Feel Dry and Comfy In the Best Hiking Shirts for Women
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Enjoying the outdoors trekking or hiking involves wearing sturdy and lightweight tops that don’t collect sweat or rub against your skin. TFG has you covered with this awesome list of the best hiking shirts womens styles!
Best Hiking Shirt for Women
Table Of Contents
Whether you’re hitting the trails at one of the many beautiful National Parks, or planning a trekking trip in the future to Borneo or Nepal, outdoor hiking clothing like women’s hiking shirts are durable and high performance for the rigors of heavy activity.
This type of clothing is practical for me because of its breathability when I’m sweating. Even if it’s colder weather when I’m exploring or hiking, after an hour I start breaking out in a sweat and a regular tee or cotton top will cling to my body, which is really uncomfortable! (I imagine this would not be fun for anyone!)
Eddie Bauer Tank Top (in black) | Anatomie Andrea Leggings
I’m more of a city gal from Los Angeles, but I do enjoy day hikes (glamping is cool too), and being in nature is so refreshing. I went on a birthday trip to the Red River Gorge in Kentucky and the place is absolutely beautiful. And I wore some awesome activewear shirts that I picked up during Memorial Weekend sales that all held up well during my nature excursions.
Eddie Bauer Tank Top (in dark thyme) | Eddie Bauer Trail Leggings
While it used to be difficult to find cute and stylish outdoor shirts, times have certainly changed when I started traveling full-time in 2008. Today’s hiking shirts womens choices not only work on trails because they’re lightweight and moisture-wicking, but many can morph off-trail into daily wear, which makes them mega versatile for travel.
Besides my picks, here is a full-on round up of the best shirts for hiking that women can wear proudly, on or off the trail!
Best Long Sleeve Hiking Shirt
Readers Favorite: Columbia Hiking Shirt Saturday Trail
This Columbia shirt has been voted by TFG readers as the best lightweight long sleeve hiking shirt. The polyester/cotton blend and sweat-wicking technology make it a comfy yet durable piece for scaling up and down trails.
You can roll up the sleeves to make it airer and also layer which this wearer reiterates, “Columbia hiking shirts are very comfortable in spring, fall and winter (I layer in winter). A few times I’ve used it during cooler summer nights as a cover over a tank or tee.”
Shop on Lands’ End: Sizes XS-XL | Sizes 1X-3X
Lands’ End Hiking Long Sleeve Shirt
This Lands’ End polyester hiking shirt has odor control, is anti-pilling, resistant to fading and wrinkles, with the most important feature: moisture-wicking abilities to keep you cool.
It also shields you from the sun with UPF 50 during sunny hikes and the sturdy shoulder seams means you can move your arms easily. The cute tunic length means you can take this off hiking trails and tuck it into leggings or cropped pants.
One wearer gives a stellar review, “Absolutely love this long sleeve hiking shirt for hot weather. So silky soft and cooling!! I bought this one and lived in it so much I came back for another.” Comes in regular and plus sizes.
Shop: REI | Backcountry
Patagonia Hiking Shirt Lightweight A/C Button-Down
This cute looking Patagonia shirt is meant to be loose so you can wear it over a tank or just alone if you wish! It’s designed to hit at the lower hip and can be tied in the center front.
The fabric is an organic cotton and hemp blend that is uber lightweight and cooling when things heat up hiking or wandering around. The chest pockets give you some simple storage and users say the “neck is both comfortable and flattering and the fabric feels great.”
Shop Sizes XS-1X: Amazon | Walmart
Woolx Remi Merino Wool Hiking Shirt
This soft, lightweight Woolx shirt is made from Australian merino wool and helps to regulate body temperature. It has standard hiking shirts sun protection at SPF 50+ to shield you and it can be layered or not. This top would be great for winter hiking or trekking where temperatures change rapidly.
One review says it all! “Loving my lightweight wool long sleeve tee. I bought this to wear in the Galapagos where you need coverage for the sun, neutral colors for the wildlife, odor control for your shipmates, and the ability to layer it over a wool cami for the evening chill. I’ll take it on to Machu Picchu where I can add further layers to fend off the downright cold mornings at 9000+ feet above sea level. Packs up small and comes out with nary a wrinkle!”
Check out our list of top hiking sandals!
Best Hiking T Shirts
Shop Sizes 1X-3X: Amazon | North Face
North Face Hiking Shirt Plus Size Emerine
Though not SPF treated, North Face womens hiking t shirts are made for not just tromping around, but for other forms of exercise. This keeps you cool, covered and is durable.
Made with a breathable cotton blend, this top is soft and cozy. The straight fit and split side seam skim the body for a flattering fit that won’t restrict movement.
One user says, “I have been looking for this North Face top and found it! So soft, totally recommend it to anyone.” Comes in sizes 1X-3X.
