The Best Merino Wool Shirts of 2022-2023

Looking to improve your wardrobe? Check out our favourite merino wool shirts for summer time and fall mountain climbing, biking, and extra.

Merino wool is a reasonably magical material. It’s light-weight, it wicks away moisture and odors, and it helps thermoregulate (that’s, it’s breathable).

That being mentioned, there are some tradeoffs for this wonder-textile. It might be extra fragile and fewer sturdy, each in sporting and washing, which is why we thought-about each 100% merino wool layers and merino wool blends (with a majority of merino larger than 60%).

It’s not simple to search out that excellent, comfy but purposeful, fits-great, do-it-all layer, however merino comes fairly darn shut.

We examined dozens of merino wool shirts to search out the most effective available on the market, sporting them in every kind of circumstances and pushing the shirt’s limits. Here are our workers’s favourite merino tees — in addition to some honorable mentions.

At the tip of our choice, try our in-depth purchaser’s information, comparability chart, and ceaselessly requested questions part to information you to your subsequent wear-all-day shirt.

The Best Merino Wool Shirts of 2022-2023

Best Overall Merino Wool Shirt: Icebreaker Tech Lite II Crewe T-Shirt — Men’s & Women’s

Our workers testers love the Tech Lite II Crewe T-Shirt ($80) by Icebreaker as a result of we will put on all of it 12 months. In sizzling climate, this tee is mild, breathable, ethereal, and fabricated from 100% pure merino that has built-in odor-wicking properties. In cooler climate, it feels tender and cozy as a base layer.

For a tee that can be utilized in any kind of climate, it was simple for us to contemplate the Tech Lite II as the most effective merino wool shirt total.

While evaluating this tee to others that we had examined, we did really feel that the Tech Lite II felt barely thinner than different tees, which made us cautious about its sturdiness. However, after just a few months of testing, we’re comfy with the standard and longevity.

Overall, we’re impressed by the quantity of use we get from this tee, whatever the climate. We additionally actually love the match and protection, particularly the sleeve size on the ladies’s reduce. While the Tech Lite II Crewe is a bit thinner for the worth, the excellent high quality makes it an amazing purchase.

Specs

• Material: 100% merino wool
• Weight: 5.3 oz.
• Special characteristic: Underarm gussets for added mobility and diminished discomfort

Pros

• UPF 20 safety
• Odor resistance
• Moisture-wicking properties

Cons

• Thinner than different comparable tees

Check Men’s Price at REICheck Women’s Price at REI

Best Budget Merino Wool Shirt: Smartwool Merino Short Sleeve Tee — Men’s & Women’s

Smartwool doesn’t make simply socks; it makes all kinds of attire, just like the Merino Short Sleeve Tee ($75). This moisture-wicking tee stored us cool on warmer-weather hikes but in addition provided good protection.

This layer is a super-comfortable piece at an inexpensive value and is now extra sustainably made. In phrases of building, we like that it’s made with 87% merino with a nylon-spun core, hanging steadiness between tender, stretchy, breathable, and sturdy.

We additionally like that the layer was sturdy when packed, worn, and washed a number of instances over the few months we examined. This tee has lots to supply whereas nonetheless being moderately priced, making it an amazing possibility for many who need a budget-friendly tee.

Despite loving that this tee runs taller for these with an extended torso, we did uncover that the sizing for various physique sorts was a bit trickier than different merino tees we’ve examined — presumably resulting from some variations of the tee being coloured with plant-based dye.

However, after discovering the proper match, we really loved the choices of plant-based colours, which make this tee a singular departure from the usual black or grey hues we often see in merino layers. And who doesn’t love tie-dye?

If you need to carry on the go whereas nonetheless remaining trendy, look no additional than the Merino Short Sleeve Tee. 

Specs

• Material: 87% merino wool, 13% nylon
• Weight: 3.6 oz.
• Specific characteristic: Comes in plant-based tie-dyed choices

Pros

• Durability from nylon spun core
• Moisture administration
• UPF 20+ safety

Cons

Check Men’s Price at REICheck Women’s Price at REI

Runner-Up Best Merino Wool Shirt: Ibex 24-Hour Short Sleeve Tee — Men’s & Women’s

Vermont-founded Ibex has been making merino attire since 1997. After a brief out-of-business stint (that then lasted 2 years), the Ibex model is lastly again. We’ve been testing a variety of types, together with this 24-Hour Short Sleeve Tee ($88), which is made with 100% 19.5-micron merino wool and is simply as tender and light-weight because it sounds.

