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• Clothing Reviews

The 20 Best Travel Dresses of 2024

Including lightweight minis and long, flowy maxis.

In This Article

• How to Shop

Take Our Word For It

Real Simple / David Hattan

Globetrotting requires a love of exploration, a curiosity about the world around you, and, of course, a vacation-ready wardrobe. A good pair of joggers and comfortable shoes are a must, but the often-overlooked (and underrated) travel dress will see you through transit and sightseeing in comfort and style.

“With their versatility and ease, travel dresses are the perfect companion for a variety of destinations,” says Angelique Coleman , stylist at Stitch Fix. “You can look polished with minimal effort while keeping your suitcase light.”

To help you find the best travel dresses for your upcoming trips, we researched countless options in a wide variety of styles, sizes, prices, and fits. We also asked Coleman for her expert insight on what makes a dress good for travel, how to keep clothes unwrinkled in suitcases , and more.

Best Maxi Travel Dresses

“Versatility and comfort should be top considerations when you’re looking for a maxi dress for travel,” Coleman says, as “you want something you can wear for a range of occasions. You can wear a maxi wear with sneakers or sandals during the day and then strappy heels in the evening. You’ll be able to pack lighter, saving room for some travel shopping.”

With six patterned options and a lightweight, flowy skirt, the Abercombie & Fitch Smocked Bodice Maxi Dress is perfect for warm-weather vacations. For a sleeveless design and a soft knit fabric, the Banana Republic Knit Cross-Back Maxi Dress will keep you comfortable on any trip, and you can choose from two neutral colors and regular or petite sizes.

Best Travel Dresses With Pockets

When you’re traveling, you need an easy way to store your most essential items on the go, which is where dresses with pockets come in. “Pockets are a huge bonus in a travel dress,” Coleman says. “They let you keep your must-haves close and could eliminate the need to carry around a bag for sightseeing adventures.”

We love this simple and cute above-the-knee Transcend Dress from Athleta. Made from a mix of nylon and lycra, it’s as comfortable as it gets and comes with built-in shorts with pockets to store small items like your phone, wallet, or hotel key card. For a less casual option, this Linen Button Front Dress from Quince is pretty and elegant. It’s available in 11 colors and patterns, made from soft, lightweight linen, and has a removable tie waist.

Best T-Shirt Travel Dresses

T-shirt dresses are known for their comfort and ease, making them excellent choices for travel. “Depending on your travel plans, you may want to opt for something laid back and simple, like a T-shirt maxi dress,” Coleman says. If you have a long plane ride in store, she adds, you’re going to love this casual, comfortable style.

For example, this casual and cute Essential Tee Dress from Athleta has a comfortable relaxed fit, breathable and stretchy feel, and versatile crew neck design. For a slightly elevated option, the Linen Daytripper Shirtdress from Everlane is ideal for those who love a loose fit, chest pockets, and high-low hems.

Best Wrap Travel Dresses

Wrap dresses are a classic, beloved look, and depending on your itinerary, they can be ideal for travel. “If you’ve got special plans on the horizon when you get to your destination, you may want to seek out a wrap dress,” Coleman says. “The classic silhouette gives you the comfort you want for traveling while offering more versatility.”

For a flowy wrap dress that’s made from breathable, soft jersey knit fabric that you’ll feel comfortable wearing all day long, the Tercel Jersey Midi Wrap Dress from Quince is a great option. Another is the Everlane Ribbed Wrap Midi Dress , which many reviewers actually call “the perfect dress for travel.” With its ribbed detailing, it’s both casual and sophisticated, and we love its dropped shoulders, wide sleeves, and ultra-soft fabric.

Best Travel Dresses Under $70

Although you can certainly splurge on travel dresses, there are plenty of budget-friendly options that offer the proper durability, versatility, and comfort. “You’re sure to find styles and materials that meet your preferences without compromising on quality,” Coleman says.

Take the Traveler Mini Dress from Abercrombie & Fitch: As its name implies, this low-cost dress is custom-made for travel, with its built-in shorts (with pockets!), comfortable knit fabric, and versatile design. It’s also available in 14 pretty colors and patterns. If you’re looking to add a second dress to your travel wardrobe, the Halara Softlyzero Airy Backless Dress offers a cute and functional design with built-in shorts (also with pockets), moisture-wicking fabric, 21 color options, and an inclusive size range that goes from XS to 4X.

How to Shop for Travel Dresses Like a Pro

Packability.

One major factor to consider when shopping for a travel dress is how packable it is. After all, you’ll want to be able to fit as much as possible in your suitcases and not have to worry about the items getting damaged or badly wrinkled. Coleman recommends buying dresses made from soft, stretchy materials like polyester or spandex, as they’re easy to care for if they get dirty or wrinkled. “Washability matters when you have to pack light and are on the go,” she says.

Coleman also recommends avoiding white linen if you’re packing tightly, because although the material is popular for its breathability, it does tend to wrinkle more easily if it isn’t packed well. That’s not to say you can’t wear linen—just make sure you fold it into your suitcase nicely and bring some wrinkle spray.

Versatility

A great travel dress shouldn’t only work for a specific trip or activity, but it should also be rewearable for numerous occasions and outside of the trip. “Don’t shy away from wearing your new travel dress when you’ve landed back at home,” Coleman says.

She recommends picking travel dresses with features that you can change up depending on the occasion you’re wearing them to, the weather, and more. “Adjustable or removable straps are another feature I look for in dresses for travel,” Coleman says.

Destination and Activities

“If you’re heading to a tropical destination, keep an eye out for lightweight and breathable dresses made from linen or cotton to stay cool and comfortable,” Coleman says. If your plans are more city based, she recommends opting for structured yet breezy options that can pair with walking shoes and have “chic and sophisticated appeal to take from day to night.”

For trips with hiking or other sporty activities involved, Coleman advises focusing on athletic dresses that come with built-in shorts so you don’t have to sacrifice style for coverage, and you can sport them with your activewear sneakers . Plus, she adds, athletic dresses “tend to be made of moisture-wicking materials, making them a must-have for toasty temperatures.”

Questions You Might Ask

What kind of dress is good for travel.

Any dress that is comfortable and easily reusable is likely going to be good for travel—especially if it has pockets and/or adjustable straps—but Coleman recommends maxi dresses, in particular, due to their comfort, coverage, and versatility. Plus, you can pair your maxi with practically any shoe and it’ll look good, including sneakers,sandals, and heels. Coleman also calls out linen dresses as being fantastic for travel because the fabric is breathable and offers natural cooling properties. “Not having to deal with an uncomfortable fit means you can put all your attention on your trip,” she says.

What dress materials won’t wrinkle?

As much as we’d all like to never have to worry about wrinkled clothing, it’s a common occurrence during travel, since the pieces are usually packed up tightly and taken from place to place. That said, picking materials that are designed to be wrinkle resistant can make a huge difference, such as jersey, knits, and some synthetic blends like polyester or spandex.. “These materials make for light and easy packing while lessening the chance you’ll have to find the iron ,” she explains.

This article was written by Rachel Simon , a writer for Real Simple , Better Homes & Gardens , The New York Times , and many other publications. She frequently covers fashion and beauty, and in addition to researching many travel dresses, she spoke to Angelique Coleman , a stylist at the personal styling site Stitch Fix.

Related Articles

We Found the Best Travel Dresses That Effortlessly Nail Comfy and Cute

Wrinkle-free exercise dresses and packable maxis included.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

As a frequent traveler, I know the importance of having versatile and stylish clothing options that can keep up with my adventures. That's why I swear by travel dresses — they're the perfect combination of style, comfort and practicality for exploring new destinations. While athleisure wear is comfy, nothing beats the polished look and convenience of a travel dress. Plus, they take up minimal space in my suitcase and can resist wrinkles — when chosen wisely.

Not all dresses are created equal when it comes to travel, though. That's why we've carefully curated a selection of options that are designed to meet the unique demands of travel, offering features like wrinkle resistance, packability, breathability and effortless style. From flowy maxis to lightweight sundresses to versatile exercise dresses , our favorite picks are designed to keep you cool, chic and wrinkle-free throughout your journey.

Our top picks:

Best Everyday

Korsis casual t-shirt dress with pockets.

Best for Rainy Weather

Uniqlo ultra stretch airism sleeveless dress.

Best Formal

Ouges v-neck pattern knee length dress with pockets.

Check out my top travel dress recommendations as well as our in-house fashion pros' before you embark on your next adventure. For the ultimate vacation ensemble, don't forget to accessorize with a fanny pack and the most comfortable shoes to wear.

A basic short-sleeved dress is a versatile travel must-buy. This travel dress on Amazon boasts more than 40,000 ratings, with reviewers saying it's "soft and not too thin" and "perfect for traveling." Flowy by design, the dress offers a casual fit, plus hidden pockets. We love that it's available in more than 50 colors and patterns — you'll want to fill your whole wardrobe with these affordable, comfy dresses. Note this style is hand-wash only.

Heading somewhere that's extra humid or heavy on the rain? Textiles Product Analyst Grace Wu calls on Uniqlo's AIRism dress for everyday wear in the summer. "[This dress] is lightweight without feeling flimsy and quick-drying for any surprise rain, " she says. Fairly versatile, the long silhouette can be styled with a belt for a bit more form. A bonus: It has pockets. The size range is pretty limited, though, only running from XXS to XL.

Leave the steamer behind for your next formal event. This wrinkle-resistant Amazon travel dress rises to the occasion with thousands of glowing reviews. Online shoppers appreciate the vast choices of styles, from florals to velvets , and we appreciate that it means you can wear it everywhere, from beaches to weddings.

GRECERELLE Loose Maxi Dress with Pockets

Touting more than 31,000 five-star Amazon ratings, this maxi dress is a reviewer and an editor favorite . Made of mostly rayon with a bit of spandex, our textiles pros appreciate that this affordable pick should stretch and fight off wrinkles, even on a busy day. Plus, it has two side slits, so it can be styled up or down. Choose from 45 color options — neutrals and patterns included — to mix and match your ensembles.

Spanx AirEssentials Maxi T-Shirt Dress

Obsessed is an understatement when it comes to our Textiles Lab fashion experts' opinions of the Spanx AirEssentials line. Described as "cloud-like" and "light as air," this maxi dress is made from the brand's famed fabric. Home & Apparel Reviews Analyst Amanda Constantine considers it her go-to airport outfit because of its soft, smooth feel. "I'm always impressed by how great it looks straight out of my suitcase without wrinkles or dents," she says. Constantine just notes some pilling issues and color fading with time.

Amazon Essentials Relaxed Fit Half-Sleeve Waisted Midi A-Line Dress

For a light, breezy stroll along the waterfront or a tour around the city, this shirt dress suits nicely. Its adjustable tie at the waist lends the silhouette more shape. A shopper appreciated its non-see-through materials and modest length , with one adding that it was perfect on hot, summer days. "And it has pockets! They are large enough to fit a cellphone," they wrote .

Amazon Essentials Short-Sleeve Maxi Dress

This Amazon Essentials travel maxi dress comes in all the staple colors. Its draping silhouette can be paired with nearly anything, from comfy sneakers to basic flip-flops. Satisfied shoppers left glowing feedback saying that it's easy to throw on quickly, passing as either dressy or casual .

ANRABESS Sleeveless Maxi Dress

Tapping into boho fashion, this sleeveless maxi dress on Amazon makes a great everyday piece. Thanks to its simple, loose silhouette, it's easy to dress up and down with accessories like a wide-brim hat, a belt (for a more cinched look) and a pair of platform sandals. Propelling it to a best-seller on Amazon, reviewers praised its breezy, flattering fit.

Athleta Presidio Traveler Maxi Dress

Add sporty flair to travel looks. Athleta's traveler dress billows to the calves in a relaxed and roomy fashion. Made with a blend of spandex and recycled polyester similarly seen in the brand's activewear pieces, this maxi dress is designed to be wrinkle-resistant and quick-drying . Sizes include regular, petite and tall, and the brand notes that the dress runs slightly large by design.

Milumia Button-Up Floral Print Maxi Dress

Got a garden party or a brunch soiree on the itinerary? This flowy maxi dress comes in an array of multi-colored florals that will match the occasion. Pair the airy dress with open-toed heels or platform sandals for a casual, yet elevated ensemble. Reviewers note that the elastic middle allows for extra stretch while still looking fitted.

Quince Tencel Jersey Side Tie Dress

A best-seller from the brand whose luxury items we adore, the Quince travel dress adds a sophisticated twist to the lowkey jersey dress silhouette. It's made with silky smooth-feeling Tencel and its knotted detailing drapes nicely at the waist. With dressy sandals or classic white sneakers in tow, wear the classy ensemble when a nice dinner is on the itinerary.

SCOTTeVEST Dorothy Dress with Hidden Pockets

When visiting a new place, keep your valuables close to you. Avoid carrying a purse at all by wearing a dress that has a place for everything. SCOTTeVEST designs clothes with hidden pockets to conceal your phone, wallet, sunglasses, keys and more and to protect you from sneaky pickpockets. Stay safe while looking great in this cute, short-sleeved pick.

Halara Everyday 2-in-1 Activity Euphoria Dress

Wildly popular for its flattering yet comfy fit, this Halara travel dress is made from a nylon and elastane blend. Translation: It is moisture-wicking while retaining its shape and stretch. One GH textiles pro especially loves wearing this pick on vacation because of its built-in interior shelf bra and adjustable straps . Plus, the shorts liner has got you covered. Choose from an array of light pinks and yellows for summertime.

Girlfriend Collective Citrine Paloma Racerback Dress

Available up to a size 6XL, this pick offers medium support with the brand's signature compressive fabric . In our exercise dress evaluation, curvy testers raved that it fit their hips perfectly without pulling on their stomach. Plus, GH analysts appreciate Girlfriend Collective's commitment to sustainability by using recycled materials in this dress.

Abercrombie & Fitch YPB sculptLUX Mini Dress

Hike? Theme park? Abercrombie's mini dress stashes phones, IDs or keys in its hidden pocket , so there's no need to lug a bag around. Its squared neckline and subtle slit lend this exercise dress a trendy leg up. "I feel secure when I'm wearing it thanks to the built-in bra and shorts," says Constantine. Most shoppers agree but add that the removable pads move around a lot.

Love Bonito Kaleni Padded Plunge Maxi Dress

Finding a bra that works with a plunge dress can be, well, a bust. This versatile maxi dress could be the solve when strapless bras clash with looks. Love Bonito's dress already builds in padding . While the straps are not adjustable, many reviewers had no qualms with the fit.

gap Satin High-Neck Midi Dress

Elevate vacation looks with this timeless satin midi dress. "I bring this lightweight dress from GAP on every trip!" says Constantine. "It folds down super compact and fits in even the smallest of carry-ons or personal bags ." It's held up to countless washes with only minor pilling after two years of regular wear.

Universal Standard Geneva Dress

Universal Standard is known for having an impressive range of sizes in every style on the site. This popular dress is made from soft Peruvian cotton that's designed to be pill-resistant and colorfast. In addition to 11 sizes, there are v-neck, crew neck, long sleeve and sleeveless options, with newly added luxe velvet styles . Reviewers say it's the perfect dress to "wear to work or lounging around the house."

Colorfulkoala Women's Cloud Tennis Dress

A well-known workout brand on Amazon, Colorfulkoala makes some of our experts' favorite budget-friendly athletic wear. Many GH testers even favor Colorfulkoala over pricier options . The exercise dress adopts a thick fabric seen in the brand's other offerings as well as a padded shelf bra and built-in romper liner. One caveat is that the straps aren't adjustable.

Outdoor Voices The Exercise Dress

The Outdoor Voices Exercise Dress has a cult-like following for being a summer necessity. Complete with lightweight, moisture-wicking nylon , plus built-in shorts, pockets and a shelf bra , the workout dress is a go-to for biking, golfing, hiking or just running errands. Our pros love its versatility but note that its spandex shorts aren't as compressive as traditional bike shorts .

Emma Seymour (she/her) is the associate director of the Good Housekeeping Institute 's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she has led testing for luggage, pillows, towels, tampons and more since 2018. She graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor of science in fiber science and apparel design and a minor in gerontology, completing research in the Body Scanner Lab on optimizing activewear for athletic performance. 

Jacqueline (she/her) covers all things e-commerce in beauty, lifestyle and beyond for the Good Housekeeping Institute . Before joining GH in 2021, she was a style and beauty reviews fellow at Insider, testing viral trends, reviewing sustainable brands and more. She's a graduate of the University of Florida's School of Journalism, with a specialty in magazines and mass communication.

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8 Best Travel Dresses Of 2024, Tested By Travel Experts

Our top options include CSB's Racer Back Maxi dress and Lululemon's Align dress.

Women's Health may earn commission from the links on this page, but we only feature products we believe in. Why Trust Us?

When you're busy stuffing clothes into your carry-on or luggage set , figuring out what to wear to the airport may be your last priority, but a good travel dress will give you an effortless, polished look you can use and reuse once you reach your destination.

Where a travel dress differs from any other standard dress is in its durability and ability to be easily styled up or down. Depending on accessories, a travel dress can look as fancy or casual as you want it to be, but its material will usually be made from wrinkle-resistant, quick-drying, or stretchy fabric. This kind of material makes it comfy to wear on long travel days or days where you'll be getting a lot of movement in.

Best travel dress

Most Breathable

Lululemon align dress.

Best Overall

Csb racer back maxi dress.

Most Polished

Uniqlo ultra stretch airism sleeveless dress.

When shopping for a travel dress, you should consider how the dress can be layered with other items to adapt to different weather conditions, says Addie Bell , CEO of Jetset and Travel, a travel consulting agency and affiliate of SmartFlyer. She also recommends checking that it's suitable for both day and night activities, which will maximize its utility—you can use it while traveling and during your actual trip.

Here are a few other things to consider.

What to consider

Since travel days often include a lot of walking, you'll want to make sure your dress' fabric is breathable. This will also come in handy if you're traveling to a warm weather destination. Breathable fabrics Bell recommends include cotton or linen. Other materials you can consider are jersey, spandex blends, and certain synthetics, like polyester. "[These] wrinkle-resistant materials...are best if you need to maintain a polished look after being packed," Bell says.

When traveling, Bell typically goes for longer dresses since they offer more coverage and comfort, Bell says. But, "a midi or knee-length dress strikes a perfect balance between style and practicality, and is typically suitable for a variety of activities and settings," she adds. When choosing the length of her dress, Bell also considers what the weather is like. "Longer dresses provide more coverage and protection from the sun, while shorter dresses can be more comfortable in hot climates," she says. Whatever the length you're comfortable with, she recommends making sure your dress allows for easy movement, especially when doing a lot of walking or activities.

The color of your dress is your preference, but Bell says that neutral tones like black, navy, white, and beige are versatile and easy to mix and match with other wardrobe pieces. "Subtle patterns can also help hide wrinkles and stains, making the dress more travel-friendly."

On the other side, bright colors can add a fun, vibrant touch to travel and can be used to complement the destination you're visiting, Bell says. "I always recommend sticking within a similar color palette to ensure they match other items you’re bringing," she adds.

How we chose

For the past few months, Women's Health editors, including lifestyle and commerce editor Jasmine Gomez, researched and tested the best travel dresses for jetsetting in style and comfort. In addition to testing dresses based on durability, material feel, and their ability to stand up to lots of movement and long hours, we also consulted travel expert Addie Bell, founder and CEO of Jetset and Travel, a travel consulting agency. She's also an avid traveler who also provides trip and packing advice.

Before you plan your next trip to one of the award winners in our 2024 Healthy Travel Awards , below find the eight best travel dresses, tested by travel experts.

Lululemon's Align dress boasts some of the many features Lulu's cult and editor-favorite Align leggings do. We found that it's super lightweight, breathable, and buttery-soft. What's even better is what's underneath the dress—a built-in bra and a shorts liner with drop-in pockets. The dress is on the shorter side, but the shorts provide reassurance when bending over to pick up luggage or during other travel-related tasks.

The dress is also designed from sweat-wicking material, so those who run hot will not only like this option because it leaves more skin exposed, but because it keeps that skin that is covered up cool and dry. When you're not traveling in it, it also makes a great option for low-impact activity, since the dress was actually designed for yoga.

After having our editors put over 10 travel dress options to the test, the Racer Back Maxi Dress from CSB came out on top for its stretchy feel that makes it easy to move around in, polished look, and easy to style nature.

"Running to the airport is stressful, which is why I love this dress for a comfortable, effortless look that seems like I actually spent time getting dressed," says lifestyle and commerce editor Jasmine Gomez. She likes that you can easily pair it with jewelry, a nice bag, or even a sun hat to make an outfit that's great for travel, but also ideal for immediately hitting the streets once you reach your destination.

To offer an ideal fit, the dress is made from a ribbed fabric blend that offers slight compression, giving this dress a shapewear-like feel that isn't overly constricting. Its maxi length, low scoop neckline, and racerback design also makes it perfect for those who want a full coverage option that's still ideal for warm weather, but even colder temps when it's layered with other clothing.

Though there's a limited number of color options available, the three it does come in–brown, gray, and black—are great basic tones that pair together nicely with almost anything.

Read more: Best Travel Pants For Women

Those traveling for work or looking for a more polished option will like Uniqlo's AIRism Sleeveless dress. Though you'll look ready for an interview, the dress is very functional for traveling, since its fabric is stretchy, features pockets on both sides, and is made of quick-drying material. The dress's fabric is made from a polyester blend, which is what lends to its more polished look—it's a way less sportier option than Lululemon's Align dress for sure.

Most people will also find that the dress has a flattering fit. It's designed with a fit-and-flare silohouette created by panel lines that are cut to create a contoured look. Our testers that value sustainability also gave the dress bonus points for being partly made using recycled materials.

Vuori Pose Sands Dress

Vuori's Pose Sands Dress is an excellent pick for those that plan on walking a ton of miles while sightseeing and taking photos for the 'gram. Though it's on the longer side, the side slit makes it really easy to move in and the rib knit fabric makes it resistant to wrinkles.

The dress is also designed to hug the body in all the right places. In fact, we found that it offers a bit of compression, though the slit alleviates some of that tension, making it a next-level comfy option. Editors particularly liked that it can be paired with either sneakers, heels, or boots depending on the look you're going for or the terrain or weather you're conquering. If you're not wearing it to the airport, you'll like that the dress is a space-saver. It packs light and compactly, making it a great option for those traveling only with carry-ons.

Beyond Yoga City Chic Dress

If you've looked around recently, you know cargo is in, and this dress from Beyond Yoga is both trendy and functional. It's designed to flatter all body types, thanks to its adjustable cinched waist. The waistband's stretchy drawcord lets you achieve a customized fit that feels uniquely comfortable to you.

Our testers particularly like the dress's spacey pockets, which lets you store important documents, like an ID or boarding pass while you're traveling. The dress is also made with a two-way zipper, which makes it super easy to go to the bathroom without having to scrunch your dress up in risk of wrinkling it. The collar gives it an elevated look, and its quick-drying polyester fabric, a soft feel worth wearing on long travel days.

Anrabess Summer Casual Tank Dress

Those looking for a cozy, put-together option will like this Amazon dress. It's looser in nature, but pleated and tiered with a deep v-neckline, and those small details make all the difference. Plus, you can't beat its budget-friendly price of less than $40.

Depending on what you pair it with, the dress is appropriate for a variety of settings from a morning stroll to a more formal dinner, and its flowy nature makes it a breeze to travel in, too. We like that its pockets are very roomy, and that it has a lightweight, non-constricting feel, which is ideal for long days on your feet or longer flights or commutes. Plus, the dress is available in over 10 colors, so it isn't hard to find one you particularly love.

Grecerelle Short Sleeve Casual Summer Dress

While the other dresses on this list are mostly available in neutral tones, this one offers a lot more color options. You can buy it in basic colors, like black, white, and navy blue, but it's also available in floral, paisley patterns, and more. Made from a blend of rayon and spandex, the dress is also breathable and stretchy.

We found that the fabric is very similar to a nice t-shirt, so its comfy feel makes it great for wearing for hours on end. Though it doesn't wrinkle easily, this dress is more prone to wrinkles than others on this list, which is something to keep in mind if you hate ironing or steaming. Some of our testers also pointed out that the waistband is one of the most forgiving on this list, making it a great option for those with wider hips who don't like drawstring or elastic waistbands.

Sweaty Betty Sweaty Betty Power Workout Dress

Tenniscore is in, and it turns out that many tennis dresses actually make good travel dresses, too. That's because they're designed to withstand a ton of movement, sweaty activity, and come with built-in features like shorts and a bra to offer a little more coverage than a traditional dress.

Made with an elastane blend, our travel testers like that this dress is stretchy but contoured, creating a flattering, sculpted fit. The material is quick-drying and moisture-wicking, which means it can stand up against warm weather, wet travel days, and more. Since the fabric is on the thinner side, it's also rolls or packs nicely into any luggage, saving you more space for your bulkier items.

Meet the expert

• Addie Bell is founder and CEO of Jetset and Travel, a travel consulting agency, and a travel consultant who offers trip and packing advice.

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Jasmine Gomez is the Commerce Editor at Women’s Health, where she cover the best product recommendations across beauty, health, lifestyle, fitness, and more. When she's not shopping for a living, she enjoys karaoke and dining out more than she cares to admit. Follow her @JazzeGomez .  

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Top travel dresses for every trip + how to pack them right.

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There’s nothing like a simple dress to give you effortless travel style . Travel dresses are comfortable, especially in the summer heat, and provide versatility for layering and making multiple outfits.

Plus, sometimes us female travelers want to look sexy, feminine and flirty!

The best dresses for travel are multipurpose , should dress up and down easily, and hopefully consist of special fabrics that wrinkle less, smell less, and wear out less. With the right accessories, dresses on our packing list work in many climates and for many travel activities.

