Lightweight merino/TencelTM blend tee.
Every Day, Every Way
I am always looking for all-purpose merino tees for everyday wear, travel, and long walks and hikes, so I was happy to learn about Ridge Merino’s merino/TencelTM blend garments.
I’ve been wearing the Ridge Merino Men’s Natural Merino Tencel Tee for the past three months, and have found it to be comfortable, high performing, and easy to care for. I’ve done a lot of walking, hiking, and cycling, and I feel like I have perspired more in the past few months than I have in my entire life because of the increasing heat. I’ve routinely worn the shirt for four or five days in a row before it started to smell. I’ve worn it on countless buses and trains. I’ve used it as a cover up after swimming in the sea. I’ve spilled olive oil on it. I’ve gotten sunscreen and bug repellent on it. Nothing seems to ruffle this top. (Note: I tested the men’s tee because Ridge Merino currently only has the women’s Natural Merino Tencel style in sleeveless. More styles coming soon.)
Versatile Style
When I’m not active, I still prefer wearing activewear. The Ridge Merino Men’s Natural Merino Tencel Tee looks great with jeans or chino-style pants; I can get add a scarf and call it business casual! I like the dark color options because 90% of my wardrobe is black. I’m a city gal. I like to keep it simple. I love that I can wear this shirt all day, then hike in it when I get home. It’s been a versatile top for travel that has kept me comfortable.
I’ve worn a lot of merino tops throughout the years, and I really like the merino-TencelTM combo. TencelTM is made from wood pulp, and is supposed to feel as soft as cotton. Right out of the box I liked the tee’s thin fabric and light weight. The fabric, a blend of 60% Merino Wool and 40% Tencel Lyocell, was not as buttery soft as a 100% merino tee, but it softened up as soon as I washed it. Still, it doesn’t have the same feel on my skin, but I am ok with a slightly less soft shirt because the TencelTM adds durability and I love the ultra-thin fabric. It breathes well, and it dries fast, making it ideal for travel. I can wash it in the sink before I go to bed, hang it up on the line, and it’s dry when I get up, long before my cotton tops. When I wash the shirt in the washing machine, it dries even faster.
I notice the benefits of the blended fibers in how well the top has held its shape after repeated wear and wash cycles. Some of my old 100% merino tops, especially the thin ones, have not held up as well over time. Even though I’ve never put them in the dryer, they seem to shrink over time. Since I often wear a day pack, it’s nice having a more durable tee. I’ve been wearing the Ridge Merino Men’s Natural Merino Tencel Tee for three months while I travel around Sweden, but I don’t see wear marks from my pack.
The Ridge Merino Men’s Natural Merino Tencel Tee has done a great job of resisting odors. That feature alone makes this top a winner. Washing my clothes less often is better for the environment, and packing light is better for me. The Ridge Merino Men’s Natural Merino Tencel Tee has been great for weekend trips. I only bring another shirt for variety, not because I need one. After urban walks and hikes, I hang the shirt up to air it out, and I can wear it again the next day. (See our reviews of Ridge Merino Solstice Sun Hoodie and Women’s Natural Merino Tencel Jogger.)
Bottom Line
I get hot the minute I move, so I really appreciate that the Ridge Merino Men’s Natural Merino Tencel Tee breathes well and feels comfortable against my skin. I love how thin and lightweight the fabric is. Plus, it’s much more affordable than many merino brands.
Available in men’s sizes S-XXL in four colors, Charcoal Heather, Outerspace Heather, Blue River, and Black. I usually wear an XL in women’s tops and a L in men’s tops, and found a great fit in size L. I’m tall, so I like the extra torso length of the men’s top.
Manufacturer: Ridge Merino
