Natural Galleries Merino Tee – Reviewed & Tested

Natural Galleries has crafted the ultimate Merino tee, arguably the coolest-looking option on the market, just ask Ella. Are they balancing aesthetics with performance? Read on friend.

A merino tee that keeps you warm in the winter and cool in the summer? Expected. A merino tee that does that and looks cool? Unheard of.

Growing up, I always thought outdoor gear was purely functional. It wasn’t about how you looked, it was about layering up, staying dry, and getting on with it. Looking like a bit of a dag just came with the territory.

When I first tried on the Natural Galleries Merino Tee, I wondered if it would perform as well as it looked. The design is modern without being flashy or daggy, and while it’s made for the outdoors, it wouldn’t look out of place on a stroll down King Street in Marrickville.

Moody vibes not included | @_somekindofblue_

Why am I the right person to write this review?

I took out the unofficial ‘most adventurous End Of Year break’ award at We Are Explorers HQ this year… only three months into the role.  

Seriously though, if it happens outdoors, I’m in. From multi-day hikes and weekend climbing trips to my latest escapades in trail running and bikepacking, I’m your go-to outdoorswoman. 

Look out! | @_somekindofblue_

Quick Specifications

Weight: 210g
Waterproof: No
Colourways: Brown, Ash, Sky & Smoke
RRP: $120

The shirts are unisex, so check yo measurements | @_somekindofblue_

Performance

I’ve heard that Merino helps to keep the dreaded BO at bay but I was dubious to say the least. But after many climbs in these tees – it’s safe to say it actually works. The fear-BO I usually get when projecting a difficult route was kept to a minimum and I received no complaints from my climbing partner! Big Win! 

So how does it work? 

I’ve researched all the fun facts. Merino wool contains lanolin, a natural wax that has antibacterial properties. These properties help prevent the growth of odour-causing bacteria, even after long hours of wear. It’s also extremely breathable and wicks moisture away from your skin, keeping you dry. Bacteria that cause BO thrive in warm, damp environments, so by keeping your skin drier, Merino makes it harder for odour to develop. 

The fabric has a very fine Merino micron, which reduces itch, and I haven’t noticed any irritation even after wearing it from sunrise to sundown, and honestly, as a bed shirt too.

No smell, no itch, ready for anything | @_somekindofblue_

Design

Design-wise, there’s nothing quite like Natural Galleries tees on the market right now. They’ve skipped the baby poo colourways  and ugly designs you often see in outdoor apparel. Instead, their tones are natural, unique, and often paired with subtle contrast stitching that adds just the right amount of visual interest, plus a cute little stitch logo as well. 

I went with their brown and ASH colourways to help cover the dirt and sweat I always end up covered in after my hiking and climbing trips and safe to say they hid the grime well! Jack, our Head Of Brand & Community, chose the Tie Dye Desert colourway to make sure people could see him cycling on the road – smart and safe! 

The big patch on the back is a vibe | @_somekindofblue_

Comfort

Natural Galleries says their tees are ‘made for outdoor activities and cut in a raglan style for emphasis on shape and fit.’

I’ll be honest, I didn’t know what a raglan style was at first. After a quick search I learned that the Raglan style itself refers to the way the sleeve is attached to the body of the garment. It has a diagonal seam running from the underarm to the collarbone, rather than the traditional set-in sleeve with a seam at the shoulder. This design allows for greater freedom of movement, especially around the shoulders.

What I do know is that the relaxed fit has been a dream for hiking and climbing. It allows for a full range of motion, so I’m never restricted when reaching (desperately) for the next jug on a climb. There’s also no bunching or rubbing when cinching in my pack’s waist belt for an overnighter.

Comfy under the harness, tick | @_somekindofblue_

I’ve climbed multi-pitches in these tees, hiked, cycled, and even napped in them – and they’ve been comfortable and soft through it all.

The sizing is unisex, so keep that in mind when choosing your fit. At 5’3″, the size small was pretty bloody roomy on me (should’ve read the size chart, but who has the time?). Have a look at their size chart first before purchasing! 

Sustainability

Natural Galleries is a small Australian-owned brand that releases limited drops of apparel and accessories which helps to minimise fabric waste and promote mindful production.

They exclusively use RWS (Responsible Wool Standard) certified Australian Merino wool, meaning every step of the supply chain, from the farm to the final business-to-business sale meets strict standards. RWS certification ensures that wool is sourced from farms that uphold high standards in animal welfare, responsible land management, and worker rights.

Merino itself is a renewable and biodegradable fibre, making it a far more sustainable choice than synthetic alternatives.

There’s a cute little section on their website but to be honest, not much specific info and no third party standards. But this brand is tiny, so we don’t really expect them to be ticking off big accreditations and donation impact structures at this stage. Keen to see where they take it though!

Price

I’m usually all about a bargain so forking out $120 for a tee wouldn’t be my usual choice. But when it comes to supporting an Aussie- owned small business that’s producing seriously epic tees, I’m happy to spend the money. For the quality and design you’re getting, it’s right in line (or better) with other Merino options on the market and honestly, it feels good knowing where my money’s going.

Aussie wool, Aussie brand, feels good | @_somekindofblue_

Final Thoughts

I used to think outdoor gear had to sacrifice style for performance, but Natural Galleries has proven otherwise with their Merino tees. They’re not only high-performance and sustainable but also seriously stylish. Whether I’m climbing, hiking, or just hanging out on the couch, these tees offer comfort, breathability, and a flattering fit that moves with me, all while keeping my fear-BO at bay.