REI Co-op Sahara T-Shirt - Men's
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The men's REI Sahara Shirt moves well and manages moisture, so you can stay comfortable on the trail.
Shop newer versionKey Details
- Polyester/spandex fabric wicks moisture, dries fast, feels soft and stretches comfortably
- UPF 50+ fabric rating provides excellent protection against harmful ultraviolet rays
- The men's REI Short-Sleeve Sahara Shirt has a relaxed fit that generously allows for comfort and movement
- REI Co-op brand is certified to The Climate Label; we actively fund efforts to reduce carbon emissions across our business and support climate projects around the world
Best Use | Hiking |
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Shirt Type | T-shirt |
Fabric | 95% polyester/5% spandex |
Sun-Protective Fabric | Yes |
UPF Rating | 50 |
Moisture Wicking | Yes |
Quick Drying | Yes |
Sleeve Length | Short Sleeve |
Gender | Men's |
Sustainability | From a Climate Label Certified brand |
XS | S | M | L | XL | XXL | XXXL | 24 IN Waist | 26 IN Waist | 28 IN Waist | 30 IN Waist | 31 IN Waist | 32 IN Waist | 33 IN Waist | 34 IN Waist | 35 IN Waist | 36 IN Waist | 38 IN Waist | 40 IN Waist | 42 IN Waist | 44 IN Waist | 46 IN Waist | 48 IN Waist | 50 IN Waist | |
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Chest | 35 | 36 - 38 | 39 - 41 | 42 - 45 | 46 - 49 | 50 - 53 | 54 - 57 | |||||||||||||||||
Sleeve Length | 32 | 32.5 | 33 | 33.5 | 34 | 34.75 | 35.5 | |||||||||||||||||
Waist | 27.5 | 28 - 30 | 32 - 34 | 36 - 38 | 40 - 42 | 44 - 46 | 48 - 50 | 24 | 26 | 28 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 38 | 40 | 42 | 44 | 46 | 48 | 50 |
Hip | 33.5 | 34.5 - 36.5 | 37.5 - 39.5 | 41 - 43 | 44 - 46.5 | 47.5 - 50.5 | 51.5 - 54.5 | 32 | 33.5 | 34.5 | 36.5 | 37 | 37.5 | 38.5 | 39.5 | 40.25 | 41 | 43 | 44 | 46.5 | 47.5 | 50.5 | 52.5 | 54.5 |
Inseam | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 |
Sizing Notes
Measurements are stated in inches unless otherwise indicated. Size chart values represent body measurements, not garment measurements.
SHORT: Some pants are available in short sizes, which generally means an inseam that is 2.5 inches shorter than regular sizes.
TALL: Some pants, shirts, jackets and parkas are available in tall sizes, which generally means an inseam that is 3 inches longer and a rise that is 1 inch longer, a shirt or jacket body that is 2 inches longer, a parka body that is 2.5 inches longer and sleeves that are 2.5 inches longer than regular sizes.
Capri or cropped pants have an intentionally shorter inseam—reference the technical specs instead of this chart.
Inseam is measured to the floor.
Better gear is built together
From feedback to field testing, all of our gear is dialed-in by REI Co-op members. Their adventures informed every stitch and detail—making for better, longer-lasting gear.


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Fabric Change on Sahara Tees is Disappointing
Feb 2017.. I used to love these shirts and I have purchased 6 or more over the last 5 years. I recently purchased one and they have changed the fabric to a disappointing overly stretchy poor material. WHY WOULD THEY DO THAT? It's low quality. I could buy this junk at TJ Maxx or Ross or something. The old fabric was very versatile and would not easily wrinkle. Nice color choices. I don't think the new fabric will wrinkle either but don't like the quality of the material. Not versatile to wear in outdoor and casual situations. Just lost a loyal and previously happy customer. Would you please consider going back to the old material and color choices?
What the??
I had a big stack of maybe a dozen or so of what is the older generation of shirts. They disappeared in one of my several cross country moves last year. I only have 1 left (it was the one I happened to be wearing during the one move where some of my stuff ended up going missing). So for the holidays, my kindly mother thought to give me an REI gift card to replace my missing shirts. She has kind of a shopping impulse and bought one of the shirts to go in with the gift card. I'm glad she did... These new ones are terrible! I'm glad I have a sample. I'll spend the gift card on something else and I hope the shirts get swapped back to the good versions.
Used to be the best shirt around
The previous generation Sahara T was the best shirt I ever owned. I have 10 of them. They felt better than cotton, dried instantly, kept their shape indefinitely, draped well, and were just superb in every conceivable way. This new shirt is shiny and feels like 80s polyester. They added Spandex into the mix for some reason. There are prominent seams on the shoulders that stand out. They're just awful. This makes the second or third time that REI has taken an excellent product and ruined it.
Older versions were better but these are okay.
First of all I really liked the old Sahara t-shirt. They fit perfect were everything I wanted in a shirt for everyday and anything I did outdoors. I bought them in all the colors. But when my favorite blue one started getting holes in it I decided to buy new Sahara t-shirt. It is a good shirt but I don't like the spandex addition. I like the straight up polyester. I wear it and it does a good job as far as shirts go, but REI please bring back the model from a few years ago. I would prefer that much more.
We need the original Sahara T- shirt back
To piggy back on the last review my sentiments exactly. The first generation of shirts were the best, no chaffing, static cling, great cotton feel, colors and durability. These new shirts do not have any of those qualities except durability, but who needs a shirt to last that they don't like. REI needs to figure out a way to go back to the original recipe. I see that there are many of your customers who feel the same. Thanks
Don't make em like they used to!!!
This is the perfect example of taking a good thing and ruining it. I've been buying these Sahara T's since they started selling them and just loved them...until this new version came out. Seems like there are others with the same thoughts. I wanted to add that these also collect lint and dust like a magnet...or like a microfiber cloth in a dryer full of white towels!! I need to return all of these and pray that they bring back the old ones or put out something better. Sorry, but I don't feel this last batch was an improvement. Please correct this!!
Nothing like the Previous Versions
I agree with the other comments here about the poor quality of the new version of the Sahara t-shirt. I also have about 10 of these in Black, Grey, Blue, as well as Darker Blue. The fit of the new version is not the same. I will be returning the new one I purchased this year. ... This seriously used to be my most favorite go-to t-shirt ever. It's unfortunate that REI quality is starting to slip. Please fix it for next year.
Disappointing
I have the old and new versions of this shirt, and I like the old ones better; they're just more substantial. The new shirts have the advantage of being lighter and stretchy, but they tear up easily and the collars are starting to warp out of shape after six months. It would be nice to get the old version back again
This new version not good
Like others I prefer the old version that had the cotton feel. I bought 10 of them but my brothers like them too so I needed more and I'm disappointed I can't get. I would buy 20 if they brought them back. My go to shirt. Note also the positive review here may be referring to the old version since it refers to the cotton feel.
Bring back previous version
Just to add to the chorus: This used to be the best T shirt available. I also have a dozen. Stopped by an REI store to shop and see if all the recent negative reviews were true. Yes. New version looks and feels like cheapo polyester shirt. Terrible. Please go back and revive the older version.