Traveller’s guide to: Travel shirts
A travel shirt is more than a fashion statement: these hardworking items can protect you from the sun (and biting insects too), keep you cool, hide your valuables and help you look smart everywhere from mountain slopes to city bar
Key features to look out for when selecting a travel shirt include the following:
1) Collar
Every travel shirt should have a collar, which can be rolled up to protect your neck from the sun. Some shirts offer an extra-length collar, giving a greater level of protection.
2) Fabric
A travel shirt should offer a good level of sun protection. Look for fabric that offers a high UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating; 15 is good but 50+ is best. A moisture-wicking fabric (which moves sweat away from the body) will help keep you cool. Quick-drying material is useful if you get caught in rain or if you need to hand wash the shirt to wear the next day. A patterned shirt is often better at hiding dirt and sweat patches. If you’re likely to wear a rucksack, try it on with the shirt to make sure the seams sits comfortably against your skin.
3) Weight
A lighter shirt is more luggage-limit friendly. However, do check that potentially useful features (such as pockets or sun protection) haven’t been sacrificed in order to save a few grams.
4) Sleeves
Travel shirts come in a variety of sleeve lengths: short, three-quarter, long. Long sleeves are most versatile – they provide protection from the sun and insects, and can be rolled up if you’re too hot; check that there are buttons/Velcro tabs to secure long sleeves when they’re rolled up.
5) Pockets
Pockets are a personal choice – some prefer more than others. Do consider pocket placement, though. Women may find some breast pockets impractical for instance. Also, travel shirts may feature a hidden pocket for tickets/passport, which can be really useful depending where and how it sits against the body.
6) Insect protection
Some travel shirts come impregnated with insect repellent. Their repellency is usually guaranteed to last for a certain number of washes, though some manufacturers guarantee it for the life of the garment. If the shirt you like isn’t repellent impregnated, you can easily treat it yourself – Wanderlust’s Dr Jane recommends EX-4 spray. Do remember that a treated shirt only protects the flesh that it covers.
