this one.

What customers are saying: "These are the best fitting Ts ever, they stay put and don't creep up. They are soft, and flattering regardless of your build. They wash and wear wonderfully, no shrinking, distorting or fading. Please, never stop making these!"

Sizes: XXS–XXL regular, S–XXL tall, XS–L petite

Material: 58% cotton, 39% birla modal, 3% spandex

Colors: White, navy, heather grey, black

Essential Long-Sleeve Crewneck Tee

Vince's long-sleeved T-shirt is called "the essential" for good reason. It's a beloved, customer-favorite, thanks to the relaxed fit and soft 100% pima cotton material. The fabric is thin and breathable enough to wear in all seasons, whether thrown on over a bikini for sun coverage or layered under sweaters during a snowy day.

What reviewers said: "I saw this Vince long sleeve t-shirt online. Even as I was purchasing it I was wondering why anyone, myself included, would spend so much money on a t-shirt. It became a staple of my wardrobe as soon as it arrived. I bought it again to give as a gift, and soon I will purchase another for myself. It is lightweight so it can be worn in summer, but can be worn comfortably in winter too."

Material: 100% pima cotton

Colors: Black, white, gray

Wundermost Crewneck Long-Sleeve Shirt

We all know Lululemon for their high-quality activewear and fitness gear, but their Wundermost line of basics is all about everyday wear. The collection of comfortable tops, bras, and bodysuits is made from a variation on their Nulu fabric, the soft, stretchy material the best-selling Align legging is made from.

The long-sleeve crewneck had a double-layer body for full coverage and support, a little Lycra for stretch, and sweat-wicking properties to keep you cool.

What reviewers said: "I tried this on just for fun but ended up purchasing because I never felt a better quality smooth fitting long sleeve ever. This is the best when you’re looking for a basic top that is fitting and wraps around you like an absolute glove. I recommend 100x."

Sizes: XS–XL

Material: 79% nylon, 21% Lycra® elastane

Colors: Espresso, bone, black, storm teal

Max Organic-Cotton Jersey Top

Amsterdam-based brand Flore Flore only launched in 2021, but has already developed a fashion cult following, due to their quality basics and sustainable approach. "I really love Flore Flore for a slightly luxurious tee," Pantin says. "The cotton is beautiful and has a nice stretch, but doesn't feel stretchy . It holds its shape well after a wash, and just feels very well-made." You can find all the classic colors—black, off-white, and navy—and rich hues, like cornflower blue or a dusty pink.

Colors: Blue, black, off white, navy, pink

Boyfriend Tee

Striped tees are the bread and butter for New York-based brand Kule. It's only fitting that its take on a long-sleeved T-shirt is that of the nautical variety. "This one is a nice middle ground between flimsy and sturdy," Pantin says. "I usually size up in this to make it even slouchier." Made with 100% cotton, the drop shoulder and roomy body feel like the best, oversized T-shirt you've ever had. Pair with jeans for a casual, everyday look or denim cut-offs for an easy, vacation time look.

Sizes: XS–XXL

Material: 100% cotton

Colors: Navy/cream, cream/navy, black/cream, white/royal blue, white/true blue/poppy

Long Sleeve Cotton Modal Top

Stylist Chloé Bartoli created Éterne in 2020, after feeling the fashion industry lacked timeless, well-made essentials. The brand focuses on fit and quality and their T-shirts are pretty unparalleled. The buttery soft, ribbed texture gives it a form fitting and flattering look. If you favor a cropped fit, look no further. Pair this with everything from leather pants and pencil skirts to wide-leg jeans and suiting.

Material: 50% cotton, 50% modal

Colors: Grey, white, black

Surplus Rib L/S Crew

Buck Mason strives to create modern, American classics with timeless appeal, backed by extensive research. One of our absolute favorites is their surplus rib crewneck. Featuring a slim, fitted shape, the cotton material has a 2x2 rib that adds a bit of texture to the garment as well as some thickness, so it won't be sheer. We recommend tucking it into jeans, trousers, or even a denim mini skirt, for a polished effect.

Colors: Marled bronze, marled coastal cedar, marled flint, black, white

Off-White Crewneck Long Sleeve T-Shirt

A semi-sheer T-shirt can be extremely sexy and no one knows that better than Swedish label Bite Studios. Bite Studios focuses on sustainable elements and production processes, which is why its ribbed tee is made from organic cotton. The transparency is ideal for layering—try it under camisoles and slip dresses, or wear as is and play with a lacy bra underneath for when you want to show off a little more skin. We also love the extra-long sleeves, for that effortless, scrunched-up look.

Colors: Off white, black, brown, purple

1x1 Long Sleeve Turtleneck

We consider a turtleneck T-shirt an essential in the long-sleeved category. In our opinion, Splendid makes the best, thanks to a 50/50 blend of cotton and modal that is soft and breathable. It can be layered under chunky sweaters for the coldest days in winter, or worn as a stand alone piece, tucked into a favorite pair of jeans or a plaid mini skirt in the fall. While it's always available in black and white, we'd recommend scooping up the special color way each season to mix things up.

What reviewers said: "I have ordered a lot of things from Splendid, and have not been disappointed. This turtleneck is very soft and comfortable and fits perfectly. It is a great addition to any wardrobe to either wear with jeans, dressy pants or a skirt. I highly recommend this turtleneck."

Sizes: XXS–XXL

Colors: Black, white, gravel heather gray, olive green, off white, ruby, charcoal

Slub Cotton-Jersey T-shirt

You can't talk about great t-shirts without talking about James Perse. High-quality basics have always been at the core of this Los Angeles-based company. Its long sleeve crewneck is lightly relaxed in fit and made from slub cotton-jersey, which has an uneven texture that gives it a unique appearance. Try layering over a longer, contrast tank and denim maxi skirt for a '00s-inspired styling take that feels very of-the-moment.

What reviewers said: "Love this tee. Very soft."

Sizes: 0–4 (XS–XL)

Colors: Forest green, gray, white, black

Slub Relaxed Long-Sleeve Tee

Every wonder how those street style models always look so effortlessly chic? The secret is a relaxed T-shirt. This Madewell style falls somewhere between an oversized and fitted silhouette, designed with a drop sleeve for extra movement. Two little slits in the front make this one ok to leave untucked too. You can't go wrong, it'll look great both ways.

What reviewers said: "This long sleeve is super comfortable and flows so well. I love how I can dress it up with a blazer and it still looks chic."

Sizes: XXS–XL; 1X–4X

Colors: Black, white, faded fern

Wide-Sleeved Top

If you like to experiment with silhouettes, Cos's wide-sleeve top is a must buy. "This one is great," Pantin recommends. "It has wider sleeves, and is also a nice mid-weight." The boxier cut even has slits along the side, for more movement and volume. Play with the classic black and white iterations for everyday styling or try the teal for an unexpected hit of color. We recommend tucking it into baggier silhouettes on bottom to balance proportions, or wear it overtop a stovepipe trouser or skinny leg pant for a retro twist.

Material: 91% cotton, 9% elastane

Colors: White, black, teal

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For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion, beauty, and lifestyle resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in fashion by working with the world’s leading authorities in ready-to-wear, footwear, accessories, and more. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of editors and industry experts.

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