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If you’re headed to a humid environment and hate that sticky feeling, try wearing sweat wicking shirts that are designed to keep you cool and fresh. TFG has found styles that would look awesome for your travel capsule wardrobe—check em’ out!
Best Moisture Wicking Shirt
Written By: Laura Pulling
Table Of Contents
Moisture wicking qualities have been in sports clothing for a while. We know that when you exercise and sweat, you get hotter, and when the sweat evaporates that’s when you cool off. Clothes that wick away moisture allow you to cool faster!
Now they’re being made in more designs that look just as good away from the gym. They’re also generally light, packable, and don’t crease—making them a perfect material for sightseeing or traveling in humid climates.
If you’re not familiar with this type of fabric and what it can do, let’s try to answer some questions first:
What Is Moisture Wicking Clothing?
Moisture wicking clothing is made from a type of fabric that draws moisture away from your body and onto the surface of the fabric, where it will evaporate more easily.
How Does Moisture Wicking Work to Keep You Cool?
The moisture wicking material keeps you cool because it allows your sweat to evaporate more easily.
So if you’re sightseeing in a hot climate, or working out in the gym, the capillary action of the moisture-wicking fabric draws the wetness away from your skin, so you feel less uncomfortable and more cooled off!
TFG has rounded up some of the best wicking shirts that feel comfy and dry (t-shirts, polos, and more!), so we’re sure you’ll find one or two that you’ll love!
Best Moisture Wicking T Shirts
Shop Eddie Bauer Sizes: Regular XS-XXL | Petite S-L | Tall M-XXL | Plus 2X-3X
Eddie Bauer Depature Wicking T Shirt
This Eddie Bauer moisture wicking t shirt is so great for hot weather and has built-in moisture-wicking properties, sun protection, and is super lightweight. It’s versatile enough that it can be worn whether you’re hitting the trails or spending the day sightseeing.
One wearer shares, “I love this shirt for travel, it’s easy to wash and dries quickly”
Shop Columbia: Regular XS-XXL | Plus 1X-3X
Columbia Boundless Trek Tee
These Columbia wickable t shirts are casual and easy-to-wear, while the poly blend will keep you cool and dry. The capped sleeves and chest pocket elevate this style from basic to chic, making it a travel wardrobe winner.
And as it’s a Columbia brand (reader favorite), you know it’s going to hold up, no matter what you put it through!
One reviewer shares “Being plus size doesn’t mean you can’t look put together on the trail or camping, and this is a great top to layer with coordinating pieces! Fabric feels comfortable against your skin in all weather conditions. Easy wash and wear.”
Merino wool is popular for its moisture wicking proprieties, these reader picks for merino wool t-shirts will keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter!
Shop Athleta: Regular XS-3X | Tall S-XL | Petite XS-L
Athleta With Ease Women’s Athletic Shirts
For wicking tee shirts that are a bit different to your usual tee, try this Athelata t-shirt style. Crafted from soft, lightweight performance fabric, it’s breathable, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying—perfect for active days, workouts, or layering when temperatures dip.
One wearer shares, “Very comfortable and flattering! Will be bringing on my vacation easy to pack and takes up very little room.” While another adds “These shirts are the best. Comfortable, great quality and they don’t wrinkle when you wash.”
If you prefer something more fitted, try the Athleta In Motion Seamless Tee for an alternative that still offers plenty of versatility.
Shop Duluth Trading: Regular XS-XXL | Plus 1X-3X
Duluth Trading Armachillo Cooling Shirt
Duluth Trading Armachillo dry wick t shirts are perfect for any activity. Pair with leggings for active yoga or sports or jeans for a casual but cool look. Made from a recycled polyester fabric, it has built-in odor control, enhanced moisture-wicking technologies and UPF protection, plus it’s super soft and stretchy. Choose from a range of neutral colors.
Users RAVE about this shirt, with one explaining, “These shirts are great for travel in unseasonably warm temps. Packed really nicely and were easy to wash out in hotel sinks.”
Shop Sizes XS-2X: Baleaf
Baleaf Dry Wick T Shirts Womens
For an affordable option, check out these BALEAF womens athletic shirts. Combining moisture-wicking technology with UPF fabric makes it great for any activity on a sunny day. Plus it comes in a ton of different colors.
One user describes how she wore this wicking t-shirt every day during a two-week Grand Canyon rafting trip, and says, “This shirt dried quickly whenever given the chance, helping to keep me warm enough, but also kept me cool (and not sunburned) during the hikes.”
It’s also available as a long-sleeve version too!
Shop Sizes 0-14: Lululemon
Lululemon Jersey Training Short Sleeve Wick T Shirts
Now it may be a tad pricer, but this Lululemon wick t shirt has so many amazing features to make it worth the price tag. The lightweight fabric is sweat-wicking, quick drying, has built-in odor control, and its easy to move in while still retaining it’s shape. While amazing for sporty activities, you could totally pair it with jeans and sneakers for sightseeing. Truly versatile activewear!
