This page details the specific criteria we use when reviewing travel shirts. Each criterion has a weight that contributes to the overall score. Learn more about how our scoring system works.

Scoring Overview

Each criterion below is weighted as a percentage of the total score. We evaluate each product on a scale of 1 to 5 for every criterion, then multiply by the weight to calculate the final rating.

Comfort against skin (12%)

This is the number one differentiator for travel tees. I’m evaluating fabric softness, comparing smooth versus slightly textured weaves. I’m checking seam comfort at the neck, shoulders and underarms since those are common irritation points. I’m testing tag irritation and whether the shirt feels scratchy against bare skin. I’m also assessing chafe resistance for long sweaty days when you’re walking for hours. Travel shirts often fail on seam placement or scratchy blends, so this matters a lot.

Fit, drape & sizing accuracy (14%)

Whether the piece lines up with the size chart and accommodates different builds. I’m evaluating true-to-size fit since vanity sizing is common in casual tees. I’m checking shoulder fit, comparing forward shoulder seams versus raglan versus set-in styles. I’m testing drape versus cling, which is important for synthetic blends that can stick to your body. I’m assessing length accuracy because too short means the shirt rides up when you’re moving. I’m also checking roominess across the chest and midsection. Fit must balance mobility and flattering shape.

Materials, odor control & easy care (10%)

Shirts vary dramatically in material performance. I’m evaluating fiber composition, comparing merino, TENCEL, nylon blends and polyester blends. I’m testing odor resistance, which is a huge differentiator. Merino excels here, but synthetic blends vary widely. I’m checking dry time after sink washing, since you need to hang it and wear it quickly on trips. I’m assessing pilling resistance over time. I’m testing colorfastness under sun exposure. I’m also evaluating shrink resistance, especially in merino. Easy care is core to travel shirts. We’re generous with care since we typically don’t put things in the dryer, but the care requirements still factor into the score.

Breathability & moisture management (10%)

This is critical for summer travel. I’m evaluating airflow across the torso and underarms. I’m testing moisture wicking performance. I’m checking clinginess in humid climates since some fabrics stick to your skin when sweaty. I’m assessing underarm ventilation, looking for mesh panels or looser knits that help with heat dump. Hot and humid performance is critical for summer travel, so this separates good technical fabrics from basic blends.

Temperature regulation (9%)

Travel shirts need to handle indoor and outdoor transitions well. I’m evaluating comfort indoors versus outdoors. I’m testing performance in AC, planes and shaded areas. I’m checking the fabric’s ability to handle morning to afternoon temperature swings. This category matters for both merino and synthetics. The question is whether the shirt keeps you comfortable from chilly mornings to warm afternoons while handling temperature shifts throughout travel days.

Stretch, mobility & shape retention (7%)

This is important for jersey tees. I’m checking neckline sagging resistance. I’m testing hem distortion after multiple washes. I’m evaluating shoulder shape retention. I’m assessing recovery after stuffing into a packing cube. I’m also testing sleeve integrity. Technical tees vary widely in performance here. The question is whether the shirt returns to form after a long flight or day of wear without losing its shape.

Opacity & non-sheer performance (6%)

This is especially important for lighter colors. I’m evaluating sunlight transparency to see if the fabric becomes see-through in bright light. I’m testing stretch transparency when the fabric is pulled tight. I’m checking opacity after multiple washes since some fabrics degrade over time. Travel shirts must maintain opacity across all conditions, especially when you’re wearing them in warm weather with minimal layers underneath.

Durability & abrasion resistance (6%)

Shirts fail at specific wear points that deserve dedicated scoring. I’m evaluating underarm pilling resistance since that’s a common failure point. I’m checking back and shoulder wear from backpacks. I’m testing hem fraying over time. I’m assessing thread wear on seams. Most travel shirt failures occur in these areas, so this gets scored separately from materials quality.

Wrinkle resistance & packability (10%)

Travel shirts should not require ironing. I’m evaluating packability and how well it handles compression in packing cubes. I’m testing crease recovery after packing to see how quickly wrinkles fall out. I’m checking resistance to fold lines. I’m assessing fabric drape after unpacking. I’m also evaluating weight and packability, comparing ultralight versus midweight fabrics. The question is how well the shirt handles being stuffed into luggage and how quickly any creases fall out.

Shirt functionality & layering (4%)

Most travel tees don’t have pockets, so I’m scoring based on what actually matters. If pockets exist, I’m checking chest pocket usefulness and bounce resistance. If no pockets, I’m testing layering functionality to see how well it pairs with jackets, sweaters and hoodies. The question is whether this shirt works as a practical travel layer that integrates with your other gear.

Styling versatility (8%)

A travel tee should not look like a gym tech shirt unless that’s the intention. I’m evaluating travel to casual to smart casual readiness. I’m testing subtlety of branding. I’m checking fabric sheen or matte look. I’m assessing ability to pair with jeans, chinos, joggers and shorts. The question is whether this shirt works across different travel scenarios without looking out of place.

Overall value for price (4%)

Where does this land on price versus what you’re actually getting? I’m evaluating longevity versus cost. I’m testing odor resistance performance versus competing merino or synthetic shirts. I’m checking ease of care and durability. I’m assessing ethical material sourcing. The question is whether the quality and performance justify the cost compared to competing options.

Here are our reviews of travel shirts that use these scoring criteria:

Where to go next

🎒 Found the right gear?

We research and test the gear we recommend, so you can pack with confidence. If our suggestions improved your gear picks, treating us to a coffee keeps the reviews coming.

Help us test more gear