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Travel Europe on a Budget

The Savvy Backpacker

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The best travel clothes | guide to high-performance & fashionable travel clothing.

We talk about our favorite travel clothing and help you find the perfect travel-friendly clothes to keep you comfortable on the road.

I’ve been a nerd about travel clothes since my first trip to Europe back in 2006—now I have a closet full of travel pants and shirts and jackets (you get the idea). It’s been refreshing to watch travel clothing evolve from hideous outdoorsy gear to stylish clothing made from high-tech fabrics.

In this guide, I’ve gathered some of the most popular travel clothing brands to help you find the best travel clothing so you can stay fashionable and comfortable while traveling.

The Current State Of Travel Clothes

In the old days, travel clothing used to look like this…

But now travel clothing looks like this!

So what’s the deal with travel clothes these days?

I’d argue that the “travel clothing” market hasn’t changed much but the “performance clothing” market is actually what’s pushing the category forward—so these days, I consider travel clothing and performance clothing essentially the same thing.

And it makes sense because many of these new high-performance fabrics offer a ton of benefits that complement both everyday wear and travel.

Even mega-brands like Levis, Gap, Dockers, Lululemon, and Uniqlo are starting to offer fashionable “travel-friendly” or “performance” clothing but small niche brands are pushing the boundaries (which I’ll cover later in this article).

The Good Things About Travel Clothing

Travel clothes are finally being designed to be fashionable and stylish so you can easily wear them in Paris, Milan, or New York without looking out of place.

My #1 travel clothing rule is that I’ll never wear any “travel clothing” that I wouldn’t wear in my everyday life.

Second, high-tech clothes continue to evolve because more companies are developing better fabrics and competition is driving innovation.

The Bad Things About Travel Clothing

Unfortunately, high-tech travel clothing tends to be expensive.

First, many of the fabrics used are high-end so the raw materials are expensive. Second, a majority of travel clothing is made by small companies so they can’t mass produce their products—which pushes prices higher.

Another negative thing about travel clothing is that there are many options for men but fewer for women. This is probably because guys tend to stick to very basic items and they nerd out on “high-tech fabrics more than women.

So what can you expect to pay for travel clothes?

• Nice merino wool socks will be $10-$20/pair
• A pair of travel pants will range from $70-$180+
• A wool shirt will be $50-$100+

Do You NEED Travel Clothing?

Do you really “need” to shell out your hard-earned cash for these high-end garments?

I’ll be the first to say that you certainly don’t need clothes made out of technical fabrics when you travel. Many of these fabrics can make certain aspects of traveling easier and more comfortable… but they’re more of a “nice-to-have” than a “must-have.”

In my opinion, there are a few key pieces that I think deliver a ton of value and there are other items that are more optional — I’ll cover both throughout this article.

The Benefits of Travel Clothes & Performance Wear

What’s so great about travel clothing? Let’s take a look…

Durability & Multi-Day Wear

One of the main benefits of travel clothing is that you can wear them multiple times without having to wash them. This means you can pack fewer items so you can travel lighter.

Odor-Resistance

Many of the fabrics used in travel clothes have anti-odor properties. Merino wool is naturally odor-resistant but some synthetic materials are manufactured in a way to reduce odor.

Quick-Drying Abilities

If you plan on washing your clothes while you’re traveling it’s nice to have items that can be hand-washed and air-dried quickly (i.e. washing your socks and underwear in the sink). Quick-drying fabrics can also be beneficial if you get caught in the rain.

Wrinkle-Resistance

While it’s hard to completely prevent wrinkles when you’re living out of a suitcase, many materials have anti-wrinkle properties. In general, synthetic materials resist wrinkles better than natural fabrics but it depends on the fabric.

Lightweight & Packability

Performance fabric tends to be lightweight so it won’t weigh down your luggage as much — for example, a pair of tech pants will weigh half as much as a pair of jeans. Lightweight fabric also tends to dry quicker than something like cotton jeans which absorb water.

Moisture Wicking & Breathability

One of the most important factors in keeping comfortable is keeping dry. Moisture-wicking fabric helps pull sweat away from your skin and its breathability lets the moisture escape from the fabric.

Stretch and Comfort

Every fabric will have a different amount of stretch. Unsurprisingly, fabric with more stretch tends to be more comfortable since it allows you to move with less restriction.

But you’re always making a compromise when it comes to stretch because, in general, you sacrifice durability/water-repellency for stretchability.

Water Repellency

Certain fabrics are naturally water-repellent and others have chemical coatings which help keep water from soaking into the fabric. In my opinion, water repellency isn’t super high up on my “must-have” list (unless it’s a rain jacket) but it’s a nice bonus.

Note: The chemical water-resistant coatings aren’t permanent so they will become less effective the more the garment is washed.

High-Tech Performance Fabrics Explained

There are multiple different types of fabrics that travel clothing companies use to make their products. There is a lot of nuances and technical/marketing mumbo jumbo when it comes to each fabric but we’ll start with the three main fabric categories — natural fabrics, synthetic fabrics, and natural/synthetic blends.

Natural Fabrics

There are a handful of natural fabrics but the most common are merino wool and cotton.

Merino Wool

The best kind of natural fabric is fine merino wool because it has many natural benefits. Merino wool is naturally odor-resistant, soft, fairly durable, wicks moisture well, dries quickly, and works well in both hot and cold weather.

However, merino wool does have some downsides. First, it’s expensive so even a “cheap” merino wool t-shirt will cost around $50.

Second, thin wool has a tendency to develop holes much more quickly than a more robust fabric like cotton or synthetics.

And third, most wool can’t go in the dryer since heat will make it shrink so it does require a little extra care.

Cotton Should Be Avoided

Most travelers highly recommend avoiding cotton when it comes to travel clothing because cotton holds moisture and doesn’t dry quickly. For example, a cotton pair of socks will trap sweat which will cause odors, blisters, and sweaty feet.

That said, I’m not as militant when it comes to wearing cotton so I still wear cotton jeans and t-shirts. However, I still generally avoid cotton for socks and underwear.

Synthetic Fabrics

Things get a little more complicated when it comes to synthetic fabrics because there are dozens of different variations and each has different performance properties.

That said, synthetic fabrics are usually much cheaper to manufacture but some of the high-end technical fabrics are still expensive.

Synthetic fabrics are very durable, they can be highly water-repellent or even waterproof, many resist wrinkles, they dry very quickly, and they’re lightweight. Some synthetic materials also have a lot of flex so they’re comfortable to wear.

However, there are some negatives. First, synthetic fabrics can become smelly after one or two wearings. Some synthetic fabrics are treated with anti-odor chemicals so that helps.

Next, cheap synthetic fabrics have an ugly “synthetic sheen” and feel fake. Most of these cheap synthetics also make that “swish swish” sound when you walk. Advanced synthetic fabrics can look and feel very similar to natural fabrics but these fabrics are expensive — so you’ll have to pay if fashion is a concern.

Some cheap synthetics also don’t breathe well so they can get pretty balmy in the heat. That’s why you should look for “breathable” fabrics.

Another issue with synthetics is fabric flexibility. The most durable fabrics tend to not have very little flexibility. So if you’ll have to sacrifice a bit of durability for comfort in some instances.

Natural/Synthetic Blends

Travel clothing brands are starting to combine fine merino wool and synthetic fabric to give you the best of both worlds — performance and durability. I heard from someone in the wool industry that there is no performance loss as long as the blend includes at least 70% wool.

You’ll usually see blends in socks, underwear, and shirts.

The Best Travel Clothes and Recommended Travel Clothing Brands

Okay, okay… calm down. I’ve broken down each type of garment (socks, underwear, pants, shirts, etc.) into its own section.

I’ve tried giving specific recommendations when possible (and I’ll try my best to keep the recommendations up-to-date), but sometimes I can only point you towards companies that make tech-wear travel clothes.

I will also do my best to recommend options for all budgets since I know not everyone wants to drop $100 on a t-shirt.

Socks for Travel

In my opinion, a few nice pairs of socks (along with comfortable shoes) are the most important travel accessory. So, if you have a limited clothing budget, spend it on socks.

Boring, I know… but it will be your best bang for the buck

Fine merino wool socks are my favorite and preferred style of socks. Merino wool socks with a bit of synthetic material also work well because the synthetic fibers help the socks keep their shape/fit.

From my experience, 100% synthetic socks aren’t great but they’re not terrible.

Avoid cotton socks if you can.

Obviously, you’ll want to match your socks to the season — i.e. thin, no-show socks for the summer and longer/heavier socks for colder weather.

My Favorite Sock Brands:

• Smartwool : The most famous wool sock company. They offer just about every style. Check Amazon to see what’s available.
• Darn Tough Vermont : Darn Tough socks are made in the USA and they offer a lifetime warranty so that’s awesome. Check Amazon to see what’s available.
• Unbound Merino : This small company makes merino wool basics but we really dig their all-season ankle socks. They don’t contain as much wool as we’d like but this helps keep the cost down. Check them out at Unbound .
• Farm To Feet : This is another 100% USA company that makes a small but quality range of wool socks. Take a look at Amazon to see their offerings.
• Wigwam : Wigwam makes both merino wool and synthetic socks. While they’re not our favorite socks, their prices are pretty good so they’re worth checking out if you’re looking to save a little money. Check Amazon .

Travel Underwear

Ahh, yes. Travel underwear.

I’ve already written at length about the many benefits of travel underwear , but I’ll briefly cover them again below:

• Quick Drying: Wash them in the sink and they’ll be dry by morning.
• Moisture Wicking : This helps keep your skin dry.
• Breathable: This helps stop you from getting all sweaty down there.
• Odor Blocking: Stop the stink (or at least delay it)
• Comfortable: You don’t want to spend your time thinking about your uncomfortable underwear.

Synthetic Underwear

Most travel underwear is made from synthetic fabric which is designed to be soft, lightweight, and breathable. It isn’t the best at controlling odor since some synthetic material holds in odor but many brands have various manufacturing processes that help combat odor.

The most popular travel underwear is made by ExOfficio (you can read our Exofficio review but these guys essentially invented travel underwear). We tend to find the best prices on Amazon and REI .

Patagonia (i.e. everyone’s favorite outdoors brand) has a handful of nice underwear options for both men and women.

Another very popular option is Under Armour underwear . They get a ton of great reviews on Amazon , many people swear by them, and they’re sometimes cheaper than ExOfficio.

For budget travelers, Uniqlo has their Airism line of underwear which isn’t bad but I’m not a huge fan of their cuts. But they’re very affordable so they’re worth looking at.

If you’re on a tight budget, you should check out Target and discount stores like T.J. Maxx or Marshalls because you can find “athletic” underwear for decent prices.

 Merino Wool Underwear

Merino wool is actually a very solid choice for underwear — even in the summer. It’s soft, it’s lightweight, it breathes well, and it’s the best option for resisting odor. The two main downsides are the high prices and durability.

There are a few different brands that sell quality merino wool underwear:

• Allbirds : Allbirds (the company famous for their merino wool shoes) also makes quality underwear and socks for both men and women. Check them out at Allbirds .
• Wool & Prince: This is our current “go-to” brand when it comes to anything merino wool. They currently only offer men’s underwear. Check them out on Wool & Prince .
• Icebreaker: Another popular wool brand is Icebreaker and they make everything from underwear to coats. Browse their selection on Amazon to find a cut that fits your style.

The Best Travel Pants and Jeans For Men

The number of companies making travel-friendly pants and jeans has exploded over the past few years. It’s actually kind of overwhelming but I’ll help you sort it all out.

And don’t worry — all the pants we recommend are actually fashionable so you won’t be looking like a mountain climber while city hopping.

The main thing to remember is that each of the pants on this list has different performance properties so that’s something you’ll want to match the performance to your needs.

Bluffworks Ascender Chinos

Bluffworks, which makes a range of travel garments, recently released their new Ascender Chinos . These are made with lightweight high-performance fabric. The polyester twill fabric has a nice amount of stretch and it has a minimal amount of “synthetic sheen”. The fabric is lightweight so it breaths well, resists wrinkles, and has water-resistant properties.

It’s also nice that these come in both a regular and tailored fit. I own the tailored fit but it certainly isn’t constricting.

The Ascender Chinos have multiple security features like multiple secret zipper pockets to keep all your stuff safe (so you can throw away that terrible money belt).

The Ascender Chinos sell for $125 via Bluffworks

Bluffworks Departure Jeans

There are a lot of people who think jeans make a terrible choice when it comes to travel pants… and they kind of are (they take forever to dry, they’re heavy, and can be hot). But I love traveling in jeans.

Well, Bluffworks helped address many of the “negative” things about denim with their Departure Jeans. These are made from 68% Cotton, 22% COOLMAX Polyester, 9% Rayon, and 1% Spandex so they are super stretchy and much more lightweight than normal denim.

And they included two cleverly designed hidden pockets that don’t interfere with the normal pockets.

But I’ve saved the best for last… these look like normal jeans and they’re legit comfortable. I wear them even when I’m not traveling and that’s about as good an endorsement as I can give.

The Bluffworks Departure Travel Jeans retail for $98

Western Rise AT Slim Rivet Pants

Western Rise is a small performance apparel company from Telluride, Colorado that wanted to make clothing that performed well on the trails but still looked good in town. We think the AT Slim Rivet Pants do a really nice job of walking this balance.

The AT Slim Rivet Pants look very similar to standard five-pocket pants. The fabric is durable yet fairly lightweight and breathable (97% nylon, 3% spandex). Western Rise describes the fabric as “air-texturized fibers” so while it is nylon, the fabric has a cotton feel so there really isn’t any of that synthetic fabric sheen (but it does make a swishy noise).

The fabric also has a DWR coating to help repel water in case you get stuck in the rain or spill beer all over yourself. Additionally, there is a hidden zippered pocket for security.

As for the looks, these come in a slim but not skinny cut. They look like normal pants — which is a top priority. I wear my mine even when I’m not traveling.

The Western Rise AT Slim Rivet Pants retails for $128.

Outlier Slim Dungarees

Outlier designed their Slim Dungarees as a “five-pocket pant that we could travel the world in” and they’ve found their way on many of our trips to Europe. These have a great look and I think they’re some of the best-looking/most stylish travel pants. unfortunately, they’re also some of the most expensive so that’s something to keep in mind.

The Workcloth Doubleweave Canvas is both soft and lightweight yet very durable. The fabric has a nice amount of stretch and it dries very quickly. It also has a self-cleaning” NanoSphere® treatment that helps it repel water, coffee, wine, and dirt.

The Outlier Slim Dungarees sell for $198

Prana Brion Pants

PrAna is a well-established outdoorsy company so most of their stuff is better suited for things like hiking and rock climbing. That said, their Brion Pant  is one of their best-sellers thanks to its fairly modern cut and the fact that they look similar to jeans/chinos.

These are constructed from their durable and quick-drying ‘Zion’ fabric that’s actually stretchy (4-way stretch) so provides a good amount of movement. It’s also coated in a water-repellent (DWR) coating so it will withstand a little water.

So, these might not win any awards for fashion, they’re a solid choice at a solid price.

The  PrAna Brion Pant  retails for $79 via  PrAna .

Everlane Performance Chinos

Everlane recently released their Performance Chinos which I’m also really digging. I own a pair so I can attest that these are very comfortable and they’re probably the most stylish pants on this list.

That said, their Performance Chinos are made from 94% Cotton, 6% Elastane so these are the least “technical” pants on this list as well. But I still think these are a nice option if you’re more concerned about comfort than technical features.

The Everlane Performance Chinos cost $68 and come in four colors.

Ministry Of Supply Kinetic Dress Pants

If you’re looking for a formal/dressy look, but still want a ton of comfort, then look no further than Ministry of Supply Kinetic Pants . These have been described as “dress pants with the feel of sweatpants”.

The Kinetic Pants are made from Japanese Primeflex polyester that has a ton of stretch, resists wrinkles, wicks moisture, and repels water.

The Ministry of Supply Kinetic Pants sell for $145

Travel Pants & Jeans For Women

As we mentioned before, there is a lack of travel pants for women but we’ve tried to find some of the best of the limited choices that are available. One thing to note is that most women’s travel pants tend to focus more on comfort than “technical” fabrics.

Ministry of Supply

Of all the travel clothing brands, Ministry of Supply makes some of the most fashionable and best-performing clothes. Their stuff certainly isn’t cheap but the prices aren’t totally outrageous either.

Their flagship travel pants are their Slim Kinetic Pants which get rave reviews for looks, comfort, and performance. And they can be machine-washed and tumble-dried.

The Slim Kinetic Pants sell for $145.

Anatomie is a high-end women’s travel clothing company that’s one of the few brands which puts a heavy focus on fashion. Most of their travel-friendly pants are expensive at $225+/pair but they have a ton of different styles and cuts for just about every body type.

Check out Anatomie to see their travel pants and other travel garments (shirts, shorts, dresses, jackets, etc.).

Prana Travel Pants

PrAna is one of the few companies that make women’s pants made out of legit technical fabrics. Most of their stuff falls into the “ugly hiking pants” category but they have a few different styles of pants and jeans that are actually cute. And most of their pants are priced around $80 so they’re not crazy expensive.

Check PrAna to see all their styles.

Lululemon may be known for its yoga clothing but they’ve also branched out to more fashion-conscious athleisure wear that works fairly well as travel pants.

Check Lululemon to see the different styles they have available.

The Best Shirts For Travel

Alright, moving right along to shirts made from high-performance fabrics that actually look stylish.

Wool & Prince Tees

I practically live in t-shirts so a few solid-color tees are a staple of any travel wardrobe. While pricy, I love my Wool & Prince merino wool tees . These can be worn for multiple days and I don’t have to worry about washing them.

They have both 100% wool tees and 78% / 22% merino nylon blends. I recommend the blend since it’s cheaper, more durable, and requires less care when washing.

The Wool & Prince Tees sell from $68-$78

Bluffworks Meridian Dress Shirt

If you’re looking for a sharp-looking yet no-fuss button up then look at the Meridian Dress Shirt from Bluffworks. It’s made from 98% polyester and 2% spandex so it won’t wrinkle and the fabric will dry very quickly. The fabric can take a beating and there aren’t any special care instructions. We also like how it comes in both a classic and slim fit.

The Bluffworks Meridian Dress Shirt sells for $98

Bluffworks Piton Polo

I’ve only had my Bluffworks Piton Polo for about a month but I’m already seeing why this is an excellent travel shirt. First, it looks great and I love how it comes in a classic and slim fit. Next, the breathable pique knit is breathable and it only has a very slightly noticeable synthetic look even though it’s 100% polyester. And like all Bluffworks clothing, the fabric is tough, wrinkle-resistant, and doesn’t require any special care.

The Bluffworks Piton Polo sells for $68

Wool & Prince Polo

My Wool & Prince Polo always finds itself in my backpack. I love the cut and the quality is top-notch. It’s a nice “dressier” change from a t-shirt while still being casual. And you get all the benefits from merino wool fabric.

Wool & Prince offers has two types of polos — a 100% merino wool version and a 78% merino wool, 22% nylon blend. I own the blend version and I love it.

The Wool & Prince Polo sells for $78-$98.

Bluffworks Threshold Performance T-Shirt

You might be seeing a pattern here… but Bluffworks is back with their Threshold Performance T-Shirt. This ultra-lightweight t-shirt is made from a blend of 66% Polyester, 29% Lyocell, and 5% Elastane so it has a ton of stretch, wicks moisture well, and is very breathable. The fabric is thin (which is why it’s airy/breathable) so if you like a little more heft to your shirts then you might want to look elsewhere.

The Bluffworks Threshold Performance T-Shirt sells for $45

Wool & Prince Button-Ups

Wool & Price has a number of both short-sleeved and long-sleeve button-up shirts made from merino wool. I own one of their button-down oxford shirts and the fabric is very sturdy — I’d say it makes a nice choice for cooler weather as I can see it getting a little warm in the hot weather.

They also have a new wool/linen blend which will be more airy and breathable so these look great for warmer weather (I’ll be testing these once they get back in stock).

The Wool and Prince Button-Up Shirts sell for $98-$138

Outlier Merino T-Shirt

Outlier is another high-end brand that makes excellent products and one of my favorite items is their Ultrafine Merino T-shirt. It’s made from 17.5, 195gsm Merino Jersey Wool so the fabric is sturdy and drapes a bit better than many other merino t-shirts. And it comes in a lot of nice colors. But like all other Outlier products, the ultra-high-quality comes at a very high price.

The Outlier Ultrafine Merino T-shirt costs $110 each or three for $295.

Unbound Merino Wool T-Shirt

Unbound is another small company offering 100% ultra-fine 17.5 microns, 190g Merino wool shirts at affordable prices. I own a few of their shirts and while their shirts might not be quite as nice as other 100% merino shirts on our list, the price is a bit cheaper.

The Unbound Merino Wool T-Shirt sells for $65

Uniqlo Airism Shirts

When it comes to budget basics, it’s impossible to beat Uniqlo’s Airism line of shirts. We own a few different Airism items and they’re not terrible but they certainly aren’t nearly as nice or perform as well as the other items on this list — but they’re cheap.

Check Uniqlo to see what they have because always changing their stock.

Women’s Travel Shirts

Ok, here’s the deal… there aren’t a ton of “performance” shirts for women that aren’t ugly. But here are a few decent items we’ve found:

• Bluffworks Womens : Bluffworks has recently released a line of women’s travel clothing that looks very promising.
• Ministry of Supply is a great choice for high-performance clothing that still looks fashionable. And while their prices aren’t cheap, we consider them very reasonable. They also have nice dresses and other items.
• Unbound Merino has a black v-neck 100% merino shirt in a women’s cut for $65.
• Anatomie has a number of high-end cute tops made from travel-friendly fabrics but they’re expensive.
• Lululemon has some decent options but many of their items lean heavily into athleisure.

Cold Weather Travel Clothing

Most of the items on this list will work well in colder weather but you’ll want to pair them with other items to achieve maximum warmth. The key is layering—which basically means combining a few lighter layers to achieve warmth without the bulk.

Base Layers

A base layer is technically anything that is worn directly on your skin. Socks and underwear fall into this category but it also includes items like shirts, undershirts, and long underwear.

In the winter we’ll throw on long-sleeve merino wool or synthetic long underwear and this helps keep us warm and dry when we’re outside all day.

For the best selection, I recommend checking out REI as they carry all the major long underwear brands. If you’re trying to save a little money, check out Uniqlo’s  HeatTech  line of long underwear since it is cheap.

A mid-layer is anything that is worn between your base layer and your outer layer. Its main purpose is insulation and it can be a sweater, vest, down jacket, hoodie, or just about anything. Sometimes the mid-layer can act as an outer layer if the weather isn’t too cold.

When it comes to tech-wear, the main pieces are Merino wool sweaters/jackets, fleece jackets, and down (or a synthetic variation) jackets. The piece just needs to allow internal moisture (sweat) to evaporate through the fabric. It’s also nice if the piece is lightweight and durable.

Fleece is always a popular choice because it provides a good amount of warmth, durability, and breathability without being too bulky. There is also a variation of fleece called hard fleece — which is basically a fleece with a smoother and more durable exterior. Most hard fleece garments are also more water-resistant than normal fleece.

There are hundreds of fleece jackets available on the market at all price points, so we’d check out the selection at REI and buy whatever fits your budget.

Another popular choice is down jackets — although a lot of companies now use synthetic down ( Primaloft , Coreloft, etc.) and many people prefer synthetic material to natural down. Synthetic down is incredibly lightweight, compressible, breathable, and it retains warmth even when wet.

It is crazy how compressible natural and synthetic down jackets are — some can compress to the size of a shoe. When compared to a fleece jacket, a synthetic down jacket is more water-resistant , wind resistant, packable, and lighter. 

Nearly every outdoor brand makes lightweight down/synthetic down jackets. One of the most popular and fashionable brands is Patagonia — check out both Amazon and REI for the best selection. The  Patagonia Nano Puff jacket is probably the most popular lightweight puff jacket on the market so it’s no wonder it’s a favorite among experienced travelers (it’s what we use).

Outerwear is generally the final layer and it is what protects you from the elements (wind, rain, snow, etc.). The problem with outerwear is that it encompasses a huge range of garments that perform a huge range of functions. It can be anything from a simple waterproof jacket for summer showers, to large winter coats capable of withstanding a harsh Scandinavian winter.

I’ll start off by diving into  waterproof jackets since that is probably what most people are interested in learning about.

Most traditional waterproof jackets are called hard shells . These are 100% waterproof and they have that plastic-y feel and sound. If you want the ultimate protection from the elements, this is your choice.

However, being impermeable to the elements means that the material doesn’t breathe — this is less than ideal because it doesn’t allow your body’s sweat to evaporate. Basically, it traps moisture and makes you feel all clammy.

Some high-end hardshell jackets have breathable fabric, but even those aren’t as breathable as softshells (which we’ll talk about later).

Unsurprisingly, most waterproof jackets are made by outdoor companies, so trying to find a stylish one isn’t super easy. However, there are plenty of decent-looking options by Marmot, Patagonia, and The North Face.

However, in the summer I generally recommend that a traditional rain jacket is unnecessary — mainly because it doesn’t rain a lot and most jackets are too heavy for summer travel.

However, Ultralight Rain Jackets are super lightweight (they only weigh a few ounces) and they can be packed into a pocket, so they’re easy to carry around in a daypack. Ultralight rain jackets won’t have very good breathability, but you’ll only be wearing them in the rain, so it isn’t a huge issue.

The best ultralight rain jackets are the  Outdoor Research Helium II , Marmot Super Mica , and the  Montane Minimus  (they all weigh under 10 oz).

When it comes to breathability, it doesn’t get any better than a softshell jacket. Softshell jackets aren’t technically 100% waterproof, but they’re essentially waterproof. They’re well-suited for urban travel because they’re more comfortable than a hard shell and they’re more stylish.

Again, there are hundreds of softshell jackets, so I recommend visiting REI (click here for Men’s and Women’s ) to see which ones fit your budget and style preference.

Heavy Coats

If you’re traveling during the winter, you may consider bringing a heavy winter coat . In some instances, you may be completely comfortable by layering a base layer, a few mid-layers, and an outer layer. But, sometimes, you need a heavy coat — especially if you’re traveling to Northern or Eastern Europe in the dead of winter.

Puffy down coats provide an amazing warmth-to-weight ratio — which is always something to consider when traveling. Combine that down coat with a base layer and a warm mid-layer, and you’ll be staying toasty. Natural down is the warmest, but it becomes ineffective if it gets wet.

On the other hand, synthetic down isn’t quite as warm, but it still works if it gets wet and it dries quicker. Different coats have different amounts of water-repellant, so this is something to take into consideration.

For the best selection of insulated coats , I recommend checking out REI  simply because they have the best selection. Look for one that fits your personal style.

If you’re looking for the ultimate protection from the elements, you’ll want a standard waterproof, winter coat. A lot of coats have a 3-in-1 system that contains a waterproof outer shell and an interior insulated lining. Again, REI is a good place to start your search because they have the best selection.

More Travel Gear Recommendations from The Savvy Backpacker

Here are some more helpful “best of” travel gear guides that we think you’ll find helpful!

• Best Travel Backpacks
• Best Travel Backpacks for Women
• Best Carry-On Backpacks
• Best Travel Shoes
• Best Waterproof Boots for Men
• Best Waterproof Boots for Women
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The Best Gear for Travel

By Wirecutter Staff

Traveling well can be one of life’s great pleasures, whether you’re alone or with family and friends.

But what does it mean to travel well? We’d say that along with traveling safely (of course), traveling well involves avoiding hassle, carrying a single bag (if possible), and bringing only the necessities.

