Are These The Best Travel Clothes? My Unbound Merino Review

I’ve never been one of those gear-crazy travelers. I like to pack light and keep things simple. That means no fancy drones, big DSLR cameras, big headphones, GoPros, or hiking boots. If it doesn’t fit in my 40L backpack, it stays at home.

That’s why you don’t see me writing posts on gear or suitcases. I’m a simple person: I get one backpack, throw some clothes in it, and go.

But clothes…well, clothes are important. I abuse my clothes a lot. I only carry a few clothes and they sweat, wash and dry too much, and wear out. On most long-term trips, I come home with a few fewer clothes than I brought with me.

The one species that resists my abuse? Open Merino. I’ve been wearing their clothes on the road (and at home) for years.

I met the founder at an event in Toronto about eight years ago and he said, “Look at these clothes!” and I was like, “Sure,” because I wanted to be beautiful.

But I ended up loving them. They held up in the shower, were light and breathable, and fit really well,

So, in this post, I’m going to talk about what makes them different and why I think you should get them.

What is Unbound Merino?

Unbound is a small, independent clothing company that started in Canada. As avid travelers, the founders quickly realized that streetwear needed to be durable, versatile, and comfortable.

At that time, merino wool (from merino sheep, which produces ultrafine wool) was only used for functional clothing. While those kinds of clothes are fine for hiking, they’re not the kind of clothes you might want to wear on a hiking trip in Southeast Asia or visiting museums in Europe.

But Unbound took the versatile fabric of merino wool and used it to create a line of travel clothing suitable for all types of trips, from backpacking trips to weekend getaways.

Their goal was to design shirts that would last a long time. Sure, that means they’re more expensive, but you’re paying for quality and durability. In the long run, that will save you money (and it’s better for the planet).

I’ve been wearing strapless dresses for about eight years now and I’ve never been disappointed. Sturdy, comfortable, and stylish — everything I want when I travel!

What I love about Unbound

These travel clothes are one of the most versatile items on the market. Made from merino wool, unbleached Merino clothing can be worn every day for weeks without smelling. Seriously! Since merino wool prevents bacteria, it’s really hard to smell your clothes – even if you’re in a warm place. In fact, one of the cofounders wore the same shirt for 46 days before washing it – and it didn’t smell. That’s crazy!

Clothes can’t wrinkle too, which is great if you only walk around, like me. Putting your clothes in a bag often results in everything being wrinkled and bunched up. By default, that problem is listed.

Additionally, the clothes are very light (again, only suitable for traveling travelers). When you’re on the road for weeks (or months) at a time, every pound counts. Lightweight clothing means you won’t have to lug around a heavy suitcase or backpack. To me, that’s a win.

And finally, the clothes look stylish. The monochrome colors of most of Unbound’s gear make it easy to wear to dinner, museums, hiking, and everything in between.

My Favorite Loose Clothes

Here are a few of my favorite Untied dresses. These are the clothes I bring the most on every trip I take:

Merino Crew Neck T-Shirt – These are my travel shirts. They are comfortable, breathable, and perfect for any environment. They’re casual enough for days at the beach and cute enough to wear to museums or out to dinner. When I travel, I may have a couple in my bag.

Long sleeve Merino Crew – This is a long sleeve version of the shirt above, perfect for cooler temperatures. I wear these when I’m walking around Europe in the evenings or going somewhere when I need something a little more than a t-shirt (while still chilling).

Tour Pants – I’ve worn these when hiking, all over Europe, walking around Asia – you name it. They are the perfect balance of comfort and durability. I bring them on all my trips. I cannot praise them enough.

Benefits of Unwoven Merino Clothing

• High quality, stylish, and versatile
• Odor and wrinkle resistance
• Simple and comfortable
• Breathing and moisture wicking
• Stays warm or wet (helpful when walking in the rainforest or caught in heavy rain)

Cons of Unbound Merino Clothing

• High upfront costs
• It makes sure that your clothes last longer

Unbonded Merino FAQ

Is Unbound Merino mulesing free?
Yes. Mulesing (also known as live lamb cutting) is the removal of pieces of hairy skin from the end of a sheep to prevent diseases caused by foxes. It’s a controversial practice that many see as inhumane, which is why Unbound Merino only works with independent, mule-free farms.

Do woolen clothes itch?
No! Merino wool is different from the traditional type. It is soft and fine, so it does not bite.

How do I wash and care for unbonded Merino garments?
When you feel like your clothes are ready to be washed, you’ll want to turn them inside out to prevent drying and follow the specific instructions on the garment’s label. You can also hand wash your clothes, which can be convenient if you are traveling and only need to wash one item. It is recommended that you place your clothes on a towel or rack to air dry. Never put merino wool clothes in the dryer – they will shrink!

Is there anything wrong with merino wool and unknitted Merino clothing?
Due to their high quality and attention to correct manufacturing processes, Merino Unwoven garments are more expensive than you would pay for a t-shirt or pants. However, as a result, they last longer (and perform better) than cheaper alternatives. You end up spending less money in the long run and you don’t have to buy new clothes as often — which is a win in my book!

I love my Untied clothes. Comfortable, versatile, and stylish, it’s a must for any trip. No matter where you go or what you do, chances are Unbound has something for you. Best of all, new customers get 10% off their first order using this link!