Favorite Travel Shirt (women)

I don't think that's an outrageous price at all, considering all the useful features/qualities, and the nice range of colors offered. I don't mind spending good money for all that AND if it's flattering to boot, I'm in. I have a couple of tops from RR that have looked great for many years, love their quality and attention to detail.

Has anyone used these shirts for mid-summer travel to the warmer parts of Europe? I've tried to stick with cotton or mostly-cotton tops, in the believe that polyester wouldn't be as comfortable in the heat.

The GAP may seem an unlikely source. Two summers ago, I was in London and Switzerland in July. It was q. warm. At the Philly airport before leaving, I strolled through the GAP there and found the cutest little polyester summer top with little caplet sleeves. They had three colors, but being prudent I bought only one. It was the best buy ever since it never wrinkles, takes up no room, and I could wash and wear everyday! Now I have five!! I will buy more next year if they come out in cute prints. Oh, btw, they went under a pullover or cardigan and under jackets. Can you tell I like these? The GAP is now part of my pre-departure routine.

Another place you can find discounts on this brand is Sierra Trading Post. They have the same parent company as TJ Maxx and Marshalls.

I have several of these shirts. They’re great! They have a formal/business look about them but are plenty rugged for outdoors activities. They’re truly dual purpose.

Acraven, to answer your question, I have worn mine hiking in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah in hot weather, and it was fine. The upper back is mesh-lined where it might cling to your skin. The rest of it feels airy and not hot, so maybe it breathes? I would have to check the specs on that but basically it is just as cool as woven cotton (and cooler than a knit).

As mentioned, you can often find them on sale at Sierra Trading Post, Backcountry.com, and REI Outlet (where I bought mine). But I have never seen a price as low as Sasha scored, so I may have to check out Amazon.

Note there is a small hidden zipper pocket in the right side seam, but you would only want to use it for things that are flat.

Also note that they have snaps, not buttons, so it is really quick and easy to undress, FWIW.

Thanks, Lola. Sounds like this is worth trying. I had a good set of mix-and-match clothes for my 2015 trip, but the tops have all bitten the dust since then.

Currently on sale at REI for $36
https://www.rei.com/rei-garage/product/133484/royal-robbins-expedition-chill-34-sleeve-shirt-womens?CAWELAID=120217890004763882&CAGPSPN=pla&CAAGID=15884944720&CATCI=pla-291068258150&cm_mmc=PLA_Google|404_40299|1334840016|none|b0e40077-c519-4eb8-acaa-bd905f85f13e|pla-291068258150&lsft=cm_mmc:PLA_Google_LIA|404_40299|1334840016|none|b0e40077-c519-4eb8-acaa-bd905f85f13e|pla-291068258150&gclid=CjwKCAiA15vTBRAHEiwA7SnfcwZn6A41VArocWsXdWjJ7Tc4HbeVTU70K1lzid96a7PDYSh9uZhZDhoCE3EQAvD_BwE

Full disclosure-I'm male. But I have several Royal Robbins shirts. They are a reliable brand but watch the fit. It's usually listed, but not always. Some shirts are slim. As for polyester- if you are north of 50 and have not purchased polyester travel clothing it's because you recall polyester as the material used in Nehru suits-thick, heat retaining, smelly, horrible. It's all changed. The new polyester breaths, washes well by hand, dries in a few hours, wrinkle free. Most of my summer shirts are polyester, travel or not, or a poly-cotton blend.

Alan has a good point about the fit. The cut is athletic/slim, and the sizing can be variable. I am small (size 0-2) but often wear a size 4 in Royal Robbins clothes. And while the XS usually fits perfectly in this particular shirt, I once bought one off the rack at REI without trying it on, and it turned out to be too tight when I got it home. Easy to return, though.

For those who are not familiar with the name Royal Robbins, he was a famous climber who pioneered some of the “big wall” routes in Yosemite in the 1960’s. He designed a line of climbing/approach shoes under his name, and then his wife Liz added a line of travel clothing. They are reliable and decent quality, not as technical or high-priced as Patagonia (whose founder Yvon Chouinard was also a Yosemite climber in those days). Royal died last March. It is worth looking up his obit in the NYT magazine if you are interested in climbing and its history.

Ok, you gals that are familiar with the fit, I am not chubby, but unfortunately have the thick middle of an over 50 woman, is this shirt roomie in that area? Also is it roomie at the bust, I hate buttons that pull. I usually wear a 10-12,large. Sizing true to size or should I go up? Cute top!

I like traveling in my black bateau neck 3/4 sleeve cotton blouse from LL Bean. I have several of them as they roll up tightly, are lightweight and go with everything I have. I also wear them at home; travel and home clothes are interchangeable.