Here are our picks for the best travel dresses .

Best Basic Dresses for Travelers

Wool& sierra tank dress.

This sleeveless, A-line silhouette dress is the perfect transitional piece. The wool& Sierra Tank Dress has patch pockets (pockets!!!) and a crew neckline to give it an elevated look that can work for any destination from the beach to the city. 

Not only is wool&’s signature Merino wool odor-resistant, breathable, and temperature-regulating, but it also stays wrinkle-free which means you can wear it all day and look amazing. It’s also quick drying, so even if it does need a wash, you can easily wash it in your hotel’s hand basin and it will be ready to wear the next day!

At HPL we are huge fans of wool& and our readers feel the same way. This particular dress was recommended to us by an HPL reader who loves it because it is so versatile (she even knows people who have worn it on the Camino Trail ). Another wool& dress she recommends is the Chloe Dress which she is using to do the 30 Day Challenge where you wear the same wool& dress for 30 days straight.

• BUY: Wool& Sierra Tank Dress

SCOTTeVEST Daisy Dress

This unassuming design is not only stylish and comfortable, but it is also super functional. The SCOTTeVEST Daisy Dress has no less than eight (yes eight!) strategically placed pockets that you can actually use. Some of them are hidden (great theft-proof clothing options ) and some of them are zippered which is perfect for keeping all your essentials safe if you want to go handbag free .

The bamboo mix fabric is soft and breathable, designed to help regulate your body temperature, keeping you cool and comfortable during your travel days. It’s also wrinkle and odor-resistant making it perfect for multiple wears on your trip.

• BUY: SCOTTeVEST Daisy Dress

Toad&Co Marley Tiered Short Sleeve Dress

At first glance, the Marley Tiered Short Sleeve Dress by Toad&Co looks like a simple T-shirt dress, but in reality, it’s so much more. First off, the simple design is perfect for a casual look and travel days (how about being part of a plane outfit ), and then it shows a bit of playfulness with the swing silhouette.

In addition, the breathable, travel-friendly fabric makes it quick-drying, moisture-wicking, and odor-controlling. Oh, and did we mention that this dress has hidden pockets? Holla. If there’s anything that makes a girl happy, it would be a travel dress with pockets … am I right?

• BUY: Marley Tiered Short Sleeve Dress

Smitten Merino Tilly Dress

If you are looking for something super comfortable that can take you straight from long travel days to sightseeing then this is the perfect dress for you! The Smitten Merino Tilly Dress is an A-line Merino wool dress with a square shape and oversized fit. Wear it loose and flowy or add a belt at the waist.

Made in Australia, this dress is the perfect dress for summer and was recommended to us by an HPL reader who loves it because it travels brilliantly – it’s lightweight, wrinkle-resistant, quick-drying, machine-washable, and takes up little room. Plus, she received outstanding customer service from Smitten Merino.

Other Smitten Merino dresses this reader recommends are the Tiffany Dress and the Ellie Dress (she loved this one so much she bought two of them!).

• BUY: Smitten Merino TIlly Dress

Travel Maxi Dress

The simple maxi dress offers the traveler an extremely versatile wardrobe option. Given the length, this dress provides coverage for more conservative trips (with an extra wrap on top) while also staying flowy and light for warm, beachy adventures. 

Best of all, it’s casual, but also has the capability of being sleek and classy while at the same time being one of the most comfortable travel dresses.

Mariah mentioned that a black maxi dress is her one little thing she can’t travel without for the following reasons:

“It’s comfortable, and black goes with everything! The length is perfect for visiting more conservative countries as well as entering cathedrals. As an added bonus I don’t have to worry about shaving my legs! It’s also my favorite outfit to wear for those long days of traveling spent on buses or planes. I’ve slept overnight in airports wearing my maxi dress and it’s almost like having a built-in blanket keeping me warm.“

She goes on:

“The best thing about my maxi dress is not having to worry if it’s going to fit. With a few colored cardigans and cute jewelry, the options for outfits are numerous and I can tailor it to my activities. I’ve worn my maxi dress on the beach and out to dinner and it’s perfect for both occasions.”

• BUY: Look for maxi dresses on Amazon , at Target , or even at your REI and travel clothing shops.

The LBD – Little Black (Travel) Dress

A little black travel dress is a staple in your home wardrobe, so why not in your travel wardrobe? The perfect LBD can be worn in almost every travel situation (that’s not super active) and dressed up for more special occasions. Your LBD can even be a black maxi dress!

Andi Perullo mentioned that a little black dress is her one little thing she can’t travel without:

“An LBD can take me trekking in tropical rainforests to painting the town red at night. It is comfortable and at the same time chic! Black is slimming, it goes with everything in your wardrobe, and it photographs really well. It takes up next to no space. Plus, since it can be worn during the day and at night, you can eliminate other items of clothing.”

Now the optimal little black dress will contain some extra travel-specific features (quick-drying material, for example — see the best dress for business travelers below), but even my simple $25 find from H&M worked wonders on a cruise. It’s no wonder the LBD is one of so many travelers’ top picks.

Eddie Bauer Easy Tank Dress

The Eddie Bauer Easy Tank Dress is the ultimate traveler. The relaxed fit of this dress makes it perfect for travel days but it is also a very flattering style making it perfect for a day spent exploring or a night out when you want to look your best.

This tank dress combines four-way stretch mobility fabric making it comfy and easy to wear. It also uses moisture-wicking technology and built-in sun protection to make this dress a smart choice for warm weather destinations or crowded public transport. 

It is also quick drying which is a huge plus because you’ll definitely want to wear this one multiple times on your trip.

• BUY: Eddie Bauer Easy Tank Dress

Convertible Travel Dress Picks

Season the pepper dress.

The Pepper Dress is sure to spruce up your travel wardrobe . This 100% silk, low-waste, and eco-friendly garment can be worn in over ten different ways!

This lightweight layering piece is perfect for all climates and can be worn at a variety of different lengths. This one piece can take you from day to night and can be dressed up or down to suit your needs.

In addition to being versatile, the lightweight silk fabric is odor-resistant and perfect for throwing into a backpack and toted off to the next adventure.

• BUY: Season The Pepper Dress

Encircled Chrysalis Cardi

It may not have dress in the name, but let me assure you that the Chrysalis Cardi transforms into one glorious dress (or should I say dresses). At its core, this soft modal, wearable garment serves as an infinity scarf but it can transform into eight completely different styling options from a strapless dress for hot, sunny days to a modest cover-up for visiting temples.

With a couple of strategically placed snaps, the scarf transforms into a cardigan, and further into a gorgeous dress.

Caroline documented her love of the Chrysalis Cardi early on, and I also have enjoyed having this convertible travel dress on my packing list . Caroline says:

“As with all multi-wear products, you may like one look over others and for me, the scarf and dress looks suit me best. I love the Grecian inspired dress for nights out as well as bundling up in the scarf to keep warm in winter . It’s also easy to accessorize and comes in a handful of colors.”

• BUY: Encircled Chrysalis Cardi

Encircled Sleeveless Revolve Dress

By the same company as the Chrysalis Cardi, the Revolve Dress offers up versatility in a much simpler design. In the original post, we linked to the Revolve dress with sleeves, which is no longer available. However, the sleeveless version is just as versatile and great for warmer days (or layered up for colder ones).

This convertible travel dress works as a tunic dress or as a top, plus it can be flipped backward for a different neckline. It can be worn in six different ways, giving you six different outfit options in one, and is made of the same soft modal as the Chrysalis Cardi. The Revolve dress design was updated in April 2023.

Caroline reviewed the original Revolve dress saying:

“I can imagine packing this item for my next cold weather trip . Not only is it extremely comfortable and lightweight, it can be worn so many ways and add layers. It would make for an ideal plane outfit .

“. . .I found this garment to be much easier to wear in the different styles than the Chrysalis Cardi, which took a bit of learning and YouTube watching on my end. This dress is fairly straightforward and requires little instruction. You just put on and go!”

• BUY: Encircled Sleeveless Revolve Dress

Ever by X Dress

Ever by X makes only one dress, that’s how versatile it is! It can be worn in eight unique ways all year round. They refer to it as a “multi-wear essential taking you from chic day to elegant event.” We like the sound of that!

Made ethically and sustainably in Sydney, this dress comes in a wide range of colors and is machine washable, quick-drying, and wrinkle-resistant. Plus, it packs small.

This dress is a recommendation from an HPL reader who raved about the amazing customer service she received from the brand and loved the dress so much that she bought it in two different colors. As a bonus, she always receives compliments when wearing them.

• BUY: Ever by X Dress

Infinity Wrap Dress

It was one of the first articles I put on Her Packing List, and over 10 years later, it’s still a viable convertible travel dress option. While it might not be the style of skirt/dress you prefer, the infinity wrap dress is very suitable for beachy and tropical getaways.

Plus the multiple patterns, and the layers themselves, make this skirt/dress literally have 100 ways to wear. It works over bathing suits, it works while sightseeing, and it definitely works while getting dolled up for date night.

• BUY: Sari Infinity Wrap Dress

Grab HPL’s Editable Packing Checklist Template

Our free packing checklist PDF is editable, printable AND reusable! Type directly into the form, or print off a blank copy and fill in by hand.

Reversible Dresses for Travel

Helene clarkson 4-way reversible dress.

You get four dresses in one with Helene Clarkson’s Reversible Travel Dress. This dress has two patterns, a charming floral print or a serene sky hue, and two different neck options, a flattering V-neck or a classic boat neck. 

The drawstring waist makes this dress incredibly easy to wear and not only looks great but can be worn for all occasions, from casual outings to special events. As a bonus, this soft and stretchy material is also wrinkle-resistant.

• BUY: Helene Clarkson 4-Way Reversible Dress

Diane Kroe Reversible Resort Dress

Not only is this dress reversible, which means an instant two-in-one look, but it can be worn both as a skirt and as a dress which means even more outfit options to keep your travel wardrobe looking fresh and fun. 

In fact, the Diane Kroe Reversible Resort Dress can be worn in 22 different ways!

This lightweight dress is made from Diane Kroe’s Venezia travel fabric which is a high-quality poly/spandex blend. This is very similar to your yoga, workout, and swimwear, only with a lightweight, silky-soft finish. It is quick to dry, wrinkle-free, and durable.

• BUY: Diane Kroe Reversible Resort Dress

Wool& Summer Midi Dress

This semi-fitted, sleeveless merino wool dress can be worn either as a crew neck or as a v-neck. Both of which look effortless. For even more styling options, this dress comes with a fabric belt for either a fitted or loose look.

This simple silhouette hits just below the knee for an easy, everyday style.

The wool& Summer Midi Dress was recommended to us by an HPL reader who loved that she could style many looks with one dress.

• BUY: Wool& Summer Midi Dress

Tribal Reversible A-Line Dress

Double the options in your wardrobe with this versatile piece! This bonded knit dress is solid black on the one side which is perfect for days spent exploring and travel days or it can be easily dressed up for a night out. On the other side, it transforms into a stunning tropical print, perfect for a beach destination.

The Tribal Reversible A-Line Dress is made from a rayon/spandex blend, is sleeveless (perfect for hot island getaways), and has pockets! Does it get better than that?

• BUY: Reversible A-Line Dress

Encircled The Everyday Sleeveless Dress

The A-line, mid-length Everyday Sleeveless Dress from Encircled is super versatile thanks to the reversible neckline (meaning two neckline options in one). It also comes with a removable belt giving you even more stylish options. Cinch the dress in at the waist or leave it loose and flowing depending on the occasion. And to make this dress even better, it has pockets! 

This dress is made from an ultra-soft, sustainable bamboo blend fabric that is breathable, and perfect for a warm destination. It also comes in three color options, raspberry, heathered navy blue (pictured), and black.

• BUY: The Everyday Sleeveless Dress

Best Dresses for Business Travelers

Wool& ellie midi wrap dress.

This elevated midi dress hits just below the knee for a flattering fit. The ¾ length sleeve is not only perfect for a work environment but a great option if you need to look professional in a warmer destination.

Made of the same signature fabric as their Sierra Tank Dress, the Ellie Midi Wrap Dress from wool& is a business traveler’s dream come true. Wrinkle-resistant, and oh-so-lightweight, this travel dress delivers comfort and classy style that can easily be packed in a suitcase without any drama whatsoever.

Plus, it’s quick-drying , meaning a quick rinse in your hotel sink is all it takes to be fresh again by morning!

• BUY: Wool& Ellie Midi Wrap Dress

Eddie Bauer Empire Waist Dress

Although the Eddie Bauer Empire Waist dress is sleeveless, the addition of a cardigan or packable blazer will instantly make it a hit with business travelers. The fitted bodice also gives it a more professional look.

Many women struggle with packing light for business trips as there is often the need to pack bulky pieces and dress shoes, all while including casual clothes for outside of work hours. With this dress, you can literally go from work to play, with just the addition of a cardigan. You could even add the Encircled Chrysalis Cardi on top to really make the most out of a single purchase.

To make it even better, this polyester/spandex blend material features moisture-wicking, sun-protection, and odor-control technologies making it ideal as a travel dress.

• BUY: Eddie Bauer Empire Waist Dress

SCOTTeVEST Daphne Dress

This faux wrap dress is the perfect addition to you next business trip. Like the SCOTTeVEST Daisy Dress, it is packed with strategically placed pockets. The SCOTTeVEST Daphne Dress has one top drop pocket, two side seam pockets with zips, and one sleeve pocket with a zip perfect for safely stashing your valuables and ideal for women who need their hands free.

On top of all those pockets, the stretchy fabric is both flattering and comfortable. AND it is wrinkle-resistant.

• BUY: SCOTTeVEST Daphne Dress

The Best Materials for Travel Dresses

Merino wool.

Merino wool is one of the best fabrics for travelers. Wool has got a bad rap, with many people thinking that it is high-maintenance when really this couldn’t be further from the truth.

Merino wool regulates your temperature like no other material. Not only does it keep you warm in cold climates, but it keeps you cool in warm climates too. Lightweight merino wool garments breathe and wick moisture away from your skin, keeping you cool, even when it’s humid.

Your Merino wool dress can also go for weeks (yes weeks!!!) at a time without showing signs of odor. Merino wool does this by quickly absorbing sweat which prevents the growth of odor-causing bacteria and keeps your skin dry.

Wool& is so confident about this that they host a 100-day dress challenge where their customers are encouraged to wear a wool& dress for 100 days straight for eight hours a day and document their journey on social media.

In addition to this, merino wool is naturally soft, quick-drying, and wrinkle-resistant.

Bamboo is another great option for travelers. One of the biggest benefits of bamboo material is that it is so comfortable.

Bamboo fabric is breathable and has moisture-wicking properties. The structure of the bamboo fibers contains micro-gaps, which provide ventilation and pull moisture away from the body, allowing the skin to breathe. We all know this is extremely important when you’re traveling, especially when you have a tight schedule or are rushing from one train to the next.

As if that wasn’t enough to convince you, bamboo fabric is antibacterial, antifungal, thermoregulating, hypoallergenic, and lightweight!

To top that all off, bamboo fabric is naturally eco-friendly making it an obvious choice for the conscious traveler!

Rayon feels smooth on your skin. It dries quickly and is another great wrinkle-resistant fabric. Unfortunately, it doesn’t wick moisture as well as wool and bamboo, so it’s not the best option for warmer climates where you might sweat a lot.

Some Materials to Avoid

Some fabrics to avoid when traveling are those that lack breathability like nylon or leather.

Another fabric to avoid is cotton . You might think that cotton is a good travel fabric but cotton takes an extremely long time to dry meaning there’s no chance of washing and re-wearing your cotton dress if you get it dirty. 

Even if you’re not planning on re-wearing, if you get cotton wet or get a bit sweaty while you’re traveling, you could be stuck in your wet clothes for hours which can get really uncomfortable and even dangerous if you’re hiking in cold weather. This is even worse in humid conditions.

• Read about the best fabrics for travel clothing .

Do Dresses Limit Travel Wardrobe Options?

“I love dresses and find them to be cool and effortless. Does packing dresses limit my ability to mix and match?”

Great question. On the one hand, if you already love dresses and feel most comfortable in them, then putting dresses on your packing lists is a pretty safe bet for packing with simplicity and ease. Many women love packing dresses because the top is included… there’s no need to put outfits together!

But when it comes to packing less and having loads of options, dresses may not be as versatile as a skirt plus top. You can change the look of dresses with cardigans, sweaters, and shirts over the top, but skirt and top separates give more options because you can mix and match those while also wearing the tops with a pair of jeans or the female travel necessity: leggings .

Or, you can invest in the multi-wear, convertible and reversible travel dresses mentioned in this article. See more convertible travel clothing for women .

Best Ways to Pack Dresses for Travel

Two words: packing cubes .

As with all things we pack, the best ways to pack dresses for travel start with the packing cube. By using a packing cube, dresses won’t get jostled around too much while in transit, but it does help if those dresses are made with wrinkle-resistant fabrics.

If you are packing nicer dresses, or dresses that shouldn’t be rolled up into a cube, the left side of a suitcase is usually a good place to store them. That side often has a zippered enclosure, which is where I store my jackets and nicer clothing that doesn’t get stuffed into a packing cube.

You can fold multiple items together, much like a loose form of bundle wrapping , to lessen the chance for wrinkles.

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Written by Brooke

I run the show at Her Packing List and love packing ultralight. In fact, I once traveled for 3 entire weeks with just the contents of a well-packed 12L handbag . When I'm not obsessing over luggage weight, I'm planning adventures or just snuggling with my pet rabbit, Sherlock Bunz.

More posts you may like

Ultralight Packing List: I Traveled for 3 Weeks with a 12L Handbag

Best Bags for Weekend Travel, Under $200

How to Pack (Light) for a Year of Travel

How to Travel with Only a Personal Item

Gear we use.

Speakeasy Hidden Pocket Scarves

Splice Reversible Jaisalmer Tunic

Eagle Creek Compression Packing Cubes

Tom Bihn 3D Organizer Cube

Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Daypack

Turkish Travel Towels

Hpl resources, signature class.

Baggage Freedom Express – Learn to pack your lightest bag ever in this revolutionary 5-day packing class by HPL founder, Brooke.

What size bag is perfect for you? (QUIZ) – I’ve put together a fun quiz to help you understand what size bag you could be packing in. Warning: The results may surprise you.

HPL’s Editable Printable Packing Checklist Template – A simple tool for more organized packing.

My 8L Bag’s Minimal Wardrobe Visual Guide – See the exact clothing items I packed when I traveled with a tiny 8L bag – along with the outfit combinations and swaps.

3 Steps to Packing Everything You Need & Nothing More – A guide that helps you see how easy it can be as long as you approach it with the right mindset.

Reader Interactions

December 10, 2012 at 11:47 am

The ExOfficio dress is only $26 in the Raspberry color! And they have my size! Thinking I may have to pick one up, especially with a trip to Mexico in the spring.

December 11, 2012 at 6:36 am

Go for it! It looks very versatile, casual or nice 🙂

April 14, 2013 at 6:33 pm

You forgot the Scottevest Phoebe Dress, available in several colors and short or longer lengths. The top is similar to the ExOfficio Tank Dress, but the dress is a bit more loose and has two hidden pockets for cash, credit card, etc. Very versatile and easy to accessorize.

April 16, 2013 at 2:24 pm

My only problem with this list is that they are not good for top-heavy girls, like myself.

The Kamala dress is the worst! The tiny strings have to be tied pretty tightly to keep them from slipping and even then there’s a great chance of falling. The strings also have to be tied so tightly that they can dig into your neck or just plain give you neck pain.

The Bandeau is another I couldn’t wear without a cami underneath and then you have the issue of cami straps underneath a halter-style dress.

They are gorgeous though!

April 19, 2013 at 5:44 pm

I own the American Apparel dress and for smaller breasted ladies like me (34A) some the style like the one pictures leave lots of fabric hanging by the armpits…not a good look. That being said, I can wear it as a bandeau and a high-waisted skirt. I’m wondered if I would have similar problems with the Kamala skirt? Does anyone know?

May 29, 2013 at 1:57 pm

I traveled through Thailand with the Norma Kamali all-in-one dress from walmart ( http://www.walmart.com/ip/Norma-Kamali-Women-s-All-in-One-Jersey-Dress/11963662 ). It’s super cheap but the fabric is really high quality. What is great about this dress is that it has long sleeves if you need to cover your arms (plane or holy places) but easily transitions into a tube top, one sleeve, halter top, etc. and i can easily make it into a shirt or a dress. it was like having 10 shirts/dresses in one piece of clothing! I’d wash it at night and hang it to dry and by morning it would be dry. My boyfriend was amazed! We would go to fancy places and the material and cut is nice enough to pass in an upscale restaurant. I highly recommend it.

June 28, 2014 at 1:30 pm

Absolutely love this list. I’m always looking for good ideas and this site is full of them!

I am in love with the infinity skirt but I can’t seem to find one from the links posted. 🙁 Would you be able to give me the brand or something else to go off of to find it????

November 8, 2014 at 2:33 pm

Hello, Thanks for this great site and helpful tips! Could you perhaps update this list? I wanted to get the Ex Officio dress but it is not available anywhere anymore. Are there new options that are similar?

May 22, 2017 at 1:15 pm

prAna makes great dresses for traveling also! I have several of their styles and I will never live without them!

June 3, 2019 at 4:30 pm

I cannot vouch enough for the Betabrand Round Trip Dress. I just picked one up and it’s so soft and light to wear.

Thank you for making this list so i could find these dresses.

March 27, 2020 at 8:09 am

Love this list! The Betabrand dress is my favorite, what a versatile yet classy item. Can’t wait to try it out on my next trip. Thanks for the inspiration!

June 28, 2020 at 12:06 pm

“Title Nine” has an exceptional selection of travel skirts, dresses, and other clothing. The items are wrinkle-free, fold compactly, are versatile and perfect for traveling.

August 22, 2023 at 8:56 pm

I found this dress which I took travelling this summer. https://www.reitmans.com/en/short-puffy-sleeve-dress-with-bow-at-neckline/467264.html?dwvar_467264_color=Black&cgid=Women_Dresses#start=1 It has a bumpy seersucker finish and doesn’t wrinkle at all. It’s loose enough to be cool even though it is polyester and that back tie adds syle. Unfortunately, it’s a seasonal offering and there aren’t many sizes left!

August 23, 2023 at 8:00 am

Thanks for sharing!

[…] 2 dresses – I usually pack one casual dress and one nice dress for a dinner out on the town. (Have a look at our top 5 travel dresses). […]

[…] outfit ideas include wearing an oversized men’s shirt and belting it, under your favorite travel dress or if you’re particularly daring, under […]

[…] Dresses: Travel dresses are very versatile and can go from touring in the day to dancing on Bourbon Street at night. Make […]

[…] the pool and dinner every night, you pack one swimsuit for that day, one pool outfit, and then your dress for that night. If you know you’re doing a hiking tour one day, pick your outfit and stick to […]

[…] dresses I prefer to pack dresses because I love to wear them and they capitalize on suitcase space. I’ve been known to pack […]

[…] my post on the Top 5 Travel Dresses, I listed the American Apparel Bandeau dress and later purchased said dress in navy on […]

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Every item on this page was chosen by a Veranda editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

16 Best Travel Dresses for Jet-Setters, According to a Fashion Expert

Pack your bags with styles you'll love.

Going to a luxurious destination sometime soon? You're going to need a great travel dress (or maybe 15). To guide you in finding the perfect fit for your next journey, we've consulted M. K. Quinlan , a Birmingham-based former editor and store owner, for her expertise on all things related to dressing. Packing well involves both science and method—and a travel dress is a must-have piece to the puzzle. Quinlan shares that you should choose clothes that lay flat, require minimal fuss, and pairing them with accessories that transition seamlessly from day to night.

Deciding what to wear for travel begins well before you reach your destination. Remember that your journey starts at the airport , so it's important to dress the part, even when navigating through TSA security. Quinlan shares, "One of my pet peeves is folks who wear pajamas in the airport, but you do want to be comfortable. It's just the reality." And she's found pieces that don't compromise on either style or comfort.

Read on to discover the best travel dresses handpicked by Quinlan and VERANDA editors that are guaranteed to impress.Regardless of whether you're going on a European grand tour or taking it to the tropics, there's a dress on this list that is practically made for you.

Best on the Plane Dress

French stripe knit maren polo dress.

Best Basic Cotton Dress

Best Wrap Dress

Abigail silk jersey midi wrap dress.

On a recent trip, VERANDA's Managing Editor Amy Mitchell found herself perfectly comfortable on a plane (for the first time ever) in this dress. "This light sweater dress is comfortable and breathable, making it a smart pick whatever your destination," she shares. "With its classic navy and white stripes, we particularly love it for a seaside vacay."

It's roomy, non-confining shape allows for it to easily slip in your bag or look fashionable on your flight.

About this dress:

While basics like black and white are tried and true, there's something to be said about color. It adds a layer of brightness to your travel wardrobe and is a staple in its own right.

Sézane, the French brand that's been blowing up the internet as of late, has offerings perfect for travel. Just slip on one of the brand's dresses and embrace the French girl chic look.

When a dress stands the testament of time, it’s sure to travel well—and the wrap dress is a perfect example. Quinlan says, "The wrap dress is great because it's easy."

This style has been popular since the 1930s, but it truly experienced a renaissance in 1974 when Diane von Furstenberg started making her version of the style. It has since become synonymous with the namesake brand she created, and is still being sold 50 years on.

It's the versatility of this style that makes it a fan favorite. Quinlan further notes, "A wrap dress can go from day to night no problem."

If your travel plans include business meetings or a cocktail hour, you'll want to easily slip one of these fabulous pieces into your carry-on .

