Keep it cool with these short-sleeved travel essentials.
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When it comes to packing for warm-weather travels, a bikini and sunglasses may be at the top of your list. Don’t forget the humble T-shirt, though — when the sun is shining, these everyday essentials form the lynchpin of many outfits whether you’re dressing for city sightseeing or a laid-back day at the beach.
Oversized tees, cropped tees, tees with pockets and tees with plackets, technical workout tees and tees that are very much a fashion statement… There are many different types to choose from in fabrics ranging from butter-soft modal to hard-wearing, breathable cotton. To make your selection easier, we’ve researched our favorite travel T-shirts for women across a wide range of unique categories.
This is a quality shirt that prioritizes comfort and sustainability while also offering some unique design features.
It’s not a budget option, so buying more than one color quickly becomes expensive.
If you believe in spending money on quality items that will stand the test of time, you’ll love the Aday Essentialist T-shirt. It’s made from super-soft, plant-based modal that’s as durable as it is lightweight. This fabric is ideal for travel since it dries quickly and breathes well whether you’re on your third flight of the day or exploring tropical beaches and jungles at your destination. It’s also good for the planet. The modal is sourced from sustainable forests, is OEKO-TEX certified, and made with up to 20 times less water than cotton in a zero-waste factory.
Ethics aside, this is a shirt that serves as a wardrobe staple while simultaneously making a subtle fashion statement. It’s deliberately oversized for maximum freedom of movement with a fairly high crew neck. This modest look is offset by high side splits and the visual interest of a hi-low hem that’s shorter in the front than the back. We love the intrigue this adds to your ‘fit when worn as is, and also that it makes it easier to tuck into jeans or skirts without adding too much bulk to your waistline.
Finally, this conveniently machine washable T-shirt comes in a range of colors, from classic shades like coconut (white) and black to limited edition terracotta and mist (gray).
The Details: XS to XL | 90 percent Tencel modal, 10 percent elastane
Made from textured cotton slub, this shirt offers durability and a timeless, goes-with-everything look.
Color choices are all fairly subdued, so those with a passion for brighter shades will need to look elsewhere.
The Buck Mason Slub Easy Crew is all about understated quality. Designed for a classic fit with short sleeves, a crew neck, and a straight hem, it’s meant as a staple piece for everyday use. It goes with everything from shorts to leggings and can be worn on its own or as a layer in colder weather. We love the lightweight, breathable cotton slub fabric. With its textured feel, it gives off vintage vibes and is renowned for its sustainable manufacturing process.
Slub is also up to the challenge of frequent use, meaning you can wear it over and over again on your travels without it showing signs of wear. This allows you to pack less and leave more room in your suitcase for souvenirs. Refreshing the T-shirt is easy too — just throw it in the washer on cold and tumble dry on low. It has been garment dyed and pre-washed with softener for that irresistible lived-in feel and comes in a range of neutral shades from dark navy to faded black.
The Details: XS to XXL | 100 percent cotton slub
This shirt comes in a range of gorgeous colors to suit all tastes, from the neutral to the brightly tropical.
The fit is deliberately generous, so size down if you prefer a more fitted look.
We love a V-neck for framing jewelry, showcasing necklines, and elongating the torso. The Kauai Jersey T-shirt from Tommy Bahama is a quality pick made from a modal and polyester blend with a touch of spandex for the perfect balance of softness and stretch. It’s meant for tropical getaways and summer vacations, with a relaxed fit that leaves plenty of room for airflow and keeps movement unrestricted.
Rolled sleeve cuffs cut at an angle add interest to an otherwise plain design. We also like that the T-shirt comes in a full choice of solid and heathered colors to suit every kind of trip, from classic black and silver streak heather to Caribbean-ready tango red or paradise pink. And, because nobody has time for hand washing on vacation, the T-shirt is machine washable and tumble dry safe as long as you use the appropriate settings.
The Details: XXS to XL | 67 percent Tencel modal, 28 percent polyester, 5 percent spandex
This T-shirt achieves sexy comfort with an exaggerated neckline and super-soft fabric.
Some may find the neck opening a little too wide.
With its generous square neck, short sleeves, and figure-hugging cut, the Old Navy Fitted Rib-knit T-shirt offers a sexier alternative to the standard crew neck. It’s designed to hit below the waist for a flattering, elongated silhouette and is reassuringly opaque. We love the cotton-spandex blend for its softness and for the fact that it clings everywhere you want it to and nowhere that you don’t.
It’s shaping without being too tight, and stretches impressively to accommodate larger chests. No matter your body shape, you’ll be able to find the right fit with inclusive sizes ranging from XS to 4X in regular, tall, and petite cuts. Color choices are equally versatile, whether you’re a bold cherry tomato or a delicate cashmere blue kind of girl. Best of all, this shirt is so well priced that if you’re stuck between two shades, you can probably justify getting both.
The Details: XS to 4X | 96 percent cotton, 4 percent spandex
Long-staple Supima cotton is the secret behind this figure-hugging tee’s superior strength and softness.