What we appreciated most about this tee: It regulates the physique’s temperature in sizzling climate, is moisture and odor-wicking, and is light-weight. Additionally, it feels good towards the pores and skin, works as a standalone tee or base layer, and it’s simple at hand wash and grasp dry, which is ideal for journey.

Our predominant warning with this tee is that it’s extra fitted than others. So, if you would like a roomier match or in case you are in between sizes, make sure to dimension up.

If you need a tee that breathes, the 24-Hour Short Sleeve Tee is it. Synthetic performs by the numbers, however the really feel of pure supplies — merino wool particularly — is unparalleled. And nobody does merino higher than Ibex, so it’s nice to see the model in full swing!

And heads up: this Ibex merino tee is available in a tank (even lighter with 18.5-micron wool) and long-sleeve variations as effectively, supplying you with extra choices for fashion and match.

Specs

• Material: 100% 18.5-micron merino wool
• Weight: 3.2 oz.
• Special characteristic: Requires fewer washings

Pros

• Moisture-wicking
• Lightweight materials
• Odor-resistant
• Soft

Cons

• Fits tighter than anticipated

Check Men’s Price at IbexCheck Women’s Price at Ibex

Best Merino Wool Shirt for Cycling: Men’s Kitsbow Mullinax Merino Tee & Women’s Laurel Mountain Merino Tee

The Mullinax and Laurel Mountain Merino Tee by Kitsbow ($89) in all probability needed to be the merino shirts that received probably the most compliments on whereas sporting. Both on the bike and on the brewery or round city, our guess was as a result of easy however flattering design and the colours.

The drop hem and the marginally longer raglan sleeves had been one cause why we selected this for our favourite biking or MTB-specific layer. But truthfully, it labored nice for mountain climbing and common out of doors put on, too.

And whereas these Kitsbow merino shirts are made with a 75% merino wool and 25% artificial mix, the corporate claims that the material’s mix wicks sooner and dries sooner than simply pure merino.

It’s additionally price noting that that is designed by a biking attire firm. But it’s undoubtedly a tee, not a jersey — there are not any pockets on this shirt. Still, it served its operate as a cushty, odor-wicking go-to layer.

And whereas we didn’t fairly know the right way to take a look at a few of Kitsbow’s claims, we did just like the efficiency of the Laurel Mountain Merino & Mullinax Merino Tees sufficient to provide them the most effective for biking title. We additionally love the added bonus that they’re each made proper right here within the USA.

Specs

• Material: 75% merino, 25% artificial material
• Weight: Unavailable
• Special characteristic: A crash coverage that repairs your Kitsbow tee

Pros

• Semi-merino and semi-synthetic fibers help in sturdiness
• Wicks moisture
• Raglan sleeves for motion
• Drop hem for final protection

Cons

• Made for biking however has no pockets

Check Men’s Price at KitsbowCheck Women’s Price at Kitsbow

Best Merino Wool Shirt for Running: Oiselle Flyout Wool Tee

Women’s working attire model Oiselle touts merino wool because the “Swiss Army knife” of materials, and we’re compelled to agree. The Oiselle Flyout Wool Tee prices $58 and is made primarily of merino wool and polyester, a combo that makes it inexpensive and purposeful.

It has the pure properties of merino wool, however a thicker plated-knit — Polartec Power Wool — with the addition of artificial polyester (Bluesign accredited) for a tender but sturdy building.

We additionally seen the two-toned threads, in addition to seams on the hem and collar (not flatlock) that gave the shirt each a little bit grip and a few aspect of design. This is a straightforward and delicate shirt, with a barely tapered match. But we adore it — particularly for working. It’s additionally accessible from dimension 2 all the way in which as much as plus sizes 20/22.

The one factor we couldn’t assist however discover with this tee, particularly after in depth testing in numerous terrain, is that the colour decisions don’t lend themselves to an excessive amount of filth. So, sure, after only one or two wearings, we needed to wash ours.

