Merino wool is a pretty magical fabric. It’s lightweight, it wicks away moisture and odors, and it helps thermoregulate (that is, it’s breathable). When it comes to outdoor wear, it’s dang near tough to beat.
That being said, there are some tradeoffs for this wonder textile. It can be more fragile and less durable, both in wearing and washing, which is why we considered both 100% merino wool layers and merino wool blends (with a majority of merino greater than 60%).
It’s not easy to find that perfect, comfortable yet functional, fits-great, do-it-all layer, but merino comes pretty darn close.
We tested dozens of merino wool shirts to find the best on the market, wearing them in all kinds of conditions and pushing the shirt’s limits. Here are our staff’s favorite merino tees โ as well as some honorable mentions.
At the end of our selection, check out our in-depth buyerโs guide, comparison chart, and frequently asked questions section to guide you to your next wear-all-day shirt.
Editor’s Note: We updated this guide on September 8, 2023 with two new worthy merino wool shirts: the Ridge Merino Solstice Lightweight Pullover Hoodie and Minus33 Ossipee/Chocorua Crew, and added additional information on our testing processes and sustainable wool sourcing.
The Best Merino Wool Shirts of 2023-2024
- Best Overall Merino Wool Shirt: Icebreaker Tech Lite Crew II T-Shirt
- Best Budget Merino Wool Shirt: Patagonia Capilene Cool Merino Shirt
- Runner-Up Best Merino Wool Shirt: Ibex 24-Hour Short Sleeve Tee
- Best Merino Wool Shirt for Running: Allbirds Natural Run Tee
- Best Merino Wool Shirt for Hunting: KUIU ULTRA Merino 120 LT SS Crew-T
- Best Merino Wool Shirt for Travel: Unbound Merino Crew Neck T-Shirt
- Best Merino Wool Sun Hoodie: Ridge Merino Solstice Lightweight Pullover Hoodie
Icebreaker Tech Lite Crew II T-Shirt
Specs
- Material 100% merino wool
- Weight 5.3 oz.
- Special feature Underarm gussets for added mobility and reduced discomfort
- Size range XS-XL (womenโs); S-XXL (menโs)
- Fit Regular

Pros
- UPF 20 protection
- Odor resistance
- Moisture-wicking properties
Cons
- Thinner than other comparable tees
Patagonia Capilene Cool Merino Shirt
Specs
- Material 65% Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) certified merino wool, 35% recycled polyester
- Weight 3.1 oz.
- Special feature Side vents with a subtle backdrop
- Size Range XS-2XL (menโs & womenโs)
- Fit Slim

Pros
- Reasonably priced
- Odor resistant
- Good for various temperatures
- Breathable
Cons
- Signs of pilling and snags after washing
- Marginally rougher than 100% merino wool
Ibex 24-Hour Short Sleeve Tee
Specs
- Material 100% 18.5-micron merino wool
- Weight 5.1 oz. (menโs small), 3.2 oz. (womenโs small)
- Special feature Requires fewer washings
- Size range XS-XL (womenโs); S-XXL (menโs)
- Fit Regular

Pros
- Moisture-wicking
- Lightweight material
- Odor-resistant
- Soft
Cons
- Fits tighter than expected
Allbirds Natural Run Tee
Specs
- Material 45% merino wool, 36% recycled polyester, 19% TENCEL Lyocell
- Weight 4.9 oz.
- Special feature Integrated drop pocket on hem
- Size Range XS-3XL (menโs & womenโs)
- Fit Slim, hip length

Pros
- Anti-chafe sewn seams
- Ready for the temperature swings of an all-season run
Cons
- The thin weave is liable to snag
- Sheer fabric won't be for everyone
KUIU ULTRA Merino 120 LT SS Crew-T
Specs
- Material Nuyarn merino (70% merino, 30% nylon)
- Weight 4.3 oz.
- Special feature Increased durability without losing breathability
- Size Range S-3XL (menโs)
- Fit Slim

Pros
- Nuyarn construction; increased durability and stretch over typical merino
- UPF 50+ sun protection
- Available in different camouflage prints
Cons
- No womenโs cut is currently available
Unbound Merino Crew Neck T-Shirt
Specs
- Material 100% merino
- Weight 5.6 oz.
- Special feature Sustainably sourced wool from independent, mulesing-free wool in Australia
- Size range XS-XL (womenโs); S-2XL (menโs)
- Fit Classic

