Support TFG by using the links in our articles to shop. We receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) so we can continue to create helpful free content. We earn from qualifying purchases made to the featured retailers. Thank you, we appreciate your support!
Merino wool is the ultimate travel fabric that will revolutionize the way you pack. These pieces are the best merino wool clothing for women looking to travel light any time of year.
Best Merino Wool Clothing
Written by: Juanita Miller
Table Of Contents
I love traveling and nutrition. I’ve been across USA, Myanmar, Thailand, Canada, and Nicaragua. I travel for pleasure, photojournalism, and work as a Holistic Nutritionist.
On my travels, there are certain items that are my absolute travel must haves to include in my capsule wardrobe, and they all have one thing in common: merino wool clothes.
Why Merino Wool Women’s Clothing?
Quince Australian Merino Wool Turtleneck Sweater Dress | Sizes XS-XL
Merino wool clothing is popular and highly recommended for travel because it’s lightweight, ultra-warm, and wicks away moisture.
One of the best travel secrets, especially for long trips, is to rewear the same clothing pieces. Merino clothes are perfect for this, because they can be reworn multiple times without washing, making it the ideal travel clothing!
Wool& Rosso Pants | Sizes XS-3X
Some travelers (me included) have gone several weeks wearing the same Merino wool clothing without having to wash it. Check out TFG’s secret packing strategy for keeping your clothes smelling fresh on the go.
In fact, merino wool travel clothing is specifically meant to be re-worn without washing. If you attempt to wash your merino wool clothes while traveling, it will take forever to dry!
Everlane Merino Half-Zip Sweater | Sizes XXS-XL
I’m a sucker for anything merino wool, which explains why when I won TFG’s big $500 Amazon Holiday Giveaway one year, I splurged on some more merino wool women’s clothing. It’s long-lasting, durable, versatile, and you only need a few items!
Let’s talk about the best merino wool clothing for women. These are the pieces I wear almost every day.
These are the best merino wool sweaters, according to our readers!
What’s the Best Merino Wool Clothing?
Icebreaker Merino 150 Tech Lite Short Sleeve T-Shirt | Sizes from XS-XL
Best Merino Wool Womens Tee
Comfy tees are one of the most basic essentials in any wardrobe. However, a plain old cotton t-shirt isn’t the #1 option when it comes to travel. Instead, a merino wool short sleeve allows you to rewear your top with just about any bottom or layer it underneath long sleeved layers without the need to wash in between wears.
Pair it with a cute skirt and sandals while sightseeing in the summer then throw on a pair of hiking leggings and hit the trails with the exact same top. Classic, versatile, and ultra-practical!
Unbound Merino V‑Neck T‑Shirt | Sizes XS-XL
But if you’re looking for a more all-around great t-shirt, this classic short sleeve v-neck is the perfect addition to any packing list no matter the season, no matter the destination. It offers a curved hem to tuck into your fave pair of pants and it’s made out of merino so it’s sweat-proof! This non-itchy tee offers a natural layer to absorb pesky stains!
Ideal for hiking the Alps, all the way to using it during the summer months. A hugely popular tee with travelers and outdoor enthusiasts alike!
These are our readers top picks for merino wool t-shirts, perfect for women on the go.
Siren Merino Wool Shirts Womens Cami Top | Sizes from XS-XL
Best Merino Wool Shirt Womens Cami
My favorite merino wool shirt is the cami. I don’t head out on my travels without it!
This merino wool shirt is versatile and can be worn as an undershirt or on its own as a tank top. It provides the perfect base layer for any outfit, and unlike what you may think about wool clothing, it can be used in both cold or hot weather! Opt for the style below for a sleeved option.
Icebreaker Siren Tank Top Women’s | Sizes from XS-XL
If you’re looking for the best merino wool clothing for women, I would highly recommend you add a merino wool cami to your travel clothing collection. It’s a great way to Pack Light Stylishly!
Can’t wear merino wool? Here are the best alternatives!
Wool& Everett Hoodie Tunic | Sizes from XS-XL
Best Merino Wool Women’s Hoodie
This soft merino hoodie is for both everyday and adventurous excursions in that the hood stays in place sheltering you from the breeze while the long raglan sleeves and kangaroo patch pocket provide an added warmth factor. For travel, a hoodie is a protecting layer against the chill, because it can cover the head and keep body heat in.
You can wear it as part of your airplane outfit to stay warm or even use it as a pillow by rolling it up!
