Women who wear shirts.... please share

[DirtAmy]

I have a conference in Porto next year, no prizes for guessing what I'll do afterwards! ;-)
I've been debating whether to post conference clothes ahead/home and finally decided not to. Conferences in my industry are smart-casual with more emphasis on casual. Clean walking boots or lightweight evening sandals will be no problem at the conference. New/unfaded walking trousers would work very well as bottom half. New/unfaded walking tops might even fit in.... but I know walking shirts exist and they look smart.... but I've never worn them. So, women who wear walking shirts instead of T-shirts/tops, what do you look for when buying them?

 

[amancio]

Male technical/walking shirts look fine, and I think women shirts would look fine too, you are lucky to go to Porto!!!

 

[roving_rufus]

The other option is pick up a shirt or two in a charity shop just for the conference, and then recycle or donate them.

 

[DirtAmy]

The other option is pick up a shirt or two in a charity shop just for the conference, and then recycle or donate them.

Oh yes! That is a good option. When I was considering wearing something to abandon, I was thinking of my older clothes that wouldn't be smart enough anymore.

 

[J Willhaus]

I wear a white front button with long sleeves and spf protection as a jacket or sun cover when walking. (From Travelsmith or Magellan or Pro Fishing Gear Columbia brand). Would look fine as a stand alone shirt at a conference I think.

When walking in summer I wear this over a Marino wool T-shirt.

 

[nidarosa]

I wear a Craghoppers nearly-white SPF lightweight button-up shirt as sun protection, and it looked good before I started doing the camino with it ... but I also have a black Columbia Silver Ridge one that I wear as a lightweight top or even jacket/cardi in the evening, that looks smart enough (in my view) to go anywhere and do anything. Even a cheap and cheerful normal shirt for the conference would work as a camino shirt after? If not for walking, then for after, over a vest top. I just look for a lightweight, easy wash, quick dry shirt without too many double layers, like pockets, making it slower to dry. Depends on time of year too I guess, lighter colours for sun protection, darker to not show camino dust ... Enjoy Porto!

 

[trecile]

lighter colours for sun protection, darker to not show camino dust ..

I think black shows dust as much as white. If hiding dust is the goal you want something that's the color of dried dirt - like khaki.

 

[nidarosa]

True, so I only use my black one in the evening for 'dressing up' (such as it is) and all my merino walking tops are shades of grey The white one is nowhere near white anymore though and never will be again, but it is the best thing ever to walk in, so light and cool, and really protects from the sun.

 

[jouffroy47]

I like Royal Robbins expedition hiking shirts. They are quick-drying, wrinkle resistant and have UV protection. I prefer bright colors and prints because I find them cheerful even in inclement weather.

 

[Former member 92300]

Columbia has some nice button down sun shirts that come in many colors, some of which would look fine for a business meeting. Do a search for Columbia Silver Ridge Lite Long Sleeve Shirt. Nice thing is they are UPF 40 for sun protection and they have an airflow vent in the back. I used to wear them all the time for local hiking. They hold up nicely - but I would wear a t-shirt under it to keep it from getting too stinky.

 

[WalkingPlaylist]

I go for the Columbia Button up shirts as well - lightweight, SPF, good to layer, wash up well. They'd work well for what you are doing.

 

[Introibo]

If you started saving now you could buy a Rohan shirt. Good quality, long lasting, quick drying, good UPF, smart casual. "Sit down before you ask" expensive, but Rohan do have frequent sales

 

[raincitygal]

I wore an Ex Officio light khaki button up shirt with 50 SPF September to October, worked great, would look smart enough I would think

 

[Tincatinker]

If you started saving now you could buy a Rohan shirt. Good quality, long lasting, quick drying, good UPF, smart casual. "Sit down before you ask" expensive, but Rohan do have frequent sales

I still have, and wear the Rohan Traveller two-piece suit I bought in the '80's. Still good enough for the odd wedding or funeral

 

[jenwearing]

I have a conference in Porto next year, no prizes for guessing what I'll do afterwards! ;-)
I've been debating whether to post conference clothes ahead/home and finally decided not to. Conferences in my industry are smart-casual with more emphasis on casual. Clean walking boots or lightweight evening sandals will be no problem at the conference. New/unfaded walking trousers would work very well as bottom half. New/unfaded walking tops might even fit in.... but I know walking shirts exist and they look smart.... but I've never worn them. So, women who wear walking shirts instead of T-shirts/tops, what do you look for when buying them?

