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Just as a short-sleeve T-shirt is an essential part of any spring or summer wardrobe, a long-sleeve shirt is a key element of travel-friendly fall and winter ensembles. A long-sleeve shirt might be basic in its construction, but when you consider the various types of necklines, fits, and fabrics, basic is anything but boring with this popular shirt style.
We researched dozens of clothing brands and hundreds of tops to come up with 22 of the best long-sleeve shirts, split right down the middle with options for men and women. From simple crewnecks to stylish V-necks, to tops made for layering as well as those made to stand out on their own, consider some of these must-have long-sleeve shirts for both your closet and carry-on this season.
It’s perfect for layering, but the lightly ribbed fabric makes it look great on its own.
It’s a slim fit and only runs up to XL.
The Supima® Micro-Rib Long-Sleeve Crew from Everlane tops our list. The slim fit makes it perfect for layering under a sweater, but the ribbed fabric makes this classic crew neck shirt stylish enough to wear on its own. It’s made from US-grown Supima cotton, known for its durability and supreme softness. It comes in eight different colors, including plenty of neutrals that pair easily with anything you have in your closet or suitcase.
This shirt is easy to wear and even easier to care for — just wash it on a gentle setting using cold water, then tumble dry on low. It comes in sizes XXS to XL, but because of its snugger fit, we do wish the shirt came in sizes beyond XL.
Price at time of publish: $50
The Details: XXS to XL | 96 percent Supima® cotton, 4 percent elastane
It comes in over two dozen colors and is affordable enough to stock up on all your favorites.
You may prefer a shirt made from 100 percent cotton.
Packing for travel doesn’t get any easier than this classic crew neck long-sleeve shirt from Amazon Essentials. The fit is slim enough to wear as a layer, yet there’s just enough stretch to wear it comfortably on its own. It’ll look great tucked in, but it’s also long enough to leave out for a more casual look.
It’s super affordable and comes in more than two dozen colors, so get ready to fill up your Amazon cart with all your favorite shades. We love the inclusive sizing that comes in plus sizes up to 5XL so everyone can find the right fit.
Price at time of publish: $18
The Details: Slim, regular, and plus; 3XS to 5XL | 56 percent cotton, 38 percent modal, 6 percent spandex
It fits like a super-soft second skin.
It’s machine washable, but you must lay it flat to dry.
If you want the look of a bodysuit without the annoyance of wearing one, this long-sleeve crewneck from Majestic Filatures is just what your wardrobe needs. It fits like a second skin and feels luxuriously soft. We love that this shirt is made from lightweight, antimicrobial fabrics, so it’s perfect to pack and wear often during travel.
The snug fit makes it perfect for layering, and the smooth softness of the fabric is made for wearing with cardigans and blazers or even on its own, tucked into slacks or your favorite pair of jeans. It comes in white (blanc), black (noir), and blue (marine), so you’ve got the perfect trio of neutrals to pack for your trip.
Price at time of publish: $138
The Details: XS to L | 94 percent viscose, 6 percent elastane
The company’s commitment to fair trade and sustainable practices makes this shirt a winner.
Other than white, this shirt comes in darker colors only.
Elevate your capsule or travel wardrobe with this incredibly soft long-sleeve crew neck shirt from Fair Trade. It’s got a slightly shaped fit, but thanks to a touch of spandex stretch jersey, it’s got just enough stretch to be super comfortable. This T-shirt is made from the softest and most durable Peruvian Pima cotton — which happens to be grown and harvested on two family farms, according to the company. The company is committed to fair trade and sustainable manufacturing practices, so you’ll feel even better about wearing this shirt. All dyes are certified for safety, including the Oeko-tex 100 standard, so you won’t have any harmful materials touching your skin.
Price at time of publish: $46
The Details: XS to XL | 95 percent organic Pima cotton, 5 percent spandex stretch jersey
It comes in a wide range of colors and inclusive sizes.