I have a Royal Robbins dress that I really like. My favorite travel tops for daytime are from Eddie Bauer - light cotton and some cute features on them. I feel more comfortable in the cotton vs. synthetic fabrics.

This is one of my favorites, often available at Amazon at a lower price. Doesn't wrinkle, cool, has a security pocket. I pick off the tacky Columbia logo. https://www.columbia.com/womens-pfg-tamiami-ii-long-sleeve-shirt-FL7278.html?cgid=shirts&dwvar_FL7278_variationColor=674#prefn1=genderGroup&prefv1=Women's&mid=paidsearch&nid=COL%7CBrand%7CClothing%7CGoogle%7CExact%7CUS&oid=Shirts_General&did=columbia+shirts&eid=Google%2BAdwords%2BUS&s_kwcid=AL!3937!3!227526210657!e!!g!!columbia+shirts&ef_id=Wj71BgAAAJ8ZfB-l%3A20180124052238%3As&start=0

I am with Kathi on wanting to know about the fit. I went to Costco and tried the Ex Officio shirt. The large puckered at the chest and the XL didn't look good. The REI shirt looks tempting.

I would say my RR shirt has a more fitted, shaped fit than my Ex Officio shirt. So if you size up one size, maybe it would fit a full bust and still not be baggy elsewhere.

For a shirt like this I would wear a tank top underneath and leave the top buttons unbuttoned, due to not wanting buttons gaps. That tab in front would just gap open on me, especially when I sat down.

I ordered one of these shirts after reading the reviews here. I like my clothes to be loose fitting, so I ordered up a size from my usual order. While this will be comfortable, it is right on the line for being too loose. And I am also of a certain age and size, so perhaps if this is a concern for you as well you may be okay ordering your usual size.

Then again, I have had many experiences of ordering two seemingly identical items of clothing from the same company, and sometimes those two pieces don't fit quite the same.

But I love the feel, and I didn't expect that I would since I prefer mainly cotton.

If you prefer cotton, here is another one I ordered from Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N6UHH3U/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It is cotton gauze and really wrinkle-proof. It was a bit heavier than I expected (not thin floaty gauze) but very comfortable on. I really like the blue color and print, both are very flattering. The problem is the XS is too big and too long for me. I would say it fit more like a size 4-6 than size 0-2. The length would be good on someone 5'5" or so.

I thought about tossing in the hot water wash and then dryer to shrink it, but decided to just send it back.

Amazon's pricing is very fluid.

This discussion motivated to check Amazon for other Royal Robbins clothing. I found this T shirt on Amazon for $27 (instead of $47 on the RR website):

https://www.royalrobbins.com/essential-tencel-twist-neck-crew-long-sleeve

I love the color and the Tencel fabric.

Today the same shirt is $54, double what I paid. I am glad I ordered when I did.

Yes! This Royal Robbins 3/4-sleeve has been my travel shirt of choice for a few years, now. I only have it in white, as I use it mainly as a 2nd layer (like a light jacket), over a top or dress, and it goes with everything. I used to have it in a large, then I lost weight and bought the same one in medium -- that's how much I like it. I'll start out with it on in the morning, then it rolls up and goes in my day pack.

I've given consideration to getting another one and having the sleeves shortened to as short as possible, to wear over tanks or sundresses for a little extra coverage.

Cheers,
Vivian

Here is another Royal Robbins favorite, great for all but really warm weather. I like it so much I have it in 3 colors. And no, I did not pay the prices listed. I think I got one at REI on clearance, one at 6pm, and one somewhere else. Stretchy, wicking, and breathable. I have been wearing these all winter. https://www.amazon.com/Royal-Robbins-Womens-Merinolux-Traveler/dp/B01NAECRJA?th=1

My favorite travel shirt is anything I have hanging in my closet that can be rolled and folded, doesn't get crinkly, can wash easily and I don't care if it gets lost, under $25 or have worn many times. I understand what you mean about fishing shirts and vests. Might as well paint a tourist bullseye on one's self. We look like tourists anyway - but why make it so obvious?

Alan, it's not Nehru suits that figure in my nightmares, it's the sherbet colored pantsuits my mother wore in the 70s.

Love these t-shirts from Duluth Trading for warm weather travel or layering under something warmer. They always dry overnight and are really flattering:
https://women.duluthtrading.com/store/womens/womens-shirts-womens-tops/womens-t-shirts/81704.aspx?processor=content
Although the fabric is synthetic it feels comfortable, and light. I've got a couple that have probably been worn weekly for a couple of years and they still look brand-new.

Well, I did go to Costco for the Ex Officio shirt (dark blue) and also discovered this year's 32° summer t-shirts -- pack of 2 scoopnecks for $9.99, in white (can't get much more basic than that.)