I shipped a box of clothing (not quite banker box but definitely bigger than a shoe box) from Spain back to Vancouver and it was €28 and totally worth it to have the right clothes for my work trip portion of a Europe stay.
That’s said, I’m sure you can find amazing things in the charity shop there if you need to supplement a technical wardrobe and then re-donate the things after.

 

[Jodean]

I wear long sleeve, cotton blouses. You can roll up the sleeves when it gets hot, they are easy to wash and dry quickly. My 1st Camino, I bought2 hiking blouses, now, I just wear regular ones, that I would wear at home.
This past spring, it was pretty cold, so bought a turtle neck, long sleeve t-shirt to wear underneath my blouse, at one of the China bazaars in Logrono. For 7€, it did the trick.

Shopping at 2nd hand stores is fun and am always on the look out for another blouse that can be worn on the Camino and at home.

 

[Former member 92300]

I already gave my serious reply - but had to reply again - every time I see this thread title I laugh! I am hoping most women are wearing some sort of a shirt on the Camino! Do we have a lot of shirtless women that I missed on my 2 caminos? Sorry - just keeps making me laugh. But obviously - the rest of the post was clear what the OP meant!

 

[gittiharre]

I have a conference in Porto next year, no prizes for guessing what I'll do afterwards! ;-)
I've been debating whether to post conference clothes ahead/home and finally decided not to. Conferences in my industry are smart-casual with more emphasis on casual. Clean walking boots or lightweight evening sandals will be no problem at the conference. New/unfaded walking trousers would work very well as bottom half. New/unfaded walking tops might even fit in.... but I know walking shirts exist and they look smart.... but I've never worn them. So, women who wear walking shirts instead of T-shirts/tops, what do you look for when buying them?

3/4 sleeves are great for protection from sunburn. Fabric needs to be lightweight, quick drying, but not plastic in feel...some are and are awful to wear. I am an apple shape, so prefer a loose fit with partial zip, not buttons as they pop.
REI have a huge range.

 

[C clearly]

lighter colours for sun protection, darker to not show camino dust

Dark colours provide better sun protection, as explained here. On the other hand, darker colours absorb more heat, so you might think they feel hotter. However, here is an interesting article on the topic, including an explanation of why Bedouins in the Sinai desert wear black robes.

I have recently made a shirt of a silk-cotton blend that I am keen to try on a Camino. However, I'm afraid that it might not stand up to the friction of my backpack.

 

[J Willhaus]

Just a reminder, you can almost always leave something in the "give away" box at an albergue if you find it isn't right or you don't need/want it any more.

 

[DJwalKing]

Columbia has some nice button down sun shirts that come in many colors, some of which would look fine for a business meeting. Do a search for Columbia Silver Ridge Lite Long Sleeve Shirt. Nice thing is they are UPF 40 for sun protection and they have an airflow vent in the back. I used to wear them all the time for local hiking. They hold up nicely - but I would wear a t-shirt under it to keep it from getting too stinky.

On sale today on Columbia site -- 25% off!

 

[DJwalKing]

I already gave my serious reply - but had to reply again - every time I see this thread title I laugh! I am hoping most women are wearing some sort of a shirt on the Camino! Do we have a lot of shirtless women that I missed on my 2 caminos? Sorry - just keeps making me laugh. But obviously - the rest of the post was clear what the OP meant!