“Traveling well is a fine balance between finding inspiration in the unknown while being grounded in something,” said Wirecutter founder Brian Lam. “Sometimes that is a memory of home, a family, a significant other, friends, etc. Sometimes it’s just the familiar, reliable stuff in your bag.”

Over the past 10 years, we’ve spent hundreds of hours researching and testing dozens of products to find the most dependable items that will help you travel well. On top of that, we sought the advice and wisdom of Doug Dyment, author and creator of OneBag—a traveling businessman and public speaker, he has logged millions of miles over the past few decades—as well as travel-gear reviewer Eytan Levy, the Snarky Nomad.

And we relied heavily on the experiences of Wirecutter staff, an especially mobile group of individuals. Our staffers have worked remotely from every continent except Antarctica—the five most frequent flyers among us travel about half a million miles in any given (normal) year.

The research

Flying/riding, just in case, travel tips.

A well-packed bag is one that contains less than you think you need but everything you actually need. If possible, fitting everything into one carry-on and personal item will give you more freedom compared to checking a bag or two. You’ll be glad you did if (and when) things don’t go according to plan. While carry-on-only isn’t feasible (or advisable) for every trip—especially extended business trips or weddings where you need multiple outfits to maintain appearances—if in doubt, it’s better to cut.

Carry-on backpack (non-roller)

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L

A versatile small pack for a week or a weekend.

The Allpa’s clamshell design makes organizing your things simple. The strap design lets you easily wear this durable bag on your back or carry it in your hand while you’re on the move.

Buying Options

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L

An easily customizable large bag for long trips and expensive gear.

This bag was built with photographers in mind, but most travelers will appreciate its easy accessibility and clever tuck-away straps, and the elegant way the bag expands and contracts depending on how much you’ve packed. The accessory cubes cost extra, though.

We spent six months testing 22 bags, and in the end we chose two as our top picks for travelers determined to never check luggage again: the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L (for most trips) and the larger Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L . Both bags are exemplary carry-on travel backpacks that are designed for comfort, durability, and organization.

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L features an easy-to-pack clamshell design and highly adjustable straps that make it a great all-around bag for any traveler who’s dedicated to packing light, or for a smaller person who wants less to carry. Handles on all four sides of this bag make it easy to grab no matter where you’ve stowed it, and the Allpa’s straps are contoured to comfortably fit people who have large or small chests. It’s not a specifically gendered design, but our female tester noticed the improvement right away.

The bag is protected by a full lifetime warranty and has the build quality to back that up. Its front panel is made of a waterproof, TPU-coated 1,000-denier polyester (a strong fabric covered in a flexible plastic coating), which means you can lay it on its back in a wet field or in gravel without worrying about moisture soaking through or jagged edges ripping the fabric. The rest of the paneling is made with 1,680-denier ballistic nylon, which feels similar to a strong canvas but with a more prominent weave. After four years of testing, this single backpack (plus a personal item to store under the seat) has replaced nearly every travel bag or piece of luggage that Kit Dillon, Wirecutter’s senior staff writer who covers luggage, uses.

One caveat: The Allpa has a minimal amount of administrative organization—places to keep pens and papers, spaces to hold tickets, and so forth—which is where the personal item comes in handy. As the name suggests, “personal items” are very, well, personal, and no one bag will work for all travelers; we offer a range of recommendations in our full guide to them .

The larger Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is the Swiss Army knife of backpacks: adjustable, customizable, and (if you spring for the extra cubes and organizers) an almost perfect system for a photographer or gearhead on the move. Most bags’ expanding mechanisms aren’t worth the extra zipper they’re built on, and they look about as attractive as a boiled ham splitting out of its plastic packaging. Not so with the Peak Design: It looks just as good fully packed at 45 liters as it does compressed to a 30-liter daypack. You can access the bag through a back panel, which doubles as a computer and tablet pouch, as well as through a front one, if you unzip the pass-through divider. You can also get into the main compartment via two wing-like trapezoidal flaps that run along each side of the pack. In its natural shape, the Travel Backpack holds 35 liters, but an expansion zipper lets the bag swell to 45 liters.

If you want to use the bag as a daypack, you fold in the top corners and snap them down, reducing the bag’s volume to a slim 30 liters. It still feels larger than a normal daypack, but we think that’s a small compromise for the ability to use one backpack as both your travel bag and your daily explorer. The bag itself consists of 400D nylon and polyester fabrics—it feels tough, but not as tough as the Cotopaxi Allpa. As for flaws, it is expensive, especially if you commit to the entire system of packing cubes and camera cubes . The adjustable design and multiple zippers do add complexity, and complexity adds potential weaknesses, though Peak Design covers all of its bags with a lifetime warranty.

Finding the right bag is a personal choice, and no single bag will appeal to everyone. That’s why we have picks in our full review of carry-on travel bags that can double as traveling offices , bags that are easy to carry while you’re walking long distances , and budget options for travelers who want to give the one-bag strategy a try.

Carry-on bag (rolling)

Travelpro Platinum Elite 21″ Carry-On Spinner

Great features, great value.

This spinner carry-on offers the best balance of size, value, reliability, and durability, with high-end details. It’s backed by a lifetime warranty.

Since 2015, we’ve researched several dozen suitcases and gone hands-on with the 67 most promising candidates in a variety of tests—including having active flight attendants test bags for us in a fake plane fuselage in their training facility. We determined that for most people the  Travelpro Platinum Elite 21″ Expandable Spinner  offers the best balance of features, durability, and price for most flyers who log less than 25,000 miles annually.

It features smooth-rolling, user-replaceable wheels; solid and comfortable, telescoping handles; and a hard-wearing nylon exterior propped up by a solid internal chassis. The Elite only improves on past iterations in the Platinum line by reducing the size of the stowed handle (which used to jut out about an inch) and adding a second zippered, exterior pocket for easy access on the go and a USB pass-through extension that lets you insert your own battery pack for charging your phone. And at 7.8 pounds when empty, this carry-on bag is about half a pound lighter than its predecessor. Compared with other bags in this price range, you also get surprisingly high-end components and a warranty that covers anything, even airline damage, for the life of the bag (as long as you register the suitcase within 120 days of purchase, which is easy to do on any smartphone).

Upgrade pick

Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22″ Carry-On Expandable Spinner

For frequent flyers.

If you fly more than 25,000 miles a year, invest in a bag with unique features, superior details, and plenty of expandable room. This manufacturer guarantees your satisfaction.

If you fly more than 25,000 miles annually and you’re willing to invest in a higher-quality product, we recommend the Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22-Inch Carry-On Expandable Spinner. It can fit more clothing than any bag we tested, thanks to a cavernous interior and clever expansion and compression system that can adjust to variable levels beyond open and shut. Over a five-year period before the pandemic, Wirecutter’s founder, Brian Lam, put more than 150,000 miles on his. His only complaint was that longer pants will need an extra fold, or to be rolled. In taller bags, pants will only need to be folded over once.

Checked luggage

If you need to pack more stuff than a carry-on and a personal item can hold, our first piece of advice would be to reconsider whether you need that extra outfit “just in case.” But you’ll have times when you need to travel with several pairs of shoes, formalwear, a winter coat, special equipment (like diving or camping gear), or all of the above. In these cases, there’s no way to avoid checking a bag.

Osprey Farpoint 55 Men’s Travel Pack

The best travel backpack for those with taller torsos.

Comfortable, adjustable, and carry-on capable, the Farpoint has everything we needed for a week, or even months, of travel.

Osprey Fairview 55 Women’s Travel Pack

The best travel backpack for those with shorter torsos.

Comfortable, adjustable, and carry-on capable, the Fairview has everything we needed for a week, or even months, of travel.

If you’re going somewhere where you’ll need to walk a lot (particularly if there’s dirt or cobblestone roads), we recommend a travel backpack. We like the Farpoint 55 and the sized-for-smaller-torsos Fairview 55 because they’re comfortable and have plenty of room to store, and separate, our essentials. The front of the main pack unzips like a suitcase, so you can easily fit and access a week’s worth of clothes and toiletries. The daypack, which attaches to the front of the larger pack, has room for camera gear, daily essentials, and a small laptop (via a built-in sleeve). It’s also easy to stow. The main pack’s straps can tuck behind a zippered flap, so they won’t catch on anything if you check your luggage.

These bags are made of a heavy-duty recycled polyester that stands up even to long trips–one of our testers has traveled with a Farpoint 55 for years, across dozens of countries for months at a time, without damaging it. If something does happen, though, Osprey has a lifetime warranty.

Travelpro Platinum Elite 25″ Expandable Spinner

The best checked bag for most travelers.

The bag provides a luxury feel at a reasonable price, with a capacity, warranty, and reliability that should suit most travelers. The 25-inch model should offer plenty of room for most people without going over airline weight limits.

If you don’t plan on walking around while carrying all your stuff, the  25-inch Travelpro Platinum Elite Expandable Spinner Suiter is our favorite piece of checked luggage for all of the same reasons we loved the carry-on size: It has excellent organizational features, it’s especially durable, and it has a better warranty than anything in its price range.

Luggage tags

Ovener Silicone Luggage Tag

Strong and easy to see.

Rugged silicone and a metal cable mean this tag (which comes two to a pack) may well outlive your luggage. The brightly colored case displays its owner’s name but keeps other personal information out of sight.

A good luggage tag should be durable, simple to use, and discreet. Ultimately, a tag should allow someone to get your luggage back to you quickly and easily, and it should withstand the wear and tear of being thrown onto conveyor belts time and again. After researching the top-rated and best-selling models, reading existing luggage-tag reviews, and comparing fourteen tags , we recommend the Ovener Silicone Luggage Tag for most travelers because it’s the only one we’d trust to survive being smashed by other bags, jammed into walls, and generally abused by baggage handlers. It’s the most durable tag we tested, and it comes in a wide selection of colors to help any bag stand out from the rest.

The Ovener tag’s silicone body seems nearly indestructible and is available in a rotating selection of colors (you get two tags per pack). Whereas other tags also feature metal cables, this tag has a metal grommet to keep the cable from eventually wearing through the silicone case.

Should you lose your bag, the Ovener makes it easy for a Good Samaritan to find your contact information. To fully access the info card, you have to unscrew and remove the metal strap; this lets the card slide out of the case. Most luggage tags we tested secure their info card in this way. It isn’t a difficult or time-consuming process, but it is an extra step compared with using a tag that displays all of your information openly. Still, for anyone who wants to keep their contact information out of view, the extra step is worth it.

Another approach to increasing privacy is to hide information in a QR code, as the Dynotag Smart Deluxe Steel Luggage Tag  does, or to provide a user ID number, as the Okoban UID Luggage Tags do. But these seem like overly complex solutions to a problem that doesn’t really exist.

Compression sacks

Originally designed for reducing the bulk of lofty sleeping bags, compression sacks are stuff sacks modified with additional nylon end caps that can be pulled together by strings or straps to remove air and create a smaller, denser package that’s easier to pack. Most travelers use compression sacks to condense socks, underwear, and other stuff you don’t mind getting wrinkled into a package with half as much overall volume. For example, an 8- to 12-liter sack can compress a fleece jacket and a long-weekend’s worth of socks and underwear into something that fits in one hand. They also make a decent pillow in a pinch.

Osprey StraightJacket (8L)

Easier access, less compression.

It has a full-length zipper on its side that allows access to the bag’s entire contents. However, it doesn’t compress as tightly as traditional designs.

Most compression sacks require you to empty out the stuff at the top to get to the stuff below it, but the side-zipper design on the Osprey StraightJacket allows access to the entire contents of the bag at once. The compression straps attach sideways, and are less likely to get tangled and twisted like on most compression sacks with lengthwise straps. It can also sit up on its own, and the handle design lets you break it out as a last minute carry-on to avoid an overweight-baggage fee. However, it doesn’t compress down as compactly as the traditional designs we tested so it’s not the best option if compression is your top priority.

GobiGear’s SegSac takes a different approach to solving the same access issue: It has four inner dividers that run the length of the sack in order to keep your socks separate from your underwear, winter accessories, towel, what have you. This means you don’t have to take out your T-shirts to get to your socks. Unlike the Osprey, it compresses just as much as a normal compression sack, but it loses points for versatility because the segmentation prevents it from handling large items like a down jacket or sleeping bag.

Packing cubes

Packing cubes could change your life. (Okay, maybe just your traveling life.) Packing cubes are basically bags to hold your clothes that you organize within your luggage. Though seemingly superfluous, they’re brilliant in action. If you imagine your suitcase as a dresser, you can think of these cubes as individual drawers: Put all your underwear and socks in one container, all your shirts in another, and your workout clothes in yet another. Then pull out only the cube you want. They make packing and repacking wonderfully simple.

Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set

Well built with easy access.

Simple and solidly constructed, these packing cubes keep your bag organized while you’re traveling.

The three-piece Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set keeps a week’s worth of clothes organized and moves easily from suitcase to hotel dresser. We’ve been recommending the previous version of these cubes for years, and after testing this updated set, we now recommend this version.

The full-size cube is great for shirts, shorts, and insulating layers. The half-cube and quarter-cube are perfect for underwear, socks, and other thin fabrics such as stockings or sleepwear. These cubes are made of 300-denier polyester (a strong fabric) and stay upright when empty, so they’re easy to pack. The Pack-It cubes’ windows are made of the tightest mesh link we tested—better for resisting snags—and the smooth zippers close easily around all corners, even when a cube is overstuffed.

The Eagle Creek cubes have the ability to unzip fully to allow full access to their contents while sitting in a dresser drawer. That means your clean clothes stay protected against some potentially dicey motel dressers. In 2022, Eagle Creek updated the design of these cubes, and now the company no longer uses YKK zippers, which are widely accepted as the best around . That said, we couldn’t tell any difference between Eagle Creek’s zippers and other brands’ YKK zippers, even with a magnifying glass, and their performance was indistinguishable. (For what it’s worth, an Eagle Creek product manager assured us that the proportion of zipper-related warranty claims hasn’t changed since the company made the switch from YKK.)

Most travelers are likely to be well served by the Reveal set. But if you value lightness above all, the more expensive Eagle Creek Pack-It Isolate Cube Set is about 50% lighter than similar-size competitors (just over 1 ounce for a medium cube, whereas the Eagle Creek classic style weighs about 4 ounces). Unlike the Reveal set, this set is water resistant. However, the Isolate design’s thin sides—which don’t allow the cubes to stand up on their own—make those cubes a bit more challenging to pack than the Reveal cubes.

Buying the right gear can help organize your existing travel kit, but it’s a red herring if your goal is better portability. “It’s mostly the clothing that allows you to reduce what you need to carry,” explains veteran traveller Eytan Levy, better known as the Snarky Nomad . That’s because clothing, which is very voluminous, makes up the bulk of what’s in your bag. He recommends traveling with basic-looking clothes because you can always buy or rent something nice in a pinch, whereas lugging around formalwear just in case will always be a pain. It also helps if you can avoid cotton and stick to merino and synthetic fabrics, which dry faster. This allows you to do laundry by hand in the sink as needed to reduce the amount of clothes you need to carry.

Travel underwear

Good travel underwear keeps you feeling fresh and clean, even when your destination is gritty.  To find the best , we researched an array of underwear designed for men and women to find 37 pairs meeting our criteria: moisture-wicking and breathable, quick-drying, odor-resistant, stretchy, stylish, and cut to fit a variety of body types.

We then conducted rigorous pretesting (wearing the underwear for two days at a time, machine-washing them repeatedly, and tracking their drying speed when hung on a clothesline) before taking them out into the real world. Our testers went backpacking 215 miles throughout Portland, Oregon; hiking in the Canadian Rockies, including walking from the lowest point in the Continental US to the highest; and road-tripping to the national parks of the West. Testers who flew to their destinations wore the underwear on the plane, too.

Afterward, we checked for signs of wear, such as seam breakage and pilling on the fabric. As we continued to test the finalists, we repeatedly checked for durability problems. In addition to comfort and fit, we noted whether each pair seemed lightweight and packable.

ExOfficio Men’s Give-N-Go 2.0 Sport Mesh 6″ Boxer Brief

Best for most men.

Durable, quick-drying, and relatively inexpensive, this soft-fabric version of ExOfficio’s time-tested Give-N-Go undies will get the job done for years.

The ExOfficio Give-N-Go 2.0 Sport Mesh 6″ Boxer Brief is the best men’s underwear for travel because it balances fit, comfort, odor-proofing, and value better than anything else we’ve tested. The Sport Mesh fabric excels at breathing and wicking and has better odor-resistance than other fabrics. It feels soft on the inside and smooth on the outside so it slides against your pants instead of creating friction, reducing potential for chafing. It also features a sculpted crotch area that gives wearers some much-appreciated support, without feeling stifling. These boxer briefs dry quickly, pack compactly, and weigh less than almost all the other boxer briefs we tried—basically they’re everything you’d want from a pair of excellent travel underwear.

Patagonia Women's Active Hipster

Best for most women.

These light, stylish, quick-drying hipsters stay in place whether you’re walking, flying, or hanging upside down.

The Patagonia Active Hipster doesn’t appear special upon first glance. Only after trying everything else and living through their failures to stay put did we remember what “special” really means in a pair of underwear: Feeling as if you’re wearing nothing at all. The Patagonias have the best fit, comfort, and style out of all the panties we tested. The nylon material is fast-wicking and better than most synthetics for odor-proofing, making it well suited for athletic activities. The Active Hipster is lightweight and packable, and is the fastest-drying underwear we tested—making them perfect for minimalist travelers who go weeks at a time with just one or two pairs. But these same characteristics make them great for any traveler looking for comfortable, packable panties, regardless of where you’re going or what you’re doing.

Budget pick

Uniqlo Men Airism Boxer Brief

Comfortable, compact, and fast-drying, these are a great value but don’t fit quite as nicely and aren’t as supportive in the crotch.

Uniqlo Women Airism Ultra Seamless HipHugger

Similar fabric to the Men’s Airism, with a no-ride cut for women, these underwear are the least expensive of any we tested and among the best performing.

May be out of stock

If you want to spend as little as possible without sacrificing performance, the Uniqlo Airism line has long been a great choice for men and women who can wear sizes small and medium. In recent years, both lines have expanded their size range somewhat (men to 3XL, and women to XL). If these fit, you can replace an entire underwear drawer on a tight budget, as long as you can deal with the slightly odd cut and less-effective odor-control treatment.

If you’ve never traveled with merino wool socks, you’re missing out. These aren’t the scratchy wool socks your grandpa wore in the army; they are soft and stretchy ones that have natural sweat-wicking and odor-resisting properties that keep your toes comfortable under all conditions—even when wet. This combination of odor, moisture, and temperature regulations makes them ideal for traveling. "Because of its natural anti-bacterial properties, washing merino wool on a daily basis isn’t absolutely necessary,” explains Snarky Nomad , "after letting it air dry overnight while you sleep, it’ll seem brand new.” The only major downside is that merino tends to be a bit pricier than synthetic counterparts. But it’s a worthy trade-off, since you can go for longer with fewer pairs.

Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Sock (Women’s)

The best quality for women.

The best mix of comfort, durability, and cushioning in a versatile height.

Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Sock (Men’s)

For the best quality.

The same great versatile sock as the women’s model, but in different color options and more sizes.

Darn Tough’s Light Hiker Micro Crew socks (both the men’s and women’s versions) have been our favorite hiking socks for years. Darn Tough made its name through its quality guarantee : “Our socks are guaranteed to be the most comfortable, durable, and best fitting socks you can buy. In a nutshell, if you wear a hole in them, we will replace them free of charge, for life.” Pacific Crest Trail thru-hikers (hardcore backpackers who walk from Mexico to Canada in one continuous trip) praise them for their durability, comfort, and blister resistance. When you hold a pair of Darn Toughs next to a pair of Smartwools (which only have a two-year guarantee ), the difference is clear. The Darn Toughs are more tightly knit, the yarns are finer and feel sturdier, and the stitching is tighter.

Darn Tough Women's Coolmax Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Sock

The best non-wool women’s hiking sock.

This midlevel cushioned sock for women is the best synthetic option for most climates and terrains.

Darn Tough Men's Coolmax Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Sock

The best non-wool men’s hiking sock.

This synthetic men’s sock is perfect for day hiking in most weather.

If you are sensitive to wool, prefer a vegan product, or want a cooler option for the summer, we also like the Darn Tough Coolmax Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Sock, which comes in women's and men’s sizes.

We appreciated how breathable this sock felt. While wearing the Coolmax Micro Crew in hot summer weather, our testers’ feet stayed dry and sweat-free. The shorter micro-crew height makes the Coolmax Micro Crew suitable for both boots and shoes, too. And like all Darn Tough socks, this model comes with a lifetime warranty.

Indosole Flip Flops (women’s)

A quality flip flop in women’s sizes.

These stylish beach sandals come in a wide range of colors. Be careful, though: Indosole sizes tend to run a little small.

Indosole Flip Flops (men’s)

A quality flip flop in men’s sizes.

These beach sandals are the same as the women’s version but cut a bit wider; we still think they run a little smaller than regular shoe sizes.

A good pair of travel flip-flops should be lightweight, comfortable, and waterproof. The men’s and women’s Indosole Flip Flops offer the best combination of quality, comfort, and easy packability. Unlike many flip flops, which slap against the ground with every step, the subtle arch support of this flip flop kept it secure against our feet. Plus they’re made from waterproof, recycled materials. Keep in mind, though, that our testers found these shoes to run a bit small, so we suggest sizing up for the best fit.

Clothesline

While doing laundry at home can be a large weekly event, OneBag author Doug Dyment recommends approaching travel laundry as a part of your daily routine, especially if you’re trying to pack as little as possible: “The laundry should be more like cleaning your teeth—something you do everyday. It only takes about five minutes to do it. Every night, do your socks and underwear and you’ll have clean socks and underwear everyday.”

A secure, hassle-free option

The Flexo-Line attaches easily to a door handle or faucet and grips garments securely between its loops.

Check out OneBag’s laundry packing list if you want specific tips on how to do it and what you’ll need, but it’s a pretty simple setup: All you need is a toiletry bottle of powdered detergent, a towel to help expedite drying, and a travel clothesline to finish the drying process while you sleep at night.

Specifically, you want a braided—not twisted—surgical latex clothesline with looped ends, which means you want a Flexo-Line . The Flexo-Line can stretch up to 7 feet long, which is enough to span most hotel bathtubs, and it has loops that you can attach easily to a door handle, bath spigot, or faucet. The braided construction is superior to twisted designs made from other materials because the latex does a better job of gripping garments securely between the loops, which means you don’t need any additional clothespins.

Dyment has tried them all, but the Flexo-Line is the one he comes back to. As he explained to me in an interview, “There are others that are fine, but there are far more that are not fine.” More specifically, Dyment says to avoid anything that’s not made of latex , because clothes will inevitably slip out of them. He also says to never, ever trust a suction cup: “They don’t work, period.” If the Flexo-Line is unavailable, Dyment says that the Rick Steves collection from Kiva Designs also makes a nice braided line that is a bit more expensive. If you have a latex allergy, Dyment recommends going with a length of cord ( paracord is nice because it’s durable and you can use it for other things as well) and stainless steel safety pins meant for cloth diapers , because they take up far less space than a clothespin and won’t rust. In fact, it’s worthwhile to get these items even if you can use a latex line because they’re great for making luggage repairs and performing other MacGyver-ish tasks in a pinch. To hang up the clothesline, we recommend using a bowline knot on one end and a taut line hitch on the other. These knots work well together because the bowline creates a simple, slip-proof loop to anchor one end while the taut line hitch allows you to adjust for tension and locks tightly in place. If you could commit any two knots to memory forever, these are the ones to learn.

Laundry detergent

Minisoak Travel Packs

A travel size version of the best delicates detergent.

Perfect for traveling because you don’t even need to rinse it out.

When you’re washing your underwear in a hotel sink, you want a fast and easy experience. For this, we recommend the no-rinse detergent Soak . That’s right, we said no rinse . You just add a drop to the sink, fill with water, and leave your garments to soak. Then press out the water and hang. Done.

In our tests of delicates detergents , Soak cleaned almost as well as our top laundry detergent, Tide; plus, it comes in individual packets of powder  that are great for traveling, as well as in  travel-size bottles of the liquid version . In addition to unscented, it's available in a variety of scents, although Lacey and Celebration are not the most descriptive of scent names. They all smell nice, not overpowering. Soak also comes in an assorted travel pack with two single-use packets of each scent, if you want to test-drive one or two before you buy. In that mini size, you get eight packets for $11 currently, but you really need only a squeeze, not the the whole packet, to wash a couple of pairs of socks and underwear.

One downside to Soak is that you won’t find it in a grocery store or big-box store. But it is available online at Soak’s site . And if you really want to walk into a store and put your mitts on a bottle, you can find it at most local yarn stores.

Don’t feel like buying Soak or bringing along a bit of your own detergent? Shampoo also works pretty well for cleaning garments in a pinch, so make use of that free bottle from the hotel. But a caveat: Neither Soak nor shampoo contains enzymes , which are biological molecules in laundry detergent that break down certain stains. If you have especially stinky or stained clothes, you might need to break out the Tide .

When we first published this guide, this section addressed only toiletry kits and bottles, razors, and packable towels. The times, and traveling, became more complicated. One thing we've learned in the past few years is that face masks can be useful whenever you’re sick and don’t want to share your misery. Fortunately, compared with early 2020, medical-style N95s and KN95s (which many experts recommend as the best protection) are widely available. They’re easy to tuck into a bag, which we do now whenever we travel. 

Toiletry kit

We’ve researched dozens of travel toiletry bags and dopp kits over the past several years, and we tested 23 of the top-rated contenders in our most recent round of tests. After packing and unpacking a week’s worth of travel-size toiletries, conducting spill tests, and living out of the top performers on the road, we have a few different picks that stand out thanks to their style, packability, and quality of construction.

Sea to Summit Hanging Toiletry Bag (small)

A space-saving hanging bag.

This lightweight, well-organized bag fits a week’s worth of travel-size toiletries into a compact package. It’s meant to be hung, which makes it good for tight spaces, but it doesn’t have much in the way of internal structure.

The Sea to Summit Hanging Toiletry Bag (small) is compact and durable. It’s small enough to stash in a backpack or laptop bag, but it holds enough travel-size toiletries to keep us supplied for a week. You can open it and hang it from a shower curtain or towel rod to easily see and grab your items. It comes with a shatterproof mirror, two micro-mesh zip pockets and an open pocket for toothbrushes, lip balm, and tweezers, and a large compartment for bulky lotions and hair-care items.

L.L.Bean Personal Organizer Toiletry Bag

For more stuff and longer trips.

With a 6.4-liter capacity and over a dozen compartments, this toiletry bag has a place for everything—and everything will stay put during transit, too. It can also accommodate non-travel-size bottles.

The L.L.Bean Personal Organizer (medium) is a great option for longer trips and people who travel with full-size bottles. Its 6.4 liters of storage spread across a dozen compartments means there’s a dedicated place for pretty much everything you could want to bring on a trip—it even has a removable mesh shower caddy for shampoo and body wash. This level of organization is crucial for larger toiletry bags because, as we discovered after years of traveling with our picks, contents that aren’t securely fastened can shift around in transit, which increases the chance of spilling. The downside of all this organization is that the L.L.Bean weighs 14 ounces when empty, so it’s not ideal for carry-on travel.

If neither of these bags seems right for you, read our full review of the best toiletry bags and dopp kits to learn more about our picks and everything we tested.

Toiletry bottles

Sea to Summit TPU Clear Zip Pouch with Bottles

These six TSA-friendly bottles are sturdy and smartly designed, dispensing liquids more precisely than any of the other bottles we tested.