Fleur Dress

When you travel, it's always important to have something fabulous to wear. And for Quinlan, silk is everything. "I love silk. A simple silk in clean silhouettes is super stylish and feminine," she says. "If you are wanting to make a little bit of a splash at night in the summer silk is the way to go. It's just an easy way to dress up."

While this dress may be a little bold in its print, Saloni keeps the shape chic and sophisticated. The high neckline paired with the tapered waist is a breathtaking combination.

Coatue Caftan

Editor in Chief Steele Marcoux has an eye for design—but she also has an eye for fashion. Marcoux recently pulled this caftan from Julia Amory that's perfect for travel and events alike. The bold contrasting threads set against a solid 100% cotton base make for a fashionable statement. Versatile enough for practically every season, this dress offers flexibility in style. Roll up the wrist-length sleeves for a casual look, and wear it with or without the belt to suit your preference.

Caron Callahan Jocelyn Dress

Available at her Birmingham shop , Quinlan is a huge fan of Caron Callahan's global and thoughtfully crafted designs. The Jocelyn Dress, with its loose shape that pulls in with just a single knot at the waist, has become Quinlan's personal go-to for her own travels.

"The Caron Callahan dress to me is really the ultimate must have because it's really, really comfortable, but it has a polish to it," Quinlan shares.

Off-White Midi Dress

As mentioned, packing a versatile dress that transitions from day to night is essential. It saves suitcase space, allowing you to bring more accessories and leaves room for any treasures you may find along your travels.

This white dress is just as great for a quiet breakfast as it is for a lively beach-front dinner. Pair with espadrilles for a laidback look.

Adavi Stretch-Linen Shirtdress

In the spring and fall seasons, when you aren't entirely sure how many layers you may need, a shirtdress is always a good base. Layer with a sweater, add a scarf, and pair with boots to create the perfect autumn ensemble for exploring. Remove the layers and add a cute pair of sandals, and you have a sophisticated look for the spring.

The sharp suiting details of this piece make it an excellent, transitional staple that will enhance your wardrobe beyond just your travels.

Luisa Shift Dress

A shift dress is always a good idea. We love this one for travel because of its longer length, removable slip, and eyelet detailing. These elements modernize the classic shift and make it worthy of space in your suitcase

However, a classic sift is an excellent option too. Quinlan loves a linen a-line shift that hits just above the knee, which is something you probably already have in your closet. It's totally timeless and will never go out of style.

Phoebe Dress Prado Ditsy

Material is always important when it comes to picking a dress that can travel well. Quinlan's choice material for travel is cotton, but she's also a huge fan of silk and light linen, particularly in the summer.

She says. "You can run a steam shower in your hotel bathroom and hang [the dress] in there and any kind of wrinkles will fall out quickly."

This dress, crafted from a soft cotton-silk blend, offers the best of both worlds: the added silk provides a more luxurious feel to the cotton, which maintains its shape well. Also, it's incredibly lightweight, making it ideal for warmer climates

Striped Ribbed Cotton-Blend Dress

When you're on the go during your travels, having clothes that can be thrown into the washer and dryer without worry is an absolute must. A dress like this one from Polo Ralph Lauren is a game changer. Machine washable, you'll love how easy this dress is and how much easier it will make your life.

Ischia Dress

Longer, mid-calf dresses are the ideal choice for navigating planes, trains, and automobiles. Quinlan explains that this length is great because it offers comfort during travel.

The effortless and relaxed California style of this Dôen dress is perfect not only for enjoying your vacation but also for the journey there. Also, if you have plans right after your flight, you don't even have to change with this fabulous number.

The Ellie Nap Dress

In 2019, Hill House Home introduced the Nap Dress, which quickly became a global sensation. Nell Diamond, the CEO and founder of the brand, designed the dress as a stylish yet comfortable option for everyday wear. The thoughtful design makes the dress a welcome travel companion.

"If you're at the beach, I'm all for it," Quinlan says. "You can wear it over your bathing suit, and you can wear it to dinner with a pretty piece of jewelry ."

Cargo Tie Midi Dress

Another style that you can find at her namesake shop , Quinlan loves the cargo, cool-girl look this Find Me Now Dress has to offer. She explains, "There's nothing more essential than a little black dress. Especially if it's in a material that you can wear during the day and dress up at night."

Quinlan further notes that in a world where we love color, it's important to not overlook the classic look of a black dress.

The Polo Dress

You never know when an impromptu tennis match, golf game, or other activity might arise, making it essential to have this dress within reach. Its relaxed structure ensures it is suitable for a wide range of activities, from social gatherings to sporting events.

Midi Marlowe Dress

Both casual and elegant at the same time, you can find a reason to wear this frock practically wherever you go. The more casual cotton blend allows for easy packing, and the drop waist along with the back detailing makes it perfect for a date night or a garden party

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16 Best Travel Dresses for Women (With Pockets!)

Written by Becca

Updated on August 30th, 2024

I figured out the best dresses for travel, and they’re a mix of cute and versatile styles with wrinkle-resistant fabrics and even pockets. See the list here.

This article may contain affiliate links. We earn a small commissions when you purchase via those links — and it's free for you. It's only us (Becca & Dan) working on this website, so we value your support! Read our privacy policy and learn more about us .

Best Travel Dresses

Bluffworks Threshold T-Shirt Dress

• Free Fly Women’s Breeze Dress

Quince 100% European Linen Sleeveless Swing Dress

Public Rec Go-To Tank Dress

Bluffworks Threshold Tie Waist T-Shirt Dress

• Free Fly Bamboo Heritage Midi Dress

Aviator Chambray Travel Dress

• Icebreaker Women’s Merino Granary Sleeveless Dress
• Quince Tencel Jersey Fit & Flare Mini Dress

Athleta Elation V-Neck Dress

• Patagonia Regenerative Organic Certified™ Cotton Essential Dress

tentree Arden Dress

prAna Jewel Lake Summer Dress

KUHL Vantage Dress

REI Co-op Trailmade Dress

Peruvian Connection Le Marais Dress

For me, it’s always been a challenge to pack a bag and choose just one or two dresses that will be versatile enough to wear in different types of weather and various occasions for a single trip.

In fact, one thing I never let myself do was explore the different types of cool travel dresses out there, for women on the go. I’ve always packed a patterned maxi dress, layered it with a jean jacket, and called it a day. But I could be doing better!

I’ve learned that there are travel dresses out there made by great brands that have invented fabrics that zap moisture and sweat, minimize odors (who doesn’t get stinky on a plane?) and come with pockets .

Browse our 5 favorite picks

• Bluffworks Threshold T-Shirt Dress Check Availability
• Quince Linen Sleeveless Swing Dress Check Availability
• Free Fly Women's Breeze Dress Check Availability
• Public Rec Go-To Tank Dress Check Availability
• KUHL Vantage Dress Check Availability

In the list that follows, I’ve picked a few of the best dresses on the market for women travelers, so that you don’t have to do the work! Let’s dig in.

Bluffworks Threshold T-Shirt Dress

If there was ever a T-shirt dress that really rocked my world, it’s this new one from Bluffworks , the brand that builds great travel clothes for women. In the past, I’ve found T-shirt dresses to hit the wrong places on my body, but this one is both flattering and comfy. Plus, it has hidden POCKETS!

The Threshold T-shirt Dress is made from the Bluffworks proprietary Threshold fabric (I also have the Threshold tee). It works well on travel days.

My favorite part of the T-shirt dress is that it comes in petite sizing and I actually feel great in it. Regular dresses often hit my legs too far down and look like I am drowning. This dress comes in regular sizes by default, and if you’re short like I am, opt for petite sizes!

I think this T-shirt travel dress is priced pretty affordably for all the versatility it provides. I could wear it from spring to fall, layered with scarves, cardigans or tights and boots for cool nights on a trip. In these photos, I’m wearing it with my Troubadour Momentum backpack .

Check out this stylish dress to wear on an upcoming trip!

Free Fly Women’s Breeze Dress

If you’re taking a warm-weather trip that’s bound to get you into humidity, try out the Free Fly Women’s Breeze Dress . I own it in Baltic Amber and in size XS, and the feel of it is like nothing I’ve ever had in my closet before. It’s bouncy and soft on my torso and legs. Note: while the Heritage Midi Dress from Free Fly fits me great in the torso, this one is a bit big and looser.

This dress folds up small in a packing cube, and is made of a special material blend that’s meant to handle heat and humidity like a breeze . The best feature I found is the hidden zipper pocket in the right-side slash pocket. I use this for tiny things like coins or a key.

Is Free Fly worth it? See my Free Fly product experience review .

Free Fly Women's Breeze Dress

Embrace the breeze in this lightweight dress that handles heat and humidity.

Quince 100% European Linen Sleeveless Swing Dress

Everything from Quince has been so affordable, in my experience. I tried the Quince 100% European Linen Sleeveless Swing Dress and absolutely loved the classic summer style.

The only thing about it to gripe about is that the buttons are a little hard to open, when you first get it. I opened one, and got it over my head, and then I kept that button open. I really like the colors that this dress comes in, and I chose Olive. The two pockets on the sides are perfect for sliding my hands into, and they are functional during travel.

Get free shipping, plus 365-day returns now!

Shop the deal

I like the timeless chic style of this travel dress, and the side pockets.

Public Rec Go-To Tank Dress

I’m so glad that Public Rec has come out with some dresses! The cousin of the Public Rec Go-To Dress , the Go-To Tank Dress is a nice travel staple with a funky open back for style. It has a flirty fit and a top half that reminds me of the Public Rec muscle tank that I enjoy wearing as a travel shirt.

With a blend of Pima cotton and spandex, it’s an athletic fit and the material is durable. This one is great for travel in pretty hot temperatures and could be paired with my Public Rec Adapt Belt Bag .

My tip about sizing: Public Rec typically runs “true to size,” in my experience, with their products like the Essential Tee, Luxe Fleece collection and joggers. The Go-To Tank Dress runs a bit wider than I’d like, so I have some fabric gaps at the side that will probably make this dress less of a “go” for me. Keep this in mind about your build if you like this dress, because it’s good for larger-chested women (proportionally) as well as women who might feel like they have more of a standard (non-petite) body type.

Keep it simple with the Public Rec Go-To Tank Dress, a chic travel dress.

Bluffworks Threshold Tie Waist T-Shirt Dress

The Threshold Tie-Waist T-Shirt Dress is the second travel dress from Bluffworks. It has a flattering look that is not too tight, and originally the tie-waist scared me off, but it works out really well. It can be worn in the front (my preference), or even the back. Check out the photos here of me modeling the six usable pockets.

At an affordable price point for the quality you get with Bluffworks, I think this one’s an easy decision. This type of dress can be totally casual for a day to day while traveling, and would look nice as a base layer for more business casual outfits if you have that use during your trip.

This one differs from the Bluffworks original T-shirt dress because it has the nice touch of cuffed sleeves, and I like this a lot. One of the biggest benefits is that this tie-waist style is a classic, so if you put your budget toward a dress like this, it’ll last for years.

See why this travel dress makes a great wardrobe staple.

Free Fly Bamboo Heritage Midi Dress

I slid this Free Fly dress on when I got it. It’s called a “midi” dress because it is supposed to fall at the mid-calf, but for me, at 5’2,” the hemline falls at my ankles in size XS. Keep this in mind! I actually really like that the bamboo viscose fabric feels a little heavier than other dresses I’ve worn, becuase it doesn’t show underwear lines and I appreciate this.

The Heritage Midi Dress has UPF 50+ sun protection, and it is fitted at the top with a natural flow throughout the rest of the body. I like the flattering scoop neck and the hand pockets at the waist! It looks good with a jean jacket when I put on a layer for cooler evenings on a vacation.

To see more products from Free Fly, check out my list of the best women’s travel shorts and you’ll find some recommendations there.

Free Fly Women's Bamboo Heritage Midi Dress

A breezy and comfortable cotton-bamboo viscose dress with a scoop neck.

Aviator Chambray Travel Dress

This long-sleeve denim-look travel dress from Aviator is a new one of my travel finds. It’s a sturdy chambray and I can dress it up with sandals in spring or boots in the fall. What stands out to me about this dress is of course, the pockets, which even have Aviator’s signature YKK zippers.

This chambray dress has a waist tie for closure and flattery. For my Aviator dress, I took Aviator up on their FREE tailoring, and had it taken in at the shoulders and at the length because I’m petite. Now it fits great! Most women say it fits between “to size” and “on the big side.” So, you might want to size down.

I prefer to wear it with the sleeves folded up, as I’m not one for the long-sleeve look. For more photos, see my detailed Aviator Chambray Travel Dress review . My tip : This dress is currently being discontinued and is on “dead stock” only, so it’s discounted on Aviator’s website ! Most sizes are available, but note that it is Final Sale .

Try out Aviator's newest travel product for women during your next trip.

Icebreaker Women’s Merino Granary Sleeveless Dress

I learned about the Icebreaker brand because Dan really likes his Icebreaker merino wool crew sweatshirt . I was glad to find out that Icebreaker makes great women’s apparel in their signature merino wool blend.

Merino wool is one of the best materials for travel, because it’s soft and strong, as well as lightweight and fine. The Granary Sleeveless Dress is 100% merino wool and is a minimalist travel dress with a subtle cap sleeve and a modest knee length.

A dress like this would be good if you plan to take a trip that involves some sightseeing that requires modest dress, like religious temples or sacred places — think Israel or Sri Lanka .

As for fit, it runs pretty long and overall, I think Icebreaker runs big in women’s sizes. If you are a pretty standard build and average height, you still might want to size down . I have Icebreaker’s merino tee for women, and that runs big, too. Check out my photos for a close-up on the fabric and for how small it folds up in your luggage!

Icebreaker Women's Merino Granary Sleeveless Dress

Stay cool and comfortable with the Icebreaker Women's Merino Granary Sleeveless Dress, a versatile piece for any wardrobe.

Quince Tencel Jersey Fit & Flare Mini Dress

I tested out Quince’s Tencel Jersey Fit & Flare Mini Dress and was very happy with out comfortable it was. The tencel has a certain weight to it, which makes the dress hang off my body and not stick to my legs. That’s a plus.

My favorite aspect of it is the flattering neckline. I find I have trouble finding necklines that make me feel confident, and this one has a great shape, with the scoop and straps. Being as short as I am, it ran longer on me than it looks on the models on the product pages. Another highlight: handy and functional slit pockets at the sides.

Quince Cotton Tencel Jersey Fit & Flare Mini Dress

Travel in style with Quince's #1 best-selling travel dress.

Athleta Elation V-Neck Dress

I became familiar with Athleta via my Athleta leggings with pockets that I mention in my list of the best travel pants for women . They make dresses, too! The Elation V-Neck Hybrid Dress is a pretty and flattering summery dress that I can’t stop looking at because it’s so breezy and easy.

It’s an ultralightweight dress made of polyester and spandex that comes in inclusive sizes of XS to 3XL! It’s fitted at the torso and then flares out for keeping you cool.

Embrace comfort and elegance with the Athleta Elation V-Neck Dress, perfect for casual outings or dressier occasions.

Patagonia Regenerative Organic Certified™ Cotton Essential Dress

This long-sleeve casual dress from Patagonia caught my eye because it is super chill. And of course, I had to search for if it has pockets: it does! It has a totally relaxed fit, so think of pairing it with walking sneakers and a baseball cap. You could also wear it with leggings and boots in winter or fall.

As for specifics, this Patagonia travel dress is Fair Trade Certified™, and made from 100% Regenerative Organic Certified™ cotton. It has raglan-style sleeves, two slit pockets and that “Retro Fitz Roy Patagonia logo” that every traveler wants on their chest. What’s not to love?

Patagonia Cotton Essential Dress

This laid-back long-sleeve dress for chilled-out travelers has pockets and a cozy vibe.

tentree Arden Dress

The Arden Dress from tentree has pockets — can you believe it? This travel dress is a blend of Lyocell, recycled polyester and organic cotton that has a two-way stretch knit. For now, it comes in the “core color” of Meteorite Black.

I like the gathered neck, hand pockets, elastic gathered waist and sleeveless look. I’d wear this one in Central America or Southeast Asia, or a summer in Europe. This dress is specifically meant for summer, and for keeping you cool with the gentle fabric. Lastly, it’s easily machine washable.

Embrace comfort and sustainability with the tentree Arden Dress, crafted from recycled fabrics.

prAna Jewel Lake Summer Dress

prAna’s cool high-neck flare dress is stretchy with a detailed back. It’s the only one of its kind, in this entire list of travel dresses!

There are pockets in this travel dress, too (two hand slit pockets at the hips). It has a built-in shelf bra (with removable pads), so that you don’t need to wear one if you don’t need to! I also think it’s an ideal day-to-night dress to bring on a warm and tropical trip. In the black color, you could even dress it up a whole bit more.

This high-neck relaxed dress is made for warm-weather holiday breaks.

KUHL Vantage Dress

KUHL is an adventure and outdoors brand, so I was glad to see they have a dress available for women travelers. The Vantage dress comes in four bold colors, and is sized XS-XL.

As all KUHL products are created for being on the go and being active, the dress has moisture management, odor resistance, sun protection at UPF 50+ and a four-way fabric stretch. There are pockets right below the elastic waist!

This travel dress is fairly casual, so if your trip is active (I probably wouldn’t wear this dress for biking or climbing) like if you’re camping, doing a lot of walking or going on an easy hike, pack this dress in your bag.

Dress to impress with the KUHL Vantage Dress, a versatile piece that combines comfort with contemporary fashion.

REI Co-op Trailmade Dress

Zipper pocket alert: the REI Co-op Trailmade Dress has one, for three pockets in total. It’s a dress that was actually designed for women who love to hike and be outdoors, with UPF 50+ sun protection.

As for the fabric, the REI Trailmade Dress is made of a lightweight nylon/spandex blend with 2-way stretch. It’s quick-drying and moisture-wicking, making it the ultimate dress for “roughing it.”

REI makes a point that this dress is geared toward women of all sizes, as it comes in sizes XS to 3XL.

Travel in style and comfort with the REI Co-op Trailmade Dress, perfect for all types of trips.

Peruvian Connection Le Marais Dress

Probably the most elegant dress in the list, this summery travel dress has a beautifully flattering neckline and a flare hem that will look pretty in photos. It’s a blend of pima cotton and spandex, so it has a slight stretch in its softness. It’s perfect as a go-anywhere dress that’ll pack up into a compression cube and be ready to go.

Peruvian Connection is a company founded from the love of Peruvian textiles, evolving into a global company. The brand’s mission is to support Andean artisans with luxurious fibers and to provide well-paying job opportunities locally.

Travel elegantly in this timeless dress with pockets

Why should you trust me?

I’ve been traveling on my own since 2009, and I know what makes a good piece of clothing to have in my suitcase!

I’ve been through items that have broken or ripped during trips, as well as clothes that have shown sweat, haven’t washed easily and haven’t stood the test of time.

The garments I recommend in this list are clothes I have personally tested already, or ones I plan to wear, and I’m happy with how they look and how they feel.

Also, the brands listed are ones from which I already own other travel clothes (check out my list of the best women’s pants for travel , as well as the best women’s shirts for travel ).

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Fashion , Travel

34 best travel dresses for women 2024: stylish & versatile.

This post may contain affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through them, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

If you love to travel, but hate deciding what to pack, the right dresses are an easy way to create multiple outfits while saving valuable space in your suitcase.

I’ve found the best travel dresses for women that are versatile, stylish, and comfortable, with plenty of options no matter when and where you’re headed. Not only are these top travel dresses, they are also great everyday wardrobe staples. These curated travel dresses include a variety of lengths (mini, midi, maxi), fabrics (linen, cotton, wrinkle-free), and styles that are packable and easy to dress up or down for different occasions and destinations.

And if you want to see one of my favorite ways to style a travel dress for a day of sightseeing, click here .

34 Best Travel Dresses for Women 2024: Stylish & Versatile

Jump to….

Abercrombie & Fitch | Alo Yoga | Amazon | Athleta | Beyond Yoga | COS | Cotton Citizen | Cuyana | Free People | J.Crew | Nordstrom | Quince | Reformation | Spanx | Sweaty Betty | Tuckernuck | Varley | Vuori | Wolford | Zella

BEYOND YOGA

Beyond yoga featherweight at the ready square neck dress.

Get it at Zappos

Get it at Beyond Yoga

This bestselling lightweight midi dress is perfect for travel: buttery performance fabric, a timeless flowy style, and practical pockets.

One five-star reviewer says, “The most comfortable dress I’ve ever owned – it feels like wearing sweatpants (but also flattering!).”

More Beyond Yoga Featherweight At The Ready Dresses:

Beyond Yoga Spacedye Icon Midi Dress

Get it at Nordstrom

Get it at Anthropologie

You can’t go wrong packing this chic and comfortable midi dress. Not only is the Icon dress easy to style for day or night, its features can handle any activities you have planned (supportive shelf bra, 4-way stretch, moisture-wicking, UV protection, easy washing).

More Beyond Yoga Spacedye Icon Midi Dresses:

Beyond Yoga Movement Dress

Get it at Revolve

If you’re looking for a mini dress, Beyond Yoga’s Movement Dress is soft and secure with an interior bodysuit that has shorts and pockets underneath.

And if you prefer a square neckline, Beyond Yoga’s new Spacedye Garden Party Dress is worth checking out.

More Beyond Yoga Movement Dresses:

Nordstrom Tie Belt Fit & Flare Dress

This polished fit-and-flare dress has practical pockets and a comfortable stretch lining for an elevated travel look.

Nordstrom Tie Waist Midi Dress

Reviewers rave about the quality of the fabric, the flattering wide side tie, and the pockets that don’t add bulk.

Also available in white and black .

Zella In Flight Utility Dress

One reviewer describes Zella’s In Flight Utility Dress as the “best travel dress. This dress is a no-brainer. You can wear it during the day or even at night or during activities. Perfect beach dress as well.”

More Zella In Flight Utility Dresses:

Vuori Pose Sands Dress

Get it at Vuori

Made from a stretch rib knit, this figure-flattering dress can be used to create multiple travel outfits. As one purchaser wrote, “This dress has become my go-to for travel and can easily be worn from the airport directly to a business casual work function.”

Vuori Halo Essential Dress

Vuori’s beloved Halo Essential Dress is a buttery-soft staple with a supportive built-in bra.

One reviewer said, “I am in love with this dress!! No joke!!! It is the most comfortable and most flattering dress I own! And it is so soft! I already have it in two colors and might go back for a third!!!”

More Vuori Halo Essential Dresses:

SWEATY BETTY

Sweaty betty drift racer dress.

Get it at Sweaty Betty

This top-rated athleisure dress mixes a sporty racerback with a flared, feminine fit. The high-quality cotton fabric allows for a comfortable, weighted drape that manages to also be lightweight and not clingy.

As one reviewer writes, “This dress hides a multitude of sins and looks so flattering. I travel in it and it is as comfortable as PJs. I’ve even slept long haul and because of the length and flare you can adopt any position and not have it ride up. It looks sharp with white sneakers to heels.”

COTTON CITIZEN

Cotton citizen verona crewneck maxi dress.

Also available as maxi turtleneck dress and mini dress .

More Cotton Citizen Verona Dresses:

ABERCROMBIE & FITCH

Abercrombie & fitch ypb sculptlux mini dress.

Get it at Abercrombie & Fitch

Abercrombie’s best-selling active mini dress features an interior shorts lining with a hidden side pocket, side-slit skirt detailing, and adjustable straps to give you the perfect fit.

More Abercrombie & Fitch YPB sculptLUX Mini Dresses:

Spanx AirEssentials Tank Midi Dress

Get it at Spanx

Made from Spanx’s cult-favorite AirEssentials fabric, this relaxed fit midi dress is soft, stretchy, breathable, and stylish. There’s also a tie-waist version .

As one reviewer wrote, “Best travel dress ever. Oh my. I love this dress. Wrinkle free through 24 hours of a conference and a red-eye flight!!”

More Spanx AirEssentials Tank Midi Dresses:

Spanx AirEssentials Maxi T-Shirt Dress

This flattering maxi t-shirt dress receives rave reviews for travel.

Several reviewers love the quality and comfort of the fabric, how easy it is to style, and how packable and wrinkle-resistant it is. One purchaser wrote, “I travel extensively for work and time and time again, I come back to Spanx products because they travel so well.”

Cuyana Drape-Back Dress

Get it at Cuyana

Cuyana’s unique and elevated twist on the tank dress is a piece you’ll pack again and again. One reviewer wrote, “I love it so much I want to buy all the women in my life one! It’s so comfortable, simple, yet elegant and it can be casual or dressy…so versatile! I may buy one in every color!”

FREE PEOPLE

Free people essential slim midi dress.

Get it at Free People

Available in a wide range of colors, the top-rated Free People Essential Slim Midi Dress lives up to its name.

As one reviewer wrote, “You NEED this dress!! This dress is sooo flattering and comfy and cute! I absolutely recommend, I own it in two colors and will probably buy more.”

More Free People Essential Slim Midi Dresses:

Alo Yoga Alosoft Courtside Tennis Dress

Get it at Alo Yoga

Get it at Neiman Marcus

Alo’s Courtside dress is lightweight, breathable, and ultra-soft with plenty of stretch. You also get plenty of support with the built-in shorts, shelf bra, and adjustable straps.

One reviewer wrote, “Love the fit, look, & feel of this LBD! So well structured & has a stay put fabric so that I didn’t have to think about it while adventuring through the Amalfi coast, seamlessly switching from touring historical sites to looking chic while sipping on limoncello spritzes – so it lived up to everything I needed it to do!”

