04/10/24
byMarco
Expat Life, Live Abroad
Estimated Reading Time: minutes remaining
It's been one year since I purchased my newest merino wool travel t-shirt bundle and did my Unbound Merino review. I've worn these shirts daily since May 2023, so roughly 11 months of hard use.
These wool tops made up the core of my travel wardrobe going through:
- Queretaro, Mexico,
- Lima, Peru,
- Mancora, Peru,
- Buenos Aires, Argentina,
- Patagonia, Argentina,
- Colonia de Santiago, Uruguay
- Panama City, Panama
- and back to Merida, Mexico.
I've traveled with these shirts from a high mountain desert to a coastal city, a surf beach town, a major metropolitan city, an alpine mountain village, and a tropical city.
Let me tell you, Unbound Merino clothing is a game-changer for expats and travelers, especially if you are heading to a hot and sweaty environment. But it's not just the performance of Unbound Merino; it's also the stylish versatility.
I've sported these V-neck crew shirts while running errands in sweltering, humid concrete city streets and trekking up crisp, cold mountain trails. I've worn the shirts to the gym and ballet and never looked out of place.
With their understated designs and comfortable fit, you can effortlessly transition from outdoor exploration to sunset drinks out on the town. Unbound Merino travel shirts are perfect for expats who like simple but stylish clothes.
If you need easy-care clothes and no-fuss fabrics, keep reading to discover why Unbound Merino travel shirts are a travel essential and will quickly become your favorite item in your entire wardrobe.
My Honest Review Of Unbound Men's Merino T-Shirt
Overall
4/5
GREAT
Service
Quick to answer questions. International shipping. Great return policy.
Value
Not cheap, but great value. Buy in bundles of 3 or 5 for a discount.
Quality
Still wearing them as my daily wear shirt 11 months later.
Style
I like the classic design. My girlfriend thinks it's basic.
I'm an avid fan of Unbound Merino gear. I've written a previous review of the company, the benefits of their merino wool clothing, and my experience wearing their clothes overseas for the last 4 years.
Six Unbound Merino wool tops form the core of my daily wear clothing abroad.
- Unbound Merino V-Neck T-shirts (Navy and Charcoal)
- Unbound Merino Crew Neck Tee (Sky Blue)
- Unbound Active Merino Black Shirt
- Unbound Merino Polo Shirt
- Unbound Merino Button-Up Shirt
After a year of real-world experience, I can confidently attest to the exceptional quality and versatility of the men's travel t-shirt. Last year, I made five international moves and two domestic trips. I relied heavily on Unbound as my daily wear shirts, and they exceeded all my expectations.
I was compensated for this post. This post also contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. However, there is no additional cost to you.
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Table Of ContentS:Unbound Merino Travel Shirts Put To The Test- Detailed Review After A Year
My Honest Review Of Unbound Men's Merino T-Shirt
Why Unbound Merino Is The Perfect Choice For Travel Wear
TL; DR Summary Of My Unbound Merino Tees Review
Comparing Unbound Merino Wool Shirts To Alternatives Fabrics
Key Take Aways: Are Unbound Wool Tee Shirts Worth It
FAQs: Unbound Merino Travel V-Neck Shirts
Why Unbound Merino Is The Perfect Choice For Travel Wear
Durability
The first thing that drew me to this T-shirt was its remarkable durability. Unlike my cheaper cotton T-shirts, the form, drape, and fit of the shirt haven't changed despite regular wear and travel. Even with daily use, they have truly stood the test of time.
The only blemish on these shirts is a small grease stain from when I was searing a steak and some light "pilling" on my shoulders from what I assume is rubbing from my luggage straps.
Versatility
Beyond its durability, the men's travel T-shirt's functionality is unparalleled. The v-neck design provides all-day comfort with a low-key style suitable for casual outings and formal dinners.
I travel with only a hand-carry suitcase, so I rock a minimalist wardrobe, but my girlfriend requires me to look good on our dates. These travel tees have a classic style that goes perfectly from casual wear to date night attire to hiking gear without skipping a beat.
Cool
One of the key benefits of merino wool is its breathability and temperature regulation. Still, Unbound has taken it to another level.
Using wool fibers that are only 17.5 microns thick, Unbound combined the natural material's ability to regulate body heat with a lightweight merino weave that I can wear in warm and cool climates.
