12 Best Merino Wool T-Shirts for Travel
Merino wool is an incredibly versatile fabric that provides quality insulation, moves moisture away from the body, and has anti-static properties to avoid itch. In addition, this lightweight material doesn’t smell, crease, or lose its shape the longer you wear it. The best part? Merino wool does all of this in a totally natural and sustainable way. Read on to learn more about the wonders of merino wool to discover our 12 favorite wool t-shirts for travel.
Why is merino wool popular for travel?
If you’re looking for a reliable top you can wear in both cold and warm climates, a merino wool tee is definitely the way to go. Why? Because merino wool is naturally thermoregulating — meaning, it helps regulate your body temperature in a whole range of environments. For example, this material can lock in body heat when you’re in freezing temps, but it can also keep you nice and cool during a heat wave, as well.
In short, you can wear merino wool everywhere you go, all throughout the year. But even better, this fabric won’t smell or crease or lose its shape after repeated wear. This makes merino a practical, hassle-free addition to your travel bag for every trip.
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12 best merino wool t-shirts for travel
1. Best overall merino wool t-shirt: Unbound Merino
The Boxy Pocket Tee from Unbound Merino is crafted from premium, ultra-soft merino wool, and offers unmatched breathability and temperature regulation. Translation? No matter the time of year, this tee is guaranteed to keep you cool in the heat and warm in the cold. Better yet, the boxy fit of this design creates a modern silhouette that’ll flatter anybody/any body. Safe to say this t-shirt is the perfect combo of comfort, style, and versatility to add to your wardrobe.
Price: starting at $85
For more insight, read our full review of the Boxy Pocket Tee here.
2. Best affordable merino wool t-shirt: Merino Protect
When you want an affordable, quality merino tee, look no further than this style from Merino Protect. This 100% wool top has a special fiber structure that resists odors as you sweat, while also providing superior breathability for all-day wear. Not only that, but those same fibers won’t irritate or itch even the most sensitive skin types (so you’ll be feeling nice and comfortable any time you’ve got this on). At less than $40 per tee, you really can’t go wrong making this purchase.
Price: starting at $35
3. Best basic merino wool t-shirt: Quince
Let’s face it: few brands are doing quality basics as well as Quince. But their designs aren’t just totally timeless — they’re also really well-priced. In our opinion, Quince’s Merino Wool Base Layer Tee is a must-have for any capsule closet or travel wardrobe. This tee is an “all-season all-star” thanks to its natural heat-regulation to help you stay warm in winter and cool in summer. As an added bonus, the wool’s natural elasticity ensures you stay comfortable all day long.
Price: starting at $40
4. Best everyday merino wool t-shirt: Wool&
There’s something effortlessly chic and polished about the Morgan Tee from Wool&. This V-neck design is a super cute basic that’s slightly fitted for a more elevated (yet still casual) look. The longer length on this tee means you can wear it with your favorite pair of leggings — or opt for a classic French tuck look with a great pair of jeans. Any way you style it, this wool top will come in handy for all sorts of occasions (and it comes in a dozen different colors to boot).
Price: starting at $78
5. Best performance merino wool t-shirt: Patagonia
Patagonia’s Capilene® Cool Merino Shirt is a technical top that’s designed to “naturally regulate your temperature, control odor, and keep you comfortable when you’re working hard in the widest range of conditions.” What really sets this shirt apart is the set-in sleeves that allow for enhanced movement and fit (i.e. this top is specifically made to increase your mobility). Wear this shirt on a run, on the trail, or wherever else your outdoor adventures take you.
Price: starting at $69
6. Best blended merino wool t-shirt: Arc’teryx
Get ready to elevate your outdoor wardrobe in no time with the Lana Merino Wool Crew Neck from Arc’teryx. Meticulously crafted from a blend of merino wool and durable nylon, this shirt offers exceptional moisture-wicking and odor-resistant properties to prioritize your comfort during intense activities and extended wear. In addition, the crew neck design helps enhance ventilation, while the versatile short sleeves make it ideal for layering or wearing on its own.
