Shirts and vests

T-shirts

A cotton t-shirt is the traditional option that works best when you don’t sweat, or when it’s guaranteed warm enough that a wet shirt won’t matter. Cotton feels good against the skin as long as it stays dry. Once wet, it starts to feel cold and takes a long time to dry out.

Technical training tops

Sports tops are usually made from various synthetic fibres. The advantage of these materials is excellent moisture wicking: sweat evaporates quickly from the surface of the fabric. Sports tops also dry very fast. Running tops come in both very tight and looser cuts, while cycling jerseys lean more heavily towards close-fitting models. A flapping top is certainly airy to wear, but on a long ride the flapping starts to grate. Cycling jerseys also usually have pockets on the back. Front pockets are out of the question because of the pedalling motion, whereas on the back your phone and water bottles carry easily.

The magic of merino wool

Merino wool is used widely in t-shirts, whether short- or long-sleeved. Merino wool is very pleasant against the skin and suits an incredible range of situations and weather conditions, because wool evens out temperature differences. Wool also keeps you warm when damp, unlike technical fibres. Another unbeatable advantage of merino wool is how little washing it needs: wool naturally resists odour build-up, and merino wool tops are extremely comfortable on hikes and while travelling. Remember to use a wool detergent when washing merino wool garments, so the wool is treated gently! Ordinary detergents strip the wool of its natural oil, lanolin, and with it some of its properties.

Button-up shirts

A button-up shirt made from technical material works brilliantly on hikes: it gives light wind protection, excellent sun protection and breathes very well. The collar also helps with sun protection: turn it up and it shields your neck from the sun. The chest pockets on this kind of shirt quickly prove handy in use, too: a compass or other small bits and pieces stay within easy reach.

The flannel shirt didn’t stay behind in the 90s, and it’s still a good option for many situations. Flannel shirts used to be cotton as a matter of course, but these days they’re also made from technical materials. The checked pattern, however, is here to stay.

Wool jumpers and knitwear

The traditional wool jumper holds its own even against synthetic fibres, thanks to the properties of wool. Our range includes both classic Devold wool jumpers and more modern options. Wool jumpers are warmer than fleece but also heavier. It’s largely a matter of style: both will keep you warm.

Classic style: vests

A vest is a handy option when you need protection around your core but your arms stay warm without it. The lightest vests are essentially hi-vis vests, whose main job is to be seen and, secondarily, to give some protection from the wind. There are also so-called safari vests whose key roles include adding pocket capacity to your outfit: photographers and anglers, among others, use vests for exactly this reason.

Order now from a specialist store!

Scandinavian Outdoor supplies shirts, knits and vests.