I had the same response to the title @jeanineonthecamino!

 

[Jill PetersGee]

I have a conference in Porto next year, no prizes for guessing what I'll do afterwards! ;-)
I've been debating whether to post conference clothes ahead/home and finally decided not to. Conferences in my industry are smart-casual with more emphasis on casual. Clean walking boots or lightweight evening sandals will be no problem at the conference. New/unfaded walking trousers would work very well as bottom half. New/unfaded walking tops might even fit in.... but I know walking shirts exist and they look smart.... but I've never worn them. So, women who wear walking shirts instead of T-shirts/tops, what do you look for when buying them?

I love the Orvis shirts, they are quick drying, don't wrinkle, look fresh. Hawaiian rip stop wrap skirt was my evening go to on the camino. Title nine has awesome sun dresses, good for travel. You can also porter a bag ahead. I did the camino in 2019 with my brother, in 2023 will be doing the Camino Frances with my husband. Occasionally staying at some nicer places, so will porter a duffle ahead, so can bring some evening clothes, ie sundress, polo tops, etc for nicer establishments. All quick dry.

 

[Anamiri]

I have a conference in Porto next year, no prizes for guessing what I'll do afterwards! ;-)
I've been debating whether to post conference clothes ahead/home and finally decided not to. Conferences in my industry are smart-casual with more emphasis on casual. Clean walking boots or lightweight evening sandals will be no problem at the conference. New/unfaded walking trousers would work very well as bottom half. New/unfaded walking tops might even fit in.... but I know walking shirts exist and they look smart.... but I've never worn them. So, women who wear walking shirts instead of T-shirts/tops, what do you look for when buying them?

In the interests of trying to limit sun damage on my arms (a losing battle, I think the damage is already done) I have started wearing a loose white cotton shirt over my T shirt when walking. I have just bought them from charity shops, cheap, already worn and soft, with rollable cuffs. Sometimes I've cut the cuffs off and overlocked the edge (Im short so the arms are usually too long).

 

[TaraWalks]

I am in Australia, but my go to is the Macpac Eclipse shirt. It's stretchy, light weight and looks nice. They also survive the dryer reasonably well (goodbye bedbugs!) Here is the link for a purple one but I'm pretty sure they release new colours every year - mine is pale green check.

Macpac Women's Eclipse Long Sleeve Shirt

An ultralight long sleeve shirt, designed for summer hiking and general purpose adventuring.

www.macpac.com.au

 

[Sixwheeler]

I'm sure Rohan will be able to offer you something suitable.

 

[Theresa Brandon]

My everyday shirts are Eddie Bauer Mountain. On Camino I wear them over a long sleeve Icebreaker t-shirt. Also look at Duluth Trading.

 

[Sharonih]

I have a conference in Porto next year, no prizes for guessing what I'll do afterwards! ;-)
I've been debating whether to post conference clothes ahead/home and finally decided not to. Conferences in my industry are smart-casual with more emphasis on casual. Clean walking boots or lightweight evening sandals will be no problem at the conference. New/unfaded walking trousers would work very well as bottom half. New/unfaded walking tops might even fit in.... but I know walking shirts exist and they look smart.... but I've never worn them. So, women who wear walking shirts instead of T-shirts/tops, what do you look for when buying them?

I bought Columbia brand shirts which I have since worn in casual dress conferences. Lightweight, quick dry breathable fabric

 

[Helen Avoca]

My last Camino I took a Country Road black linen shirt because I was in Paris for a few days first. Beautiful. I wore it over a singlet. It would enhance a smart business look. It washed and dried well. Sleeves up or down and collar too, depending on sun and cold.

 

[JennyH94]

Hi @DirtAmy - this is a really interesting thread - thank you for starting it. It’s always useful to hear about Forum members’ clothing ideas and to learn about what worked well.

How about considering long-sleeve lightweight golf tops as an option? Though I’m not a golfer I like golf gear as a lot of it looks really smart and doesn’t announce “I’m a hiking shirt” at a conference or when in a city.

