In the realm of modern travel, lightweight, durable, and comfortable fabrics are the foundation of one-bag, ultralight travel.
Travelers looking to minimize their pack are on a continuous hunt for clothing that checks all the boxes; comfortable, lightweight, wrinkle-free, anti-bacterial (odor-resistant), stain-proof (liquid-repellent), moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and environmentally friendly.
The truth is, no one fabric does everything perfectly, but by understanding the various fabric types and use cases, we aim to help you find the right travel gear for the right purpose.
This article explores the pros and cons of common fabrics found in travel wear, and the best use case for each type, so you can find that perfect (or near-perfect) travel shirt.
Travel Fabric Comparison Chart
| Fabric Type | Cold Weather | Hot Weather | Antibacterial | Odor-Resistant | Moisture-Wicking | Anti-Wrinkle | Quick-Drying | Weight | Environmentally-Friendly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Merino Wool | Excellent | Good | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Moderate | Moderate | Lightweight | Excellent |
| Bamboo | Moderate | Excellent | Good | Good | Good | Moderate | Moderate | Lightweight | Good |
| Tencel | Moderate | Excellent | Moderate | Moderate | Excellent | Moderate | Moderate | Lightweight | Excellent |
| Polyester | Good | Moderate | Poor | Poor | Good | Excellent | Excellent | Lightweight | Poor |
| Nylon | Good | Moderate | Poor | Poor | Good | Excellent | Excellent | Lightweight | Poor |
| Synthetic Blends | Varies | Varies | Varies | Varies | Varies | Varies | Excellent | Lightweight to Heavy | Poor to Moderate |
Merino Wool
Adored by all for its natural breathability and anti-bacterial, odor-resistant properties, merino wool is one of the most preferred choices for travel apparel. Sourced from Merino sheep, this fabric is not just warm in winter but also cool in summer, making it a perfect ally for travelers crossing diverse climates.
Pros: Lightweight, breathable, excellent moisture control, naturally anti-bacterial, odor-resistant
Cons: May require special care, expensive, may wear out sooner than synthetic fabrics, less durable.
Bamboo Fabric
Bamboo fabric, made from the pulp of bamboo grass, is another eco-friendly fabric that is getting popular for its hypoallergenic, UV protective, and anti-bacterial features.
Pros: Breathable, moisture-absorbing, thermal regulating, UV protective, biodegradable
Cons: Can shrink or stretch, less durable, special care may be required, may be mixed with chemicals during the manufacturing process.
Tencel (Lyocell)
This eco-friendly fabric, derived from wood pulp, has a luxurious appearance, cool feel, and excellent wicking properties, making it a go-to choice for long flights and tropical destinations.
Pros: Soft, strong, breathable, good moisture management, wrinkle-resistant, durable, biodegradable
Cons: May pill after continuous use, special care may be required, pricey.
Polyester
For those looking for durability, wrinkle resistance, and quick-dry features, polyester, a synthetic fabric, is a preferred choice.
Pros: Gas permeability, wrinkle and tear-resistant, easy care, quick-drying, highly durable
Cons: Not eco-friendly, prone to odor build-up, non-breathable, may cause irritation to sensitive skin.
Nylon
Nylon, another synthetic fabric, is known for its strength, elasticity, wrinkle resistance, and quick dry properties.
Pros: Lightweight, strong, elastic, fast drying, wrinkle-resistant
Cons: Non-breathable, retains odor, non-absorbent, not eco-friendly.
Synthetic Blends
These are mixtures of two or more synthetic or natural fibers, which attempt to combine the best attributes of both. They can offer strength, durability, wrinkle resistance, ease of care, and quick drying.
Pros: Durable, wrinkle-resistant, easy care, quick-drying
Cons: May retain heat and moisture, can be expensive, less environmentally friendly.
Fabric Blending
Blending different fabrics allows manufacturers to create textiles that balance moisture-wicking, antibacterial properties, and weight. For example:
- Merino Wool + Nylon: Combines the softness and antibacterial properties of Merino wool with the durability and quick-drying nature of nylon.
- Polyester + Spandex: Enhances stretchability and fit while maintaining quick-drying and moisture-wicking properties.
- Bamboo + Cotton: Offers the breathability and softness of bamboo with the structure and durability of cotton.
Fabric and synthetic blends are incredibly useful, but they also make it difficult for regular folks like us to understand the pros and cons without trying out different types. Like multivitamin companies with "proprietary blends", it can be hard to know what you're getting. When in doubt, trust the brands that opt for transparency in their materials list.
Fabric Weight
The weight of a fabric determines its flexibility and durability.
Lightweight fabrics tend to be more breathable, flexible, easier to pack, and comfortable in hot weather, but may offer less durability, while heavier-weight fabrics provide more insulation and higher durability, at the expense of portability and flexibility.