For runners who’re looking for an ideal tee that lends itself to performance and sturdiness, we vote for the Flyout Wool Tee because the one to get with out breaking the financial institution.

Specs

• Material: Polyester/merino wool mix
• Weight: 2.8 oz.
• Special characteristic: Ample sizing decisions

Pros

• Affordable
• Raglan sleeve
• Moisture-wicking properties

Cons

• No UPF advantages
• Non-flatlock seams
• Gets soiled simply

Check Price at Oiselle

Best Merino Wool Shirt for Hunting: KUIU ULTRA Merino 120 LT SS Crew-T

One of the downsides of the plushness of merino wool is its fragile nature — not one thing that’ll fly when scrubbing round within the brush. Thankfully the KUIU ULTRA Merino 120 LT SS Crew-T ($79) makes use of a brand new material tech that pushes the power of merino to new heights and makes it excellent on your subsequent searching journey.

Nuyarn takes the tender contact of merino wool and spins it round a nylon core, vastly growing its sturdiness and stability. And for the reason that fiber is drafted versus twisted, it retains all the high-loft softness and breathability we love about merino.

We cherished the texture of the ULTRA Merino 120 LT SS in hand, and through use, it felt like a material we wouldn’t be apprehensive about shifting round within the woods with. KUIU claims their material has a 35% improve in stretch over regular merino, and we imagine it.

Currently, there isn’t a girls’s model of the ULTRA Merino 120 tee — the closest you’ll get is the Women’s ULTRA Merino 145 LS Crew, a model with a thicker 145 g/m² material weight. We would like to see the thinner and extra breathable material of this tee dropped at all the lineup.

Since the temperature-regulating qualities of merino are allowed to shine via, the KUIU ULTRA Merino 120 LT SS Crew-T would make an ideal tee for anybody in search of a standalone sizzling climate or base-layer chilly climate searching shirt.

Specs

• Material: Nuyarn merino (70% merino, 30% nylon)
• Weight: 4.3 oz.
• Special characteristic: Increased sturdiness with out shedding breathability

Pros

• Nuyarn building; elevated sturdiness and stretch over typical merino
• UPF 50+ solar safety
• Available in numerous camouflage prints

Cons

• No girls’s reduce is presently accessible

Check Price at KUIU

Best of the Rest

Bombas Merino Wool Crew Neck Long Sleeve T-Shirt — Men’s & Women’s

Like Smartwool, Bombas is one other model recognized for making high-quality socks — however in addition they craft different attire, just like the Merino Wool Crew Neck Long Sleeve T-Shirt ($74). Right off the bat, we cherished the silky-soft really feel of this tee, which felt like a luxurious pajama prime.

That’s due to its 50% merino and 50% TENCEL Lyocell mix, which not solely makes it really feel extremely comfy but in addition aids in its capability to dry rapidly when sweating or battling mild precipitation.

It additionally comprises cooling components which might be excellent for mountain climbing in hotter temperatures. Other bonuses we admired had been its UV safety properties and thumb holes for correctly staying put beneath layers or beneath gloves.

Oh, and we will’t neglect in regards to the flattering colours this merino tee is available in — welcome additions to the in any other case normal black and grey merino shirts.

Unfortunately, we’d be remiss if we didn’t focus on just a few of the tee’s shortcomings. For starters, we weren’t thrilled that this mid-weight prime is kind of see-through, particularly within the lighter colours. Since it claims to be made for layering, nonetheless, it’s not an issue with that in thoughts.

Another subject was its odd match. We discovered it a bit tight within the arms and bust space and too unfastened in every single place else. If you’re discovering the sizing too tight as we did, we propose sizing up. And lastly, Bombas claims this lengthy sleeve is nice for protecting you cool in sizzling climate, however after realizing how sheer it was, we weren’t followers of sporting it alone. But we discover it excellent for beneath further layers whereas tenting in chilly climates.

After taking a second to pick a dimension that works for you, you may be comfortable to have this ridiculously tender and heat Merino Wool Crew Neck Long Sleeve on your cold-weather mountain climbing, biking, or tenting adventures.

