Collar Me Impressed with the Smartwool Everyday Short Sleeve Button Down

There’s little more I love than a collared running shirt. It’s an underrated option that manages to feel both eye-catching and fun — a little flair in a sport that mostly revolves around getting from point A to point B (and sometimes back again). Maybe that’s oversimplifying things, but I genuinely appreciate running tops that can pull double duty as casual wear, especially when traveling light and trying to keep the suitcase from overflowing.

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We’ve tried a handful of options over the years (and I’m fairly certain I still own every one of them), but now it’s time to add the Smartwool Everyday Short Sleeve Button Down to the mix.

First things first: the new colorways are fantastic. Honestly, choosing a favorite is tough. Each print feels vibrant and distinct, featuring combinations of animals, flowers, leaves, or geometric-inspired patterns. Some lean a little more subdued — if a green fern-covered shirt can even qualify as subdued — while others fully embrace summer energy with bright yellows, oranges, and floral adornments.

Either way, these look completely at home on a warm-weather run, hike, brewery stop, or vacation outing.

The shirt itself combines a traditional button-down style with performance-focused comfort. The four-way stretch woven fabric keeps movement unrestricted, while breathable Merino Sport underarm panels help with airflow when temperatures climb. It’s the kind of top that feels intentionally designed for active use rather than simply borrowing a casual silhouette and hoping for the best.

I recently brought this along on a trip to Kauai, and it absolutely delivered. It worked equally well for miles along the Kauai Path as it did heading out for dinner afterward. Closer to home, this is the sort of shirt that can easily transition from an afternoon hike to an evening out without feeling out of place in either setting.

One thing I especially appreciated was the fit. Shirts in this category sometimes trend toward a slimmer, more tailored cut. While I’m probably in the best shape of my life all things considered, I still prefer a little breathing room in my tops — and this one delivered exactly that. Comfortable without feeling boxy, relaxed without looking oversized.

At this point, I’m convinced I need to round out the Smartwool collection and eventually own every print. The roads and trails demand it.