Reviews are great for these sweat wicking t shirts, with one wearer sharing, “Obsessed! This is my third of these and won’t be my last. The fabric is so lightweight, the colors are awesome. I’ve worn them to work and to workout out in, they’re just so versatile!”
Thanks to moisture wicking fabrics and breezy styles, you don’t have to let the sweltering heat or an active day stop you from wearing these travel-friendly dresses!
Best Moisture Wicking Tank Top
Shop Eddie Bauer: Regular XS-XXL | Petite S-L | Tall M-XXL | Plus 2X-3X
Eddie Bauer Departure Tank Top
This Eddie Bauer tank is so versatile it can easily be worn on outdoors adventures, exploring a new city, or on weekend jaunts. And of course, it has all the features of moisture wicking tee shirts women love, such as UPF 50+ sun-protection and wrinkle resistant fabric.
One wearer sums it up well, “Love the length. Perfect shirt to workout or hike or lounge in and still be presentable enough for errands.”
This tank top is also available in a range of print styles too!
Shop Lands End: Regular XS-XL | Plus 1X-3X
Lands End High Impact Tank
TFG readers love Lands End shirts, and we know why! They are just perfect for travel!
Not only is this tank top moisture wicking but it also provides UPF 50 sun protection and has a built-in bra to provide all day support and comfort. Whether you’re spending the day by water, exploring new destinations or enjoying a day out in the sun, this tank is designed to keep up with your active lifestyle.
Shop Old Navy: Regular XS-4X | Tall S-XXL | Petite XS-XL
Old Navy Cloud 94 Top
This Old Navy comfy and cute tank comes in a gorgeous colors that wouldn’t look out of place in the streets of Lisbon or Athens!
It’s high necked with wide sleeves and vented sides for a sleek feminine fit that’s as good for sightseeing as it is for a cardio class, making it a great staple piece! Plus, since it’s moisture-wicking, it will keep you cool no matter where you’re headed.
Get more summer ideas with the best tank tops!
Best Moisture Wicking Polo Shirts
Shop Eddie Bauer: Regular XS-XXL | Plus 2X-3X
Eddie Departure Short Sleeve Polo
One of the most popular brands for travel clothes for women, this chic short-sleeve collar t-shirt is no exception. It’s a very versatile piece that’s perfect for ALL outdoor excursions because it’s moisture-wicking, quick drying and has UPF 50 sun protection. With the open neck structure and a straight hem; it’s something that you can easily dress up or down.
It comes in multiple colors and wearers love this shirt, with one saying, “Love the shirt; very comfortable, lightweight, and breathable.”
Shop Sizes XS-XXL: Under Armour
Under Armour Women’s Sleeveless Polo Shirt
This sleeveless polo will ensure you stay dry and comfortable even during the most active of days. The UPF sun protection gives you peace of mind while you’re soaking up the sunshine while the moisture-wicking fabric will keep you feeling cool and fresh, no matter how high the temperature climbs.
With its sleek, sleeveless design, this polo offers freedom of movement, making it ideal for a round of golf, a walk around town, or a sunny outdoor adventure.
Shop Lands’ End: Regular XS-XL | Plus 1X-5X
Lands’ End Women’s Wick Away Shirt
Lands’ End wickaway shirts are made from a poly fabric that ticks all of the boxes as for travel. It’s wrinkle-resistant, fade-resistant, moisture-wicking, and has odor control to help fight odor-causing bacteria. Ready for whatever the day brings, this versatile piece is a travel must-have!
One wearer shares that this polo is “Bought this top in 5 colors to play pickleball outdoors. It works great and washes extremely well. It has a relaxed fit so is roomy enough to allow for movement in every direction. Does not chafe at all.” Reviews do say that these shirts do run large, so check the size chart before ordering.
Get even more cooled off with the best linen tops for summer heat!
Best Moisture Wicking Button Down Shirts
Shop Eddie Bauer: Regular XS-XXL | Petite S-L | Tall M-XXL | Plus 2X-3X
Editor’s Pick: Eddie Bauer Mountain Long-Sleeve Shirt
A few years ago as I started researching hiking clothing I became a fan of their button-down tops immediately, especially the Mountain Shirt. It’s versatile enough to be paired with denim shorts, worn as a beach cover-up, and tucked into my favorite jeans.
It’s so easy for travel, as it’s lightweight, moisture-wicking, provides UPF 50+ sun protection and works for so many different destinations and occasions. Made with quality fabric that feels super comfortable to wear for long periods of time, no matter the activity.