Price: starting at $90
7. Best lightweight merino wool t-shirt: L.L.Bean
L.L.Bean’s Cresta Ultralight Crew Top has a cute, slightly sporty vibe and is a perfect choice for staying comfortable in fluctuating temperatures. Because this tee is so lightweight, it’s a great base layer for when the weather gets chilly — but you won’t overheat if the temps start to rise, either. Reviewers love this top for its packability, its form-fitting silhouette, and the fact that it so seamlessly transitions from winter to spring (AKA it has versatility for year-round wear).
Price: starting at $40
8. Best scoop merino wool t-shirt: Icebreaker
Looking for lightweight comfort paired with performance? The Merino Short Sleeve Scoop from Icebreaker is definitely where it’s at. This odor-resistant tee offers incredible breathability and moisture-wicking abilities to keep you cool and dry in any situation (regardless of how hot or cold it might be). The flattering scoop neck and delicate short sleeves make this pick a wardrobe essential that effortlessly transitions from active adventures to casual outings with friends.
Price: starting at $75
9. Best V-neck merino wool t-shirt: Bombas
This V-neck t-shirt from Bombas is designed for ultimate softness, and features a luxurious slub fabric that feels super gentle against your skin. The classic V-neck design can easily be styled with any travel outfit, making this a versatile addition to your everyday wardrobe. Engineered with thoughtful details and quality craftsmanship, this cozy tee makes sure you stay comfortable and confident all day long, whether you're lounging around at home or headed out on the town.
Price: starting at $40
10. Best loose fit merino wool t-shirt: Woolx
The Billie Lounge Tee from Woolx can help you relax in style *and* comfort. Constructed from premium merino wool, this loose fitting tee offers a luxurious and soft feel against your skin — making it a great choice for running errands, hanging at home, or maybe even catching a few Z’s. And yet, this tee isn’t only about aesthetics. It also has natural moisture-wicking and temperature-regulating properties so you can stay cozy and comfortable no matter the season.
Price: starting at $75
11. Best UPF merino wool t-shirt: Smartwool
Smartwool’s Merino Short Sleeve Tee has a slim fit that’s not too loose and not too tight — but gives you a flattering silhouette with a hint of comfortable stretch. This durable, yet soft tee also comes with built-in UPF 20+ sun protection to keep you extra safe while you’re enjoying the great outdoors. In Smartwool’s own words, this top is “designed for consistent comfort” and is ready to keep you cool and feeling fresh wherever your adventures might take you.
Price: starting at $48
12. Best colorful merino wool t-shirt: Ibex
Who says travel t-shirts need to be neutral? With the 24 Hour Short Sleeve Low Crew from Ibex, you have your choice of shades like Amethyst, Ginger, Oceanic, and Gilded. Better still, this shirt is packed with tons of performance features, too. This tee is naturally moisture-wicking and odor-resistant, and its construction involves a proprietary steaming process that makes the material feel cooler to the touch (increasing its versatility in all sorts of climates).
Price: starting at $88
Merino Wool - Common FAQs
Are merino wool shirts worth it?
Yes, merino wool shirts are a great investment all around. This material is naturally thermoregulating, meaning it’s appropriate to wear in both cold and warm climates. Even better, this fabric won’t smell or crease or lose its shape (even after repeated wear). This makes merino a practical, hassle-free addition to your travel wardrobe and beyond.
How many days can you wear a merino wool t-shirt?
Merino wool is a naturally odor-free material that moves moisture away from the body and doesn’t smell, crease, or lose its shape the longer you wear it. With that in mind, most merino shirts can be worn up to a full week before they require any washing.
Can 100% merino wool be washed?
Yes, merino wool can be machine washed on the delicate setting using cold water. Just be sure to turn your wool clothing inside out to provide extra protection from snagging or warping.