Whether I was exploring Buenos Aires during a summer heatwave (105 F / 41 C plus humidity) or layering up under a ScotteVest Hoodie for the chilled fog of Lima (50 F / 10 C), this t-shirt was a fantastic choice to keep me cool and comfortable.
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INSIDER TIP:Lighter Weights for Hotter Climates-Unbound has lightweight (150 grams instead of 190 grams) merino crew shirts for those of you who are heat-sensitive. With wool fibers only 16.5 microns thick, these thinner shirts are a fantastic choice for expats struggling with body temp in the tropical humidity of Southeast Asia.
Anti-Itch Comfort
If you get PTSD from flashbacks of the thick, itchy winter sweaters your grandma gave you for Christmas, don't stress.
Modern merino wool's natural stretch and elasticity are light years better than your childhood memories. My 100% merino wool shirts are softer than my old cotton t-shirts.
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Care and Washing
This is the biggest benefit of high-quality Merino. These shirts require minimal maintenance compared to synthetic material or traditional cotton shirts that need frequent washing. Unbound Merino t-shirts are easy to maintain, don't wrinkle, and have impressive odor resistance.
With wool's natural anti-wrinkle and anti-microbial properties, I can get weeks of wear without washing from a single merino t-shirt.
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Even when a daily-wear shirt no longer passes the "Armpits Sniff Test," care is still easy. I handwash them in the sink or use the gentle wash or delicate cycle of a washing machine, and I hang them flat to dry overnight.
Merino's quick-drying properties of the merino wool ensure they are dry the next day.
Merino wool is damn near a miracle material for lazy people.
INSIDER TIP:Additional Merino Wool Shirts-By hanging each shirt at the end of the day to breathe and cycling between 3 different T-shirts, I've comfortably worn these T-shirts for a couple of months before needing to wash them.
Understated Style
Style is subjective. I'm a fan- solid muted colors allow me to mix and match easily, while a logo-free design appeals to my personal aesthetic.
However, my girlfriend considers me "style-challenged." She thinks I look boring in pictures. She wishes I would wear brighter colors or something with an exotic print or unique pattern.
Admittedly, Unbound only gives you a few options. You can choose from different colors (8 in v-neck and 14 in crew neck), two necklines, and that is it.
I'm not crazy about the silhouette. I'm built with a 42-inch chest and 31-inch waist, and I weigh 165 pounds / 75 kilos. A size Medium fits my broader shoulders but is loose around my torso.
Sizes go from S to 2XL. Follow the size chart below to better understand how the fit will be on your body. xxx
SIZE INCHES
SIZE IN CM
Unbound Merino Fit Chart - IN
TL; DR Summary Of My Unbound Merino Tees Review
Pros of Unbound Merino
- The clothing is durable and long-lasting, with my pieces lasting over four years of regular wear.
- The merino wool fabric is comfortable and suitable for various climates, keeping you cool in hot weather and warm in cold weather.
- The clothing is designed for travel and everyday wear, making it versatile for different situations.
- Unbound Merino t-shirts are lightweight and compact, making them easy to pack and carry for travel
- The V-neck shirts are available in various colors, allowing easy mix-and-match options for a travel capsule wardrobe.
Cons of Unbound Merino
- I wish the fit was trimmer. But I tend to wear styles that fit closer to the body. I can see how the looser fit would be more comfortable for folks with bigger body types.
- I've had minor pilling on the clothing on my shoulders, where my backpack straps tend to rub. Unbound tells me that light pilling tends to work itself out as loose fibers fall out.
- The initial cost of Unbound Merino t-shirts is higher than that of cheaper shirts made of cotton fabrics or synthetic fibers. The flipside is the durability of merino wool apparel, which lasts for years longer than cheaper fabrics.
- Unlike synthetic fabrics, wool fibers will shrink if you don't follow the washing instruction or machine dry your shirts at high temperatures. Be extra cautious mixing an active merino tee with your other workout clothes.
Quick Facts: Unbound Merino Crew Neck T-Shirts
- Features: Odor resistant, Temperature Regulating, Fast Drying, Anti-wrinkle
- Fit: Classic (see size chart)
- Material: 100% Merino Wool Jersey
- Thickness: Superfine 17.5 micron
- Weight: 6.7 ounces / 190 grams
- Shipping Costs:Free Priority Shipping- 7 to 9 business days - FREE
DHL Express Worldwide - 1 business day - Calculated at checkout
What is the warranty for Unbound Merino clothing items?