Icebreaker Women’s 1360 MerinoLoft™ Jacket | Sizes XS-XL
Best Merino Wool Women’s Jacket
I was shocked at how warm I was in this jacket despite how lightweight it is. Its insulated layer is a combination of merino wool and synthetic materials for warmth, breathability, and moisture-wicking performance. Ideal for outdoor adventures in cold conditions. I’ve only worn it briefly in temperatures ranging from 25F – 40F and layered only over a J Crew 365 tee and separately just over a merino wool thermal, but so far I’m impressed and can’t wait to test it out for extended periods outdoors. If it’s as good as I think it will be, this could easily become an essential in my winter wardrobe.
Aspect Midweight Merino Wool Long Sleeve Shirt | Sizes XS-XXXL
Best Merino Wool Long Sleeve
The amazing thing about merino is the ability to layer or wear it solo, which is why it’s one of the most versatile fabrics for travel. A good long-sleeve shirt can do just that, be worn under a jacket during chilly camping nights at the campground, all the way to wearing it solo in the springtime or summer.
Unbound Merino Longsleeve Merino Wool Sweaters | Sizes from XS-XL
The benefit of a long sleeve is it can cover arms for warmth and it makes a wonderful base layer when you need it!
Icebreaker Merino 175 Everyday Thermal Leggings | Sizes from XS-XL
Best Merino Wool Leggings
The Icebreaker Thermal Leggings make a fantastic insulating layer to throw on underneath your pants for anything from ski trips to sightseeing in winter. They’re made of lightweight and soft merino wool, which regulates your temperature without overheating you! Plus, their moisture-wicking properties will keep things fresh and comfy all day.
A adventure traveler says, “Great quality and fit! They are hands-down the nicest tights I own, and can be dressed up or down for many occasions. Perfect for casual wear and hiking, or as a base layer for skiing.” Sizes range from XS-XL.
Unbound Merino Leggings | Sizes from XS-XL
Whether you wear them layered or on their own, they’re perfect for all kinds of winter activities. TFG readers love a great pair of leggings for their travels!
These are our readers favorite merino wool leggings they love to pack for traveling!
Bombas Women’s Lightweight Merino Wool No Show Socks
Best Merino Wool Socks: Micro
Smelly socks are not ideal for traveling, but with a pair of merino wool socks, like the popular Bombas no show socks above, you won’t have that problem! I wear my merino wool socks for three days at a time before I have to change them, so for a two-week trip, I only need four or five pairs — incredible!
This particular pair of micro socks is a must-have for your travel clothing collection. They are perfect for hot weather, like a summer getaway or a jaunt through Thailand. Learn more about Bombas and their amazing socks in our review!
Multisport Ultra Light Merino Wool Micro Socks
But if you’re looking for something a little warmer because you live in the cold like me (Canada) or you’re headed somewhere chilly, then check out Icebreaker’s warmer designs.
In fact, here’s a great warm pair of merino wool socks for if you’re headed out on a trekking adventure so you have your warmth but can still eliminate your gear!
These are some of the warmest socks for cold-weather travel!
Icebreaker Wool Clothing: Hot Pants | Sizes from XS-XL
Best Merino Wool Womens Underwear: Briefs
I absolutely love my merino wool underwear. In particular, I love briefs for women because they fully cover my large bottom.
Remember Alex’s post about the importance of getting a bra fitting? A large chest can make it challenging for your clothing to fit right, especially if you’re wearing the wrong size bra.
I have a similar problem with my bottom. I love that this pair of merino wool underwear gives full coverage, which makes me more comfortable. If a large bottom isn’t a concern, then I recommend Icebreaker’s thongs!
Looking for more merino wool underwear options? Here’s a round up of the best travel underwear!
Buff Headwear Merino Wool Scarf
Best Women’s Wool Clothes: Buff Headwear Scarf
This merino wool scarf goes everywhere with me — every season and to every country. When I’m freezing cold in the Canadian Rockies, I wear it as a toque (that’s Canadian for beanie or hat). When I’m flying by airplane at night, and it gets chilly, I wear it as a scarf.
This piece of women’s wool clothing is so versatile that it also comes in handy when I’m driving at lightning speeds through sandy terrain on an electric bike through the ancient ruins of Bagan, Myanmar.
Whatever you need it for, the merino wool scarf does the job!
Find out what to wear in Myanmar!
