Mosquito repellent clothing is the smart solution to preventing bug bites and itching.
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10 Best Pieces of Mosquito-Repellent Clothing to Keep You Bite-Free
Balmy summer days mean more time enjoying the outdoors, but it also means struggling to find ways to keep mosquitoes away. Even mosquito-repellent plants don’t offer 100% protection in a backyard oasis. Turning to the best mosquito repellent can be helpful, but wearing mosquito-repellent clothing is an even bolder line of defense that stops bug bites in their tracks. We spoke with an expert to find out exactly how these mosquito-repellent summer dresses, pants, shirts and accessories work to protect us against pesky bites.
“Mosquito-repellent clothing works by treating a desired article of clothing with a residual pesticide like permethrin,” explains Dr. Benjamin McMillan, a senior biologist at Thermacell. “These chemicals are often synthetic formulations that allow the chemical to persist on the clothing and remain effective after repeated environmental degradation like getting dirty, exposure to sunlight and repeated washing.”
Whether you hate bug spray or think you’re heading into a mosquito war zone, like a swamp, mosquito-repellent clothes are an excellent way to add valuable protection without much effort.
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Best overall mosquito repellent shirt for women
Exofficio BugsAway Button-Up
Choose from muted colors and sizes XS through XL in this easy-to-love BugsAway collared shirt that boasts protective long sleeves. The classic collared button-down style offers timeless appeal you’ll be happy to keep in rotation for years to come. The shirt’s permethrin-treated fabric keeps several types of bugs at bay, and washes in regular laundry cycles without worry. Reviewers note that it is ideal for everyday wear, hiking and adventures.
“It’s comfortable, light and soft,” shares one five-star reviewer. “It fits well, drapes very well and feels wonderful. Travels well—wrinkles shake out. Love the blue color, and the bugs don’t seem to like it, which is a plus.”
Best mosquito repellent shawl
Pang Wangle Bug Repellent Essential Wrap
Having several pieces of bug repellent clothing is ideal, but if you’re braving the buggy elements on occasion this Pang Wangle Essential Wrap is one of the best investments you can make in a bite-free lifestyle. It is an affordable one-size-fits-all shawl that comes in four colors to suit every personal style. It features Insect Shield technology that repels mosquitoes, ticks, flies, fleas and other creepy-crawlies for up to 70 washes. The extra-long format of this piece also makes it a vacation essential. It packs flat and looks just as gorgeous worn to outdoor dinner as it does as a buggy beach sarong that can be worn over the best bathing suits in your wardrobe.
Best mosquito repellent men’s t-shirt
L.L.Bean Insect Shield Field Tee
This L.L.Bean Insect Shield Field Tee is an almost-magic closet staple he’ll wonder how he ever lived without. It looks and wears like a typically cotton crew neck, but it’s really so much better. Made of a cotton-poly blend, it offers a slightly tailored fit with just the right amount of stretch. Available in three neutral colors and sizes small through 3XL, this top-reviewed piece keeps selling out in popular shades. The material’s Insect Shield technology is EPA-approved, invisible and odorless and lasts heartily for up to 70 washes. It is short-sleeved though, so remember to spritz exposed skin with bug spray or risk breaking out your Bug Bite Thing.
Best mosquito repellent hat
Jack Wolfskin Lakeside Mosquito Hat
Noggins need protection too, which is why this Jack Wolfskin Lakeside Mosquito Hat is a brilliant buy for outdoorsy types. It’s an easy-to-pack accessory that guards against several types of bugs thanks to mosquito-proof fabric with organic cotton. It also has mesh panels and UV protection of 40+ to protect against the sun’s harmful rays. Hikers, campers and gardeners rave about this hat as one of the best gifts for men—but it’s also wonderful for women.
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Best mosquito repellent hoodie for women
Craghoppers NosiLife Nilo Hooded Top
Revel in full torso and head protection in this Craghoppers NosiLife Nilo Hooded Top. It’s a mosquito-repelling take on the classic hoodie and offers two zippered pockets. Its tightly-knit lightweight material is both mosquito repellent and protective, and the dark blue shade coordinates well with most other neutral wardrobe pieces as well.
Best mosquito repellent hoodie for men
Sitka Equinox Guard Shirt
The Sitka Equinox Guard Shirt looks straight out of a hunter’s closet, but it can be used for any type of outdoor activity. The camo print helps wearers blend into their surroundings (hello, birdwatchers!). It also keeps them ultra-protected from bugs thanks to a fitted hood with an added face mask. The face mask is made of a breathable mesh that adds the most protection we’ve seen yet—just about everything but the eyes and forehead. The extra long tail is designed to be tucked in for maximum protection, though it can just as easily be worn out. It’s also treated with Insect Shield for up to 70 washes of bug-repelling protection.
Best mosquito repellent leggings for women
L.L.Bean Insect Shield Pro Leggings
Take an outdoor yoga class without worry in these L.L.Bean Insect Shield Pro Leggings that are easily some of the best leggings on the market for outdoors fitness enthusiasts. They come in sizes XS through XL and are made of an abrasion-resistant fabric that also wicks moisture. The stretchy material also offers UPF 50+ protection and an Insect Shield permethrin treatment that lasts for up to 70 washes. Hikers take note: these also guard against ticks.