Fabric weight is measured in grams per square meter (GSM) or ounces per square yard (oz/yd²). The average baseball jersey weighs about 160-200gsm, the average summer tank top falls in the 120-140gsm range, and the average winter fleece hoodie might be in the ~290-350gsm range.
| Weight Category | GSM Range | oz/yd² Range | Common Fabric Types |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ultralight | 30-100 GSM | 0.9-2.9 oz/yd² | Merino Wool, Tencel, Lightweight Polyester |
| Lightweight | 100-200 GSM | 2.9-5.9 oz/yd² | Bamboo, Tencel, Polyester, Nylon, Merino Wool |
| Medium-Weight | 200-300 GSM | 5.9-8.9 oz/yd² | Bamboo, Nylon, Polyester Blends, Heavier Merino Wool |
| Heavy-Weight | 300+ GSM | 8.9+ oz/yd² | Heavyweight Nylon, Heavy Polyester, Thick Wool |
When it comes to choosing travel apparel, it's good to note the fabric weight and choose products that work best for your destination climate.
For ultralight, one-bag travelers, lightweight fabrics are great for 3-season travel, and you can add on medium-weight shirts and socks for cooler climates.
Fabric Strength
Fabric strength is commonly measured by two main criteria: tensile strength and tear strength.
- Tensile Strength: The maximum force that a fabric can withstand while being stretched before breaking. It's typically measured in Newtons (N) or pounds-force (lbf).
- Tear Strength: The resistance of fabric to tearing when subjected to a force. It's typically measured in Newtons (N) or grams-force (gf).
These strengths are influenced by the type of fiber, the weave or knit structure, and any treatments applied to the fabric.
Here is a general comparison chart of the tensile strength and tear strength of the fabrics mentioned:
| Fabric Type | Tensile Strength (N) | Tear Strength (N) | General Durability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100% Merino Wool | Moderate (50-70 N) | Moderate (25-40 N) | Moderate |
| 100% Bamboo | Moderate (40-60 N) | Moderate (20-35 N) | Moderate |
| 100% Tencel | Moderate (50-70 N) | Moderate (25-40 N) | Moderate |
| 100% Polyester | High (80-100 N) | High (40-60 N) | High |
| 100% Nylon | Very High (100-120 N) | Very High (50-70 N) | Very High |
| Merino Wool + Nylon | High (70-90 N) | High (35-50 N) | High |
| Polyester + Spandex | High (70-90 N) | High (35-50 N) | High |
Fabric strength and tear resistance are crucial for travel clothing, especially for garments subjected to frequent use and washing. Reinforced threads, such as those used in ripstop or reinforced fabrics, enhance durability and longevity. These fabrics incorporate stronger threads at regular intervals, creating a grid pattern that prevents small tears from spreading.
For travel clothing, you may see things like:
- Reinforced Thread: These are stronger thread types interwoven into garments to give strength and structure to less durable fabrics like Merion wool or Bamboo fiber.
- Reinforced Seams: Clothes designed for travel often feature reinforced seams and stitching in high-stress areas, such as underarms, shoulders, and knees.
- Ripstop Fabric: Commonly used in travel pants and jackets, ripstop fabric increases tear resistance without adding significant weight.
- Blended Fabrics: Combining synthetic fibers like nylon or polyester with natural fibers can enhance overall strength and durability, making the fabric more resilient to wear and tear.
Hiking socks and shirts are often made using Merino Wool and Nylon, Merino wool provides antibacterial properties, while Nylon provides strength and durability.
Fabric Drying Times and Estimates
Drying times are another important consideration for frequent travelers.
The drying times for fabrics can vary based on several factors, including humidity, temperature, and airflow. The chart below shows approximate drying times for one square meter of each fabric type.
Note that a typical shirt uses 1-1.5 square meters of fabric, plus additional thread and fabric to reinforce the seams.
| Fabric Type | Dry Time | Estimated Dry Time (No Airflow) (minutes) |
|---|---|---|
| 100% Merino Wool | Moderate | 360-480 minutes (6-8 hours) |
| 100% Bamboo | Moderate | 300-400 minutes (5-6.5 hours) |
| 100% Tencel | Moderate | 240-360 minutes (4-6 hours) |
| 100% Polyester | Excellent | 60-120 minutes (1-2 hours) |
| 100% Nylon | Excellent | 60-120 minutes (1-2 hours) |
| Merino Wool + Nylon | Good | 180-240 minutes (3-4 hours) |
| Polyester + Spandex | Excellent | 80-140 minutes (1.2-2.3 hours) |
*Estimates based on common conditions (room temperature, moderate humidity, no airflow)
- 100% Merino Wool: Takes longer to dry due to the high moisture absorption of natural fibers.
