Why the Unbound Merino Racer Tank is the Only Summer Tank You’ll Need
Texas summers are no joke. Between the heat and the humidity, staying cool (and not smelling awful in sweat-drenched shirts) feels like a full-time job. And since this is the first summer we’ve stayed put since moving to Dallas, I needed a tank that could keep up—something I could wear again and again without tossing it in the wash after every dog walk or errand. Turns out, the Ribbed Racer Tank from Unbound Merino is that tank.
It’s August as I’m writing this, and I already own it in four colors. I would’ve grabbed maroon too, but it sold out before I got to it. That should tell you everything. This merino wool tank is breathable, odor-resistant, holds its shape, and looks good enough to dress up. It’s an easy Pack vote from me, especially if you’re road tripping or living through a Southern summer!
What’s Unbound Merino?
Unbound Merino is a clothing brand creating stylish, versatile apparel made from premium Merino wool, designed to perform for both travel and everyday life.
Here’s what sets them apart:
Naturally antibacterial & moisture-wicking: This is one of my favorite features. You can wear pieces multiple times without needing to wash them, which means less laundry and more time doing literally anything else.
Odor-resistant: Seriously, it doesn't smell, even after days (or weeks) of wear. This is a game-changer in hot climates or when you’re packing light.
Sustainably sourced: Their wool comes from independent, cruelty-free, mulesing-free farms. That last part is important to look for when switching to Merino, since not all brands prioritize animal welfare.
Designed for travel & life: Their pieces are made to go anywhere. They’re comfortable on a plane, great for long wear days, and polished enough to dress up. (They even make a cute dress I’ve worn on the road and while taking photos in Yellowstone. See below!)
Comfort: The Ribbed Racer Tank is made with superfine 17.5-micron wool, and I don’t find it itchy at all. That said, comfort can vary slightly between pieces, depending on the fabric weight and style. I don’t find their dress, romper, or racer tank itchy, but I didn’t like the feel of their t-shirts or long sleeve shirts.
Here’s Jon and me during a photoshoot in Yellowstone! I’m wearing the Unbound Merino Tie Dress in black, size small. This dress packs beautifully, resists wrinkles, and can be dressed up or down depending on the day.
Why Merino Wool is “Nature’s Miracle Fabric”
Merino wool isn’t like the itchy sweaters you might remember as a kid. Instead, it’s a natural, high-performance fiber that:
🦠 Doesn’t Smell: Merino wool naturally resists odor thanks to lanolin, a waxy coating on each fiber that’s antibacterial and keeps mildew, mold, and odor-causing bacteria at bay.
🌡️ Regulates Temperature: It’s both breathable and insulating, keeping you cool when it’s hot and warm when it’s cold—perfect for all seasons.
💨 Dries Fast: Even when you do sweat, Merino wool wicks moisture away from your skin and dries quickly, keeping you comfortable and dry.
🧳 Wrinkle-Resistant: Merino fibers act like tiny coiled springs that bounce back to their original shape, so your tank always looks fresh, even if it’s been crammed in a bag.
Ribbed Racer Tank Review
This tank fit perfectly right out of the box. It’s stretchy without being clingy, holds its shape beautifully, and sits close to the body in a flattering way. The racerback cut is one I personally like, and it pairs best with a racerback bra. (Heads up: you’ll definitely want a racerback specifically for this tank, otherwise your straps will show.)
I wear mine with the Skims Fits Everybody Racerback Scoop Bralette, which works really well, but any racerback—sports bras included—will do just fine.
While I find some of the lighter colors better suited for casual wear or workouts, the black and navy versions can easily be dressed up with jeans or a skirt. That’s a big win if you’re looking to pack less for a trip or streamline your wardrobe with versatile pieces.
But here’s what really makes this tank stand out: it’s odor-resistant. I can throw it on to walk my dog Lincoln in 100+ degree Texas heat, come back dripping, hang it up, and it’ll still smell fresh enough to wear again the next day. This is huge for me. It means I’m not doing laundry after every dog walk or grocery run, which saves time, energy, and water.
For a Texas summer, that’s nothing short of life-changing!
I’m usually the one behind the camera, but here’s a rare shot of me in the Ribbed Racer Tank in Moonlight Blue, size small. This is one of my all-time favorite casual tanks. It’s also perfect for beach days!
Not the best photo for a view of the tank itself, but worth sharing because the black tank is the most versatile. I wear it as a travel base layer or dress it up for dinner out.
How to Wash Your Unbound Merino Tank
To keep your tank looking and feeling its best, wash it inside out in a laundry bag on a cold, delicate cycle, then lay it flat to dry.
After wearing, especially if it’s sweaty, simply hang it in a well-ventilated space so it can dry out and air out overnight. Most days, it’ll be fresh and ready to go again by morning! With just a little care, your tank will last a long time and stay looking great.
Pack: Unbound Merino Ribber Race Tank
If you’re looking for a tank that keeps you cool, feels great, and won’t smell after one wear, this is it. The Ribbed Racer Tank from Unbound Merino has earned a top spot in my wardrobe for everyday wear, travel days, and sweaty summer outings. Merino wool really does live up to the hype, and this tank proves it. It’s a solid Pack from me!