More Alo Yoga Alosoft Courtside Tennis Dresses:

Alo Yoga Alosoft Backspin Dress

If you prefer a higher neckline, Alo’s Backspin Dress offers all of the performance features you’d want with a chic open back style.

Quince Organic Cotton Tiered Maxi Dress

Get it at Quince

Not only does this best-selling tiered dress come in a variety of colors, it’s also available as a mini dress , and a silk maxi version .

Quince Tencel Jersey Fit & Flare Dress

You can’t go wrong with this soft, stretchy, scoop neck dress. It’s flattering, flowy, and has pockets!

It’s also available in a mini version .

More Quince Tencel Jersey Fit & Flare Dresses:

Quince 100% European Linen Scoop Neck Midi Dress

This stylish high-quality linen dress is one you’ll wear year after year. Perfect for warm weather destinations, this essential midi dress is lightweight, breathable, durable, hypoallergenic, and fully lined with 100% cotton lining. You’ll stay cool and comfortable with the adjustable straps, back vent, and practical pockets.

Quince Tencel Jersey Side Tie Midi Dress

This top-rated dress is loved for its versatility and universally flattering tie wrap.

More Quince Tencel Jersey Side Tie Midi Dresses:

Quince Mongolian Cashmere Sleeveless Midi Sweater Dress

Crafted from 100% Grade-A Mongolian cashmere, this affordable midi sweater dress is lightweight, luxurious, and layerable. Easy to dress up or down, whether you want to wear sneakers, heels, or boots, add a belt, or throw on a jean or leather jacket, you can’t go wrong with this dress.

REFORMATION

Reformation percy linen dress.

Get it at Reformation

A lightweight 100% linen dress with an elegant T-strap back.

More Reformation Percy Linen Dresses:

Reformation Axton Knit Dress

Get it at Saks Fifth Avenue

This sophisticated knit dress has a stylish front slit for easy movement.

Varley Taunton Mock-Neck Midi Dress

Varley’s effortless, pull-on midi dress has a soft, structured silhouette, flattering seam detailing, a ribbed mock neck, and cap sleeves.

Athleta Elation V-Neck Hybrid Dress

Get it at Athleta

This versatile midi dress has all of the features you’d want in a travel dress: breathable, quick-drying, wrinkle-resistant, abrasion-resistant, UPF 50+, machine washable, plus a supportive internal shelf bra.

More Athleta Elation V-Neck Hybrid Dresses:

Athleta Presidio Traveler Maxi Dress

This lightweight, wrinkle-resistant, quick-drying, breathable maxi dress has a relaxed style, functional pockets, and plenty of versatility.

One purchaser called the Presidio, “My ultimate travel dress! I take this on every trip because of its easy care and ability to dress it up or dress it down.”

It’s not only available in tall and petite sizes, but it’s also available as a mini dress .

More Athleta Presidio Traveler Maxi Dresses:

Athleta Santorini Thera Dress

More Athleta Santorini Thera Dresses:

J.Crew Capitaine Shirtdress in Linen

Get it at J.Crew

This versatile linen shirtdress is an essential warm weather travel capsule staple. You can easily style it with or without the removable tie waist.

Available in petite and tall sizing.

J.Crew Capitaine Shirtdresses:

J.Crew Bungalow Maxi Popover Dress in Linen

More J.Crew Bungalow Maxi Popover Dresses:

Wolford Fatal Convertible Jersey Dress

Get it at Shopbop

Wolford’s fatal dress is one of my favorite multitasking wardrobe staples. Easy to twist and fold, you can wear this seamless dress in several ways, including as a mini dress or a maxi skirt.

More Wolford Fatal Convertible Jersey Dresses:

COS Open-Back Knitted Midi Dress

Get it at COS

Rocorose Long Sleeve Ribbed Turtleneck Sweater Dress

Get it at Amazon

I own a few of these flattering midi sweater dresses and based on the other reviews, I’m not alone – one reviewer wrote, “Love this dress! Incredibly soft and breathing material. It has the right thickness and tightness. Keeps the shape after washing. I got the brown and later ordered the navy and purple. I style them with a belt, blazer, and knee-high boots. Very happy with the purchase!”

Tuckernuck Sleeveless Chamberlin Dress

Get it at Tuckernuck

The rave reviews for this timeless 100% cotton dress speak for themselves. This sleeveless dress is described as a “must-have wardrobe staple,” “my new favorite dress,” and “definitely worth it!”

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Check out these Classic Denim Jackets for Women to pair with your favorite travel dress!

Complete your travel look with the most comfortable white sneakers for women, enjoy this post.

For more recommendations, here are some additional topics that you might find interesting:

• capsule wardrobe , dresses , spring fashion , summer fashion , travel , travel fashion

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15 Best Travel Dresses in 2024 – Cute, Comfortable, and Wrinkle Free

• Travel Gear

Looking for the best travel dresses? Here are the ones I’ve tried and love.

When I travel, I prefer wearing dresses. It simplifies your packing process and makes coordinating outfits on trips a breeze. The maximizer in me will be stressing about it all day, even with a packing list in hand, so it helps!

For this post, I tested many highly rated travel dresses mentioned on travel sites and got recommendations from our globetrotting friends on the road. Plus, I’m sharing a few of my own personal travel staples I’ve discovered along the way.

This post may contain affiliate links, where we receive a small commission on sales of the products that are linked at no additional cost to you. All opinions are always our own. Read our full disclosure  for more info. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Local Adventurer possible.

Last Updated: March 4, 2023

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• The Best Travel Dress

What Makes a Great Travel Dress?

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• More Travel Dresses

Essential Travel Tips for Packing Dresses

Many fitness and outdoor brands are also starting to make lifestyle lines so you can have stylish clothes that also perform well. Sometimes, you must dig through all the items that scream outdoorsy to find the gems. 

We reached out to the major travel and outdoor brands on the market (including Adventure Dress, Anatomie, Fig Clothing, Helene Clarkson, prAna, Rec Room, Toad&Co) to identify their top sellers and then cross-referenced it with numerous travel sites, blogs, and globetrotting friends. 

None required inclusion, and we returned any dresses that did not fit or travel well.

Many of these brands are pricier because they use performance fabrics and care more about fair trade and sustainability. But if you’re looking for mid to lower-price range dresses, we included those too.

Before we get into my top choices for dresses, here are some things I’m looking for when searching for the best travel dresses.

• Comfort  – Though I might carry one fancier dress for a special occasion, most of the clothes I travel with are comfy chic.
• Versatility  – can be dressed up or down. It’s even better if it’s convertible clothing or a 2-piece dress that makes it easy to mix and match. Usually, convertible clothing can be pretty ugly, but occasionally, you find a gem.
• Wrinkle Free  – I don’t want to spend part of my trip ironing clothes.
• Packable  – Light and easy to pack.
• Performance  – Sweat-wicking or quick drying is icing on the cake. If the dress looks too sporty, though, it’s not a must.
• Rompers and Jumpsuits? – If you’re outdoors all day with no bathroom, you will not want to strip naked. Trust me, this has happened to me, and it was uncomfortable.

Note: You know your body best and what style looks best on you. I’m generally a size 0 petite. If there’s no petite size, I accept that minis will look like midis, and midis will look like maxis on me.

The Best Travel Dresses in 2024

1. petal tunic dress (on sale $19 from $27) – most affordable →.

Activities:  Urban exploration. Sizing:  XS in Yellow (runs large on me)

It has low-quality fabric , but I’ve worn it for several years, and it holds up better than other fast fashion pieces I’ve owned. It’s mostly for city travel, but I’ve also worn this as a swimsuit cover-up and went SUPing.

The best part is that it’s affordable , and you can go on any adventure without feeling bad that you’ll mess it up .

• Versatile and can be dressed up or down.
• Can machine wash cold and tumble dry low.
• Affordable.
• Will wrinkle
• Fabric is not comfortable. It has some stretch but isn’t very soft.
• Low-quality fabric with a “plasticky” feel, but it’s sewn together well.

More Reviews and Compare Prices on Amazon .

2. Free Fly Apparel Heritage Dress ($88) – Most Comfortable Travel Dress →

Activities:  Urban exploration. Materials: 55% Cotton | 45% Viscose from Bamboo Sizing:  XS in Heather Black (true to size but long on me)

This is by far the most comfortable dress I own. Comfortable clothes tend to look slouchier, but this one, surprisingly, is more flattering than I expected. It’s easy to throw on during hot summer days, and luckily, their midi dress hits right at maxi length for me.

I also like layering over this with a sweater during the winter. Also, I must have a favorite pose right now. lol

• Comfortable and stretchy
• Soft Fabric
• UPF 50+ sun protection
• Flattering fit; not too loose or tight
• Side slits for easy movement
• Hang dry recommended
• Not as many color options

See More Reviews Free Fly Apparel .

3. Encircled 3-piece Reversible Dressy Knit Dress + Jumpsuit (on Sale $188 from $389) →

Activities:  Urban exploration. Materials: Rayon from Bamboo, Spandex Rib Knit Sizing:  XS in Martini Olive (true to size)

I love this 3-piece set , which can be worn four ways. The top is reversible , with a boat neck on one side and a scoop neck on the other. Then you can pair it with their skirt or their wide-leg pants . My biggest complaint is that the skirt has no pockets.

• Versatile and can be dressed up or down across multiple seasons.
• Reversible top .
• Breathable fabric.
• Sustainably sourced. Certified B-Corp.
• Sustainable packaging.
• Full bra coverage straps.
• Can machine wash.
• Pockets on the wide-leg pants .
• Women-owned, women-run.
• Pricier, but I don’t mind paying more for sustainable, ethically-made clothes.
• In some light, you can see unflattering lines created by the tank.
• Must lay flat to dry (They suggest you always line dry. Did you know air drying can reduce your carbon footprint by up to 2400 lbs a year?).
• No pockets on the skirt .
• Will wrinkle.

More Reviews and Compare Prices on Encircled .

4. Prana Luxara Dress (On sale $59 from $119) – Best Activewear Dress for Travel →

Activities:  Urban Exploration, Outdoor Adventures in Heat, Hot Yoga Material:  76% Recycled Nylon, 24 Elastane Size Worn:  XS in Spiced (true to size on me)

This is an excellent activewear dress, especially for warm-weather destinations like Las Vegas! The Luxara is Prana’s lightest material and is perfect for hiking in the heat. It fits like a hug and is more comfortable than my Girlfriend Collective Lola Dress, my other active dress with a built-in shorty.

• Ultra-lightweight
• Moisture wicking and Quick Dry
• UPF Sun Protection
• Stretchy and comfortable
• Built-in shorts
• Interior pocket in shorts
• Some recycled materials
• Only one pocket
• Some reviews mention it’s too short, but it’s a great length for me.

More Reviews and Compare Prices on Prana .

5. Prana Cozy Up Bayjour Dress (Out of Stock) →

Activities:  Urban Exploration, Beach, Soft Adventures Material:  55% Hemp | 25% Recycled Polyester | TENCEL™ Lyocell Size Worn:  XS in Heather Grey (true to size)

I loved all my previous Prana dresses (now discontinued), so I knew I would love the Cozy Up Bayjour Dress. It is soft and comfortable , can be dressed up or down , and  pockets  are always a plus. I’ll later post up all the mixing and matching I can do with my wardrobe and this dress.

• Soft fabric
• Lightweight than most dresses, but on this list, it’s one of the heavier fabrics.
• Flattering shape with rib knit tank bodice
• Bacteria resistant
• Quick drying
• Versatile and can be dressed up or down
• On-seam pockets
• Some recycled fibers and eco-friendly materials
• Other reviewers mention the fabric is heavier than expected, and the black color looks faded.
• The waistline could be higher to be more flattering on petite frames. It’s better for average or taller heights.

More Reviews and Compare Prices on Prana or Amazon .

6. Toad and co Jumper ($125) →

Activities:  Urban Exploration Material:  100% Organic Cotton Size Worn:  XS in Honey Brown (fits large on me)

I love this jumper for travel days when I have multiple activities requiring multiple outfits. Instead of bringing two outfits per day, I can throw this over the same top, which makes for an easy day-to-night transition. I did this twice on our Washington trip , where I had to hike during the day but had more formal dinners later.

• Easy to throw on.
• Soft and comfortable
• Lots of pockets (one zippered pocket for valuables)
• Can machine wash
• Oeko-tex standard
• Shipped in a recyclable paper sleeve.
• Joy-backed guarantee. You can return it within 90 days if you don’t get a compliment within three wearings or it doesn’t bring you joy.
• Runs large if you’re petite, but I don’t mind wearing it looser.

7. Arc’teryx Contenta Dress (Out of Stock) →

Activities:  Urban Exploration, Outdoor Adventures Material:  100% recycled Diem™ polyester Size Worn:  XS in Light Immersion (true to size on me)

They made a newer version of this dress with a looser silhouette and a scooped neckline. Meanwhile, I still have the older version. 

This dress is the  most lightweight option  on here and feels the most breezy out of all the dresses. I especially gravitate towards it on hot summer days (we have plenty of them in Vegas).

• Lightweight
• Anti-wrinkle
• Can wear it two ways.
• Materials meet the Bluesign criteria for sustainability.
• The elastic waistband inside is annoying to cinch the waist (the newer version has it on the outside).

8. Anatomie Taya Racerback Maxi Dress (On Sale $78 From $168) →

Activities:  Urban exploration, Beach, Nicer Dinners, Work trips Material:  95% Viscose / 5% Elastane Size Worn:  XS in Navy (true to size on me other than length)

Let me start by saying I’m a big fan of Anatomie’s line of travel clothes. Everything is  high quality . I own two pairs of Skylar Pants in black and gray because they’re perfect for flying, and now this dress!

The performance fabric keeps you comfortable, and the mesh panel makes it perfect for warm-weather travel.

• Stretchy, Relaxed fit
• Flattering shape
• I had to hem it since there are no petite sizes

More Reviews and Compare Prices on Anatomie .

9. Helene Clarkson Sabi Reversible Halter Dress (on sale $94 from $189) →

Activities:  Urban exploration, Work travel Material:  95% polyester, 5% spandex Size Worn:   XS in teal  (true to size on me)

The material is so soft and comfortable that I can practically  sleep in it ! What initially drew me to this dress was that it’s  reversible , and you can wear it as a mock-neck halter style or a v-neck. Also, since the fabric is so thin, you can wear it as a top with baggier bottoms like joggers.

• Wrinkle Free
• Reversible – front is a pleated mock neck, and the back is a relaxed v-neck. I typically only wear it on the mock neck side, though.
• Hang to dry
• It’s easy to snag, so be careful around sharp objects or velcro.

More Reviews and Compare Prices on Helene Clarkson .

10. Bluffworks Threshold Tie Waist T-Shirt Dress (On sale $46 from $78) →

Activities:  Urban exploration Material:  66% Polyester, 29% Lyocell, 5% elastane Size Worn:  XS Petite in Deep Maroon (runs large on me)

Jacob has been wearing Bluffworks clothes for years, and now that they have started carrying women’s clothes, I finally got to check out one of their dresses. Their threshold tie waist t-shirt dress uses a super soft fabric that feels like your old favorite tee. The fit runs a half-size large on me in XS, their smallest size, but most of their reviews say it fits true to size.

• Comfy, soft fabric.
• Machine washable
• Odor resistant
• Wrinkle resistant
• Moisture wicking/quick drying
• 4 total pockets (2 on interior)
• It fits loose on me and isn’t flattering on the side you don’t tie. It probably looks better on you if it fits more snugly.

More Reviews and Compare Prices on Bluffworks .

11. Girlfriend Collective – Lola V-neck Dress (on sale $88) →

Activities:  Hiking, Climbing, Urban exploration. Material:  90% RPET and 10% spandex Size Worn:  XS in alpine (true to size on me)

The Lola V-Neck is perfect for any activity. With its  built-in shorts , you can hike or climb without worrying about flashing people. They make them out of  90% recycled plastic bottles  (RPET). 

Plus, they have their  ReGirlfriend recycling program , where they turn your dress into future clothes.

It was also perfect for travel with a  diverse range of activities . We zip-lined in the morning before exploring the city, and the built-in shorts made that all possible.

Girlfriend Collective sent me two dresses to showcase on  my climbing account , but I loved them so much that I included them here.

• Comfortable fabric.
• Flattering shape with compression around the waist and hips.
• Built-in bra.
• Built-in shorts.
• Pockets on inner shorts.
• Sweat-wicking.
• Ultra-lightweight.
• Sustainably made from 90% recycled plastic bottles, and they have a recycle program called ReGirlfriend.
• Must be hang-dried.
• Doesn’t hide stiff nips, and if you’re already flat, it flattens you more.
• Harder to take on and off to go to the bathroom.
• Looks more sporty.

More Reviews and Compare Prices on Girlfriend Collective .

12. Toad and Co Marley Tiered Sleeveless Dress (On Sale $58 from $90) →

Activities:  Urban Exploration, Beach, Soft Adventures Material:  48% TENCEL™ Lyocell | 48% Organic Cotton | 4% Elastane Size Worn:  XS in Salt (runs large on me)

The Marley Tiered dress is  comfortable,  versatile, and perfect for hot summers. It’s easy to throw on whether lounging at home or exploring the city.

Toad and Co values  sustainability , and I thought it was cute that even their tags are made to be reusable as a coaster.

• Loose, flowy silhouette
• Bra-friendly coverage
• Made with eco-friendly fibers and packaging
• Joy-backed guarantee
• The bust runs large for me since I’m petite and flat-chested.

More Reviews and Compare Prices on Toad & Co .

13. Fig CLothing Hampton Dress (On sale $72 from $89) →

Activities:  Urban exploration, soft adventure Material:  100% Cotton (Honeycomb terry) Size Worn:  XS in Terracotta Stripe (true to size on me)

Fig makes practical travel clothes that make no sacrifice on style, and the Hampton dress has been the perfect addition to my capsule wardrobe. I love the simple design and the in-seam pockets.

• Soft on skin
• Comfortable
• UPF 25 solar protection
• In-seam pockets
• Quality fabric
• Heavier than my other travel dresses because of its thicker fabric

More Reviews and Compare Prices on Fig Clothing .

14. Milumia Button Up Split Floral Print Flowy Party Maxi Dress ($44) →

Activities:  Urban exploration, beach

I wear an XS in Beige Yellow, but the dress runs big and fits loose on me (I’m a petite XS, sometimes XXS). 

The fit isn’t perfect on me, but it still looks great for photos (see photo below). I have other travel bloggers friends with this same dress who own it in multiple colors. If it fits you, it’s a fan favorite.

• Comfortable, soft fabric
• Machine Washable
• Must be line-dried
• Fits baggy on me.

15. Encircled Chrysalis Cardi Dress ($215) →

Activities:  Urban exploration, in flight.

I learned about Encircled and had the Chrysalis Cardi back in 2015. I love how this wrap dress can be worn in 8+ different ways (see  all the ways here ).

• Premium quality and made to last
• Can be worn 8+ different ways
• Sustainability – They use the most natural and sustainable fabrics available and are a Certified B Corp and Oeko Tex 100 Certified
• Heavy Fabric
• Will Wrinkle
• Must be line-dried and takes a while to dry, but I think the fabric has since changed.
• Not all the ways have a flattering fit.

Many of my favorite dresses are discontinued now. It’s worth noting that some travel apparel brands that shut down include Rec Room, Vacaystyle, and the Adventure Dress (the website is still there, but all their dresses have been sold out for several years).

Do you own any of these?

More Travel Dresses – Honorable Mentions

• The Undress  – the dress that lets you undress anywhere.
• Uniqlo A-line Mini Bra Dress  – love when the bra is built in. So comfy.
• Toad & Co Camp-co Romper – as long as you don’t mind traveling in a romper. It feels like linen but has a cleaner footprint.

If you want to avoid wrinkles, use these packing tips:

• Don’t overpack.
• Lay the dress flat inside a plastic dry cleaning bag. Fold it in its natural shape.
• Pack them last or on top of everything else.
• Roll softer garments.
• Use a  mini travel steamer .
• If your clothes are wrinkled, hang them in the bathroom while you take a steamy hot shower.

What do you think of these dresses? Which of them would you most likely wear? Have you tried any travel dresses (the ones are specifically made for travel)?

Did you enjoy this post? Pin it for later

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“Discovery consists not of seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes ” – M. Proust

Esther + Jacob

Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in Las Vegas.

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Travel Dresses: 20+ Best Travel Dresses for Your Next Trip

When it comes to packing for a vacation, there’s something so appealing about bringing dresses. They’re cute, lightweight, versatile, and they don’t take up too much space in your luggage .

Plus, I love that just one piece can serve as your entire outfit—just add comfortable shoes and some accessories and you’re good to go!

During the spring and summer, dresses are a no-brainer for beach vacations and girls trips since they’re easy to pull on over a swimsuit (and fun to fancy up with heels!)

If you’re heading somewhere with cooler weather or if you’re traveling during the fall or winter, dresses are easy to layer with denim jackets, cardigans, and coats. They also look so cute with over-the-knee boots or basic white sneakers .

To help you pick the perfect travel dresses, I’ve rounded up a handful of my favorite styles for a variety of trips. Have fun shopping—and get ready for your most stylish and comfortable vacation yet!

Best Travel Dresses

Summer travel dresses.

Nothing suits a beach vacation better than a palm leaf printed dress.

Other on-theme choices: bright blues and pinks, striped patterns, and maxi dresses. Just keep in mind that even if you’re going somewhere tropical, it tends to cool off at night—be sure to pack some long sleeve dresses to wear to dinner or drinks.

Fall Travel Dresses

Autumn is all about shades of burnt orange, bright red, and deep green.

Button-up dresses, ruching, flannel, and animal prints all have their own shining moment in the fall. These chic finds are perfect for wine tasting, leaf peeping, and pumpkin picking.

If you’re looking for more fall fashion inspo, we have an entire post dedicated to our favorite Amazon finds !

For Winter Destinations

Sweater dresses are the ultimate outfit choice for winter travel.

Sure, they might be chunky, but you can rewear them and achieve several looks (just switch up your shoes and accessories).

If you’re planning a trip around the holidays and need a more formal travel dress for holiday parties , go for those with velvet, sparkles, or shades of green and blue—all are perfect for winter occasions.

For Active Adventures

If you’re heading somewhere that requires lots of walking or exploring, these loose fitting dresses make for a practical outfit choice.

Dresses with a relaxed fit will keep you comfy from one activity to another, and materials like spandex and cotton are breathable and forgiving. Travel dresses with pockets are also perfect for trips that involve hiking or camping. They’re even good choices to pack for a safari !

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Heading on a Trip? Take These 18 Dresses

Whether you’ve got a few destination weddings in your calendar or simply have the urge to hop on a plane to the next tropical destination, you’ve probably got traveling on your mind. You’ve already bought your ticket and planned your  travel ensemble , so make your next trip as relaxing as possible with the best travel dresses that’ll pack into your carry-on neatly without getting too wrinkled.

We asked organization expert Faith Roberson for her best advice on what styles of dresses to take on your next vacation, as well as how to pack them to avoid as many creases as possible. “I love wrap dresses and shift dresses, which can be dressed up or down,” she says. Roberson also mentions that shift dresses can double as tunics when you’re thinking about packing light. “Anything that can ultimately provide double duty when packing is always great.”

When it comes to packing, Roberson advises that dresses should be folded lengthwise in thirds, and then folded in half and folded again so that they stand up in your suitcase. “Whatever you’re packing can be folded this way, and it helps with wrinkling, as you’re smoothing the item out.”

Now, shop our favorite travel-friendly dresses that you’ll want to wear on all your vacations and to every occasion afterward this season.

This will fold away nicely in your carry-on. Available in sizes 34 to 42.

Dress this down with a denim jacket and a pair of sneakers. Available in sizes 14 to 24.

Heading to a destination wedding? This dress will pack nicely when using the rolling technique . Available in sizes 36 to 44.

Yes, you need this dress for spring. Available in sizes 14 to 22.

So good for sightseeing. Available in sizes 34 to 42.

Leave it to Tibi to create the coolest shift dress. Available in sizes 00 to 12.

Let this double as a tunic for extra wear. Available in sizes 2 to 14.

How cool is this celestial-inspired dress? Available in sizes XS to XL.

Who doesn't need a striped dress for the warmer weather? Available in sizes 10 to 18.

Wear this on its own or with a pair of loose-fitting jeans. Available in sizes 34 to 40.

This print is so pretty you'll want to wear it on every vacation this season. Available in sizes XXS to XL.

This cherry print will have you ready for the summer season. Available in sizes XXS to XL.

A linen dress will have the least amount of wrinkles after traveling. Available in sizes XXS to XL.

You'll get so much wear out of this. Available in sizes S to L.

Diane von Furstenberg mastered the art of the wrap dress. Available in sizes XXS to L.

Wear this as a lightweight dress or as a cover-up. Available in sizes XS to L.

Let this be your go-to this season. Available in sizes XS to 3X.

If you weren't in the mindset for your beach vacation yet, this dress will do the trick. Available in sizes 0 to 12.

With these dresses, you'll not only have outfits worthy of an Instagram or two, but you'll also save a bit of room for when you go on that inevitable shopping spree.

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Traveling Tulls

Eco-Travel in Retirement – Nature and Sustainable Luxury Travel

The best lightweight, easy-care women’s travel dresses (2024)

As a woman over 60, I prioritize classic, easy-care pieces in my travel wardrobe. Inspired by French style, I gravitate towards solid colors and timeless silhouettes in high-quality fabrics. Colorful scarves, toppers, and jewelry add pops of personality to this foundation. A versatile dress fits perfectly into this capsule – designing your travel style around a simple dress is a fantastic way to pack light and look effortlessly chic! Having tested some of the best travel dresses myself, I’m excited to share my favorites with you.