For traveling with liquids in your carry-on, the Sea to Summit set is your best bet. All six bottles conform to TSA size limitations; three of them can hold 3 ounces of liquid each, and three can hold 1.5 ounces each, for a total of 13.5 ounces. Despite the set’s name, the bottles themselves are made not of thermoplastic polyurethane—“TPU" refers to the zip pouch—but a high-density polyethylene material, much like what you’d see used in most plastic milk jugs. It has an almost-smooth, semi-transparent surface just textured enough that it’s not slippery when wet. The plastic is also flexible enough that you don’t have to squeeze very hard to get your shampoo or liquid soap or whatever going. An insert at the mouth of each bottle helps regulate the flow, and the screw tops prevent liquids from leaking in transit.

Razor (faces)

Gillette Mach3

The best manual razor for most faces.

This classic razor’s three widely spaced blades provide the best balance of speed, smoothness, and safety. Its handle is comfortable and well designed, and replacement blades can be had for a fair price.

We researched more than 100 and tested 11 manual razors for our full razor guide , concluding that the Gillette Mach3 is our top pick for manual razors. Although the three blades require a little extra time for a closer shave, it performs comparably to the latest and greatest offerings for as little as half the price.

The Gillette Mach3 provides the best balance of speed, smoothness, and safety. The Mach3’s simple, round handle is easy to grip and maneuver, and its three blades offer a close shave without over-irritating the skin or getting clogged with hair. And the price of Mach3 blades—$2 per cartridge or less, whether you buy them online or in a store—came close to, or even beat, the pricing of shave-club rivals, and the Mach3 shaved better than those competitors.

Razor (legs/body)

Gillette Venus Smooth

The best body razor.

This classic Venus is one of the easiest razors to grip and maneuver and its three-blade design keeps the blades remarkably free of hair.

Disposable razors (both the completely disposable and replaceable-cartridge variety) are fine to take through airport security , and among them we like the Gillette Venus Original best for traveling. Although it’s now the runner-up pick in our guide to body razors —it was formerly the top pick—we believe that its simple aloe lubricating strips, which don’t become tacky when wet, make the Venus more travel friendly than our new top pick . Plus, as with any Venus, the Original’s body is compatible with any other Venus head and many heads from Gillette’s facial razors, making replacement heads easier to find when you’re on the road.

The Original’s head has three blades separated by considerable slats of space, making it far easier to clean the head between strokes. The Original is intuitive to hold and secure to maneuver, thanks to a contoured handle with corrugated chevrons of rubber. Though our testers have a wide range of hand sizes, no one found the Original difficult to grasp. Despite the significant ribbing, it doesn’t feel too bulky. Gillette claims its razors have lasted for five weeks; we think one razor for a weeklong trip should be fine.

(Know that, confusingly, the Venus appears for sale on some retail sites under the name Venus Close and Clean or Venus Smooth. It’s the same razor. If you’re unsure which Venus model you’re looking at, check for the Original’s three blades and trademark sea-foam blue color.)

Towel (packable)

PackTowl Personal

The best all-around packable towel.

The PackTowl Personal Towel is lightweight, soft, absorbent, quick to dry, and odor-resistant.

With store pickup or REI membership (limited patterns)

(limited patterns)

We put 20 top-rated towels through a battery of tests including regular shower use, a trip to the beach, camping, and a 48-hour stay in a ziplock bag under the hot Hawaiian sun. After all was said and done, the Packtowl Personal Towel is still the best all-around travel towel for most people. In addition to being the softest lightweight towel we tested, it was more absorbent than competitors made of similar materials. It had the best odor-resisting abilities and comes with a convenient mesh carrying pouch. We also have alternate picks for ultralight and all-natural towels below.

The Personal Towel’s suede-like material was the softest of the thinner towels. The Personal Towel also had superior absorption when compared with other similarly constructed towels such as the Sea to Summit DryLite —in our tests, it absorbed 2.8 times its weight in water, while the others absorbed between 2.3 times and 2.7 times.

One of just two we tested that featured an added antimicrobial treatment, the Personal Towel was only a little musty smelling after 24 hours in a sealed ziplock bag, and remained unchanged at 48 hours.

If you’re looking for a budget option, consider the Rainleaf Microfiber Towel , which is a tad smaller than our other picks and is made from a seemingly lighter-feeling fabric. Unlike most budget options, it has an antibacterial coating and still managed to carry a pleasant smell after being testing in different environments.

Regardless of how you get to your final destination, it’s likely you’ll be stuck in a seat that’s less than ideal. Travel gadgets that claim to reduce this misery, such as compression socks, are popular. But when they take up precious luggage space for the duration of your trip—not just the flight or train ride–they need to be worth every cubic inch of space. The less you can make do with, the better off you’ll be.

Neck pillow

Travelrest Nest Ultimate Memory Foam Travel Pillow

More support for most necks.

Its tall memory-foam walls let it offer more support than any other pillow we tested. It’s also shaped to sit flush against a headrest, and it compresses to a manageable size.

The uniquely angled back on the Travelrest Ultimate sets it apart from other travel pillows we tested because it can lay flat against the seat back. Most other pillows have a rounded back, which pushes your head away from the headrest. The Travelrest also has rubber grip dots to prevent slipping while sleeping. This pillow’s spongy memory foam cushions the entire circumference of your neck, preventing your head from leaning far in any direction, and its adjustable Velcro strap ensures it can fit most necks. The pillow’s cozy velour exterior is removable and machine-washable. Although it doesn’t pack flat, the Travelrest weighs less than a pound and compresses to a quarter of its size when rolled into its Velcro-strapped carrying case. Our only complaint is that the Travelrest’s high walls, though supportive, can push over-ear headphones off of the ears of people with shorter necks.

Noise-cancelling headphones

Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700

The best over-ear noise-cancelling headphones.

The Bose 700 headphones deliver excellent noise cancellation in a comfortable, lightweight design that’s traveler friendly—but they carry a high price.

The Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 over-ear set has the most versatile active noise cancellation we’ve ever tested. With 10 levels of noise reduction to choose from, everyone should be able to find a setting that meets their needs. We also enjoyed the lightweight and comfortable design and the easy-to-use controls. What distinguishes the Bose 700’s ANC is the amount of adjustability it gives you: Most noise-cancelling headphones offer controls for only on/off or maybe high/low/off, but with the Bose 700 pair you can set the ANC level from 0 to 10, so you have more flexibility to dial in the ideal setting for your comfort. The 20-hour battery life, while not the best we’ve seen, is more than sufficient to get you to most destinations. We have additional options—including earbuds and surprisingly good budget options for  over-ear headphones and earbuds —in our full guide to noise-cancelling headphones .

Mack’s Slim Fit Soft Foam Earplugs

For blocking out the most noise.

These blocked the most noise in our controlled testing and got the most votes from our subjective sleep panel.

When you’re traveling, it can be difficult to fall asleep to unfamiliar noises. That’s why we spent several hours researching new contenders and tested four top-rated models while sleeping in a house that was next to an airport in order to determine that Mack’s Ultra Soft Foam earplugs are the best earplugs  for sleeping.

The Mack’s 37.1 dB noise reduction rating was the highest among the models we tested. According to Cooper Safety , that’s enough to reduce the volume of a gas lawnmower to that of a normal conversation. What made the Mack’s earplugs so effective is the fact that we could insert them and rest assured that they would stay in the whole night. Meanwhile, the Howard Leight MAX1 might be a favorite from crowdsourced sleep-aid review site Sleep Like the Dead , but the earplugs would inevitably fall out in the middle of the night. Thus, they failed to block out the noise of planes landing and taking off throughout the night, despite the MAX1’s 33 dB noise reduction rating. The Howard Leights also made our ears ache on occasion, whereas the Mack’s has a tapered shape that was consistently comfortable night after night.

The Mack’s Slim Fit Soft Foam Earplugs cost about 20¢-35¢ per pair when purchased in a 50-pair pack. They come in a plastic case is about the size of a large coffee mug, which is small enough to toss in a large bag or suitcase. Many other ear plugs like our runner-up, the 3M’s E-A-Rsoft OCS1135 , can only be ordered in industrial-size lots that, while perhaps appealing to those who travel constantly (or run a hostel), are annoying to store and often lack a reusable container of any sort.

Nidra Deep Rest Eye Mask

For air travelers and back-sleepers.

The lightweight and contoured Nidra mask is a light-blocking win for most face shapes, with deep eye cups that allow the wearer to blink freely and arrive feeling refreshed.

When bright lights hamper peaceful shut-eye, we recommend the light-blocking, contoured Nidra Deep Rest sleep mask. Of the 14 masks we tested , the Nidra blocked the most light on the most faces. It’s contoured to rest on your face like a pair of soft goggles, with fabric lenses that sit around your eyes (instead of directly over them). This design provides more space for your eyes to flutter during REM sleep, ensuring that you come through red-eye flights with less redness in your eyes. Makeup wearers will also appreciate that, with the Nidra’s elevated eye cups, there’s a smaller chance of smudging.

Alaska Bear Natural Silk Sleep Mask

A flat, silk mask.

A silken exterior material, a flat design, and an adjustable strap make this mask a fit for almost any face, but it puts pressure on the eyes.

Mzoo Sleep Mask

A smooth, contoured eye mask.

Soft, structured, and contoured, this mask stays on all night and prevents any light from seeping through

If the Nidra Deep Rest doesn’t fit your face quite right, we also recommend the Alaska Bear Natural Silk Sleep Mask and the Mzoo Sleep Mask . The Alaska Bear mask lacks contoured eyecups and thus applies some pressure to the eyes overnight like any regular eye mask does. But its flat design easily conforms to fit your face, and its silk exterior feels smooth and soft against skin (the padding is made of cotton). Its relative lack of structure makes it more difficult to knock off when you’re tossing and turning.

The Mzoo mask’s eyecups have a convex gap so your eyes can open and close. That gap is surrounded by a memory foam padding that rests on the perimeter of your eye sockets. The effect is such that you don’t feel like your eyes are being forced closed, but there is a bit of compression near your temples, eyebrows, and cheekbones. Most—though not all—of our testers found this sensation soothing. One liked how the contour of the eyecup kept the mask from brushing against their eyelashes, which makes it a good choice for people who wear eyelash extensions.

Few things are better than landing at an airport, turning on your phone, and having it just work. No hassles, no stress, no worries about brutal roaming fees. You can check in with loved ones, scope out the route to your lodgings, and maybe post an Instagram story or two—because your phone works just like it does at home. This is especially freeing, and it makes travel so much easier. (Of course, phones aren’t the only useful tech to bring: Check out our accessories reviews for guides to the best cables ( USB-C , Lightning , and Micro-USB ), Wi-Fi hotspots , Bluetooth speakers , and more.)

Unlocked mobile phone

One of the most useful gadgets for international travel is an unlocked smartphone that’s compatible with cheap, prepaid phone plans you can sign up for at your destination. Unless your carrier offers plans including high-speed data that you can access internationally (i.e., you’re with T-Mobile or Google Fi), traveling with a phone under contract with a major carrier means paying an arm and a leg for data. Being able to access data-guzzling apps like Google Maps or Google Translate on the fly is worth the hassle to unlock a phone. Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp are free, easy ways to communicate with people you meet on your trip and people from home. Plus there’s checking email, TripAdvisor, banking, social media, and so on.

An “unlocked” phone means you can buy prepaid SIM cards in the country you’re visiting, letting you access their local network for significantly less money than the roaming fees incurred by your home carrier. With a prepaid SIM, your phone effectively becomes a new phone with a new (now local) phone number. Instead of seeing “Verizon,” “AT&T,” or “Sprint” at the top of your phone, you might see “Vodafone,” “Yes Optus,” “M1,” or whatever provider you choose in the country you’re visiting. The first thing to check is if your phone will work where you’re going. If you’re unsure if your phone will work where you’re going, check the Wikipedia page for your phone or contact your provider.

Your phone will also require a removable SIM. (If your phone has an eSIM, as all new iPhones do, check out our blog post about those.) Most countries require a passport or other ID to buy a prepaid SIM without a contract, but switching the SIMs is easy. Most stores will do it for you while you’re there. Depending on the country/provider, this could take as long as 10 minutes but is often faster. The next question is easily the most complicated: Can you unlock your phone? Each carrier has different rules and criteria. Generally, if you have a brand new, expensive phone, they may not let you unlock it (there’s usually a waiting period after the purchase date). But if it’s a little older, or if you’ve paid it off, they probably will. The thing to remember is that a provider can deny an unlock request without giving a reason. You might be lucky, though; certain phones on certain providers are unlocked by default. Here are Verizon and AT&T’s pages on unlocking. Alternately, you can buy a pre-unlocked phone just for travel. Amazon and Best Buy, for example, sell unlocked phones. This is also a good option if you think you might lose your expensive phone and a cheaper one will suffice while you travel.

Plug adapter

Epicka Universal Travel Adapter

Best universal travel adapter.

With four plugs that will work in most countries, plus faster-charging USB ports (and more of them) than its competitors, this adapter is the best all-around choice.

In a sea of almost-identical travel adapters, the Epicka Universal Travel Adapter stands out, combining the best of the features we look for. It contains the three most common international plugs and a US-style plug, which should cover you in the majority of countries around the world. It has the most USB ports—four of the standard USB-A and one USB-C—of any universal adapter we tested, and it charged more of our devices faster. A replaceable fuse and an included spare should take the brunt of any accidental, unfortunate, or shockingly bad connections. The Epicka is fairly compact and well built, and it even comes with an extra USB cable and a nylon case.

However, no universal travel adapter is truly universal, and they’re all a lot bulkier and more expensive than simple plug adapters. If you want the smallest adapter possible, or if you’re going someplace where a universal adapter won’t work (more on that in a minute), a plug adapter could be what you need.

Ceptics International Worldwide Travel Plug Adapter 5 Piece Set

The best plug adapter.

Individually, these tiny plug adapters are smaller, lighter, and cheaper than any universal travel adapter. To juice up multiple devices, though, you’d need a separate multiport charger too.

The tiny plug adapters from Ceptics are barely larger than the prongs they convert. Small, simple, and cheap, they’re perfect for someone who wants to carry only the adapter they’ll need and who already has a multiport USB wall charger they like. Like our universal adapter picks, this set contains the three most common international plugs and the US plug. However, it also includes a somewhat rarer plug used in some European countries that has two thick, cylindrical prongs. This means that the Ceptics set will likely cover you in even more places—as long as you pack the appropriate plug adapter. These charts should help you find the shape you need before you order.

However, getting your gear to work in different countries isn’t quite as simple as it should be, and there’s no single solution that’s guaranteed to work for everyone. Our picks should work for you, but you may have some random piece of equipment, or be traveling to some country, for which our “good for most” picks just won’t work. (Case in point: One Wirecutter editor visited Iceland a few years back. The house she stayed in had outlets unlike anything on those charts, and the plug adapters she had used elsewhere in Reykjavik didn’t fit at all. It turns out the mystery sockets belonged to an obscure Italian system from the 1960s that was popular in Iceland for a time. Luckily, the hosts had power strips in the house that her adapters fit into.) The world is a big place, and when it comes to electricity and wall outlets, there’s a lot of variation. That’s important to keep in mind.

Whether two-prong or three-prong, an adapter just changes the shape of your plug, not anything about the electricity coming through the wires. However, this usually isn’t a problem because almost every power brick that comes with modern electronic gear is capable of accepting both the 110-volt standard used in the US and the 240-volt commonly used abroad. If your device has a power block on the cord, it likely says something like  “100-240 V ~ 50/60 Hz”—that’s the all-clear to use it without a voltage converter so long as the range covers the voltage of the country you’re visiting . This includes the vast majority of modern laptop and USB chargers.

Products without some sort of power block at the end or with a non-detachable cord—in particular, things with heating elements like hair dryers and curling irons—are more likely to need a voltage converter. Putting 220 V through a US 110 V device would be like attaching a firehose to a drinking fountain—you’re likely to blow your face off. But voltage converters are tricky devices, and most of the inexpensive ones have awful (or dishonest) reviews. Since hotels and hostels will often have hair dryers and most newer gear can do the full range of voltages, we strongly recommend that, whenever possible, you only bring items that work with a much simpler (and more reliable) adapter.

Wire/gadget organization system

Now that every device has a battery, every battery has a charger, and every charger has a cable—never mind power-plug adapters if you’re traveling abroad—the sheer quantity of accessories needed just to keep your gadgets running can take up more space than the devices themselves. And unless you organize them, you can bet on having to blindly fish them out of the least convenient spot at the bottom of your bag. Unfortunately, our pick for carrying tech necessities, the Incase Nylon Accessory Organizer, has been out of stock for a few years. It will, however, be coming back in 2024, according to Incase. If you prefer mesh to easily see your contents, or simply can’t wait for the Incase organizer to come back in stock, we also like the Container Store Micro Mesh Pouches .

The Incase cable organizer is a poly-nylon blend, so it’s durable. It is a soft-shell bag, however, so its contents can distort the bag’s shape when it’s full. But the bag’s edges remain rigid—so the seams don’t pucker—its contents don’t fall out, and zipping and unzipping the bag is still easy. We have other picks in our full guide to bag and cable organizers , including a roll-up bag and a stylish duo of cosmetics travel pouches ; we’ll also start testing other options to replace this one.

USB battery packs

A USB battery pack (also called a power bank) can keep your small electronics—from phones and cameras to tablets and more—going while you’re on the road. Although the length of your trip will determine exactly how much extra juice you’ll need to have on hand, whatever your requirements, we have a great USB battery recommendation for you. The Belkin Boost Charge Plus 10K weighs about half a pound, and its rounded edges make it easy to hold or slip into a pocket. Its USB-C Power Delivery (PD) port can charge most handheld devices and recharge itself at top speed (with the right USB-C cable and wall charger), and it can pass power to another device while being recharged from a wall outlet. It only comes in one color, but it has enough capacity to fully charge most smartphones up to three times, as well as built-in USB-C and Lightning cables that are easy to slide in and out of their holsters.

If you’re traveling for leisure, try not to get too wrapped up in technology because you might miss what you’re actually there to do: experience a new place. OneBag’s Doug Dyment said in an interview, “Wearing headphones and staring at a screen is like putting a digital wall around yourself when you’re traveling. It makes you seem unapproachable and uninterested in what’s around you.” That may be a good thing if you do truly want to be left alone, but Dyment went on to say that some of his most memorable traveling experiences were the result of just looking lost and getting help from the locals. “One minute, you’re a lost foreigner in an unfamiliar village, then someone asks if you need directions. Before you know it, you’re eating dinner with his family.”

Travel binoculars

Athlon Optics Midas ED

The overall best binoculars.

Amazingly affordable with great optics, these binoculars have performance comparable with that of many models that cost thousands more.

Our top pick for binoculars is durable and great for near-home hikes. In hot or dusty environments that may call for a clearer optical boost, the Athlon Optics Midas ED 8×42 binoculars deliver top quality. Its focus dial offers a wide range of depths that makes it easier to see whatever it is you desire—birds, grass or darkened areas of the forest. Our recommendation comes with the assistance of a professional ornithologist who spent over 100 hours putting 17 pairs of binoculars to the test in the mountains of Southern California and the rain forests of southern Mexico.

Although the Celestron TrailSeeker ED binoculars don’t offer a clear edge-to-edge view to the same degree of the Athlon Optics Midas EDs , they’re a comparable runner-up model that’ll be lighter on your wallet if having binoculars while traveling is a must. The TrailSeekers are equipped with great light-gathering qualities, close focus, and impressive optical resolution. Or, if you’re concerned about saving space, we liked the Pentax AD 8x25 WP binoculars. While not quite as powerful as our other picks, this compact pair of binoculars is well made and easy to fit into a carry-on while traveling via plane.

Ebook reader

Amazon Kindle (2022)

The best e-reader for most people.

Amazon’s most affordable Kindle is also its most portable, and it’s finally been upgraded with sharper text on its 6-inch screen and support for USB-C charging. Those features bring it in line with much-pricier e-readers.

The entry-level Amazon Kindle finally got an upgrade and is now our favorite e-reader , with the same crisp display and USB-C charging as the pricier Kindle Paperwhite has (and with double the storage space of the previous entry-level model). Amazon’s well-stocked ebooks store remains its biggest selling point, along with the ease of checking out library books via Libby and sending them directly to a Kindle.

Even if you don’t have time for pleasure reading on your trip, it’s worth investing in a Kindle because many major travel guides are available in fully searchable ebook formats now. Furthermore, e-texts will also work on your phone, tablet, and computer, thanks to the Kindle ecosystem.

Packable daypack

Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Travel Day Pack

A pack that fits in your palm.

Toss this lightweight, phone-sized packable bag into your luggage or coat pocket, and you’ll never get caught without a spare bag again. If you need something to carry every day, though, we think you’ll prefer one of our more-structured picks.

Packing a stowable daypack, one that stuffs down to fit in your luggage when not in use, is a relatively small investment of space in exchange for a high return of function and flexibility. After researching dozens of packable daypacks across a spectrum of portability, features, and prices, and then packing, unpacking, loading, wearing, and drenching the top-rated finalists during multiple rounds of testing, the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Travel Day Pack is the smallest and lightest packable backpack we recommend. Packed up, it is very discreet: nearly the size of a keychain accessory.

The bag itself is a no-frills sack made from a paper-thin siliconized Cordura nylon, which means it’s very light and water-resistant. It has reinforced stitching at stress points, allowing the Ultra-Sil to carry more weight than you would expect. That said, since this pack is made of such thin, light material, carrying large or awkwardly shaped loads is somewhat uncomfortable, especially when compared with our more structured picks.

If comfort or waterproofing is important to you, check out the alternative picks in our review of packable daypacks for travel .

Field Notes 3-Pack Original Kraft Memo Books

For ultimate portability.

Field Notes are cheap but contain high-quality paper that earns praise from pen and stationery geeks across the web.

For writing your adventures as you travel, you can’t beat the portability, practicality, and romanticism of a pocket notebook. There’s nothing better in that category than Field Notes (three-packs available in a variety of styles and types ). These pocket-sized notebooks are widely praised for their excellent paper quality, and the Pen Addict’s Brad Dowdy tells me “Field Notes is pretty much the runaway pocket notebook champ.” Dowdy has praised it for the lack of feathering or bleedthrough with almost any pen, as well as for the light brown ruled lines, which are easier to write over than solid black. Austin Smith of Art Supply Critic told us in an email that his recommendation is “Field Notes has it, no question.” The Well-Appointed Desk has reviewed a slew of different Field Notes variants for those looking for something a bit more interesting.

Field Notes Expedition

A weather-resistant option.

Weather-resistant Expedition Field Notes are great if you’re writing in wet conditions, but don’t get them if you don’t need them. The synthetic paper feels weird and can cause some inks to smear.

If you think you’re going to be writing in foul weather, Field Notes also has the waterproof Expedition version with pages made from a synthetic water-and-tear resistant paper. You should only get these if you really need them, because otherwise, they just feel unnaturally slick and are more prone to smearing ink. At least one user has said that the paper shows less soaking through when wet than the similar Rite in the Rain books . The one caveat is that the synthetic paper will only work with pencils and certain inks ; thankfully, the Uni-ball Jetstream RT , our pick for best pen , definitely makes the grade.

Things can go wrong while you’re traveling, both where you are and where you’re not. Though you can’t prepare for every worst-case scenario, the peace of mind that a little bit of preparation grants will allow you to focus on what’s in front of you, instead of having to worry about what could go wrong. But preparation doesn’t simply mean buying more stuff just in case; it also means making efficient use of what you already have.

Merchant & Mills for Purl Soho Rapid Repair Kit

For the best combination of sewing tools.

The Merchant & Mills Rapid Repair Kit is the only travel kit we found that had objectively high-quality thread and scissors.

There’s nothing quite like a wardrobe malfunction to put a damper on vacation, especially when traveling with limited clothing. A good travel-size sewing kit allows you to mend a popped button or ripped seam on the fly—or even tackle more pressing issues like fixing a tent, sleeping bag, or backpack. After 15 hours of research, interviews with sewing teachers and avid home sewers, and tests of six travel and full-size kits, we found the Merchant & Mills for Purl Soho Rapid Repair Kit had by far the best tools and was the easiest to keep organized. Standard travel sewing kits usually contain mediocre thread and plastic-handled scissors that break easily. They can also be hard to keep organized (a truth we confirmed when testing six top-rated travel and full-sized kits). The Merchant & Mills set was the only one that had high-quality thread, all-metal mini scissors (don’t worry, the TSA shouldn’t stop you ), and a durable tin case (about the size of a deck of cards) to keep everything well organized.

Because the sewing pins are neatly stuck into paper inside a slim envelope and the three needles are housed in a mini glass vial, this kit also limits the risk of losing a sharp object in your bags. We found the Merchant & Mills needles easier to thread than others (no need for a fussy needle threader!) and we also like the vintage-looking safety pins that come clipped together along with two small white buttons. Although this kit only comes with black and white thread, the thread is strong and there’s more of it than you’d get in a flimsier set with shorter strands of multiple colors. We do think it would be nice if the kit included a more durable measuring tape than the paper one included, but overall everything about this kit is leagues ahead of anything else we considered. We didn’t find editorial reviews for any of the kits we tested, but the Merchant & Mills rapid repair kit was recommended by several sewing bloggers and is sold in many reputable indie fabric shops.

Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella

The best umbrella for most people.

This is a solidly built, easy-to-find umbrella that holds up in high winds. It also comes in a variety of colors.

price may vary by color or style

An umbrella you take traveling should be small, light, sturdy, and affordable. After putting in 66 hours of research and evaluating a total of 48 umbrellas across five rounds of testing (including one thunder-snowstorm), we found that the Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella is the best umbrella for most people. Its durable, nine-rib construction held up admirably against gale-force winds, and it’s as sturdy as umbrellas that sell for more than twice as much.

The Repel folds up to an 11½-inch long, 14-ounce package that fits easily into most bags and glove boxes. And it forcefully expands at a touch of a button to reveal an ample 37-inch-diameter canopy that protects your head and torso from precipitation in all but the windiest of conditions. Its lengthy, textured handle is easy to grip for hands of all sizes. We also appreciate that the Repel comes in a wide variety of colors, so it’s easier to pick yours out of a crowded umbrella bucket. Finally, despite its affordable price, it’s backed by a lifetime replacement guarantee, but only if you purchase directly from Repel and register the item under the company’s warranty.

Packing method for clothes

While packing cubes and other organization tools are helpful for maximizing your bag’s usable space, efficient packing is also achievable without the aid of tools and compartments. One Bag’s Doug Dyment tried all manners of folding aids and compression products but was unsatisfied with their claims of compression and wrinkle prevention. Frustrated, he developed his own method of packing clothes compactly called the Bundle Method, which he’s used and perfected over several decades of traveling.

The Bundle Method involves layering your shirts and pants at opposing angles on a flat surface, then wrapping them around a small “core” parcel (e.g. a packing cube full of underwear and socks). We won’t get into details, but Dyment does on his website ; you can watch this easy-to-follow video from NBC . The resulting bundle is compact and has no sharp creases that will require ironing out later on. Additionally, Dyment explains that “the slight tension created in the fabric by the wrapping process, along with the anchoring of the resulting bundle, greatly reduces the chances of wrinkling.” You then put it in your bag and use the tie-down straps to provide just enough pressure to keep it together.

While simple to perform, this packing method isn’t something you can master in one go. It takes a bit of practice, but once you get it, it’s like riding a bike. The downside is that you can’t just leave your clothing packed and expect to be able to access your underwear without fully unpacking your clothes first. But unpacking is a good habit to get into anyway, as it allows your clothes to breathe and avoid wrinkles or mildew. Wirecutter founder and frequent traveler Brian Lam says that unpacking the moment he enters a room has a grounding effect that allows him to feel a bit more at home in a new environment.

