Dressed To Kill Sunburn, Sweat And Mosquitoes in ExOfficio

Adventuring families embarking on a big trip need the right clothes to go from day trip to dinner table and ExOfficio makes many stylish and practical options.

Regular travelers know how tough it is to stay cool, calm and pressed on the road. Now, from the adventure outfitter ExOfficio comes clothing that not only makes it easy – these pieces make great birthday or holiday presents as well.  From a staff review of tailored shirts, blouses and selected Ts comes very positive feedback.

ExO’s best travel shirts — polyester and cotton blend fabrics — come in new pastels, frog green, salmon and other vivid hues that make the classic safari shirt look a little fresher. The Air Strip Lite Travel Shirt line of long and short-sleeved shirts has many ExO signature features: quick drying (overnight on the shower rod if the climate is not too humid); lightweight; back panel that opens up to reveal an air vent; and sunblocking fabrics.

Having been born and raise in steamy Texas, I had always thought cotton to be the only choice in shirts or sheets. So it was with skepticism that I personally approached these totally synthetic shirts. However, a recent history of sun-damaged skin made ExO’s Dryflylite 30UPF rating (the fabric’s weave and texture keep harmful UV rays from penetrating) very persuasive. Additionally, the Air Strip Lite (US$79 for men) allows wearers to adjust the collar with Velcro at various rakish angles to cover more skin. My wife decided this line of shirts made her sweat (something she rarely does, no matter the outfit.) Instead, she liked the ExO long-sleeved shirts made of the same fabric that had a breathable mesh lining to keep from sticking to the skin, even under pressure from a backpack.

The ExO Dri Tees (US$39) are available with long or short sleeves and use the company’s own dri-release fabric to wick away body moisture and odors as soon as they collect. They wash and pack well, resist wrinkles and without any logos, look appropriate for the ‘resort wear’ event.

Several other ExO women’s models, including styles with darts, slim button wrists and very discreet side vents, are versatile enough to travel from the souks of Fez to private banquets in Marrakech. “Because this sun repellent shirt is made with UV Pro Poplin (a 70% nylon and 30% cotton blend),” my wife adds, “it minimized the Indiana Jones look while being my favorite indestructible dresswear.” Best yet, she notes, most ExO blouses have front pockets that obviate the need for wearing a bra, an extra relief in very hot weather.

Speaking of pockets, the well-traveled folks at ExOfficio recognized the need for discreet zippers. They manage to provide them on one pocket in most shirts and slacks to help safeguard valuables without creating that unsightly bulge. Overall, the company gets high marks for thoughtful innovation and its many pro-environment and socially responsible deeds. And while it’s not cheap, these garments are so practical, durable and classic in style, that they’re bound to be your travel companions for years to come. Best yet, the company is extending its new line of Buzz Off insect-repelling clothing to children’s sizes.