Table of Contents

Why pack a dress for travel?

I’m not your typical dress person. At home you’re more likely to find me in a great pair of jeans or workout wear. But travel demands versatility! From museum visits and evenings out to long days of walking, I need to be prepared for anything. A travel dress becomes my secret weapon. Cruises practically require a dress (We don’t book anything that requires formal wear. It’s just not our thing). After a day of hiking or cycling on an active adventure, there’s nothing like slipping into something soft and pretty for the evening. In a pinch, a comfy travel dress can even double as nightwear! That’s the beauty of a well-chosen travel dress – it goes from day to night and everywhere in between . That’s why finding the right dresses for travel is important!

This post includes affiliate links. Traveling Tulls may earn a small commission, at no additional expense to you, if you purchase something from one of these links. Unless noted, we were not supplied with the dresses we reviewed here but were so impressed with the Wool& dress and bike shorts, that we have chosen to partner with Wool& going forward. DISCLOSURE

As a woman over 60, I began traveling IN the sixties. My Dad wore three-piece suits, and my mom and I wore dresses. Does that make me a travel dress expert?? No, but it does give me an appreciation for the functionality of dresses.

What makes a great travel dress?

Any piece that makes its way into my bag has to earn its place. Dresses are no exception. Here is my criteria for the perfect travel dress:

1. Packability – lightweight, wrinkle resistant

2. Versatility – I don’t pack anything that I can’t wear more than once. Clothing that has more than one mix and match option is the best way to pack light. Choose a casual dress that can go from daytime touring to evenings out with an accessory or two. A dress that can be converted for different looks gets extra points! (Note that you don’t need to buy a dress that’s advertised as ‘convertible’. You can work with a simple dress to make several looks as shown below!)

3. Low Maintenance/Ease of Care – who has time for doing laundry on vacation? A sink wash and air dry are usually the most we do on vacation.

4. Sustainable Quality – don’t be fooled by fast fashion. Invest in well made, classic items from ethical companies. Not only is this best for the planet, but it’ll save you money in the long run.

5. Comfort and Pleasure – (THE most important yet often forgotten criteria) Do I like how I feel in this dress? Does it work for my body type? Does it fit my personal style? Do I enjoy wearing it?

Choose your color, a dress style you like, and fabric that travels well

Color . I recommend choosing a dress in a solid color. The foundation of the French woman’s style is the little black dress. This staple piece is simple yet classy and never goes out of fashion. When creating a French-inspired travel wardrobe , I start with a solid color dress – the base palette – and add color and patterns with other pieces and accessories. Parisian women may favor black as their base, but you should choose what’s best for you, and your skin tone. Navy blue, wine, or dark gray can be more flattering to women over 60. They certainly are for me.

Style . Your choice will depend on your signature style and your destination. Sleeveless styles are great for hot climates and will work just as well in cold weather when you add layers! But some ladies prefer long sleeves. And some love maxi dresses! (though maxis will take up more luggage space). Go with what makes you comfortable and what flatters your best features.

Fabric . To earn its place in your bag, the dress (and every item really!) has to be lightweight and easy to care for. This is where the fabric choice comes in. For example:

• Cotton is heavy, retains odors, and takes forever to dry.
• Linen is wonderful, but wrinkles can be frustrating.
• Synthetics are very lightweight but can retain odors.

For ease of care and sustainability we recommend choosing natural fibers such as bamboo, Tencel, and merino wool for your travel clothing.

Bamboo is quickly becoming a popular material for travel clothing. It’s sustainable and odor resistant. (I have a bamboo top that I love though it has lost a bit of structure after a few years of wear. I’m not sure if this is normal for bamboo or just my experience with the brand.)

Merino wool has a natural warmth and resiliency not found in other textiles. Merino sheep, bred originally in Spain, have ultrafine wool which doesn’t provoke the itchy reaction some people experience with wool. AND it’s naturally odor resistant. That means you can wear a merino wool item repeatedly, with only an overnight airing out!

I’ve been a convert to merino wool since I invested in merino sports socks for our cycling vacation. Seven days on the bike and only one wash needed! They were truly odor resistant, but also soft and comfortable even after hours of wear. We began purchasing quality merino wool tees in preparation for our Grand Canyon rafting trip and added a sweater for our second safari. With the switch to merino, we saved over a pound in luggage weight from our first safari. This is a big deal when you’re limited to 35 pounds including photo equipment!

Best Women’s Travel Dresses: tested and recommended

• Best Dress for Everyday Travel & Versatility – wool& Merino Wool
• Best Dresses for a Special Event While Traveling – Chico’s Travelers Collection
• Best Convertible Dress (& Top) – Diane Kroe Origami
• Best Dress for Sun Protection – Coolibar Travel Shirt Dress
• Best of the Rest

Our Top Pick for General Travel & Versatility:

Wool& Merino Wool Dresses

Rowena swing dress, price: $138 USD

• Packability: 11 oz., wrinkle resistant.
• Versatility: simple swing dress, but can be styled as a top or tunic
• Ease of Care: fabric is 78% ultrasoft merino wool and 22% nylon
• Quality: very well made. Wool& is transparent about their sourcing and production processes. They are actively working with their wool source to improve sustainability.
• Comfort and Pleasure: temperature regulating, very comfortable, and has pockets!

I discovered wool&, a small Oregon company producing merino wool clothing, through a Facebook ad. To prove the durability and natural odor resistance of merino wool, the company challenged people to wear their dress for 100 days straight. (I can’t imagine they expected this challenge to be so popular or to inspire an online community of women sharing the ups and downs of daily life over 100 days! No doubt the kindest group on social media!) Needless to say, given my interest in merino wool clothing, I was intrigued.

I base my capsule wardrobe on my favorite color, navy blue, so I opted for the wool& signature item, the Rowena swing dress in marine blue. It’s a wonderful rich blue and I’m thrilled with the color. The dress has a boat neckline which is very flattering (and protective in the sunshine). As this is a swing dress, the body of the dress is loose, flowy, and flattering to my body shape. The material is light and lends itself to dozens of styling tricks and outfit ideas shared by the Facebook community. (There are many different colors available for this and other wool& dresses)

My wool& Review: Is this the best dress for traveling?

For the first month of the challenge, I played with the dress. I shopped my closet, pulling out long neglected items to pair with the dress. It was fun being creative with a simple piece of clothing, and truly surprising to pull out the dress each morning to find it as fresh as the day it arrived !

Then I got serious and began testing the dress for travel. I limited myself to a small capsule and worked on different outfits for different travel scenarios. First, I wore the dress to my grandchild’s christening, and then another granddaughter’s lacrosse game. I wore it during zoom meetings, neighborhood clean-ups, and even for bike rides. The wool& Rowena came through every time.

I had two opportunities to travel during this time – once to NYC for a fun weekend, and once to Texas for a sad event. The dress became my nightgown in Texas and gave me comfort.

Ease of Care: I aired out the dress every night – flipped it inside out and hung it over a bar. I sink-washed the dress six times and washed it in the washer once just to test durability. (I did use a lingerie bag) Day 100 the dress looked as fresh as on day 1.

Wool& offers many other travel dresses with pockets, including french terry dresses like the Sierra, a sleeveless option that’s very popular with travelers, the Everett, a tunic length sweater dress, and the Willow, a 3/4 sleeve swing dress with a V-neck. Since my experience with the 100 day dress challenge I’ve replaced many of my old clothing items with new pieces from wool&.

Merino wool dresses are also offered by Icebreaker, Smartwool, Woolx and Ridge Merino. All of these brands produce quality pieces, so I’d feel confident ordering a dress from any of these brands if you find a style that suits you!

Amazon carries merino wool clothing at a more affordable price. I haven’t tried any of these so can’t speak to the quality. Let me know if you recommend them!

Best for a Special Event While Traveling

Chico’s Travelers Collection – dresses

• Price: ~$100-109 USD
• Packability: wrinkle resistant
• Versatility: n/a
• Ease of Care: machine or sink wash
• Fabric: 96% acetate, 4% elastane. From website: Our Travelers Classic collection contains Eastman Naia™, a sustainable cellulose fiber derived from wood pulp.
• Comfort and Pleasure: stylish, and flattering. Fabric has a bit of stretch for extra comfort

These packable travel dresses would be perfect for date nights, a destination wedding or afternoon tea party . Chico’s designs these dresses for all but I think the dresses, with their simple lines and great style, appeal especially to mature women. I like the mid-length pencil skirt look, but Chico’s also has cocktail dresses.

I don’t own any of these gorgeous dresses above because I have another Chico’s dress, bought 10 years ago, that still looks great! It’s a blue and white floral print and always in my luggage if I want a special event (or a bit fancier) dress in my bag!

Our Favorite Convertible Travel Dresses

Many dress can be ‘converted’ to create different looks. But there are some pieces designed specifically for multiple styling. These can be a fun option to pack IF you know you’ll want to wear the item at least two ways!!

Origami by Diane Kroe

• Price: $150 CAD
• Packability: wrinkle resistant, but at 14.3 oz, not particularly lightweight
• Versatility: converts to multiple new looks – dress, halter top, batwing top, skirt
• Ease of Care: Dress is made from 92% poly and 8% spandex, so not a natural fabric, but it dries quickly and resists wrinkles.
• Quality: ethically made in Canada
• Comfort and Pleasure: stylish and extremely comfortable!

I’ve been a customer of Diane Kroe Designs for many years. I love the versatility of the collection. The Origami is one of my favorites. Usually, I wear it as a top with skinny jeans or white pants, but I love having the option to wear it as a dress when traveling. This piece is great for older women travelers. The shape and drape are stylish and forgiving.

The main thing about convertible clothing is the style options while traveling. I’ve packed this dress specifically for special events but reached for it later in the trip as a light layer.

Best Dress for Sun Protection

Coolibar (Malta) Travel Shirt Dress –

Note: After first posting about this travel dress, the company kindly sent me one for review.

Price: $115 USD

• Versatility: wear it as a shirt dress, an opened jacket, or tie the ends to make a cute button-down shirt.
• Ease of Care: fabric is quick dry. Machine or hand wash in cold water,
• Fabric: from the website: Antimicrobial fabric that is lightweight, breathable and soft to the touch. With 4-way stretch it is naturally wrinkle resistant and moisture wicking.
• Comfort and Pleasure: a travel (and home!) classic style

What makes this a great choice? The Coolibar brand produces stylish clothing with sun protection – great for us older women! This shirt is rated UPF 50 and is breathable making it a great option for days of intense sun. The collar and cuffs can be adjusted to give maximum sun coverage.

Another great feature of the Malta is the hidden, zipped side pockets!

I was gifted the black version of this shirt dress. It is remarkably lightweight and cool. I wore it to a recent event – belted over leggings – and received lots of compliments!

Visit the Coolibar website for other dress styles for travel and sun protection .

Best of the rest: more suggestions for travel dresses

Athleta is one of my favorite brands for comfortable travel-friendly pants. I haven’t had the chance to try any of their dresses, but they offer several cute – short and sporty – dresses. You’ll find similar dresses at TitleNine.

For hard-working dresses suitable to many overseas trips check out Travelsmith, Magellan Travel Catalog, Lands End, L.L. Bean, and Orvis. These classic travel clothing companies will often have something that fits our easy-care, lightweight, wrinkle-free standards.

NOTE: An option often offered by travel clothing brands is the reversible dress – pattern on one side and solid on the other. This might work for you, but I ended up donating the one I tried as it was too heavy. Some reversible dresses, like mine, are actually a two-layer dress (a black sheath inside a patterned sheath). Thus, the dress is heavier than a single layer dress. And if the dress holds odors, it won’t matter that you can reverse it.

A variant of the reversible dress that I do like is a dress with two necklines. Basically, you can wear the dress back or front depending on the neckline you want. I love my wool& Summer midi dress which has a high neckline and a v-neck neckline. This actually does give versatility to my travel wardrobe!

Have I convinced you to pack a dress for your travel?

Some last thoughts. The right dress can be endlessly useful during your travels. Wear it to a nice dinner? of course! But you can also wear it when you’re on a bus tour, for a hike in the mountains, and even sometimes as a workout tunic over exercise tights. (Believe me. I’ve done it several times!)

Look in your closet first to see if there’s a dress that’ll be versatile, stylish, and easy to care for on your trip. If you need to buy a new dress, find one that you can see wearing several times on your travels. Take some time before you leave to try the dress on and play with accessories. That’s the best time to see if the dress deserves a place in your travel capsule wardrobe .

What do you think? Will a dress fit into your travel wardrobe?

Tip: for maximum comfort (and modesty) consider wearing leggings or bike shorts under your dress. I love my merino wool shorts by Wool& , Frankie Bike Shorts and Summit Shorts- both keep me fresh and comfortable and have pockets!

Amy Tull and Team

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Amy, a writer on responsible bucket list travel, is your reliable source for insightful travel advice. With a career background in libraries, and a degree in biology and mathematics, Amy's approach to travel is rooted in meticulous research and planning, and her commitment to eco-conscious adventures.

Amy’s dedication to sustainable travel practices, including efficient packing techniques, ensures that every adventure leaves a positive impact on both the environment and the traveler's well-being. Trust Amy to guide you towards meaningful and eco-friendly travel, making the most of your retirement years.

A lifelong New England resident, Amy is also the source for insider tips on travel in the Northeastern U.S.

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10 thoughts on “ The best lightweight, easy-care women’s travel dresses (2024) ”

I’m about to embark on the Wool& 100 day challenge, and this post has me excited about all the possibilities! I’ve been interested in capsule wardrobes for a while. This might be my moment!

Oh my goodness! All the yesses!!!! I’ve done the challenge (in a Ro!) as well and am a full on convert to not only a merino wool fan but it has affirmed my love, desire, and need for a capsule wardrobe for every day and more.

I am finally getting to travel again soon and my Wool& dresses are all I’m planning on taking for core outfit pieces!

So, I have to ask, is the merino wool cool to wear? I am at the age where I am wearing t-shirts when everyone else is bundled up!

Yes! At least that’s my experience. The dress I purchased was long sleeved, and would not be ideal for a woman who’s usually hot. I have since purchased a sleeveless and short sleeved dress. Both wonderful on hot days.

Well I’ll definitely be reconsidering packing dresses in the future. Thanks!

🙂 Looking forward to seeing pictures of you in those dresses!

I’ve just purchased a SmartWool sleeveless dress for a trip to Italy, but don’t know about shoes. Was planning to take only athletic shoes for comfort but they don’t look good with the dress. Suggestions?

Loved your article and Wool&. What tool did you use to gather up the Rowena (one had the Rowena as a top, it looks as if it is plastic and round). Thanks for this article. I was looking for ways to elevate the styling of the dress.

Hi Joy, I use a scarf ring/loop I purchased from Amazon. I’m sure you can find one at a fabric store too!

Another trick you can use with either the scarf loop, or a smaller circular thing like a coin, is to place the loop either under or over the dress and gather the fabric around it with an elastic. It makes either a cute pucker or a button.

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Ultimate Guide To the Best Travel Dresses for Summer

Dresses , FASHION , Travel Clothing

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An effortless way to feel comfy yet feminine and put-together, dresses are a staple travel item for so many TFG readers! Gear up for your sunny trips with one of these reader-favorite summer travel dresses !

Best Travel Dress Styles

Table of contents.

Dresses are hit any time of year, but they’re particularly popular for a summer trip!  Having a versatile selection of dresses that are easy to put together, take up little space, and can be worn for a variety of travel activities is ideal for anyone.

However, it can be a little daunting to know what type of dress is suitable for your destination and even the weather, as some places can be more humid or dry than others. And some places are a bit more fashionable than others, such as Europe , so it’s a fine balance to know the best travel dress women pack.

Check out these top tips on how to choose the best womens travel dresses that are timeless, stylish, and ideal for warmer weather!

The Merino Wool Travel Dress b y Wool& can be worn in summer or when it gets chillier out!

Dresses are the perfect way to stay cool (and cute) in the summer heat! When searching for the best summer travel dresses , readers suggest natural fabrics or fabrics like rayon that are highly breathable and cooling. 

One TFGer shares how she keeps cool in the summer, “I try to look for dresses in cotton or other natural materials.” 

Linen is the perfect option for beach destinations and is super chic for sightseeing in Europe , too! You can’t go wrong with a cotton dress, whether a crisp t-shirt dress or a jersey knit maxi dress , as they’ll feel cozy and super airy. 

Rayon and nylon are loved for their comfy, wrinkle-free, moisture-wicking, and vibrantly colored fabric. Readers pack sundresses made from these fabrics for everything from exploring tropical Thailand to island hopping in Greece ! 

Merino wool is temperature-regulating, breathable, and moisture-wicking, so it’s another great fabric to look out for, especially if you have an active trip planned.

You’ll want to look your best when you travel! Read my travel tips to Pack Light Stylishly !

The Quince Jersey Ruched Dress is wearable in many scenarios, whether leisure or business travel!

Versatility

Versatility is always an important factor to keep in mind when figuring out your perfect travel wardrobe, so be sure to consider whether you can wear your dress(es) for multiple occasions and various activities. It’s always a plus if you can wear your dress out and about with comfy shoes for sightseeing and then dress it up with some nice sandals and jewelry for going out to dinner. 

Travel dresses that don’t wrinkle and will keep you at a comfy temp are great because you can wear them on your flight and then jump straight into a day of exploring your destination. TFG readers especially love simple, sleek dresses made of technical fabrics that can be worn to a business conference and then on a hike! 

Be sure to consider all the activities you have planned, and see if your perfect travel dress can handle more than a few of them!

The Loveappella Maxi Dress is a classic style that readers adore for summer travels. Also wearing Wallaroo Sun Hat and carrying Rebecca Minkoff Crossbody

Overall, more neutral colors and classic cuts for dresses work best for travel. For example, the best travel dresses for Italy , in cities like Rome , Milan , or even New York , or Paris , is a great opportunity to rock some stylish pieces that are timeless but still emphasize your personal style. Readers recommend trying a chic midi for sightseeing or a flowy silk number for an evening out!

If you like colors that pop more, brighter colors and bold patterns are wonderful for   Thailand or Southeast Asia . Go for a cute floral summer dress or an easy t-shirt dress that can transition from day to night. 

If you’re heading to a city where the locals tend to dress modestly, midi and maxi dresses are perfect options for keeping cool and looking fabulous while dressing appropriately for the destination. 

Be sure to keep in mind sleeve length and necklines, too — while sleeveless options and deep v-necks are feminine, airy, and fun, travel dresses with sleeves and higher necklines might be better for more conservative countries or when touring churches and other religious or cultural sites. 

Remember that no matter where you’re heading, being comfortable and confident is the number one priority (as well as respecting the local custom in terms of style or length of dress), so whether bright and colorful or neutral and monochromatic, long, midi, or short, if you love it, wear it!

The Columbia Freezer III Dress has Omini-Shade and blocks UVA and UVB rays

Extra Features

Once the boxes for comfort and style are checked off, it doesn’t have to stop there! Dresses made of various tech fabrics offer so much in the way of function and practicality while still being super cute. 

A moisture-wicking and quick dry travel dress will make warm-weather travels a breeze, as it’ll keep you feeling (and smelling) fresh after sporty excursions or hours of sightseeing under the sun. And if you’re looking for some extra sun protection for those long days spent outdoors, opt for a dress that has UPF protection built in.

If you’re worried about wrinkles, look to travel dress wrinkle-free fabrics such as nylon, rayon, and certain knit fabrics, which are naturally wrinkle-resistant. (Bonus: these fabrics tend to be lightweight, breathable, and packable!)

Now that we’ve covered how to select the right women’s travel dresses for summer , check out the readers’ most popular picks for the hot season!

Best Travel Dresses for Europe Summer Vacations

Europe is such a popular travel destination in the summer, and what better place to roam around in a chic and comfy dress? Trips in Europe often entail a LOT of walking, and because summer in Europe tends to be very hot, staying cool and comfy is key. 

Readers like to strike a balance between fashion and function so they can enjoy their trip to the fullest and feel chic and confident while doing so! 

Below we’ve listed some classic and chic dresses, but if you’re searching for more, check out the 10 Best Travel Dresses for Europe .

Gevomir Halter Neck Summer Dress with Packable Braided Straw Hat

Gemovir Halter Neck Summer Dress

After Editor-in-Chief Alex wore this summer dress from Gevomir all around Rome and other European cities and shared it with readers, it’s become a huge TFG fave, many of whom claim it’s the best travel dress for Europe ! 

Light and breathable, this number has an elastic band that flatters the waistline, a chic high neckline, and a flowy, ruffled hem. To top it off, it’s super versatile and can be styled in a lot of different ways, it’s a dream in the heat, and the fabric doesn’t wrinkle!

A traveler says, “This is such a cute and lightweight travel dress , and is perfect for different body types. It photographs really well and was flattering and comfortable, even in scorching Lucerne weather!” Choose from a wide range of colors and sizes S-XXL .

Check out why Gevomir printed halter summer dress is perfect for Europe!

Shop Sizes XS-XL: Quince

Quince 100% European Linen Dress

Effortlessly elegant and comfy, you can never go wrong with a linen dress for Europe — especially when it looks as cute as this one! Quince’s 100% European Linen black travel dress is a versatile piece with a polished collar, buttons, short sleeves, and a midi length, so it’s perfect for both business and leisure travel. 

The linen is airy, high quality, and lightweight and can be cinched up to enhance the waistline with the removable belt! 

A wearer raves, “I love this dress! I have a feeling I will be living in it this summer. It fits perfectly, the fabric is lovely, and the colors are beautiful! Can easily be dressed up or down!” It comes in sizes XS-XL .

Shop Sizes 1X-3X: Caslon

Caslon Tie Front Gauze Dress

Another cute midi, Caslon tie front cotton dress is snug up top with a long, flowing skirt. Its cotton fabric keeps this dress cool and breathable and feels nice and soft. Wearers rave about how comfy and cute this dress is, both for wearing casually on summer days or for special occasions! 

A wearer goes into detail, “I bought this dress for a trip and wore it nearly every day. So comfortable and attractive. I’m busty and found the smocking was flattering – defined but didn’t accentuate.” Available in sizes 1X-3X .

Shop Sizes XS-3XL: Pact

Pact Fit & Flare Tie Back Dress

Elevated yet cozy and easy to wear, this Pact short  dress is a travel rockstar. Cute details like the cinch waist and the tie on the back make this unique looking, while the straps offer enough bra coverage. Yet this functional, low-maintenance organic cotton fabric keeps it cool and durable. 

A wearer shares more, “Comfortable dress. Had super strong smell straight out of the bag but a wash got rid of it. Great quality and feel. Will definitely purchase additional clothing once my preferred size is back in stock for some styles.”  It comes in sizes XS-3XL .

Shop Sizes XXS-XL: Carve Designs

Carve Designs Nellie Linen Dress

This Carve Designs midi travel dress is beyond dreamy, made of soft linen that’ll keep you feeling cool and comfortable. The loose design features a flattering neckline with a flowing skirt, and wearers of all sizes say it fits perfectly. 

It’ll look cute with everything from sneakers to sandals , and you can store your lip balm or other small essentials in the side pockets! 

One wearer says, “Cute dress, Perfect for summer. The dark fawn is a pretty color and the linen materials is lightweight and comfortable. I’ll pair it with a jean jacket in the fall. Love it!”  It’s offered in sizes XXS-XL . 

Best Moisture Wicking Travel Dresses for Hot Destinations

Good travel dresses for summer are usually moisture wicking ones. These dresses are made from technical fabrics that draw moisture away from the body, keeping things fresh and cool without showing any signs of dampness. Readers love these functional womens travel dress styles for really hot places or when embarking on a more active adventure where you’ll be working up a bit of a sweat. 

We’ve featured some of the most popular moisture-wicking dresses below, but see the full roster right here ! 

Shop: Amazon | Eddie Bauer Sizes Regular XS-XXL | Petite S-L | Tall M-XXL | Plus 2X-3X

Eddie Bauer Aster Dress

This Eddie Bauer travel dress is a longstanding TFG favorite, loved for its simple, classic design and impressive roster of functional features. The empire waist is flattering, and the fabric has a hint of stretch for a supportive fit that gives you plenty of mobility. The fabric also has odor-control and UPF 50+ sun protection, doesn’t wrinkle, and will look nice and neat throughout your trip! 

A happy wearer says, “I love these black travel dresses . They’re perfect for travel and everyday wear. You can dress them up or wear them for a casual look. They don’t wrinkle and are super comfy!” It comes in sizes XS-XXL , petite S-L , tall M-XXL , and plus 2X-3X .

Find out how to turn any one of your dresses into versatile dresses !

 Shop Sizes Regular XXS-3X  |  Tall S-XL  |  Petite XS-L : Athleta

Athleta Elation Midi Dress

With such a cute and chic design, no one would ever guess this dress was made of technical fabric and built for adventuring! While it looks and feels silky smooth, the Athleta v-neck dress is comfy, quick-drying, breathable, and has UPF 40+ sun protection. 

Whether you take it out on a boat, hike in it, wear it as a beach coverup , or go out to dinner, this dress can seriously do it all!

A happy wearer shares, “ Love that this has the same fabric and color throughout this year. A definite refresh for your favorite go-to spring/summer go-everywhere dress. ” It comes in regular XXS-3X , tall S-XL , and petite XS-L .

Shop Sizes XS-XL: prAna |  Moosejaw

PrAna Jewel Lake Dress

This PrAna travel dress will have you looking so cute and elevated yet totally ready for whatever adventures each day brings. Its flattering, a-line silhouette and bright print keep things fun and feminine, while its stretchy, moisture-wicking, quick-drying fabric coupled with roomy pockets keeps it practical for an active or warm-weathered trip. 

Readers especially love its supportive fit, with crisscross straps and an interior shelf bra with mesh lining. 