Pros
- Classic design that can be dressed up or down
- Soft to the touch
- Excellent odor resistance
- Ethically sourced wool
Cons
- Canโt be tumble dried
Ridge Merino Solstice Lightweight Pullover Hoodie
Specs
- Material (m)Force Merino – 87% merino wool, 13% nylon
- Weight 8.7 oz. (men's medium), 7.5 oz. (women's medium)
- Special feature UPF 30+, thumb holes, loose fitting hood
- Size range SM- XXL (men's), XS – XL (women's)
- Fit Loose and airy

Pros
- Comfortable drop hem and loose fit
- Helmet-compatible hood
- Thumb loops keep sleeves in place
Cons
- Not impervious to holes
Smartwool Merino Short Sleeve Tee
Specs
- Material 87% merino wool, 13% nylon
- Weight 3.6 oz.
- Specific feature Comes in plant-based tie-dyed options
- Size range XS-3X (women's); SM-XXL (men's)
- Fit Slim (womenโs); Body enhancing (menโs)

Pros
- Durability from nylon spun core
- Moisture management
- UPF 20+ protection
Cons
- Slightly odd sizing
Minus33 Chocorua and Ossipee Crew
Specs
- Material 100% merino wool
- Weight 8 oz. (womenโs medium), 9.6 oz. (menโs large)
- Special feature UPF 50+
- Size range XS – 3XL (womenโs) XS – 6X (menโs)
- Fit Standard with room to breathe

Pros
- Super soft fabric
- Comfortable, flattering womenโs fit
- Wide size range, especially in menโs model
Cons
- Not ideal for active use in warm weather
Bombas Merino Wool Crew Neck Long Sleeve T-Shirt
Specs
- Material 50% merino wool, 50% TENCEL Lyocell
- Weight Unavailable
- Special feature Thumb loops
- Size Range S-3XL (menโs); XS-2XL (womenโs)
- Fit Regular

Pros
- UPF protection
- Incredibly soft
- Flattering color options
Cons
- Tight-fitting in arms and chest
- Lighter colors are see-through
Ridge Merino Journey and Wander Merino Wool Shirt
Specs
- Material 87% merino wool, 13% nylon
- Weight 5.2 oz. (men's medium)
- Special feature Super-smooth 17.5-micron merino
- Size range XS-XL (womenโs); S-2XL (menโs)
- Fit Relaxed (womenโs); Regular (menโs)

Pros
- Cozy soft to the touch
- Generous cut
- UPF 50+ sun protection
Cons
- Will shrink up a bit in the wash
- Sizing gives some people trouble
Voormi River Run Wool Hoodie
Specs
- Material 100% merino
- Weight 7 oz. (menโs large); 5 oz. (womenโs medium)
- Special feature Full-cover hoodie
- Size Range XS-XL (womenโs); S-2XL (menโs)
- Fit Athletic (womenโs); Relaxed (menโs)

Pros
- Built-in thumb loops
- Versatile
- UPF protection
- Ultralight weight
- Soft
Cons
- Expensive
- Prone to snagging
Merino Wool Shirt Comparison Chart
Merino Wool Shirt | Material | Weight | Size Range | Fit |
---|---|---|---|---|
Icebreaker Tech Lite Crew II T-Shirt | 100% merino wool | 5.3 oz. | XS-XL (womenโs); S-XXL (menโs) | Regular |
Patagonia Capilene Cool Merino Shirt | 65% merino wool, 35% recycled polyester | 3.1 oz. | XS-2XL (menโs & womenโs) | Slim |
Ibex 24-Hour Short Sleeve Tee | 100% 18.5-micron merino wool | 5.1 oz. | XS-XL (womenโs); S-XXL (menโs) | Regular |
Allbirds Natural Run Tee | 45% merino wool, 36% recycled polyester, 19% TENCEL Lyocell | 4.9 oz. | XS-3XL (men’s & women’s) | Slim, hip length |
KUIU ULTRA Merino 120 LT SS Crew-T | Nuyarn merino (70% merino, 30% nylon) | 4.3 oz. | S-3XL (menโs) | Slim |
Unbound Merino Crew Neck T-Shirt | 100% merino wool | 5.6 oz. | XS-XL (womenโs); S-2XL (menโs) | Classic |
Ridge Merino Solstice Lightweight Pullover Hoodie | (m)Force Merino (87% merino wool, 13% nylon) | 8.7 oz. | SM- XXL (men’s); XS-XL (women’s) | Loose and airy |
Smartwool Merino Short Sleeve Tee | 87% merino wool, 13% nylon | 3.6 oz. | XS-3X (women’s); SM-XXL (men’s) | Slim (womenโs); Body enhancing (menโs) |
Minus33 Chocorua and Ossipee Crew | 100% merino wool | 8.0 oz. | XS โ 3XL (womenโs); XS โ 6X (menโs) | Regular |
Bombas Merino Wool Crew Neck Long Sleeve T-Shirt | 50% merino wool, 50% TENCEL Lyocell | Unavailable | S-3XL (menโs); XS-2XL (womenโs) | Regular |
Ridge Merino Merino Wool Shirt | 87% merino wool, 13% nylon | 5.2 oz. | XS-XL (womenโs); S-2XL (menโs) | Relaxed (womenโs); Regular (menโs) |
Voormi River Run Wool Hoodie | 100% merino wool | 7 oz. | XS-XL (womenโs); S-2XL (menโs) | Athletic (womenโs); Relaxed (menโs) |

