Thinking about making your first Unbound Merino purchase but want to hear from others first?
I’ve got you covered in this Unbound Merino review of four of their women’s products.
As a seasoned traveler with over a decade of experience across all seven continents and more than 60 countries living out of a suitcase, I need clothing that simplifies my life on the road (and luggage) while not compromising on style or function.
Unbound Merino certainly raises the bar when it comes to versatile travel clothing, especially if you travel light.
I’ll go over Unbound Merino’s features, its pros and cons, as well as my opinion of the items I tested out on a two-week trip with no washes in between.
So fasten your seatbelts, we’re ready for take-off!
Disclaimer: A big thank you to Unbound Merino for providing me with their products to try out. As with everything on this blog, all reviews are my honest and genuine thoughts.
Unbound Merino
✔️ Travel Friendly
✔️ Odor Resistant
✔️ Anti-Wrinkle
Unbound Merino Overview
Overall, if you’re a frequent traveler with room in your wardrobe budget for investment pieces, I definitely recommend Unbound Merino for its combination of style, functionality, and durability.
Their clothing works for everything from outdoor adventures to city exploring, making packing minimally a breeze without sacrificing comfort or appearance.
For anyone looking to streamline their travel wardrobe with versatile pieces that can handle the rigors of travel and still look and smell great, Unbound Merino is a winner.
I tested out Unbound Merino during a two-week trip to California where the only tops and socks I brought were two Unbound Merino wool shirts and two pairs of Unbound socks.
Even after wearing each item for seven days without washing in between, they retained their freshness and both looked and smelled as good as Day 1.
What is Unbound Merino?
Unbound Merino caters to contemporary travelers who appreciate simplicity, efficiency, and style.
Their premium Merino wool clothing combines comfort, odor resistance, and thermoregulation.
Created by three travel enthusiasts with a passion for making travel packing simpler, Unbound Merino offers classic and stylish high-performance apparel that takes the stress out of travel packing and laundry on the go.
Unbound Merino Features
Odor Resistant
Unbound Merino’s odor-resistant clothing is a game-changer for travelers looking to reduce their luggage size without sacrificing freshness.
Thanks to Merino wool’s natural antibacterial properties, Unbound Merino wool can be worn for weeks between washes.
This significantly reduces the need for frequent laundry stops or taking time to deal with sink laundry during your travels between long-haul flights, hiking trips, or city adventures.
Temperature Regulating
Merino wool provides temperature regulation through its simultaneous breathable and insulating properties.
This versatility makes the clothing perfect for a range of climates.
When I wore my Unbound shirts, pants, and socks in 55°F-75°F weather, I was warm when it was on the colder side and didn’t overheat when the sun was beating down on me.
Moisture-Wicking and Fast-Drying
Due to the lanolin (a wax coating) in merino wool fibers, garments crafted from this material effectively draw moisture away and facilitate quick drying of the fabric.
So even if you do wear Unbound Merino for rigorous outdoor activities like multi-day hikes, the clothing will keep you dry and will also air dry well if you do end up needing to do some laundry during yoru travels.
Anti Wrinkle
Merino wool fibers have super springy properties which allows it to keep its shape while providing ample stretch.
This makes merino wool clothing comfy and mostly free from wrinkles even after being shoved in a backpack or worn for hours through multiple flights.
Pros of Unbound Merino
Multiple Wears Without Washing
Clothing that is odor-resistant and can be worn several times before needing to wash?
Say no more!
As a frequent traveler who’s often on the road for months at a time traveling to different parts of the world, I need clothing that can keep up with me and my lifestyle.
Unbound Merino clothing ensures that you stay comfortable and stylish so that when you’re traveling you don’t have to worry about:
❌ Figuring out how many tees you need to pack in order to avoid doing laundry
❌ Planning where you’re going to do laundry while traveling
❌ Dealing with sink laundry at a hotel
Capsule Wardrobe and One-Bag Friendly
True to Unbound Merino’s motto of “Pack less, experience more,” their collection makes it so easy to throw a couple of their shirts and pants into a backpack and hit the road.
