At Merino wool gear, we explore, discover, and the best Merino wool clothing on the market. Today, we’ll focus on a functional and fashionable shirt: the henley. So, if you’re looking for a comfy, stylish Merino wool henley to add to your wardrobe, you’ve come to the right place!
This article will review what to look for in a Merino wool henley because it’s more complex than it seems. Moreover, we’ll use these various buying considerations – and our expert knowledge of Merino wool gear – well provide you with five of our favorite Merino henleys.
So whether you’re looking for a basic henley to wear to the office or a more stylish option for weekend wear, there’s bound to be one that fits your style!
Disclosure: Merino Wool Gear DOES NOT sponsor products to maintain our genuineness and authenticity. However, as an affiliate member, we may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.
What To Look For? Merino Henley Buying Guide
Before getting into our top five henley picks, it’s essential to understand the unique features of Merino wool henley. We’ll go over four main criteria – wool composition, fabric weight, fit & style, and price – so that you can make the best buying decision for you!
Merino Wool Composition
Merino wool is a natural fiber known for its softness, breathability, and moisture-wicking properties. It is also naturally odor-resistant, making it an excellent choice for activewear. However, pure Merino wool can be susceptible to snagging and pilling, especially if worn in activities involving a lot of rubbing or friction.
Some brands blend merino wool with synthetic fibers, such as nylon or polyester, to address this. This mixture helps improve the fabric’s strength and durability while retaining the moisture-wicking and odor-resistant properties of Merino wool. For example, Scientists found that a 50/50 wool-nylon blend had a tensile strength of 15000 psi, while a 100% merino wool fabric had a tensile strength of only 250 psi. That means blended Merino fabric is 60 times stronger than pure Merino wool fabric!
Buying Tips: Merino Wool Composition
- Choose a henley with at least 75% merino wool.
- Pure Merino wool does feel softer than blended fabrics
- Look for Merino wool sourced from ethical and sustainable farms.
Fabric Weight
It’s important to understand that henleys come in various fabric weights. This measure – often seen in grams per square meter (gsm) – gauges the thickness of the fabric. Ultralight fabrics (<150 gsm) tend to do better in hot weather as they are more breathable, while mid-to-heavyweight materials (225+ gsm) work better as outerwear for milder conditions.
Although, fabric weight isn’t the only factor contributing to temperature regulation. Some of these henleys have a waffle-knit construction that creates warm air pockets, keeping the skin warm. And since they are lightweight, they have an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio, perfect for outdoor performance.
If you want to understand better how to layer with which material weight, one of our favorite Merino wool brands, Minus33, has put together an excellent guide on how fabric weight affects layering. Check out the abridged version below, or visit their site to learn more.
Buying Tips: Fabric Weight
- If you live in a cold climate, choose a henley of at least 200 gsm (or waffle-knit construction).
- If you live in a warm climate, choose a henley with a fabric weight of 160 gsm or less.
- Lighter fabrics also make excellent base layers.
Fit & Style
Henleys are a tremendous in-between shirt. You get the style and formality of a polo with the performance of a tee. Moreover, that extra bit of ventilation from the placket throws in a touch of personal style.
Some people prefer a relaxed, baggy fit, while others like a slimmer next-to-skin construction. Just be sure to get the fit and style that works for you.
And for gosh sake, get a good color. Not all brands have the same color, but most have the same neutral colors. It’s one of the reasons Merino wool henleys are so versatile!
Buying Tips: Fit & Style
- Choose a henley that fits you well and is flattering for your body type.
- Consider the style of the henley. Crewneck, v-neck, or scoop neck? Long sleeves or short?
- Choose a slightly oversized size if you plan to wear your henley for top layering.
Price
Some price tags may seem outrageous if you’re new to the Merino world. And that’s a valid concern. It is one of the few disadvantages of Merino wool.
I’m not here to judge a brand’s pricing structure, simply the quality of their clothing. However, if their level of quality falls below their offering price, I’ll be the first one to tell you. And on the flip side, we’ll always tell you about underpriced gear that will get the most bang for your buck.
Although, price is ultimately in the eye of the beholder. So, if you want an out-of-budget henley, wait on it. Brands offer steep holiday deals and up-to-25% discounts for first-time buyers.
Or, you can do what I do and text my wife “gift ideas for future me” every week!