You can choose the same shirt in different necklines and sleeve lengths.
This long-sleeve crewneck shirt from L.L. Bean is made from incredibly soft, domestically grown Supima cotton — the “cashmere of cotton,” per the company — so it wears and washes well. The design is slightly fitted, so it’s perfect for layering under sweaters for added warmth, but there’s room enough for it to be worn comfortably on its own. It falls right at the hip, so it’ll look great tucked in or left out.
This top comes in a dozen colors ranging from neutrals to brighter colors and pastels, so you’ve got plenty of options for coordinating with your travel wardrobe. It also comes in a variety of different necklines, including mock turtleneck, cowl neck, and V-neck, so you can mix up the look but keep the same comfy feel. And thanks to inclusive sizing — it comes in regular, petite, plus, and tall, too — there’s a shirt for every body.
Price at time of publish: $35
The Details: Regular, petite, plus, and tall; XS to XL | 100 percent Supima® cotton
It regulates temperature well and is odor-resistant.
The raglan sleeves give this top a sportier, more casual look.
Merino wool is known for its incredible warmth and durability, but it can also regulate temperature and keep odors at bay. In short, this Smartwool thermal merino shirt makes for the perfect layering top, whether you’re on the road or on the slopes. This is the newest version of Smartwool’s classic crewneck shirt, now offering over two dozen color options and patterns. This crewneck shirt with raglan sleeves also offers a better fit, thanks to shoulder panels and chafe-free flatlock seams. It’s lightweight for easy packing, plus it’s machine washable and dryable, so you can simply toss it in the wash when you return home.
Price at time of publish: $80
The Details: XS to XL | 100 percent merino wool
It’s like wearing UPF 50+ sunscreen all day without having to reapply.
Because of the UVA/UVB protection, this is better to wear alone than as a layering shirt.
The Morada Everyday Long-Sleeve T-shirt is ready for the beach and for anywhere else you want to wear it. It’s made from ZnOTM fabric, which is embedded with microparticles of zinc oxide. By simply wearing this shirt, you’ll be protected against UVA and UVB rays just as if you had slathered on some sunscreen. But unlike sunscreen that you have to reapply, these fibers continuously provide UPF 50+ protection. That alone is reason enough to purchase a shirt, but the figure-flattering design and numerous color and pattern options — all at a great price point — are the icing on the cake.
Price at time of publish: $39
The Details: XXS to 3XL | Cotton/viscose from bamboo/elastane blend
It dries quickly, plus minimal seams prevent chafing.
The colors are beautiful but somewhat limited.
The aptly named Patagonia Capilene® Cool Daily Shirt is built for activity, whether you’re hiking trails or out on the rapids. It’s made from a stretchy fabric with a slightly roomier fit, so it’s perfect for wearing on its own. The recycled polyester fabric dries quickly to keep you cool while HeiQ® Pure technology works to control odor, so you can wear this confidently all day long no matter the weather. There are minimal seams and stitching, so you won’t have to worry about chafing during activity. It comes in six vibrant colors that can coordinate with many bottoms, though we were surprised that it isn’t currently offered in black.
Price at time of publish: $49
The Details: XXS to XXL | 50 to 100 percent recycled polyester
It’s made from soft, breathable fabric that provides UV protection.
It’s pricier than other options on our list and is currently only available in white.
This buttery-soft shirt was a hit with our editors, and we think you’ll love it, too. It’s made from lightweight, breathable Italian fabric that dries quickly and provides UV protection for when you’re enjoying the great outdoors. This mock turtleneck offers just enough warmth without feeling too overpowering. It’s got a slim-fitting yet stretchy construction that makes it easy to wear as an insulating layer, though the ribbed fabric levels up the look, making it worthy of wearing on its own. We love that it is long enough to tuck into bottoms without worrying about it riding up. It’s wrinkle-resistant, so you can pack it easily and wear it all day long.