Prior to my VDLP/Sanabres camino earlier this year I bought this golf top -



It’s super-lightweight, SPF 50 and the underside of the sleeves are a very soft meshy fabric which made it very airy and cool to wear.

I’m also a fan of the Columbia button-down long-sleeve hiking shirts - I had one of these as my other walking top this year. For all the reasons fellow Forum members have stated above, I found it to be a great shirt. To zhoosh up the hiking shirt at the conference you could always add a filmy scarf - no weight for the extra style and it’s a perky look. Check out Diane Keaton who really knows how to accessorize with a scarf!

Have a terrific time at the conference and take joy in every step on your Portuguese camino -

Cheers from Oz -

Jenny

 

[Former member 104756]

I think black shows dust as much as white. If hiding dust is the goal you want something that's the color of dried dirt - like khaki.

Exactly @trecile One of my favourite (and oldest) pair of zip off hiking pants are Outdoor Research - the colour is called Mud. Perfect for dry dust and wet dirt.

 

[Former member 104756]

To zhoosh up the hiking shirt at the conference you could always add a filmy scarf - no weight for the extra style and it’s a perky look.

@JennyH94 I think you know I'm also a fan of a good scarf or two on the camino - or pretty much anywhere else. Great for an added layer around the neck when it's cold and for sun protection on neck and shoulders. Not to forget 'zhooshing' hiking gear for 'evening' wear. And my shesh from Morocco is also a great quick drying towel.

 

[ginniek]

I think black shows dust as much as white. If hiding dust is the goal you want something that's the color of dried dirt - like khaki.

Now I know the truth about REALLY why I have several khaki/olive shirts. I had been telling people who asked that they are in solidarity with the president of Ukraine.

 

[DirtAmy]

Oh wow! I have so many options to look into. Thank you all so so much!

What's also tickled me is that the mention of Columbia shirts has reminded me that I did have a walking shirt when I was 19, it was the early days of online shopping so it came from the US and it was a Columbia shirt. I used it for field school and travelling. Time to relive youth and shirt up!

I already gave my serious reply - but had to reply again - every time I see this thread title I laugh! I am hoping most women are wearing some sort of a shirt on the Camino! Do we have a lot of shirtless women that I missed on my 2 caminos? Sorry - just keeps making me laugh. But obviously - the rest of the post was clear what the OP meant!

Oooops, must remember my global English. ;-p

 

[henrythedog]

If you started saving now you could buy a Rohan shirt. Good quality, long lasting, quick drying, good UPF, smart casual. "Sit down before you ask" expensive, but Rohan do have frequent sales

Pretty much every day if my email feed is to be believed. The Readers’ Digest are less persistent.

Great products; but the ‘house style’ doesn’t suit everyone. I wear their clothing virtually daily, but have never been mistaken for a fashion-victim.

 

[deniseketcham]

Like another jouffroy47 mentioned I like Royal Robbins. They have some very nice patterned travel shirts that look classier than Colombia, with all of the right properties.

 

[Wirewalker]

I have a conference in Porto next year, no prizes for guessing what I'll do afterwards! ;-)
I've been debating whether to post conference clothes ahead/home and finally decided not to. Conferences in my industry are smart-casual with more emphasis on casual. Clean walking boots or lightweight evening sandals will be no problem at the conference. New/unfaded walking trousers would work very well as bottom half. New/unfaded walking tops might even fit in.... but I know walking shirts exist and they look smart.... but I've never worn them. So, women who wear walking shirts instead of T-shirts/tops, what do you look for when buying them?

Skirts (not skorts) are much better than pants and shorts! Why? Because it is much easier to take a modest pee, without exposing your backside. And take 2 small plastic bags - one for a small amount of unused toilet paper, and another for used paper, which you will discard when you find a trash can.

