REI Co-op Sahara T-Shirt - Men's
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Quick drying material that makes it ideal for handwashing on multiday trips, the men's REI Co-op Sahara T-shirt wicks sweat, breathes and shades you with solid UPF 30 sun protection.
Shop newer versionKey Details
- Quick-drying polyester/spandex fabric offers soft, comfortable stretch
- Antimicrobial treatment inhibits growth of odor-causing bacteria
- Shoulder seams rolled forward to avoid chafing under pack straps
- UPF 30 sun protection
- 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
Imported.
View the REI Co-op Sahara Product LineView all REI Co-op Men's Hiking ShirtsBest Use | Hiking Travel |
---|---|
Shirt Type | T-shirt |
Fabric | 92% polyester/8% spandex |
Sun-Protective Fabric | Yes |
UPF Rating | 30 |
Moisture Wicking | Yes |
Quick Drying | Yes |
Sleeve Length | Short Sleeve |
Hood | No |
Gender | Men's |
Weight | 6.2 ounces |
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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Not the same sizing as original
The Sahara used to be my favorite shirt of all time. I loved the fabric and fit. Outdoor shirts are not usually made to fit guys my size but the 3XL fit perfectly. I was so happy to see they brought the shirt back.... Until I got it and it was at least 2 inches shorter than then original. Why even call it a Sahara shirt if everyone who expects to get a Sahara shirt gets something different. I see a lot of upset customers in the future if they don’t change the name. Overall the only thing I didn’t like about the shirt is the sizing. It is way too short.
Best not used with many other layers
Fits great. Wore it on my 24 mile trek of the Grand Canyon. I had on a windbreaker on which held the sweat in. I am sure it would have worked better with no outer layer.
Not as good as the original Sahara T-Shirt.
The original REI Sahara T-Shirt is my favorite t-shirt of all time. I have had 4 of them for 3-4 years, and I have been kicking myself for the last year or more for not purchasing more shirts. The shirts are durable and versatile, and I wear them nearly every day. I was quite excited when REI released a new version. Unfortunately, they have added a small percentage of Spandex to the new shirt, making them flimsier and stretchier. The fit is much more baggy; so much so that I am having to go from a Medium to a Small. I was planning to purchase quite a few of these shirts, but I am not sure that I want to now. I am really disappointed. This was a missed opportunity to bring back an excellent product.
So very disapointed
I was stoked to see these back in stock after buying three in either 2019 or 2018, I can't remember. Went straight to my local REI to buy them out of stock but, like others have noted, these are not the same. My old ones are form fitting, not super-thin, and long enough that my butt doesn't show when I tie my shoes. The 2020 version is ultra thin, baggy, and probably 2", maybe even 3" shorter. Might be the perfect shirt for somebody, but I'll keep looking for another replacement for the old version.
Big fan of Sahara T's
I have purchased 15-20 Sahara T-shirts over the decades. They have been comfy, colorful and durable. Unfortunately, for the last few years REI has convinced themselves that everyone loves 'heather' colors. In fact 'heather' looks like a cheap relic from the 90's. As a loyal Sahara T-shirt buyer, I would like to request a reprieve from the constant and exclusive offering of 'heather' and a return to the solid, vibrant, colors that made this a great product in the REI brand family.
Happy they are back
I have some of these shirts that are 4 or 5 years old and I wear them almost every day. After not having them for a while I am happy REI has them again. I find the fit to be fine and very much like the old ones. The material on the old ones was 5% spandex, and it is 8% on the new ones, and although it feels a little different I don't find it objectionable. The objection I have is, I wish the neck was a little smaller or tighter. It is quite loose and looks sloppy. That being said I will probably order more. It would also be nice if we had more color choices.
Good but not the same
Like many other reviewers, I loved the old version of this shirt. This newer version is by no means bad but seems like a step back. My biggest issue with it is the fit: it seems boxier and shorter in the torso. I'm a little over 6 feet and pretty lean and if I reach above my head the shirt will show stomach. The older ones did not have this problem. Please adjust the fit for next year and I'm sure many of your loyal customers will buy them in bulk! I know I would.
Not as advertised
Description says this T Shirt is good for "multi-day" trips and has rolled-forward shoulder seams. Coupled with the SPF fabric, the assumption is that it is back-pack friendly. But unlike older versions of this shirt (I've had several going back years), the seams are NOT rolled forward--they are right on top--exactly in the wrong place. Meanwhile, REI's "Active Pursuits" T, which is designed for running, has great shoulder seams for back-packing, but the fabric is not SPF. Go figure.
Everyday Shirt
I have a draw full of the original sahara shirts when they were longer, fit better, and lasted forever. I bought multiple colors when they were available (before the heathered versions) and even wear them under dress shirts when at the office. Those were the best shirts I have ever owned. The current version does not fit as well (shorter) and the colors are limited.
Disappointed
I prefer the old Sahara Tee better. I’ve had them for over twenty years and they still look great. The new material composition is to thin/light with more polyester and I do not like the added spandex. The collar has rolled after only a few days. My 20 plus year old shirts still amaze people by how good they look. I wear them everyday. The new version also no longer has the padded collar. Very disappointed.