How We Tested Merino Wool Shirts
Folks at GearJunkie have been dyed-in-the-wool fans of merino since well, forever. Merino wool has been the premium activewear textile of choice for many GearJunkie testers, and we’ve used shirts made from the material for years. In order to find the best merino wool shirts, we raided our closets, pulled out our most trusted tops, and put them to work.
On top of that, we also surveyed the market for the latest and greatest merino wool options โ finding new technologies like Nuyarn โ and added them into the mix. Our search for the best merino wool shirts available today began with eight woolen tops in 2021, which we selected for their broad appeal and availability, and then set about wearing them threadbare in our search for the softest, most breathable, and hardiest merino wool shirts out there today.
In 2022, our horizons broadened when Senior Editor Nick Belcaster and contributor Rebecca Ross brought in a new slate of five additional merino wool shirts and added an award-winning choice for hunters. Our most recent testing saw merino wool shirts used across the planet, from the backs of professional climbing guides in the granite crags of the North Cascades to the world-famous Laugavegur Trail in Iceland. Our awards once again expanded to include a merino wool sun hoody, as well as a handful of other exceptional shirts from upstart companies focused solely on merino.
Our testers included outdoors folk from across the country, who hit the hills and trails decked out in merino in order to test fit, comfort, style, and durability. We paid special attention to finding layers that had a perfect balance of the softness of merino while still maintaining some strength over the long run. Our longest-running merino pieces now have three years of use on them, and we’ll continue to test them to learn more about their ultimate longevity.

Buyerโs Guide: How to Choose a Merino Wool Shirt
What Is Merino?
Merino wool is a natural fiber that is grown by Merino sheep, which are thought to be the oldest breed of sheep in the world and have adapted to thrive in harsh environments, such as the highlands of New Zealand, Australia, and South America. Their wool is much finer and softer than other strong wool breeds, and when woven into garments provides a number of other benefits that we all can appreciate.
For one, merino wool has a unique scale-like structure that aids it in wicking moisture away from the skin โ something that synthetic fibers aren’t great at. These structures are also the reason merino wool is so good at temperature regulation, with sweat being transported away when it’s hot, and insulating air being trapped next to skin when it’s cold.
Merino wool also isn’t bogged down by the typical funk of synthetic garments, and is amenable to being layered over top of due to its breathability. There are some tradeoffs, however, which come in the form of overall durability (full merino weaves can develop holes over time), and price. It isn’t cheap to produce hard-working fabrics, and you’ll certainly fork over the dough for the good stuff.

Sustainable Wool Sourcing
Merino wool comes from sheep, and since we want to treat our woolen friends with all of the respect they deserve, the vast majority of merino wool garment manufacturers are now demanding wool that has been produced in sustainable and ethical ways. One practice of concern has been mulesing, which removes skin from the hind end of sheep to limit infections, and has been banned in New Zealand. Thankfully, many manufacturers now guarantee their merino to come from mulesing-free farms.
Because of this demand for sustainable wool, a number of different non-profit entities offer certifications and audits of the merino wool supply chain. One such is the Woolmark Company, which is an Australian non-profit that tests merino wool to ensure quality, durability, and traceability. Another is the ZQ Program, which ensures that merino sheep under their certification are treated ethically, are never mulesed, and that the environment is taken into consideration at all steps of the fiber-production process.
Finally, the Responsible Wool Standard, or RWS, is another global certification that ensures that the entire supply chain from beginning to end upholds the tenets of animal welfare protection, land preservation, and working conditions, and is all audited by third-party certification bodies.