A reader says, “I think I found my perfect travel dress! It has a shelf bra with lightly lined cups. Usually, shelf bras don’t work for me, but this is a dream! I don’t have to wear a strapless bra now. AND…it has pockets!! I’m so excited about this find that I think I’m going to splurge and buy another.” It comes in a few different patterns and in sizes XS-XL .

Best Wrinkle Free Travel Dresses for Multi-Stop Trips

For a trip with multiple destinations where you’ll be packing, unpacking, and repacking your clothes, wrinkle-free fabrics will make a HUGE difference. Your cute travel dress will come out of its packing cube looking fresh, neat, and ready to be thrown right on! (Though, we always recommend hanging dresses once you arrive at your destination — even if the tag says wrinkle-resistant). 

Below are some versatile beauties, but if you’re looking for more low maintenance dresses, see these Wrinkle Free Dresses!

Shop: Eddie Bauer | Amazon Sizes Regular XS-XXL | Petite S-L | Tall M-XXL | Plus 2X-3X

Eddie Bauer Departure Easy Tank Dress

Another Eddie Bauer fave, readers love the Departure little black travel dress for its casual and flattering style and amazing versatility. This cutie is made of a stretchy fabric that’s moisture-wicking, lightweight, and has UPF 50+ sun protection, so it’s perfect for sightseeing, active excursions, or grabbing lunch. Readers say this wrinkle-free travel dress is easy to pack and will still look nice after a long trip with repeated wearing!

A wearer shares why she thinks this is the best black travel dress : “This dress is versatile, so great for a night out, a day of sightseeing, a trip to the beach, or just running errands. The fabric is light, comfortable, and packs small. When traveling, you can wash it in the sink, hang it up, and it’ll be dry by the morning! And the zippered pockets are big enough to keep your phone, keys, and wallet secure, so you can leave your purse behind.” Sizes range from XS-XXL , petite S-L , and plus 2X-3X . 

Quince Silk Blend T Shirt Dress

T-shirt dresses are awesome for travel because they can be styled up with wedges and accessories or worn as a cute sightseeing outfit with sneakers and a sunhat . These Quince comfortable travel dresses are a great pick because their wrinkle-resistant, sweat-wicking, and quick-drying properties mean you can wear them all throughout your trip and know they’ll stay fresh and neat. 

Readers love that the relaxed fit adds to the cooling, airy feel and gives them a fashion-forward look, too!

A fan of these easy travel dresses sums it up, “This is just about the perfect little dress that can transition from day to night. It travels well and fits great!” It comes in several colors and in sizes XS-XL .  

Shop Chico’s: Sizes Regular 00-22 | Petite 00-18

Chicos Travelers Classic Maxi Dress

This Chico’s Classic travel dress with sleeves has a beautiful, timeless silhouette that’ll work in any destination and for all kinds of activities! Part of their Travelers collection, this pretty piece is made from a smooth, light, and quick-drying fabric that’s super durable and won’t pill or wrinkle, and many wearers talk about how well it drapes and moves. 

So grab a floppy hat and comfy sandals for a chic daytime look, and then add flats and a wrap for evening elegance! 

It’s a great business travel dress , too! A TFGer says, “I wear lots of Chico’s, and I love their Travelers fabric!” This dress comes in sizes 00-22 and petite 00-18 . 

Quince Vintage Wash Tencel Slip Dress

Classic, feminine, and versatile slip dresses are a closet staple, especially when they’re wrinkle, shrink, and static-resistant, like the Quince’s Vintage Wash Tencel dress ! It’s long, flowy, and relaxed, with adjustable straps and a v-neck. Wearers love the cool and lightweight yet sturdy fabric that comes in two gorgeous, vintage-looking colors. 

One reader says, “I have the Quince slip dress. It is generously cut, so very flattering. I wear something over it – like a jacket or cardigan .” It comes in sizes XS-XL . 

Best Travel Dresses With Pockets for Sightseeing Excursions

For days when you only need a few small essentials or just want to keep certain things easily accessible, a travel dress with pockets is the answer! They’re amazing for holding small items like your lip balm and small amounts of cash or a room key. These dresses are cute, comfy, functional, and super trendy for summer. 

The list of pocket dresses is some of the most sought-after! And if you love them as much as we do, see more Dresses With Pockets !

Shop Sizes XXS-XXL: Nordstrom |  Faherty

Faherty Isha Linen Dress

The Isha linen dress is a heavenly pick for summer, made of 100% linen and designed with a relaxed fit. The buttons and pin tucks on the bodice embellish this classic dress, and the range of colors and prints are all so pretty. 

Readers love that the fit is cute and ultra-flattering, and wearers confirm how comfy and versatile it is —you can throw it over a swimsuit for the beach or dress it up for date night! 

A wearer says, “Super cute and comfortable. I am a slim athletic build, and I like that it falls straight. A great piece for traveling as it can be worn super casual with sneakers or less casual with sandals and accessories.” Available in sizes XXS-XXL . 

We’ve compiled the ultimate list of what our readers rank as the best dress for hot weather travels !

Shop Sizes Regular XXS-XXL: Nordstrom

Caslon Tie Waist Maxi Dress

Simple, clean lines and small details like a side slit and tie waist give so much style and femininity to Caslon’s black travel dress with pockets . It’s chic and flattering but has enough coverage to be a perfect choice for any trips where you need to dress a bit more modestly. The cotton-rayon fabric is light as air, deliciously soft, and comfy. 

A traveler shares, “I needed a packable dress for travel in Europe and found this one to be perfect. This one is simple, comfortable, and functional and can be dressed up or down!” Sizes range from XXS-XXL .

Shop Nordstrom: Sizes Regular XS-XL | Plus 0X-3X

Karen Kane Quinn Shift Dress

This plus size travel dress from Karen Kane is made from stretch-jersey rayon that looks sleek and polished but is super comfy to wear trekking around on a hot day. The slightly fitted bodice flows out into an a-line shape, which wearers say is super flattering and fun to wear. Its streamlined design keeps it ultra-versatile, which is always a plus when traveling! 

A wearer shares, “Great little dress that I can travel with and dress up or down. Love the v-neck and pockets!” Available in sizes XS-XL and plus sizes 0X-3X . 

Best Casual Travel Dresses for Beach Getaways

For a beach vacay, a light summer travel dress with the versatility to go from beachy to casual-chic is the way to go! Choose something functional that works as a swimsuit coverup when hanging out on the sand, but that also doubles as a cute option for dinner and drinks! These great travel dresses are perfect for relaxing at a beach resort, too.

Get inspired for your next beach trip with our round-up below, or search further for more Summer Beach Dresses !

Shop Sizes XS-XL: Nordstrom

Elan Bell Sleeve Coverup Dress

With a loose fit and a linen-cotton blend, these cute travel dresses from Elan are so ready to hit the beach! This dress hits above the knees and has a stylishly modest v-neck, while the metallic sheen and flutter sleeves give it a feminine touch. Wearers love this cutie for its summery look that’s both high quality and cooling! 

One says, “Great summer dress. I love Elan dresses and have a couple. The dress hits me above the knee in a flattering length. I also like the neckline and the fabric. Love it!” It comes in sizes XS-XL . Check out all of Elan’s summer dresses and coverups .

Shop Sizes XXS-XXL: Gap

Gap Linen Blend Midi Dress 

Wearers say it doesn’t get more soft and cozy than this lovely casual travel dress from the Gap . Made from a lightweight linen blend, it sits close to the feminine shape and flows out into an elegant mid-length skirt. Readers say it’s ideal for lounging or sightseeing in a seaside town, and all you need are some comfy tan sandals to go with it!

One wearer says, “This simple and soft midi is perfect. You can wear it with sandals or tennis shoes and dress it up or down as it’s versatile. Great summer staple!” It comes in a range of pretty colors and in sizes XXS-XXL . 

Shop J.Crew: Sizes Regular XXS-3X | Petite XXS-L | Tall XS-XL

J.Crew Tall Bungalow Linen Popover Dress

Quick-drying, lightweight, and easygoing, J.Crew’s linen popover dress could totally be used as a beach coverup, but is such a chic and classy piece for dressy occasions, too! Its sheath silhouette is slightly boxy yet really flattering, and the shorter length makes it perfect for a beachy destination. 

Readers boast about how the quality is fantastic, and the linen allows your skin to breathe and feel nice and cool throughout the day. 

A happy user shares, “The color is beautiful, and the quality is great. I love it so much that I’m going to get the other colors!” It comes in sizes XXS-3X , petite XXS-L , and tall XS-XL .  

Shop Sizes XXS-XL: Tommy Bahama

Tommy Bahama Two Palms Linen Shirtdress

Light and beachy linen is polished up with front buttons, a collar, and an adjustable tie-belt with the Tommy Bahama’s Two Palms shirtdress . This pretty dress keeps it airy with side vents, a flowy fit, and a sleeveless design, while the midi length adds both style and extra coverage. You can keep it loose and buttoned down by the water, or cinch it up and add some white sneakers for sightseeing in town! 

A wearer shares more, “Beautiful dress! The linen is lightweight but still substantial (not too thin). It comes with a tie belt, but I think it looks great without it. Great alone or with a scarf , wrap , or statement jewelry.” Sizes range from XXS-XL .  

Best Lightweight Travel Dresses for Summer City Breaks

Summer in the city means dresses that’ll keep you both looking and feeling fresh, confident, and cool. Opt for chic, classic silhouettes, solid colors (neutral or bold!), and pieces that look just as nice with sneakers as they do with wedges . Bonus if they can go from day to night with an easy transition! 

Below is a versatile list of dresses for any city in the summer. Other popular classics for urban breaks are the LBD and LWD, respectively, the Best Black Dresses and the Best White Dresses for travel!

Shop Sizes XS-3X: Spanx

Spanx Carefree Crepe Reversible Slip Dress

The gorgeous silky fabric gives this Spanx slip dress a trendy and summery vibe. Its very flattering and reversible, so you can create different looks. It’s also super comfortable throughout your long days of exploring. Elegant and simple, you’ll be able to wear it repeatedly for all kinds of occasions!  

It comes in sizes XS-3X and two other colors that are also reversible. 

We have rounded up our favorite convertible travel dresses that will help you pack light and stylishly!

Quince Washable Stretch Silk Maxi Dress

While this Quince maxi travel dress looks elegant and polished, its flowy silhouette, smocked waistband, and stretchy, low-maintenance fabric make it quite a comfy and practical option for a long day of walking around and seeing the sights. 

The washable silk fabric is nourishing to the skin, hypoallergenic, and naturally thermoregulating, so it’ll help keep you cool, too! It also has handy side pockets for your small must-haves. 

A wearer says, “It is so light and airy and will be perfect for carry-on travel during the hot summer!” Sizes range from XS-XL . 

Shop on Nordstrom:  Regular Sizes XXS-XL | Plus Sizes 1X-3X

Eileen Fisher Organic Linen Shirtdress

This Eileen Fisher short sleeve travel dress is effortlessly chic and makes the perfect addition to a capsule wardrobe for a stylish city like New York or Paris . The organic linen and loose fit will keep things ultra-comfy, while the buttons and luxe look of the linen keeps it looking elevated. Wearers describe it as a summer must-have and love its rich and vibrant color options.  

A happy reviewer says, ”Love the color. The linen fabric is easy and breezy. Fits perfectly and will be great for the hot summer months.” These standard and plus size travel dresses are available in sizes XXS-XL and 1X-3X . 

Shop Sizes S-XL: Amazon

Merokeety Flutter Midi Dress

This Merokeety midi dress is casual and feminine, with adorable details like ruffle cap sleeves, a smocked bodice, an a-line silhouette, and a tiered, flowy skirt. Wearers rave about the comfort, from the stretchy fit up top to the airy, breathable fabric throughout, and share that it’s definitely hot-weather friendly. Whether dressing up for a special occasion or just spending the day exploring the city on foot, this dress is a super cute go-to for whatever’s in store! 

A wearer gives a rave review, “So flattering and versatile! The chest area is really stretchy and would be good for all chest sizes. The fabric feels nice and high quality and is light enough for summer. It’s not see-through at all. I feel so confident in it! And – it has pockets!” It comes in sizes S-XL . 

Shop Sizes XXS-XL: Nordstrom

Nordstrom Stretch Cotton Midi T-Shirt Dress

With a laid-back look of an oversized t-shirt and a midi length, this dress from Nordstrom is a super cute and modern take on the t-shirt dress. This versatile piece is made of soft and breathable cotton with a hint of stretch for extra comfort, and the versatile design is topped off with side pockets. Lean into the casual feel by adding sneakers, or contrast it with strappy sandals and some delicate accessories! 

One wearer gushes, “This is a super t-shirt dress . The cotton material is light, and it doesn’t wrinkle. Perfect for travel!” Available in sizes XXS-XL . 

Travel Dress Styles Comparison Chart

[wpsm_comparison_table id=”493″ class=”center-table-align”]

Thigh Society The Cooling Shorts  | Sizes XS-6X

Best Shorts to Wear Under Dresses

If your looking for a shorts to wear under your dresses Thigh Society is a reader favorite! The Cooling anti-chafe shorts from ThighSociety  are raved about by TFGers for so many reasons, especially their silky, hi-tech performance fabric. These shorts pull heat and moisture away from the body, keeping things cool, fresh, and chafe-free on even the hottest of days.

They’re tagless, don’t roll or bunch, and are ultra-thin and lightweight yet stretchy and durable as can be. Plus, they come in a wide range of colors and lengths and range in sizes from  XS-6X !

What do you think are the best womens travel dresses ? Share your thoughts and comment below!

For more cute summer dresses for travel, please read:

• Best Vacation Maxi Dresses for Summer
• What’s the Best Midi Dress for Summer? Styles to Pack Now
• Stylish Linen Summer Dresses to Keep You Cool
• Cute Summer Dresses for Women Who Travel

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14 comments.

I’m so glad to see all these options in one place! Off to check them out 😀

Hi! I love the dress on the cover, any tips or where I can find it?

Hi Lourdes, I am afraid that the image at the top of the article is a stock image so we are not sure of the brand. ?

Hi, so pretty =-( Thank you anyway!

Hi Alex, I love the dress styles you show – they are all so cute.

But I just about only wear dresses to weddings and never wear them when I go out at home. So I doubt I’ll wear them if I pack them for our upcoming spring trip to Italy. I don’t want to add extra weight with dresses that will stay in my suitcase. How do I substitute dresses for tops and bottoms in your packing lists? Would I add a top for every dress and a bottom for every two dresses I omit? Do you have a formula? Thanks so much, Patti

Hi Patti, thank you for reaching out! Your aim should always be to dress for your personal comfort level vs trying to blend in. Depending on your preferences you can choose more bottoms, less dresses, more tops – you have the ability to adjust the combination based on your needs. It’s always best to pack more tops than bottoms because a top will create more of an impact to your outfit.

For our essentials 10 piece capsule wardrobe combination, you could pack – 7 Tops + 3 Bottoms instead of the 4 Tops + 4 Bottoms + 2 Dresses featured in the capsule.

Our Classic 12 piece capsule wardrobe combination, you could pack – 8 Tops + 4 Bottoms instead of the 5 Tops + 5 Bottoms + 2 Dresses featured in the capsule.

You can find our signature capsule wardrobes here: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/functional-and-fashion-packing-list/ If you need any more tips to help you with packing for Italy, we also have this helpful guide: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/10-step-packing-guides/10-step-packing-guide-italy/

Wear what makes you happy, what you feel good in, and what’s comfortable for you! ❤️ Have an amazing trip to Italy!

Thanks so much Alex! Really appreciate your suggestions.

Hi Patti, so pleased I was able to help. Have an amazing time on your travels!!! ?

Hi there, I’m plannng a trip to southern Italy in May – any chance you can update this article? Many of the links say the item is no longer available as it’s now over 3 years old. I find your articles so helpful just hoping for more updates! Thank you so much for all the research, it’s such a help!

Hi Linda, thank you for making me aware of this, I will look in to getting this update. So pleased you find the blog helpful, thank you for your lovely comment! Have an awesome time during your trip to Italy next year. 🙂

Nice Collection. Thanks for sharing such a nice post. Because all girls are confused to choose dresses for outdoors. But this topic will help to all girls and these type of dresses give a stylish and trendy look. Love all dresses.

Hi Kattie, thank you for your feedback, glad you found the article helpful! 🙂

LOVE them all!! Do you have the links or remember where you bought them? Thanks..

Hi Stephanie! You can click on the images and they will link you to each dress 🙂

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The 13 Best Travel Dresses with Pockets

Sarah Schlichter

Deputy Executive Editor Sarah Schlichter's idea of a perfect trip includes spotting exotic animals, hiking through pristine landscapes, exploring new neighborhoods on foot, and soaking up as much art as she can. She often attempts to recreate recipes from her international travels after she gets home (which has twice resulted in accidental kitchen fires—no humans or animals were harmed).

Sarah joined the SmarterTravel team in 2017 after more than a decade at the helm of IndependentTraveler.com. Sarah's practical travel advice has been featured in dozens of news outlets including the New York Times, the Chicago Tribune, USA Today, Budget Travel, and Peter Greenberg Worldwide Radio. Follow her on Twitter @TravelEditor .

The Handy Item I Always Pack: "A journal. Even years later, reading my notes from a trip can bring back incredibly vivid memories."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: "Road tripping and hiking through the rugged mountains of Patagonia."

Travel Motto: "'To awaken quite alone in a strange town is one of the pleasantest sensations in the world.'—Freya Stark"

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Aisle. I get restless on long flights and like to be able to move around without disturbing anyone else."

Email Sarah at [email protected] .

Travel Smarter! Sign up for our free newsletter.

When you’re out in the world, there are two things you need: a sense of adventure and … pockets. On men’s clothing, pockets are standard, but women’s clothing in general and dresses in particular, often lack this key feature. Happily, a few companies understand the plight and have designed travel dresses with pockets, so you can go bag-free on your next vacation.

prAna Taxco Dress

This T-shirt dress from prAna is super comfortable and can be worn on its own or as a beach cover-up. It’s got two front hip pockets, plus half-rolled short sleeves for a casual look. The lightweight organic cotton/recycled polyester blend is perfect for summer days.

Coolibar Beach Cover-Up Dress

Headed to the beach but want to leave the beach bag behind? This cover-up dress from Coolibar not only has UPF 50+ sun protection; it also has two big front pockets. The lightweight fabric will actually help keep you cool even though it’s long-sleeved, and its coverage means you won’t have to worry about missing spots on your back with the sunscreen.

Columbia Departure Point Dress

Headed to a tropical destination? Pack Columbia’s Departure Point Dress , which has an omni-shield treatment to help protect against bug bites. The dress is wrinkle-resistant as well, and has zip-closed security pockets.

Royal Robbins Noe Dress

Wearing the Royal Robbins Noe Dress is like wearing a comfy, lightweight T-shirt. It’s made from an eco-friendly fabric that’s wrinkle-resistant, and the length falls below the knee. The dress features two front hand pockets to hold your valuables.

Betabrand No-Sweat Cocktail Dress

Among Betabrand’s impressive selection of travel dresses with pockets, the No-Sweat Cocktail Dress stands out as an elegant option that travels well and frees you from needing to pack that extra evening bag. Not one but two pockets—a zippered side-seam option plus a hidden bust pocket—allow you to head out for a purse-free night on the town.

Torrid Black Stripe Knit to Woven Skater Dress

If you’re looking for a plus-size travel dress with pockets, consider this option from Torrid . Its stretchy cotton/spandex blend is machine washable and will resist wrinkles, and the scoop neck and vertical stripes are flattering for most body types.

Betabrand Red-Eye Travel Dress

A more casual travel dress with pockets from Betabrand is the Red-Eye Travel Dress , which features long sleeves with thumbholes and a hood with a built-in eye mask—perfect for sleeping on the plane. This sweatshirt dress has a kangaroo pocket with two zippers to protect your stuff. The polyester/spandex fabric is moisture-wicking and UV protective. Wear this dress over leggings for the ideal, comfy airplane outfit.

Athleta Mara Maxi Dress

Perfect for the resort or the beach, the Mara Maxi Dress from Athleta offers a flowing silhouette and UPF 50+ sun protection. The dress is lightweight, wrinkle-resistant, and easy to pack, and it has two handy front pockets. You can feel good about this purchase from an environmental perspective, too: The dress is made of a fabric that incorporates post-consumer plastic bottles. The Mara Maxi Dress comes in regular, tall, petite, and plus sizes.

Patagonia Fleetwith Dress

Travelers looking for a sporty dress with pockets can try Patagonia’s Fleetwith Dress , made of quick-drying material that resists wrinkles. The dress features cross-back straps and a drawstring waist for a comfortable fit, as well as three pockets, including a concealed one with a zipper.

SCOTTeVEST Debbie Dress

If two or three pockets just aren’t enough, how about seven? That’s what you’ll find in SCOTTeVEST’s Debbie Dress , which has cleverly concealed pockets in places you would—and wouldn’t—expect. The dress falls to just above the knee and is made from a stretchy cotton/spandex blend that’s machine washable and wrinkle-resistant.

ModCloth Living Lightheartedly Sundress

This adorable sundress with pockets from ModCloth has adjustable straps for the perfect fit. Its bright pattern will draw compliments whether you’re at a resort or a restaurant. The sundress is made of 100 percent polyester, which is resistant to wrinkles and can be machine washed.

Toad&Co Muse Dress

The Muse Dress from Toad&Co features cap sleeves, a hemline that falls just below the knees, and a pocket on one side. The lightweight cotton/Modal/spandex blend is both comfortable and flattering, and a drawstring along the side lets you adjust the fit. It’s available in both solid and striped designs.

Royal Robbins Jackson Plaid Dress

This lightweight flannel dress from Royal Robbins is comfortable enough for the plane and, with the help of leggings and a few accessories, can be dressed up or down for cold-weather vacations. Thanks to strategic darts, unobtrusive side-seam pockets, and a side sash, it has a flattering fit. And the cotton-Tencel blend is moisture wicking so you can stay dry and comfortable.

More from SmarterTravel:

• The Best Travel Dresses for Summer
• 5 Travel Wear Pieces That Help You Go from Day to Night
• The 9 Best Travel Hoodies

Follow Sarah Schlichter on Twitter @TravelEditor for more travel tips and inspiration.

Some review products are sent to us free of charge and with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions, positive and negative, and will never accept compensation to review a product.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2016. It has been updated to reflect the most current information. Caroline Morse Teel and Christine Sarkis contributed to this story.

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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26 Travel Outfit Essentials for Women

Add slip-on shoes, breezy pashminas, and compression leggings to your packing list.

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When it comes to travel, we know you need to find the perfect balance between comfort and style. After all, it’s great to look put together while hopping on a flight, but not at the cost of your comfort—especially on long-haul trips. Rest assured, we've curated a list of wardrobe essentials to achieve flawless travel and airport outfits, whether you are exploring a new destination for business or pleasure.

If you're going on a chill weekend getaway with your girlfriends or partner, try out cozy and cool sweat sets because they don’t require any thought and are still stylish. Plus, they come in all sizes, so there’s a fit no matter if you're curvy and plus size or petite, or simply somewhere in the middle. Comfortable travel dresses can be dressed up or down depending on where your journey takes you.

When it comes to the best travel outfits for women, accessories play a critical role in keeping you comfy and organized. All you have to do is remember a comfortable pair of shoes , compression socks to keep things moving, an eye mask that's an upgrade from the one the airline provides, and a chic shawl that doubles as a blanket. And of course, no travel outfit would be complete without a fashionable (and functional!) carry-on bag on your arm or atop your luggage . This bag should house all your essentials and still level up your airport outfit. Keep reading for some of the best travel and airport outfit ideas for your next trip.

Spanx AirEssentials Wide-Leg Pants

Sometimes nothing less than sweats will do, and here is where Spanx really excels. Oprah picked these for her 2022 Favorite Things , saying, “You might know Spanx for its shapewear, but it also does fantastic cozy clothes. When I tell you this set feels light as air, I’m not kidding. It’s my new leisure suit. The perfectly loose-and-lightweight fabric is like buttah!”

Spanx Core-Shaping Perfect Pant High-Rise Flare

The perfect pant does not exist—wait, yes it does, and here it is. This high-rise flare option is designed with premium ponte fabric and a comfortable pull-on design for maximum comfort and easy styling on your flight. Plus, it comes in size XS to 3X, so there's something for everyone.

Girlfriend Collective Compressive Pocket Legging

Leggings are a perfect choice for traveling wear. And these have Oprah's seal of approval, as they were picked for Oprah's 2022 Favorite Things list. Eco-friendly and size-inclusive (the range goes through 6XL), these compression leggings are available in a plethora of hues. Plus, they feature double-sided seaming and pockets.

Spanx Women's AirEssentials Half-Zip Sweater

Sometimes nothing less than sweats will do, and here is where Spanx really excels. Oprah picked this top for her 2023 Favorite Things , saying, “Wow. Wow. Wow. May I tell you I got this set last year? I wore it in a photo shoot for O Quarterly and never looked back...” Why not pair it with the coordinating wide-leg pants for a full sweatsuit?

J. Crew Cashmere-Wool Travel Wrap

Let's be honest, you can't always count on the airline's blankets to keep you warm, and some even leave annoying fluff behind. Stay warm and stylish with your own wearable blanket by way of this travel necessity from J.Crew which comes in eight different colors.

Chico's Travelers Classic No Tummy Pants

Chico's Travelers collection is made from wrinkle-resistant fabrics in comfortable silhouettes. Thanks to a pull-on waist and front darts, these No Tummy Pants are flattering and always look put together. If you're looking for a more relaxed silhouette, there's also the wide-leg Hutton pants in black.

