Read the full buyers guide to travel underwear. Western Rise StrongCore Merino Boxer Briefs. Anyways, Im not going to dive into too many tech specs with this one. Polyester and other synthetics are made from petroleum. I consider myself a minimalist and am always on the hunt for the best performing clothes, especially for my travel wardrobe. The ideal travel hoodie packs down small, keeps you warm, and can last for weeks on the road. Many arent bringing anything new to the market. Better to have to iron them than to have to replace them. Youll commonly find merino in outdoor clothing, but these qualities also make it ideal for travel. Made for travelers by travelers Unbound Merino flies in first-class on Travel Gear airlines. Youll find a mix of 100% merino and merino-wool blends on the market at a wide range of prices and quality. I bought the same exact size and it seems a lot longer (1"-2"). The diameter of a merino wool fiber is generally less than 22 microns in diameter. Basically, nasty odors from your skin get trapped in the moisture within the fabric, not the material itself. The one thing about Wool&Prince that makes them elite in the Merino world is their sheer selection of styles and fabric weights. In socks, merino wool is often blended with lycra for elasticity and a snug fit. Ive found a bit of stretch to be handy in a dress shirt. The reason is that I can wear the 24-hour crew for, well, 24-hours! Yes. Then well highlight the best merino wool brands and clothing items so that you can avoid the downsides of merino and make sure youre getting good value for your money. Treat your merino as an investment. A human hair, for comparison, is 50-100 microns, up to 6x the diameter of finer merinos. Merino is a versatile layer for most climates. You get the high-end luxury look plus the enhanced travel properties of Merino wool. The first is hand feel. You could travel indefinitely with one or two pairs of merino socks if youre willing to go really minimal. So why would you ever choose merino over cotton? Editors Note: Although many Merino wool travel shirts claim to be wrinkle-resistant, thats never 100% the case. A stylish hoodie will also double as your outer layer when youre at your destination. Has anyone experienced their shirts shrinking up any? Theyve just figured out that you can change a lot of money for basics if they have merino in the name. The level of comfort, odor resistance, versatility, and performance of Merino wool gear makes it the top choice for weekend warriors and digital nomads worldwide! Also, the neck portion got wrinkled/bacon-like, (tried it on a couple times). Wool& is the new-ish womens brand from the same people behind the menswear brand Wool & Prince. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Check out the steps above. You dont need to buy something labeled specifically as a base layer. The best merino wool socks can last for years. W&P founder Mac put his potential product to the ultimate test by wearing it for ONE. Merino cant compete with cotton on price. Cheap wool is the worst value you can find. A nylon blend is generally more durable but also more expensive than a polyester blend. You can make almost any piece of clothing out of merino, but the fabrics strengths are most apparent in base layers like t-shirts, leggings, and socks. If you purchase a recommended product through an affiliate link, we receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I usually like to travel with a couple of basic Merino tees and as you will learn in a bit a fantastic wool sun hoodie. Developed with our friend and gear expert Eytan of Snark Nomad, Wool & Princes Boxer Briefs ($42) feature nylon for durability and spandex for stretch. I want to re-wear clothes without looking like Im re-wearing clothes. One micron is equal to one millionth of a meter. Looks like an Oxford, is more comfortable than a t-shirt, and outperforms your activewear.. Use the code COOL20 for 20% off your order. We believe that the cost is justified for a natural, sustainable fabric like merino. Merino wool has been called natures performance fabric. A high-quality piece of merino wool clothing has the sameor even superiorbenefits of technical apparel but is made from a natural fiber. Merino can be used as a base layer or outer layer in the winter or a t-shirt in the summer. Its vital for any cold-weather traveler as a layering piece and even a standalone shirt. So, I thought it would be nice to spread our wings and fly into something new:the best