Let me start with some transparency: I haven’t tried every merino wool bralette on the market—but after doing my research and wearing the Branwyn and Ridge Merino bralettes nonstop over the past few years (through sweaty hikes, ice climbs, and everyday life), I’ve never felt the need to keep testing. These two earned a permanent spot in my gear closet.
If you’re looking for a solid merino wool bralette for hiking, travel, or daily wear—you’re in the right place.
These bralettes have become everyday staples for me. Whether I’m mountaineering, hiking, road tripping, running errands, or just lounging around, they get the job done. And if you live an active lifestyle—or just want to stay cozy without smelling like a gym bag—I think they’ll be a game-changer for you too.
Short on time?
- Best all-around: Branwyn Essential Bralette – perfect for daily comfort, hiking, and layering.
- Best for crop top lovers: Ridge Merino Bralette – cozy, flattering, and versatile as a stand-alone top.
Why trust me & this review?
I’m a full-time hiker and perpetual sweat machine. I’ve been wearing both of these regularly since 2023. I do at least an hour of cardio every day I’m home and spend 1–2+ days a week in the mountains—hiking, climbing, camping, or backpacking. I like week-long road trips, sometimes more. I sweat easily and don’t pack a ton on trips, so my clothes need to hold up. These merino bralettes pass the sweat + stink test.
Why choose a merino wool bralette?
Merino wool is the GOAT for a reason.
It’s naturally odor-resistant, breathable, moisture-wicking, and soft enough to wear all day, everyday. They’re great for daily wear and low-impact activities like walking, hiking, and even climbing.
💡Pro tip: They’re especially clutch for travel, backpacking, and layering in cold weather when you need sweat to dry fast without freezing your core. All you need is one.
⚠️ Heads up: They’re not cheap. But like any good merino layer, you really just need one or two, and they’ll last you for years.
Branwyn Merino Wool Bralette Review
The Essential Bralette
If you’ve been thinking about trying a merino wool bralette, this is the one to get. I reach for it 90% of the time—it’s basically replaced my need for a sports bra on hikes.
It’s soft, seamless-ish, flattering, and high-performing. Whether I’m running errands, hiking all day, or sweating it out on a mountaineering trip, this is the bralette I trust. It’s also the only one I’ll wear for ice climbing and cold-weather adventures.
When I wear this
This is my go-to for daily comfort—perfect for errands, travel days, and anything active. I sweat easily (and a lot), so I need something that dries quickly and doesn’t get gross. This bralette handles everything from alpine lake hikes to full-on 14ers and multi-day expeditions.
In winter, it’s clutch. I run cold but still sweat when moving, and most base layers stay damp and make me cold. I really need my next-to-skin layers to wick moisture very efficiently while keeping me warm. Not this one. It wicks moisture fast and keeps me warm. That’s why it’s my only choice for ice climbing and mountaineering.
Fit Notes
I own five in size Small and one in Medium. I have a larger chest for a petite frame and thought sizing up might give me more of a crop top fit—but it didn’t quite work. If that’s what you’re going for, try the Busty Bralette or check out the Ridge Merino one.
Product Details
- Fabric: 81% extra fine merino wool, 14% nylon, 5% spandex, and 100% worth it.
- Cost: $52
- Fit: Seamless feel, but not invisible under tight tops. The seams on top can show through.
- Care: Technically hand wash, but I machine wash + dry with no issues
👉 Click here to shop the Branwyn Essential Bralette – $52
The Essential Busty Bralette
I have a larger chest for a petite-frame so I do typically opt for busty sports bras made for maximum support, but when it comes to a bralette, I have a slightly different perspective. I thought the busty bralette would be a better fit for me than the essential bralette given my chest size, but here’s the reality.
“Busty” here really just means it has thicker straps and a little more front coverage. There’s no magical support engineering going on, so if you’re expecting high-impact support, manage your expectations, it’s still just a bralette. But, I do like the longer length on this one.
That said, I love wearing this for hot yoga and cool-weather layering when I want a bit more warmth and coverage.
When I wear this
Hot yoga. This is maybe my favorite time to wear the busty merino wool bralette. It provides great support with the extra coverage when I’m in downward dog or any inversions. And the obvious—it performs really well with the sweat.
Cooler temps: I also like this for the same ice climbing/ mountaineering/ winter activities I mentioned above. It should be even better as the longer length provides extra fabric for warmth as your essential base layer, but that part doesn’t make a big difference for me.
The bottom line: it’s like the essential bralette, just with extra coverage, longer (which is great for a crop top feel), and thicker straps.
👉 Click here to shop the Essential Busty Bralette – $62
Ridge Merino Bralette
I have a soft spot for Ridge Merino—not just because their gear is great, but because they’re based in Mammoth Lakes CA, a place that feels like home to me.
Their merino wool bralette is very different than Branwyn’s. It’s softer to the touch, warmer, and has a built-in shelf bra for a little extra coverage and a longer length.
When I wear this
I like this bralette specifically for when I am looking for a more of a crop top. The length and dual layers (including the shelf bra) is hard for me to wear it as a bralette underneath another layer, but it functions very well as a top of it’s own.
This merino wool bralette/ crop top is great for travel in not-blazing hot temps, lounging around, running errands, climbing, and light activities.
This isn’t the one I grab for high-output workouts, but I do love it as an everyday activewear piece that doubles as a top.
Product Details
- Fabric: 83% merino wool, 12% recycled nylon, 5% spandex, and 100% worth it.
- Cost: $40
- Fit: Longer with dual layers (built-in bra shelf)
- Sizes: I tried both S and M—the M fits more like a relaxed crop, which I love when I’m bloated or want a looser fit. Size S is my go-to.
👉 Shop the Ridge Merino Bralette – $40
Branwyn vs. Ridge Merino: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Branwyn Essential | Branwyn Busty | Ridge Merino |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fit | Bralette | Longer w/ thick straps | Longer w/ shelf |
| Support | Light | Light | Light w/ shelf |
| Padding | None | None | None |
| Best For | Daily wear, hiking, travels | Hot yoga, cold weather layering | Lounging, travels, errands, crop top days |
| Fabric Feel | Light, smooth, comfortable | Light, smooth, comfortable | Softer, smooth, warmer |
| Price | $52 | $62 | $40 |
| Shop | Click to purchase | Click to purchase | Click to purchase |
Final Thoughts
If you’re active, sweat a lot, or just want a super comfy and long-lasting bralette that actually does something, go with merino wool. I still haven’t found another fabric that performs better across all seasons.
Between these two brands, I’d say:
- Branwyn is my top pick for all-around use and technical performance.
- Ridge Merino is a solid option if you want a bralette that looks and feels more like a comfy crop top for casual performance.
And don’t forget—just because it’s called a “bralette” doesn’t mean it’s less than. These pieces hold up.
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Tiff, the owner and author of Follow Tiff’s Journey, is a California/ Colorado-based adventurer and outdoor connoisseur who divides her heart between the Eastern Sierra Mountains and the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Despite her fear of heights, she’s become a seasoned mountaineer, ultralight hiking and backcountry camping enthusiast, expert road trip planner, and a fervent explorer of alpine lakes, natural hot springs, and sandstone canyons.
With 10 years of experience exploring the outdoors, her blog is your go-to source for all things wilderness, offering invaluable insights and pro tips, essential gear recommendations, and awe-inspiring stories from her adventures.
Join Tiff on her quest to share the wonders of nature and inspire others to follow their own path in the great outdoors.