If this sounds like too much of a hassle for you, you can do what we did before we found out about bundling: roll up your socks and underwear tightly and place them in packing cubes, then put your wrinkle-prone items (shirts, pants, skirts, dresses, jackets) in a garment folder—we used the Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Garment Folder . This is also travel guru Rob King’s preferred method of packing. Though the garment folder is not quite as space-efficient as the bundle method due to the added bulk of the folder and folding board, the plastic backboard does go a long way towards preventing wrinkles. Just be aware that if you leave your clothes in there for longer than a day, they’ll begin to develop unsightly creases that require an iron to get rid of.

A big thank-you to the Hotel Lucia in downtown Portland, Oregon, for lending us a suite to use for the photos in this guide.

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

Meet your guide

Wirecutter Staff

Mentioned above

• There’s more to a great in-flight personal item than being small enough to stuff under a plane seat. Here’s how to choose the right one for your travel needs. The Best Underseat Luggage and Personal-Item Bags  
• The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is our backpack pick for most travelers. We also have picks for other travelers, including those who want to carry a bit more. The Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks  
• After 10 years of airport dashes and overhead-compartment stashes, the Travelpro Platinum Elite is still the suitcase we want to carry. The Best Carry-On Luggage  
• After researching 30 models, we found that Travelpro Platinum Elite 25″ Expandable Spinner is the best suitcase for most travelers who check bags. The Best Suitcases for Checking  
• We chose five luggage tags that will help you identify your belongings in a sea of similar suitcases. The Best Luggage Tags  
• After researching and traveling with packing cubes for more than five years, the Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set is what we keep in our luggage. The Best Packing Cubes  

Further reading

How to Sleep Well (or at Least Better) While Traveling

by Christine Ryan

Our sleep and travel editors recommend gear for coping with travel-induced insomnia, vetted through hours of testing and years of personal experience.

The Gadgets We Bring on Every Trip

by Haley Perry

You don't have to be a digital nomad to travel like one. Here are a few gadgets and accessories to make travel as painless as possible.

Road-Trip Essentials

by Eve O'Neill

We spend a lot of time driving each year, and this is our list of essential road-trip gear to include in your packing list.

Tools and Emergency Supplies to Keep in the Car for Winter Driving

by Rik Paul

Here are the essential—and nonessential—items to carry in your car during winter driving to ensure you get to your destination.

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Home » Gear » Packing The BEST Travel Clothes For Any Trip – UPDATED 2024

Packing The BEST Travel Clothes For Any Trip – UPDATED 2024

If you close your eyes and try to imagine what a traveler or backpacker looks like, what do you see? Is it a young, pale man dressed head to toe in khaki colored outdoor wear (or geography teacher chic) or is it a sun-kissed, dreadlocked hippy chick in elephant pants and strappy vest? Both of the above? None of the above?

Anyway, for a long time I also had a pretty narrow definition of traveler dress sense and kind of put backpackers into either the badly dressed or the barely dressed category. But, it really doesn’t need to be this way! Backpacker chic and travel clothes can actually be stylish and practical.

Choosing the right clothes to take travelling can actually be pretty tough. You need to make sure you have the right clobber to wear for all occasions but at the same time you want to try and pack as lightly as possible. And of course, more often than that the “normal person” clothes you wear in your day to day life back home simply won’t cut it. To be fair, you would be forgiven for thinking that you need to bear a whole new wardrobe or (at least suitcase) of threads before you hit the road.

Right then, let’s have a look and see if we can find the perfect travel clothes for your next trip!

Choosing The Right Travel Clothes

Ok, so, what are the best travel clothes? Well before we give you our list we want to give you some rational first!

There are a few golden rules to finding travel clothes to take on any trip.

The first thing is to try and find items of travel clothing that are versatile and can be worn in a variety of situations. For me, the best traveling clothes are those that perform multiple tasks in one!

Examples of this include the humble vest – it can be worn to the beach in all its glory, it can be worn under a shirt on a night on the tiles, and it can be used as a base layer when things get a bit nippy. Other examples are dark coloured, zip-to-shorts trekking pants – you can wear them to trek, they can *almost* pass for smart, and you can zip them down to shorts and show off your calves. You get the concept right?

The next tip is to pay attention to materials and fabrics . You may be forced to wear your items more than you usually would and washing them may be a struggle. Therefore, look for fabrics that are quick drying so you can cheekily wash them in a hurry, and also look for anti-odour technology in case you end up having to wear the same socks for days on end. Anti-crease fabrics that don’t need to be ironed are also pretty useful too.

Look for light, compact items as much as possible. Jeans will only roll up so much but linen pants will squeeze into even a backpacks side pocket. If you need to pack a winter jacket , then consider investing in a specialist item such as Rab Goose Down. They pack in some serious warmth but pack down so that it will even fit inside a daypack – of course, such hi-tech gear does come with a hefty price tag.

All The Travel Clothes You Will Ever Need

Now let’s get down to specifics. Use this post for ideas, inspiration and also a checklist to help you pack for your trip.

It’s worth keeping travel clothes with sustainability in mind, too. You probably already own some of these clothes but others, you may not.

So, let’s get into the action! Well, sort of, before we get into the list of the best travel clothes, let’s have a look at some bags first.

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Now, for just $30, get a lifetime membership that entitles you to 10% OFF on most items, access to their trade-in scheme and discount rentals .

Nomatic 40L Travel Pack

Firstly, all of these lovely new travel clothes you’re about to buy are gonna need a bag to live inside right? Maybe you already have your luggage sorted but if you don’t, then we recommend checking out the Nomatic Travel Pack.

With the Nomatic, You get loads of space with its roomy 40L interior plus plenty of smart pockets and compartments that let you pack in so much more than you would expect. There are separate compartments for tech accessories, shoes, a water bottle, underwear and socks. Oh, it also comes with a hanging mesh laundry basket to keep your dirty travel clothes away from the rest of your contents.

The team really love these Nomatic bags and have found them to be super comfortable and offer a great amount of room for how compact they feel. The 40l of storage offered them a sweet spot between being able to fit in everything needed for a backpacking trip whilst still being small enough for carry-on travel. They also love the robust material as well as the levels or internal organisation.

If you want to know, you can read our Nomatic Travel Pack review or instead just check it out on the Nomatic site.

Osprey Daylite

Whilst the Nomatic is the ideal luggage option, it is way too big to use as a daypack. The Osprey Daylite on the other hand, is perhaps the perfect daypack. At 18 liters, it’s the perfect size for trips to the beach, city tours or day hikes mixing decent storage capacity with lightness.

There are plenty of internal pockets and pouches designed to hold keys, phones or even cigarettes as well as a quick access side pocket for water bottles. At $65, it’s a bit of a bargain and comes with the Osprey All Mighty Guarantee.

Aesthetically, the daylite is also pretty easy on the eye and can be worn in both outdoor and urban settings. 

For the team members wanting a versatile and comfortable bag for everyday use, the Daylite offered the perfect solution. They love that this bag is lightweight, looks cool and offers something that works well for city travel as well as hiking. They also felt it was a great size for packing in day to day essentials without getting too heavy and the panelling on the shoulders and back are great for warm weather conditions.

Kodiak Leather Purse

This one is primarily for the ladies (although no one’s judging anybody here) who want a decent travel purse. Made from lush leather, this beautiful, stylish day purse is another high quality bag from Kodiak who have become one of our favorite brands of late.

This purse is ideal to use as an airport bag and will fit your passport and travel documents perfectly. It’s also great to use as a dressed-up bag to take on nights out whether it’s a slap-up meal, cocktails or a full-blown beach party.

Of course, this is not really that useful as a daypack if you’re going hiking or if you have a lot of stuff to carry. However, the trick to successful travel packing is to pack plenty of practical items and a few luxury items for “best” use.

Many of our team love to keep their most valuable items close by, especially when transiting. Having an additional purse means things like passports, wallets and even hard drives and compact cameras can be kept on the body whilst on a night bus or plane ride. They also love that this doubles as a going out back ticking that all-important box of versatility!

When packing travel clothes, our tip is to bring vests, vests and more vests. Vests are such a wonderfully versatile item – you can wear them in all their glory (and show those guns off), “dress them up” by putting an open shirt over them or you simply use them as a base layer in case of cold nights. Oh, and they are ideal for sleeping in!

You can get vests pretty much anyway. Most high-street fashion chains offer vests for around $10 per pop or even x 2 for $12. Or, you can buy nice, pretty ones with art prints or psychedelic designs on them.

I usually make sure I bring at least one specialist outdoor vest made from breathable, quick-drying, odour-resistant fabric too.

What can I say, our team are a sexy bunch and they love to get those guns out! Who can blame them?

Technical T-Shirts

You already have t-shirts right? I don’t need to tell you why these are necessary or where to buy them. All I will say is avoid heavy fabrics and avoid t-shirts that are tight otherwise you will sweat your armpits off the very minute you step out of the plane.

One tip is to bring at least one sports-style t-shirt whether it’s a football (soccer) shirt or a trekking t-shirt. These are useful as they tend to be breathable and quick drying. This one from Black Diamond is a great example of one of the best travel tops on the market.

Our team really loves these shirts because firstly, they weigh so much less than traditional cotton t-shirts meaning the save on weight. But they also find that they are much more versatile for backpacking trips as they work well for both time spent exploring a new city and hiking in sweaty conditions. The shirts are also good to use a baselayer with a thicker t-shirt for when extra warmth is required and it’s something our team does often.

I usually travel with 1 or 2 shirts, they are definitely good travel clothes for any type of trip. They are a great versatile item as they can be dressed up or dressed down – you can wear them to go for cocktails or to hit the beach. Ideally, try to choose shirts made from light materials and try to choose shirts that look good both buttoned up, and unbuttoned over a vest – this offers you some variety.

I usually make a point of wearing a shirt whenever I go to the airport or have any kind of encounter with authority; looking presentable just seems to make them look a bit more favourably on you.

Another tip is to pick up at least one technical, breathable, quick-drying shirt as these come in useful for jungle treks.

As we’ve mentioned above, our team are all about versatility and they just love the many varied uses shirts have. They often tend to prefer long sleeve tops for hiking through jungles and other bug-infested environments and when combined with a technical t-shirt above it gives them a mega adaptable clothing set up.

Tactical Pants

Choosing the right legwear to pack for travels can be quite tough. In my normal life, I usually live in jeans and yet they are often just not suitable to take on my travels. Firstly, denim jeans tend to feel a bit sweaty once the temperature passes 20 degrees (Celsius) and then of course, if you wear jeans to go on a hike they can seriously chafe.

This is where tactical, trekking pants come in. They are made from breathable fabrics, tend to be a bit looser in the fit and are therefore perfect for wearing in weather climes. The downside is that they can look a bit nerdy and you may end up feeling out of place in cosmopolitan cities. The trick is to shop around until you find a pair that mixes practicality with a style you are happy with.

Bonus points if you can find a pair that zip off into shorts – it’s like a 2 for 1! There are loads of different brands out there making travel and trekking pants but to get you started, check these out from REI.

Zip-offs might not be the sexiest piece of gear, but our team swear by them. Again, versatility is the name of the game and when hiking in jungles full of god knows what, ya’ll want to protect your legs! Then again, at the end of said hike when you end up on the beach and want to soak your beaten feet, zip those bad boys off and enjoy. Boom! Whose sexy now!?

Shorts – Multiple Pairs

For some strange reason I used to be embarrassed to wear shorts which is weird as my hairy legs are a thing of beauty. Anyway, I am over that hang up now and tend to wear shorts most days when I go traveling.

I recommend bringing several pairs of shorts with you. If you have space in your luggage, then go for a pair of “beach”/Bermuda shorts, some more stylish denim/chino shorts as well as a pair of tactical/military cargo shorts with loads of pockets – these are great for trekking, cycling and general adventuring.

If you need some advice on choosing the perfect cargo-style shorts, then start with these from REI. They are water resistant, quick drying and have plenty of pockets making them ideal for backpacking and traveling.

Our team love a good pair of shorts it has to be said. Most of us spend a lot of time in hot weather climates so they’re our day-to-day wear. Our team in particular love these cargo shorts because not only are they below the knee (great for temples etc) but they offer increased functionality when it comes to carrying accessories without the need for a bag.

Harem Pants

Perhaps the quintessential backpacker item, you can’t NOT own a pair of harem pants if you are serious about backpacking! These are great to wear on those hot, tropical nights, for lounging around your hostel and yes, for Yoga class. 

Yes, they are cool travel clothes. However, my advice is NOT to wear them to the airport, when getting visa extensions or for any other encounter with authority – on these occasions, always make some effort to dress a bit smarter.

You can generally find harem pants everywhere in Thailand, India or Ibiza. Or you can check out this rather delectable pair from One Tribe at Amazon.

Fun fact, every single member of our team who has visited Thailand has been spotted walking down Khao San Road in a pair of these bad boys … even if they deny it!

Looking for a way to keep your pants up and keep your money safe?! Well let me introduce to you the money belt!

Money belts are a traveler’s best friend. They are quite simply belts with a hidden pouch where you can discreetly stash bank notes. Travellers are sometimes the targets of both pickpockets and violent muggers and many a wallet has been lost to the ne’er do wells of backpackistan.

Our team never leaves the house without one of these strapped around their waist! They have really gotten them out of some sticky situations in the past when having a hidden, or most commonly, forgotten about until the point of desperation, 100-dollar bill is a life saver!

Protect your cash by investing in this epic money belt .

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Rab Lightweight Down Jacket

No matter where in the world you are going, you will need some kind of jacket. Even if you are headed out to the tropics, it can still get cool at night and seriously frigid if you climb any mountains. At the very least, it will be useful to have a jacket with you when you arrive back home in Seattle/London/Paris on a cold morning.

The kind of jacket you need will depend on where you are going and when. This Down Jacket by Rab is excellent for fending off cold temperatures. Goose down is like magic and will keep you body warm and cosy even in near freezing temperatures. As such, this jacket is ideal for traveling in spring, autumn or if you are headed to the mountains.

It also packs down to a fraction of its size meaning it will sit quietly in your luggage and hardly take up any room at all.

It does have a hood and offers some water resistance in case of rain. However, if you need a proper, full on rain jacket, check out our next suggestion.

Our team always carry a lightweight and compact down jacket on any backpacking trip, even to Southeast Asia! They swear by this Rab jacket as it seems to hit the sweet spot between offering a good level of warmth, especially when layered, whilst being super packable.

Arc’teryx Beta Lt Jacket

When it rains in the tropics, it really rains. Whether you are traveling around India in monsoon, or simply get unlucky in Ecuador, it usually pays to have a proper, waterproof jacket with you when you hit the road.

We have tried a fuck ton of water proof jackets over the years and this is by far the best one we have tried. The Arc’teryx Beta weighs just 300 g / 10.6 oz, making it one of the lightest pieces of performance clothing in your backpack – it packs down to the size of a large grapefruit and definitely weighs less than one. It’s fully waterproof and will withstand a hell of a beating from the rain gods whilst you stay dry. 

Arc’teryx gear is also some of the most stylish gear in the outdoor space. It is also, amongst the most expensive gear in the outdoor space too.

Again, the team never leaves the house without a good waterproof jacket and no matter where their trips take them. They’ve tried a bunch of different jackets out over the years but feel the quality of the Arc’teryx Beta combined with its unbeatable weight makes it a winner for backpacking.

Converse All Stars

Choosing the right footwear to pack for your travels is not always straightforward. Shoes are kind of a bulky item in your luggage so you want to bring as few pairs as possible but you also need footwear for a whole number of situations. Whilst many backpackers tend to spend a lot of time wearing flip-flops (thongs) these are most definitely not appropriate for all occasions.

Converse All Stars, are a bit of a multi-tool kind of footwear. You can wear them for a night on the town and you can do moderate difficulty treks with them. Because they are made from light canvas material, they are breathable enough to wear even in tropical climes so your feet won’t get too sweaty.

Whether you go for the hi-tops or the regular pump style is a matter of preference – both are good.

Our team love Converse in particular because the canvas upper of the shoe is easily folded over so it takes up hardly any room in their bags. They also like that converse can be worn for everyday travelling but can also look decent enough for a night out too.

Salomon X Ultra 3 Low Aero Shoes

If you intend on doing some proper trekking or heading to the mountains, then you need to think about bringing some proper technical footwear. Walking boots are (literally) made for walking but they are not always ideal for backpacking as they are big and chunky and can eat up precious room in your luggage. 

Fortunately, these Saloman X walking and hiking shoes offer much of the support and protection of walking boots but are a bit smaller and lighter meaning they will snuggle nicely in your backpack.

For the team they always try to travel with a good pair of walking shoes (not boots) on their trips. This means that they are always prepared should they want to go on a hike. They love the Saloman X in particular as they are light and comfortable to wear walking around a city day to day too and don’t make their backpacks too heavy.

Sandals or OluKai ‘Ohana Flip-Flops

Sandals and flip flops are the preferred travel footwear of many backpackers. They are cheap, airy and easy to kick off when you hit the beach making them the obvious choice for many. They also slot into backpacks very easily taking up hardly any space whatsoever.

However, thongs are not suitable for all occasions. Remember that they offer no protection for your feet and many travelers have stubbed or broken their toes on uneven pavements whilst wearing them. Also, if you wear thongs to ride a motorbike or scooter, please be extra careful where you put your feet.

If you’re wanting a good mix between lightweight and durable, we would suggest you check out Vivobarefoot’s line of boots and shoes . They do a great job of freeing up your feet and being relatively breathable, so if you’re not too keen on sandals, they might be a good option for you.

My advice is to bring a good pair of shoes or sneakers and wear flip-flops only for the beach. You can find flip flops pretty much everywhere but if you want a good pair that won’t fall to pieces after a week, then check out this pair by Olu’kai.

Standard flip flops might be the backpacker sandal of choice, but our team prefer the extra support these offer with their cross-over strapping and adjustable back. It means that if they’re out and about and the terrain does turn a little more challenging, then they can simply summon their inner mountain goat and crack on!

Laundry Wash Bag

At some point your travel clothes will get smelly and dirty. When this happens, try to avoid storing them with your clean clothes as the odours will spread. The solution is simple enough, pack a travel laundry bag – you throw your dirty stuff in it and when it’s full, you take it to the laundry.

You may even want to consider buying a travel wash bag – a water tight, rubber laundry bag which you use to actually wash your clothes inside simply by adding detergent and shaking it about. Obviously the standard of washing you get isn’t the same as what you get from a machine, but it is quick, cheap and very ecological.

Over the years we have sampled many laundry bags and wash bags and this one by Scrubba has become our favourite.

It might seem like a simple enough thing, but you’d be surprised how many laundry bags our team have been through before settling on this one! Others on the market rip easily, get stinky themselves or leak their stank right through their porous material! This bag on the other hand not only solves those issues but offers a great place to actually wash your undies too!

Odour Resistant Underwear

Never leave home without good travel underwear . Socks and underpants are the foundations upon which all empires are built and I suggest bringing at least one full week’s supply of underwear with you.

When you’re traveling, underwear tends to get seriously sweaty and you may even sometimes be forced to live in it for days on end. To countenance the sheer griminess, bag yourself some breathable, odour-resistant underwear.

Now we’re talking! The team are big fans of these keks and they wouldn’t go anywhere without them! So, next time you look at a picture of one of us… well, use your imagination! Once they switched from plain old cotton to these technical undies, they’ve never looked back!

Sunglasses by Abaco

So yes Sunglasses can be picked up for a couple of dollars on pretty much every roadside in Southeast Asia. However, these are almost always low-quality items that offer no protection from the sun, can actually cause eyesight problems and more often than not will break within a week or so.

Instead, we suggest picking up a pair of lovely travel sunglasses by Abaco Polarized. They offer proper UV protection , are reliably built and they look stylish as hell.

The team felt these glasses hit the right balance between being stylish, protective and not overly expensive too. They are also super durable too which for our clumsy gang is a real bonus!

Now, you  could spend a fat chunk of $$$ on the WRONG present for someone. Wrong size hiking boots, wrong fit backpack, wrong shape sleeping bag… As any adventurer will tell you, gear is a personal choice.

So give the adventurer in your life the gift of convenience: buy them an REI Co-op gift card!  REI is The Broke Backpacker’s retailer of choice for ALL things outdoors, and an REI gift card is the perfect present you can buy from them. And then you won’t have to keep the receipt. 😉

How We Tested The Best Travel Clothes

There is no perfect or exact science when it comes to testing out travel and outdoor gear. When it comes to the best travel clothes, however, we’ve got heaps of experience over the years with various different bits of gear on various trips.

Of course, the best clothing for travel is a subjective matter, but we’ve tried a lot of shiz out, so we think we’re well equipt to give you a few pointers! In terms of testing, we were sure to give each item a proper test drive and pay close attention to things like seam stitching, quality of materials, breathability, weight, packability, comfort, fit and of course style!

We also looked at how well each piece of gear fulfils its primary purpose. For example, so if we’re testing out a waterproof jacket, then we’re going to be rating it on how well it keeps out the rain! You get the idea! Finally, we looked at the cost of each item. More expensive gear was treated more harshly than cheaper items that were given a few more passes.

FAQ about the Best Travel Clothes

Still have some questions about the best clothing for travel? No problem! We’ve listed and answered the most commonly asked questions below. Here’s what people usually want to know:

What clothing is considered comfortable for travel?

Breathable, loose fitting clothes are ideal for travel, unless you’re in cold regions. Then having warm clothes and multiple layers is a must.

How do I find the right travel clothes?

Keep these key features in mind: 1. Versatility 2. Material 3. Fit 4. Price

How can you wash your clothes while travelling?

Consider purchasing a Laundry Wash Bag – a water tight, rubber laundry bag which you use to actually wash your clothes inside simply by adding detergent and shaking it about.

How do you look chic when traveling?

Before you start travelling, look for clothes that are versatile. Having a sleek black pair of hiking chinos can also be worn to a city event. Think: plain colors, good fit and hidden functionality.

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Final Thoughts on Travel Clothes

Well that’s all for now. We hope that by now you have some idea of what travel clothes to take on your next trip. Did you find this guide useful? Did we perhaps miss anything? Let us know in the comments below.

See you on the road… hopefully sporting some great travel clothes!

Want a more specific guide? Have a look at our dedicated backpacking packing list next!

Aiden Freeborn

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Essential Travel Clothing Brands: The Female Globetrotter’s Guide

FASHION , Travel Clothing

Support TFG by using the links in our articles to shop. We receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) so we can continue to create helpful free content. We earn from qualifying purchases made to the featured retailers. Thank you, we appreciate your support!

Stylish travel clothing is hard to find, but these companies do a great job of combining practicality and femininity too. Whether you’re an avid globetrotter or a newbie nomad this is our essential list of the best travel clothing brands for women!

Best Travel Clothing Brands

Table of contents.

Confession: I overpacked all the wrong clothes for 5 years before I finally started traveling carryon only on my long term travels .

I saw other travelers, predominantly male travelers, traveling around the world in a small little backpack, and I was envious of them – they seemed to move so freely without a bunch of baggage. I wanted to be like them. Traveling light.

However, my situation was the exact opposite. I was traveling with way too much stuff and somehow I never felt prepared for the destinations I was visiting. Based on limited packing advice online at the time, I chose clothing that was either too technical, low quality and consequently not practical for long term travels, or just not my style at all. To sum it up, I didn’t feel like my best self.

If you also feel unprepared while traveling, check out my guide to stop overpacking .

The Eddie Bauer Departure Shirt is lightweight and moisture-wicking, perfect for travel! Paired with Rebecca Minkoff Backpack and Taos Star Sneakers

In 2011, I set off on a mission to figure out how to choose the best travel clothing without sacrificing my personal style or skimping out on functionality. One year later Travel Fashion Girl was born. The idea was to show female travelers how they could be fully prepared on their travel while also feeling good about their clothes, too.

I made it my personal goal to start packing smarter, traveling lighter, and to bring the right things for my trips.

I eventually discovered that the secret to packing the right clothes for a trip was to choose things that were practical but things that also made me feel good about myself. The ideal trifecta for travel clothes are items that feature form, function, and fashion, too. While the majority of time you don’t need specialty “technical, utilitarian clothing”, travel and outdoor brands do offer so much functionality when traveling. Their fabrics tend to be lightweight, breathable, packable, wrinkle resistant, quick-drying, and so much more than your average garment.

Unfortunately, many times the designs leave alot to be desired for. They can be masculine, childish, or unattractive. The solution is to look for regular garments with technical features and combine those items with a few of the most fashionable travel clothing options available.

What are the best travel clothing brands?

Eddie bauer.

• Toad and Co.

Chico’s

• Eileen Fisher

Non-Travel Clothing Companies that Are Amazing for Travel

Anthropologie.

While stylish easy care travel clothes can be hard to find, I’ve found several companies that do a great job of combining practicality and femininity. Here’s my list of the best travel clothing brands for women:

Shop Eddie Bauer Departure Ankle Pants: Sizes XS-XXL  |  Petite S-L  |  Tall M-XXL  |  Plus 2X-3X

21As I started researching hiking clothing for my various trips to national parks over the past year, I discovered Eddie Bauer , and this brand has quickly become some of the best travel clothes for women . I like many of their items for travel and every day, and so do our readers!

Readers have continually bought up the Departure Pants , which were a big hit during Amazon Prime Day! They’re lightweight, don’t retain moisture, have UPF protection, and a hidden pocket. The definition of perfect travel pants! 

Consider checking out the Departure Travel Clothing Collection , which includes the Departure Blazer , another TFG fave that works as a summer jacket with some polish. Or their ultra-lightweight and breathable summer dresses are a huge hit, such as their famous Departure Dress Collection .

Find out why TFG readers constantly choose Eddie Bauer shirts for travel in this review !

Eddie Bauer Ripstop Shirt worn with the best-selling Wallaroo Victoria Sun Hat  

I became a fan of their button-down tops immediately, including the Ripstop Shirt and the Departure 2.0 Long Sleeve . They’re both versatile enough to be paired with denim shorts , worn as a beach cover-up, and tucked into my favorite jeans.  They also have cute outerwear like my Charly Waterproof Rain Jacket (highly recommend!) 

Eddie Bauer often has awesome sales, and they also offer a range of clothing sizes, including regular, tall, petite, and plus sizes.

Read this review to learn why we and our readers rave about Eddie Bauer’s waterproof jackets, particularly the Charly Jacket.

Shop Quince Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater: Sizes XS-XL | 1X-3X

One of the top reader-favorite travel brands for key staples like pants, sweaters, and jackets is Quince . While they offer tons of great pieces, there are definitely a few faves that readers consistently rave about and recommend . Overall, they’re a leader in high-quality yet affordable women’s travel clothes that are washable and often wrinkle-resistant!

The most popular seller by far is the Quince Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater , which is super soft and versatile but still lightweight for fall and winter trips. Another reader fave is the Mongolian Cashmere Tee . Not only is it warm enough for layering, but it’s perfect to wear year-round. If you love cashmere as much as the readers do, review the full Quince Cashmere Collection .

Shop Quince Ultra Stretch Ponte Pants: Sizes  XS-XL | 1X-3X

Readers absolutely love their Ultra Stretch Ponte Pants to death! They’re stylish but extremely comfortable, with the look of classic trousers and the feel of yoga pants! The four-way stretch and soft fabric make them a dream to wear. They can be worn with virtually any top and look great with flats , sneakers , and ankle boots .

Quince even has jackets, such as the lightweight but warm Down Puffer Jacket , which goes with so many pieces! It can be worn with jeans ,  leggings , fleece-lined leggings , or even over your favorite travel dress . This jacket works in temperatures as low as 32° F. It’s a perfect go-to for airplane outfits, as well!