 

[C clearly]

Skirts (not skorts) are much better than pants and shorts! Why? Because it is much easier to take a modest pee, without exposing your backside. And take 2 small plastic bags - one for a small amount of unused toilet paper, and another for used paper, which you will discard when you find a trash can.

Good suggestions, but maybe we can keep this discussion above the waist! (I suspect that you read quickly and misread "skirts" instead of "shirts." I did the same at first.)

Here is a thread with suggestions for relieving yourself and another one about skorts versus skirts.

 

[Kanga]

We are all keen to make everything we take have dual functions, but I've yet to find a way of turning a skirt into a shirt!

(I also misread shirt for skirt when I first saw the thread).

And my twopence worth - I now wear think merino long sleeve tops (and walk in spring and autumn) but when I walked in the middle of summer I wore an ordinary but comfortable cotton shirt.

 

[dbier]

I have used 5-11 Tactical when they're on sale.

 

[J Willhaus]

Also consider taking some clothes that perhaps you can leave at your conference hotel for a small fee and pick up on your way back?

 

[Helen Avoca]

Country Road. Weeks in, still looking good. It will be a regular addition. $100. No need for specialised walking shirts imo.

 

[Kanga]

Country Road. Weeks in, still looking good. It will be a regular addition. $100. No need for specialised walking shirts imo.

Yes, I think mine was a Country Road too. I love that brand. I have just looked at their website and see some beautiful fine linen ones. They would be great hiking shirts and would still look good for business (with an iron making the difference!)

 

[Kanga]

The other brand I like is Sportscraft. Don't know if it is only Australian. They make beautiful Liberty print shirts. They would also be good, because the prints would hide any dirt or wrinkles.

 

[witsendwv]

I carry Carve Designs Dylan gauze shirts when traveling- walking or not. They are very light and quick drying and the sleeves button up. I wear them walking to protect from the sun, then wash them for the evenings.

 

[WGroleau]

The other option is pick up a shirt or two in a charity shop just for the conference, and then recycle or donate them.

For what it's worth … I don't know about Porto, but in Spain, charity shops are nearly nonexistent.

 

[Wanderingfriend]

I have a conference in Porto next year, no prizes for guessing what I'll do afterwards! ;-)
I've been debating whether to post conference clothes ahead/home and finally decided not to. Conferences in my industry are smart-casual with more emphasis on casual. Clean walking boots or lightweight evening sandals will be no problem at the conference. New/unfaded walking trousers would work very well as bottom half. New/unfaded walking tops might even fit in.... but I know walking shirts exist and they look smart.... but I've never worn them. So, women who wear walking shirts instead of T-shirts/tops, what do you look for when buying them?

I bought a hiking shirt from Columbia Spirtswear. It was super light, dried quickly. I liked that it covered my arms so I didn’t have to put sunscreen on my arms. It had vents in the right places and was actually cooler than my shirt sleeve option.

 

[Perambulating Griffin]

The other option is pick up a shirt or two in a charity shop just for the conference, and then recycle or donate them.

Yes, as one who conferences... I like this option... because the truth is: technical shirts look fine, but by the end of a camino hey stink. Yes they DO. Just because pilgrims go nose blind.... does not mean that the tech fabrics don't stink. And yes... women sweat on camino... and frequently enough have that special "anxiety" stink in public speaking scenarios.
Hit a charity shop, get a decent shirt... go to the conference. And yeah... I agree about the trousers and the casual/sturdy shoes being just fine.
As a PS... I have found that Calvin Klein makes a bra that I can use just as nicely for dress wear as for hiking. It is very light-weight. has removable (stupid) thin padding, can be criss-cross straps or not...
And provides the balance between supportive and dressy.

 

[Camino Madonna]

Yes, I think mine was a Country Road too. I love that brand. I have just looked at their website and see some beautiful fine linen ones. They would be great hiking shirts and would still look good for business (with an iron making the difference!)