Specs

• Material: 50% merino wool, 50% TENCEL Lyocell
• Weight: Unavailable
• Special characteristic: Thumb loops

Pros

• UPF safety
• Incredibly tender
• Flattering shade choices

Cons

• Tight becoming in arms and chest
• Lighter colours are see-through

Check Men’s Price at BombasCheck Women’s Price at Bombas

Ridge Merino Merino Wool Shirt — Men’s Journey & Women’s Wander

While different wools might be as coarse as 40 microns (assume itchy grandma sweaters), merino wool might be as skinny as 24 to fifteen microns, which is strictly why the Ridge Merino Journey and Wander Merino Wool Shirts ($60) — made with 17.5-micron merino — are so dang buttery easy.

Mammoth Lakes-based Ridge Merino definitely has a factor for good wool, having crafted a complete line revolving round sheep’s clothes. The Journey tee is definitely one in all their hottest, and we discovered it’s for good cause. This tee is simply all-around cozy.

Sewn with a double-stitched neck and sleeves, the Journey felt prefer it was made for the long term in our testing. Couple that with the nylon core-spun merino textile, and also you’ve received a sturdy merino piece that’ll sustain for so long as you’ll put on it. There’s additionally no exterior branding on this tee — which is one thing we’ve really come to understand.

We notably appreciated the reduce of this tee, which is a bit slimmer and longer, although washing and drying will shrink the tee to a point. This may cause a little bit confusion when attempting to dimension the tee, however fortunately Ridge Merino gives a sizing chart to help.

When consolation is king, the Ridge Merino Journey and Wander Merino Wool Shirts are excessive on our checklist of most cozy merino wool shirts.

Specs

• Material: 87% merino wool, 13% nylon
• Weight: 5.2 oz.
• Special characteristic: Super easy 17.5-micron merino

Pros

• Cozy tender to the contact
• Generous reduce
• UPF 50+ solar safety

Cons

• Will shrink up a bit within the wash
• Sizing provides some individuals hassle

Check Men’s Price at Ridge MerinoCheck Women’s Price at Ridge Merino

Allbirds Natural Run Tee — Men’s & Women’s

Light and ethereal — that’s nearly every little thing it’s worthwhile to know in regards to the Allbirds Natural Run Tee ($58), although we also needs to point out the sustainability issue: this tee is fabricated from a mixture of eucalyptus tree fiber and merino wool, so you’ll be able to be ok with what you put on.

Made of an ultra-breathable mesh weave, this tee was made to run. We particularly appreciated the anti-chafe seams and sneaky drop pocket on the hem of the shirt, excellent for stowing keys or playing cards. During just a few take a look at path runs, the Natural Run regulated temps splendidly throughout a cold fall day that turned heat by afternoon.

Since it’s a quite skinny weave, you’ll must watch out to not snag it on something — one thing we weren’t able to. The shirt held up effectively, however we may think about a failure within the worst-case state of affairs. Speaking of the sheer material, it isn’t going to be for everybody, as you’ll be able to see via it towards direct mild.

Perfect for a day of working the place you aren’t positive what the climate has in retailer for you, the Allbirds Natural Run Tee ticks all of the packing containers we search for in an active-wear merino shirt.

Specs

• Material: 45% merino wool, 36% recycled polyester, 19% TENCEL Lyocell
• Weight: 4.9 oz.
• Special characteristic: Integrated drop pocket on hem

Pros

• Anti-chafe sewn seams
• Ready for the temperature swings of an all-season run

Cons

• The skinny weave is liable to snag
• Sheer material received’t be for everybody

Check Men’s Price at AllbirdsCheck Women’s Price at Allbirds

Patagonia Capilene Cool Merino Shirt — Men’s & Women’s

Testing the Patagonia Capilene Cool Merino Shirt ($69) exceeded our expectations, particularly for the worth. This shirt is a mix of 65% RWS-certified merino wool and 35% polyester, which stored us cool — because the title suggests — whereas mountain climbing in balmy summer time temperatures. Yet once we added one other layer, it stored us comfy when the air received chilly.

Another factor we appreciated about this shirt is how light-weight, ethereal, and never fairly as sheer it’s as different merino tops — a straightforward standalone prime for numerous actions. Additionally, after sporting all of it day and beneath a pack whereas backpacking, it stayed surprisingly odor-free. In truth, it simply made it on our checklist of go-to’s for multiple-day excursions.