Their Washable Silk Blouse is another popular pick that readers love for its crisp and polished look that’s super low-maintenance. It’s deliciously soft and flattering and comes in a wide range of colors. Check out their entire collection of Washable Silk Clothing that is easy to take care of when traveling and includes skirts, dresses, pajamas, and more!

Shop Sizes XS-3X: Wool& Axis Leggings

The merino wool brand Wool& is becoming a fast reader favorite due to their breathable, comfortable travel clothes that span everything from basics like tees and leggings to dresses and pajamas ! 

The Addison Turtleneck is prime to snuggle up in as winter looms, and you can even layer with the popular Morgan V-Neck Tee .

Shop Sizes XS-3X: Wool& Morgan Merino Wool V Neck T Shirt

The Axis Leggings and Sloan Top are loved by readers for their cozy warmth and versatility. These thermals are made from merino wool, so they’re soft, moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and temperature-regulating to keep you warm on freezing winter days.

And if you want even more cold-oriented clothing, the Aspen Hoodie and Wool& bestseller, the Everett Tunic , look absolutely inviting to wear by a roaring fire. And we can’t forget the ever-popular Maggie Dress , which is a short-sleeve number that can be a standalone dress or even a beach cover-up .

Shop Sizes XS-XL: Icebreaker Merino Tech Lite II Short Sleeve T-Shirt

Icebreaker is a traveler and reader favorite for merino wool base layers , but this brand has other merino clothing (for both men and women), such as jackets, dresses, t-shirts, and even underwear! 

If you’re traveling in cold weather, thermals are the secret to packing light and Icebreaker offers some of the best ! (Trust me, I keep buying less expensive brands then I end up spending more money because I always come back to Icebreaker.) Specifically, merino wool is a miracle fabric for winter because it’s moisture-wicking and odor-resistant to keep things fresh but also breathable.  

The most popular Icebreaker thermal bottoms are the Oasis Thermal Leggings and the Oasis Thermal Top , which can be layered underneath your winter clothing.

Icebreaker Tee, Outdoor Research Sun Cap, and Ray Ban Sunglasses

I also love their classic Icebreaker Tee , which can be worn casually to hike and camp or even tucked into a skirt and dressed up with jewelry and cute sandals.

Many female travelers also recommend dresses such as the Yanni T-Shirt or Tank Dress . Their price points are high but for the minimalist adventurer, these are a must! 

ibex Women’s Wool Aire Down Jacket  | Sizes from XS-XL

A second merino wool favorite is ibex . They not only have great base layers for winter travel but also sell other popular items like hoodies , tank tops , and tees.  

For top merino wool base layers, Woolies 2   is awesome for every kind of traveler! The Woolies Thermal Tops and Thermal Bottoms are reader favorites. They’re super lightweight while offering that necessary insulation.

Their Sweatpants Joggers are also cozy due to the merino wool terry cloth fabric and will keep you dry as these won’t trap moisture, so great for flights or staying cozy in your hotel room!

Wearing  ibex Wool Aire Down Jacket ,  Bernardo Hooded Jacket  paired with  Zella Leggings  and  UGG Lorna Boots

The  ibex packable down jacket  is a new find I’ve fallen in love with. I was shocked at how warm I was in this jacket despite how thin and lightweight it is.

I’ve worn it in temperatures ranging from 25F – 40F and layered it only over a J Crew Tee and separately just over a merino wool thermal. I’m so impressed that I now take it with me everywhere whenever I need extra layers!

Shop Sizes XS-3X: Amazon | Columbia

Columbia makes popular travel wear for women who love the outdoors. They offer easy-care clothing that is functional, light, wrinkle-resistant, and quick dry. As a bonus, this brand has affordable pricing and a wide variety of sizes, such as regular, petite, tall, and plus.

TFGs particularly love their extensive selection of travel pants, including the Columbia Saturday Trail Straight Leg Pant and the bestselling Arcadia Rain Jacket . Our readers are also big fans of their easy-to-wear dresses, especially the Freezer Dress Collection , available in a range of lengths.

Columbia Carson Pass 2 Waterproof Winter Jacket

I like Columbia for their insanely warm yet affordable outerwear options. If I’m traveling in the winter, I want to stay dry and warm so I can spend all-day sightseeing regardless of the elements. The Carson Pass 2 Waterproof Coat is one of my all-time favorite winter jackets for home and travel. Read my full review of this jacket!

Shop Athleta:  Regular 00-26  |  Tall 00-16  |  Petite 00-14

Though Athleta is known for athleisure clothing, readers say they actually offer travel clothes women love for travel, and rave about a numbe of stylish and functional pieces! 

For instance, TFGs highly recommend the Athleta Brooklyn Pants . They’re cute, comfy, and stretchy in all the right places and the ribbed waistband moves with you. And with several pockets, you can stash small essentials for a flight or a day of sightseeing. 

Shop Sizes XXS-3X: Athleta Santorini Midi Dress

Many readers also recommend the Santorini Midi Dress , saying it’s a dream for trekking around in the blistering heat while staying cool, dry, and fashionable!

The Athleta Stellar Leggings are also a reader’s top fave, made from a luxurious Italian fabric that is designed for movement, yet they have a flexible fit and feel smooth, and look flattering.

Shop Sizes XS-3X: Quilted Quarter-Zip Pullover

A brand that makes reliable travel apparel is L.L Bean . They offer solid basics and standard, petite, tall, and plus sizing options.

If you plan on camping or glamping this summer, take the Quilted Quarter-Zip Pullover to stay warm, and also pack the  L.L Bean Linen Shirt as a comfy and airy choice. Readers also rave about their Tropic Wear Quick Drying Pants that are excellent for hiking excursions or a backpacking trip, and readers say they pack easily.

Shop Sizes XS-3X:  Short-Sleeve Crewneck Pima Cotton Tee

The L.L. Bean Pima Tee is travel-ready and a huge seller! Made of Supima® cotton wrinkle-resistant fabric, it’s a comfortable and sustainable shirt that also dries quickly. It’s perfect for layering on chillier days.

If you’re looking for layering items, the Silk Long John Top and Bottoms are popular for their comfortable feel, weightless warmth, and wide size range. Terrific to stay warm for a wintry trip!

Shop Betabrand:  Sizes XS-3X  |  Petite XS-3X  |  Short Petite XS-3X  |  Long S-3X

Betabrand is best known for their Dressy Yoga Pants , which look polished but feel as comfortable as yoga pants! While the fabric is thicker than most traditional travel clothes, it’s their durability and versatility that make Betabrand pants a good option for travel. 

In addition, their Canopy Dress is also popular for female travelers looking for longer hemlines, wrinkle-resistant fabrics, and a classic cut you can wear anywhere!  Betabrand has a vast size selection, including XS-3X Plus and their paints offer four inseam choices: regular, short petite, petite, and tall.

Shop Sizes Petite-Maxi: The Chrysalis Cardi Convertible Dress

Encircled is a Canadian company that specializes in sustainable, stylish, and packable travel clothes that are versatile for everyday wear as well. You probably know them for their popular Chrysalis Cardi , a garment that can create 8 different looks, such as a skirt, dress, cardigan, or wrap. Talk about reducing how much you pack!

Read my Chrysalis Cardi Dress review !

The Chrysalis Cardi with Comfort Sandals (similar)

Some of their other bestselling pieces are their Dressy Sweatpant Jogger , Evolve Top , and the Long Sleeve Revolve Dress .

Their travel clothing line has expanded to include shirts, blouses, pants, jumpsuits, skirts, jackets, and more!

Shop Sizes XS-XL:  Toad&Co  | Zappos

Toad & Co.

For some of the best travel clothing for women , Toad & Co. offers casual basics and vacation-ready dresses in breathable fabrics that are oh-so-comfortable.

The stylish Toad&Co Taj Hemp Pants have UPF 25+ for ultimate sun protection, so you won’t need to overdo the sunscreen. And they’re moisture-wicking and dry quickly in the heat, all hallmarks of travel pants worth packing.

Toad and Co. Sunkissed Dress: Toad&Co | Amazon  in Sizes S-XL

I’ve worn the Toad&Co UPF sun protection dress .  The lightweight fabric is water-friendly, quick-drying, and moisture-wicking, plus it is UPF 40 protective. It’s made from recycled polyester and waterless dyes, so you can rest assured you’re doing your bit for the planet.

If you prefer a shorter length, the lovely Cue Short Sleeve Dress features cap sleeves, a tie at the waist, and a flowy skirt, making it a stylish and versatile option that still gives you the practicality you’re looking for in a breathable dress. Their clothes ae endlessly unique but accessible for travel!

Their clothing is also available on Amazon !

Shop Sizes 00-18 Petite, Short and Tall: Amazon | Prana

prAna was first introduced as yoga wear, but it has since expanded into a line of comfy women travel clothes that come in a range of sizing, inseams, and moderate price points. 

Their best selling Halle Travel Pants   are endlessly stretchy, durable, and versatile for more activity or dressing up for dinner. If you’re looing for a pair of convertible hiking pants, try their popular Monarch pants . Here’s a full review of why these are great for outdoor excursions!

Shop Sizes XS-XL: Jewel Lake Dress

Another highly touted item that readers love are prAna’s ultra-cute yet practical travel dresses , like the Jewel Lake dress ! It features a comfortable high neck with criss-cross straps in the back, and the bust features an interior shelf bra with mesh lining.

So it makes sense they also make some of the greatest t-shirts, including their popular Foundation Short Sleeve V Neck Top .

Shop Sizes XS-XXL: Chico’s No Tummy Pants

Chico’s is a new favorite for their classic, versatile clothing. This brand has a dedicated Travelers Collection , with no-wrinkle, easy-to-pack fabrics. Some faves are the  Travelers Classic No Tummy Pants , which have a pull-on, elastic waist for an easy-chic look, and the Classic Short Sleeve Maxi Dress that’s stylish and super versatile, and looks fab with white sneakers or sandals .

Shop Sizes XS-XL: Chico’s Eyelet Tank Tops

Chico’s Tank Tops are also popular and ideal for layering; they’re versatle and soft to the touch. Chico’s also has a No Iron Shirt Collection , so you can wear a blouse right out of your suitcase without annoying wrinkles to contend with! 

If you want clean lines and a more sophisticated look, this travel clothing brand is highly recommended! 

Shop Sizes PP-3X:  Eileen Fisher

Eileen Fisher 

Eileen Fisher  has been a long time favorite of the TFG readers, particularly those that are looking for functional yet elegant basics in longer lengths and wider designs. While I didn’t own any of the brand’s clothing despite how much the readers raved about them for travel, I finally got hooked when I bought their linen tunic shirts on sale!

Eileen Fisher Linen Shirt with Wallaroo Sun Hat  

Like the Eddie Bauer button-down mentioned before, I discovered this Eileen Fisher linen dress and fell in love with it for hot and humid destinations! It’s SO versatile and chic, and the best part, the linen keeps me nice and cool. I wear it as a blouse tucked into my denim, worn as a tunic over jeans or leggings, and as a beach cover-up dress .

Shop Sizes XS-XL: REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie 

REI is a wonderful source for adventure travelers to stock up on comfortable clothing that’s durable and lightweight, but overall, this retailer is fantastic for general travel gear—be it clothes, shoes, or backpacks .

A true hiking staple, the REI Co-op Sahara T-shirt wicks sweat, dries quickly, and shades you with solid UPF 30 sun protection. While the REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie  is built for the trail with a tech-tee-like knit that wicks moisture and provides shade.

REI is a wonderful source for adventure travelers to stock up on comfortable clothing that moves as you do, but overall, it’s just a fantastic option to grab general gear for travel, be it clothes, shoes, or backpacks .

Shop Sizes 0-26W: REI Co-op Sahara convertible Pants

If you love rushing streams and tricky switchbacks, then REI Co-op Sahara convertible Pants are ideal. They even convert into shorts easily while on the trail! For airflow and freedom of movement, it’s hard to beat a dress—especially one designed for hiking, like the cool, stretchy, multi-pocketed REI Co-op Sahara dress .

Shop Sizes XS-XXL: Uniqlo

This Japanese brand is especially noteworthy for their AIRism and HeatTECH collections, which are available at a low price point. AIRism fabric is light, breathable, and quick-drying. Their tanks, camis, and tees are the perfect absorbent, anti-odor underlayer.

They take up almost no space, are easy to hand-wash, and dry quickly. There are also AIRism bras, panties, and leggings. HEATTECH innerwear has heat-retaining properties and is great to wear as a base layer in cold climates. 

One of TFG’s writers likes wearing her HEATTECH tights under jeans during winter travel, and another loves their lighter layers. Read her review here !

Shop Sizes XS-3X Regular, Petite & Tall :  Spanx

Spanx is previously known for shapewear, but they’ve since expanded into clothing that’s functional, fashionable, and flattering!  

Readers particularly love their comfortable, lightweight pants, specifically the AirEssentials Wide Leg Pants , which are perfect for traveling in a car, plane, or train. Feel free to check out the entire AirEssentials Collection , especially the stretchy and cute AirEssentials Jumpsuit , which is an all-in-one outfit for travel!

In addition to AirEssentials, we can’t forget the Perfect Pants , which are more polished but still have their famous stretch and comfort. The entire Perfect Collection is ideal for those wanting to travel to Europe due to its sophisticated, simple pieces or for frequent business travelers or remote workers.

Shop Sizes XS-3X: Spanx Faux Leather Leggings

Other popular traveling pants styles are the Spanx Faux Leather Leggings . While leggings are not as in style as they used to be, they’re still popular for travel overall. I love their faux leather leggings because they’re comfy yet stylish and versatile—able to be worn dressed down or up. I wear them as a part of a plane outfit, all the way to sightseeing or dinner out. Here’s my full review of them!

In addition to travel apparel brands, there are certain regular brands that are absolutely amazing for travel, too.

Shop Sizes XXXS-3X:  J.Crew Eloise Travel Blazer

If you want chic women’s travel clothes for Europe , TFG readers recommend J. Crew’s classic styles and quality that will last for years. In fact, one of the recurring comments about their Classic Denim Jacket is its long-lasting quality.

This J.Crew Cecile Blazer is similar to the beloved Eloise Blazer and is made of a cotton and merino wool blend. While it’s super cozy and great for layering during the fall and winter, it’s lightweight and versatile for year-round wearing, yet the sophisticated look is balanced out by an easy, relaxed fit.

Shop Sizes XXS-3X: J.Crew Vintage Cotton T-shirt

The top selling Vintage Cotton T-shirt features a drapey fabric that’s insanely comfortable, plus a figure-flattering slim fit. This is the perfect chic option to pair with cute pants and flats for a fashionable day wandering Paris .

And finally, peruse the J.Crew Dress Collection , because readers swear by their stylish selection for any season, but especially for spring and summer!

Shop Anthropologie:  Sizes 23-34  |  Tall 23-34  |  Petite 23-34  |  Plus 16W-26W

While Anthropologie has a more trendy vibe, I’ve discovered a few pieces that I’ve fallen in love with. One is the Colette Collection by Maeve , which includes comfy pants and shorts that come in an endless variety of colors, fabrics, and inseam options. Furthermore, many brands carried at Anthropologie also have inclusive sizing, such as regular, petite, tall, and plus.

I own the Colette Linen Wide Leg Pants and wore them on a recent trip; I felt so put together for my travel day without sacrificing comfort — they were very airy, and seriously felt weightless!  They have the feel of sweatpants but look incredibly chic and polished and they’ve now become my go-to pant for everything – including travel, flights, conferences, and everyday wear.

 And while their Vacation Dress Collection has some on-trend pieces, there are also more simple lightweight choices that are ideal for a beach vacay or a hot destination!

Shop Madewell Wide Leg Jeans:  Nordstrom  |  Madewell  (Sizes 23-33)

Madewell is an eternal reader fave due to their sustainable, comfortable clothing and inclusive sizing. Readers love their Cropped Wide Leg Jeans , with one saying they’re “so comfortable and so flattering and versatile”.

Another reader-approved pick is the Madewell Wide Leg Linen Pants . They’re airy but have a more polished look that can still be dressed casually.

Shop Sizes 00-16: Madewell Layton Midi Slip Dress

While TFGs love Madewell for their pants (and lots more), it’s their Dress Collection that they flock to during the summer. You can choose from short, midi,  maxi, and printed dresses. 

A great example is the chic and cute Midi Slip Dress pictured. While it’s on-trend, the lines are still simple and versatile, and would look amazing with black sneakers , sandals , or wedges ! 

Shop J Jill:  Regular XS-XL  |  Petite XSP-XLP  |  Tall ST-XLT

Readers love J.Jill for their timeless, mature clothing and bonus, they offer a broad size range including regular, petite, and tall. 

The Wearever Black Slim-Leg Pants are voted by TFG readers as some of the best pants for travel! They’re knit, made with an elastic waist for movement and stretch, and create a flattering shape. 

They wash very easily, dry quickly, and are wrinkle-resistant. A must-have travel pant!

Shop Sizes 24:33:  Lululemon City Sleek 5 Pocket High-Rise Wide-Leg Pant

Lululemon isn’t the most affordable brand, but many women swear by their apparel. They don’t just make amazing athletic wear for the gym, but they also make comfortable clothing that’s perfect for traveling and long-haul flights. Readers say investing in a pair of Stretch High Rise 7/8 Pants are worth it! They’re comfy, cute, and will last years. 

These Lululemon Comfortable Travel Dresses are also a great pick because they’re wrinkle-resistant, sweat-wicking, and have quick-drying properties, so you can wear them throughout your trip and stay fresh!

Do you really need “travel” clothing?

For most types of travel, you won’t ever need specialty travel clothing. You just have to follow some simple guidelines to shop your own closet. ( Download my free guide here .) On the other hand, there are some trips that require clothing with more technical fabrics and construction such as active adventures, long-term travel, or  round-the-world trips .

If you’re going on vacation, certain types of travel clothing can also help you pack lighter and more efficiently, too.  Many times, the fabrics in the clothing are breathable, quick dry, compact, and lightweight. Others offer clever ways to get more use from your clothing such as reversible features or multi-way styles.

Enjoying  Rome  in my  Gevomir Halter Summer Dress with my  Rebecca Minkoff Crossbody Purse and Taos Plim Soul Sneaker

The challenge is that most of the brands that create functional clothing forget to think about the needs of the woman wearing the clothing. Sometimes I think they forget the woman part entirely and just make smaller versions of mens clothes.

Over the years, I’ve tried just about every brand out there, in search of the trifecta of fashion, form, and function and I’ve found that some work far better than others. That’s why you’ll hear so much about certain brands repeatedly on the blog – they’re just so good in comparison to the rest. And that’s also why you never read about certain  other  brands – I’m not a fan of gimmicks and I know you aren’t either.

Want to pack light, find out how  packing cubes  can maximize the space in your bag  here !

What do you think are the best travel apparel brands for women? Share them with us in the comments!

For more travel clothes and packing tips, please read:

• How to Pack Carry-on Only for Every Trip
• Most Cute and Comfortable Travel Shoes
• Best Convertible Dresses for Travel
• Best Anti-theft Purses for Travelers

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Hope you liked this post on the top travel clothing brands for women. Please share it with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest. Thanks for reading!

25 comments.

I would like to know what brand of grey flat shoes you are wearing in the photo.

Hi NikkiB, I am wearing my Skechers Pureflex Skechers Mary Janes flats: https://amzn.to/3jPVJi2

Good piece, thanks! Another brand that you might mention is Sympli, a Canadian line of clothing. It’s spendy but the fabric and quality are outstanding. I have several of their basic pieces and all make great, non-wrinkling travel options. The only drawback is that they’re not always fast-drying, so I bring them on short trips or trips where I won’t be changing hotels every night.

Hi Kathi, thank you for your comment, so pleased you enjoyed the post!! Thank you for sharing your review of the brand Sympli with us! 🙂

I love Sympli, but the fabric is heavy. If you are concerned about the weight of your suitcase, only bring a couple of pieces.

Thanks, for that. This is the really good article for the traveler. Who wants to travel anywhere and they have no idea which type of clothes should take it.

Hi Nick, thank you so much for your lovely comment, so pleased you found it helpful!! 🙂

These all look like great brands, but all US companies. I guess most of your readers are in the US but the rest of us could do with some help too! Ordering from the US can be expensive, with import duties, plus returns are problematic so what about including some great European brands?

Hi Kate, thank you for taking the time to share your insight! Let me look into this for you 🙂

It has probably been said a million times already, but EnCircled is da bomb. Their Dressy Sweatpants, Chrysalis Cardi, Evolve Top and Everyday Twist Top, and you’re good for the weekend!

Hi Tania, thank you so much for sharing your insight! 🙂

And how about sophisticated plus size travel wear in great fabrics? Unicorn. 😉

Suzanne, search for “plus size” here at TFG – there are several articles written by several of us who are members. Hope that helps you!

He best travel clothing I have found is Tilley. It is packable, can be washed and hung to dry overnight and lasts forever! Their travel jersey is versatile enough to wear casually or dress up .. cant be beaten as far as I am concerned!

I”m sorry, this stuff is just yoga clothing and much of it is either really cheap, or cheap and slutty. You’re going to get on a business class seat in that Anatomie stuff? Seriously. Prana is fine, but isn’t there somebody out there that makes sophisticated clothing that is still in packable fabrics?

Hi Nancy, sorry you feel that way. We’ll let you know if we find anything more suitable to your needs.

I think Nancy’s comment is a little harsh…..but, I would like some great travel clothes that are not clingy and you don’t have to be pencil thin to wear. I’m not a plus size but I am curvy so many of these clothes are not going to look good on me. Any other ideas for clothes with some structure but won’t wrinkle?

I love theLuLuwrap It is the perfect travel accessory. It’s so versatile you can wear it eleven different ways easily creating a chic and stylish look for any ensemble, anytime, anywhere!

Linda…could you link to this? I’m trying to find it but there are several things that sound kind of like it and not sure which item yoyre referring to. Thanks!

Also great is TravelSmith catalog!

thanks for the tip!

Icebreaker dresses are my go-to for travel! I also love SmartWool: a little pricier but lasts even longer!

Great brands!! Love both of them!

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Green Global Travel

World's largest independently owned Ecotourism / Green Travel / Sustainable Travel / Animal & Wildlife Conservation site. We share transformative Responsible Travel, Sustainable Living & Going Green Tips that make a positive impact.

The Best Travel Clothes For Women & Men (An Epic Guide)

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. All hosted affiliate links follow our editorial policies .

Your choice of travel clothes don’t seem all that important until you find yourself in remote places with no access to laundry services.

Traveling with carry-on luggage only and combining business conferences with ecotourism adventures just complicates matters even more.

Traveling together for 9 years now, we’ve gotten much smarter about what travel clothing we pack. We even created an informal  Travel Packing Checklist , which changes depending on the type of climate(s) we’re traveling to.

Technology changes constantly and new fashion innovations help make our lives much easier, so our travel wear list is ever-evolving.

What follows is our epic guide divided into the best travel clothes for women and the best travel clothing for men with reviews for the travel clothing brands we wear most often.

READ MORE: The Best Carry-On Luggage

Click on the links below to jump to the section you want to explore!

BEST TRAVEL CLOTHES FOR WOMEN

Best travel dress.

Best Travel Pants for Women

Best Travel Shirts for Women

Best Travel Sweater

Best Women’s Travel Jacket

Travel clothing to keep you warm, best travel clothing for men, best travel suit.

Best Men’s Travel Shirts

Best Men’s Travel Vest

Best men’s travel pants, best men’s travel jacket, other travel wear.

One of the hardest decisions for ladies who travel carry on-only is what to wear on a plane. Since we always travel light, it’s important for us to choose perfect travel outfits for long flights, which we can also wear once we’re in our final destination.

Mary evaluates her airplane outfits very pragmatically ever since our 15-hour flight to a romantic overwater bungalow in Tahiti , which resulted in a not-so-pleasant and very unromantic infection. 

In her eyes, the best travel outfits for planes include layers that you can easily remove/add, are comfortable, and, most importantly, let your lady parts breath.

Here is Mary’s personal travel outfit formula:

• Base Layer- Either wear cotton underwear, bike shorts (which she has strategically altered to let more air circulate), or go au natural.
• First Layer- Leggings or bike shorts and tank top.
• Second Layer- Long dress or skirt.
• Outer Layer- Light sweater, scarf, or jacket (depending on season), which can also be rolled up for use as a travel pillow.

With this combination, she wears several outfits at once, which can be altered at any time to suit the temperature outside or in the plane.

According to Mary, the most important aspect of choosing what to wear on a plane is your shoes . We usually find ourselves running through terminals to catch connecting flights, or hauling our bags up lots of stairs.

Because of this and our limited packing space, she usually wears her bulkier shoes on the plane. Cute sneakers are ideal, and are easily hidden beneath a long dress. 

READ MORE: 50 of the Best Travel Shoes

Royal Robbins Geneva Ponte Dress

Check Price on Amazon

Royal Robbins offers the perfect stylish travel clothes for any woman on the go. The 52-year-old adventure apparel company is also dedicated to social responsibility, being bluedesign partners and encouraging less waste through their Rewear program .

Their elegant Geneva Ponte black travel dress has a casual fit, yet is extremely flattering to the figure. It has ¾ sleeves and its length hits just around the knees. Made from 4-way stretch fabric, this travel dress is wrinkle-free, so it’s fine to wear straight from your suitcase.

Mary likes the fit of the Geneva Ponte so much that it has become her go-to business attire for the travel conferences where we often speak and teach. She especially likes packing a travel dress with pockets in order to hold her business cards, phone, and lipstick.  

Nuu-Muu Spice Ruu-Muu & X-Dress

Check Price on Nuu-Muu

Our hunt for the best travel dress for Mary led us to the sassy Spice Ruu-Muu from Nuu-Muu along with the more classic black travel dress, the X-Dress.

We discovered this Bellingham, Washington-based company last year and love their fun, flirty line of dresses made for “exercise-and-everything-else.”

It’s form-flattering blend of polyester and 4-way stretch spandex makes it perfect to wear over shorts for yoga, SUP, hiking, biking and other forms of exercise. They offer two A-line styles; Classic with Keyhole Neckline or Scoop Neck.

Both styles give you the option of selecting a dress with pockets which are located on the lower back for carrying essentials.

But it’s also cute enough to wear alone or paired with jeans or leggings for a night on the town. Mary thinks it’s the best travel dress for summer .

Toad & Co Shakti Sleeveless Dress

We’ve been fans of Toad & Co ’s ethos– which includes partnerships with Conservation Alliance , the National Park Foundation , and Planet Access Company – for years.

But their line of eco-friendly clothes gives us another reason to love the California brand.

Inspired by the Hindu word “shakti” which means “divine feminine energy,” their soft organic cotton Shakti Dress will flow with you through markets, festivals and food truck stops.

Good for hot climates, this travel dress (with pockets!) has a v-neck back for additional ventilation while still providing coverage for your bra straps.

Aventura Joni Dress

Aventura ’s cute, cozy Joni Dress is available in four space-dyed patterns of 100% organic cotton jersey.

This travel dress is great because you can easily dress it up for dinner or wear it strolling through local markets.  We found that it runs a little big, so you may want to try a size smaller than you usually wear.

For every garment purchased, the company feeds one person for one day through regional food banks.

Stonewear Lyra Dress

Finding travel clothes for women that are both fashionable AND eco-friendly can be a challenge. So we were excited to discover Stonewear Designs , an apparel brand inspired by the rock climbing culture of Boulder, Colorado.

The entire line including the lovely and supportive Lyra dress is made from sustainable fabrics (using recycled plastic bottles, wood cellulose, etc.).

With a flattering fit, this summer travel dress will make you look as good as you feel.

Sulu Collection

California-born, Bombay-bred designer Sulu Grant pays tribute to her Indian heritage with the Sulu Collection of  travel dresses for summer. They work equally well on a beautiful beach or metropolitan streets.