Me three! No need for tactical shirt - Country Road linen shirt often on sale & a range of colours. I wore a stone colour (with icebreaker black singlet under on cooler spring days) right across Camino - great sun protection, light & breathable, quick dry & can dress it up (I wear it in my corporate job)

 

[Heather Pihl]

I have a conference in Porto next year, no prizes for guessing what I'll do afterwards! ;-)
I've been debating whether to post conference clothes ahead/home and finally decided not to. Conferences in my industry are smart-casual with more emphasis on casual. Clean walking boots or lightweight evening sandals will be no problem at the conference. New/unfaded walking trousers would work very well as bottom half. New/unfaded walking tops might even fit in.... but I know walking shirts exist and they look smart.... but I've never worn them. So, women who wear walking shirts instead of T-shirts/tops, what do you look for when buying them?

Choose quick dry shirts. Wash one at night and it will be dry by the next morning! Ditto for underwear.

 

[ChrisGall]

I have a conference in Porto next year, no prizes for guessing what I'll do afterwards! ;-)
I've been debating whether to post conference clothes ahead/home and finally decided not to. Conferences in my industry are smart-casual with more emphasis on casual. Clean walking boots or lightweight evening sandals will be no problem at the conference. New/unfaded walking trousers would work very well as bottom half. New/unfaded walking tops might even fit in.... but I know walking shirts exist and they look smart.... but I've never worn them. So, women who wear walking shirts instead of T-shirts/tops, what do you look for when buying them?

I wore an REI Sahara long sleeved "hiking shirt" every day on my 3-week Camino. I bought the nice muted soft medium green color, wore it over a tank top or tshirt, with either a pair of black tights or skinny, stretchy athliesure pants. Altra Lone Peak 6 hiking shoes (ankle boots). Could have attended your conference thusly attired. The shirt comes in various colors and is comfortable and attractive.

 

[Bella2017]

I have a pale blue craghoppers and a Rohan shirt. I think they look good. They dry overnight and are comfortable

 

[DLJ]

I have a conference in Porto next year, no prizes for guessing what I'll do afterwards! ;-)
I've been debating whether to post conference clothes ahead/home and finally decided not to. Conferences in my industry are smart-casual with more emphasis on casual. Clean walking boots or lightweight evening sandals will be no problem at the conference. New/unfaded walking trousers would work very well as bottom half. New/unfaded walking tops might even fit in.... but I know walking shirts exist and they look smart.... but I've never worn them. So, women who wear walking shirts instead of T-shirts/tops, what do you look for when buying them?

My wife wears long sleeve, quick dry, hiking shirts, for a high end Paris restaurant, she adds a nice scarf.

 

[Helen Avoca]

My wife wears long sleeve, quick dry, hiking shirts, for a high end Paris restaurant, she adds a nice scarf.

Gotta love the scarf. Ooh la la.

 

[Kanga]

The scarf is a great save. My problem for post camino dressing, is the shoes. Scruffy old sandals are not suitable for dinner out in Paris. I'm hoping that the new water shoes, that look like a rather smart pair of lightweight sneakers, will be acceptable.

 

[DirtAmy]

Hi all, thank you so much for the discussions above, it gave me so much to consider. As I have a bit of time and I'm reflecting over the past year, I thought I'd give an update in case anyone reads this thread.
So, I actually chose to take some of my own smart shirts with me, shirts that had languished at the back of my wardrobe, always passed over. I had the intention of leaving them behind in Porto. That didn't go to plan....
Three of them, I discovered I really liked and couldn't understand why on earth I hadn't worn them.... I tried to take all three home. A really bad idea. Although I initially loved having something different to wear in the evening, you can imagine the extra weight of three shirts that got soaked one day and never really dried.
I ended up bringing one home. When I occasionally wear it, it always makes me chuckle wryly to myself and reminds me to plunge my hand to the back of my wardrobe and, if I'm truly never going to wear something, to pass it to a charity shop while it's still in decent condition and vaguely in style.