Best mosquito repellent pants for men
Jack Wolfskin Barrier Mosquito Protection Pant
Whether doing yard work or adventuring on a trail, Jack Wolfskin’s Barrier Mosquito Protection Pants are great for someone who spends a lot of mosquito season outside. The thick weave of the chemical-free pants protect from mosquitos and UV rays without leaving you overheated, thanks to its breathable, windproof and water-repellant Texashield Pro fabric. These pants also have cargo-like leg pockets for extra storage.
Best mosquito repellent kaftan
Craghoppers Insect Shield Kaftan
Who says you have to sacrifice the summer styles you love to repel gnarly bugs? This chic Craghoppers Insect Shield Kaftan comes in classic neutral shades an extended size range. Choose from bright white, black or a bold red. Wear it on its own with your favorite pants or layer it on top of a strappy dress for added protection. The exceptionally lightweight material is ideal for hot summer days and nights. It’s also wrinkle-resistant and a cinch to throw in a regular laundry machine.
Best mosquito repellent top for kids
L.L.Bean Insect Shield Youth Hoodie
Send kids off to camp and long nature-appreciating days in this L.L.Bean Insect Shield Youth Hoodie that can be worn and washed up to 70 times without compromise. We’re impressed that this comfortable classic is offered in sizes 4T through 18. It also comes in a variety of neutral tones to suit adventurers of almost any stage and style. The lightweight weave can be worn solo or as a layering piece to take them through the crisp days of fall.
“My daughter loved this hoodie,” says one five-star reviewer. “She didn’t get any mosquito bites while hiking in Costa Rica!”
What to look for when buying mosquito-repellant clothing
When shopping for mosquito-repellant clothing, you must consider more than price and style. If you’re new to this type of outdoorswear, here are a few questions to ask yourself as you shop.
- What makes the clothing mosquito repellant?
- How long will the mosquito-repelling properties last?
- How will you clean and care for the clothing?
- Does the clothing offer any other special features, like UV protection or moisture-wicking fabric?
- Is the material durable?
- Do you like the style enough to continue wearing the piece if and when it’s no longer mosquito repellant?
Why you should trust us
As a writer, I cover gift ideas, shopping and e-commerce for a range of women’s lifestyle and parenting publications. For this guide, I consulted Dr. Benjamin McMillan, senior biologist at Thermacell, the company behind one of our favorite mosquito-repelling devices.
How we found the best mosquito-repellant clothing
In putting together this guide to the best mosquito-repellant clothing, we started with in-depth research as we would any story. As shopping experts, we have our fingers on the pulse of the best outdoor brands. We searched high and low for a wide range of clothing, from hoodies to work pants, with durable materials, reasonable price tags and mosquito-repelling technology. From there, we consulted customer reviews and talked to an expert about the efficacy of mosquito-repellent clothing to make the final cut.
FAQs
What is the best thing to wear to repel mosquitoes?
“Permethrin is a great tool in the toolbox for providing protection against mosquito and tick exposure, but permethrin does not offer complete protection,” says McMillan. “Permethrin-treated clothing has been shown to provide a significant reduction in mosquito and tick bites for the wearer, but you should still use other insect repellents.”
The good news is you have options! McMillan stresses that other prevention methods are certainly necessary to prevent bites on exposed skin. Try a reusable device like a Thermacell Portable Mosquito Repeller (learn all about it in our review!), or rely on the magic of bug sprays and essential oil-based formulas designed to deter bugs more subtly. It’s important to stay protected because mosquitoes live for several weeks and can easily survive well into the crisp evenings of fall. Either way, you’ll want to protect yourself from bug bites with the best mosquito-repellent clothing options we found for your entire household.
Is there a scent that mosquitoes hate?
Several natural scents are known to repel mosquitoes, including citronella, lemongrass, peppermint and lavender. Wearing an oil, carrying a sachet or planting one of these scents may be a natural alternative to mosquito repellant.
What’s the best mosquito repellent to wear?
We did thorough research on the best mosquito repellents and found that OFF! FamilyCare Insect & Mosquito Repellent Spritz beat out all the rest because of its strong DEET formula, minimal scent, low price and non-greasy texture.
What color clothing repels mosquitoes?
According to a study published in Nature Communications, mosquitos may be more likely to go after certain colors, including red, orange, black and cyan. Because of this, it’s best to wear lighter colors, like white, to avoid mosquitos. Doing so can also help lower your body temperature, another factor that may attract insects.
Can mosquitoes bite you through clothing?
Unfortunately, mosquitos can bite through clothing, but they may be less likely to depending on the thickness or fit of the fabric. That’s why it’s important to cover your body as much as you can when being exposed to mosquitos.
Sources:
- Nature.com: “The olfactory gating of visual preferences to human skin and visible spectra in mosquitoes”