Unfortunately, this prime isn’t excellent. We discovered indicators of pilling and snags after a few washes. However, given its affordable value and the very fact it requires fewer washes in between wears, we nonetheless prefer it. And because it has a large proportion of polyester, it’s not precisely as tender as different 100% merino shirts, however nonetheless, we expect it’s fairly tender contemplating.

If you need a shirt that matches comfortably, doesn’t impede mobility, is flexible in each cool and hotter temperatures, and within reason priced, then the Capilene Cool Merino Shirt is a powerful contender in our opinion.

Specs

• Material: 65% merino wool, 35% recycled polyester
• Weight: 3.1 oz.
• Special characteristic: Side vents with a delicate backdrop

Pros

• Reasonably priced
• Odor resistant
• Good for numerous temperatures
• Breathable

Cons

• Signs of pilling and snags after washing
• Marginally rougher than 100% merino wool

Check Men’s Price at PatagoniaCheck Women’s Price at Patagonia

Voormi River Run Wool Hoodie — Men’s & Women’s

The Voormi River Run Hoodie ($129) is fabricated from 100% merino wool, however with a singular mix and building. This USA-made hoodie makes use of an ultralight Precision Blended Wool, a material weighing beneath 100 g/m². That’s 30 to 50 g lighter than the main merino materials presently available on the market, Voormi claims.

When packing and when sporting, we will attest that this hoodie is mild. In truth, it’s so mild and versatile that we’re undecided the place we haven’t worn this Voormi layer — paddleboarding, tenting, climbing, snowshoeing, kayaking, mountain climbing, and working errands. And with the period of time spent beneath the solar, the UPF 50-rated safety of this solar safety shirt is a welcome characteristic.

So what are our cons? It’s loopy ultralight and tender, that means it’s vulnerable to snag simply, which additionally doesn’t bode too effectively with the excessive value. But in the end, with the quantity of wear and tear this hoodie has gotten, it’s effectively definitely worth the funding.

The River Run Hoodie was designed with every little thing from fly fishing day journeys to multiday river journeys in thoughts, which is without doubt one of the predominant causes we adore it a lot. So in case you are heading up into alpine territory, or in search of a merino base layer for fall, it’s a good selection for that as effectively.

Specs

• Material: 100% merino
• Weight: 7 oz.
• Special characteristic: Full-cover hoodie

Pros

• Built-in thumb loops
• Versatile
• UPF safety
• Ultralight weight
• Soft

Cons

• Expensive
• Prone to snagging

Check Men’s Price at VoormiCheck Women’s Price at Voormi

Merino Wool Shirt Comparison Chart

Why You Should Trust Us

The people at GearJunkie have been dyed-in-the-wool followers of merino since effectively, ceaselessly. Merino wool has been the premium activewear textile of selection for a lot of GearJunkie testers, and we’ve used shirts created from the fabric for years. In order to search out the most effective merino wool shirts, we raided our closets, pulled out our most trusted tops, and put them to work.

On prime of that, we additionally surveyed the marketplace for the newest and best merino wool choices — discovering new applied sciences like Nuyarn — and added them into the combination.

Our testers included open air people from throughout the nation, who hit the hills and trails decked out in merino as a way to take a look at match, consolation, fashion, and sturdiness. We paid particular consideration to discovering layers that had an ideal steadiness of the softness of merino whereas nonetheless sustaining some power over the long term.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Merino Wool Shirt

100% Merino or Merino Blend?

This one is a private choice. That mentioned, there are particular issues 100% merino wool is hands-down good at. First, 100% merino wool gives a extra next-to-skin really feel than a merino mix, particularly people who have a better artificial content material. Second, merino wool provides pure antibacterial, UV safety, and moisture-wicking properties that synthetics don’t naturally have.

However, on the subject of a merino mix, there are particular helpful options, comparable to tending to be cheaper and simply outlasting their extra fragile counterparts.

