Climbing tee-shirts

Short-sleeved, long-sleeved, or sleeveless t-shirts: choosing the right materials

It’s critical to choose a climbing t-shirt made of materials that combine comfort and durability. This is why brands offer numerous models made of various materials to let you choose according to your needs.

Cotton: known for its softness, cotton it a popular choice when it comes to climbing t-shirts. It’s breathable, meaning it lets air circulate, keeping you cool. It’s also hypoallergenic, making it less susceptible to cause rashes. Only drawback, cotton absorbs moisture, which can be a problem during intense sessions, as the t-shirt may remain damp and sticky.

Synthetic: synthetic materials, such as polyester or nylon, are particularly appreciated by climbers. These fibres are durable, abrasion resistant and retain their shape even after being washed multiple times. They’re also excellent for moisture control: they wick perspiration away from the body towards the surface of the fabric, where it can evaporate quickly. The main drawback of synthetic fibre is the fact that it can be less comfortable than cotton.

Cotton and synthetic blends: numerous manufacturers have started offering cotton and synthetic blends to combine the advantages of both. These blends tend to offer the comfort of cotton with the strength and moisture control of synthetic. The exact proportion of each material can vary, to offer various characteristics.

Lyocell: also know under the name of Tencel, Lyocell offers exceptional comfort to climbers thanks to its softness, breathability, and moisture management. Its durability and resistance to wrinkling make it ideal for climbing. Hypoallergenic, it is perfect for sensitive skins. Despite its higher price, it has a lower environmental footprint. It requires less water and power to manufacture and generates less waste. This makes Lyocell an attractive option for environmentally conscious climbers.

Breathability and moisture control

When dealing with climbing apparel, breathability is a key factor. Climbing is an intense physical activity that generate lots of body heat and sweat. A good climbing t-shirt should be capable of effectively wicking moisture away to help you stay dry and comfortable during your entire climb.

Fit and range of motion: for uncompromised freedom of movement

The ideal t-shirt should offer great freedom of movement. Look for t-shirts with an athletic fit that conform to your body shape without being too tight. Some brands also offer climbing t-shirts with raglan sleeves or gussets for greater range of motion.

Durability: invest in a t-shirt that will last

Climbing is hard on your garments. Between friction against the rock surface and overall wear, your climbing t-shirt should withstand the test of time. Look for t-shirts with reinforced seams and abrasion resistant materials.

Style and personality: put your passion on display

Finally, don’t forget that your climbing t-shirt is also a way to express your personality and passion for rock climbing. Whether you prefer a simple and sleek design, or a daring print with a catchy slogan, you’ll find the climbing t-shirt that matches your style and that you can wear even when you’re not climbing.

Millet, Black Diamond, Mammut… a wide choice of brands for men’s and women’s climbing t-shirts

With so many options available, choosing the right climbing t-shirt can be a daunting task. However, by taking key elements such as materials, breathability, fit, durability and style into account, you’re sure to find a t-shirt that improves your climbing performance and enables you to show off your style. The choice is broad, with numerous brands (Millet, Black Diamond, Mammut…) that offer multiple models to let you find what you’re looking for.