mens Merino wool shirts for travel. Despite its packability, I never pack my merino shirts because Im always wearing one as my travel day outfit. Read the full buyers guide to travel socks. Retail price is the same but the TS tees go on sale for around $50. It may just be the perfect wool button-down, but I dont want to get too far ahead of myself. Synthetic fabrics hold on to odors even after a single wear. From tees to polos, button-downs to sun hoodies, I think Ive covered nearly every style you could want for in a travel wardrobe. OTOH, my w&p button down is outstanding fit in a medium regular, and Outliers cut one in a medium fits just perfect all around, and I stuck with it for my Merino tees. Pack Hacker is reader-supported. Now that weve covered whats so great about merino, lets quickly touch on the downsides of the fabric before discussing our favorite clothing items. One of my favorite brands that fit this description is Merino.Tech. I want to carry less than everyone else while still dressing better than everyone else. Learn more. So, if this shirt is so great, why do I have it as a value pick? can i ask what size you normally wear in other brands? My 78/22 crew neck from Wool & Prince is definitely longer than I'd like. Hoodies are a perfect in-flight layer. Melton wool is perfect for a thick, heavy peacoat but would make for a terrible t-shirt. I prefer flat-drying on a towel, but Ive also been known to hang a travel clothesline on my hostel bunk from time to time. And one piece of gear that does this exceptionally well is the Ibex 24-hour Long-Sleeve Crew. People never believe merinos anti-odor properties. Like other wools, merino is naturally temperature regulating. And sure, I have long-term durability questions. We like it, we just wish it were more female-focused! Pay for good quality wool or choose a cheaper synthetic. Bear with us, as quality requires time. And sure, you may have long-term durability concerns (since we do too). Now 200+ men and 13 women have completed the same 100 day challenge. But not all wool is the same. But merino is far superior in odor management. Upgrading to a merino wool hoodie will give a you good reason to finally stop wearing your ratty old college hoodie. In other words, it feels like youre wrapped in a cloud while youre flying through the clouds. We dont generally break out into caps, but thats kind of a big deal. Personally, I have not worn this tee since I have found alternative options. Ill first go over why Merino wool is such a fantastic fabric for travel clothing and then dive into our top 10 favorite Merino wool travel shirts. Did they get noticeably slimmer in addition to shorter? You know what Im talking about. When you get to a new city, the first thing you should be doing is exploring, not showering. Finally, you truly cant beat the performance of Merino wool clothing in the travel-sphere. Most notably, theyre designed to stretch with your legs so that they never bunch up. Merino wools water-resistance comes from its scale structure which gives it a performance advantage over the smoother fibers of cotton, silk, linen, and polyester. i know in their button downs i wear a Medium Regular. The fine fibers of merino require additional layering. These underwear are a blend of merino wool, nylon, and elastane. My first ever experience with Merino wool was a lightweight wool buff I used for an eight-country Eurotrip over ten years ago. Well cover how to wash merino wool clothing at the end of this article. Disclosure:This article contains affiliate links to products recommended by the Tortuga team and community. Its honestly like a performance tee with a collar, which is an underrated combination. I love adventure travel. We had high hopes for the Wool & Prince Womens Fitted Merino Shirt, but its fallen a bit flat. Theyve held up so far without any holes. However, merino isnt as smooth as a slick polyester fabric and can still feel a bit scratchier than cotton. But high-quality wool has been used for years in dress clothes too. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Their Ultrafine Merino T-Shirt is made of 17.5 micron fibers for softness but weighs in at 195 gsm for greater durability and a better drape. Darn Toughs Made in the USA, merino blend socks are the best Ive found in years of testing. Yes, one hundred and twenty dollars. Moreover, if you like the design but are looking for a different style, check out some other Merino wool gear that Ibex offers. I am right between Medium/Large and while their large doesn't expose my belly better, the medium fits me perfectly (minus the belly part) so I went with the medium while I'm a large in most brands. The difference in scale between the broad wool and fine wool in the image is the difference between a rough wool sweater and a soft merino wool t-shirt. And if you like wearing sleeves in hot climates (like me) Icebreaker has a long-sleeve version, too. Although the fit seems slightly larger than true-to-size, this is easily one of the top Merino tees we've tested to date. Merino wool blendsdiscussed belowcan offset some of the durability issues. Performance is key for long-haul travelers who go on extended trips across multiple climates. Your merino wool clothes will work across a range of temperatures and will manage moisture well. But Wool& started with a single product: the wear-it-anywhere Rowena Swing Dress ($138). Therefore, you need less clothing to achieve the same level of protection. Now that weve covered our product picks, lets talk brands. Today most merino wool comes from sheep in Australia and New Zealand. True innovation. Still, Icebreaker has an excellent warranty policy, and the fabric is corespun with TENCEL for extra strength (and sustainability). If youre new to merino wool, start with socks. For example, all of the following fabrics are considered wool: Other types of woollambswool, melton, and shetland woolare all made from sheeps wool. Whats the Difference Between Bourbon and Whiskey? 100% Merino | Lightweight (165 gsm) | 17.5 microns | Athletic fit | Multiple colors | $, Pros: Excellent price-to-performance ratio | Surprisingly comfy fabric | Multiple colors available, Cons: Pilling expereinced in laundry | Long term durability concerns. You can dress it up or down and yes, it has pockets. I mean, the material has to be sourced from the best Merino suppliers. So, whichever your travel style, theres a functional, versatile piece of Merino wool gear for you! For example, you throw on this shirt with a packable down jacket, and youll be warm down to temperatures below freezing. The shirt still looks clean, apparently doesnt smell and is wrinkle free. I think yours will shrink up over time too. The fabric comes in a range of weights, expressed in grams, so you can choose a heavier version if you need it for cold weather. On the road, hanging a merino piece near a steaming shower quickly gets out any wrinkles. In my not-so-humble opinion, Merino wool is the softest everyday fabric on the market, hands down. Superfine merino is evenwrinkle-resistant, so youll look great even when stepping off an eight-hour flight. Merino wool is called natures performance fabric because it performs as well as most synthetic fabrics but is natural and sustainable. We are all adjusting to the new normal, and isolation has been rampant over the past 18 months. While their prices are steep, Outlier delivers as a brand. Wool does an excellent job at regulating your body temperature. Everything is under $100 and some are even under $60. So, lets take a close look at some of Merinos top-notch travel properties. Do not send your expensive merino wool clothes to the wash and fold. Still, just because your clothing doesnt stink doesnt mean you dont too. Clothes made from merino wear well across a wide range of temperatures. Wash your merino wool in cold water or use the delicates setting on your machine. The solution is a midweight wool or a blend. Not all merino is created equal. However, finer wool is also less durable. A perfect example is this stylish button-up from Wool&Prince. Treat merino gently. When Im packing for a trip, even trips of a week or more, I never bring more than three pairs of merino wool socks. All thriller, no filler. Whether youre running a marathon or just running late to work, you want to feel supported. The best mens suits are made of wool, of course. Like a good t-shirt, leggings can be worn alone or as a base layer depending on the weather. You should feel just as happy wearing a merino tee on its own as under three layers. Random guys on the street confirmed all of these things, so obviously its all true. The Wool & Prince Boxer Briefs 2.0 are anti-microbial, odor-resistant, and sweat-wicking. Yes. Its a t-shirt. The fit seems close enough to perfect that i think the next size down would be too small. Usually, that means two separate bags and lots of disorganization. The only thing you need to know is that I never travel without my Solstice Hoodie. Merino sheep can withstand temperatures ranging from -20 to +35 C(-4 to +95 F). Woolx has found the proper combination of long-term performance and style, especially for those always on the go. We consider merino wool one of the best fabrics for travel clothes because it works well across a range of temperatures, dries quickly, absorbs odors, and feels comfortable against the skin. We always love when new members join the flock! Something went wrong. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We scour the clothing world to find you the best products crafted from Merino wool. Now theres a new generation of technical apparel companies making wool button down shirts and dresses for work or casual wear. Whether you want clothes that can go days without washing or simply the perfect tee to take with you on amulti-climate trip,merino wool is up for the challenge. The W&P button downs are perfect for work trips or weddings because they look good, smell great, and wont wrinkle, even if youre pulling one out of your backpack. A pair of unisex People Socks will run you about $10, less than half what youll pay competitors. All of Minus33s outdoor-ready lines are sturdy, well-made, and fit well. The Wool & Prince V-Neck Tee is a great option for both travelers and minimalists alike, providing comfort and plenty of wears between washes (without the stink). Bombas has donated more than 50 million items to more than 3,500 community organizations to date all thanks to supporters like you. Well start this article with more background on wool and why its great for travel. But why? Look at Aviator. I picked up 2 pairs of wool and prince boxers and for some reason one of them has become absolutely ravaged by holes whereas the other seems fine. Most have quickly snagged and become riddled with holes. The following are the brands that our team has found to stand up to repeat wears. You can even buy special detergents and treatments for synthetics for this reason. Yes, I know that some of these Merino wool travel shirts are pricey. Depending on the brand, your merino clothes will feel more like a cotton t-shirt than the wool sweater that you might be imagining. Some of the best brands use merino blends to maximize performance. Its sort of like a safety blanket, but much, much more comfortable. One of wools superpowersmerino or otherwiseis that it acts as a cooling, sweat-wicking fabric in hot weather and a warm, heat-retaining fabric in cold weather. Blending in another material can improve merinos performance. Merino wool comes from Merino sheep. If you need a shirt more fashionable than a simple tee or base layer, you can still wear Merino wool. Okay, that was a pretty lame attempt at humor, but you get the point: if you want Merino wool travel gear, you cant go wrong with Unbound Merino. If youve read any of our reviews before, you may know how much we love gear from Ridge Merino. Sounds like science fiction, but Wool & Prince made it style fact with their new line of shirts. I want to pack as little as possible in my backpack while still looking and feeling good. Merino is an obvious winner over cotton for travel because it looks and smells great even after wearing it multiple times. If youve read our best Mens Merino t-shirt review, youll know that the Icebreaker Tech-Lite tee topped our list. I reviewed and have pics up on the site if you need a detailed review. I know because Ive tried a lot of brands. And, their crew-neck Merino tee is a must-have in any travelers kit. You may not think of Merino wool as the most fashionable of travel fabrics, but there are many styles to choose from. I understand I sound like Im biased toward the Smartwool brand, but I think my liking is warranted. As a bonus, they offer a nice stretch despite not including any spandex, which can wear out over time. Dont assume the blended material is just filler to cut corners and reduce costs. Ive had a few of their Ts for years and the ones Ive accidentally dried are getting almost too short. I've washed mine a few times and always hang dry and it is still the same length, but I haven't owned it for very long. Many of the ultralight Merino shirts youve seen have a thickness of at least 150 gsm. And what you get is one of the best Merino wool travel shirts on the market. In other words, traveling with Merino wool allows you to pack less to adventure more. But, thats the thing about irony:its true! Polyester, and other synthetics, were engineered to perform like the best natural fibers, including merino. But there