Price at time of publish: $138
The Details: XXS to XXL | 90 percent imported Italian fabric, recycled PA, 10 percent EA
It’s a great layering top that provides warmth without feeling bulky.
We’d love to see this in plus sizes, too.
Dressing in layers is key for warmth, but it can be tricky to find shirts that provide insulation without the bulk. This silky-soft ribbed shirt from Alo hugs the body, but provides enough stretch to feel comfortable beneath any shirt you pair with it. We love the subtle ribbing that’s attractive enough to wear on its own, plus the full length makes it easy to tuck or leave out of your pants as you choose. It’s perfect for travel because it can be worn as a layer for outdoor activity in the cold weather, but it will also look awesome atop slacks or a skirt.
Price at time of publish: $64
The Details: XS to L | 58 percent viscose, 31 percent polyester, 11 percent elastane
It offers a straight design that’s easy to wear as a layer or on its own.
It only comes in neutrals like black and gray.
If you’re looking for a long-sleeve shirt that’s perfect for layering as well as wearing on its own, Gap’s Modern V-Neck T-shirt fits the bill — and your body — quite nicely. It’s got a straight design with a loose fit that hits at the hip, so it’s just as easy to tuck it in as it is to wear over slacks, jeans, yoga pants, or whatever bottoms you choose. It’s made from a cotton/modal blend that feels soft with just a bit of stretch. It’s machine washable and dryable, so it’s easy to clean and keep in your wardrobe rotation.
Price at time of publish: $30
The Details: XXS to XXL | 58 percent cotton, 39 percent Birla modal, 3 percent spandex
It’s made from super-soft, preshrunk cotton.
It’s a popular shirt that can sell out quickly in certain colors and sizes.
Eddie Bauer has long been known for stylish comfort, and that’s evident in the Legend Wash Long-Sleeve Classic T-Shirt. Much more than just your ordinary well-made 100 percent cotton tee, this shirt has been given the exclusive Legend Wash treatment, resulting in a soft, shrink-resistant shirt you’ll reach for again and again.
This crewneck shirt features a set-in collar with ribbed cuts and offers a classic fit that’s neither too snug nor too loose. It comes in various colors including neutrals like black, white, and midnight navy as well as some brighter shades like airforce blue and red clay. The shirt is available in both regular and tall sizes as well as two short-sleeve versions (with or without pockets), so it’s easy to change up your look without sacrificing comfort.
Price at time of publish: $34
The Details: Regular and tall; S to XXXL | 100 percent preshrunk cotton
It’s made from 100 percent cotton designed with a chafe-free construction.
It only comes in a few basic colors.
Basic doesn’t have to be boring when you’re wearing a shirt as comfortable as the Originals Long Sleeve Cotton T-Shirt from Hanes. It comes in four essential colors — black, white, light steel, and athletic gray — that will mix and match with just about everything in your wardrobe. These shirts are priced so affordably, you might consider buying one (or two) in each color.
These 100 percent cotton pullovers feature a ribbed crew neck and cuffs with chafe-free fabric taping in the shoulders. This shirt will be super comfortable as a layer, but it’s simple and stylish enough to wear on its own over joggers or jeans.
Price at time of publish: $11
The Details: Tall and standard; S to XXXXL | 100 percent cotton
It’s a slim yet comfortable fit for layering or wearing on its own.
It’s pricier than other picks on our list and only comes in two colors.
Whether you’re curating a capsule wardrobe or looking for clothing that takes the guesswork out of packing, a Theory shirt is an essential item. This crewneck shirt is made from a super-soft modal/polyester blend with a hint of spandex that makes this slim-fitting shirt comfortable to wear. It comes in black and stellar (blue), two basic yet stylish shades to complement most ensembles, although these are perfect to wear underneath anything as a cozy layer, too.
Price at time of publish: $115
The Details: XS to XXL | 72 percent modal, 23 percent polyester, 5 percent spandex
This cozy long-sleeve comes in an appealing variety of warm-neutral colors.