These shirts aren't cheap. Luckily, Unbound Merino stands by their shirts with a 90-day "Love it or Return it" policy. If you are unhappy with the shirt's for any reason, you are eligible for a refund or exchange.
Shirts must have been purchased from their website, not from Amazon or other 3rd party stores. Shirts must be unworn, unwashed, and in its original condition with tags attached.
Refunds are issued to the original payment method, and exchanges are subject to availability. Shipping costs on the original order are not refundable.
INSIDER TIP:The Shocking Math Behind Merino Wool Affordability-No doubt the upfront cost of a shirt or other Unbound Merino item can give you pause, but you get crazy value for the quality and high durability.
Unbound merino will last and last. . . much longer than any cheap-o cotton shirt, which means your "cost per wear" is highly affordable.
Let's break it down with some numbers.
- If you include workouts and casual wear, I wear a t-shirt more than 9 times a week and have 3 shirts to rotate; that's about 3 wears per week.
- I've been wearing the same three merino wool T-shirts since I started traveling 8 years ago.
- 8 years x 52 weeks = 416 weeks
- 416 weeks x 3 wears per week = 1248 wears
- Bundle of 3-Unbound Merino Shirtson sale costs $240 USD
- $240 for 3 shirts / 1248 wears = 0.19 cents per wear
For less than a quarter, you can stay comfortable, dry, and stylish.
Comparing Unbound Merino Wool Shirts To Alternatives Fabrics
Feature Merino Wool Cotton Dri-Fit Linen Soft ✔ ✘ ✔ ✔ Breathable ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ Moisture-wicking ✔ ✘ ✔ ✘ Odor-resistant ✔ ✘ ✘ ✘ Temperature-regulating ✔ ✘ ✘ ✘ Wrinkle-resistant ✔ ✘ ✔ ✘ Quick Drying ✔ ✔ ✔ ✘ Sustainability ✔ ✘ ✔ ✔ Versatility ✔ ✔ ✘ ✘
Key Take Aways: Are Unbound Wool Tee Shirts Worth It
Unbound Merino men's travel t-shirt has seamlessly integrated into my travel wardrobe, offering unparalleled comfort, durability, and versatility. They provided incredible value for money due to their longevity, versatility, and durability. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking reliable, low-maintenance, stylish travel attire.
For versatility and everyday use, this wool tee shines. Its classic design and neutral color palette make it easy to pair with various outfits.
Whether you're exploring a new city or heading to the ballet. These shirts are equally appropriate with a pair of shorts or as a base layer under a blazer or a long-sleeve dress shirt (like this one from Unbound).
The excellent odor resistance of merino wool means you can wear this shirt multiple times without worrying about unpleasant smells, making it ideal for longer trips or minimal packing. The wrinkle resistance also adds to its convenience, allowing you to pack it without fear of looking unkempt upon arrival.
I'm slowly replacing all synthetic fabric in my entire wardrobe with merino wool clothes.
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If for any reason you don’t love your Unbound Merino items, just send them back! Full refund or exchange for any reason within 90 days from the ship date.
FAQs: Unbound Merino Travel V-Neck Shirts
Are UnboundMerinoshirts suitable for all seasons?
Yes. Unbound Merino shirts are made from 100% Merino wool at 190 gsm, making them comfortable and breathable for all seasons.
They're versatile for hot and cold weather. The merino wool fabric helps regulate body temperature, keeping you cool in the heat and warm in the cold without bulk.
Can I really wear Unbound Merino shirts worn multiple times without washing?
Yes, they resist odor, allowing for multiple wears. The natural properties of merino wool help to prevent odor buildup, making it ideal for travel and minimizing laundry needs.
Can I machine wash Unbound Merino shirts?
Yes. Machine wash with cold water on a gentle cycle, then hang or lay flat to dry. The wool dries quickly, making it convenient for travel, and maintains its shape and integrity.
Do Unbound Merino shirts offer SPF protection?
The unique structure of wool's natural fibers creates a natural barrier against the sun's harmful rays.The natural UV resistance is roughly equivalent to SPF 30+ protection. However, these are short-sleeve shirts, which do not provide complete arm coverage.