If you’re tired of lugging around large suitcases when you travel or stressing over what to pack, Unbound Merino simplifies all of that with its classic yet elevated and versatile styles.
The color offerings of Unbound Merino items are all basic yet well thought out so that they can be mixed and matched with nearly anything you have in your closet.
As someone who has lived out of a suitcase for 10+ years, I’m always on the lookout for versatile clothing that I can dress up or down.
Unbound Merino definitely ticks those boxes.
Not only can I wear these in my everyday life, but they’re SO good for my one-bag travel style.
Whether I’m working in Antarctica for 13 months or enjoying a 7-day Caribbean cruise with carry-on only, Unbound Merino makes packing and wardrobe planning easy.
Soft, Comfortable, and Lightweight
Merino wool clothing is super stretchy and soft, which makes it so incredibly comfortable to wear.
Clothing that feels good to wear sensory-wise but also isn’t a strain on my luggage weight is always at the top of my packing list.
Cons of Unbound Merino
Price
Most of Unbound Merino’s clothing falls between $70-$188 for women and up to $229 for men.
Simply put, it’s not cheap.
However, if you’re considering purchasing Unbound Merino items for yourself, you probably already know that and aren’t looking for some fast-fashion tees that’ll last you just a few weeks.
The founders of Unbound Merino created the brand with this in mind: high-quality pieces that are timeless, versatile, and travels well.
So it’s no surprise then that these items come with a higher price tag.
If you read on in this post, you’ll see that I wore four Unbound Merino items straight for two weeks without washing on a recent trip.
That means my cost per wear (CPW) on this trip alone breaks down to $26 for the pants and $12-$14 for the shirts.
In the weeks following my trip, I’ve worn all of my Unbound Merino items over 5x each, which brings my CPW down even further.
Not bad for something that’s now a staple in my capsule wardrobe as well as my minimalist travel packing style!
I can’t tell you how many times younger me bought a $20 shirt or $30 bottoms to only wear them once and never again.
But to be fair, the price point of Unbound Merino is not for everyone.
With all that said though, if you do have room in your wardrobe budget to invest in high-quality pieces that you know you’ll wear regularly, Unbound Merino is a great option.
Pilling
While pilling is normal for merino wool, it doesn’t make it any less annoying to deal with!
I found the socks pilled the most for me with the black ones being the most noticable.
Not a huge deal though as I didn’t see or feel any difference in the socks’ performance.
Fortunately, I didn’t see many issues with the shirts and pants after their initial wash.
In Unbound Merino’s care instructions, it even mentions that pilling is normal in case you’re new to merino wool, and it also gives a suggestion to wash the items with denim which helps tame the threads.
Not Dryer Friendly
Like most merino wool clothing, Unbound Merino items don’t do well in the dryer.
It’s a small thing to consider a con but I have it here just because I have a tendency to chuck everything in the dryer once I’m done washing.
If you’re a bit forgetful like me, just use this as a reminder to separate your clothing when washing.
Now I try to do this by placing things that can’t go into the dryer into garment bags before they go in the wash so I don’t forget when I’m switching machines.
Thankfully, you won’t have to do this often as the whole point of Merino wool clothing is that it can go many wears before requiring washing!
My Experience Using Unbound Merino for One-Bag Travel
I wore my Unbound Merino items for two weeks straight without washing them to put them to the test on a spring trip home to the San Francisco Bay Area.
My full wardrobe list included:
- 1x Unbound Merino Long Sleeve Merino Crew Shirt
- 1x Unbound Merino V-Neck T-Shirt
- 1x Unbound Merino Lightweight Travel Pants
- 1x Aday Straight Up Pants
- 2x Unbound Merino Socks (1x no show, 1x ankle)
- 1x Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Parka
- 1x Dr. Scholl’s Time Off Sneakers
- 1x Allbirds Wool Runners
San Francisco, for those not familiar, is known for its microclimates.
One minute it can be foggy, cold, and miserable, but just a few blocks over it’ll be nothing but sunshine and blue skies.