Perfect for hot humid temperatures, the airy crinkle cotton of the Brandy Dress make it perfect for resort wear– comfy enough for a day on the beach but with detailed embroidery that dazzles at dinnertime.

Mary adds a thin white belt to give the dress a bit more structure for the evening.

Bags of Love Design Your Own Bodycon Dress

We’ve been looking for a green dress that accentuates Mary’s curves for over two years now, but hadn’t found one she loves.

Fortunately, the folks at London’s Bags of Love offered us an opportunity to create our own stylish travel clothes!

The company specializes in custom designed products, with over 450 different items to choose from. Their sleeveless lycra bodycon dress, with its shapely cut and sexy split legs, proved the perfect fit for Mary’s comely curves.

For the image we went with a photo from Rwanda , of Egrets taking flight in Akagera National Park. Doesn’t it look stunning on her?

Happy Yellow Dress- The Wanderer

Mary and I both have a thing for retro clothing styles (as anyone who has seen my extensive collection of Guayaberas can attest).

So we’re enamored with Happy Yellow Dress , a vintage-inspired women’s clothing line launched by British Columbia-bred designer Debbie Yam. We love the entire line, but our favorite dress is The Wanderer.

We dig everything about it: The light blue and vertical white-striped fabric, the cinched waist and full skirt, the traditional cheongsam collar and fun frog closures. It’s an adorable fashion flashback with a flattering ’50s-style silhouette.

One of the things Mary especially likes is a travel dress with pockets.  Most of the dresses you’ll find on Happy Yellow Dress have side seam pockets for holding sunglasses, credit cards, etc. 

READ MORE: The Ultimate Beach Vacation Packing List

The Best Travel Pants for Women

Aviator Comfort Skinny Fit Jeans

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Aviator USA was founded by former Macy’s art director Colby Kane. An avid traveler, Kane wanted to create fashionable yet affordable travel jeans that could be locally made in Los Angeles.

Once you experience the soft, glove-like fit of their Aviator Comfort Skinny Jean, you’ll make them your go-to travel pants. Mary was concerned her curves might be a bit much for the skinny-cut style, but the stretch fabric perfectly forms to her shape and didn’t stretch out after long days of travel. 

They’re great for everything from touring cities to climbing Mayan Ruins . Strategically placed pockets help you keep your valuables close. The back pocket zips closed so you can keep your ID, credit cards, and cash secure, and the deep front pockets are large enough to hold your phone. 

Craghoppers Pro Lite Pants

Craghoppers is one of our favorite clothing brands for their classic styles and rugged durability.

We like them even more now that they’ve recently partnered with National Geographic to launch a full line of adventure clothing. Some of the proceeds from the line benefit the society’s ongoing efforts in supporting the health and diversity of our planet.

Their NosiLife Insect Shield line, which provides up to 90% protection from mosquitoes and other biting insects, includes the Pro Lite Pants. These ultra-lightweight travel pants are flattering to the figure, and designed to dry quickly for ultimate wash-n-wear convenience.

Royal Robbins Classic Zip ’n’ Go convertible pants

Founded by the pioneering rock climber who was famous for several first ascents in Yosemite, Royal Robbins has been a leading outdoor apparel company for more than 50 years now.

Their Classic Zip ’n’ Go convertible pants feature zip-off legs, a zippered side pocket, and a quick-drying, wrinkle-resistant fabric that’s perfect for the rigors of adventure travel.

The 3-Ply Laundered Supplex fabric feels soft like cotton, and it’s odor-resistant so you can wash it less. They’re great for destinations where doing laundry is limited to sinks and showers, such as the Galapagos Islands and Antarctica . 

Mountain Khakis Women’s Sadie Skinny Chino

You can’t go wrong with Mountain Khaki apparel, which we have been wearing for years. They really know how to make travel clothes designed for the adventurous and outgoing. 

Their Sadie Skinny Chino pants are the perfect travel pants for the independent woman. They pair really well with boots and flats, or can be spruced up with heels for a fancier night on the town.

Made from 98% cotton and 2% spandex twill for stretch, these pants are both comfy and versatile. The mid-rise and skinny leg make the pants stylish and feminine as well.

Prana Halle Pants

Prana is another clothing line we’ve both loved for years, often wearing their clothes for long hikes near our home and tra v el adventures abroad.

Mary thought Prana’s water-resistant Halle Pants were especially helpful when hiking through the wet forests of Rwanda to see the endangered mountain  gorillas .

We also love the company’s commitment to sustainability, offering Fair Trade-certified clothes; using recycled down, polyester, and wool; and giving back to non-profit organizations such as Outdoor Outreach, which helps underprivileged kids connect with nature.

Prana Chetan Capris

Now that Mary’s starting new yoga and aerobics classes, Prana’s activewear will get even more use. 

She loves the fitted leg and green, blue, and purple pattern of their Chetan Capris, which are made from hemp and organic cotton.  

Elephant Pants

Our love of Elephants has only grown in the years since we helped lead a blogger-driven fundraiser for Thailand’s Elephant Nature Park .

So it’s no surprise we love these cool, casual pants, whose bohemian chic style was inspired by traditional Thai prints. 

But the thing we love most is the fact that 50 cents to $1  from every pair you purchase is donated to low-income students in Thailand .

OKIINO Azul Scales Leggings

Inspired by a surfing trip to Mexico , where friends Angeline Kung and Robyn Tosik wound up getting badly sunburnt, OKIINO specializes in leggings made specifically for water sports.

Normal leggings aren’t ideal for surfing and Scuba diving . But OKIINO’s leggings offer compression/body shaping, moisture wicking, quick drying, and UPF 50+ (the highest available).

Designs such as the Azul Scales are also hip and fashionable enough to be worn on dry land. Best of all, the line is sustainably made and gives back to your choice of NGOs, including 5 Gyres , Surf For Life , or the Skin Cancer Foundation .

READ MORE: The Ultimate Beach Vacation Packing List

Toad & Co’s Indigo-For-It Shirt

Sporty and stylish, the organic cotton Indigo-for-it shirt is a great example of Toad&Co ’s “trail to tavern” women’s travel clothes. 

For a more casual look, you can roll up the sleeves and tie it in the front. When you’re ready for dinner, just tuck the shirt in for a completely different look.

The Indigo they use is made from an eco-friendly process that cuts back water, energy, and C02 outputs. The lightweight travel shirt is great for hot climates and provides good ventilation so that you can stay cool on your adventures.

Mountain Khakis Women’s Two Ocean Tunic

Mountain Khaki ‘s  Two Oceans Tunic shirt is a classy and stylish shirt made for all-day wear. The tunic is made from 100% cotton, so it’s extremely soft and breathable.

The relaxed fit, roll-tab sleeves, and side seam split make this women’s travel shirt comfortable to wear, whether during long travel days or as your new favorite comfy weekend shirt.

Exofficio Clothing

As much as I love nature and wildlife , mosquitoes are where I draw the line. And with the Zika virus , dengue fever, and malaria all caused by the pesky critters, we were extra cautious about loading up on Insect Shield clothing for our trips to South Africa  and Kenya with my daughter.

We first experienced the benefits of Insect Shield technology back in 2010, when we wore the BugsAway line from Exofficio during our trip to Cancun .

The lightweight travel clothes proved remarkably comfortable, moisture-wicking, and water/stain resistant, plus it’s treated with an odorless Insect Shield that repels bugs for 70+ washings.

The line has expanded quite a bit since then, and we now take their Damselfly and Ziwa Convertible Pants, Lumen and Hakuna shirts, and even their quick-drying Give-N-Go underwear with us everywhere we travel.

Ably Apparel

I love it when we discover new easy-care travel clothes that solve problems with science I do not understand. That’s the case with Ably Apparel , which nearly tripled its Kickstarter goal with 46 days to go.

Their revolutionary travel t-shirts use an eco-friendly technology called Filium, which makes natural fabrics repel liquids, stains, and odors.

This makes their shirts water-resistant and odor-resistant: Your sweat simply evaporates! For active travelers who are trying to pack light, it’s a simple shirt you can wear over and over again. 

Epoque Evolution Flux Top

From lounging in your hotel and taking a yoga class to swimming under picturesque waterfalls , the flux top from Epoque Evolution will support you and keep you comfy.

It is a little on the pricey side, but considering the quality and multifunctionality it is not a bad deal. It’s a bra, a top, and a bikini all-in-one, allowing you to save space in your luggage without sacrificing versatility in your traveling clothes.

This crop-like top can be worn underneath clothing, as a sort of sports bra. Mary had her doubts about any travel top claiming to offer bust support, but the Epoque Evolution Flux Top is so well constructed that it provides both coverage and support for an F-cup chest!

The top is moisture-wicking, so sweat doesn’t stick to it and it can be worn for many days without developing an odor. It’s also quick to dry and has UPF 50 protection, so you can sit in the sun after a great swim.

Vibration Apparel All We Need Is Love T-shirt Hoodie

This cute and cozy hoodie bears one of our favorite Beatles-inspired quotes . It is a cotton/poly blend t-shirt fabric via Live Your Life Gear , with a handy hood for chilly days and nights.

But it’s the message (which we actually have on our wall at home) that makes this one of Mary’s favorite shirts. Because who couldn’t use a little more love in their life?

We also like that the brand gives back by partnering with  Samaritans365 , an NGO that creates programs to teach children the importance of kindness.

READ MORE: The 125 Best Gifts For Travelers

Best Travel Sweaters

DÆHLIE Half Zip Comfy Sweater

This warm, yet lightweight sweater from Bjorn Daehlie is perfect for travel. Not only does it fit neatly into a bag without taking up too much space, but it will also keep you toasty in cooler conditions.

Made from 50% wool, this sweater is temperature-regulating, making it great for outdoor activities. While they may not be ideal for extreme cold, they’re great for hiking and camping during the spring, fall, and early winter months.

They are available in both Men’s and Women’s styles, and in neutral colors. The generous fit is accommodating for movement, and the half zip allows you to let in some air should it get a little too warm for your taste.  

Carve Designs Silo Sweater

Carve Designs is a fashion range created for women, by women.

The company is a member of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, and works hard to use fabrics that are organic and sustainable. They are also involved in giving back to their community, and work with an organization that takes young cancer fighters on surfing trips.

Their Silo Sweater is a gorgeous, longer-length sweater made from 100% washable Merino Wool. If you know Merino, you know that means it’s as soft as it is fashionable.

The funnel neck, dolman sleeves, and rounded hem make this sweater perfect for most casual occasions, and it looks great with both leggings and jeans.

Kari Traa Rose Hood

The Rose Hood from Kari Traa, the skiwear line created by the Olympic champion freestyle skier of the same name, is great for keeping warm on days with a slight chill. Or you can wear it for what it was designed for– to be a base layer for colder climates.

Coming from a range that makes functional women’s travel clothes, the design is classy and flatters the female shape. It’s made from 100% Merino wool, and has flexible 4-way stretch.

The attached hood is lightweight and thin, adding protective warmth for your head without creating too much bulk around your neck. This Rose Hood base layer is breathable and naturally odor resistant, which is helpful when you’re wearing it for active sports and outdoor adventures.

Kora Xenolith Sweater

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Kora founder Michael Kleinwort came up with the idea of using yak wool to make travel clothes during a winter trek in the remote mountains of the Eastern Himalayas.

Lightweight and insulated with Polartec Alpha, the Xenolith sweater is the ideal performance mid-layer for skiing, hiking, and climbing in cold conditions. 

It’s designed to be breathable and allows the body to move freely and naturally while keeping active on cold mountains. The Xenolith is also quick-drying, and the inside of the sweater is made to stay dry and insulated even when it gets wet on the outside.

The sweater boasts an inner zip to keep your small valuables safe, as well as thumb holes and a half-zip to let air in. It also packs down easily, fitting into bags and suitcases without bulk, making it a fantastic piece of clothing for travel.

READ MORE:  60+ Cool Camping Gear Re v iews  

Adidas Outdoor Power Air Fleece

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Finally, a soft, warm top that won’t shed as much as fleece is known to do. The women’s Power Air Fleece top from Adidas Outdoor uses Polartec® Power Air technology to stop the fleece from shedding as much (5 times less, to be exact).

The top itself is insulated and able to keep you warm in cooler conditions, and can work as a thin base layer for more extreme cold conditions. It’s designed with individual air pockets, which help the top to retain heat.

It also has two side zip pockets, a full front zip, a hood for extra warmth, and a lower back hem. It is lightweight and easily packable. These features work together to make the top a great piece of travel-friendly clothing.

Mountain Khakis Swagger Jacket

Available in both men’s and women’s styles, the Mountain Khakis  Swagger Jacket is designed to withstand the intense weather of the mountains, but looks good enough to sport on city streets.

The water repellent cotton/nylon blend exterior is stylish, with a curve-hugging fit, quilted stitching and field-inspired slotted buttons.

The jacket’s excellent warmth comes courtesy of the Primaloft Silver insulation, a synthetic alternative to down that was originally developed for the U.S. Army.

In short, it’s sleek, snug and sure to keep you safe from the cold.

Tasc Performance Northstar II Fleece 1/2-Zip  

As our lifestyle has gotten increasingly active, we’ve become big fans of the New Orleans -based Tasc Performance clothing line.

The company offers an alternative to active wear made from polyester, which is usually chemically treated, irritates skin, and retains odors.

Tasc’s exclusive BamCo fabric finishing process instead uses the Moso timber bamboo plant, which grows quickly and sustainably (no water or pesticides) and is responsibly managed (FSC Certified).

You can really feel the difference in their clothes. Mary loves the plush, semi-fitted Northstar II Fleece 1/2-Zip to keep her snug and cozy up top.

Charles River Apparel Women’s Logan Jacket

The women’s Logan Jacket from New England’s Charles River Apparel is another versatile piece that works great over microfleece base layers.

Featured in Oprah Magazine , the jacket offers an attractive balance between fashion and function.

The shell is durable and water resistant, fully lined with nylon to ensure protection from the elements.

The hip-length hem provides a bit of extra coverage, and the interior drawstring allows you to adjust the waist for a flattering fit.

There’s also a hood that can be zipped off or on for inclement weather.

Eddie Bauer Jackets

We wore clothing from Eddie Bauer   every single day of our 16-day trip to Chilean Patagonia and Antarctica  in 2012.

It’s a testament to the line that those jackets you see in the photo above have traveled all around the world with us over the past seven years, and they’re still in great condition.  

Co-created by some of the world’s best mountain and ski guides , the entire line is lightweight, fashionably cool, and more comfy than a cup of hot cocoa by a roaring ski lodge fireplace. They also pack down wonderfully, without the bulk you might expect. 

Royal Robbins Highland Travel Scarf

Royal Robbins ‘ Highland travel scarf is the perfect accessory, not just for their Geneva dress (as seen in the best travel dress section above), but any outfit.

The Merino blend makes gives it lightweight warmth, and it’s also naturally odor-resistant. It has five buttons and buttonholes on opposite sides, allowing for six different styling options. 

It can be worn as a regular scarf, an infinity scarf, poncho-like wrap, a half-wrap with two sleeves, or button up all the buttons to make it into a full-on cardigan. 

Available in soft natural heather or dark grey and blended with neutral hues, the scarf is designed to add warmth and style to all your dresses and tops.

Obermeyer Regulator Glove

Stylish, functional and exceptionally warm, these Obermeyer Regulator gloves are made for the lady who loves being outdoors in cold climates.

Great for snow sports and other activities, and there’s a pair for every personality: They’re available in black, white, a pretty floral design, and a more playful leopard print.

Constructed with HydroBlock Sport 10k/10k and featuring 170g of synthetic insulation, these gloves are waterproof, yet still breathable. The gloves are made from 100% polyester plain weave, and have full grain leather palms.

The inside fleece is so soft, your hands will always stay comfy and warm while wearing them. Additional features include an adjustable cuff, stretchy inter-finger panels, a safety leash, and even a soft wipe for those cold, red noses.

Heat Holders Microfleece Base Layers

Heat Holders is best-known for the self-proclaimed “ World’s Warmest Sock ,” which we can attest are the toastiest things ever to coddle our toes.

But apparently they also boast an array of other offerings, from thermal underwear to hats and gloves. We recently got a chance to try out their Microfleece Base Layers, which are available for men and women.

They’re arguably the coziest and most comfortable we’ve ever worn, with a multi-directional stretch knit fabric and an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio.

They also breathe very well, allowing moisture to escape so your skin stays dry and warm all day long.

Skida Headwear

Everyone in our family is fond of headwear, whether it’s hairbands and bandannas in summer or hats and headbands in winter.

Skida – a family-owned Vermont company featured in Outside ’s 2017 Buyer’s Guide– makes nothing but headwear.

Their So Leafy Nordic Headband for men and Deja Vu Nordic Headband for women are awesome for outdoor adventure.

They’re made with MAX-Dri Moisture management technology and lined with soft Polartec micro-fleece, wicking moisture to ensure your head stays warm and dry.

Their Tealy Dan Alpine Hat and Lavender Honey Tour (a neck warmer/headband hybrid) are great for staying warm when you’re not active, with vividly colorful prints that brighten up the gloomiest of days.

For many men– and especially this 6’3″, built-like-a-linebacker man– the “What to wear on a plane?” question boils down to comfort.  You’ll see this theme throughout our reviews of the best travel clothing for men.

My travel outfits for long flights are simple. My travel shirt of choice is always lightweight, moisture wicking, and doesn’t show pit stains. I pair it with comfortable pants that are loose enough to roll up (or zip off) if it gets too hot on the plane. 

Shoes are also a big consideration for airplane outfits. I want something that I can wear with everything else I packed. But I also want the ability to easily slide them on and off while I’m seated in the very tight airplane seat space. 

Alain  Dupetit  Suit

I bought my first suit to impress Mary on our New Year’s Eve date back in 2008. I’ve rarely worn it since, because I’m not really a suit-and-tie guy.

But Alain Dupetit could turn me into a convert. His stylish 2-button StretchTech Suit uses a moisture-wicking TR (Tetron/Rayon) fabric with the same 4-way stretch technology as high-performance sportswear.

It’s extremely lightweight, comfortable, wrinkle-free, and fits me like a glove despite the fact that we ordered it online. It’s also a ridiculously affordable travel suit.

With seven different colors to choose from, I may even order a second one.

Men’s Travel Shirts

Howler Bros Gaucho Snapshirt

If you’ve ever seen me at a travel conference, chances are you’ve seen me rocking this southern-born, Texas-based brand.

Inspired by the founders’ love of the great outdoors, the entire Howler Brothers line straddles the between dressy casual and comfortably sporty.

I now own four of their Gaucho Snapshirts, with the latest addition paying tribute to my astrological sign (Cancer’s crab).

Clothing Arts’  Pickpocket-Proof Travel Shirt  

In the last few years we’ve spoken at travel conferences in Cancun , the Dominican Republic , and the Philippines , all of which were unbearably hot and humid.

Finding business clothes for tropical destinations isn’t easy, especially when you need to wear those same clothes for traveling around the region. Clothing Arts ’ latest line offers a great balance between professional and casual.

Their Pickpocket-Proof Travel Shirt can be tucked in and paired with a tie for dressy affairs, or untucked with rolled-up sleeves for outdoor adventures . The baby-soft button down also features two hidden pockets for securing valuables.

Mountain Khakis Men’s Passport EC Travel Shirt

Mountain Khakis also has a fashionable and functional men’s apparel, bringing their top-quality designs into the traveling guy’s suitcase.

The passport EC which comes in both short-sleeves and long-sleeves is great for guys who travel for business, or just need to look smart.

The shirt has a safety inner pocket,  is made from 100% polyester and has a classic fit. It’s also UPF 3+, meaning it blocks 97% of UVB rays.

Ably Apparel Bradley Travel T shirt

Packing comfortable travel clothes is an important factor in any adventure. Ably Apparel has become my favorite travel t-shirt, especially for wearing on long airplane rides.

Ably makes easy care travel clothes for both men and women that are water-resistant, odor-resistant, and quick-drying. They can be worn for longer periods of time without needing to be washed, which great when you’re basically living out of a suitcase.

The style of the short-sleeve Bradley T-shirt is timeless. It comes in 5 plain colors, with a crew neck collar, front chest pocket, tailored fit, and straight hem. They are made from 100% premium cotton, keeping them comfortable and soft.

The Mountain Extinction T-shirts

Spread awareness for Wildlife protection with these cool shirts from The Mountain . Protect- The Endangered Species Collection by The Mountain is a range of apparel that generates funds for the protection of endangered species.

These tees come in unisex adult and kid’s styles and feature one of two graphics. Sport either the striking image of a leopard’s face, with the words “Stop Extinction” above it, or the graceful picture of an elephant seemingly walking across the left half of the shirt, with the same words in front of the animal.

The T-shirts are soft, made from a tri-blend of 70% Cotton, 15% Polyester, 15% Rayon and feature a relaxed fit. For every purchase, The Mountain will donate a portion of the proceeds to Panthera .

Bluffworks Horizon Quilted Vest

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Bluffworks’ Horizon Quilted vest is warm, lightweight and compact enough to be worn on a plane and then protect you from rain and wind when you get on the ground.

The outside polyester shell is water-repellant, quick-drying and breathable. Inside, is 100g PrimaLoft® synthetic insulation which is made of 60% post-consumer recycled material. 

There are 7 pockets, including hidden ones for small valuables. The full zipper and double-snap stand collar keep the wind out, and the cord zipper pulls on the pockets for easy use while wearing gloves.

This vest is also machine-washable and the open armholes give the wearer a greater range of movement.

The Real Deal Brazil Conquista Vest

The Real Deal Brazil’s 10-pocket Conquista Vest creates a great Indiana Jones style that’s perfect for outdoor adventurers.

This rugged vest is particularly good for photographers, fishermen, or any avid outdoorsman.There is a handy D ring for clipping on gear , as well as a front zippered closure.

The large back is perfect for attaching patches from the  US National Parks or from your other travel adventures.

READ MORE: The 40 Best Backpacks For Trav elers

Bluffworks Departure Travel Jeans

Bluffworks are great at designing travel clothing for men. Their comfortable clothes ares perfect for the traveler – made to be easy to care for, versatile and durable.

Whether you looking for travel clothes for Europe , for a bike tour of Taipei , or for partying in New Orleans , these travel jeans will move with you and keep you looking great. 

Designed with authentic denim features, such as rivets, and orange and yellow thread dual-stitching, Bluffwords Departure jeans are uniquely lightweight (11 oz vs 14 oz for traditional jeans) and Coolmax polyester makes them feel cool on the body.  

The two hidden, zippered, water-resistant pockets (sewn below the back waistband) are extremely useful for carrying credit cards and ID.

Clothing Arts Business Traveler Pants  

Dubbed “the CIA version of Khakis” by Forbes , their Business Traveler Pants are perfect for road warriors who spend hours traveling and end their day with business meetings and dinner. 

The lightweight pants are made of 100% Nature-Like™ Nylon, but have the look & comfortable feel of Cotton.

There are 9 Total Pockets (2 Triple secure & 5 Double Secure) to hold your credit cards and smart phone. Addition features we love include that the travel pants are stain resistant, water resistant, wrinkle resistant and quick dry.

Craghoppers Men’s NosiLife Mercier Trousers

Any safari-loving, outdoors enthusiast traveler should own a pair of these Craghoppers men’s NosiLife Mercier trousers. They are perfect for bush adventures, hiking trails, and even the urban streets.

With a tailored fit, UV protection and Insect shield to repel insect bites, these trousers are a must-have for travel-loving guys. Arguably, they are the best travel pants for hot weather.

They also have a wash & wear function, so no need to find an ironing service on your travels.

Mountain Khakis Men’s Equatorial Stretch Convertible Pant

Mountain Khakis men’s equatorial convertible trousers are great for any kind of journey. They convert easily from long pants to shorts, with just a zip to do up and undo.

These super stretchy men’s travel pants have a high-density weave making them abrasion-resistant, they are also UPF 50+, quick-drying and water-resistant.

The pants are light and compact when folded, making them easily packable.

Craghoppers Men’s Davenport Jacket

The Craghoppers men’s Davenport jacket works for all traveling occasions and warmer temperatures.

Featuring Solar Shield, insect repellant and wash & wear functions, this jacket is perfect in hot climates as well – thanks to the antibacterial actions which keeps odors at bay and helps the wearer feel fresh all day.

With 21 pockets and special security features like RFID protection for your credit cards, you will have peace of mind as well as plenty of storage space.

Craghoppers Nat Geo 250 Jacket

It’s hard to find fashionable winter coats that withstand the elements without making you look like the Michelin Man.

Craghopper ‘s Nat Geo 250 comes in both men’s and women’s sizes and offers a sleek urban design, with an adjustable waist and zip-off hood.

The waterproof AquaDry exterior hides an insulating baffled lining, hot pockets, and hidden storage for keeping valuables safe. It was the perfect coat to wear in January in New York City when I spoke at the New York Times Travel Show on Sustainable Tourism.

Big Agnes Shovelhead Jacket

Big Agnes ‘ Shovelhead is an ultralight ski jacket, but with an athletic fit and slimming vertical stitching. The water repellent shell is filled with 700-fill Downtek, providing exceptional warmth without the heavy bulk.

The hood comes with a handy adjustable drawcord and visor to shield you from unexpected storms.

Wear it on it’s own while hiking or or pair it with another layer when you’re playing extra long the snow.

Helly Hansen Jackets

In the interest of full disclosure, the Oslo-based Helly Hansen co-sponsored our 2014 road trip through the fjords of Norway .

We wore their clothes and outerwear almost exclusively on that trip. They performed exceptionally well while climbing Jostedalsbreen glacier during incredibly foul weather that ranged from a foggy drizzle to pelting hail.

Their breathable, waterproof Loke Pants and PrimaLoft-insulated H2 Flow Jacket have also become staple travel wear for our cold climate adventures.

The Real Deal Brazil Tarp Travel Hat

The Real Deal Brazil is a North Carolina-based company owes much of its success to Woody Harrelson.

While filming Zombieland in 2009, he saw their Brazil Tarp Hat– which is made from recycled canvas tarps used on Brazilian cargo trucks– on a cameraman’s head one day.

He loved its rugged style so much, he had the costume department buy some for his character to wear in the film. The rest, as they say, is history.

The hats are easily shaped thanks to wires recycled from old truck tires, allowing you to customize your look.

CEP Men’s Compression Socks for Recovery

These CEP Compression recovery socks are great for guys who have just completed strenuous sporting events, such as a marathon, or for someone who is recovering from a recent injury.

They also work great for reducing swollen ankles during very long flights. You can wear them throughout the flight to increase circulation in your legs and prevent swelling and clotting. 

Using 20-30 mmHg graduated compression, they improve circulation in the legs, helping them to recover faster and relieving pain and swelling. They are made with medical-grade technology, scientifically proven to work.

The socks are made from high-tech synthetic fibers which prevent odor-causing bacteria and provide moisture-wicking properties. They also have padded cushioning in the heel and Achilles. This provides complete support, meaning the socks can be worn all day while working, traveling or at home . –Bret Love & Mary Gabbett

About the Author

Green Global Travel is the world's #1 independently owned ecotourism website encouraging others to embrace sustainable travel, wildlife conservation, cultural preservation, and going green tips for more sustainable living.

We've been spotlighted in major media outlets such as the BBC, Chicago Tribune, Forbes, The Guardian, Lonely Planet, National Geographic, Travel Channel, Washington Post and others.

Owned by Bret Love (a veteran journalist/photographer) and Mary Gabbett (business manager/videographer), USA Today named us one of the world's Top 5 Travel Blogging Couples. We were also featured in the 2017 National Geographic book, Ultimate Journeys for Two, for which we contributed a chapter on our adventures in Rwanda. Other awards we've won include Best Feature from both the Caribbean Tourism Organization and the Magazine Association of the Southeast.

