Outdoor industry folks typical garb is nearly always topped off with a short-sleeve plaid shirt. While most outdoor gear manufacturers have their fair share of this market, few have as much traction as does Patagonia. The El Ray shirt stands out because of the fabric, which is lightweight, performance-oriented and wrinkle-resistant, but it also has that iconic Patagonia style that keeps things real.
Patagonia El Ray Shirt Features:
- Made of all-recycled polyester, nylon yarn dye
- Provides 40-UPF sun protection
- Fabric is highly breathable, quick-drying, wrinkle resistant, and soft
- Two snapdown chest pockets
- Snapped placket
- Modest tails
- 2.5-oz 57% all-recycled polyester/43% nylon with 40-UPF sun protection. Recyclable through the Common Threads Recycling Program
- 167 g (5.9 oz)
- MSRP:
Patagonia El Ray Short-sleeved Shirt Review
As part of the iconic outdoorsy wardrobe of short-sleeved plaid shirts, the Patagonia El Ray short-sleeve shirt fits in nicely. It wears well with jeans and is a comfortable shirt that can be worn in more demanding situations than just the boardroom.
I’ve enjoyed wearing the El Ray this Summer in a variety of conditions and have appreciated the easy care of the wrinkle-resistant fabric and its ability to travel well. On several trips, I stuffed the shirt in my backpack and was able to pull it out and wear it without looking like I slept in it. I wouldn’t call the fabric wrinkle-free, but it resists wrinkles and doesn’t have to be handled with care to maintain its appearance.
In warm weather, the El Ray’s combination of 57% recycled polyester and 43% nylon wears extremely well. I appreciated how quickly it dried and just how comfortable it was on even the warmest of Summer days.
The only drawback I noticed was that occasionally it would get stinky under the arms after a couple of wears. If you wash it with every wear, you’re golden, but if you like to go a few wearings between washes, you may get a little more than you bargained for.
Good El Ray
- Easy wrinkle-resistant care
- Dries quickly
- Looks sharp tucked or untucked
- Very lightweight and breathable
Bad El Ray
- Can get stinky after a couple of wears
Bottom Line: Patagonia El Ray Short-sleeved Shirt Review
This wrinkle-resistant shirt feels comfortable in the heat of the Summer and wears well year-round. Take it on a hike and it wicks moisture and dries quickly. Patagonia has done well with the king of short-sleeved plaid shirts.
Buy Now: Search for Shirts at Patagonia.com
