Travel Gear Review: Tilley Endurables Travel Shirts

My travel wardrobe is getting a "top"makeover.

Trying on the David Cline shirt for the first time.

When you're traveling the carry-on only way, you really need to make smart choices. But just as important is making happy choices, choosing clothing that you love, look good in, feel good in. This is especially true of shirts, as no other piece of clothing will be featured so much in your photographs. If I'm going to be rotating between the same 3 or 4 shirts on a month long trip, I better love them!

I knew Tilley Endurable shirts were a great choice for me because they wash and dry with zero fuss in a hotel room, they're lightweight and breathable, and many of them even have sneaky security pockets! I love that they are designed for real bodies and shapes and that there are a ton of colors, designs, and fabrics to choose from. I know I'll be traveling with some of their classic short sleeve, button down shirts, so I wanted to give two different types of shirts a try and see how things worked when I mixed things up!

David Cline Shirt

I was attracted to the fetching pattern of this shirt as soon as a saw it – the vibrant color and bright design were a departure from my usual neutrals and blacks. I also loved the light, silky smooth feel of the fabric. Thus far, it’s the favourite of my travel wardrobe. Hand washing it in the sink is quick and it easily dries when hung up overnight. A slight texture in the fabric hides all wrinkles, so it is always ready to go - no irons required!

My only concern is that I noticed quite a bit of piling under the arms of the shirt after my first wear, as well as lots of fluff stuck to my back. I didn't wash it before wearing it for the first time (too eager!), so perhaps the fluff would have not occurred had I pre-washed it.

It’s important to note that this shirt is guest product from another design house sold in the Tilley retail stores and it is not available online. It is made in the United States.

Getting ready for a bike tour in old Montreal

Getting set for Shakespeare in the Park - with my Tilley hat!

Tilley Travel Jersey Sleeveless Top

This is the one top you will steal from your travel wardrobe to augment your "real life" wardrobe again and again. The front of the shirt has two layers of fabric, making sure there are no unpleasant clinging incidents with bumpy tummies and bra cups. The full coverage on the shoulders is real-bra friendly. It has a slight stand up collar in the back, which gives the shirt a more polished, sophisticated shape.

When we go on our round-the-world trip, I would wear this top under any blazer for an easy, pulled together look for a business situation, like interviewing staff at the Sydney Opera House.  I would also pair it with a black pencil skirt to mimic the look of a little black dress for fancy occasions like a late night dinner in Brussels. You could easily pair this top with the Tilley skort for a pretty outfit for visiting restaurants or taking in a play, and you could mix and match it with trousers, shorts, and cardigans for a more casual travel look. 

The sleeveless jersey top easily passes the hand wash/quick dry test and will not wrinkle, despite my best efforts at scrunching it up. It has also endured several inadvertent paw swipes from our grouchy cat without the fabric picking or any thread being pulled. In addition to black, it also comes in deep taupe and ivory. The ivory is gorgeous and makes for such a pretty, fresh look, but given my historical experience having disasters while eating pasta with tomato sauce, everyone agreed black was a much better choice for me! 

Pairing the top with my skort and layering it with a cardigan.

Perfect for a day at a winery in Prince Edward County.

I'll never forget when I first moved to Africa and brought thick, heavy organic cotton shirts with me. I was convinced that the "natural" fabric of pure cotton would be the best choice the humid, malarial shores of Lake Malawi! Goodness but I was wrong! It felt like I was wearing a very soft, very comfy, very thick layer of flannel all the time! I now know that the right material, complimenting a good cut and style, can make all the difference. 

As always, I welcome and encourage your comments. When you're packing light, how do you narrow down what shirts you take along?

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