Dr. Scholl's Time Off Platform Sneakers

Celebrated for consciously comfortable footwear, these sneakers from Dr. Scholl's are tricked out with tons of features for all-day comfort. Inside, anatomical cushioning and arch support keep you covered while a lightweight, anti-slip platform ensures you have a secure grip. This minimalist sneaker looks just as good with a matching suit as it does with a low-key sweat set.

Vuori Elevation Trouser in Midnight Heather

Vuori is celebrated for its super-cozy pieces. The best thing about these pants? They look put together while the stretch-knit fabric is as comfy as your favorite Vuori loungers. The high-rise waist and loose fit of the leg give you an effortlessly stylish silhouette.

Birdies Vesper Seven-Layer Cloud Comfort Loafers

Birdies' classic loafer will elevate any airport look. They're crafted with tumbled Nappa leather, a no-slip rubber sole, and the brand's signature seven-layer footbed for ultra-cushy support. Plus, the Vesper comes in sizes 5 to 12, and a range of colors like silver leather and cappuccino with raffia accents.

Zeagoo Coordinated Two Piece Linen Pants Set

You might look like you're already on vacation if you show up to the airport in this neutral pants and button-down set. Available in two bright and two neutral colors, and sizes small to 2XL.

JW PEI Aylin Canvas Cellphone Crossbody Bag

Making sure you have all your essentials when going through airport security can be tough. Thankfully with this convenient crossbody, you'll have your phone and cards right at hand.

Lands' End Wrinkle-Free Button-Down Shirt

A classic button-down shirt is a travel essential that elevates any in-transit look. Lands' End's timeless button-down has all the details you need: a lightweight, wrinkle-resistant stretch fabric and a longer length for coverage. Luckily, you can cover all your bases with plenty of solid and striped options to choose from. Plus, it comes in an extended range of sizes from XXS to 3X.

Everlane Organic Cotton Honeycomb Cardigan

This gorgeous honeycomb cotton cardigan is part of the latest iteration of Everlane Editions: The Art of Spring Layering. Crafted from responsibly sourced and lower-impact materials, this 100 percent organic cotton knit is ideal for layering before, during, and after your flight.

Naturalizer Carla Contour+ Comfort Premium Leather Flats

At this point, Naturalizer may as well be synonymous with comfortable shoes. The 27 Edit Carla flats are crafted from beautiful leather and add instant polish to any outfit you're sporting at the airport or station. Editor tried and tested, they offer the brand's signature Contour+ Comfort and added cushioning for serious all-day support.

K. Carroll Accessories Taylor Tote

These vegan suede totes are great for hauling all your in-flight essentials, with plenty of room. There are a range of colors to choose from. "Not too big or too small, this vegan suede tote is just the right size for your on-the-go loved one in need of a stylish solution," Oprah said when highlighting the Taylor tote on her 2022 Favorite Things list.

Frankie 4 Triple Layered-Support and Cushion Liberty Black Boots

If it's not on your radar yet, Frankie 4 is a podiatrist-designed shoe line that offers insanely comfortable footwear. These are the perfect black boots to run around the airport and to wear on your trip as your professional or going-out shoes.

Hoka Women's Bondi 8 Sneakers

Hoka's sneakers are cult Oprah Daily office favorites and podiatrist-approved . Not only do they look good with just about everything, but the Bondi 8 sneakers also offer a full-length EVA midsole for the highest level of cushioning and arch support.

Asutra Silk Eye Mask

Oprah chose this eye mask for her 2023 Favorite Things list. "Sleeping with a mask is life-changing—I cannot tell you how much the quality of my sleep has improved," she said. "This weighted 100 percent silk one stays down and doesn’t let even a pinch of light in.” Co-owned by superstar Venus Williams, Asustra produces eye pillows that are filled with lavender and flax. Whether you want to meditate or snooze during your flight, this adjustable mask will definitely relax you.

Naadam Original 100 Percent Cashmere Sweater

Warm, soft, and chic—few things are as reliable as a chic crewneck sweater. At under $100, Naadam's perfect knit comes in core and limited-edition hues. Pro tip: Order a size or two larger than your usual for an ultra-cozy fit that's perfect for throwing around your shoulders or as a plane layering piece. And what's more, the sweater is machine-washable (yes, you read that right).

Gola x Anthropologie Hawk Sneakers

Supportive and chic! If you're looking for a pair of fabulous summer sneakers, you can stop right here. We love that these Gola x Anthropologie collaboration low-tops are ideal for the plane as well as exploring in style.

Sara Klausing covers all things fashion and style for Oprah Daily . Follow her on Instagram .

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What to Wear to the Airport: How a Fashion Editor Dresses for Travel

Robyn merrett.

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A lot of effort goes into my travel outfits. Deciding what to wear to the airport is more consuming than one might think. It takes creativity, innovation, and a lot of editing. You have to think about where you’re leaving from, your flight time (including connections), and your destination. Is it cold? Is it hot? The environmental factors matter. From there, I focus on the vibe, the message I’m trying to send with my clothes or how I want to be perceived. 

I start with my shoes. I stick to flats, rotating between sneakers, loafers, dad sandals, ballerina slippers , and occasionally, Uggs. There’s no reason to wear anything with a heel—especially when returning to JFK and walking what feels like six miles to baggage claim. To me, footwear is the most fun. When it comes to sneakers , I always reach for my Asics GEL-1130s, Nike Air Max 97s (a.k.a. The Silver Bullets), or the New Balance 530s. These silhouettes are versatile, comfortable, and timeless. If I’m feeling a bit more trendy, I’ll lean on the Adidas Samba, Converse’s Chuck 70 De Luxe Squared, or a pair of Salomon sneakers. If you’re in the mood to be really flexy, kicks like the Amiri Sunset Skate Low and the Nike Air Max DN in Sail Coconut Milk are great picks. The idea is to be subtle but noticeable, so don’t feel pressured to go with the loudest color or the most-coveted collaboration. You want it to be authentic to you, and your shoes are the base of the outfit, which you will build upon. 

If the temperature is right, I can’t resist a dad sandal. Since Chanel debuted their iteration of the silhouette in 2018, the style has reigned supreme with fashion houses and mega retailers churning out new and improved versions of the dad sandal every year. What’s the hype about, you ask? Dad sandals are ridiculously comfortable, gender neutral, and universally cool. They add unexpected interest to an outfit. 

As we approach fall, my travel fits will likely be limited to a closed-toe shoe, and after deciding on the right one (and a pair of tube socks if I’m doing sneakers), I focus on clothing. If the answer is pants on that particular day, I go for loose-fitting ones. Cargos, baggy draw-string denim (namely the painters I bought from Free People a couple years ago), knit trousers, and classic sweats—but only if they’re wide leg. I find that these roomy designs are comfortable and flatter my figure. I also just love the look of a shoe peeking out of the hem of wide-leg pant. Next, comes the top. With denim, I am a sucker for a crisp white T-shirt. There’s something so ‘90s about a white T-shirt, jeans and either a sneaker or a ballet flat. In case it’s chilly on the plane or at my gate, I layer with a cardigan or throw a sweater over my shoulders. With sweats, I go with the coordinating hoodie or crew neck or a cropped windbreaker for contrast and dimension.

Now, it’s time to accessorize. I have four bracelets and a few pendant necklaces that I wear every day. I then throw on a crossbody bag and head out the door after doing my skincare routine, which consists of a lot of hydrating products since airplane pressure dries out my skin. I’m not one of those girlies that performs her full routine in her seat because I’m very mindful, very considerate . While I consider these pairings my travel uniform, I do often switch things up, incorporating workout sets or onesies (think Princess Di’s iconic street style) and jersey dresses. 

The key is feeling at ease and confident—even though you’re going to be sitting the entire time. Fashion is everywhere, and the world is a runway. Keep scrolling for more in-depth examples and outfit formulas that I hope will help you nail traveling in style. 

Sophisticated Sweats and a Contrasting Shoe

Every time I travel, my aesthetic remains the same: cozy but chic, effortless but intentional, and this street style image captures that essence perfectly. The sweatpants are loose and relaxed, but the off-the-shoulder top creates a bit of drama and exposes a little skin. She then dressed up the look with boots, creating the right amount of contrast. It feels effortless, cool, and breathable. Plus, in the event that you get to your destination and can’t check in to your hotel or Airbnb, you can get away with wearing this to grab a bite to eat or sight see.

Remember, your outfit does not have to look exactly like your inspo. You can reimagine it with different colors and silhouettes. So, while the above tank and pants are knit, which is different than what the street style star is wearing, the vibe is the same.

Lots of Accessories

If you’re looking to jazz up your airport sweatsuit, pack on the accessories. Layer necklaces, stack bracelets, and add on a statement purse. I find that rocking your jewelry or other accessories like dad hats or beanies while traveling saves space in your luggage.

Incorporating striking pieces like the ones above will instantly make your outfit more interesting. We’re made to believe that practical and functional fashion pieces—especially ones made for travel—are ugly, and that’s simply not the case. Throw the Coach Tabby across your body and the Rebecca Minkoff, which can hold a laptop, a book, and a cosmetic case, on your shoulders.

Parachute Pants and a Trendy Sneaker

If you’re like me, checking in, getting through TSA, and finding your terminal can be a laborious adventure. By the time I arrive at my departure gate, I’m covered in sweat, so it’s important to me that I’m wearing something light and airy (if the weather permits.) Balloon pants are a great option because the fabric is thin, and the loose fit around the legs allows you to move quickly with ease. I’m also big on feet support, so I like to go with sneakers that will prevent my arch from hurting.

Another styling hack for airport fits is rocking pieces of the same color or same color family. The tonal feel makes a look feel complete and polished.

A Tracksuit or Sporty Set

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, athleisure has been a major trend. The incorporation of sportswear into fashion makes getting dressed feels easy, practical, and cool—which is exactly what you should be going for when it comes to airport style. Whether it’s a tracksuit, a workout jumpsuit, or a coordinating zip-up jacket and leggings, the outfit formula—styled with sneakers or Uggs—creates a cohesive and united feeling.

The great thing about investing in activewear is that you can get a lot of use out of these items. Throw on the above jacket for a workout class or the Nike one-piece with a pair of snow boots during a winter getaway in Aspen.

A Cropped Jacket

One of the best ways to dress up comfortable jeans, sweatpants, and leggings for the airport is with a cropped jacket. The different lengths create interest and an illusion of a smaller waist. You can make a statement while remaining comfortable.

Of course, these outwear selections can be worn outside the confines of an airport. These pieces are ideal for packing as they can work with a plethora of different options. Pair the cropped trench with wide-leg black pants and a pointed-toe black pump for a nice dinner during your vacation.

An Oversized Button-Down & Dad Sandals

If you’re not a sweats person, there are countless other ways to achieve comfortable airport style. Oversized dress shirts are my go-to when I want to look chic, but also want room to breathe and move. Button-down or button-up tops pair well leggings, jeans, and shorts. I continue to cozy-girl theme with dad sandals, which are usually padded with cushion, making running around the airport a breeze.

A Statement Coat

To me, a statement coat is like icing on a cake—it makes everything better. If you’re keeping it calm for the airport with a black workout set and sneakers, throw on a bold coat with a fun pattern to enhance the overall feel of the look. Plus, coats add a lot of weight to suitcases, so wearing it in the airport leaves space for other travel essentials.

The statement coat hack is not just reserved for the airport, of course. In the winter, rocking eye-catching outerwear is my cheat code to a stylish fit—especially when it’s too cold to think of something new and exciting. I love pairing a white T-shirt and jeans with a coat that features bright colors or memorable texture.

A Lounge Dress With a Blazer

If you’ve seen a lounge dress that looks like it can be worn inside and outside the house, you’re not alone. A lot of brands are introducing cozy attire and pajamas that can pass for day clothes—when paired with the right pieces. In the photo above, fashion designer Julia Zwingenberg styled a Skims jersey dress with a gray blazer from Acne Studios and Hermès black leather Chypre sandals. This is a great outfit idea for the airport because the Skims dress is soft and breathable, and the blazer adds a monochromatic finish—so you’ll look sleek and put together.

Breathable Jeans

When we think of jeans, we often think of words like restricting, fitted, and possibly uncomfortable—definitely not the vibe we want for the airport. But, the right pair can feel as lightweight as linen or as soft as sweats. Try to find denim with either a barrel, balloon or extreme boyfriend fit as those silhouettes are often more lightweight and breathable. I also gravitate towards drawstring jeans because the design allows me to control how tight I want my pants to feel and I don’t have to worry about buttons piercing into my skin.

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The Best Dressed Stars of the Week Leaned Into a Little Sparkle

Between New York Fashion Week , the Toronto International Film Festival , and the MTV VMAs , it was a star-studded week on the red carpets. The best dressed stars of the bunch, however, were those who leaned into a certain sparkle factor, choosing looks that shimmered and shined in unexpected ways. Even Vice President Kamala Harris got in on the action, wearing a custom black sequin gown by American designer LaQuan Smith just last night .

At NYFW, stellar VIP looks filled the front rows, but it was Lindsay Lohan who caused a proper stir at the Michael Kors spring 2025 presentation. Appearing in a silky gray slip dress and a fur-collared coat, she looked chic and modern. (“I like clothes that are effortless and chic, but comfort is key,” she told Vogue last week.) At the 2024 MTV VMAs, meanwhile, Tyla opted for a yellow Area frock (an A+ color on her) with a fringed skirt, and Lisa turned heads in a corseted Mugler gown with a dramatic hood to match.

At the Toronto International Film Festival, even more A-listers stepped out in statement pieces. Selena Gomez dazzled in a Rodarte sequin dress with a rosette neckline, while Kaia Gerber paid homage to mom Cindy Crawford in a white Herve Leger dress —recreating a look Crawford wore to the 1993 Oscars. Like mother, like daughter.

Which were your favorite celebrity looks this week? Vote below, and check back on Friday to see who Vogue readers crowned best dressed.

WHO: Kamala Harris in LaQuan Smith WHAT: The 2024 Phoenix Awards in Washington, D.C. WHEN: September 14

Is this your favorite look?

WHO: Michelle Williams in Chanel WHAT: The Anora premiere in Deauville, France WHEN: September 12

Who: tyla in area what: the 2024 mtv vmas in elmont, new york when: september 11.

WHO: Lindsay Lohan in Michael Kors WHAT: The Michael Kors spring 2025 show in New York WHEN: September 10

WHO: Selena Gomez in Rodarte WHAT: The Toronto International Film Festival in Toronto, Canada WHEN: September 9

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International travel insurance: What it is and how it works

September 17, 2024 | 4 min read

Travel insurance can be a financial safety net for any trip, whether you’re crossing state lines or international borders. But it might be more important for an international trip, when your plans can come with a bigger price tag. 

So whether you’re planning the bucket-list adventure of a lifetime or a spontaneous birthday blowout, learn more about international travel insurance and the potential benefits it can offer.

What you’ll learn:

International travel insurance can offer peace of mind and financial assistance should the unexpected disrupt your trip.

Some of the most common types of international travel insurance are trip cancellation and health or medical insurance.

The right insurance for you depends on many factors, including where you’re going, your health, your existing coverage and the level of risk you’re comfortable with.

Travel insurance is available through some credit cards, including Venture X from Capital One.

Where will Venture X take you?

Why do you need international travel insurance.

There are lots of reasons why you might want to buy travel insurance. Common ones are peace of mind and financial protection should something go wrong before or during a trip. 

Some examples of situations where international travel insurance can help include:

• Compensation for cutting short or canceling a trip because of illness or injury

Reimbursement for flight-delay expenses

Coverage for medical assistance for sickness or injury

Coverage for legal assistance after an accident

How does international travel insurance work?

You can buy travel insurance through insurance companies and brokers, travel agents, travel reservation sites, airlines or cruise lines. Some travel credit cards come with certain travel insurance protections , so it’s a good idea to check what yours covers.

Types of international travel insurance

Some of the most common types of international travel insurance include:

Trip cancellation and interruption or travel delay reimbursement

This insurance might reimburse some prepaid travel costs if you have to cancel your trip for things like physical illness or unforeseen natural disasters. It might also pay for food and lodging during a significant travel delay. Or it might cover expenses for the journey home if you need to end your trip early.

Travel health or medical insurance

If you’re traveling outside the U.S. , health insurance plans and programs like Medicare and Medicaid might not cover medical care. Travel health insurance plans are designed to bridge the gap and could reimburse you for medical expenses, emergency medical evacuation and even repatriation of remains.

Other coverage

Rental car insurance can help protect you from paying for things like collision damage, towing, repairs, theft or other problems. And lost luggage insurance can reimburse you if your luggage is lost, stolen or damaged.

Before you buy either separately, you can see whether you’re covered internationally for lost luggage reimbursement or  rental car insurance through your credit card . You might also be reimbursed for lost or stolen personal belongings through your homeowners or renters policy.

It’s also possible to tie many different types of international travel insurance into a comprehensive package. These plans might include protections for things like trip interruptions or cancellations, lost luggage reimbursement and even some medical expenses.

International travel insurance FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about international travel insurance.

How much does international travel insurance cost?

The price of international travel insurance can vary depending on the type of coverage, policyholder age and other factors. But charges are generally based on a percentage of the total cost of the trip. Most estimates put it at 4%-10%. Additional coverage can be more expensive. 

If your card comes with international travel insurance, you could be covered just by booking and paying for a trip with the covered card.

Which travel insurance is best for foreign travel?

There’s no single insurance that’s best for all types of foreign travel. It might be more useful to think about it in terms of what’s best for you and your circumstances. You can compare policies and providers, prices and requirements, as well as whether your travel insurance covers things like: 

• The regions you will visit
• Emergency medical care
• Travel and accommodation costs
• Preexisting conditions
• Activities you plan to engage in

What does travel insurance not cover?

You can check each policy’s terms and conditions, but standard travel insurance policies may not cover things like:

• Preexisting medical conditions
• High-risk activities like bungee jumping and skydiving
• Epidemics and pandemics

However, you may be able to find additional coverage that you can tailor to your needs. Keep in mind that it may cost extra and there may still be limitations, though. For example:

• Some providers can add a preexisting conditions waiver to their travel medical coverage. 
• Extreme sports insurance can cover expenses related to injuries incurred during the activity.
• Cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage is an add-on and covers cancellations for reasons not normally included in trip cancellation insurance.

Key takeaways: International travel insurance

International travel insurance can help cover expenses and provide peace of mind should things go wrong on a trip abroad. And a Capital One travel credit card could help you feel even more prepared for your journey. Several Capital One credit cards include travel-related insurance benefits . You can refer to your guide to benefits for terms, conditions and exclusions. Plus, Capital One doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees on any credit cards that it issues within the U.S. View important rates and disclosures.

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From Cozy Jackets to Versatile Shoes, This Is the Most Comfortable Travel Clothing According to Our Editors

Lululemon, Vuori, and Allbirds all scored spots on our list.

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Travel + Leisure / Kristin Kempa

You may have a designated travel sweatshirt or a favorite pair of shoes to wear on flights — but what about other essentials, like pants, jackets, T-shirts, dresses, and pajamas? If you prioritize comfort in transit, it’s time to revamp your travel wardrobe to ensure every trip is a cozy one. Lucky for you, we editors at Travel + Leisure rounded up a few of our favorite comfy clothing items we always wear on the road and in the sky.

From impossibly soft lounge sets to what we believe are the world’s comfiest jeans, we've combed our closets for those few items we tend to wear every time we travel. Our list includes favorites from Lululemon, Patagonia, Lilly Pulitzer, and more, so whether you prefer to travel in loose-fitting loungewear or more compressive clothing, you’re sure to find something you love below.

lululemon Define Jacket Luon

We’ve all been on a flight that’s chilly enough for some extra layers but too warm for a heavy coat or sweatshirt. That’s why we always pack this comfy, light jacket in our carry-on. Not only is it incredibly sleek and stylish thanks to its slim fit, but it’s also super soft, stretchy, breathable, and easy to move in. The sleeves even feature thumbholes and “cuffins” (cuffs that can be folded over your hands) for added warmth. Snag the Define Jacket Luon in eight sizes and five shades including espresso and bone.

“This jacket is essentially my plane uniform — I wear it every single time I fly,” editor Sophie Mendel said. “It's comfy but keeps me looking put-together, plus I can wear it with leggings and sneakers for a super functional, comfortable, and cute transit 'fit. It also has two zippered pockets which are extra-convenient during travel.”

Calia Women's Inspire High Rise 7/8 Legging

Flying in compression leggings is wise, especially for long-haul flights, but some compression leggings tend to squeeze you uncomfortably. That’s never a problem with Calia’s Inspire High Rise 7/8 leggings, though. Boasting subtle compression that molds to your body, the leggings are sure to remain comfy and breathable without sliding down or sagging. They even have unique seam lines that strategically accentuate your curves — though, admittedly,  this is more noticeable in some colors than others. To top it off, we love the way they feel to the touch.

“These Calia leggings are without a doubt the softest pair I own,” associate editor Hillary Maglin said. “I've worn them for everything from yoga classes to grocery runs to a recent 12-hour travel day, and I've remained comfy through it all. The leggings are thick without hindering mobility, and they're compressive without digging into my stomach (something I can't stand). It also doesn't hurt that they have subtle side pockets large enough for my phone. Though I have plenty of black leggings in my wardrobe, I find myself reaching for these ones again and again.”

Commes Des Garçons Play x Converse Chuck Taylor Hidden Heart Low Top Sneakers

It's true: Converse never goes out of style. Conveniently, the sleek sneakers tend to last forever, too, so consider copping a pair of the Converse x Comme des Garçons Play Chuck 70s. They feature the typical silhouette of the brand’s low tops, plus they come in white or black. No matter which color you choose, this particular style also boasts the Comme des Garçons red heart and eyes logo on the side. You can snag these in women’s sizes 5 to 15 and men’s sizes 3 to 13.

“This is my go-to travel shoe because it's comfortable but also dressy enough that I can wear it throughout my trip when I want an elevated sneaker look,” travel editor Susmita Baral said.

Paka Men's Apu Lightweight Puffer

One of our most important tips for traveling in comfort? Dress to avoid freezing or overheating. With this lightweight men’s puffer from Paka, regulating your body temperature is easy. It’s so slim that it looks more like a zip-up hoodie than a puffer, but its hidden layers and insulation efficiently lock in warmth. Even if you choose not to wear it in transit, you can effortlessly pack it down into a bag or suitcase.

“This puffer jacket has the warmth of a parka but not the bulkiness, which makes it the perfect outerwear to bring while traveling,” writer Anna Popp said. “It can fit in a suitcase easily and it's also perfectly cozy and warm to wear on an airplane if you need to save extra space. I love that it looks nice while going out in the city on a snowy day, but that it’s also designed to be worn for sportier occasions like skiing, hiking, climbing, or running.”

J. McLaughlin Lowden Jeans

Nobody expects there to be comfortable jeans for travel . We thought so, too, until we got our hands on J.McLaughlin’s Lowden jeans. The stretchy cotton denim feels more like a soft pair of leggings, and even after long-haul flights, we never felt restricted or uncomfortable in them. The jeans feature a wide-leg slim fit for added mobility and a high waist for comfort and confidence on and off the plane.

“I never thought I would be a jeans person for airplanes but after wearing these on a cross-country flight, I'm a big fan now,” said Popp. “These jeans are super stretchy and roomy, so if (and when) I get bloated while traveling, the high-waist fabric doesn't dig into my stomach or cause me any discomfort. They also look super cute and stylish and can be styled with many different outfits, so I’ve officially added these jeans to my travel wardrobe for every trip.”

Patagonia Women's Nano Puff Jacket

We’re adamant that Patagonia’s Nano Puff is the jacket every traveling woman needs in her wardrobe. It’s lightweight, packable, durable, stylish, warm, windproof, water-resistant — need we go on? Some of our favorite extras are a drawstring hemline to seal in heat and hidden internal pockets. On top of all its functional features, it also comes in sizes ranging from XXS to XXL and 11 colors including buckhorn green, chilled blue, and sandy melon.

“When it comes to packable jackets for women, this one from Patagonia is the best option for virtually any trip,” Popp said. “The design is simple but very functional, and I love being able to wear it for any season. In the winter, it's thin enough to layer for more warmth, but I can wear it as-is during summer camping trips. My outdoor-adventuring family all own Nano puff jackets and they still look as good as new, so I love that they’re built to last – possibly forever – in my opinion.”

• PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Sabrina Weiss

Rag & Bone Miramar Jogger

These joggers are so stylish, you’d never guess they’re also comfy as can be. Don’t let their denim appearance fool you — they’re actually made of soft cotton terry that provides stellar mobility and comfort. Over the legging look for travel? Throw these on instead, and pair them with a pair of boots or walking shoes, a bodysuit , and a moto jacket for an effortlessly cool look you don’t even have to change out of once you reach your destination.

“These Rag & Bone joggers are simply the best for travel,” editor-in-chief Jacqui Gifford said. “I call them ‘faux’ jeans; the fabric looks like it’s a regular old pair of denim, but surprise — they have the softness and ease of a pair of sweats. Ideal for a plane ride or even a long day out on a tour, these are the ultimate pants that blend function, form, and style.”

Forme Power Bra

In need of a comfy new bra to keep everything in place on your next journey? Our editors (and a certain blonde popstar) are all about the Forme Power Bra. It’s comfy, cute, compressive, and most impressively, designed to zap bad posture. The wide straps take pressure off your shoulders and back, while the comfortable fit promotes proper body alignment, quick recovery, and overall health. We even love all seven colors it comes in — especially rosé and ecru.

