The 10 Travel T-Shirts You Need in Your Suitcase | SmarterTravel

Best Travel T-Shirt for Hiking: Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily T-Shirt

For active trips in warm destinations, turn to the Patagonia’s Capilene Cool Shirt. The fabric is so lightweight it feels like wearing nothing—and it packs down to a teeny-tiny square. Plus, it’s quick drying and has built-in odor control, both important aspects when breaking a sweat on the trail. Available in men’s and women’s size options.

Most Breathable Travel T-Shirt: Kühl Arabella T-Shirt

Made from 100% cotton, the Kühl Arabella T-Shirt is designed to withstand hot summer weather. It’s extremely lightweight, with intentionally roomy arm openings to let the underarms breath. This design also comes in v-neck t-shirt and tank top options.

Most Stylish Travel T-Shirt: Everlane Organic Cotton Muscle Tee

Elevate your basic jeans-and-tee combo with the Everlane Organic Cotton Muscle Tee. The slouchy silhouette and oversized cap sleeves give it a vintage feel, creating visual interest while maintaining the same casual comfort expected from your favorite t-shirt. Made from 100% cotton, this top is super chic and comfortable for travel.

Best T-Shirt for Long Travel Days: Unbound Merino Crew Neck T-Shirt

If you’re searching for a t-shirt you can wear every day of the week, look no further. This shirt from Unbound Merino is incredibly soft and hangs in a flattering silhouette without being skin tight. The cooling merino wool won’t leave you overheated, sweaty, or smelly, even after running through the airport to catch a tight connection. With some strategic outfit planning, this shirt can easily be reworn without a wash. Available in men’s and women’s size options.

Best Eco-Friendly Travel T-Shirt: Toad&Co Grom Ringer Crew

This playful crew neck from Toad&Co belongs in every sustainable traveler’s suitcase. It meets the OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 criteria, meaning its certified free from harmful chemicals. The blended cotton and hemp fabric makes this shirt quick-drying, perfect for giving it a quick rinse in the hotel sink.

Best Cropped Travel T-Shirt: Mott & Bow Boxy Noble Tee

A brand best known for the science behind their denim, Mott & Bow has branched out to conquer the world of t-shirts. The Boxy Noble Tee is the perfect crop top for travel, designed to cut off right at the hips for a modern silhouette that’s still comfortable for travel days. The fabric is 100% premium pima cotton, which feels soft and airy but still maintains its structure. Get one in basic black or timeless white, or spring for a 3-pack and be set for multiple outfits. 

Best Longline Travel T-Shirt: Lands’ End Sun Curve Hem Tunic Top

For those who prefer their t-shirts with a longer hemline, the Lands’ End Sun Curve Hem Tunic Top is the ideal option. The hemline falls slightly lower in the back, hitting just at the top of the thighs. The fabric is moisture-wicking and resistant to wrinkles, fading, and shrinking. The extended hemline makes this top perfect to pair with your favorite comfy leggings.

Best Moisture-Wicking Travel T-Shirt: Bluffworks Threshold V-Neck T-Shirt

Active travelers will love the Bluffworks Threshold V-Neck T-Shirt. Built with the brand’s commitment to durability and functionality in mind, its moisture-wicking, quick-drying, has UPF 50+ sun protection, and is odor and wrinkle resistant. Available in men’s and women’s size options.

Best Wrinkle Resistant Travel T-Shirt: ONNO original bamboo t-shirt

Bamboo fabric is known for being sustainable and wrinkle-resistant, any wrinkles from the suitcase smoothing out once its hung up at the hotel. This crew neck option from ONNO, made from a combination of 70% viscous bamboo and 30% cotton, is super lightweight. According to the site, its “made to move,” designed with comfort and durability as a top priority. Available in men’s and women’s size options.

Best Short Sleeve Button-Up for Travel: Vintage Wash Tencel Camp Shirt

This ultra-stylish short-sleeve button-up from Quince is a step above your typical t-shirt. It’s made from super soft, static resistant biodegradable fabric. The loose fit and soft drape of the sleeves offset the formality of the buttons, keeping it a perfect swap for you go-to t-shirt.

The Ideal Travel T-Shirt: What Features Matter Most? 

There are a few key features to consider when hunting for the perfect travel t-shirt. They are:

Comfort: Comfortable, breathable fabric that won’t irritate the skin after hours of wear is the top trait to look for in a travel-friendly t-shirt. Smell-resistant and wrinkle-resistant fabrics like merino wool or bamboo are best for packability and re-wearability. Fabrics that are labeled as moisture-wicking or offer UPF sun protection are optimal for warm climates and sunny destinations.

Fit: Look for silhouettes that aren’t too tight and aren’t cropped too short. If you’re planning to do a lot of sightseeing or facing down twelve hours in a plane cabin, you don’t want your freedom of movement restricted by your outfit.

Durability: Sheer, flowing fabrics look great in vacation pics, but won’t stand up to a hard day of travel or a quick wash in the hotel room sink. Save the fancy fabrics for statement pieces and commit to a t-shirt that will stand the test of travel.

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.