Hiking shirts: combining comfort, style and performance

Materials

Choosing the right fabric is essential, as it determines breathability, drying speed, and how comfortable the shirt feels against your skin. Here are the main materials used in hiking shirts, along with their advantages and drawbacks:

• Cotton: A soft and comfortable natural fibre, cotton has a relaxed and casual look. However, it retains moisture and dries very slowly, which can lead to a cold, clammy feeling when wet. A soaked cotton shirt may stay damp for a long time, which is why cotton is generally not recommended for intense outdoor activity.
• Synthetics (polyester, nylon, etc.): Synthetic fibres are favoured for their technical performance. They wick away sweat effectively and dry quickly, helping to prevent that unpleasant ‘wet shirt’ sensation against the skin. These fabrics are also lightweight, durable, and often stretchy to follow your movements. On the downside, they can retain odours and may not feel as natural against the skin. However, some anti-odour treatments are available to address this.
• Merino wool: This fine wool has become popular for hiking thanks to its natural properties. It is thermoregulating, providing warmth in cooler weather while remaining breathable in the heat. Merino is also antibacterial, which helps reduce unpleasant odours. It offers a soft and pleasant feel against the skin.
• Linen: A natural fibre with thermoregulating and breathable qualities, ideal in hot weather. Linen shirts allow excellent airflow and provide a refreshing coolness in summer. Unlike cotton, linen absorbs little moisture, allowing it to dry quickly without sticking to the skin. It feels nice to the touch and has a stylish summer look. However, it’s less suited to cold conditions (not insulating) and tends to crease easily.

Fit

The fit of a hiking shirt affects your freedom of movement and how well your upper body is ventilated. Generally, fits are categorised as loose, regular, or more fitted (often called athletic). The choice will depend on your body shape, personal preferences, and intended use:

• A loose fit offers greater freedom of movement and promotes airflow. In hot weather, a slightly baggier garment allows air to circulate more freely and keeps you cooler. This type of fit works well in warm climates or for relaxed hikes, but make sure it's not excessively baggy if you're wearing a backpack, to avoid uncomfortable bunching under the straps.
• A fitted cut (often referred to as athletic or close-fitting) helps reduce bulk and moves with your body without flapping. It's favoured for a sportier look and can be practical in cooler weather (less air gets in). However, ensure it doesn’t restrict your movements—especially if you’re stretching or scrambling.
• Most hiking shirts have a comfortable regular fit that sits somewhere in between—neither too tight nor too loose—providing both ease of movement and good airflow. For instance, a well-designed straight fit will allow your arms to move freely. This balanced approach is ideal, especially when hiking with a backpack, as it provides enough space without excess fabric.

Short sleeves or long sleeves – which type of shirt should you wear?

Should you go for short sleeves or long sleeves? Each has its advantages depending on the conditions. Here’s a comparison to help you decide:

• Long-sleeved shirt: The versatile choice. Long sleeves offer better protection from sun exposure (UV rays) and external elements such as vegetation and mosquitoes. They also provide a bit of extra warmth in cooler weather, while still remaining breathable thanks to modern technical fabrics. Many models allow you to roll up the sleeves and secure them with a button tab, effectively turning the long-sleeved shirt into a short-sleeved version when the temperature rises. Additionally, long-sleeved shirts often feature ventilation openings (such as mesh panels on the back or underarm vents) to release heat during more intense activities.
• Short-sleeved shirt: Ideal in hot weather and clear skies, it offers a greater sense of freedom for the arms and better direct airflow to the forearms. Lighter in weight, it's very pleasant to wear in summer to help you stay cool. This type of shirt is great for sunny walks—just remember to apply sunscreen on your arms. On the downside, it offers less protection: be mindful of sunburn and minor scratches if you're walking through bushes. Early in the morning, later in the day, or at altitude, you might need to add an extra layer as your arms won’t be covered. Nonetheless, short-sleeved shirts are a solid option for summer hiking outfits.

Wide range of men’s and women’s hiking shirts with short or long sleeves

Whether you're an experienced hiker heading out on an expedition or a beginner taking your first steps on the trail, you’ll find a wide range of hiking shirts to suit your needs. There are models for both men and women, available with short or long sleeves, and in a variety of materials and styles.

Ready to pick your ideal shirt? Feel free to browse our full selection of hiking shirts on our website. You’ll find plenty of models to match every need and preference.