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The Best Wrinkle-Free Women’s Clothes for Travel, According to Frequent Fliers

You’ve tried packing cubes and rolling your shirts up Marie Kondo –style and yet, most likely, all your clothes still come out of your suitcase wrinkled when you reach your destination. Or maybe you have an important meeting right after landing , and your once-polished outfit looks rumpled after hours in economy . Like other travel dilemmas — finding a bag that’ll fit under the seat in front of you or trying to sleep on a transcontinental flight — arriving with a suitcase full of wrinkly clothes can be solved. To avoid pricey hotel dry-cleaning services, or risky sessions with your in-room ironing board, we asked nine women in the travel business to recommend the best pieces to wear and pack while you’re away.

Best wrinkle-free pants for travel

For travel pants that are comfortable, stylish and low-maintenance, Jeralyn Gerba, co-founder and editorial director of Fathom , likes easy pieces from Eileen Fisher . “She’s known for researching and developing materials that are responsible, sustainable, and high-performance while also being crazy chic,” says Gerba. “I love her uncrushable Tencel, a tree fiber textile produced with near zero waste — the drawstring pants and blazers look really good after long-haul flights.” The adjustable drawstring allows for in-flight comfort while the textured crepe lends them a sophisticated look.

A similar pair at a lower price point, these slim, drawstring pants are a favorite of Sarah Corsa, a trip designer at Journy . She likes that they’re “lightweight and rarely wrinkle.” Gerba also looks to Athleta for “casual basics with the occasional flair,” and says their athleisure pieces offer “a nice alternative to the straight-up sweats uniform” while traveling.

Outdoor Voices, makers of our favorite “sleek and tailored” sweatpants, are another frequent flier go-to for easy-to-wear pieces that’ll look fresh after a long journey. Journy co-founder Leiti Hsu, calls the RekTrek pants “the ultimate in comfort.” She says they “stay crisp from laundry cycle to laundry cycle” and “look way more pulled-together than yoga pants.”

“I have a few pairs of stretchy but tailored trousers from The Row that are incredibly comfortable and easy to pack,” says Jen Rubio, co-founder and chief-brand officer of Away . They’ll give an outfit more polish than a jogger-type pant while still being wrinkle-resistant and non-constricting on long flights. Rubio says she’ll pair hers with a T-shirt and leather jacket.

Based in San Francisco, the clothing start-up Betabrand sells pieces based on crowd-sourced designs, like these trouser-style pants that come highly recommended by Larissa Hayden, deputy director of events at Atlas Obscura . She likes that they’re crafted “with comfort, durability, and professionalism in mind,” and have all the comfort of stretchy sweats.

Best wrinkle-free leggings for travel

If you’d rather go the leggings route, Melissa Hie of Girl Eat World swears these jeggings “look exactly like jeans but are very stretchy and comfortable like leggings.” She says, “I would just pair this with a comfortable button-up shirt if I need to look somewhat put together straight off the plane.”

For leggings that can be dressed up, Hsu likes this expensive-looking (but actually quite affordable) faux -leather pair. “Tuck them in your carry-on for a sexy go-to that [can go from] day to dinner in any city,” she says. “They’re secretly lined with cozy fleece on the inside; all the better to brave your next winter dining adventure.”

Best wrinkle-free tops for travel

Travelers love Uniqlo’s affordable and durable pieces for comfort and style. Hie says their button-downs are perfect for wearing with leggings to easily look put-together. And while she normally prefers natural fabrics, when it comes to travel she says, “I go with polyester-blend fabrics since they don’t wrinkle as much.” Like polyester, rayon is far more wrinkle-resistant than cotton or linen.

Also polyester, but with a silky feel and sweet ruffle details, this packable top is one of Corsa’s favorites. “It can be worn in basically any climate, for tons of occasions,” she says. “It never wrinkles and still looks new after years.”

Gerba calls Uniqlo’s warming Heattech turtleneck, an essential layering piece for cold-weather travel or even ice-cold planes, “basic, but solid.” In warmer climates, Stephanie Park, co-founder and vice-president of operations at Journy, likes the brand’s AIRism line. “Not only do the breathable base layers release heat and moisture to adapt to different weather conditions, but they also remain remarkably wrinkle-free, even after long flights,” she says.

According to Rubio, Theory’s “crepe knits will never wrinkle, no matter how much of an overpacker you are,” which is good news if you need to look professional right after a red-eye flight.

Best wrinkle-free dresses for travel

Simple, packable slip dresses were called out by several travelers as highly versatile items. Hie opts for colorful ones from Singapore-based, women-founded brand Love, Bonito. “They are made out of a polyester blend and [don’t] t get wrinkled even if they are straight out of the suitcase,” she says. “I love them because they are very basic, which means I can pair them with accessories to dress them up or down.”

Rubio counts her black Nili Lotan slip dress as ones of her perfect travel pieces that’s “practical and comfortable, yet stylish and versatile so that my look can easily transition from day to night.” She’ll wear it with a blazer and loafers on the plane, and switch to boots once she lands. And while it may seem like a fussy pick, Gerba says she frequently packs silk because “it looks good, weighs nothing, and its wrinkles fall out easily.”

For a fraction of the price, Journy trip designer Lauren Witte likes this bright Everlane wrap dress which, she says, is also “made out of wrinkle-resistant fabric,” and can work for both casual and dressier events.

If slip dresses aren’t your style, Hsu says she’s “obsessed with Wolford’s selection of stretchy dresses that roll up almost as tiny as hosiery.” Since it takes up barely any space she says they’re the ideal “just-in-case” dresses to pack if the need to dress up arises, and she calls her simple, black sheath “a lifesaver.”

Best wrinkle-free layers for travel

Like the Eileen Fisher pants recommended by Gerba, this blazer is made of Tencel and can withstand long flights and not-so-tidy packing. Plus, as several of our travel pros noted, blazers play well with basics like lightweight tops and cami dresses, giving you some mix-and-match outfits for your journey without having to overpack.

“A black versatile cashmere wrap is a must-have for my busy travel schedule,” says Elizabeth Fuller, director of marketing and partnerships at Black Tomato . “It doubles as a blanket on a chilly flight and won’t wrinkle if you stow it in your carry on to go through security.” She likes the very elegant. fringed Loro Piano version, but if you’re on a budget, the under-$100 silk-blended wrap from cashmere startup Naadam will also do the trick.

Like Fuller, Hsu thinks quality cashmere is a worthwhile travel investment. “Compared with other fabrics, cashmere doesn’t require washing all that often and is naturally temperature moderating,” she says, making it a natural fit for an on-the-go lifestyle. Her favorites are classic cuts with unique details from brands like Reformation and Rag & Bone .

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Ridiculously Comfortable Travel Clothing and Shoes That Don’t Sacrifice Style

Caroline Morse Teel

Caroline Morse Teel is the Managing Editor for SmarterTravel Media. Follow her adventures around the world on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline.

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When it comes to travel clothes, it feels like you have to make a choice: comfortable (but looks like you’re setting out on an expedition) or stylish (but uncomfortable for long flights or walking).

However, if you dig hard enough, you’ll find some gems that hit the travel trifecta: comfortable, stylish, and versatile. These ridiculously comfortable and good-looking shoes and clothes are worthy of a spot in your suitcase.

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them.  

Coolibar Prado Shirt Dress

Coolibar’s Prado Shirt Dress is unbelievably lightweight—made from a silky Aire fabric, the dress manages to be seriously cooling while providing ample coverage. The Prado dress is ridiculously comfortable (it feels like wearing nothing) but still looks stylish and pulled-together with a matching tie belt.

PrAna Koen Pant

PrAna’s Koen Pants might just be the perfect travel pants. Available in a number of neutral colors plus a wide range of sizes (including short, regular, and tall inseams), buying off the rack can feel like picking custom pants. The hem is adjustable, so you can dial in the length even further. 

These nylon pants are pull-on for comfort (and feature an internal drawcord to keep them snugly in place). Our favorite feature is the Koen’s flat front slash pockets which have concealed zippers, giving the pants a flattering look (no more bulging pockets at the hips) while still offering a safe place for your phone.

18 Things You Should Always Wear on a Plane

Toad & Co Sunkissed Liv Dress

Made from Toad & Co’s sustainable Eco Kohilo fabric, the Sunkissed Liv Dress is a great choice for travelers who want to protect themselves from the sun while being kind to the environment. The lightweight material is made from majority recycled polyester and dyed using a waterless process. It’s also bluesign approved.  

The Liv Dress has plenty of traveler-friendly features, including a hidden zip stash pocket and a wrinkle-resistant fabric. 

Chaco Bodhi

Active sandals are traditionally chunky and not the most stylish. Fortunately, Chaco has made a slimmed down version of their hefty adventure shoes, so you can truly pack just one pair of sandals for an entire trip. The Bodhi has all the features you need for long walks, water adventures, or hikes (a no-slip outsole, toe loop for secure fit, and adjustable straps) but it looks like a classic sandal that won’t look out of place when worn out to dinner. Bonus: It’s ultra lightweight, weighing just 7.34 ounces) making it easy to pack. 

Kuhl Skyla Dress

Kuhl’s Skyla Dress is perfect for hot weather trips. The high neckline and UPF 30+ fabric provide solid sun protection, and the soft organic cotton/modal blend helps keep sweat away. Two side pockets are big enough to hold your phone and any other necessities.  

Saucony Solstice Tights

Add style and safety to your on-the-road workout routine with Saucony’s Solstice Tights . Reflective details help keep you visible even in the dark, while a soft brushed lining keeps you cozy on chillier days. The back zippered pocket can hold a hotel room key and credit cards, and the elastic waistband has a drawcord so you can get a custom fit.

The Best Sun-Protective Clothing

Comrad Compression Socks

Compression socks aren’t known for being stylish, but they are a necessity on long haul flights where they could prevent swelling or even blood clots. Comrad aims to change compression socks’ reputation, offering fashionable patterns and colors that will brighten up your journey (even in coach). The knee-high compression socks are great for flights, and shorter options, like the no-shows , can provide support and fatigue relief once you’re on the ground.

Icebreaker ZoneKnit Jogger

Combine a trendy jogger style with athletic performance and you get Icebreaker’s ZoneKnit Joggers . The pants are a mix of a merino terry fabric and body-mapped merino eyelet mesh to help regulate body temperature, even on cold days or when you’re working hard. The pants feature three pockets, including a back zippered stash pocket.

Title Nine Endorphin Short Sleeve Raglan Tee

Title Nine’s trademarked Buttah fabric is one of our favorites. It feels like the name implies, and also features the company’s StinkStopper treatment that prevents odors. Find the Buttah fabric in the Endorphin Short Sleeve Raglan Tee, where the raglan cut, curved hem, and shirred details elevate the tee to something you can wear beyond the workout.

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Kuhl Adele Long Sleeve

Perfect on its own or as an extra layer for sun protection, modesty, or warmth, Kuhl’s Adele Long Sleeve is super versatile. The lightweight cotton is breathable and the buttons allow you to wear the shirt open, buttoned up, or tied at the waist for lots of different looks.

Icebreaker Tech Half Knit

Cozy on its own or worn as a baselayer, Icebreaker’s Merino 260 Tech Long Sleeve Half Zip will keep you warm without overheating during winter activities like skiing or hiking. Made out of 100 percent Merino Wool, this top is odor-resistant and doesn’t need to be washed every time you wear it. Merino wool is softer and more comfortable than traditional wool, so you don’t have to worry about feeling itchy or scratchy.

Title Nine Sylvan Hybrid Hiking Joggers

Is there anything less stylish than traditional hiking pants? Title Nine has reinvented the genre with the Sylvan Hybrid Hiking Joggers . The perfect blend of hiking performance and jogger comfort, these pants can stand up to backcountry expeditions without looking out of place at an aprés-hike drink. The Hybrid Hiking Joggers have abrasion-resistant woven sections in snag-prone places (like knees) but soft and breathable knit in areas you want comfort (waistband).

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Saucony Endorphin Edge

Need one pair of shoes that you can take on the trail, for runs, and wear on a city stroll (without looking ridiculous)? Saucony’s Endorphin Edge does it all. Ultra-light and responsive foam cushioning conserves your energy without weighing you down, and the trademarked Caritex AFX carbon-fiber plates add extra durability. 

Take these off-road without worry, as a clear mudguard will keep you dry and clean, and the outsole provides solid traction.

PrAna Alpenglow Short Sleeve

The subtle fabric sheen on PrAna’s Alpenglow Short Sleeve Shirt elevates this tee from a workout staple to an everyday essential. The top is super stretchy and has a tuck pleat and split hem to allow for plenty of movement. It’s also moisture-wicking and UPF 30+ so you can take it on all your active adventures.

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Best travel clothing to beat the heat

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With record high temperatures across the U.S. and Europe, travelers are trying to find the best ways to beat the heat. And here at TPG we know the clothes you wear are important when it comes to keeping you cool — both mentally and physically — in the face of stifling temperatures, airport meltdowns and other challenges this summer.

Experts recommend wearing loose-fitting, light-colored clothes and a wide-brimmed hat to protect your skin from the sun. For packing and style, it's also good to bring outfits that are versatile — such as those that could be worn both on the beach and later in a restaurant — and are easy to clean.

Keeping your wardrobe to a minimum can help you reduce checked bags . It might even allow you to travel with just a carry-on — an important strategy in this summer of luggage chaos .

Here are the summer travel clothes TPG staffers and frequent travelers recommend for optimal fit, versatility and the ability to keep you cool.

If you're planning on purchasing any of these items on Amazon, consider using the Prime Visa to get 5% cash back, or try one of the other TPG recommended credit cards for Amazon purchases.

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Shirts, skirts and pants

The mainstays of a travel wardrobe — including durable shirts, skirts and pants — can be challenging to find for summertime. You want something that is light and cool but also sturdy enough to handle the rigors of travel. For instance, clothes that can serve as a cover-up at a pool bar might not be appropriate (or warm enough) for dining in an excessively air-conditioned restaurant at the hotel. Here are some recommendations that can keep you cool and serve multiple purposes for summer travel.

Skirt: Ripskirt Hawaii Quick Wrap Cover-up

This multi-purpose skirt gets good reviews for being both presentable and practical, making it easy to put on for a quick transition from the pool into the hotel restaurant. The skirt is lightweight but not so delicate that it can't handle repeated use on trips. It is easily wearable and breathable to keep you cool for summer city tours and walks along the beach.

Pants for men: Black Diamond Men's Alpine Pant

These lightweight pants were designed for hiking, but they look nice enough to serve a second purpose as a dinner outfit. I've enjoyed their comfort, breathability and stretchability which make them good both for sitting on long flights and for long walks around town. As a bonus, the pants have light waterproofing to keep you dry in a summer drizzle or if you, say, spill something on them at a bar.

Shorts for men : DUER Men's No Sweat Short

If you want to wear something trendier than just basketball shorts to keep cool when traveling, try DUER Men's No Sweat Short. These shorts may not completely eliminate sweat, but the Tencel lining combined with the cotton-spandex blend wicks away moisture and adds to their breathability. The spandex makes the shorts flexible for climbing trails or city steps, and they even have security flaps in the pockets to help foil pickpocketers that may hang around tourist sites.

Women's pants: LNX Women's Linen Pants

Linen pants have long been a choice for cooler summer wear, but they have a reputation for wrinkling in suitcases. LNX offers an affordable option for casual linen pants that are versatile enough for country tours and can be dressed up for dining out at night. The cotton-linen blend tends to wrinkle less. Everlane linen pants are another option that has served TPG photo editor Emilia Wronski well. "I've taken mine traveling several times since purchasing in April and the wrinkles mellow out pretty quickly," she says.

Shirts : Vapor Apparel Women's Sun Protection Hoodie

While wearing a long-sleeved hoodie in the heat of a summer day might seem counterintuitive, keeping your skin shielded from the sun, particularly if you're fair-skinned, can keep you cooler and prevent devastating sunburns. As a bonus, long-sleeved shirts can help protect you from voracious bugs on early summer mornings or evenings.

Vapor Apparel's Sun Protection hoodie is a very lightweight and breathable option for summer travels; the thin fabric packs down easily in bags but doesn't look wrinkled upon wearing. RipSkirt also makes popular lightweight summer long-sleeved shirts for sun protection.

Underclothes

Underwear for men: ExOfficio Give-N-Go Boxer Briefs

I've sworn by these lightweight moisture-wicking briefs as a hot weather choice for years. Although I haven't gone to the ExOfficio advertised extreme claim that you "only need two pairs to travel for weeks," I have found these comfortable to wear on hot days, whether walking around a city or hiking into the mountains. They're easy to wash in a hotel sink, quick drying for repeat usage and durable for repeat trips.

Underwear for women : ExOfficio also has a line of women's underwear and bras, while Patagonia Barely bras and underwear garner high reviews from TPG's Katie Genter. "They dry quick, don't smell and feel fine in the heat and humidity," she says.

Widebrim sun hat : Leotruny super wide brim sun hat

One of the best ways to beat the heat (or at least protect yourself from it) is to wear a proper head cover. Experts recommend something that has a wide brim to protect your face and neck from the blazing rays of the sun. Leotruny makes both men's and women's styles of wide-brimmed bucket hats; they are foldable and packable but still provide great coverage from the sun when lounging at the beach or going on a walking tour.

Another similar sunhat option is sold by Baggu. "I recently purchased a packable hat from Baggu for a trip to wine country," TPG's Claire Loyet says. "It was great because it folds up small enough to fit in a purse/tote/backpack."

Walking shoes: Hoka Bondi 7

I've long been a fan of Hoka's extra-cushioned shoes for running, hiking and just walking around town. They're a godsend for anyone like myself with chronic knee problems. The Bondi 7 shoes have mesh tops for breathability and great padding as well as support to reduce impact and provide stability on long walks on European cobblestone streets. The black-colored Bondis are subtle enough to wear to a restaurant or an evening out, although you're probably not going to win any fashion awards with them.

Allbirds shoes are a popular pick among TPG staffers, earning high marks for being fashionable, lightweight, and versatile enough to wear for both fitness and style purposes.

Sandals: Birkenstock EVA Sandals

These waterproof Birkenstocks check all the boxes of comfort, versatility and style for summer travels. A cushioned footbed keeps your feet and joints happy, while the sole is solid enough to survive extended walking tours. The waterproof functionality makes them a good choice for pool and beach use. They're more substantial than flip-flops but just as easy to slide on and off.

Note that Americans have a notorious reputation for wearing Birkenstocks with socks in Europe, so if you're going to partake in that trend, be prepared for people to laugh at you.

Related: What are the best travel shoes?

Feature photo by Thomas Barwick/Getty Images.

35 Best Women's Loungewear Sets to Pack on Your Next Trip

By Madison Flager and Paris Wilson

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Some may argue that traveling by plane is an occasion to dress up, but for most of us at Traveler, comfort is the main priority when planning a transit day ensemble: You want something loose enough that you won't need to readjust (or worse, unbutton) a few hours into a flight or road trip, but put-together enough to feel that you've made a switch out of pajamas and into a true outfit. Luckily, there is no shortage of loungewear sets these days.

Read on for 35 of the best loungewear sets to add to your travel wardrobe , many of which are sitting in our editors' dresser drawers. From upscale sweatsuits to cozy cashmere knits, they'll keep you comfy whether you're sitting on a plane, train, or in the passenger seat, and will get a re-wear on lazy vacation days when the only item on your to-do list is lounging around the Airbnb .

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date. Additional reporting by Meaghan Kenny.

The Aerie LumberJane collection has been one of the brand's more popular releases. The collection features breathable, lightweight waffle fabric in shirts, shorts, and now polos. The LumberJane polo and short set are perfect for lazy vacation days spent shuffling around in your slippers . Each piece has raw seams along the sleeves, sides, and back that gives it a more lived-in look.

Buck Mason is at the forefront of elevated essentials. The Vintage Interloop set features an oversized crew that has a relaxed fit all around and thinly ribbed stiching on the cuffs to give more structure to the slouchy sleeves. The French terry sweatpants are slimming and so comfortable. Each set looks slightly different than the other, thanks to Buck Mason's Venice Wash technique that creates its cool, vintage look.

We're always raving about Girlfriend Collective, a size-inclusive, sustainably- and ethically-made brand. This set is made from half recycled, half organic cotton. They're available in your classic neutral colors, as well as this rich wine hue.

Kim Kardashian's shapewear and loungewear brand Skims never misses when it comes to cozy sets. The Cotton Fleece collection is a more sporty take on classic loungewear. The soft fleece shorts have an interior drawstring at the waist for a more customizable fit.

This chic pullover and sweat shorts both don the recognizable Alexander Wang logo. While the set is one of the trendiest pieces on our list, you'll be pleasantly surprised at just how soft the heavy brushed cotton terry is. Style the set with a small crossbody bag and pair of chunky dad sneakers for quick errands or walks around the city.

You can never go wrong with a simple high-waisted pant and tank top combo. The Anrabess sleeveless set is lightweight and thin, making it supremely packable in any weekender bag or carry-on. At just $30, it is one of the most affordable loungewear sets on our list.

Is there anything easier than throwing on a jumpsuit? Spanx AirEssentials jumpsuit is one of the brand's bestsellers—and it's just been restocked in more colors. We love the drawstring tie at the waist that gives the jumpsuit a more fitted and flattering look.

Traveler 's commerce producer, Paris Wilson , swears by Roots' loungewear. “I've been raving about Roots for years. It's hard to find a brand that doesn't skimp on quality,” she says. The Luxe Crew and Pintuck pant are made from a cotton and cashmere blend. While the material gives it a more chic look, the fit of the set is more relaxed and loose. This can easily be dressed up or down, and would look great with a sleek pair of white sneakers .

The loose fit of the Ramona sweatshirt compliments the brand's drawstring waist Jane shorts. The rouched terry fabric on the inside of each garment keeps you warm and cozy without overheating. As warmer days approach, the yellow dip-dye design is a must-have for your spring and summer wardrobe .

If you're looking for a more polished look, the Malibu set is for you. The set is made up of the Frank & Eileen Audrey Capelet and the Catherine Sweatpant . Each piece is made from 100 percent cotton triple fleece, making it incredibly soft. It's the perfect set for a long road trip or a chilly plane.

The Cool Stretch collection from Pact is made from breathable organic cotton. The soft, thin layers are a go-to summer fit when temperatures are high and you just want to chill inside. The tank top and shorts set comes in seven colorways and can be paired with Pact's Airplane cardigan or a cozy hoodie .

If you prefer something a little more roomy, the Oversized Tee and Harem Pant set from This is J is for you. It’s perfect for long-haul flights and road trips where comfort is at the top of your list, but you don’t want to step out in your pajamas. The soft, moisture-wicking fabric will keep you dry and comfortable whether you’re snuggled up on a train or plane.

This set is made for cold weather. The thick fabric will keep you warm and toasty whether you’re hanging inside with friends or out sightseeing. The top has a dropped shoulder sleeve that looks more oversized while the pants feature a wide-leg with a drawstring waist.. The set comes in 10 solid colors that are easy to pair with a slip-on sneaker or Ugg boots .

The soft ribbed knit of the Muse hoodie and sweatpant offers a lot of dimension to the duo. The set is lightweight enough that it can be worn over workout clothes without any bulkiness. The high-waisted joggers pair well with the cropped hoodie and offer a more chic silhouette.

You’ll be comfortable from head to toe with this ultra-soft pullover and pant set. The pants have a classic ‘70s wide-leg silhouette accompanied by an elastic waistband, while the pullover has a polo-inspired collar and a slightly cropped hem. An all-white set never goes out of style and will look great with a white sneaker .

The name tells you everything you need to know. The Coziest Cashmere Blend hoodie and jogger are ultra-soft. The fabric is warm yet breathable and the fact that it’s a blend gives you peace of mind that it won’t be ruined in the washing machine.

Traveler editors swear by Lunya's washable silk pajamas and cashmere Travel Set . The brand’s Silksweats complete its holy trinity of comfort. With a sherpa interior and thermoregulating abilities, you'll be comfortable without overheating in this set. Bonus: Both pieces are reversible so you can have two looks for one.

There's something to be said for a zip-up sweatshirt, even if they've largely been replaced by pullovers of late. For one, if your temperature flips from chilly to warm, you can regulate without bothering your seatmate while trying to take off your hoodie. We're a fan of the sweatpants, too: the deep pockets, cuffed ankles, and cashmere fabric are all plusses.

A new addition to OV's ultra-soft, lightweight, and durable CloudKnit line-up : this boxy T-shirt with a slightly cropped fit. It comes in charcoal, navy, mocha, fog white, and jasmine blue, all of which will match your go-to black leggings or joggers .

Awarded one of Oprah's Favorite Things in 2020, I was eager to put on Cozy Earth's ultra-soft joggers, and am happy to report they lived up to the hype. Made of a mix of premium viscose from bamboo, acrylic, and spandex, they're smooth and cool to the touch, and have a loose but not baggy fit. I've worn them a ton on WFH days, and would happily fly in them. Snag a matching pullover if you like the matching set look.

San Francisco–based Quince launched a maternity collection, which includes a nursing-friendly long sleeve and lounge joggers with an adjustable drawstring waistband. All of the collection's pieces are made with renewable materials like Tencel lyocell, a biodegradable fiber made from wood pulp; mulberry silk, a hypoallergenic and thermoregulating fabric; the company's SuperSoft fabric, a blend of recycled polyester and tencel; and sustainably- and humanely-sourced Mongolian cashmere.

Outdoor Voices’ All Day hoodie and sweatpants set really is made to wear from dusk to dawn. It aims to be the softest pair of sweats you will ever wear, and stacks up, with a CloudKnit fabric that feels as cozy as your most worn-in pair of pajamas. The sweatpants are high-rise and more fitted toward the bottom to give the most flattering look possible, too. The pieces can be bought individually and come in six different colors, from neutral charcoal to a rich Kalamata purple.

While former Traveler editor Jessica Puckett's favorite cashmere set has since sold out, Cuyana's Pima outfit is another great option for plane travel and lounging, particularly in warmer environments, as the material is soft, smooth, and breathable.

Former Traveler editor Corina Quinn turned us on to Vuori's DreamKnit Collection hoodie and jogger set. “The DreamKnit feels like a cloud—it's so soft and cozy, yet lightweight, so you don't get too hot or too cool in them,” she says. “On top of that, because there are a few different models of jogger pants and tops, my friends and I have all found a model that's flattering for us.” For a pair of sweats that make you feel like you’re wearing a real outfit without actually doing so, Vuori’s unbelievably soft, stretchy sets are an easy pick.

Friend + Folk is a size- and gender-inclusive brand that prioritizes a limited carbon footprint, and puts it into practice by way of free carbon neutral shipping, recyclable and plastic-free packaging, limited batch-production, and more. The Joon joggers are a favorite—the fit is roomy and comfortable yet still tailored, and the zippered pockets are ideal for stashing AirPods, lip balm, and other odds and ends without worrying they'll fall out as you dash through the airport. Pair them with the Perry pullover and you've got a new airport uniform.

Lululemon may be best known for its leggings and workout wear, but don't skip over the brand's loungewear. This set is made out of a smooth Softstreme material that is stretchy and feels smooth against your skin. It's a great loungewear set to wear if you run hot.

We love this Madewell number, made of a fleece-like Superbrushed terry fabric. Wide legs and a loose fit make it just the kind of thing we want to wear on long travel days, and the patch pockets are much appreciated. Since it does have tank top-style straps, bring a cardigan or other added layer for the plane.