Buying Tips: Price
- Merino henleys can range in price from $50 to $200.
- Find a henley that fits your budget and your needs.
- Don’t be afraid to shop around and compare prices.
Editor’s Top Pick: Best Merino Wool Henley
Wool & Prince Long Sleeve Henley
78% Merino, 22% Nylon | 160 gsm | Slim fit | 6 colors | Price: $$$
Pros: Engineered fabric design | Fantastic Moisture Management | Professional, versatile style
Cons: Some sizing discrepancies | Long sleeves
You’re missing out if you aren’t wearing Wool & Prince clothing. They create some of the highest-quality, most professional Merino wool clothing we’ve tested. And one of our favorite pieces in their collection is the comfy, versatile 78/22 henley.
As noted in the specs, this henley is 78% Merino wool and 22% nylon. And Wool & Prince uses a unique manufacturing technique, wrapping these nylon filaments around a Merino wool core. This synthetic lattice makes the fabric more tear-resistant, maintains its shape for longer, and is less prone to pilling. Ultimately, you get a high-quality, long-lasting, easy-to-launder shirt.
But what I love the most about this henley is its versatility. You can wear it with jeans or chinos for a night out or with shorts bumming around the house. The lightweight (160 gsm) fabric does well managing the moisture of your microclimate. That means you can wear this all four seasons and rarely break a sweat! Still, if you’re looking for more of a cold-weather henley, the Wool & Prince Waffle-Knit Henley might be a slightly better option.
So, if you want to add a versatile, comfy, and stylish piece of gear to your wardrobe, a Wool & Prince Henley is an excellent choice. Click below to head over to Wool & Prince’s site to grab one for yourself!
Best Merino Wool Henley For The Outdoors
Duckworth Polaris Henley
80% Merino, 20% Polyester | 175 gsm | Relaxed fit | 2 colors | Price: $$$$$
Pros: Warmth-to-Weight ratio | Mini waffle-knit construction | Sourced & made in USA
Cons: Limited color options | Expensive
Listen: the Duckworth Polaris Henley will be a game-changer if you’re an outdoorsman. The fabric is lightweight (175 gsm) yet constructed in a mini waffle-knit design. Therefore, warm air is trapped next to your skin, even in freezing temperatures. Now you throw on Merino wool’s temperature regulation properties and get one hard-working, lightweight, warm shirt!
Unlike most Merino wool from Australian sheep, Duckworth sources their wool from sheep (a close cousin of the Merino) at the Helle Ranch in Dillon, MT. This uniqueness gives their clothing a cold-weather advantage as the sheep produce wool that evolved to withstand the ever-changing temperature of the Rocky Mountains.
Moreover, every process involved in manufacturing occurs within America. Even the polyester – added to improve durability – comes from American sources. So, every aspect of your henley is made and stays within the USA, from their farm to your closet.
Still, all of this USA-made comfort and performance comes at a cost. The Duckworth Polaris henley is the most expensive of our picks. However, if you wear it as intended – as a rugged outdoor shirt – it’s 100% worth the price.
Best Merino Wool Henley For Travel
Proof 72-Hour Merino Henley
87% Merino, 13% Nylon | ~180 gsm | Slim fit | 8 colors | Price: $$$$
Pros: Versatile travel layer | Supersoft 16.5-micron fibers | Available in a variety of colors
Cons: Fit discrepancies | Must launder with care
The Proof 72-Hour henley – which also comes in a short-sleeve version – has one feature I’ve grown to love: the snap-button placket. It’s a cleaner, more minimal style. And there are eight neutral, versatile color options; you can match this shirt with nearly any outfit. And when you’re traveling, you can pack fewer clothes and have more adventures!
The fabric is also naturally odor-resistant, so you can wear it multiple days without washing it. That’s where the ‘72-Hour‘ name comes from. And if you’re only taking a quick trip or weekend getaway, you may never have to take it off! Moreover, the 180-gsm, 16.5-micron Merino wool fabric is soft, breathable, and moisture-wicking.
Although when laundry time does eventually come around, treat this henley with care. Some users report the shirt may shrink or pill with improper care. To be safe, avoid the dryer, flat-drying on a towel instead. And if you’re on the road, you can always find the nearest sink, grab a bar of travel soap, and handwash it. Still, rinse thoroughly to avoid chemical residue on the natural wool fibers. For more wool care tips, visit our comprehensive care guide.