As a mostly city explorer type of traveler, I found Unbound Merino to be the perfect blend of polished yet comfortable travel wear.
Every item I got from Unbound Merino is in regular rotation for both my day-to-day capsule wardrobe as well as my one-bag travel capsule.
Here are some of my measurements for size reference:
- Height: 5’3″ (barely)
- Weight: 105-110 lbs
- Waist: 25 in
- Inseam: 26 in
Long Sleeve Merino Crew: 10/10 ⭐
This is by far my favorite item from Unbound Merino.
It’s super soft and so versatile (I know I sound like a broken record at this point).
I’m regularly a size XS but I sized up to an S based on reviews that said the arms were a bit tight.
The small fits well and I’m glad I went with a slightly looser fit.
I have one other long-sleeved shirt from Kuhl that I wear regularly, but found that my regular XS size was just a little too snug around the arms and armpits.
This long sleeve from Unbound Merino is fitted in all the right places, hangs well off the body, and offers enough stretch if you want to roll the sleeves up.
I wore this top in foggy 55°F all the way through sunny 75°F and was super comfortable.
The shirt kept me warm in the cold and cool in the hot.
While I probably wouldn’t wear this in any temperature higher than 75°F, I do think that it’s the perfect shirt for city exploring or hiking in mild climates.
No-Show Socks and Ankle Socks: 9.5/10 ⭐️
These socks are phenomenal.
They’re moisture-wicking and plush even after multiple wears and a few washes later.
I got both pairs that Unbound Merino offers– the no-show socks in gray and the ankle socks in black.
When I travel, I typically pack 2-3 pairs of socks and plan on doing sink laundry every few days.
But on this California trip, I got 14 days of wear out of two Unbound Merino socks with zero sink washing days.
I’d say these socks are the second best bang for your buck from Unbound’s collection second to the long sleeve shirt.
Merino V-Neck T-Shirt: 9/10 ⭐️
This tee is great for layering, which is perfect in San Francisco!
I went for a more fitted style than the long sleeve so I got this v-neck in my regular XS.
It wasn’t too snug or anything– just the perfect basic tee to go with everything I have.
I later wore it as a base layer under a chunky sweater and by itself paired with the same colored travel pants from Unbound Merino for a stylish monochromatic jumpsuit look.
While the shirt on its own was a bit too drafty at times for the San Francisco wind, it breathes so well for the hotter days.
As a frequent cruiser who’s often in the Caribbean, this lightweight v-neck will definitely be coming with me on those warm trips!
Lightweight Travel Pants: 8/10 ⭐️
Fair warning, I have a lot to say about these pants.
I honestly didn’t have high hopes for these based on the online reviews, especially since it comes at such a steep price tag, but I’m glad I took a chance and got them because I’ve been wearing them nonstop.
I’m quite picky when it comes to travel pants as I need them to be easy to pack, low maintenance, but also comfortable and versatile.
They’re obviously not as soft as the shirts, but the material (made in Italy, btw) does feel super durable.
I found that the pants needed a bit of TLC after washing as they were still wrinkled despite laying them flat to dry.
However, once they were ironed and ready to be worn, they lived up to Unbound Merino’s promise that they would remain crease-resistant.
I never had to iron them again during the two weeks I was wearing them as long as I didn’t wash them, which was perfect because going multiple wears between washes is what Unbound Merino clothing was made for!
What I Liked
I liked how timeless they look and how easily they can be dressed up or down.
I haven’t been a huge fan of jeans lately when I travel just because of how much space they take up to pack and how constricting I feel in them.
Unbound Merino’s Lightweight Travel Pants feel much more comfortable for travel days and provide the same amount of warmth as jeans for colder destinations.
The wide legs and roominess of the pants also provide the option to layer leggings (which Unbound Merino also offers) under for more warmth if needed during your travels.
And did I mention the POCKETS?!
Nothing says “Made for travelers, by travelers” more than FOUR (yes, four!) deep pockets and one small hidden zippered pocket made to be functional for travel.
