Merino wool is a pretty magical fabric. It’s lightweight, wicks away moisture, resists odors, and helps thermoregulate (that is, it’s breathable). We’ve been shouldering hundreds of garments made from this wonder fiber in our quest to find the best merino wool shirts, and now, half a decade down the road, we’ve identified a slate of 14 absolute winners.
The beauty of a merino shirt is the ability to wear it everywhere — and wear it everywhere we do. From international travel in Iceland to mountain bike hot laps in the Kootenays, we’ve sweated through the lot to challenge their breathability, durability, and, yes, odor retention. When it comes to outdoor wear, the sheep’s clothing is dang near tough to beat.
If you’re looking for a do-it-all layer in a weight for year-round wear, we think our top choice, the Icebreaker Merino 150 Tech Lite III, is tough to beat. That said, merino wool is spendy stuff, and the Ridge Merino Journey & Wander Shirts are a steal for the price tag. It’s not easy to find that perfect, comfortable yet functional, do-it-all layer, but merino comes pretty darn close, and we think these shirts are the best out there.
Editor’s Note: We updated our Merino Wool Shirts guide on March 21, 2025, to add the value-heavy Woolly Everyday Crew Tee, as well as another sun hoody option that impressed with its versatility, the Ibex Indie Hoodie.
The Best Merino Wool Shirts of 2025
- Material: 100% 18.9-micron merino wool
- Sustainability Certifications: N/A
- Weight: 5.1 oz.
- Warmth Rating: 150 (Warm to hot conditions)
- Size Range: XS-XL (women's); S-XL (men's)
- Fit: Regular, with slightly baggy torso
Pros
- 100% wool construction
- No visible branding
- Reinforced seams in the shoulders
- Impressive odor resistance
Cons
- On the pricer side
- Needs to be laundered on gentle cycle
- Material: 87% 17.5-micron merino wool, 13% nylon
- Sustainability Certifications: N/A
- Weight: 5.2 oz. (men's medium)
- Warmth Rating: 145 GSM (Warm to hot conditions)
- Size Range: XS-XL (women’s); S-2XL (men’s)
- Fit: Relaxed (women’s); Regular trending fitted (men’s)
Pros
- Cozy soft to the touch
- Generous cut
- UPF 50+ sun protection
- Added nylon weave improves durability
Cons
- Will shrink up a bit in the wash
- Sizing gives some people trouble
- Material: 100% 18.5-micron merino wool
- Sustainability Certifications: RWS and Woolmark-certified
- Weight: 5.1 oz. (men’s small), 3.2 oz. (women’s small)
- Warmth Rating: 165 GSM (All-season conditions)
- Size Range: XS-XL (women’s); S-XXL (men’s)
- Fit: Regular
Pros
- One of the softest merino weaves we've worn to-date
- Moisture-wicking
- Lightweight 18.5-micron material
- Naturally odor-resistant
Cons
- Fits tighter than expected
- On the pricier end
- Material: 100% merino wool
- Sustainability Certifications: RWS and Woolmark-certified
- Weight: 5.5 oz.
- Warmth Rating: 175 (All-season conditions)
- Size Range: XS-XXL (women's); S-XXL (men's)
- Fit: Modern
Pros
- Impressive price for a full 100% merino tee
- Flatlock seams and tagless interior
- Wide size range in men's and women's
- Full merino blend means 100% of the benefits
Cons
- Fabric weight is just a bit heavy for true summer/active use
- Seam-line across shoulders won't play the nicest with pack straps
- Material: Nuyarn Merino (70% 17.5-micron Merino, 30% nylon)
- Sustainability Certifications: N/A
- Weight: 4.3 oz.
- Warmth Rating: 120 GSM (Warm to hot conditions)
- Size Range: S-3XL (men’s)
- Fit: Slim
Pros
- Nuyarn construction; increased durability and stretch over typical Merino
- UPF 50+ sun protection
- Available in different camouflage prints, as well as solid colorways