100% Merino and Merino Blends
The decision to go full-merino or with a blend will be a personal preference. That said, there are certain things that 100% merino wool is hands-down good at. First, 100% merino wool provides a more next-to-skin feel than a merino blend, especially those that have a higher synthetic content. Second, merino wool offers natural antibacterial, UV protection, and moisture-wicking properties that synthetics donโt naturally have.
However, when it comes to a merino blend, there are certain beneficial features, such as tending to be cheaper and easily outlasting their more fragile counterparts. Simply: adding smaller percentages of synthetics can help to shore up the deficiencies of merino, without totally stripping out the benefits.
If you want a merino layer for hiking, hunting, or just spending time outside, consider all the uses 100% merino wool has to offer. And if you’re investing in a merino shirt for, say, a rugged backpacking trip or rock climbing, or if durability is of high importance, then go for a merino blend.
Also, if you are brand new to merino and just want to try it out and see what all the fuss is about, a merino blend can be a bit more wallet-friendly the first time around.

Polyester: Polyester is a manmade material that has much better dry times than merino wool and resists shrinking in the wash โ something merino wool struggles with. A blend can offer a textile with components that complement each other so you end up with a garment that works for many situations.
Most merino wool shirts tend to use as high of a percentage of merino wool as they can get away with while still receiving the benefits of polyester. We prefer at least 75% merino wool in our blended fabrics. In our testing, it was no surprise the 100% merino shirts were the softest of the bunch.
Nylon: Another manmade fiber, nylon can add impressive durability to fabric blends. Garments like the Ridge Merino Journey Merino Wool Shirt incorporate a percentage of nylon into their weave and gain strength in return. It doesn’t take much to move the needle in terms of added durability, and we found a 20-30% nylon blend to be preferable.
Technologies like the Nuyarn used in the KUIU ULTRA Merino 120 LT SS Crew-T draft merino wool around a nylon core in order to offer the benefits of nylon while avoiding compressing the merino wool. Many other brands also offer similar nylon/merino blends, and all with the same effect.
TENCEL Lyocell: A branded fiber that comes from the pulp of eucalyptus trees, Lyocell is similar to rayon in construction but offers a highly sustainable process where both solvent and water are recycled during the weaving.
Garments that use Lyocell in their blends have high-strength properties due to the high tenacity of the fabric.

Thickness and Weight
Another important aspect to consider when shopping for a merino wool layer is thickness and weight.
When it comes to weight, youโll come across something written as GSM or g/mยฒ โ the weight of the material. Simply put, the lower the number, the thinner the material. For all-year-round layers, youโll want something on the lower side, like around 120 to 180 g/mยฒ. And for extra warmth, youโll want to go higher.
As for thickness, itโs all about the microns (ยตm) โ the diameter of a single wool fiber. The lower the number, the thinner it is. It also means it’s softer and more expensive. In our opinion, the lower the micron, the more youโll want to live in it, but youโll need to take extra precautions due to its delicateness. For reference, the average human hair is about 70 microns thick, while the average merino wool fiber is between 15-20 microns.
Fine merino: Fine merino represents the division between true merino fibers and fibers that are sourced from merino sheep that have been crossbred with another breed for enhanced durability (but greater itchiness). These fine fibers are typically between 20 and 18 ยตm, and are the greatest portion of wool shorn from merino sheep. Durable shirts like the Ibex 24-Hour Short Sleeve Tee are made with merino in this tier.
Superfine merino: Superfine merino fibers take the softness up another notch, and are typically 16-18 ยตm. These fibers rival cashmere for its plushness, and will come with some additional cost for garments made with it. Some of our favorite merino shirts like the Unbound Merino Crew Neck and Ridge Merino Solstice Lightweight Pullover Hoodie are made with superfine merino.
Ultrafine merino: The most premium merino wool, these fibers are sub 16 ยตm and are rather delicate for true everyday wear for outdoors folk. But for the money ($$$), this is the best stuff you can get your mitts on.