are polos, button-downs, base layers, and so many other types of Merino wool clothing that you can pack on your adventures. Merino wool is a great travel fabric because its incredibly versatile. You might associate wool with itchy especially if youve ever owned a big, coarse wool sweater. Wool & Princes Button-Down Shirts ($128-148) are my favorite merino dress shirts. However, my wife loves the womens Merino.Tech tee and I feel the mens shirt is similar. wore the same merino wool button down for 100 days straight, Smartwool Womens Merino 250 Base Layer Bottom, The Best Travel Underwear for Men & Women, The Best Mens Travel Pants: Based on 7 Years of Testing. Heres the $120 t-shirt that we promised. TheMidweight Franconia Womens Bottom($75) are 100% merino wool with a fabric weight of 235 grams, which means theyll keep you warm on your cold weather travels. Size S in both brands, 5'9" 160 lbs 38 chest for reference. Well cover those in the next section. Weve tried cheap merino in the past. STRAIGHT. Unbound Merino has become my go-to for basics including short ($75) and long sleeve tees ($95). Although we've had some durability issues during testing. They always have some of the best-fitting, high-quality wool apparel, all at a solid price. Well, it has to do with Merinos moisture properties. Making a garment with merino wool can use twice as much material compared to conventional wool. Their air dry shirts for much more like a reg tshirt. Youll pay more and get less than a cheaper poly blend shirt. Mac Bishop, the founder of Wool & Prince, wore the same merino wool button down for 100 days straight, without washing it, to prove how great merinos anti-odor properties are. So, in reality, theres not too much to worry about. Id even venture to say its one of the softest tees on this list. Thats often just a way to get you to spend more money on an ugly shirt. 100% Merino | Ultralight (130 gsm) | 17.5-18.5 Microns | Classic fit | 12+ styles | $$$$, Pros: Classic, professional look | Dozens of patterns | Multiple fabric thicknesses available, Cons: Fabric doesnt feel entirely durable | A bit more expensive than other options. The 24-hour long-sleeve crew is an essential piece for any one-bagger. Honestly, this is it when it comes to the key to my travel capsule wardrobe. When you put on Bombas socks, you wont think about the Y-Stitched Heel or Stay-Up Technology, but youll know that youre starting your day with a little extra comfort for the tasks ahead. Whats better, for every item you purchase, Bombas donates an item on your behalf. That final, merino wool fabric is both lighter and softer than other wool. But to travel on a budget, I dont think you will find a better choice for an affordable Merino wool travel tee. Yet, the thing we love most about the Unbound Merino crew neck is the simple, no-frills design. 85% Merino, 12% Nylon, 3% Spandex | Lightweight (150 gsm) | Slim fit | Black, Blue, & Tan | $$$, Pros: Comfy raglan sleeve construction | Simple, classic style | Blend of performance and fashion, Cons: Attracts lint, pet hair, etc. Merino wool clothing is one way to do that. Clothing made from a lighter weight merino will feel soft and more similar to a slightly coarse cotton jersey t-shirt than a sweater. I know that Ill re-wear each pair at least two to three times and expect to wash them during the trip. You can make just about any clothing item out of merino wool. Most merino wool brands focus on basics like socks and tees. Here at Tortuga, weve been merino wool fans for years. The ultrasoft next-to-skin feel is due to the fine, low-micron fibers. 52% Merino, 35% TENCEL, 13% Nylon | Featherweight (130 gsm) | Regular Fit | 4 colors | $$, Pros: Breathable, featherlight fabric | Offset shoulder seam = less chafing | Drop-tail hem, Cons: Material may be see-through | Fabric may wrinkle over time. The overarching moral is that Merino wool comes in all shapes, styles, sizes, colors, and patterns. The Womens Ultralight Tank Top($40) is an affordable, easy-to-layer basic and a great addition to any warm weather travel wardrobe. We particularly love the 22/78 Nylon/Merino Wool blend, which feels great and has less pilling compared to other, similar options. We seem to be the same size. 87% Merino, 13% Nylon | Ultralight (145 gsm) | 17.5 microns | Relaxed fit | Seasonal colors | $$$, Pros: Cloud-like drape & feel | Oversized hood is versatile | Ultralight yet surprisingly durable, Cons: Arm length is long due to thumb holes | Slight wrinkles after several