The Proof 72-Hour henley is perfect for one-bag travelers, digital nomads, city hoppers, and those who occasionally like to escape it all. Head over to Huckberry to see Proof’s latest Merino wool lineup.
Best Short-Sleeve Merino Wool Henley
Woolly Henley Short Sleeve
100% Merino Wool | 190 gsm | Modern Fit | 5 colors | Price: $$$
Pros: Our favorite ‘looks-acceptable-in-public’ shirt | Front pocket design | Relatively affordable
Cons: Long-term durability concerns | Sizing discrepancies
A short-sleeve Merino wool henley replaces the ratty old tees you’ve been wearing for years. With one piece of clothing, you get the style of a polo and the versatility of a tee, and you get all the soft, odor-fighting properties of Merino wool. So if you’re looking to replace all you’re going-out-in-public shirts, you’ve got to give this Woolly short sleeve henley some love.
I like the heavier 190 gsm fabric – which Woolly calls “Everyday Weight” – as some lighter henleys can feel too thin. This one has a more versatile weight for indoor spaces. It’s light enough to breathe yet heavy enough to keep you comfortable in inclement weather. And since the pure Merino wool fabric is more delicate than its blended competitors, its thickness contributes to its strength. Although, watch out for potential ‘snag points‘ as wearing a torn shirt in public is never a good look.
Due to the style and fabric weight, the Woolly short sleeve polo is a perfect shirt for daily wear. You can rock it in the park, to the office, or even to the bar. There’s even a front chest pocket. It truthfully is an all-in-one versatile shirt, all at a reasonable price. So, head over to Woolly to see if they have a short sleeve henley in your color!
Best Budget Merino Wool Henley
Meriwool Base Layer Henley
100 % Merino wool | 190 gsm | Next-to-Skin Fit | 8 colors | Price: $$
Pros: Top-notch price-to-quality ratio | Offset shoulder seams | Multiple colors & patterns available
Cons: Not the most stylish | Works best as under layer
Some of the best Merino wool henleys can be pricey. It’s just the way it is. Well, that is the way it is most of the time. Some brands, like Meriwool, focus on creating high-quality, bare-bones Merino clothing for less. And, of course, they make the least expensive henley on this list!
Still, that’s not to say this henley is of poor quality. Meriwool uses some of the softest, 16.5-micron Merino wool fibers in their fabric. It’s just a simple, versatile henley made of pure Merino wool! That’s why this henley, and much of Meriwool’s collection, have some of the best price-to-quality ratios on the market. They offer high-quality clothing for less, and they’re proud of it.
And sure, this henley may not be the most stylish of our picks, but it gets the job done. It looks OK with jeans or chinos and goes well with almost any footwear (but Merino wool shoes are better, of course). Still, it’s best as a base layer whenever you need extra ventilation. Just throw a jacket over the top for the perfect fall outfit!
Finally, even though this henley costs less, it’s still designed well. Meriwool offsets the shoulder seams from the top to the front, reducing chafing from backpack straps and improving arm mobility. It’s the best-budget Merino wool henley for hikers, backpackers, explorers, and travelers.
So scratch that adventure itch in itch-free comfort with the Meriwool base layer henley!
Final Note On Merino Wool Henleys
These Merino wool henleys genuinely add a personal touch to your wardrobe. Whether you prefer snap buttons or traditional ones, long sleeves or short, pure Merino or blended, we’re sure one of our top five picks will fit all your henley needs!
Remember our buying tips, as our mission is to help you find the best Merino wool gear for you. We don’t care what you wear, how you find it, or what brand it is – as long as it’s Merino wool.
And if you didn’t find a henley today that ‘wowed‘ you, we get it. The style is only for a select few. But you can always contact us on the socials below if you’re still on the fence or want something more specific. We’ll do our best to respond to all your Merino wool inquiries!
Finally, if you want to learn more about the beautiful world of Merino wool, poke around our site a little while you’re procrastinating at work or doom-scrolling past your bedtime. We won’t bite. You can also sign-up for our newsletter for the latest Merino wool deals, news, and reviews.
Thanks again for reading, and make sure to ‘Join the Flock‘ today!