Fit and Styles
We included a variety of shirts on this list: tees, long-sleeve tops, and even some hoodies. Each has advantages, depending on the type of activity you intend to engage in.
For those who need something for primarily cold temperatures, a layer that is tighter-fitting with loads of mobility that wonโt feel restrictive under an extra one or two layers is recommended. Others who want something that can be worn all year, like our staffers, should go for something looser with a more relaxed fit.
However, we did not include all of the merino wool layers under the sun. We focused on shirts because they are versatile for a variety of weather conditions and activities. Some of the layers we tested are a little more sporty, while others, like the Unbound Merino Crew Neck, have a classic cut thatโs a bit more versatile. If you are looking for winter-specific merino base layer sets, zip-up merino layers, or merino underwear (yes, itโs a thing!), weโve got separate coverage on that, too.

Color
Layers that come in an assortment of colors are always welcome โ they mix things up from the monotonous black and gray we often see. However, while we love mixing things up, our testers have routinely noticed layers that come in pastel colors tend to be sheerer than navy, black, and dark gray.
Keep this in mind if you donโt want your undergarments showing through, unless you strictly use them as a base layer and will always be covered.

Price
When you buy a merino wool shirt or garment, you arenโt just buying, you are investing. Investing in a higher-quality, naturally odor-wicking, and hopefully much longer-lasting layer. Synthetics are great, and there can be high-quality synthetic blends that have the same properties, but many folks swear by merino.
If you know you want a natural fabric that comes with all the soft, cooling, and wicking properties that merino has, keep the price in mind ($80 for a tee?!). It sounds ridiculous at first, but the price does truly reflect the quality of merino wool fabric.
Why the higher price in the first place? Merino wool is a more expensive fabric โ more time-intensive to produce, expensive to import, and more fragile to work with compared to thicker synthetic yarns. So, we always weigh that factor when purchasing anything made with merino.

FAQ
Merino wool is a natural material, meaning it doesn’t come from manmade plastics or synthetics. It’s lightweight and soft to the touch. It wicks away moisture and odors, and it helps regulate body temperature. All of that wrapped into a single fabric. No wonder humans have been using and wearing wool since 10,000 BCE.
However, because of merino’s great properties, it is in high demand and usually more expensive than other fabrics. The narrow sourcing and supply chain of merino wool also contributes to its market value. The majority of the wool on the market is produced in Australia, Argentina, and New Zealand.

In simple terms, yes. When it comes to exercising or spending lots of time in the outdoor elements, double yes. Merino is better in the sense that it is a natural and porous fiber. So, if you are sweating, that sweat can escape โ this is what makes merino a natural at regulating moisture and body temp, wicking away odor, and cooling.
Cotton is an especially thick synthetic fabric, much different than lightweight or nano-spun synthetics, and much different than merino wool.
Heavy wool blankets or wool-lined slippers might evoke ideas of itchy, coarse fabric, but put those thoughts aside โ merino wool is different. Merino wool is notoriously fine โ with fine, fragile, and soft fibers.
Merino garments are even measured by the tiny diameters of the fibers, called microns. Most merino wool shirts we tested used merino wool that measured between 17.5 and 20 microns.
And the smaller the microns, the finer the fabric. If you are looking for the softest merino layer money can buy, you’ll want to look somewhere in the 15- to 17-micron fabric range.
Merino wool (wool from a sheep) naturally traps air and retains heat to keep you warm. But, thanks again to its porous fiber nature, itโs still breathable at the same time.

The fact that merino wool both retains heat and wicks away sweat โ it works to both warm you up and cool you down โ is one of its best properties. Wool keeps you cool by letting sweat escape through the fibers and away from your skin and body. This means you wonโt get clammy or chills, and it also helps with wicking body odor.
Other fibers โ synthetics or plant-based fabrics โ are not as fine, porous, or breathable. Theyโll do the job, but not as good a job. (That being said, our staff has a great time testing the latest in bio-based fabrics โ unique layers sewn with everything from bamboo to hemp to corn.)
Youโll want to treat your merino shirts and layers with care. Because merino is a natural fiber, you also donโt want to use bleach, scents, or fabric softeners that can clog up the wool and prevent merino from doing all the things it does naturally.
Washing every few wears โ sometimes even just once or twice a month โ with cold or warm water and a mild soap is all you need. Even when we wear a lot of merino wool when outdoors, we try to wash sparingly. And we always air dry or hang it to dry.

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