- Flat-locked seams, with shoulder seams moved forward to prevent chafing under pack straps
Cons
- No women’s cut is currently available
- Prominent logo limits the cross-activity wear potential
- Material: 100% 17.5-micron merino
- Sustainability Certifications: Woolmark-certified and WRAP-certified production
- Weight: 5.6 oz.
- Warmth Rating: 190 GSM (Moderate conditions)
- Size Range: XS-XL (women’s); S-2XL (men’s)
- Fit: Classic
Pros
- Classic design that can be dressed up or down
- Soft to the touch
- Excellent odor resistance
- Ethically sourced wool
- Slightly thicker GSM is warm in airports and planes
Cons
- Can’t be tumble dried
- On the pricier side
- Material: (m)Force Merino – 87% 17.5-micron merino wool, 13% nylon
- Sustainability Certifications: N/A
- Weight: 8.7 oz. (men's medium), 7.5 oz. (women's medium)
- Warmth Rating: 145 GSM (All-season conditions)
- Size Range: XS-XL (women's); S-XXL (men's)
- Fit: Relaxed
Pros
- Comfortable drop hem and loose fit
- Helmet-compatible hood
- Thumb loops keep sleeves in place
- Small screenprinted logos aren't distracting
Cons
- Not impervious to holes
- Smaller manufacturer stock can sometimes be limited
More Merino Wool Shirts to Fill Your Closet
- Material: 88% merino wool, 12% nylon
- Sustainability Certifications: N/A
- Weight: 3.6 oz.
- Warmth Rating: N/A
- Size Range: XS-3X (women's); SM-XXL (men's)
- Fit: Slim (women’s); Body enhancing (men’s)
Pros
- Durability from nylon spun core
- Excellent moisture management
- UPF 20+ protection
- Flat-locked seams
Cons
- Slightly odd sizing
- Plant-based dyed versions have an addition logo
- Material: 87% 16.5 micron merino, 13% nylon
- Sustainability Certifications: N/A
- Weight: 5 oz. (women’s size large)
- Warmth Rating: 150 (All-season conditions)
- Size Range: XS-XL (women’s); S-XXL (men’s)
- Fit: Articulated fit
Pros
- Very soft fabric with high merino percentage
- Sewn-in locker loop
- Good all-around weight
Cons
- Fabric clings to body in drier weather
- Not immune to piling
- Small logo on sleeve
- Material: 100% 18.5-micron merino wool
- Sustainability Certifications: RWS and Woolmark-certified
- Weight: 9.3 oz.
- Warmth Rating: 185 (Moderate conditions)
- Size Range: XS-XXL (women's); S-XXL (men's)
- Fit: Regular trending slim
Pros
- Slightly warmer sun hoody for a wider range of conditions
- 100% merino blend
- Snug scuba hood is warm, and can be worn under helmets
- Quarter-zip makes for easy venting
Cons
- Expensive
- 100% merino will accumulate holes eventually
- Material: 65% Merino wool, 35% recycled polyester
- Sustainability Certifications: RWS-certified wool and made Fair-Trade certified
- Weight: 3.1 oz.
- Warmth Rating: N/A
- Size Range: XS-2XL (men’s & women’s)
- 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
- Slim fit won't be for everyone
- Material: 50% merino wool, 50% TENCEL Lyocell
- Sustainability Certifications: N/A
- Weight: Unavailable
- Warmth Rating: N/A
- Size Range: S-3XL (men’s); XS-2XL (women’s)
- Fit: Regular
Pros
- Long-sleeve comfort and warmth
- Incredibly soft
- Flattering color options
- Broad sizing range
- Tagless
Cons
- Tight-fitting in arms and chest
- Lighter colors are see-through
- Material: 100% 165 gsm merino
- Sustainability Certifications: RWS-certified and Australian-made certified production
- Weight: Unavailable
- Warmth Rating: 165 GSM (All-season conditions)
- Size Range: XS-XXL (women's); S-XXL (men's)
- Fit: Relaxed (women's & men's)
Pros
- Relaxed cut is airy and breathable
- Australian-sewn
- Affordable pricing for Merino wool
Cons
- Not the easiest to find available
- Price has been creeping up in recent years
- Material: 100% merino
- Sustainability Certifications: N/A
- Weight: 7 oz. (men’s large); 5 oz. (women’s medium)