If you need a merino layer for mountain climbing, searching, or simply spending time exterior, contemplate all of the makes use of 100% merino wool has to supply. And if you happen to’re investing in a merino shirt for, say, a rugged backpacking journey or mountaineering, or if sturdiness is of excessive significance, then go for a merino mix.

Also, in case you are model new to merino and simply need to attempt it out and see what all of the fuss is about, a merino mix generally is a bit extra wallet-friendly the primary time round.

Polyester: Polyester is a artifical materials that has significantly better dry instances than merino wool and resists shrinking within the wash — one thing merino wool struggles with. A mix can supply a textile with parts that complement one another so you find yourself with a garment that works for a lot of conditions.

Most merino wool shirts have a tendency to make use of as excessive of a proportion of merino wool as they will get away with whereas nonetheless receiving the advantages of polyester. We favor no less than 75% merino wool in our blended materials. In our testing, it was no shock the 100% merino shirts had been the softest of the bunch.

Nylon: Another artifical fiber, nylon can add spectacular sturdiness to material blends. Garments just like the Ridge Merino Journey Merino Wool Shirt incorporate a proportion of nylon into their weave and acquire power in return.

Technologies just like the Nuyarn used within the KUIU ULTRA Merino 120 LT SS Crew-T draft merino wool round a nylon core as a way to supply the advantages of nylon whereas avoiding compressing the merino wool.

TENCEL Lyocell: A branded fiber that comes from the pulp of eucalyptus timber, Lyocell is just like rayon in building however provides a extremely sustainable course of the place each solvent and water are recycled throughout the weaving.

Garments that use Lyocell of their blends have high-strength properties as a result of excessive tenacity of the material.

Thickness and Weight

Another necessary facet to contemplate when searching for a merino wool layer is thickness and weight.

When it involves weight, you’ll come throughout one thing written as GSM or g/m² — the burden of the fabric. Simply, the decrease the quantity, the thinner the fabric. For all-year-round layers, you’ll need one thing on the decrease facet, like round 120 to 180 g/m². And for additional heat, you’ll need to go greater.

As for thickness, it’s all in regards to the microns — the diameter of a single wool fiber. The decrease the quantity, the thinner it’s. It additionally means it’s softer and dearer. In our opinion, the decrease the micron, the extra you’ll need to reside in it, however you’ll have to take additional precautions resulting from its delicateness.

Fit and Styles

We included a wide range of shirts on this checklist: tees, long-sleeve tops, and even a hoodie. Each has benefits, relying on the kind of exercise you plan to interact in.

For those that want one thing for primarily chilly temperatures, a layer that’s tighter-fitting with a great deal of mobility that received’t really feel restrictive beneath an additional one or two layers is really helpful. Others who need one thing that may be worn all 12 months, like our staffers, ought to go for one thing looser with a extra relaxed match.

However, we didn’t embrace all the merino wool layers beneath the solar. We centered on shirts as a result of they’re versatile for a wide range of climate circumstances and actions.

If you’re in search of winter-specific merino base layer units, zip-up merino layers, or merino underwear (sure, it’s a factor!), we’ve received separate protection on that, too.

Color

Layers that are available an assortment of colours are all the time welcome — they combine issues up from the monotonous black and grey we frequently see. However, whereas we love mixing issues up, our testers have routinely seen layers that are available pastel colours are typically sheerer than navy, black, and darkish grey.

Keep this in thoughts if you happen to don’t need your undergarments exhibiting via, until you strictly use them as a base layer and can all the time be coated.

Price

When you purchase a merino wool shirt or garment, you aren’t simply shopping for, you’re investing. Investing in a higher-quality, naturally odor-wicking, and hopefully a lot longer-lasting layer. Synthetics are nice, and there might be high-quality artificial blends which have the identical properties, however many people swear by merino.

If you already know you need a pure material that comes with all of the tender, cooling, and wicking properties that merino has, preserve the worth in thoughts ($80 for a tee?!). It sounds ridiculous at first, however the value does actually replicate the standard of merino wool material.

Why the upper value within the first place? Merino wool is a dearer material — extra time-intensive to provide, costly to import, and extra fragile to work with in comparison with thicker artificial yarns. So we all the time weigh that issue when buying something made with merino.

Have a favourite merino wool shirt? Let us know within the feedback and we’ll test it out for future updates to this text.

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