A Merino wool bra is one of the most underrated pieces of natural clothing. At Barefoot Backpackers, we never travel or hike without it. Merino is lightweight, breathable, and naturally odor-resistant, making it excellent for long days on the trail, multi-day travel, and normal wear where comfort really matters. Unlike synthetic sports bras or bralettes, merino wool base layers and underwear regulate body temperature across changing conditions and stay comfortable even when worn repeatedly.
One of the reasons merino wool underwear and bras work so well for hiking and travel is that they rely almost entirely on natural fibers. In this guide, the bras we have selected are made out of 100% Merino wool or a very high percentage of Merino wool. Some designs in this roundup are blended with lyocell, a semi-synthetic plant-based fiber made from sustainably sourced wood pulp. Lyocell adds softness, stretchiness, and enhanced moisture management without relying on petroleum-based synthetics. For garments worn close to the skin, like bras, this combination offers breathability that synthetic fabrics struggle to match.
For hikers, backpackers, and travelers who pack light, a merino wool base layer, underwear, and bras offer a practical balance of support, softness, and performance. Whether you are hiking in warm weather, layering in colder climates, or spending long days in transit, merino wool adapts to your body rather than trapping heat or moisture. That makes it especially useful for trips where laundry access is limited. Below, we break down the best merino wool bras and bra-style alternatives for hiking, travel, and everyday wear.
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At a Glance: Best Merino Wool Bras
- Best Adjustable 100% Merino Bra: Icebreaker Merino Women’s Merino Queens Clasp Bra
- Best Lightweight Everyday 100% Merino Bra with Inserts: Icebreaker Merino 150 Siren Bra with Inserts
- Best Merino Sports Bra: Icebreaker Merino Blend 125 Cool-Lite Sprite Racerback Bra
- Best Merino Wool Tank with Built-In Support: Woolly Women’s Flex Merino Active Tank
- Best Low-Impact Merino Blend Bralette: Smartwool Women’s Merino Blend Bralette
- Best 95% Merino Wool Base Layer Tank: Merino.tech Merino Wool Tank Top
- Best 100% Merino Wool Underwear for Hiking and Travel: Woolly Women’s Merino Wool Bikini Cut Bottoms
Best Merino Wool Bra
This is one of the best merino wool bras for hikers and travelers who want adjustability without sacrificing softness. Made from 100 percent merino wool, the Queens Clasp Bra offers breathable, moisture-wicking comfort for activities like hiking, yoga, walking, and everyday travel. The fabric feels light against the skin and performs well across a wide temperature range.
The adjustable elastic straps and hook-and-bar back closure allow for a secure, customized fit, making this a strong option for longer days on the trail or active travel days. It layers easily under base layers and shirts and stays comfortable even when worn for extended periods.
Key Specs
Material 100 percent merino wool
Support medium support
Closure adjustable hook-and-bar back closure
Fit slim, close-to-body fit
Care machine washable, line dry
The Icebreaker Siren Bra is a versatile option for travel and light hiking where comfort is the priority. Made from a merino corespun fabric, it blends merino wool with nylon and elastane for added durability and stretch. The result is a soft, breathable bra that holds its shape well over time.
Removable padded inserts provide light support and modesty, while the seamless sides help prevent chafing during long wear. This is an excellent choice for travelers who want a merino wool bra that works just as well for walking, yoga, sightseeing, and everyday use.
Key Specs
Fabric 83 percent merino wool, 12 percent nylon, 5 percent elastane
Support light to medium
Features removable padded inserts
Design seamless sides, pull-on style
Care machine wash warm, line dry
Designed for warm conditions and higher output activities, this racerback bra uses Icebreaker’s Cool-Lite fabric, blending merino wool with TENCEL Lyocell. The result is a featherweight, highly breathable bra that manages moisture exceptionally well in heat and humidity.
The open racerback design allows full freedom of movement, making it well suited for hiking, trail walking, yoga, and active travel in hot climates. Flatlock stitching and a no-side-seam design help reduce friction during movement.
Key Specs
Fabric 40 percent merino wool, 56 percent Lyocell, 4 percent elastane
Support light to medium active support
Design racerback with open back
Performance moisture managing, breathable
Care machine wash cold, line dry
While not a traditional bra, this merino wool tank is an excellent alternative for hiking, travel, and everyday wear. Made from 95 percent ultralight Australian merino wool, it features a built-in shelf bra that offers light support without compression.
This is a great option for travelers who prefer fewer layers or want a versatile piece that works on its own or under jackets and sweaters. The fabric is soft, odor resistant, and temperature regulating, making it ideal for long travel days and casual hikes.
