5 Favorite Shirts For Gravel
By Dave Malwitz
One of my goals this year was to take training a little less seriously. Enjoy the time I have on the bike, versus riding to meet weekly mileage goals. The former approach worked because it forced me to ride when sometimes I didn’t feel like it. But the current approach works better because I ride when I want, and I find myself wanting to ride more. The shift in focus from miles to time-well-spent has offered freedom to explore more dirt when on the bike, reminding me why I fell in love with gravel in the first place.
My priorities for apparel have also shifted at the same time. I’m less likely to grab one of my premium custom Eliel jerseys on casual rides and instead have been more drawn to tops that offer superior comfort, durability and protection for the experience at hand. For this story, I pulled together a list of my top 5 shirts for gravel riding for the 2022 spring and summer seasons ahead.
1. Velocio Men’s Trail Merino Long Sleeve
First introduced in 2021, the Trail Merino Long Sleeve shares the same slim-fit cut as the Delta Long Sleeve that made it into our top gear picks for 2019. Here Velocio took the trail shirt to a new level with ultrafine merino wool materials and abrasion-resistant touches borrowed from their Trail Short. The results are nothing short of brilliant, an outstanding layer for both warm and cool days with a premium look and feel. Hopefully, Velocio will restock missing sizes and keep the Trail Merino LS alive, availability looks slim at the time of this writing for the most common men’s sizes.
See it at Velocio for $129
Shop the women’s version here
2. Showers Pass Apex Merino Long Sleeve
If the sound of a Merino long sleeve is appealing but the price has you hesitant, check out the new Apex Merino Tech Long Sleeve from Showers Pass. Also available in men’s short sleeve and women’s styles, the Apex Merino Tech-T is another great option for all-day sun protection and comfort at a modest price. Merino is difficult to beat with its natural benefits of stink and moisture resistance and the wool feels great in a variety of conditions.
See it at Showers Pass for $89
Shop the women’s version here
3. Club Ride Go Long Shirt
Flannels are an obvious choice for gravel. They have a fun style while also functioning generally well on the bike. Club Ride took things to the next level with their version of the long sleeve flannel with the Go Long Shirt. The Go Long is lightweight with just the right amount of stretch where you need it. It functions best in warmer conditions with its quick-drying fabrics, and under-arm vents. Creative touches like all plastic snaps, a chest sunglass sleeve, and hidden sunglass cleaner make it super functional as well. And don’t be afraid to wear the Go Long when its hot outside, the loose sleeves promote airflow while also offering added protection from direct sun.
See it at Club Ride for $99.95
Shop the women’s version here
4. Roark Long Sleeve Knit Top
While our limited edition Roark x Gravelstoke Racing Shirt was a hit last summer, we also appreciate what this Southern California brand is up to on the long sleeve front. Roark can do some amazing things with innovative fabrics like Polartec Power Dry, as we have experienced with this Long Sleeve Knit Top. This piece has a nice form and sits comfortably on the skin for long rides. The piece features a unique contrasting fabric design with a more lightweight, breathable recycled polyester on the sleeves and underarm panels. Roark soft goods are designed for adventure while also looking great before, during, and after your local gravel loop.
See it at Roark for $79
5. Kitsbow Mullinax Merino Tee
If you haven’t yet heard of Kitsbow it’s time you check them out. The certified B Corp cycling apparel brand slow cooks their well-designed pieces one at a time in their North Carolina facility. The Mullinax Merino Tee combines the benefits of Merino with Kitsbow’s experience to create what a trail shirt should be. It’s clearly well crafted with durable stitching that’s made to last. The Mullinax is a great option for those looking for a comfortable tee that works great on or off the bike, plus you get to wear apparel that’s made right here in the USA.
See it at Kitsbow for $89
Shop the women’s version here
We hope you enjoyed our 2022 best shirts for gravel story! If you have an experience with these or would like to share another great option let us know in the comments below.
Photos and words by Dave Malwitz | follow
A look back at the Hielo Ride at the 2024 Sea Otter Classic, A Paradox in Fort Ord.