The fabric is relatively thin, so it’s a better bet for warm climates than as a layer for chilly ones.
This micro-rib tee from Everlane effortlessly accentuates your curves with its sweeping scoop neck. The effect is juxtaposed by the shirt’s extra-length sleeves, which hit just above the elbow for an elevated look that’s simultaneously sensual and sophisticated. We also appreciate the raised central seam running down the back of the shirt to help to lengthen the look of your torso.
The shirt is made from fine-ribbed Supima cotton with extra-long fibers for added durability and color retention — meaning that this tee should stand the test of time (and travel). A touch of elastane makes for a snug fit throughout that shapes without being restrictive. In terms of color, choose effortlessly stylish neutrals such as heather tan and Kalamata (olive) or opt for eye-catching jewel tones like bellwether blue.
The Details: XXS to XXL | 96 percent Supima cotton, 4 percent elastane
This shirt’s slim fit and buttoned placket make it a versatile choice that can be dressed up or down to suit the occasion.
The white color is not completely opaque, so careful bra choice is required if you don’t want it to be visible.
The Gap Modern Rib Henley T-shirt pairs a crew neck with a buttoned placket that you can wear unbuttoned for a more casual look, or fastened for smarter occasions. This versatility is ideal for travel, helping to reduce the number of items you need to pack. We love the shirt’s short, fitted sleeves and the fact that it’s slim without being too snug. The cotton-modal blend includes a small percentage of elastane, allowing it to stretch to fit in all the right places.
It’s also soft, comfortable, and lightweight enough to keep you cool whether you’re touring the sights of a sticky summer city or working up a sweat on the trail. Because it’s machine washable, keeping it clean on the go is easy, too. Color choices are fairly limited but include wardrobe staples such as optic white, dried moss green, black, and our favorite, a powdery bicoastal blue.
The Details: XXS to XXL | 58 percent cotton, 38 percent modal, 4 percent elastane
Everything about this T-shirt is effortless, from its oversized fit to the garment-dyed comfort of its fabric.
Stick to your regular size for the oversized look.
The Madewell Garment-dyed Oversized Pocket Tee is intentionally roomy, with minimalist, unisex styling from its dropped shoulders to the functional patch pocket on the left breast. It looks great as is, or with a simple front tuck into the waistband of your favorite jeans.
It’s made from weighty cotton jersey that has been garment-dyed for that pre-loved, broken-in feel right out of the box. We love the fabric’s soft comfort and the way it drapes flatteringly without clinging anywhere. Even the eyelet white colorway is fully opaque. Other options include vintage-looking old mahogany, weathered concrete, and black coal. The shirt is machine washable for on-the-go convenience.
The Details: XXS to XXL | 100 percent cotton
This shirt’s fabric combines the softness and durability of Pima cotton with the athletic stretch of Lycra.
Colors are all neutral or pastel with no options for making a bolder statement.
If you’re headed somewhere warm and want maximum airflow, treat yourself to the Lululemon Cates Cropped T-shirt. Designed to hit just above waist-height, it’s not indecently short. You could wear it with a high-rise skirt or pants and keep the amount of skin on display to a minimum. But, if you want to show off your hard work in the gym, pairing it with regular- or low-rise bottoms will result in tastefully displaying your midsection.
The fabric offers all the lightweight breathability and luxurious softness of Pima cotton. It’s also naturally durable thanks to the long-staple fibers, with added Lycra for flexibility and shape retention. Four-way stretch means full mobility, making this an equally good choice for low-impact workouts and post-gym relaxation. Machine washable and dryer safe, the shirt comes in a range of soft colors ranging from white to Belgian blue or strawberry milkshake.
The Details: 0 to 14 | Pima cotton, Lycra
This shirt is crafted from ultra-light fabric and manages to be both loose enough for breathability and fitted enough to flatter.
Some of the lighter colorways are not fully opaque.
The Athleta Breezy Scoop V Tee is especially designed for travel, vacations, and exploring the outdoors. We love it for high heat and humidity destinations where breathability is key. It’s made from a super lightweight modal-polyester blend, with a fit that drapes beautifully while offering plenty of ventilation. The subtle texture of the fabric feels good against bare skin, while the dropped hem at the back provides full bum coverage.
The shirt scores sustainability points too, since the modal is harvested from responsibly managed and certified forests. And (because warm weather means more frequent washing), you’ll be pleased to hear that it’s both machine washable and dryer safe. No access to a dryer? No problem, the fabric is light enough that it’ll dry quickly over a pool railing or balcony. Colors are diverse and range from statement shades (iceplant pink) to soft pastels (honeysuckle yellow.)
The Details: XXS to 3X | Tencel modal, polyester
Targeted ventilation panels and UPF 40+ sun protection make this the ideal shirt for outdoor workouts.
The fit runs a little small so if you’re between sizes, consider sizing up.
If you like to stay active on your travels, check out the Athleta Momentum Seamless Tee for one that’s specifically intended for medium- to high-impact workouts. It’s made from lightweight, breathable, quick-drying nylon, with ventilation panels in strategic areas including up the sides, under the chest, and in between the shoulder blades. Grippers at the inner hem prevent the shirt from riding up, while seamless construction equals zero chafing.
