Granted, well-worn sweatpants and hoodies are tempting for long travel days. But I’m a staunch advocate for looking sharp on the fly. Travel, at its best, should be fun and celebratory, and feeling dapper en transit sets the tone for the trip writ large. Hell, in the Golden Age of Jet Travel, gentlemen donned tuxedos and polished their shoes before tucking into champagne and cigars on Pan Am flights. This is not to say you need to dress like Cary Grant on your next redeye on Spirit Airlines. But with the right attire, you can easily strike a balance between form and function, between stylishness and comfort. After all, as my old grandpappy used to say, sometimes you’ll meet the love of your life in the strangest of places — maybe even an airport bar or train station.
These Comfy, Durable T-Shirts Are Perfect For Adventure Travel
A handsome, well-crafted T-shirt, that trusty workhorse of the masculine wardrobe, is my boon companion on long journeys. The ideal travel tee, deceptively hard to nail, should meet three criteria: comfortable, good-looking, and durable enough to weather the inevitable wear and tear of the road. Roark, a brand inspired by adventure travel, just might have succeeded in designing the travel T-shirt, Ne Plus Ultra. Whether traveling for work or pleasure, Roark’s snazzy tees will keep you looking and feeling like a million bucks wherever the winds may carry you.
Roark makes several lineups of travel shirts, from button-downs to casual short-sleeve options. The t-shirts come in a variety of colors, from Dusty Gold to pattern print. Matador believes that Roark’s shirts are a smoking bargain for those who spend ample time on the road (or who aspire to do so).
Need a travel t-shirt that lasts days without needing a wash? Check out Matador’s detailed reviews:
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What to like about Roark t-shirts
Made with high-quality organic cotton, Roark tees are buttery soft, a godsend on long flights or train rides. Better yet, the tightly knit fabric keeps its integrity over time, and you won’t find the tee fraying or shedding loose threads. A welcome upgrade from my cheaper tees, the fabric contains none of the abrasive additives or harsh dyes that irritate sensitive skin. Each tee is pre-washed, so you don’t have to worry about shrinkage or the colors bleeding in the laundry.
Extra space always comes in handy during travel, and the breast pockets, a feature on most Roark tees, conveniently hold bag tags or boarding passes. If you need extra space, say, for toting a passport, pack of smokes, or external charger, Roark’s Layover Pants, sturdy trousers available in neutral hues like khaki and olive, have deep zip-up pockets to keep valuables secure and accessible.
For colors, you can’t go wrong with solid black, charcoal, or navy, but Roark’s dazzling designs are the brand’s true calling card. Each season, Roark partners with different artists from around the world, often renowned graffitists or tattooists, to craft designs fired by wanderlust and inspired by beautiful destinations. Their recent fall collection, crafted in collaboration with legendary Tokyo tattoo artist, Kaname, reflects the clean lines and brilliant hues of irezumi, Japanese tattoo art. Adorned with dragons, oni, and psychedelic landscapes, the patterns call to mind the boutiques in Harajuku, Tokyo’s edgy fashion district.
Why Roark t-shirts are better than competing brands
Running from $35 for simple designs to $55 for more elaborate shirts, these tees are worth every penny. I’m known to be nitpicky when it comes to clothing, but every sartorial purchase from Roark has exceeded my expectations. I do have a penchant for v-neck tees and would be pleased to see Roark offer this cut in the future.
What you get with a Roark t-shirt is a high-quality garment that will last for years, even with rugged use. A search for “travel t-shirts” on Amazon or Google turns up a bounty of options that, regardless of initial price point, are harder on the wallet in the long run due to easier fraying or wear.
For long flights, especially when I need my passport close at hand, I pair the tees with the Layover Pants. With as much real estate as cargo pants, but with pockets subtly tucked inside the inseams, these pants save time and hassle by not having to open bags for high-frequency items at the airport. As I tend to run cold on airplanes, I usually layer a T-shirt with a Roark flannel or jacket, attire following the brand’s same eye-popping designs and meticulous detailing. The long-sleeved tees are another excellent option for extra warmth on a flight.
Are Roark Travel Tees Worth It?
Luxury tees can run you a pretty penny, but Roark’s shirts, for the price point, are the best score in town. Unlike cheap tees that wear out after a year or so, Roark shirts look great for years with proper care. To keep the colors crisp and the fabric intact, go with cold-washing and hang-drying. Like high-quality denim, shirts with intricate designs or bright colors should be washed inside out.
Considering how much we shell out for upgrades like extra legroom or a larger seat, spending a few extra bucks for comfortable travel attire is a no-brainer. Plus, once you’re off the plane and settled into your destination, you’ll look like a rock star even after the stress of a long journey. The trick to looking your finest with a suitcase-limited wardrobe is judiciously choosing versatile garments, and Roark shirts are suitable for just about any occasion. Whether your travels take you to a work convention, dinner with friends, or even a rendezvous with Tinderella in a strange city, Roark’s tees will garner compliments and get you there in style. 