Shop Sizes XS-XL: Mountain Hardwear
Mountain Hardwear Women’s Long Sleeve Moisture Wicking Shirts
A popular brand for outdoor gear, the Mountain Hardwear Canyon button-down is designed to keep your cool, dry and protected for those long days spent in the sun. It has mesh venting across the back shoulders for extra ventilation, helping you stay comfortable even when you’re working up a sweat.
No matter what the temperatures, this quick drying shirt resists wrinkles and moisture, keeping you fresh and ready for any adventure.
Shop Columbia: Regular XS-XL | Plus 1X-3X
Columbia Tamiami II Long Sleeve Shirt
Considered one of the best sweat wicking shirts, this Tamiami II shirt gives a polished button-down look that can be dressed in different ways whether you’re heading to the beach, hitting the trails or going on a fun sightseeing city tour. Plus, you can roll the sleeves for a more casual day look and best of all it has two zippered pockets!
One review shares, “Would recommend. I tried three different brands of SPF/sun protection long sleeved shirts this summer, and I like the Columbia Tamiami shirt the best. It’s a nice fit and lightweight, so good on hot days.”
Shop Quince: Regular XS-XL | Plus 1X-3X
Quince Long Sleeve Silk Wicking Shirt Womens
For an incredibly chic moisture wicking button up shirt, check out this Quince blouse. Gorgeous look aside, lightweight and breathable, the silk fiber is great for your skin, hypoallergenic, and naturally thermoregulating, too so is a great choice for warm weather or for those prone to sweating.
It is a massive favorite with our readers for it’s relaxed, slim fit that can level up any outfit, whether layered or worn alone.
Best Long Sleeve Moisture Wicking Shirt
Shop Sizes XS-XL: Quince
Quince Long Sleeve Tunic Shirt
This Quince moisture wick shirt is super packable and can be reworn over and over again due to its odor control. The cute longer length means you can tuck it in or wear it out. No matter what activity you have planned—travel or otherwise— this top will keep you cool and shielded from the sun due to its UV-SPF 40 protection.
One wearer gives a stellar review, “Absolutely love this shirt for hot weather. So silky soft and cooling!! I bought this one and lived in it so much I came back for another.”
Shop Sizes XS-4XL: Wool&
Wool& Sloan Merino Wool Long Sleeve Athletic Shirts Womens
For a versatile long sleeve top that will keep you dry and comfortable, try this merino wool top. Thermoregulating merino wool keeps you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Plus, these t-shirts don’t hold onto odors, so you can wear them multiple times without a second thought. Lightweight and wrinkle-resistant make this t-shirt the perfect, hassle-free addition to a travel wardrobe.
This review says it all! “I first got it in black and later another in redwood. Fits perfectly and the fabric is soft. They are barely showing any wear – and I have worn them a lot, including traveling and camping. Easy to pack and rarely need washing.”
Shop Sizes XS-XL: Unbound Merino
Unbound Merino V-Neck Long Sleeve T-Shirt
This v neck long sleeve t shirt is a super cute basic that’ll look great with everything, and with its temperature regulating, breathable, and moisture-wicking properties, it’s amazingly versatile and travel-friendly. It’s lightweight enough to be worn either under a jacket in cooler conditions or for added coverage on slightly cooler summer evenings.
These women’s wrinkle free shirts are also great for travel!
How to Pack Your Moisture Wicking Tops
If you’re planning to travel with your sweat wicking shirt, start with packing cubes, they will seriously change the way you pack! We designed our own brand of slim packing cubes, with a unique color and numbering system, so it’s easy to remember where you’ve packed everything. See more in the video below.
Learn our hacks with packing cubes in the video above!
We also put together a five-part YouTube series showing the different methods to use packing cubes for travel. If you use this specific packing strategy, packing cubes can also compress your belongings. This method has helped many women travel carry-on only!
What do you think are the best dry wick shirts? Share your picks with us in the comments below!
For more travel wardrobe ideas, please read:
- Ultimate Guide to a Travel Capsule Wardrobe
- These Are the Best Travel Pants for Women: Fashion Meets Function
- Ultimate Guide to the Best Merino Wool Brands for Women
- Best Linen Clothing for Women: Ultimate Summer Guide
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I know I need moisture wicking shirts after my last trip to Singapore and Bali where I sweated through my cotton shirts. Looking forward to trying some of these out. I also bought a Uniqlo airism shirt to try out since I love their underwear.
Magellan fishing gear tops and bottoms work well for me. The women’s versions do not come in a lot of colors, but wear well.
Hi Wendy, thank you for sharing your recommendation with us! Always love hearing about our readers favorite products! ?
Love moisture wicking clothes. They make packing easy and light.
Uniqlo airism is my go to
Hi Sarah, thank you for sharing your go to brand for moisture wicking shirts with us! ?