The fit is meant to be close for unimpeded freedom of movement; however, if you prefer a slightly more relaxed look, you can always size up. We also love that this shirt is as well-suited to outdoor workouts (Think: beach yoga and stand-up paddling) as it is to indoor gym sessions, with a UPF 40+ rating to protect you from the sun’s harmful rays. Colorways cater to every taste with a rainbow of solid, striped, heathered, and gradient shades.
The Details: XXS to 3X | 100 percent nylon (solid colors), 65 percent nylon, 35 percent recycled nylon (heathered colors)
Available in a full range of sizes, this shirt is lightly compressive for a snug, stretchy fit that stays perfectly in place.
Care instructions (hand wash, line dry) aren’t particularly travel-friendly.
The Skims Soft Smoothing Seamless T-shirt comes in a full range of sizes from XXS to 4X and flatters all body types with its crew neck, short sleeves, and top-of-the-hip length that pairs well with everything from flowy skirts to workout gear. We love the light compression and subtle smoothing effect offered by the nylon-spandex fabric; and the fact that it stretches easily to accommodate larger chests and arms without becoming see-through.
The fabric also hugs your curves and stays securely in place — no irritating riding or rolling up here. It’s butter soft, too, making this shirt as well suited to lounging at your villa or Airbnb as it is to wearing out or layering under other clothing. Classic shades include onyx, cocoa, and marble. If you prefer a more colorful look, keep an eye out for limited edition choices such as bright, attention-grabbing fuschia.
The Details: XXS to 4X | 93 percent nylon, 7 percent spandex
Sustainable fabrics and an ethical manufacturing process make this shirt a win for you and the planet.
Colors are limited, with just three options currently available.
When it comes to sustainability, Patagonia leads the way with its 1% for the Planet pledge, sustainable materials, and ethical working conditions. The Capilene Cool Lightweight Shirt is no exception, being made from at least 52 percent recycled nylon in a Fair Trade Certified factory. It’s the brand’s lightest technical top, designed for active adventure-seekers in cool to hot climates. We love its versatility and think it works just as well as a casual tee or a layering item.
The T-shirt features a moderate scoop neck and drop tail hem for added style points, as well as a slim fit that flatters your figure while still leaving enough room for ventilation. Overheating is unlikely given the built-in side vents; but if you do break a sweat, no worries. The shirt wicks moisture, dries quickly, and employs HeiQ Mint odor control to keep things fresh. Colors include Sienna clay, subtidal blue, and a smolder blue that’s closer to gray.
The Details: XS to XL | Partially or fully recycled nylon
Whether you’re traveling by plane, car, or train, you’ll probably have a limit to how much you can bring on vacation. When picking a travel T-shirt, choose one that can fulfill several different functions and therefore save space on your packing list. For example, look for athleisure shirts that offer all the technical specs required for a successful workout while still looking stylish enough for trips to the beach or out for coffee. When choosing everyday tees, we love versatile fabrics and neutral colors that are easy to mix and match with the rest of your wardrobe. Look for details such as a Henley button-down placket or a sexy scoop neck that allow a shirt to be dressed up or down to suit several different scenarios.
Travel T-shirts are everyday items that need to be as comfortable and practical as possible. We recommend prioritizing materials like cotton and modal that are both lightweight and naturally breathable, helping to keep you cool in warm weather. If you’re planning active adventures or like to workout on vacation, then nylon and polyester are the best bet for sweat-wicking, quick-drying comfort. Often, both casual and athleisure tees will contain a percentage of elastane (sometimes called spandex or Lycra). This provides stretch for freedom of movement and a figure-hugging fit. Finally, nobody wants to waste precious vacation time ironing or hand washing their clothes. Look for wrinkle-resistant fabrics that can be machine washed and dried.
One of the best ways to fold a T-shirt for travel is to lay it out, face up. Next, fold the shirt lengthways into thirds by bringing the outer edges in toward the middle, making sure that the sleeves are folded back onto their respective third. When you have a long, neat rectangle in front of you, roll the shirt tightly into a cylinder shape. This packing style not only saves a considerable amount of space, but it also prevents shirts from creasing too much while in transit.
There’s no strict rule for the number of T-shirts you should pack for a trip, since the answer depends on variable factors including the weather, your planned activities, and access to laundry facilities. However, a general rule of thumb is that you should pack four tops for a week-long trip. If you’re headed somewhere warm, you may want all of these to be T-shirts; or you may want a combination of tanks, tees, and long-sleeve shirts. For longer vacations you may want to pack a few more, but plan on using a laundry service to refresh your wardrobe periodically rather than packing enough fresh outfits to last for the duration of your trip.
Jessica Macdonald has been writing about travel gear and clothing for more than a decade. She’s put her fair share of T-shirts to the test while living in warm and humid climates including North Carolina, South Africa, and Southeast Asia. She chose the category winners above by comparing the prices, features, and customer reviews of more than 30 popular T-shirt brands.
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