Key Specs
Material 95 percent merino wool, 5 percent elastane
Support light shelf support
Fit scoop neck tank design
Certification RWS certified merino wool
Use travel, hiking, layering, everyday wear
The Smartwool Merino Blend Bralette is designed for comfort-focused activities like walking, yoga, and everyday travel. Its seamless construction and racerback design allow for easy movement without pressure points or irritation.
Blending merino wool with TENCEL Lyocell and elastane, this bralette offers moisture management and odor resistance while remaining soft against the skin. It is best suited for low-impact activities and relaxed travel days.
Key Specs
Fabric merino wool and TENCEL Lyocell blend
Support low impact
Design seamless racerback
Fit slim, body-contouring fit
Care machine washable
This 100 percent merino wool tank is a strong base layer option for hikers and travelers who want natural performance with zero synthetics. Made from superfine 17.5 micron merino wool, it feels soft against the skin and works well in both warm and cool conditions.
While it does not include built-in support, it pairs well with a merino bra underneath and excels as a breathable base layer for hiking, travel, and everyday wear.
Key Specs
Material 100 percent superfine merino wool
Weight 165 g/m² lightweight fabric
Performance moisture wicking and odor resistant
Fit pull-on tank style
Care machine washable
While not a bra, merino underwear plays an important role in a complete merino travel system. This bikini is made from ultralight merino wool and designed for all-day comfort, breathability, and odor resistance.
It pairs perfectly with merino bras for multi-day travel and hiking, especially when packing light or minimizing laundry.
Key Specs
Material 95 percent merino wool, 5 percent elastane
Fit bikini cut, tag-free
Performance breathable, moisture wicking
Certification RWS certified merino wool
Care machine washable
What Is Merino Wool?
Merino wool comes from Merino sheep and is prized for its exceptionally fine fibers, which are much softer than traditional wool. In clothing, especially next-to-skin layers like bras, this fine fiber structure allows merino wool to regulate temperature, wick moisture, and resist odors naturally.
For hiking and travel, merino wool adapts to changing conditions. It helps keep the body cool in warm weather and provides insulation when temperatures drop, even when damp. Because it is naturally antibacterial, merino wool bras can be worn multiple times without developing odors, making them ideal for multi-day hikes, travel, and packing light.
Unlike synthetic performance fabrics, merino wool is breathable, biodegradable, and comfortable against the skin, reducing irritation and chafing during long wear.
What to Look for in a Natural Fiber Bra
When choosing a natural fiber bra for hiking, travel, or everyday wear, fabric composition should come first. Look for a high percentage of merino wool, ideally above 80 percent, or blends that pair merino with lyocell rather than large amounts of synthetic fibers.
Support level matters depending on use. For hiking, travel, yoga, and walking, light to medium support bras are usually sufficient and more comfortable over long periods. Features like wide straps, seamless construction, and flatlock stitching help reduce pressure points and chafing.
Finally, consider versatility. The best natural fiber bras work across multiple activities, layer easily under hiking clothing, dry quickly after washing, and remain comfortable even when worn for extended periods. For travelers and hikers, a well-chosen merino or merino-lyocell bra can replace several synthetic alternatives and simplify packing.
What Is Lyocell?
Lyocell is a plant-based fiber made from wood pulp, most commonly eucalyptus. It is produced using a closed-loop process that recycles water and solvents, making it one of the more environmentally responsible textile fibers available.
In bras and activewear, lyocell is often blended with merino wool to enhance softness, strength, and moisture control. It helps fabrics dry faster, feel smoother against the skin, and hold their shape better over time. This is especially useful in bras, where comfort, flexibility, and durability are essential.
Lyocell also excels in warm or humid conditions. It pulls moisture away from the skin efficiently, reducing that sticky feeling during hikes, travel days, or everyday movement. When paired with merino wool, it creates a fabric that is breathable, temperature regulating, and well suited to active lifestyles without relying heavily on synthetic materials.
FAQs
Are merino wool bras good for hiking?
Yes. Merino wool bras are excellent for hiking because they regulate temperature, wick moisture, and stay comfortable over long periods. They are especially useful on multi-day hikes where laundry access is limited.
Do merino wool bras smell after sweating?
Merino wool is naturally odor resistant. Unlike synthetic fabrics, it inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria, allowing many merino bras to be worn multiple times between washes.
How should you wash merino wool bras?
Most merino wool bras can be machine washed on a gentle cycle with mild detergent. Avoid fabric softeners and tumble drying. Line drying in the shade helps preserve the fabric and fit.
Are merino wool bras comfortable?
They are very comfortable and highly sustainable. It is a fine and soft fabric, excellent as base layayer. Merino wool is the best fabric for outdoor sports, travel and performance. Merino has properties make it naturally moisture-wicking and odor-resistant.
