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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.
J Crew Halle Sweater | Sizes from XXXS-3X
Why Merino Wool Women’s Clothing?
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!
Icebreaker Merino Long Sleeve | Sizes from XS-L
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!
Icebreaker Merino Women’s Yanni Dress | Sizes from XS-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?
Best Merino Wool Womens Tee
Icebreaker Merino Tech Lite Short Sleeve Wool Tee | Sizes from XS-XL
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!
ibex 24 Hour Short Sleeve Scoop Neck | Sizes XS-XL
But if you’re looking for a more all-around great t-shirt, this classic short sleeve scoop 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.
Best Merino Wool Shirt Womens Cami
Siren Merino Wool Shirts Womens Cami Top | Sizes from XS-XL
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!
Ibex Sun Hoodie | Sizes from XS-XL
Best Merino Wool Women’s Hoodie
This lightweight merino hoodie is for both every day and adventurous excursions in that the hood stays in place sheltering you from the breeze while the thumb latch provides 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!
ibex Women’s Wool Aire Down Jacket | Sizes from XS-XL
Best Merino Wool Women’s Jacket
I was shocked at how warm I was in this jacket despite how thin and lightweight it is. 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 of time outdoors. If it’s as good as I think it will be, this could easily become an essential in my winter wardrobe.
Wearing ibex Wool Aire Down Jacket, Bernardo Hooded Jacket paired with Zella Leggings and UGG Lorna Boots
Because it’s so thin, it’s the perfect hooded jacket to bring on a trip with mixed weather or when you need something packable you’ll only need occasionally for the cold. In addition, this could just as easily be something to wear every single day on a cold weather trip because it’s thin and light enough to wear layered underneath a more polished coat.
One of the things that stood out immediately was the “climate neutral certified” label. This means that Ibex implements programs to reduce their carbon output and put into carbon credits that offset the rest. When you choose Ibex, you support a carbon neutral company.
Best Merino Wool Long Sleeve
Ibex Woolies Tech Longsleeve Crew | Sizes from XS-XL
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.
Woolx Women’s Fine Merino Wool Sweaters | Sizes from XS-3X
The benefit of a long sleeve is it can cover arms for warmth and it makes a wonderful base layer when you need it!
Best Merino Wool Leggings
ibex Womens Lizzi Merino Wool Tights | Sizes from XS-XL
The ibex Lizzi 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!
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.
Woolx Duralite Stella Leggings | Sizes from XS-3X (Petite, Regular & Plus)
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!
Best Merino Wool Socks: Micro
Bombas Women’s Lightweight Merino Wool No Show Socks
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!
Best Merino Wool Base Layer: Thermals
Terramar Silk Undershirts | Terramar Silk Thermal Pants
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!
These silk thermals from Terramar are made with 100% silk pointelle knit. Their anti-microbial comfort technology is a plus when you want to re-wear your clothing.
Silk thermals, such as these, are popular for their incredibly lightweight, breathable insulation, and deliciously soft feel.
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!
Comparison Chart for Best Merino Wool Clothing
| BRAND | MODEL | FEATURES | REVIEWS | RATING | PRICE |
|---|---|---|
|
J Crew Halle Sweater |
A best-of-both-worlds silhouette, it combines the ease of your favorite tee with a polished, slightly nipped-in waist for an extra-flattering fit. Plus, it's crafted in our signature lightweight, luxe merino wool. | Check Price |
Icebreaker Merino Long Sleeve |
This slim fitting jersey features highly breathable merino rib fabric to cool in hot weather & insulate in cold weather under a top or shell. | Check Price |
|
Icebreaker Merino Women's Yanni Dress |
A sporty, relaxed-fit summer dress made with our Cool-Lite fabric for active pursuits and daily, warm-weather wear, the Yanni Tee Dress Combed Lines combines technically capable fabric with laid-back comfort. | Check Price |
|
Icebreaker Merino Tech Lite Short Sleeve Wool Tee |
With capabilities as varied as the adventures you'll take it on, the Tech Lite features a soft, open neck as well as our jersey corespun fabric-nylon fibers wrapped in merino wool to provide added strength and durability while maintaining next-to-skin softness. | Check Price |
|
ibex 24 Hour Short Sleeve Scoop Neck |
This classic short sleeve scoop 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! | Check Price |
|
Siren Merino Wool Shirts Womens Cami Top |
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! | Check Price |
|
Icebreaker Siren Tank Top Women's |
Made with lightweight, breathable merino wool fabric that naturally inhibits the growth of bacteria, the Siren Tank feels silky-light and doesn't get stinky when you work up a sweat. | Check Price |
|
Ibex Sun Merino Wool Hoodie |
This lightweight merino hoodie is for both every day and adventurous excursions in that the hood stays in place sheltering you from the breeze while the thumb latch provides 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. | Check Price |
|
ibex Women’s Wool Aire Down Jacket |
I was shocked at how warm I was in this jacket despite how thin and lightweight it is. 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 of time outdoors. | Check Price |
|
Ibex Woolies Tech Longsleeve Crew |
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. | Check Price |
|
Woolx Women’s Fine Merino Wool Sweaters |
This could very well be the best merino wool hoodie! Minus33 is a long-time reader favorite, and this cutie could be added to the hall of fame. | Check Price |
|
ibex Womens Lizzi Merino Wool Tights |
The ibex Lizzi 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! | Check Price |
|
Woolx Duralite Stella Leggings |
Warmest leggings on the market. Temperature regulating, breathable & moisture wicking. If you could name the perfect cold weather leggings, these would be it. | Check Price |
|
Bombas Women's Lightweight Merino Wool No Show Socks |
Smelly socks are not ideal for traveling, but with a pair of merino wool socks, like the popular Bombas no show socks, you won’t have that problem! | Check Price |
|
Multisport Ultra Light Merino Wool Micro Socks |
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. | Check Price |
|
Icebreaker Wool Clothing: Hot Pants |
I love that this pair of merino wool underwear gives full coverage, which makes me more comfortable. | Check Price |
|
Buff Headwear Merino Wool 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). | Check Price |
TFG's Pick: Terramar Silk Undershirts |
TFG's editor also swears by merino wool, especially to keep you warm during the winter. | Check Price |
TFG's Pick: Terramar Silk Thermal Pants |
Merino wool shirts and bottoms as layers keep you warm and cozy on an icy cold Christmas Day. | Check Price |
Minus33 Merino Wool Ossipee Women's Midweight Crew |
This Midweight top is a well fitted princess cut women’s crew that provides cozy warmth and spectacular comfort day in and day out. | Check Price |
Minus33 Merino Wool 803 Franconia Women’s Midweight Bottom |
There’s a reason why these are our best-selling bottom, and that’s because they consistently deliver when you need them too. Skiing, hiking, or sitting at home on a cold day, you will not be disappointed. | Check Price |
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.
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 own packing cubes and a system for packing light, carry-on only.
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
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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.
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.
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!