- Warmth Rating: 120 GSM (Warm to hot conditions)
- Size Range: XS-XL (women’s); S-2XL (men’s)
- Fit: Athletic (women’s); Relaxed (men’s)
Pros
- Built-in thumb loops
- Versatile
- UPF protection
- Ultralight weight
- Soft
Cons
- Expensive
- Prone to snagging
Merino Wool Shirt Comparison Chart
Merino Wool Shirt | Price | Material | Weight | Size Range | Fit |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Icebreaker Tech Lite Crew II T-Shirt | $80 | 100% merino wool | 5.3 oz. | XS-XL (women’s); S-XXL (men’s) | Regular |
Ridge Merino Journey & Wander Wool Shirt | $60 | 87% merino wool, 13% nylon | 5.2 oz. | XS-XL (women’s); S-2XL (men’s) | Relaxed (women’s); Regular (men’s) |
Ibex 24 Hour Short Sleeve Tee | $90 | 100% 18.5-micron merino wool | 5.1 oz. | XS-XL (women’s); S-XXL (men’s) | Regular |
Woolly Everyday Crew Tee | $68 | 100% merino wool | 5.5 oz. | XS-XXL (women’s); S-XXL (men’s) | Modern |
KUIU ULTRA Merino 120 LT SS Crew-T | $79 | Nuyarn merino (70% merino, 30% nylon) | 4.3 oz. | S-3XL (men’s) | Slim |
Unbound Merino Crew Neck T-Shirt | $90 | 100% merino wool | 5.6 oz. | XS-XL (women’s); S-2XL (men’s) | Classic |
Ridge Merino Solstice Lightweight Hoodie | $88 | (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 | $80 | 87% merino wool, 13% nylon | 3.6 oz. | XS-3X (women’s); SM-XXL (men’s) | Slim (women’s); Body enhancing (men’s) |
KÜHL Cashmerino Short Sleeve | $85 | 87% 16.5 micron merino, 13% nylon | 5 oz. | XS-XL (women’s); S-XXL (men’s) | Articulated fit |
Ibex Indie Hoodie | $170 | 100% 18.5-micron merino wool | 9.3 oz. | XS-XXL (women’s); S-XXL (men’s) | Regular trending slim |
Patagonia Capilene Cool Merino Shirt | $69 | 65% merino wool, 35% recycled polyester | 3.1 oz. | XS-2XL (men’s & women’s) | Slim |
Bombas Merino Wool Crew Neck Long Sleeve | $78 | 50% merino wool, 50% TENCEL Lyocell | Unavailable | S-3XL (men’s); XS-2XL (women’s) | Regular |
Ottie Merino T-Shirt | $71 | 100% merino wool | Unavailable | XS-XXL (women’s); S-XXL (men’s) | Relaxed |
Voormi River Run Wool Hoodie | $139 | 100% merino wool | 7 oz. | XS-XL (women’s); S-2XL (men’s) | Athletic (women’s); Relaxed (men’s) |

How We Tested the Best Merino Wool Shirts

Testing Process and Testing Grounds

Our Expert Testers

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Merino Wool Shirt
What Is Merino Wool?

Sustainable Wool Sourcing

100% Merino and Merino Blends


Thickness and Weight

Fit and Styles

Color

Price & Value
Budget
Mid-Tier

Premium
Frequently Asked Questions
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 — 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 — merino wool is different. Merino wool is notoriously fine — 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 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 15-17-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, it’s still breathable at the same time.

The fact that merino wool both retains heat and wicks away sweat — it works to both warm you up and cool you down — 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 won’t get clammy or chills, and it also helps with wicking body odor.
Other fibers — synthetics or plant-based fabrics — are not as fine, porous, or breathable. They’ll 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 — unique layers sewn with everything from bamboo to hemp to corn.)
You’ll want to treat your merino shirts and layers with care. Because merino is a natural fiber, you also don’t 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 — sometimes even just once or twice a month — 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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