uses. The best way to avoid this is to look for a heavier shirt or just use the military roll (orwhat I like to call the Chipotle Roll because burritos are delicious) while packing. I think a lot of wool Ts are long to start because of how they shrink up after washing - outlier included. Perhaps its because I was forced dressed in bland-colored khakis and a navy polo for nearly a dozen years. Wool& is the sister brand to Wool & Prince which we already highlighted in the t-shirt section above. Ive bought merino socks that lasted me for years. Merino sheep grow a new coat of wool every year. The StrongCore Merino Tee ($96) is the best showcase for this material. I just don't want it to end up skin-tight. 100% Merino | Midweight (250 gsm) | Slim Fit | Multiple colors and patterns available | $$$$, Pros: Industry-leading performance | Engineered fit & updated features | Versatile design, Cons: Slightly more expensive than alternatives | Not suitable in warmer weather. This breed of sheep originated in Spain in the twelfth century before being brought to Australia in 1797. Plus, wools natural crimp provides both stretchiness and support, so your clothing moves when you do. Since merino wool comes from a specific breed of sheep, its different from other wool. The functional midweight baselayer is tight enough that a mid-layer wont bunch but relaxed enough to be worn as an everyday shirt especially in chillier climates. When we polled our Instagram followers, 74% said that they wear merino wool when they travel. So for the last decade, traveling and Merino wool have gone hand-in-hand for me. You wont stink, you wont wrinkle (as much), and your body temperature will stay regulated. Copyright 1995-2022 eBay Inc. All Rights Reserved. And hopefully in combination with some of the Merino travel gear suggestions youll be able to find a shirt that fits all your adventure needs. And when it comes to the fabric itself, I really like the overall durability. And in my experience, wearing Merino wool sleeves in hotter climates can actually help cool you down. Lay your clothes flat to dry. Because merino dries faster, smells better (after wear), and is less wrinkly. FTC Disclosure & Transparency: To maintain genuineness and authenticity, Merino Wool Gear DOES NOT sponsor products. For summer, try their wool, linen blend shirts ($118-128). A d*mn comfortable t-shirt that you can wear anywhere, anytime. For something a bit more technical, Western Rises Limitless Merino Button-Down ($129) blends 53% merino wool with 47% polyester for easy care and a four-way stretch. Polyester dries faster, never wrinkles, and wicks moisture even better than merino. They come in different weights, colors, and patterns depending on your style. Versatile, comfortable, and with all the benefits of Merino wool, the Wool & Prince Heavy Crew Neck is ideal for digital nomads and minimalists alike. They make them super long for my body type. New Summer Socks That Add a Breezy Bounce to Your Step Shop 20% Off Now, A Guide to Bourbon: Underrated, Overrated, Budget-Friendly, The 10 Best Electric Bikes for Your Daily Commute. I just got some new tees from Wool & Prince. Merino wool is naturally moisture-wicking and dries faster than cotton and other natural fabrics. Read the full buyers guide to travel hoodies. Merino, of course, is thinner and less bulky than other wools, making it an excellent option as abase layerforcold weather adventures. Smartwool is one of the classic merino wool brands, so you can trust them. Hell, the $98 shirt will pay for itself in the first month of saved wash time or dry clean money. But, in either case, you spent a lot of money on the clothes. Outlier is at the high end of prices, but even cheaper merino tees are $50 or more. Finer merino is more expensive but feels softer to the touch. TheUnbound Compact Travel Hoodie($165) packs down to the size of a t-shirt and can last for weeks without needing a wash. A great travel hoodie isnt about tons of pockets and a bunch of gimmicky features (like some crowdfunded hoodies). 53% Merino, 47% Polyester | Lightweight (175 gsm) | Slim fit | Gray (light & dark) | $$$$, Pros: Classic yet casual style | Fantastic all-around performance | Packs down small, Cons: Wish there was more Merino wool | Limited color options. We love (to hate) button-down shirts. Why cant all of our shirts just be like our jeans and hardly ever require a washing? This slim-fit polo is crafted from ultralight 150-gsm fabric, so you dont sweat when running to your gate.