It has a slim fit which might not be to everyone’s tastes.
This classic crewneck from Everlane uses organic cotton and prioritizes sustainable practices. It features a slim fit and a mid-weight so it’s perfect for transitional weather, either as a layering piece or worn on its own. It also comes in a suite of gorgeous warm-neutral colors at an affordable price point – you may even want to grab one of each.
Price at time of publish: $45 (3 for $99)
The Details: XS to XXL | 100 percent organic cotton
This soft cotton shirt looks great on its own, but it’s also ideal for layering.
This shirt is popular, so certain sizes/colors tend to sell out more quickly.
Nothing says comfort like a classic cotton T-shirt, but this long-sleeve one from Gap ups the ante with its soft, 100 percent organic cotton construction. It has a classic fit that works well either as a warm layer under a sweater or on its own, plus it’s long enough to tuck easily or leave out as you like. This shirt comes in a wide range of sizes in both standard and tall, so you’re sure to find your perfect fit. The hardest thing about this shirt is choosing which colors you want from the nearly dozen available, though at this affordable price, you can snag all your favorites without blowing your budget.
Price at time of publish: $45
The Details: Regular and tall; XS to XXXL | 100 percent organic cotton
The merino wool regulates your body temperature while the minimal seam construction reduces chafing.
You might prefer a shirt with a bit of a looser fit.
This new and improved version of the Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Crew features shoulder panels and flatlock seams that provide a chafe-free experience. Merino wool is known for its comfortable warmth, but the interlocking knit of this thermal shirt is breathable and controls sweat naturally for the utmost comfort.
This snug-fitting shirt works perfectly as a layer to keep you warm on the slopes or trails in the cold weather, though it’s stylish enough to wear on its own. It comes in plenty of basic colors and bold patterns — the latter might be awesome or extra, depending on your style — that also look great on their own.
Price at time of publish: $115
The Details: S to XXL | 100 percent merino wool
It’s a comfortable, roomy fit that offers ample coverage and protection in the sun.
This shirt is meant to be worn on its own rather than as an underlayer.
Protect your skin in the sun with this Patagonia Men's Tropic Comfort Natural UPF Crew. It’s made from modal sun fabric with a hint of spandex jersey. The result is an incredibly soft top that is breathable as it is durable. But perhaps its biggest superpower is that it protects your skin from the sun. It has longer sleeves with elastic thumbholes, so you can even keep the back of your hands protected while out on the water or during an outdoor workout. There’s a loop at the back to hang it for storage or drying purposes. If the relaxed fit isn’t enough to sway you, then consider that this shirt is made in a Fair Trade Certified™ factory, where employees earn good wages for their work, as well.
Price at time of publish: $79
The Details: XS to XXXL | 96 percent modal sun/4 percent spandex jersey with 40+ UPF sun protection
Sweat-wicking fabric makes this shirt perfect for layering, working out, or just hanging out.
This is a popular shirt, so certain sizes and colors sell out quickly.
The Conquer Reform Crewneck Long Sleeve from Alo lives up to its lofty name with its comfortable, roomy fit and incredibly soft polyester blend. But don’t let those long sleeves fool you. The Conquer Reform is made from sweat-wicking fabric that keeps you cool and dry in hot weather or during a strenuous workout. In cooler weather, it’s lightweight enough to wear as a cling-free layer, thanks to the touch of elastane that provides enough stretch. This crewneck comes in key colors like black, brown, and white so it pairs well with anything in your wardrobe — but we think it looks great worn on its own, too.
Price at time of publish: $78
The Details: S to XXL | 94 percent polyester, 6 percent elastane
The soft, moisture-wicking material offers a comfortable fit for a variety of activities.
It comes in basic and bold colors, but not in black.
