Women Shirt wool is a natural fiber that insulates while wicking away excess moisture. It’s an essential piece for a backpacker or traveler who wants to pack light without losing too much comfort. It’s also popular for its odor resistance and natural ability to hold its shape between washings.
A good merino wool t-shirt will regulate your body temperature and absorb moisture so you can stay dry, even in warm or wet climates. The material also dries quickly, so it won’t wrinkle as often as cotton or polyester blends.
The best merino wool t-shirts are the ones made from pure merino wool, which has a diameter less than 22 microns. This finer merino wool is soft to the touch and won’t cause itchy skin.
It’s also an insulator, which will help keep you warm in cold weather. We recommend pairing it with a pair of thermal underwear for extra warmth and comfort.
Our favorite is the Ibex 2.0 tee from Vermont’s Ibex, which uses a wool/tencel blend for a silky feel and great temperature regulation. It’s comfortable to wear and can be machine-washed.
You can also find a lot of good merino wool t-shirts click here at the price point that travel-conscious budget travelers will appreciate. Many of these shirts are also available in kids’ sizes, too.
Another good option is the Wool & Prince tee, which is an American brand that focuses on making everyday clothes from quality fabrics. They offer a variety of tees and hoodies for men, and a few for women. They offer a wide range of colors, so you can mix and match your gear as you please.
BD’s Rhythm Tee is the lightest technical wool shirt you can buy, with a Nuyarn fabric that weighs just 95 grams per square meter and a fabric weight of 3.3 ounces. It’s more than twice as lightweight as REI’s Merino Midweight t-shirt, but it’s not quite as breathable or stretchy.
It does take longer to dry than the Voormi hoodie, though, so you’ll want to make sure your destination has a drying rack or a hanger. It has two chest pockets to stash receipts, purchases or whatever else you need at a moments notice.
The Falke tee is made with a wool/silk blend, which means it’s softer than its pure wool counterparts and has a smoother finish. It can be worn under a jacket and feels great against the skin. It’s also incredibly durable.
We’ve had our hands on this tee for several months now, and it hasn’t sagged or pilled. It’s a little more expensive than some of the other shirts we tested, but it will last for years with proper care.
You can hand wash this tee or use a machine, but if you do, you’ll need to be careful with the water. You don’t want to get it too wet or the wool will pilify. You should also avoid tumble drying as this can increase the amount of piling.