"As a bra-needer and someone who really shouldn't be traveling without one, I absolutely hate wearing something bulky while I fly,” associate photo editor Alessandra Amodio said. “My go-to is the Forme Power Bra. Not only is it incredibly comfortable and made of high-quality material, but it’s actually FDA-registered to correct posture and improve your body alignment. Now I fly comfortably and my neck, shoulders and back feel so much better. I just throw on a cute open button down, pair it with the Ergo Shorts or Sculpt+ Leggings , and look chic and put-together while traveling. (This is also what Taylor Swift wore in her Eras Tour rehearsals according to a photo from her Time Person of the Year profile — if it's good enough for Taylor, it's good enough for me.)”

Circus by Sam Edelman Zuri Strap Ballet Flat

We love that ballet flats are back — and this strappy style demands to be worn. The low heel and soft interior make them a great, pain-free option for travel while cross straps, buckles, and tiny beaded bows keep things stylish. They come in 11 sizes including half sizes, and 15 unique colors and prints. We recommend the shades dark French macaroon, light wash, and the leopard-printed beige brown.

“Even though you’d think flats would always be a comfortable shoe option, it’s actually surprisingly difficult to find flats that don’t dig into your feet or make your toes all sweaty,” testing editor Jackie Cucco said. “I’ve tried so many pairs that seem comfortable at first, but end up being too rigid and irritating by the end of the day. This is the first pair I’ve found that is soft enough to wear all day long, either with or without socks or tights. They feel like slippers, and they come in more than a dozen colors to match any vibe.”

Black Diamond Notion Pants

Whether you’re headed to the airport, the trails, or even the gym, the Black Diamond men’s Notion Pants are your best bet for comfort and mobility. Designed with an elastic waist, a drawstring cord, and a loose fit, these pants feel almost like wearing your favorite pair of sweatpants. However, their slim appearance complete with two hand pockets and two rear pockets make them dapper enough to wear to dinner, a show, or even the office. Grab them in a neutral hue like ash or tundra, or opt for a more eye-catching shade like raging sea or burnt Sienna.

“You don't have to be an Alex Honnold–level rock climber to love these super-soft pants,” news director Paul Brady said. “They're comfortable enough for long-haul flights, even in coach, but they've still got a crisp silhouette to keep you looking put-together.”

Lilly Pulitzer Seaview Top & Deri Palazzo Pant Linen Set

You can’t go wrong with Lilly Pulitzer, especially when it comes to jetsetting. This breathable, lightweight linen set from the brand is just as soft and cozy as it is cute, so we recommend adding it to your travel wardrobe immediately. The classic, collared button-down is super versatile thanks to cuffable sleeves and a tieable bottom — plus you can turn it into a jacket or cover-up by layering it unbuttoned over literally any other outfit. Snag the ultra-flattering matching pants to complete the look.

“I think the most versatile item to pack on a warm-weather vacay is a white linen button down, and this roomy one from Lilly Pulitzer is good enough to also grab in other colors like spearmint and mulberry,” associate editorial director Morgan Ashley Parker said. “I’ve worn it unbuttoned over a swimsuit and then slipped on matching palazzo pants — with an irresistible elasticized waist — for dinner alfresco. I personally love the all-white combo for warmer climates but the New Yorker in me would also recommend grabbing the coordinating onyx x onyx set if you can catch it in stock.”

Spanx AirEssentials Wide Leg Pant

There are few things softer than Spanx Air Essentials’ Wide Leg Pants. They feel similar to the brand's sleek and smoothing leggings and shapewear, but they have a relaxed fit rather than a super compressive one. While the pants could certainly be worn as loungewear, they’re also fashionable enough to wear to the airport, a coffee shop, or on an errand run. Though they fit and even look a bit like sweatpants, figure-enhancing contouring on the rear differentiates them from your typical comfy clothing.

“It’s impossible to find a better material than Spanx AirEssentials ,” Parker said. “All pieces feel silky to the touch, hefty enough for a chilly plane cabin, and pretty much impossible to wrinkle. I’m super into wide-leg styles — and need this exact petite option for my 5' 3" frame — and these pants are pretty much a given on my long flights nowadays. Personally, I love the olive-y palm color as an alternative to black or navy, so my only real choice is whether to match them with a crew neck or a sleek half zip instead.”

Pitusa Pima Abaya

If your ideal wardrobe staple is a do-it-all piece, look no further than Pitusa’s Pima Abaya. The cozy caftan is perfect for everything from international flights to pool days to bedtime. That’s thanks to impossibly soft cotton construction, oversized sleeves, and an airy, relaxed fit. There are no buttons, snaps, or drawstrings on this piece, so you’ll never have to worry about uncomfortable digging or fussing with it in order for it to fit right. You can customize your fit upon buying, though, and you can even choose from 15 colors.

“I joke about my ideal wardrobe consisting of a caftan in every color and this floor-length maxi fits perfectly into that vibe,” Parker said. “It can serve as a dress, cover-up, nightgown — pretty much anything, all day, every day in a tropical climate. The lightweight pima cotton is incredibly soft, too, and it comes in petite, standard, and tall options to reduce tailoring needs. I like this exact one because it’s not so sheer that I wouldn’t wear it out to dinner or on the plane but if you’re looking for more of a peekaboo style, you can get the same cut in a burnout fabric instead.”

Mar Soreli Ginger Mary Jane

Looking to travel in comfort without sacrificing style? Check out the Ginger Mary Janes by Mar Soreli. Everything from the insole to the strap is ultra-soft and cushioned, plus the buckle and strap are easy to tighten and loosen for a custom fit — or for quickly taking on and off at TSA. They’re even soft to the touch thanks to velvet uppers, and they’re versatile enough to wear with leggings, skirts, dresses, and jeans.

“If you’re someone who wishes slippers were appropriate outdoor shoes, these ballet flats are the next best thing,” Parker said. “The velvet is so cozy but still looks great with anything from plane leggings to a nicer skirt on a night out, with or without socks or tights. And, if you do want to wear them through security (and don’t have TSA PreCheck®), each strap actually has a snap in addition to the buckle adjustment so they’re incredibly quick to slip on and off as needed.”

Allbirds Wool Runners

Allbirds shoes were basically made for travel, and the Men’s Wool Runners are some of our absolute favorites. The inside is actually lined with fine merino wool, making for soft and warm-yet-breathable wear no matter the time of the year. On top of that, the sneakers are equipped with reliable arch support and machine washable fabric. While we wouldn’t recommend them for running, they’re the perfect comfy shoes for pretty much everything else, including walking, hiking, and navigating the airport.

“My husband swears by these comfortable men's walking shoes so much that I ordered a pair of the women's version for myself,” senior editor Kayla Becker said. “And they really deliver. We both love the thick, foamy cushion that keeps our feet supported on long travel days, and they've stood up to everything from 20,000-step jaunts in Iceland to hiking Diamond Head in Hawaii.”

Aday Turn It Up Pants

Tapered trousers are office staples — so if you’re traveling for business, we suggest adding a pair or two of the Aday Turn It Up Pants to your wardrobe. They’re the goes-with-everything piece you’ve been looking for, and their soft, tailored stretch paired with an elastic waistband makes them comfy enough to catch a flight in. The ankle-length pants have a pocket at each hip and are available in a dozen colors.

“As soon as I found these sleek, wrinkle-free travel pants, they became a permanent part of my travel uniform (and I've even written about how all the travel editors I know have them ),” Becker said. “They're not only super comfortable for long-haul flights (I just flew 14 hours in them and felt like I was wearing pajamas), but they also look put-together right off the plane, whether I'm headed to the office or a walking tour. I'd wear them literally anywhere.”

Saucony Endorphin Speed 4

If you’re the type of traveler that likes to workout on the road, Saucony’s Endorphin Speed 4 is the versatile sneaker for you. Not only is it an ideal comfy running shoe, but it’s also lightweight and sleek enough to wear for every other part of your journey, too. Whether you wear it on the plane or to sightsee once you arrive at your destination, you’ll always feel supported in the Speed 4. Choose from five eye-catching colorways and 15 sizes including half-sizes.

“I've been training for the London Marathon, and since I started wearing these sneakers, I haven't had a single ounce of pain in my feet, even on long runs,” senior editorial director Nina Ruggiero said. “They are extremely cushioned yet so lightweight. Even after the race is done, I imagine I might be wearing them on the long flight home to LA.”

Fundamental Coast Shorebreak Hoodie

To make the most of the space in your suitcase, you’ll want to prioritize versatile pieces that can do it all. That’s why we love the Fundamental Coast Shorebreak Hoodie so much. It’s perfect for travel days and morning walks near your hotel, but it’s also elevated enough to wear to a cafe, museum, or shops around town. The pullover hoodie has a front pocket, drawstring hood, and slim fit for a more put-together appearance. Grab it in phantom black or storm, which both have a beachy, heathered texture.

“Fundamental Coast has perfected Southern California athleisure, especially for men, and my fiancé lives in the brand's hoodies, shorts, vests, and polos,” Ruggiero said. “The Shorebreak hoodie is especially soft and sleek and works well whether we're out doing something active or going to brunch at a new spot in our beachy LA neighborhood.”

Vuori Cove Funnel Neck Tank

This high-necked tank top is so stylish, you’d never guess it’s also comfy enough for exercise, stretching out on a plane, or even napping. Crafted with a soft and stretchy rayon-elastane fabric blend, this top never digs into the skin or feels uncomfortably tight around the neck. While it’s not quite cropped, it’s not too long, either, so it’s likely to complement a variety of bodies and ensembles.

“This super-soft rib knit tank is my go-to running top, but the high neck also gives it some style (in addition to protecting my most sensitive areas from the sun),” Ruggiero said. “I have it in multiple colors, and I've definitely worn the black and tan ones out with friends at night, too.”

Vuori Echo Insulated Vest

A reliable vest is essential for travelers — it locks in warmth without causing you to overheat, and it couldn’t be easier to zip on and off. We’re big fans of this one from Vuori for its insulation, water resistance, and easy cleaning. It has zip pockets for your hands or small items, and a subtle collar keeps heat from escaping while allowing your neck total range of motion, irritation-free. To top it off, the vest comes in two stylish shades.

“This lightweight but warm insulated vest has quickly become one of my fiancé's favorite items of clothing,” Ruggiero said. “He wears it on dog walks, weekends, and travel days — it even has pockets.”

Reef Men's Swellsole Cutback Sneaker

It’s no secret that Reef is one of the most trusted rugged shoe brands around, so when it released boat shoes, we were intrigued. It turns out Reef’s boat shoes are just as comfy and long-lasting as the sandals we know and love. The men’s Swellsole Cutback Sneakers are the perfect fusion of classic boat shoes and cushioned sneakers, and they’re perfect for beachy vacations. Wear them from the dock straight to dinner — then keep them on for a busy night of exploring the boardwalk.

“I always thought of Reef for flip-flops, but since my fiancé found their hybrid boat shoes/sneakers, he's bought them in at least three colors,” Ruggiero said. “They're supportive thanks to memory foam, and can be dressed up or down.”

Public Rec All Day Pants

Odds are, you’ve seen these popular pants everywhere from the office to the coffee shop to the airport. That’s because their straight-leg fit and stretchy nylon-spandex fabric move with you rather than tightly confining your waist and legs like other styles. But don’t let their uber-soft texture fool you — these pants are still equipped with two front pockets, two faux back pockets, belt loops, and a zipper fly, so you’ll look and feel just as sophisticated as you are comfortable when you wear these.

“The slacks feel almost like loungewear thanks to their soft nylon-spandex blend,” editor Taylor Fox said. “They're the perfect balance of comfort and style for long flights where you don't want to feel cramped into tight pants, but want to still look put-together when you land. They can also be dressed up or dressed down for added versatility no matter what you have on the agenda.”

ManMade Boxers and T-shirt Bundle

One can never have too many basics, and we love this three-piece pack from ManMade. Each set comes with two pairs of black boxer briefs and one white T-shirt. Made of high-quality modal, spandex, and Pima cotton, the briefs and tee are guaranteed to remain soft, breathable, moisture-wicking, and anti-chafing through everything — even long-haul flights and airport sprints. To ensure your comfort, the bundle comes in six sizes ranging from small to 3XL.

“My husband packs about a dozen pairs of boxers and undershirts for a weeklong trip and his absolute favorites come from ManMade,” Fox said. “They're lightweight and breathable with a buttery soft material that doesn't add a bulky layer under clothing. All of their items contain the perfect amount of stretch as well without allowing the clothing to ride up or bunch in uncomfortable places whether he's hiking, riding his bike, or preparing for a long flight.”

The Mate Organic Waffle Knit Joggers

There’s something so luxurious about a good waffle weave. Designed with a relaxed fit and buttery soft texture, these Organic Waffle Knit Joggers by Mate are no exception. They’re made of 100 percent organic cotton, crafted with elastic at the waist and ankles, and equipped with one pocket on the back right side. The cozy joggers come in four neutral colors (jet black, bone, lilac, and bark) and five sizes. You can also drop the matching Organic Waffle Long Sleeve Shirt in your cart to complete the look.

“If I could replace all of my joggers with these comfortable, waffle-knit pants I would,” writer Ali Domrongchai said. “They have the perfect amount of stretch that lends itself well to long travel days, and thanks to its textured design, they not only feel good, but look good, too. In fact, since I've been wearing these cozy knit joggers, a few of my friends have snagged a pair as well because of how much I rave about them.”

Tips for Buying Comfortable Travel Clothes

Consider the material.

When traveling, it’s important to choose clothing that’s as comfortable and low-maintenance as possible. That said, we recommend clothes made of soft, sweat-wicking, and breathable fabrics such as cotton, polyester, linen, or wool. It’s also wise to opt for wrinkle-resistant materials like nylon and spandex to keep you looking fresh and put-together.

Look for travel features

Though it may feel unnecessary, we guarantee you’ll end up thanking yourself for buying pants, dresses, and bags with lots of extra pockets. Additionally, temperature-regulating clothes can come in pretty handy when you’re on the road — so consider adding clothing with cooling capabilities (or just clothes made of linen, nylon, or polyester) to your travel wardrobe.

The most breathable clothing is made of materials like cotton, linen, nylon, polyester, merino wool, and silk. Though fabrics like spandex, fleece, and denim have plenty of benefits, they’re not quite as breathable.

Generally soft, stretchy, and loose-fitting clothing is best for travel, as it’ll keep you comfy and won’t feel restrictive on long flights or drives. Some people may also opt for compressive clothing, like leggings or compression socks, which helps promote circulation on long travel days. You may also want to choose clothing you know to be breathable so you don’t overheat.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this article, associate commerce editor Hillary Maglin collaborated with other members of the T+L team to conclude which clothing that we’ve personally used is the most comfortable for travel days. Hillary travels by plane and car several times a year and is obsessed with soft and slouchy pieces to keep her comfy on her journeys.

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8 Best UV Lamp for Gel Nails, Tested and Recommended by Nail Artists

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

While I love a gel mani, I don’t love the expense that comes with it. That's where the best UV lamp for gel nails come in handy. It'll still give you that chip-resistant and salon-glossy finish for much longer than a regular mani (at least two weeks). This is all thanks to the UV light emitted from gel lamps that cure the polish and seal it on your nails. We polled nail artists on their favorite UV lamps, and then tested a handful (pun intended), evaluating them on functionality, value, and ease of use. Consider this your ultimate UV gel curing guide, whether you’re a beginner DIYer or aspiring nail-tech.

The best UV lamp for gel nails, at a glance

• Best Overall : OPI Star Light Corded 3.0 Gel Lamp , $185
• Best for Beginners: CND LED Lamp - Version 2 , $149
• Best Professional: The GelBottle Inc Nail Lamp , $149
• Best Rechargeable: Kiara Sky Beyond Pro Rechargeable LED Lamp Vol II, $250
• Best Splurge: Harmony Gelish LED 18G Light PLUS with Comfort Cure , $230
• Best for Travel: Dashing Diva Mini LED Gel Nail Lamp , $11
• Best UV Gel Lamp Kit: Sally Hansen Salon Pro Gel Starter Kit , $42
• Best for Nail Extensions: KISS Salon X-Tend LED Curing Lamp , $14

Your UV gel lamp questions, answered

How exactly does curing work?

First off, “LED stands for light emitting diode, which are tiny, bead-like structures you see inside the lamp,” says Kandalec. When we use gel nail polish , the molecules in the gel polish connect to form a hard plastic structure, creating a durable, glossy finish that can last for weeks without breaking or chipping, she says.

This is ideal if you're someone who works with their hands a lot or dish washes a ton. As a general rule of thumb: nail artists recommend using UV gel lamps that match the polish you’re using, so you’ll want to start your gel mani routine by picking out a polish brand and its counterpart lamp. Depending on nail polish type and instructions, curing gel polish can take up to 60 seconds for a full cure, 30 seconds for a half-cure, and anywhere from 3-5 seconds for a touch-up cure.

What wattage is best for UV nail lamps?

As mentioned, it’s not so much about the wattage when shopping for the best UV nail lamps, it’s more important that it matches the specific nail polish product you’ll be using. “Each lamp is designed to work with certain products, so there isn’t a universal wattage that fits all,” says Julie Kandalec , NYC-based celebrity nail artist. If the wattage is too low, you risk under-curing the gel; if it’s too high, it might not cure properly either, she says. This is why it’s important to match your polish to your lamp. As always, be sure to read the instruction manual of all UV nail lamps before use.

What’s the difference between UV and LED lamps?

“This is something a lot of people might not realize, an LED lamp still emits UV (ultraviolet) rays,” says Kandalec. The difference between UV and LED is the bulbs used. LED lamps generally cure gel faster than traditional UV bulbs, but they still work by emitting UV rays. “While the physical components differ, both LED and UV lamps serve the same purpose, but LED is a bit faster,” she says.

Are UV nail lamps safe?

The truth is, we don't fully known whether UV nail lamps are safe for the skin, says Marisa Garshick, MD , a board-certified dermatologist. “Although we know UV exposure can increase the risk of premature aging and skin cancer, based on the limited duration during a manicure, the exact risk associated with UV nail lamps is unknown,” she says. She shares that while occasional use is likely safe for most people, repeated exposure over time may have cumulative effects. Pro tip: Dr. Garshick recommends applying a board-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, like the Supergoop! Hand Screen , to your hands before using your UV gel lamp for precaution. “Additionally, wearing UV-blocking gloves, like ManiGlovz with the fingertips cut out is another effective option,” she says.

Meet our experts

• Elle Gerstein , celebrity nail artist
• Julie Kandalec , NYC-based celebrity nail artist
• Marisa Garshick , MD and board-certified dermatologist

Best Overall: OPI Star Light Corded 3.0 Gel Lamp

OPI Star Light Corded 3.0 Gel Lamp

Julie Kandalec , an NYC-based celebrity nail artist prefers to use this lamp by OPI when she’s using OPI polish. “I love that you can switch back and forth easily between using the sensor or turning the light on manually with a touch of a singular button,” she says. This lamp is ergonomically designed to make it easy and comfortable for your hand to slip in, and can be used on fingers or toes. It has 5, 30, 60, and 90-second buttons to customize your cure, is suitable for sculpting builder gels, and is acetone resistant (meaning if you spill nail polish on it, you can clean it right off with acetone, without worrying about taking the paint off). The best part is that it’s professional-grade at under $200—a professional lamp you’d find in a salon can run you anywhere around $250-$300— easy to use, and pairs with affordable OPI gel polishes that you can pick up at your local drugstore or on Amazon , which is why it's the best overall in our book.

• Pros: Has a finger-stopper for precision nail curing
• Cons: Must be plugged in
• Lamp type: LED
• Use if: You’re an intermediate nail artist
• Skip if: You’re a beginner

Best for Beginners: CND LED Lamp - Version 2

CND LED Lamp - Version 2

Kandalec also recommends this easy-to-use LED lamp that has multiple timer settings from 3 (for touch-ups) to 25 (for half-curing), to 60 seconds (for a full cure). This one prevents the polish from curing too fast, has a removable power cord, and works well with all CND nail polishes. Bonus: it’s roomy and wide enough to use for a gel pedicure, too. A Glamour reviewer calls this a fantastic lamp because the polish stayed on for six days after using it without any lifting or chips. They do wish the instructions were a little clearer for each step when it comes to how long to cure the base coat, color, and top coat.

• Pros: Suitable for shellac polish and gives off a high-quality finish
• Cons: Pricey for beginners
• Use if: You’re ready to commit to their at-home gel mani journey
• Skip if: You’re not ready to make gel manicures an integral part of your routine

Best Professional: The GelBottle Inc Nail Lamp

Beyond Polish The GelBottle Inc Nail Lamp

Beyond Polish

This UV-LED nail lamp is another favorite of Kandalec’s because of the low heat button with 99-second cure, which prevents heat spikes. (These spikes are short bursts of intense heat that can cause a burning sensation under your fingernails.) Heat spikes happen when the polish is not meant to cure under a specific lamp, or when the gel polish is applied too thick, causing the lamp to emit excess UV.

As a professional-grade nail lamp, this one is perfect for intermediate to expert nail artists at home, especially those who might be creating nail art (the longer the cure, the better for nail art to set). Elle Gerstein , celebrity nail artist that if you mix and match your polish and lamps, you may not be able to troubleshoot certain issues, or the polish won’t cure the same, so it’s key to use a GelBottle polish with this lamp as well.

• Pros: High-quality and professional-grade, great for nail art
• Cons: Some reviewers report that this lamp breaks down after a few months of use
• Lamp type: UV/LED combination
• Use if: You’re an avid at-home nail artists or an aspiring nail tech
• Skip if: You’ve never used a nail lamp before

Best Rechargeable: Kiara Sky Beyond Pro Rechargeable LED Lamp Vol II

Kiara Sky Beyond Pro Rechargeable LED Lamp Vol II

Part of the hassle of a UV nail light is that most have to be plugged in, which is why a rechargeable pick like this lamp is a major win. Gerstein loves using this one while traveling, as cordless lamps make it super convenient to cure nails wherever needed. Something to note: “When you're using cordless lights, make sure they’re at 100% charge, as the charges decrease, the lamp won’t work the same,” she says. One Glamour tester said that there’s lots of room in the interior of this one, and it automatically goes on when you put your hand in.

• Pros: Cordless, making it easy to use in various places.
• Cons: Must keep the battery charged
• Use if: You like to do your friends nails, or you travel a lot and always want your mani looking fresh
• Skip if: You don’t want to spend over $200 on a lamp

Best Splurge: Harmony Gelish LED 18G Light PLUS with Comfort Cure

Harmony Gelish LED 18G Light PLUS with Comfort Cure

“This is the nail-curing lamp I use the most because it’s cordless, rechargeable, and pairs with Gelish polish,” says Kandalec, who also notes that she likes to bring it to house calls when she sees her clients. With professional-grade wattage and an acetone-resistant finish, this lamp is a splurge at $230, but well worth it, according to reviewers. One Glamour tester said she’s used hers for four years regularly and it’s remained in good condition.

• Pros: 60-second cure to avoid heat spikes
• Cons: It’s expensive
• Use if : You’re already doing gel manicures at home and want to upgrade their lamp

Best for Travel: Dashing Diva Mini LED Gel Nail Lamp

Dashing Diva Mini LED Gel Nail Lamp

A mini LED nail light is ideal for traveling, and this tiny pick is a great option if you’re on the go. The LED lights work to cure polish with two timer options: one is a 45-second curing time, and the other is a 60-second curing time. This nail lamp is perfect for curing Dashing Diva nail strips but can also be used for other gel products. Glamour reviewer Rosa Lilian shares that it’s the perfect mini lamp for curing a clear coat on top of your natural nail.

This mini lamp is probably the cutest of the bunch. I love how compact it is, how easy it is to use, and how quickly the polish cures—I didn’t spend more than a minute drying each nail. What I will say, though, is that the set up is a little flimsy, and the wire is a little short, so be sure to use it near an outlet, and expect to have to hold onto it as you cure each hand to prevent movement.

• Pros: Perfect for travel, available on Amazon
• Cons: Some users dislike the quality
• Use if: You like to touch up your manicure while you’re away on vacation, or on business
• Skip if: You prefer a high-quality professional lamp

Best UV Gel Lamp Kit: Sally Hansen Salon Pro Gel Starter Kit

Sally Hansen Salon Pro Gel Starter Kit

Another great buy for a beginner, this UV light for nails kit has everything you need to get started on a gel manicure including a mini lamp. After testing this starter kit myself, I can say that it was extremely user-friendly and took me less than 15 minutes to use on both hands. It is a bit tiny, but that didn’t get in my way while using it, and I also liked the step-by-step polishes included (a base coat, gel color, and top coat). The only critique I have with this one is that the polish is very thick and contains tiny bubbles if you apply too much. I’d stick with thinner coats for this one for a more even application. Despite this, I can still definitely see myself using the kit again if I need a manicure and don’t have time to hit the salon.

• Pros: All-in-one kit, including nail care products and available on Amazon
• Cons: Reviewers share that the light is very small and difficult to get all of your fingers under
• Use if: You want to apply gel manicures at home, but you're not sure where to start
• Skip if: You already use gel at home

Best for Nail Extensions: KISS Salon X-Tend LED Curing Lamp

KISS Salon X-Tend LED Curing Lamp

Kandalec loves this one-finger curing lamp if you’re looking to apply soft gel tips or press-on nails or nail wraps . “It’s motion-activated as the LED bulbs get brighter gradually, is ergonomic, and only $15—a very good price point for at-home DIY users,” she says. Simply apply the gel adhesive, then the nail tip, and flash cure it for 5-7 seconds, and then again for 1-2 minutes.

• Pros: Nail extension friendly, nail salon quality finish
• Cons: Can only cure one finger at a time
• Use if: You have a big occasion coming up, and don’t have time to go to the salon
• Skip if: You prefer polish to press-ons

Glamour Beauty

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