Women’s hiking shirts
The page for women's hiking shirts brings together models designed for walking in the sun and travelling light: long-sleeved UV protection shirts, fabrics treated against insects, soft checked shirts, and sleeveless models for hot weather, from Patagonia, Kathmandu, Regatta, VAUDE, CMP, or Ternua. Fitted cuts made for the female body shape.
Lightweight, protective and quick-drying.
Long-sleeved anti-UV shirt: the UPF rating
On an exposed trail, a long-sleeved shirt protects the arms and neck without the need to reapply cream. Its effectiveness is shown by the UPF rating, which indicates how much the fabric reduces the ultraviolet rays reaching the skin: a UPF 50 lets through only one-fiftieth. The Patagonia Self Guided, made from recycled polyester ripstop, and the Kathmandu Sun Breaker both have a UPF 50+. Patagonia, founded in California by Yvon Chouinard, has this model sewn in Fair Trade certified workshops. A collar that can be turned up and a tab that keeps the rolled-up sleeves in place then adjusts the protection depending on the time of day.
Fitted cut and light fabrics for women
A women's hiking shirt is distinguished mainly by its cut: it has darts that follow the waist, narrower shoulders, and a length designed not to ride up under the hip belt of a pack. The fabric does the rest. Lightweight synthhetics dry in a few hours after hand washing, a plus when on the move, and CMP offers several models in recycled polyester that reduce the use of virgin materials. VAUDE, a German brand committed to responsible materials, and the Ternua Britam round out the selection with more relaxed cuts. The sleeveless floral patterned shirt from CMP, finally, maximizes ventilation during hot weather on shaded trails.
Checks and care
The checked shirt, like those from CMP, the Ternua Britam, or the VAUDE Seiland, brings a more casual look to the lodge or the city, and can be worn open over a t-shirt. A technical shirt washes at 30 degrees, without fabric softener; the insect repellent treatment diminishes over time, so check the label. The women's textile range extends with t-shirts, tops, bras, sweatshirts and fleeces, windbreakers and jackets, parkas and down jackets, trousers and leggings, shorts, socks.
Trek at high altitude, tropical areas, or in high heat: which model
The right model depends on the destination. For a trek at altitude, where the sun burns more intensely as you go higher, a long-sleeved anti-UV shirt with an upturned collar protects the neck and forearms. In a tropical area, a long-sleeved anti-insect shirt, in light colours, limits mosquito bites, especially at dusk: travel shirts from Regatta have a repellent treatment that diminishes over washes. In high heat in the plains, a sleeveless or short-sleeved model made from airy fabric offers better ventilation, provided you pack a covering shirt for the hours of full sun.
Good deals and new arrivals
The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, special offers highlight discounted items, and clearance sales feature end-of-line products. The items dispatched within 24 hours are prepared and shipped in 24 hours.
Frequently asked questions
What size hiking shirt should a woman choose?
Take your usual size for a model worn alone, one size up if it needs to fit over a long-sleeved top. Check the width at the shoulders and chest, with arms raised, so the buttons don’t strain during walking.
Can a hiking shirt be worn in the city?
Yes, checked or plain models with a classic collar easily transition from trail to terrace. Their fabric creases little after a day in the pack, making it a practical piece for trips where you alternate between hiking and sightseeing.
How do you pack a travel shirt without creasing it?
Roll it rather than fold it: synthetic fabrics crease less. Upon arrival, hang it on a hanger in the bathroom during a hot shower; the steam is often enough to de-crease it.
What details should you check on a travel shirt?
Look for pockets that close with buttons or zippers for papers, the sleeve roll-up tab, the collar that can be turned up against the sun, and ventilation in the back. A quick-drying fabric remains the most useful feature while on the move.
Does the UPF protection fade with washing?
When it relies on the density of the weave, as with most anti-UV shirts, it withstands washing. It does decrease, however, if the fabric wears out, stretches, or remains damp, as a wet or loosened weave lets through more ultraviolet rays.
