In the past year or so since we have been travelling more often, I have been aiming to reduce my travel kit as much as possible. Multi-function clothes, devices and shoes are a must when you only take a backpack. I had been considering a travel shirt for a while. I came across the Kuhl Kiley women’s travel shirt and loved the breathable features. Pretty smitten by the look, I had to give it a try; my Poland/Amsterdam trip was the perfect opportunity to give it a good trial too.
Women’s travel shirt
You might well have known about the existence of women’s travel shirts, but as someone not into clothes (for more than the basics) I was new to this scene of clothing. To say it has been a bit of a revelation in my life is not even an understatement. The first thing that stood out for me was how normal the shirt looked. I am not quite sure what I expected from a travel shirt, but I don’t think it was looking like a very well-tailored one which wouldn’t look out-of-place in the office. There are breathable and stretchy panels on each side, which make it very comfortable to wear.
Features
The more I look into clothing for all occasions, the more I have started to look at the features and materials. The Kuhl Kiley shirt is simple to look at yet boasts plenty of features. The breathable side panels that I mentioned earlier help to keep you cool in the hottest of weathers and the roll up sleeves give you that alternative – yet still provide you with coverage when you need it. The biggest feature for me is the high collar. Not only does it remind me of my favourite Ben Sherman style shirts, but it also gave my neck some much-needed shelter from the midday all-day intense sun while exploring Lodz.
Comfort and wear
30C heat and walking for miles with no shade is a great way to test a shirt for comfort and wear. I found that I was far happier spending long periods of time outdoors in the sunshine as the shirt not only covered my neck, arms and chest, but it also boasts UPF 50 which kept even more sun from my pale skin. I didn’t get burned or overly sweaty on any of the days that I was out adventuring.
The fabric blend gives you more than enough stretch for it to be comfortable while you’re moving about or stretching back to your pack for some water. This, I have since learned, is also very beneficial for keeping the shape of the garment through wear and washing. (think about how quickly your general cheapy leggings get knees in them) The organic cotton is fantastic for wicking away moisture too. I can absolutely contest to this as I had to ‘dry’ my back at every stop. It was usually dry in the time it took me to drink a cuppa from my flask, which was excellent, and I also noted that it didn’t hold onto any unpleasant sweat pongs too. So much so, I could still visit a museum/gallery without causing anyone to pass out with my smell!
All the travel
Since giving the Kiley travel shirt a good trial in Lodz and Amsterdam, it has become a firm favourite in my wardrobe and been on may a journey with me. Not only for the comfort, but because it is light, folds down small and also doesn’t crease very much (this might be subjective though, as I don’t iron anything and think it all looks fine!)
On my recent trip to Bristol, my shirt came in perfectly for both wandering the city and for the work photographs. With a professional look and a comfortable travel feel as well.
Final thoughts
I have some pretty strict criteria for the clothes that I hang in my sole single wardrobe and I have to say that after giving the Kuhl Kiley women’s travel shirt a really good trail, I am proud to see it hanging in my wardrobe – the few times that it has been in there. I have word it more than I thought I would imagine. It washes easily, dries fast and is comfortable. And the function of it doesn’t mean that it loses out on style either. This shirt will be featured on me for my staff profile picture for Refill and is sure to be in my bag or my back for all my upcoming trips.
Thinking about whether there are any downsides to it or anything that I would change, I don’t think there is. I love everything about it and will certainly buy another one when the time comes for this one to be replaces. Oh and I now have a taste for Kuhl clothes as they fit my bill of multi-functioning, technical and good-looking.
Now I just have to get planning my next trip so I get even more wear from my shirt…
Have you ever tried any Kuhl clothes? Do you have a favourite women’s travel shirt to share with me?
Are you a fan of multi-function clothes? Which do you enjoy?
Let me know in the comments below.