Shop: Amazon | Eddie Bauer | Walmart
Sizes XS-XXL
Editor’s Pick: Eddie Bauer Resolution V-Neck Hiking T Shirt
This Eddie Bauer is my best hiking shirt hot weather pick! It has built-in moisture-wicking, sun protection, and is super lightweight. Though I tend to like sleeveless tops vs. short sleeves (I’m kind of a sweaty person, haha), I wanted to give this a go.
I find hiking tee shirts from outdoor companies are sometimes poorly designed for women, but this has a nice fit, not too slim or too relaxed.
One user says of this top, “I like the quality and color of this shirt. It’s cool and I can usually wear it twice before washing it.” I’m sold so far too!
Shop: REI
REI Hiking Shirts Co-op Shift
This durable REI hiking shirt is a stretch polyester fabric that wicks away moisture and dries quickly so you’ll feel comfy as you go up or down inclines. This puppy won’t chafe with your pack on and it is treated with reflective technology so you can be seen in low light scenarios.
One wearer absolutely loves this piece, saying, “The fit and feel of this shirt is perfect for hikes, no matter the distance! I could literally live in this top. Just ordered a second in the grey!!”
Shop: Amazon | Walmart | Backcountry | Moosejaw
Icebreaker Tech Lite SS Hiking T-Shirts
This Icebreaker wool hiking shirt is super breathable, comfortable, and has quick-drying abilities (and is now in my closet!). Along with it being odor-resistant and made of merino wool, it’s the perfect travel add-on. Even the seam details are meant to prevent chafing as you’re on the move.
Though this brand is expensive it’s very popular with TFG readers and merino wool is a material that will last years and years. One review says, “I love this shirt. I wore it in hot weather and it held up great. I wore it for three days and no smell at all.”
Find the best waterproof hiking boots for your needs!
Best Hiking Tank Tops
Shop Sizes XS-XXL: Amazon | Eddie Bauer
Editor’s Pick: Eddie Bauer Infinity Rib-Trim Tank
I am SO sold on this Eddie Bauer tank, seriously feels like the best lightweight hiking shirt, but it’s also not just for hiking! I bought this in two colors, black and dark thyme—LOVE them both!
It has positive reviews and I read one that said someone wore it with a blazer, jeans, and heels to a formal event. I didn’t believe it at first, but I paired the black tank with my fave faux leather paperbag shorts and viola! I’m happy to have finally found stylish, but versatile activewear like this.
Obviously, this has all the features of hiking shirts women love, such as moisture-wicking, sun-protection technology, and I really like the rib trim at the neck and hem. It’s soft and of course, lightweight for heavy outdoor activity.
Icebreaker Comet Lite Singlet
This Icebreaker tank is another awesome choice for top merino wool shirts for hiking. I picked this one up too and love the wicking fabric, the softness, and mostly, its feminine lines, especially the scoop neck.
I know it’ll also monitor my body temperature and stave off odors because it’s merino wool. One user says, “This lightweight hiking shirt is a big difference from other tanks. Stays dry and cool during hot yoga. I wear it to climb, too. The fabric is slightly textured and cute!”
Shop: Amazon | Backcountry | Moosejaw
Icebreaker Amplify Racerback Tank
This Icebreaker racerback tank has a slightly different feel than the Comet Lite shown above. Though it still has its signature merino wool, it has nylon and Tencel for extra give and softness.
I admit I’m a fan of racerback style as it’s the most flattering on me and it also feels the airiest. As usual, this pretty top has moisture-wicking abilities in hot climates and the dropped armholes help with ventilation too.
One review says, “Bought it for summer cycling. Looks nice enough to wear under a jacket for work. Great for yoga. It stays put without being too tight. Somehow manages to be both cozy and cool. Honestly, it’s great.”
Shop: Amazon | Nordstrom | Zappos
Icebreaker Siren Merino Wool Tank
This Icebreaker Siren tank top is a soft blend of nylon, lycra, and merino wool that is uber comfortable and naturally, has those odor-resistant abilities.
I find this stretchy, cozy, and mega versatile with jeans, hiking leggings, or shorts. One reviewer says, “They are lightweight, durable merino wool that washes well, and provides a nice light layer. I have not found them to be at all itchy. And they do not crumple so travel great. I use them for sports activities too!”
Yogalicious Lightweight Racerback Tank Top
This Yogalicious women’s hiking shirt feels super luxurious (and I love the range of colors available). It’s a stretchy polyester/spandex blend that feels like a second skin so you’ll feel so free to move, walk, climb, scale, and run.
I also like how this is designed to move with you and won’t lose its shape. I’m totally taking this one on trips with me because it’s very versatile for exercise and casual, chic wear.
One reviewer says, “This shirt is FANTASTIC! I ordered the medium and i’ss a perfect length and perfect fit. It’s stretchy and so soft. Already ordered more colors!”
