I hope I’m not alone in saying that dress shirts are one of the least comfortable shirts men and women wear on a consistent basis.
You can be going to church, work, or a classy dinner, and usually the worst part of those experiences are the dang collared shirts that are tight, restrictive, and just straight up uncomfortable. They have this amazing superpower of making you feel claustrophobic.
It’s just wonderful.
Thankfully an outdoor clothing brand, Royal Robbins, claims to make breathable, soft collared shirts that come from… trees? Whatever they’re made of, I wanted to experience their bestselling options to see what they can do. Please welcome the Mojave Pucker and Camino Pucker.
Work Life
Throughout the year I attend multi-day work conferences that are all-day events filled with back-to-back meetings. Every 30 minutes I meet with a different person/company.
It doesn’t take long for my patience and enthusiasm to wear down as I try to lead friendly, engaging conversations in what feels like a high school hallway. The smells, sounds, and odd clothing practically guarantee you’re overstimulated by the end of each day.
Add in the stereotypical collared shirts I’ve worn for years to look professional, and these trips become less enjoyable each time. I hate not being able to raise my arms or do a basic stretch or two between meetings. If I do, then the shirt and buttons clench in an attempt to prevent any rips, pops, and torn seams.
As for the Mojave and Camino Pucker shirts? They’re the complete opposite.
These things move, twist, and pull wonderfully! They have excellent give in the back, shoulders, and chest, so I never feel restricted.
Plus, with in how soft the materials are, and my neck actually enjoys the collar; especially when you compare this to the compressed cardboard like material on most dress shirts.
Active Life
I’m not gonna lie, if I’m doing something like a hike or rock climbing, then I’m not reaching for a collared shirt. I’m reaching for a comfortable tee like Royal Robbins Vacationer shirt.
However, both the Mojave and Camino Pucker shirts surprised me when it came to traveling. Usually, I change into sweatpants and a sweatshirt when I have to fly or do a long drive.
But I can actually stay in either of these shirts because they’re just that nice to wear.
And after you wash it a couple times, the material gets better! The shirt creates a wavy texture that makes it even softer. If this is due to the fibers coming from a tree, then I want more of my clothing to be made from renewable sources like it.
The Recap
Style is different for all of us. If you don’t like the different colors and patterns Royal Robbins makes the Mojave Pucker and Camino Pucker shirts in, then I can’t help you with that.
But if you like them, and you want clothes that are seriously smooth, flexible, and renewable, these are it.
It’s honestly rare to find clothing like this that’s durable and gets better over time.