With two pockets in the front and two in the back that you can put your whole damn hand in and more, you never have to worry about where you’re going to put your phone, keys, wallet, or passport when you’re on the go.
Too many times I’ve had to bring a small purse with me just because I didn’t have any pockets to hold my phone or I’ve had to fumble with my bags to take my passport in and out when going through airports.
These pants just *get it*.
Room for Improvements
For something labeled as “lightweight,” these pants seem heavier than some of my other go-to travel pants, like the Aday Straight Up pants I wore on this trip.
I also had to hem the pants down to a 26” inseam as the shortest inseam options available was 28”.
There were a few reviews I saw on the product page mentioning how tight the waistband was, and I can see where they’re coming from.
Personally, it doesn’t bother me too much unless I’ve eaten a big meal or I’ve been sitting all day.
For reference, I got these in XS, which according to the size guide fits a waist between 24-26 in; my waist is 25 in. and I typically wear an XS.
However, it’s worth noting for those considering purchasing these pants that the elastic band does hug like a clingy pet, but that also means you don’t have to worry about the elastic wearing out after a few washes!
Another thing people mentioned on the reviews was that the pants looked like hospital scrubs, which again, I can understand.
I think the aesthetics of the pants could be hugely improved if the waistband was just elastic on the back and a flat band on the front.
Not only would this help with the tightness, but it would also elevate the pants to look less casual.
I found that styling the pants with the right top and shoes kept them out of scrubs territory for me.
I wouldn’t necessarily be deterred from some of the critical comments found on the product page as I do think some of it may come as a result of the price.
For a pair of close to $200 pants, I think it’s reasonable to want the pants to be THE pants– everything you want and more.
I’m sure the Lightweight Travel Pants will get there with a few adjustments; but overall, I’m pretty happy with how mine fits and looks on me.
Who is Unbound Merino for?
Unbound Merino is for the modern adventurer who values style and function.
They are travelers who appreciate clothing that is versatile, sustainable, durable, and timeless.
Whether you’ve got a travel job in Southeast Asia working remotely as a digital nomad or you’ve found a job in Antarctica like I did, Unbound Merino is the perfect fit for your on-the-go lifestyle.
FAQs: Unbound Merino Wool Travel Clothes
Is Unbound Merino wool itchy?
No, in fact it’s the complete opposite!
I grew up thinking all wool was itchy but merino wool is super soft and and light.
Unbound Merino wool is also moisture wicking, anti odor, and wrinkle resistant– the trifecta of one-bag/minimalist travel packing!
Does Unbound Merino run big or small?
Unbound Merino runs true to size with a fitted style.
If you’re in between sizes or unsure about clothing that’s slim fit, going up a size will be the best option.
Most of my Unbound Merino clothing is my regular size, though I did size up for the long sleeve shirt for a looser fit.
You can use Unbound’s size guide to find your best fit; it includes a visual guide on how to figure out your measurements as well as body and garment measurements for each item.
How often should I wash Unbound Merino?
This will depend on each person as everyone has different needs.
Personally, I don’t sweat much or have body odor (thanks, Asian genes!).
The type of traveling that I do isn’t super active and I almost always can shower when I need.
I also chose to get Unbound Merino products all in black to hide any stains that might appear along my travels.
So with all those factors in mind, I’ve been able to get quite a few weeks’ worth of wear out of my Unbound Merino clothes before needing to wash them.
However, if you’re someone who regularly deals with body odor or your type of travels don’t allow for regular showers and you’re trekking through a swampy jungle, then you’ll probably need to wash your Unbound Merino clothing more frequently than me.
Just like everything else in your wardrobe or closet, you’ll have to use your best judgement on when it’s time to launder your Unbound items.
Final Thoughts: Is Unbound Merino Worth It?
Unbound Merino provides the perfect solution for travelers and minimalists alike.
With their versatile and travel-friendly clothing, you can pack light while still being prepared for any adventure without sacrificing style or comfort.
For more travel tips, check out these posts:
- Top 35 Practical Travel Gift Ideas For Every Budget
- 31 BEST Jobs That Travel (No Experience Necessary)
Happy travels!
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