- 100% Bamboo: Slightly faster than Merino due to its fiber structure but still takes a considerable amount of time without airflow.
- 100% Tencel: Dries faster than wool and bamboo but still prolonged without airflow, and still slower than synthetic fibers.
- 100% Polyester: Dries relatively quickly even without airflow, due to low moisture absorption, drying time is cut in half with airflow.
- 100% Nylon: Similar to polyester, dries quickly even without airflow.
- Merino Wool + Nylon Blends: The blend improves drying times compared to pure Merino wool, offering a balance of natural fiber benefits with faster drying.
- Polyester + Spandex: Maintains relatively quick-drying properties even without airflow, excellent for activewear.
These estimates can help you determine ideal fabric blends for travel clothes that need to be washed and dried quickly, but as noted, fabric thickness and environmental factors will play a big role in actual results.
Post-Production Fabric Treatments
Some brands use post-production treatments to add functionality to their garments like antibacterial protection, moisture-wicking, UV protection, etc.
Here are some common ones you may have heard of. Microban®, Polygiene®, and SilverPlus® for antibacterial and odor-resistance properties; Dri-FIT® by Nike for moisture-wicking capabilities, Omni-Shield™ by Colombia for stain and water-repellent properties.
Used with the right underlying fabric, these treatments are beneficial for adding specific functionality to travel apparel, depending on need and use case.
While some products have treatment built into the final product, you can buy stain-proofing, water-repellent spray like Nanoman Waterproof Spray and treat your clothes at home too, it won't last forever, but it's a great way to add some life to your favorite travel clothes.
It's worth noting that there is no treatment to make fabrics dry faster, so if quick-drying is a requirement, start with the right fabric and then add antibacterial or stain-resistant properties using treatments.
Our Take
There is an infinite variety of fabric types, styles, and blends to choose from, and it can be overwhelming, but from our experience, you can simplify this process by breaking your selection into use cases:
- Underwear - Sitting close to your skin and arguably getting the most use out of any travel apparel, you'll want durable, lightweight, antibacterial, and comfortable fabric. Our go-to is Exofficio, but comfort is king when traveling, and your best will be whatever underwear feels the best for all-day wear.
- Socks - The second most worn item in your arsenal, socks need to have the same properties as underwear, except they need to be thicker and more durable since they're constantly getting crushed between your foot and shoes. Our go-to here is Darn Tough socks, specifically the Men's Run No Show Tab Ultra-Lightweight Running Sock, a blend of Merino wool for antibacterial properties and nylon for durability.
- Shirts - Third on the list is shirts, and it's a tough one. Shirts straddle the line between underwear and outerwear, they sit next to your skin, but may also be the only layer between you and the elements. They need to be durable, antibacterial, comfortable, and, in a perfect world, stain-repellent, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying. For shirts, our go-to is the Patagonia Capilene Cool Merino Shirt, it checks all our boxes, lightweight, breathable, comfortable, and stylish, and who doesn't love Patagonia's commitment to the planet?
- Hybrid Shorts - Multipurpose shorts that can be worn as gym/swim/casual shorts. This fabric should be durable, lightweight, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying. We recommend a polyester/nylon blend that's stretchy, comfortable and lightweight. Our go-to is the Fabletics The One-Short 7in Inseam (unlined), they hit all the marks and have two zippered pockets, perfect for multi-purpose travelers.
- Hiking Shorts/Pants - Slightly heavier-duty than their hybrid shorts counterpart, hiking shorts/pants should be durable, midweight, moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and, ideally, stain/liquid-repellent. Our go-to is the REI Sahara Convertible Hiking Pants; they don't have stain-repelling properties, but you can self-apply a treatment like Nanoman Waterproof Spray mentioned earlier, and watch in wonder as the coffee rolls off.
Conclusion
Choosing the right travel clothes is incredibly important for minimalist and one-bag travel. With so many options available, it's essential to consider each fabric's specific properties and your personal comfort preferences.
While odor resistance, fabric strength, drying times, and special treatments all play a role, comfort should remain a top priority. The best travel clothing is the kind you feel good wearing, whether exploring a new city, hiking a mountain, or relaxing in a café.
We encourage you to experiment with different brands and blends to find what's best for you - be bold about ordering a few styles and trying them on. Especially when it comes to one-bag travel, if you're doing it right, you'll be wearing the same clothes daily, so make sure they feel good!
Until next time, happy travels!
References:
- https://westernrise.com/blogs/journal/best-fabrics-for-travel-clothing
- https://darntough.com/blogs/the-alternate-stitch/sock-weights-complete-guide
- https://corefabricstore.com/blogs/news/fabric-weights-blog