mens shirts for traveling

Bob - my husband has several shirts from the "outdoor companies" like Columbia. They look like regular buttoned shirts but have places that you can zip open to catch a breeze. They are super lightweight, dry very quickly - they are meant for backpackers and such. These are much cooler than any knit t-shirt type shirt he has. This is all he will take for our trip to Italy this summer.

REI has some very nice men shirts in the Adventure Travel line -- pants are nice also. The shirt has as a hidden pocket that I didn't discover for several months. LLBean has some synthetic polos but not neccessarily designed for travel -- no secure pockets. I am 64 and don't t-shirts in public. I like to dress a little better and always wear a shirt with a collar. The key, of course, is to avoid all cotton and stay with synthetics. The new synthetics are far better and more comfortable than the old nylon clothing. Travel well, travel often !!!!

Check REI, Travel Smith, and Magellans. They all have shirts made of synthetics that dry quickly, look ok, and have zippered front pockets. A zippered front pocket for you wallet is a must.

Bob, for another alternative which may be less expensive is go to a major department store (Penneys, Herbergers). They have synthetic blends or silk-based shirts which are great for travel and meet all your needs. These are what I wear when I travel. Try to coordinate the colors so you can mix and match with different slacks for a variety of looks. Good travels!

Bob - I can recommened a few brands since ive tried and tested a whole bunch of different travel/alpine adventure shirts for those easy-quick-dry purposes. Here are some I like/use - all with security pockets too! Exofficio, Royal Robbins, Mountain Hardwear, Columbia and Patagonia. REI has some slightly more affordable versions too - but look at all the features (extra hidden pockets, UV and odor-control features etc!). They CAN get expensive - from $50-$80 & some well over 100. So try to buy on Sale 20-40% - sales are on all the time. I check REI and the manufacturer's direct web for specials. Set up a free-email account for the advertisements if you dont want it in your regular account - but they do save you money! PS - they all make tshirts and polos too. Im rather picky - I may have to come up with my own line soon incorporating all the BEST features of the big names.
PS - For cooler weather - also try ICEBREAKERs - reall nice merino-wool-lightweight! how it help

According to my wife polyester shirts are easy to wash.I wear one shirt and take 2 along.I usually take long sleeve since I can roll the sleeves up if it is warm.For midsummer travel I would take ss shirts.Either way they wash out and dry overnight.Best regards and have a great trip.

Thanks for all the suggestions. Looks like I'm off to REI!

Bob --

I am also 60, and I take all Stay Dry-type shirts to Europe. I think they are perfectly accpetable, and they are light, easy to wash and quick to dry and not wrinkles.

I think they also look good on me and my wife agrees.

I just bought three new ones at the Outlet mall for $5 each for our trip to France at the end of June.

Check out the Nike stores and the Hanes -- you can get some great sales.

When I get back, I use them for tennis.

Go for it!

James Timothy

Try the "Untouchable" Shirt from Duluth Trading. It is very much like seersucker, has plenty of room, large pockets, and dries FAST! Plus, they come in 3XL.

I echo John's comments about the "seersucker" type shirts. I have several "Arnold Palmer" short-sleeve seersucker shirts, the coolest I've ever owned. A blend of cotton and polyester, they wash well and dry overnight...available at Sears? I stay away from all-synthetics though. They keep in my body heat, and I overheat very quickly.