Why the $88 Travel T-Shirt is Worth It

A T-shirt is a fundamental piece of clothing across the globe, transcending genders, cultures, climates, ages, and body types. However, finding a truly great travel T-shirt can be a challenge, as it encompasses much more than meets the eye.

Firstly, a quality travel T-shirt should come in a wide range of sizes, ideally from 0 to 18, and be versatile enough for both a day at the beach and a business meeting. At 5'11" with a long torso, I find that a good travel T-shirt should reach hip length and be suitable for layering. Most importantly, it should be designed with sustainability in mind, considering responsible labor and farming practices. Fabrics such as wool, silk, linen, and hemp should be organic and low-impact.

When you add these features together, the costs can be significant. Honestly, I didn’t always believe this. But after a pandemic-related wardrobe cleanse, I realized that spending $10 on a shirt only to need a replacement in four months wasn't smart. Were those cheaper shirts really a better choice if they fell apart quickly and required more frequent washing? Plus, they were often made from synthetic materials that wouldn't biodegrade in landfills. I made a decision to change my approach.

Since then, I've dedicated myself to making better purchases: fewer shirts, but of superior quality. It requires more research and investment from me, but I believe I'm contributing positively to the planet while enjoying greater comfort.

Unbound Merino Wool Crew Neck T-Shirt

A tee without a logo holds significant versatility: it's suitable for both flights and business meetings. This is especially true if you own a superfine merino wool crew. With its natural lanolin coating, this shirt effectively wicks moisture and serves as a natural odor deterrent, making it an excellent choice for lightweight, breathable wear that can be used multiple times before needing a wash. (The company claims it can go weeks without cleaning, a statement I was initially skeptical about but have come to confirm.) If washing is necessary while traveling, this ultra-light shirt resists wrinkles and dries remarkably fast. Crafted from 100 percent certified Australian merino, this tee is biodegradable and so soft that it will completely change your perception of wool's itchiness. Plus, fewer washes mean packing less clothing.

Ibex Journey Short Sleeve Crew

Since 1997, Ibex, based in Boulder, Colorado, has been dedicated to creating products from sustainably sourced merino wool. Among their collection of comfortable T-shirts, my favorite is the short-sleeve crew made from 89 percent merino wool and 11 percent nylon. This combination offers excellent moisture-wicking properties along with durability and stretch. Available in black, deep ocean (blue), light gold, salmon, and wave lite (green), the tagless shirt weighs a mere quarter pound and fits comfortably below the waist. These shirts are Woolmark certified, which confirms their top-quality wool, and Ibex holds several environmental certifications, including the Global Organic Textile Standard (indicating organic fibers and sustainable processing). For its breathability and flexibility, I find myself wearing this shirt as a first layer during hikes, bike rides, and outdoor adventures with my dog.

Jungmaven Lorel Tee

Crafted primarily from hemp, Jungmaven's products, including the Lorel tee, arrive feeling delightfully soft and broken in. Hemp, known for its strength as a textile, requires about half the water of cotton and is entirely biodegradable. After numerous washes and encounters with stains, this tee has only grown softer while retaining its original shape. I've worn it countless times: solo for brunch in New Orleans, layered under a blazer at a chic cocktail bar in London, and over a swimsuit while enjoying the parks in St. Louis. The brand’s Wild Eyes long-sleeve T-shirt—designed by California textile artists and hand-stamped—has also become a recent favorite of mine, serving as a stylish layer for longer flights when the AC gets a bit too chilly.