Icebreaker Merino 200 Oasis Thermal Top & Leggings | Sizes XS-XL
Best Merino Wool Base Layer: Thermals
TFG’s editor also swears by merino wool, especially to keep you warm during the winter. As a Los Angeles native and serial sun chaser, living in England was a challenge because the weather was much colder than she was used to. Merino wool women’s clothing helped her cope and save suitcase space!
Merino wool shirts womens and bottoms as layers kept her warm and cozy on an icy cold Christmas Day in England. She layered her clothes so well that she was the only one not shivering while outside enjoying village festivities!
The Icebreaker Merino 200 Oasis top and bottom are lightweight, soft merino wool base layers that provide moisture-wicking, breathability, and odor resistance for cold-weather comfort and performance.
Minus33 Merino Wool Thermal Top | Minus 33 Merino Wool Bottoms
The name speaks for itself: this brand’s expertise is all about wool. Minus33 makes use of sustainable, 100% merino wool in all their clothing offerings. Their thermal underwear is made with basic and bright colors that work as mid-weight base layers for your cold weather wardrobe.
You can read more about how light layers can keep you warm and in style. Everyone always worries about not being able to pack light in the winter, but yes, it is possible. The secret? Thermal underwear for women!
Learn more about how to pack for cold weather!
Banana Republic Merino Wool Turtleneck Sweater
Why is Merino Wool the Best Women’s Wool Clothing?
Still not convinced that merino wool womens clothing is the best for travel?
Merino wool is the best travel clothing for women as it significantly cuts down on what I need to pack because merino clothes won’t get smelly if I wear them over and over again. That means I get a ton of use out of a single piece of clothing, being able to wear it multiple times without needing to wash it.
For example, on a 10-night trip, for my basics, I’ll pack:
- 1 merino wool cami
- 5 pairs of merino wool underwear
- 3 to 4 pairs of merino wool socks
I only blunder when it comes to merino wool T-shirt womens clothing choices. But I can’t help it, I just love them all!
Merino is the best women’s wool clothing that I have worn my black merino wool cami at least six days a week for over two years, only washing it every second or third week. That’s close to 730 days with only 40 washes!
Yes, it sounds gross — but merino clothes really do wick away the sweat, leaving your wool clothing without smelling.
Test it yourself! Get yourself a merino wool cami and try wearing it every day for two weeks — I guarantee you that it still won’t smell.
Compass Rose Carryon Size Packing Cubes: Slim Size Cubes | Medium Size Cubes
Merino Wool Clothes Pack Light
Wherever your travels take you, packing light is essential. Who wants to carry around more luggage than she needs?
Layering and wearing merino wool clothing means you don’t have to pack as much. Then, use packing cubes to save even more space. Alex designed her packing cubes and a system for packing light, carry-on only.
The Compass Rose Packing Cubes are offered in two sizes: slim and medium. The slim size cubes measure 13” x 5” x 2.8”, and the medium size cubes measure 2.8” x 13” x 8.5”. Both fit an international carry-on suitcase. Users say the medium size is great for bulkier items!
She put together a five-part YouTube series showing you the different methods to use packing cubes. If you use this specific packing strategy, they can also compress your belongings. This is the secret to traveling carry-on only!
Buy Compass Rose Packing Cubes here!
It’s been great learning from alex at Travel Fashion Girl. The packing lists and travel capsule wardrobes have been a lifesaver in helping me pack the essentials. Check them out!
What do you think is the best merino wool clothing for women? Share in the comments!
For more travel packing tips, please read:
- Travel Essentials Packing List
- Watch How to Pack for Mixed Weather
- Layering Clothing for Maximum Benefit
- 10 Step Guide for Packing for Mixed Weather
LIKED THIS POST? PIN THIS PIC TO SAVE IT!
I hope you liked this post on the best merino wool clothing for women. Please share with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Thanks for reading!
Author Bio: Juanita Miller is a Holistic Nutritionist who loves traveling, non-synthetic clothing, and clean eating. When at home, she offers nutritional coaching and wellness retreats. She believes you can eat clean, even while traveling. Follow her on her website Juanita Miller.
I didn’t know about merino wool until I looked it up on your blog. It’s a game changer! I got a merino wool long sleeve tee which is so soft and breathable, it works really well even in the summer while kayaking on a hot day!
I do find it hard to get 100% merino wool that’s plus size. I snagged these from the men’s section. Any suggestions for where to find merino wool clothes for women in plus sizes?
