All the Best Undershirts for Travel, Ranked

You may have forgotten the finer points of choosing travel clothing during the COVID-19 lockdowns. Luckily, not much has changed. However, choosing the best travel undershirt is something many people overlook.

When it comes to traveling, you want to pack clothing that’s appropriate, comfortable and versatile. Undershirts are a wardrobe staple for any travel ensemble, helping to keep you cool in hot weather and warm in cooler temps.

Choosing a quality undershirt that works with every outfit is vital when you’re traveling. With all the different fabric and style options out there, you might not be sure where to start. We’re here to help!

Here are our 2021 picks for the best undershirts for travel for your next trip:

  1. Thompson Tee Sweat Proof and Premium Undershirts
  2. Icebreaker Merino Anatomica Short Sleeve Crewe T-Shirt
  3. Bombas Pima Cotton Crew Neck T-Shirt
  4. David Archy Soft Comfy V-Neck Undershirts
  5. Tommy John Second Skin Tank Undershirt

1. Thompson Tee: Sweat Proof Undershirt

thompson tee best travel undershirts

Named Best Men’s Undershirt to Avoid Sweat Stains by Business Insider in 2021, Thompson Tees provide the ultimate defense against sweat and odor.

The form-fitting style hugs your body for a streamlined look and provides a discrete layer underneath your clothes.

Choose from undershirts for men and women, including their bestselling sweat proof option in short sleeve or long sleeve shirt versions, or the premium odor resistant OdorShield™ option.

  • 100% premium combed cotton
  • Prevents pit stains and odor day after day, wash after wash
  • Also available in a slim fit style (made from 95% rayon from bamboo and 5% spandex)
  • Price: Starts at $28.99 for sweat proof undershirts and $19.99 for OdorShield™ shirts

2. Icebreaker: Merino Anatomica Short Sleeve Crewe T-Shirt

icebreaker best travel undershirts

Icebreaker’s Merino Anatomica Short Sleeve Crewe T-Shirt is a stretchy, soft base layer for everyday comfort.

  • 83% Merino wool, 12% nylon, 5% elastane
  • Temperature regulating
  • Recyclable and biodegradable
  • Price: $70.00

3. Bombas: Pima Cotton Crew Neck T-Shirt

bombas best travel undershirts

Bombas, the famous sock makers, have taken a stab at making undershirts. They promise their line of pima cotton crew necks will look neat and tidy all day long.

  • Made with 100% Peruvian pima cotton
  • Minimal shrinkage may occur during washing
  • Tag free neckline
  • Price: $97.20 for three-pack

4. David Archy Soft Comfy V-Neck Undershirts

david archy v-neck best travel undershirts

David Archy carries men’s loungewear made from a variety of comfortable fabrics, nabbing them a spot on our list of quick dry travel undershirts.

  • 92% micro modal, 8% spandex
  • Close-fitting and tagless
  • Stays tucked as a base layer shirt
  • Price: $43.99 for a 3-pack

5. Tommy John Second Skin Tank Undershirt

tommy john best travel undershirts

Tommy John’s sleeveless tank undershirt molds to your body after a few wears and contains a touch of spandex to keep you looking slim and trim.

  • 90% micro modal, 10% spandex
  • Nonpilling
  • Memory collar resists stretching
  • Price: $38.00

What To Look For in a Travel Undershirt

When you’re on the go, you need to plan your clothes and outfits strategically. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, packing the right quick drying undershirt ensures that you’re ready for anything.

What are some qualities you should look for when choosing undershirts for travel?

  • Lightweight: Wearing several lightweight layers instead of one or two heavier ones is a wise strategy for travel. Layering your clothing helps you prepare for any kind of weather, no matter how extreme.
  • Absorbent: Being on the go can cause you to work up a sweat. Select fabrics that are breathable and absorbent, and don’t trap heat or moisture.
  • Odor control: Whether you’re packing for a hike or an important meeting, controlling odor is vital. Bonus points for undershirts that also have sweat prevention capabilities!
  • Comfortable: If your clothes aren’t comfortable, you won’t wear them. Since undershirts are worn right next to your skin, choosing the right fit matters. Make sure your shirt moves with you and doesn’t bind or pinch.
  • Drying time: Sometimes, you have to create a mini-laundromat inside your hotel room (or tent!). When it’s time to wash your undershirt, you want it to drip-dry quickly and be ready by morning. Quick dry travel undershirts can be pricey and uncomfortable, but are designed to dry fast enough to wear the next day.
  • Versatility and style: Don’t pack that grungy shirt you wear when mowing the lawn at home. Choose an undershirt that you can also wear on its own to make the most of your limited packing space.

Pro-tip: Learn how to build a travel capsule wardrobe to reduce excessive packing (and unpacking).

The Best Types of Undershirts For Travel

When it comes to choosing a quick dry travel undershirt, different fabrics have unique benefits and functions. See how various undershirt fabrics compare.

Natural Fiber Undershirts

Cotton: Cotton is a natural fiber that’s widely considered the king of fabrics. Cotton is a classic, comfortable undershirt material - you probably have several cotton undershirts in your closet right now.

  • Pros: Hypoallergenic, durable and soft, absorbent
  • Cons: Doesn’t dry as quickly, can wrinkle easily

Merino wool: Merino wool is a specific type of wool that comes from sheep in Australia and New Zealand. Unlike other types of wool, Merino wool is naturally lighter, softer and not itchy, and offers superior insulation.

  • Pros: Keeps you warm in the winter and cool in the summer, soft and lightweight, dries faster than most natural fabrics
  • Cons: Expensive (around $50 and $100 per shirt), not as comfortable as cotton, not necessarily cruelty-free. Consider clothing made from recycled wool.

Bamboo: Bamboo is a popular fabric due to its silky texture and sustainability. Bamboo fiber is made by breaking down bamboo pulp with enzymes, then spinning it into yarn and fabric.

  • Pros: UV protectant, naturally antibacterial and antifungal, dries quickly
  • Cons: Can shrink if laundered improperly, tends to wrinkle more than other fabrics, can be expensive

Synthetic Undershirts

Polyester: Polyester and cotton blends are popular due to long wearability and easy care.

  • Pros: Strong and flexible, dries quickly, resists wrinkling and shrinking
  • Cons: Not ideal for those who sweat a lot, not breathable, temperature-sensitive

MicroModal: Stretch modal blends are a great choice for undershirts. They’re a combination of synthetic fibers and cotton that stretches well and retains its shape.

  • Pros: Breathable and soft, doesn’t tear easily, absorbent and moisture-wicking
  • Cons: Doesn’t retain body heat, can cause allergic reactions for some individuals, can change color when exposed to heat

FYI: Synthetic fabrics are often labeled as sweat-wicking, meaning they push sweat away from your body. While they might cool you down, they aren’t the best option for preventing sweat stains. If you sweat a lot, consider natural fiber undershirts instead.

The Best Way to Travel in Comfort

Preparing for travel can be a pain. Make your next trip easier by packing or wearing Thompson Tees.

Each sweat proof Thompson Tee is made with cotton (no synthetic materials) and contains patented Hydro-Shield technology that traps moisture, allowing it to evaporate and escape as vapor. Easily prevent 100% of armpit sweat from reaching and staining your outer layers of clothing.

If you’re not a heavy sweater, Thompson Tee’s premium undershirts have you covered. These shirts contain revolutionary OdorShield™ technology that keeps you smelling fresh all day.

Jetset with confidence and extend the cleanliness and lifespan of your travel wardrobe. Try Thompson Tee risk-free today.