Made from quick-drying recycled polyester with miDori™ bioSoft for softness and moisture-wicking capabilities, the Capilene Cool Daily Shirt from Patagonia is the perfect wardrobe choice for water sports or hiking trails. Go ahead and give it your all no matter where you are — the HeiQ Pure odor control will keep you smelling and feeling fresh through it all. This shirt is designed with minimal stitching to stop chafing. It offers a regular fit with enough stretch to allow for a wide range of movement, so you’ll stay comfortable all day long, in any season. Choose from six colors, including white, viking blue, and feather gray.
Price at time of publish: $49
The Details: XS to XXXL | Solid colors: 100 percent recycled polyester jersey; heathers and cross-dyes: 100 percent polyester (50 percent recycled) jersey
A snug fit makes it perfect for layering in the winter.
You might want a long-sleeve shirt with a more relaxed fit if you don’t plan to layer.
This fitted shirt from 32 Degrees is made from a polyester/acrylic blend that wicks away moisture and keeps odor at bay, so it’s perfect for layering under other clothes to stay warm during outdoor activities. There’s enough stretch in it to feel comfortable, plus the tag-free label won’t chafe or itch. This simple crewneck shirt with banded cuffs comes in basic colors like white, black, and gray at a price point that makes it quite tempting to snag one in every color. We love that you can throw it in the washer and dryer for the utmost in easy laundry care.
Price at time of publish: $20
The Details: S to XXL | 40 percent polyester, 34 percent acrylic, 22 percent rayon, 4 percent spandex
The simple yet stylish shirt elevates any outfit for day or night.
It’s pricier than many on our list.
For effortless style, this long-sleeve V-neck from The Classic T-shirt Company is the way to go. Made from super soft, 100 percent organic cotton that’s sustainably sourced, it features a relaxed fit that looks great on its own over slacks or your favorite pair of jeans. This is the perfect shirt to travel with because it works with more casual outfits for the daytime and fits right in with more elevated ensembles at night. Choose from black, white, dark gray, navy blue, or faded purple — all of which the manufacturer says will retain their color up to 100 washes.
Price at time of publish: $72
The Details: XS to XXL | 100 percent organic cotton
When considering the right fit for you, think about how you want to wear your long-sleeve shirt and shop accordingly. Some long-sleeve shirts are roomy and comfortable enough to wear on their own, while others are snug like a second skin and are better for layering. Some are form-fitting with enough stretch to be worn either way, so you’re getting the best of both worlds for your wardrobe.
Do you want a soft organic cotton shirt that’s easy to wash and wear? A wool shirt that’s ideal for layering in winter? Or do you want a blend of fabrics that offer sweat and odor resistance as well as some UVA/UVB protection? Whatever your wardrobe needs, there’s a long-sleeve shirt out there that fits the bill and your body perfectly. Most of the ones that made our list are machine washable and even dryable, though look out for the occasional top that requires flat or line drying instead.
If you plan to wear your long-sleeve shirt in warm weather or for working up a sweat, look for features like “moisture wicking” or “sweat management.” You’ll also want to watch for materials touted as “quick dry,” which are great for staying cool and dry during a workout and perfect for being out on the water or getting stuck in a rainstorm on your morning run.
You can roll or compactly fold long-sleeve shirts to fit easily in your luggage. Lay your shirt down on a flat surface and fold the sleeves inward so you have a long rectangle. Then, you can roll it tightly in a jelly roll or fold it in half, then half again (or fold in thirds, depending on the length of the shirt). Aside from not taking up much room in your suitcase or carry-on, folding or rolling it like this will keep wrinkles at a minimum.
For this story, Barbara Bellesi Zito researched dozens of long-sleeve shirts, searching for the utmost in comfort and warmth with bonus points for style. She compiled this list with a focus on travel-friendly tops, as well as those perfect for rounding out capsule wardrobes. Eagle-eyed readers might notice that Barbara is wearing a long-sleeved black V-neck in her photo, so you know this article was written with respect and admiration for this wardrobe essential.
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