Have you tried Wool&?
This article was a lifesaver for me when I packed for a trip to Norway. Lightweight long-sleeved merino t-shirts made a huge difference in staying warm as the season changed. I ended up buying the Ibex brand.
This article was a lifesaver for me when I packed for a trip to Norway. Lightweight long-sleeved merino t-shirts made a huge difference in staying warm as the season changed. I ended up buying Ibex brand.
I have a merino dress (London) from Wool& for our next trip. I am super excited about both the trip and the dress!
Until Travel Fashion girl, I had never heard of merino wool. First thought, wool is itchy and makes my skin red and irritated. Surprisingly, it is not. Now, I am converted. I have so many Woolx items because of this post! I just recently returned from 9 days in Scotland traveling with only a carry-on. Merino wool allowed me to do it!
Thank you so much for posting this. I’m new to Merino wool. I am really liking what I’ve gotten from.Woolx and wool&.
Any tips on how to make merino wool less itchy?
Hi Becky, thank you for your question. I am afraid not, for some of our readers they just find merino wool to itchy or they are allergic to it. If you find merino wool to itchy, then check out this post for our readers favorite alternatives: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/best-alternative-to-merino-wool/ I would highly recommend that you join TFG’s free facebook community and post your question there: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelfashiongirls/ Its a fabulous group of helpful female travelers that have the best advice to share and they are always dicussing merino wool. Hope this helps. Have a great day! ?
These are some great options!
I had pure Marino hiking on theAT in. 2010 ….I had ibex and smart wool and no itching. And great in 30degree weather or 105 degree weather. EHG, massachussetts
Nice post. Noticed a lot of great brands. I’m a skier myself and merino wool is perfect. It keeps me warm but breathable. Myself i have a merino pants and shirt from green-rose.uk.com and i wear them all the time i go skiing at mountains.
I’m an active bike rider so merino wool is perfect solution for me. I bought a merino shirt from a shop green-rose.uk.com and have been wearing everytime i go for a ride. It does not let me sweat to much or get cold on the cooler weather. Have been enjoying merino wool and recommend to other active people. 🙂
After giving merino a try I’ve fallen in love with it for travel clothing, however the biggest complaint I have is the durability. Has anyone had better experience from one brand or another or the thickness of the merino (150 vs 220)? Thanks!
Merino doesn’t work for people who are allergic to wool. Any recommendation as to what other materials which work as well as merino?
Hi Ekay, try these: https://travelfashiongirl.com/best-thermal-underwear-for-women/ and also other natural fibers as well.
It’s most likely not allergy to the wool itself so much as the *chemicals* used to process the wool (removing the lanolin, making it washable, etc.)
Does anyone have a brand recommendation for a thicker merino t-shirt? I have an old icebreaker that is 200g/m2 that I love but have worn out. Neither Icebreaker, Smart Wool nor Ibex carries a t-shirt over the 135-150 weight range and I find those too clingy.
Woolpower is my fav go-to Merino wool clothing!
Thanks for the tip Heather! We will have to look into them! Happy travels!
Love marino and for cold winter locations a Marino and possum mix feels amazing.
Thanks for the comment Naomi! We will have to look into that blend! Happy travels!
Ok now I really have to try icebreaker!
Yes you do! Great product!
Thanks for the feature! I really hope readers give merino a try, it’s treated me well.
Thanks for the input Juanita! Thanks for reading!
I’ve been shopping for travel clothes for a few months and have bought very little because it’s hard to find things that pack small. This is for a trip to Italy at the end of October. This really helps! Thanks!
Glad we could help Jill!
I’m also a big fan of travelling with a lot of merino pieces….from ultrafine for summer thru to the heavier weights for warmth…. All year round they get me thru and make any climate travel easy! My favourite brand is the outdoor company which designs and makes all their range in New Zealand. Earth Sea Sky. From Antarctica to Milan, Winter to Summer….they are a great fit and are fit for purpose! http://www.earthseasky.co.nz/womens/merino.html
Great brand! Thanks for sharing Helene!
A little off-subject, but what about an article/packing list/ tips for those of us who don’t wear bras at any time, ever? i.e., wearing camisoles as first layers, crop tops in summer, and how it could work with minimalist packing?
Thanks for the tip Rhiannon! I’ll add it to the potential posts list! So many things to write, so little time 😉 thanks for reading!