Some loungewear is better suited for inside wear, like this cozy ribbed shorts set. Wear the pullover, with its bell sleeves and slit in the back, over leggings for long-haul flights. The stretchy shorts have a fairly short inseam, so they'll likely be more comfortable as a sleeping short or loungewear piece to change into when you arrive at your hotel or rental house.

This two-piece set might be the closest thing to sleepwear on this list, and yet is still cute enough to feel confident while wearing through the airport. It comes in a dozen colors, from basic heather gray to bold indigo blue, and pairs slouchy, relaxed fit pants with a scoop-neck button-up henley.

Sure, all sweatpants are designed to be comfortable, but the cotton, modal, and spandex fabric Knix uses takes things up a notch. The smooth, cooling, and slightly stretchy fabric feels fantastic against skin and looks a bit more put-together than typical sweatpant material.

Most loungewear tends to follow the same cut, so we appreciate Monos, a luggage brand , shaking things up when delving into clothing. This set is as soft as any sweatpants out there, with a mid-length wide-leg pant and a short sleeve V-neck tee that's just slightly cropped.

Anything labeled Signaturesoft nails both the rest day and flying-comfortably mood we're going for. The top and bottom have a streamlined shape and the sweatpants are tapered at the ankle. Both pieces are made of a comfortable rayon, acrylic, and spandex mix, so you’ll feel cozy while still looking put together. The sweatshirt and sweatpants can be purchased individually and come in nearly a dozen colors should you want to mix and match, and the sweatshirt passes the video-conferencing-chic test, in that it looks more like a standard sweater than workout wear.

Not a hoodie person? You might like this cowl-neck top, which comes with cropped pants, both made of a super soft jersey and spandex fabric. Shop the set in gray, sky blue, strawberry, or buttercream, and wear it on your next overnight flight to feel like you're in pajamas.

You may never want to put on pajamas again after wearing Softwear's Lounge Set. The fabric is buttery soft inside and out. Both the pullover and joggers are tailored and fitted with a clean silhouette—the top could pass for a normal sweater—while still being ultra soft. Plus, it’s long-lasting: The sustainable fabric is pilling-resistant and made to keep its shape after every wear.

Made for pregnant or nursing moms, this Everly Grey set is designed to fit a baby bump and make nursing easier with side openings on the top. Made of stretchy fabric with cuffed ankles and wrists and pockets on the hips, it's a loose, ever-so-slightly tailored look you'll wear again and again. Order it in one of four neutral colors: black, charcoal, oyster pink, or denim blue.

26 Travel Outfit Essentials for Women

Add slip-on shoes, cozy 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.

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 of your essentials and still level up your airport outfit. Keep reading for some of the best travel and airport outfit ideas your next trip.

Missky Long-Sleeved Oversize Pant 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.

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!”

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.

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-side seaming and pockets.

Dr. Scholl's Time Off Platform Sneakers

Celebrated for their 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 sole protects on the outside. This minimalist sneaker looks just as good with a matching suit as it does a low-key sweat set.

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 that comes in eight different colors.

Athleta Everlasting Button-Down Top

A classic button-down is a travel essential that elevates any in-transit look. Athleta's Everlasting button-down has all the details you need: a lightweight, odor-control stretch fabric and longer length for coverage. Luckily, you can cover all your neutral bases with navy, black, and white. Plus, it comes in an extended range of sizes from XXS to 3X.

Chico's Travelers 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 red isn't your vibe, they come in three other colors as well as the bestselling wide-leg Hutton pants in black.

Spanx 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.

Hoka Transport GTX 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 Transport GTX also offer quick-toggle lacing for an easy on-off, as well as a full-length EVA midsole for the highest level of cushioning and arch support.

Spanx Women's AirEssentials 1/2 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?

Dr. Motion Compression Socks with Enhanced Cushioning (3 Pack)

Compression socks are always a good ideal for traveling. We recommend these styles from Dr. Motion that offer graduated compression of 8 to 15 mmHg while providing arch support. Unlike other socks that can feel scratchy or clammy, these are soft, moisture-wicking, and subtly cushioned.

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.

32º DEGREES Lightweight Recycled Poly-Fill Shirt Jacket

Sometimes a full on coat is not needed for travel, but you can never be quite sure of the weather. That's why a a little packable shacket—part shirt, part jacket—comes in. In black, olive green, or dark blue, the jacket will be your go-to for travel. Keep in mind, it runs slightly big in order to allow for comfortable layering of hoodies or sweaters underneath. There's a reason why Oprah tapped it on her Favorite Things list .

JW PEI Aylin Canvas Cellphone Crossbody Bag

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

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 rubbber 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 cappucino with raffia accents.

Naadam Original 100 Percent Cashmere Sweater

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

Original Puffer Hug Scarf

If you're traveling for business to a location that you're not thrilled about, chances are you are in need of a hug. Don't worry, this puffer hug scarf doubles as a warm wrap to keep you cozy and a hug to make you feel loved. It's fleece-lined with deep pockets so you can also store your ID and credit card without any issues.

Asutra Silk Eye Mask & Pillow

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.

K. Carroll Accessories Taylor Tote Red

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.

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

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18 Best Travel Backpacks, According to Frequent Flyers

By Gabrielle Porcaro

As someone who frequently travels, I've slung duffels, totes , and travel purses on my arm, but nothing compares to using the best travel backpacks. Depending on the length of your trip, a suitcase can either be too bulky or not big enough, so you'll need the vital second bag to make sure all your clothes, tech, and gear securely arrive at your destination. Plus, traveling with a backpack can be more supportive for your back, freeing up your arms and hands to pull out directions on your phone or to hold an iced coffee. Backpacks can also be surprisingly roomy, so everything you need (or want) on your trip fits as comfortably as possible. The good news is there are a wide range of excellent options to suit any and all of your needs. Below, we found the most travel-friendly options and tapped Glamour editors and some of our frequent-flier friends to share the best travel backpacks.

What to look for in a travel backpack

When shopping for luggage items like a travel backpack, the comfort and capacity of the bag is key. You want it to feel easy on the body, which means wide straps or a hip belt to distribute weight, which comes in handy if you're running to catch a plane or carrying it through a crowded subway. Bonus points if the straps are they adjustable and padded. Consider the material: Is it lightweight, soft, and made of durable material like water-resistant fabric? As for size, think about the use of the backpack. There are weekender bags and carry-on size options you can use for long weekends or smartly packed weeklong vacations and styles for short day trips, hikes, or shopping excursions.

The best travel backpacks, at a glance

• Best Overall : Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack , $210
• Best on Amazon : Shrradoo Extra Large 52L Travel Laptop Backpack , $33
• Best Daypack : Lululemon Everywhere Backpack , $78
• Best Budget : Coofay Carry On Backpack , $30
• Best for Commuters : Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack , $95
• Most Stylish : Tumi Voyageur Just in Case Packable Nylon Travel Backpack , $150

All products featured on Glamour are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Best Overall : Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack

Here's a simple, sleek backpack with plenty of built-in organization. “My twin sister and I have traveled the world together, and this bag came in particularly handy on our trip to South America when we both needed more room besides our carry-on luggage. What I loved about this piece is it's essentially a suitcase with straps. The wrap zipper fully opens up, allowing you to see and organize your goods into the compartments. Crafted in repurposed nylon, the exterior is one of a kind, and the colors made it easier to spot one another through the crowds,” says Glamour contributor Gabrielle Porcaro .

Capacity: 42 L / Waterproof : Water-resistant

• Pros: Repurposed nylon body; suitcase layout; weight-distributing harness system
• Cons: Can easily show dirt

Best on Amazon : Shrradoo Extra Large 52L Travel Laptop Backpack

As a runner-up, consider this the Swiss Army knife of backpacks. Hidden in this compact, durable bag are 20 pockets and compartments to accommodate and organize everything from clothes to an umbrella to power cords. A practical standout feature of this travel backpack is an external USB port with set-in charging cables to charge your phone (just remember to charge your power pack before heading out on your trip). Another noteworthy aspect is the U-shaped 3D breathable mesh straps designed to relieve stress from shoulders and reduce a sweaty back.

Capacity: 52 L / Waterproof : Water-resistant

• Pros: So many pockets for organizing; USB charging port; comfortable
• Cons: Chunky, technical look

Best Daypack : Lululemon Everywhere Backpack

Lululemon gets a lot of love for its Lulu leggings and activewear, but don't sleep on accessories like its laptop bags . A classic backpack with a modern design, the Everywhere Backpack has a clean appearance that will effortlessly match your look. Inside it's spacious and has a padded pocket that fits a 16-inch laptop. On the exterior is a front zipper pocket for keys, antibacterial wipes, headphones…whatever you need handy while on the go.

Capacity: 22 L / Waterproof : Water-repellent

• Pros: Internal laptop sleeve; side water bottle pockets; lightweight
• Cons: No luggage strap; not a ton of pockets

Best Budget : Coofay Carry On Backpack

This affordable, multifunctional pack is lightweight but can hold a lot and easily fit under an airline seat as a carry-on. “I loved the space and compartments of this bag. It's durable and packed a lot of room for so many things. The luggage handle strap is also a bonus if you're hauling a roller bag,” wrote one Amazon reviewer . Bonus: It has a shoes and a wet pocket compartment.

Capacity: 17 L / Waterproof : Yes

• Pros: Separate shoe compartment, 29 color options; USB port design
• Cons: Short luggage strap

By Emily Tannenbaum

By Danielle Sinay

By Héloïse Salessy

Best for Commuters : Everlane the ReNew Transit Backpack

Whether you're a college commuter or in the office most days, this is an excellent option for everyday travel or work trips. It's a go-to for Condé Nast associate director of box business operations Haley Welch . “The separate laptop compartment makes organizing seamless, as does the front and upper zipper compartments, which is great for a Kindle,” she says. She likes that the chic and minimal look effortlessly mixes with every outfit, from comfy travel joggers and hoodies to a work-appropriate suit or dress.

Capacity : 27 L / Waterproof : Water-resistant

• Pros : Internal and external water bottle holders; zipper pocket on top; made from renewed materials
• Cons : Only holds a 15-inch laptop

Most Stylish : Best Tumi Voyageur Just In Case Packable Nylon Travel Backpack

For anyone looking for a dressier option for their everyday commute or regular work trips, Tumi has a gorgeous style. Don't let the sleek appearance fool you; the zipper reveals a very roomy interior but still folds flat. A two-way zipper makes it easier to grab whatever you need from the inside with a smaller front pocket as well. There’s also a very convenient add-to-a-bag sleeve to secure this nicely over your suitcase handle, making it one to use on daily and international excursions. It's so stylish it can double as a cute work bag for office days.

Capacity: 15"H x 12"W x 4 1/2"D. (Interior capacity: large) / Waterproof : Water-resistant

• Pros :Packable; folds down flat; lightweight
• Cons: Doesn’t fit a ton

Best for Organization : Snoffic Travel Backpack

If remaining organized is of the utmost importance while traveling or in everyday life, look no further than this Snoffic backpack. This wallet-friendly pick has a 4.6-star rating on Amazon and under $35 price tag. “I was able to pack a week's worth of summer clothes in it, which included two summer dresses," says one Amazon reviewer . Not only does this bag offer ample space and waterproof material, but it also includes two clear toiletry bags (also waterproof) to help you reduce your zip-lock baggie usage. Plus, it comes in a wide range of pretty shades.

Capacity : 40 L / Waterproof : Water-resistant

• Pros : Nicely priced; roomy; includes two toiletry bags
• Cons : Boxy shape

Best for Pockets : Athleta Excursion Backpack

This pick, courtesy of Glamour commerce editor Malia Griggs , is one that can hold every little trinket or gadget you own. “I thought this backpack was going to my go-to for hiking, but it’s actually my go-to for pretty much everything. I love how sleek it is, and yet, despite its slim appearance, it manages to fit my 15-inch laptop, my secondary screen, charger, headphones, e-reader, and mouse. It has handy organizational features, like an inner key ring, zippered outer pockets for me to stash my lip gloss and phone, and not one but two mesh pockets that fit my water bottle and an umbrella. Its handles are also made of a breathable fabric—so useful when I’ve worked up a sweat while out and about.”

• Pros :Lightweight; ripstop material resists snags and tears; mesh back panel for added support
• Cons: Larger on top shape

Best Minimalist Design : Dagne Dover Dakota Medium Neoprene Backpack

“On my last flight I saw not one, not two, but multiple travelers with this style hanging from their backs. As someone who regularly takes Dagne Dover bags on trips, I understand the popularity. The neoprene material is strong, soft, and stretchy, which causes the bag to flex to your body and whatever you put inside. It's forgiving, allowing you to fit in and possibly overstuff everything you need for a trip. It also washes well, ensuring it will always have that chic appearance even after some wear and tear,” says Porcaro. Dagne Dover also makes excellent diaper backpacks like this parent-approved Indi Diaper Bag .

Capacity: 16 L / Waterproof : No

• Pros: Packs a lot; machine washable
• Cons: Neoprene is a bit heavier than other material; material creases easily

Best for Airplane Travel : Augustnoa Classic Noa

“So many features drew me to this bag: the eco-friendly (plus water-friendly) material, smart design, and luggage sleeve—a must for any travel carry-on piece. There are ten pockets and compartments to organize essentials, something I took full advantage of when using. As an active person trying to hydrate more, I also appreciated the side pockets that securely held my water bottle (I bent over, and it didn't budge). It also includes a removable drawstring bag, something I always forget to pack for morning workouts and overnight travels,” says Porcaro.

Capacity: 21 L / Waterproof : Water-resistant

• Pros: Pockets on straps; laptop and tablet sleeve; two water bottle holders
• Cons: Pockets in the back and on straps are small

Best Roll Top : Roark Passenger 27L 2.0 Bag

Expandable storage is always a plus with any travel bag. This backpack, from super cool brand Roark, has an adjustable top to allow more room. The roll-top also has a magnetic entry, allowing for easy and secure access on the move. Interior and exterior pockets, including one for your tablet or laptop, sunglasses, and a hidden pocket for your passport, are specific details that make this a unique backpack. Ergonomic air mesh padded straps, a quilted back, and chest straps prevent this from adding any discomfort to your travels. The appearance calls for adventure, but it equally works in cities.

Capacity: 27 L / Waterproof : 100% Nylon

• Pros: Streamlined look; quilted back; magnetic closure top
• Cons: Could use more internal pockets

Best Large Travel Bag : Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 55L

The beauty of this bag is it says it right in the title—it's a black hole. With a 55-liter capacity, there's no doubt it will hold everything you need for a long weekend or even a long weekend trip. Ultra-comfortable to carry, it's perfect for hiking excursions, camping trips, or multi-city European backpacking adventures. Durably made with 100% recycled fabric, this fits in the overhead bin; if you want to check it, you can trust it will return to you just as you left it.

Capacity: 55 L / Waterproof : Water Repellent

• Pros: Large, carry-on size, top and side handles; removable shoulder straps
• Cons: Rugged design

Best for Laptop : Herschel Kaslo Dayback Tech Backpack

If you're looking for a laptop backpack , this is a top choice. Hershel backpacks are a go-to for marriage and family therapist and mom of two boys, Whitney Steller. “I have had this for almost six years, and the quality is amazing. No rips or anything and the straps are still comfortable. “The classic grade school look was also a draw and the fact that it fits perfectly under a plane seat. This style, in particular, is eco-friendly, made from post-consumer water bottles, and has a padded compartment to fit up a 15-inch laptop.

Capacity: 20 L / Waterproof : No

• Pros: Optional strum strap to help disturbed weight; padded compartment for laptop
• Cons: No luggage sleeve

Best Y-Pack : Topo Designs Y-Pack Backpack

This is an awesome option for anyone who ends up leaving a trip with more than they brought. “The adjustable Y-shaped strap can be tight and secure or loosened to allow for more room, which is the reason why this is a piece of heavy rotation for me. It always shocks me how much I can fit/shove into the main compartment yet still slide my laptop out of the back sleeve. No matter if it’s filled with a hoodie and various pouches holding makeup, power cords, and snacks; it's easy to access. I like to use the zip pocket on the top to store antibacterial wipes, hand sanitizer, headphones, and anything else I want easy access to once I arrive on the flight,” says Porcaro.

Capacity: 23.8 L / Waterproof : No

• Pros: Drawstring closure offers more space; zip pocket on top for easy access; durable material great for travel and the outdoors
• Cons: G-hook buckle closure can sometimes be tough

Best Waterproof : SealLine Skylake Dry Pack

The beauty of this piece is that it rolls up for easy packing within a suitcase or larger travel backpack. The fact that it's created from an extremely lightweight material also ups the packability and wear factor. Jen Ator, a personal trainer, used this on her honeymoon in Thailand. “Not only was it super sturdy and waterproof, but it fits everything we needed during day trips.” She also pointed out how handy the exterior pocket was for easy access to essentials like a phone to snap a picture of her and her husband.

Capacity : 18 L / Waterproof : Yes

• Pros: Lightweight; stowable
• Cons: No interior pocket

Best Convertible : Thule Crossover 2 Convertible Backpack

Adaptability is vital when traveling, and this Thule convertible backpack offers various ways to hold it. If you're in a tight space, de-boarding, or want to give your shoulders a break, there is a longer shoulder strap and top handle to hold. Inside the backpack, you'll find compartments that look like your favorite easy-rolling carry-on suitcase, making it easy to keep everything with you secure and organized. Another standout feature is the exterior crush-resistant SafeZone compartment that's perfect for storing sunglasses or a phone.

Capacity: 21 ¾"H x 14"W x 8"D. / Waterproof : Water Resistant

• Pros: Crust resistant, two-way zip closure, RFID-shielded pocket;
• Cons: Expensive

Best for City Travel : PAK Large Nylon Backpack

“As a backpack I recently added to my collection, I was impressed by how many features were hidden in what seemed like a pretty basic bag. First, it’s worth noting how seamlessly this slid on and off my back, making it a breeze to sit on the subway or grab my wallet to buy coffee. At first glance, I was confused about the zipper on the bottom of the front pocket, but when I realized it was a coat sling, which, as someone who runs cold and always has an extra layer, is something I will use again and again. Another made-for-me feature is an extra large pocket for water bottles since it’s a personal pet peeve when they aren’t wide enough for standard sizes. Having only worn this around the city for daily life, I appreciate that the shape and look of the pack are city-ready and more polished. When I take this on international trips, I look forward to using the hidden theft-proof compartments,” says Porcaro.

Capacity: 13.5”L x 7” W x 14” H / Waterproof : No

• Pros: Easy access pocket in the back, Coat sling, Large side pockets
• Cons: Not super large

Best Customizable : Roam Continental Backpack

Anyone who is a fan of customization will appreciate this pick. Buyers can choose the color they want on the front, back, side, and straps to create a bag that is uniquely theirs. This is favorite of Glamour commerce editor Jenifer Calle , who has been using it for years. “It fits enough for weekend trips and vacation travel. I particularly like that the side zippers fit my Owala water bottle and there are plenty of zipper and pockets to hold my wallet, keys, chargers, lip balms, and more” says Glamour’s Calle.

Capacity : 26 L / Waterproof : Water Repellent

• Pros : Customizable; 100-day trial period; soft material; luggage sleeve
• Cons : Expensive

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12 Travel Garment Bags to Look Good Everywhere

Be wrinkle-free everywhere you go

Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper's BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

But choosing the best travel garment bag for your needs can be a challenge. There are a lot of options on the market, so we asked an expert about how to find the right one. According to Tumi creative director Victor Sanz, “Your garment bag should be sturdy, functional, and sleek. If you’re frequently traveling by plane, a garment bag that folds to fit carry-on requirements is essential.” He adds, “You want to find the size that will fit all your clothes without having to overfold them and will allow you to reach your destination in style.”

Best Quilted Garment Bag

Mz wallace michael garment bag.

Best Luxury Garment Bag

Tumi alpha garment bag trifold carry-on.

Best Garment Duffel

Halfday the garment duffel.

Best Timeless Garment Bag

Longchamp boxford garment bag.

Best Packable Garment Bag

Calpak packable garment bag.

Best Affordable Garment Bag

Amazon basics premium garment bag.

Best Durable Garment Bag

Hartmann metropolitan two-garment sleeve.

Best Personalized Garment Bag

Mark & graham commuter 2-in-1 garment bag.

Best Expandable Garment Bag

Samsonite ascella 3.0 softside expandable luggage.

Best Water-Resistant Garment Bag

Stitch ultimate garment bag.

It’s also important to consider bonus features, like pockets and organizational compartments, and, as Sanz notes, “A crucial function is to ensure that you’re able to hang your garment bag when you arrive at your destination, so that you can prepare your outfits as easily as possible and to ensure that all your clothes are crisp.” Keeping all this in mind, we found the 12 best travel garment bags out there today. Once you start using one of these, you’re never going to go back.

MZ Wallace’s signature quilting isn’t limited to the brand’s totes, appearing here in garment bag form. The thin design is extremely lightweight, ideal for quick trips when you need to bring one to three outfits. There is even an exterior pocket for bonus storage.

Dimensions: 22" × 3" × 39"

Materials: Oxford, leather

What reviewers are saying: “I have been interested in a MZ Wallace garment bag for a while. It is perfect! Just right proportions and size. Thoughtful design and construction details.”

Tumi always delivers premium luggage that will last you over a decade, and this garment bag is no exception. Sanz says: “It’s foldable, with a sturdy handle for easy carrying, making it convenient and compact for every type of travel. I also love that it has several zipper pockets, so I can pack my toiletries and other travel essentials all in one bag. When I arrive at my destination, I hang it in the closet and I know that I will be ready to go.”

Dimensions: 15" x 22" x 6"

Materials: Ballistic nylon

What reviewers are saying: “This bag stores so much for a carry on. I was able to comfortably fit 2 suits and more for a destination wedding!”

This duffel has been receiving high praise ever since its release. A few of the reasons it’s so popular: The duffel is carry-on friendly, water-resistant, and has interior and exterior pockets. And those are only a few of its distinguishing features. Choose an original or compact size for the style that suits your needs.

Dimensions: 22" x 12" x 12"

Materials: Polyester

What reviewers are saying: “The Garment Duffel is a great purchase, especially for anyone in an industry that takes short frequent trips. I was actually able fit quite a bit more clothes than I had anticipated. Took the bag to work and my company bought 20 of them to give to customers. Great purchase.”

Longchamp’s iconic nylon and leather trim takes on a garment bag silhouette. The two-tone design exudes sophistication, with practical touches like a top carry handle, built-in hanger, and front zip pocket.

Dimensions: 23.25" x 41.25"

Materials: Nylon, leather

What reviewers are saying: “I bought this as a gift for my boyfriend who travels a lot and needed a nice garment bag particularly for his suits. This bag is perfect! It fits his suit as well as a few extra shirts. The fabric is an amazing, durable quality, and the leather details make this product look incredible.”

This garment bag is actually designed to fit inside of your carry-on, rather than serving as a stand-alone piece. The water-resistant exterior protects against spills, and exterior zip pockets hold small accessories. It gets the job done, while taking up the least possible amount of space.

Dimensions: 40" x 19"

What reviewers are saying: “I use this bag when I need to workout at work. I go from a suit to athleticwear in minutes.”

Looking for an affordable option that is available ASAP? Amazon’s garment bag holds up to three suits or dresses and boasts multiple zipper compartments.

Dimensions: 40" x 4" x 20.5"

What reviewers are saying: “I bought this bag in 2019 and it has held up incredibly well since then, performs all functions advertised at a great price value. I have taken it on many flights, buses and train rides and have never had an issue with fitting it in the overhead bin on both longer-haul flights and short budget-airline carriers.”

Hartmann’s garment bag adds contemporary touches to an otherwise traditional design. The result? A chic, useful travel accessory that will stand the test of time. The padded shoulder strap and multiple interior pockets enhance the convenience of this style.

Materials: Nylon

What reviewers are saying: “Hartmann was an anniversary gift from my work place, and I am still proud to own it 35 years later.”

Mark & Graham Commuter 2-in-1 Garment Bag

Another convertible duffel, but this time with a personalized touch. That’s right—Mark & Graham lets you monogram your duffel. With a plethora of zippered and snap interior and exterior pockets, this bag gets creative with its storage solutions.

Dimensions: 22" x 10" x 10"

This spinner-style garment bag makes navigating a chaotic airport easy. The ergonomic design has expandable capabilities, as well as various compartments, a hanger bracket, and a pocket for liquids.

Dimensions: 20.5" x 24" x 9.5"

What reviewers are saying: “It’s easy to maneuver and overall great quality and very neat design (many compartments and zippered areas).”

For golfers and non-golfers alike, Stitch makes a duffel that is water- and stain-resistant, and includes a hanger hook, shoulder strap, elastic shoe pockets, and webbed handles. You can even get it customized with your initials.

Dimensions: 22.5" x 11.5" x 12"

What reviewers are saying: “Love it! Fits into the airplane overhead bin, no trouble bringing it along as a carry-on bag. Very sturdy, zippers are tough enough. Shoulder strap is removable. My suit arrived in top shape using this garment bag. Highly recommended.”

Ralph Lauren Leather-Trim Hybrid Garment Duffel

Ralph Lauren’s duffel design is the epitome of understated elegance. An accompanying shoulder strap makes it easy to carry around.

Dimensions: 15" x 21.5" x 9"

Materials: Polyester, leather

Gucci Savoy Garment Bag

Embrace the bold luxury aesthetic with a Gucci bag covered in the house’s monogram. Containing a big compartment with a hanger and two zip pockets, this garment bag will hold all your essentials.

Dimensions: 21.5" x 16.1" x 6.7"

Materials: Canvas, leather, cotton

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For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion, beauty, and lifestyle resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in fashion by working with the world’s leading authorities in ready-to-wear, footwear, accessories, and more. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of editors and industry experts.

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The 5 Best Travel Clotheslines in 2024 [Portable, Adjustable]

Amar Hussain

Senior Content Contributor

782 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 63 U.S. States Visited: 9

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

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Things To Consider When Buying a Travel Clothesline

1. clothesline travel gadget for outdoor and indoor use, 2. lightweight camping and travel clothesline, 3. adjustable 26-foot camping clothesline, 4. convenient and compact option, 5. windproof clothesline with clamps, final thoughts.

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We can all agree that keeping your clothes clean while traveling is important. Whether you’re traveling across the continent or simply want to enjoy a couple of days camping in nature, personal hygiene dictates that your clothes should be clean and dry. However, this can be easier said than done when you’re away from home.

Luckily, the best clotheslines on the market make the process of drying your clothes much easier. In that light, let’s take a look at some of the best travel clotheslines available.

Before we review the best clotheslines out there, let’s highlight the most important aspects to consider when buying one. If you need a clothesline for travel, here’s what you should keep in mind:

Possibly the most important thing to know about any clothesline is the length of the cable. You don’t want to find yourself in a situation where you’re short a couple of inches so your clothes can’t dry properly.

We strongly suggest getting a clothesline that’s approximately 10 feet long . This is especially important if you want to dry more than 1 item at a time.

Bottom Line: Besides the length, keep in mind the thickness of the clothesline. After all, you will be packing it in your luggage, so you don’t want to use valuable space on a clothesline that’s too wide.

When it comes to materials, there are a lot of choices on the market. That’s why it’s important to know which one is best suited to your needs. Most travel clotheslines are made from stainless steel, nylon, or cotton . However, there are some plastic clotheslines that work just as well as the other 2.

Durability and Weight

Durability is an important factor when it comes to choosing a good clothesline. If you plan on drying more than 1 item at a time, you will need a strong clothesline to support all those wet clothes.

Durable clotheslines are usually heavier and offer more support and an easier setup. Stainless steel clotheslines with a plastic coating tend to be the most durable but are heavier. By choosing something sturdy, you will have a clothesline that won’t falter after 3 or 4 uses.

Additional Features

Given that a clothesline is a pretty straightforward product, it’s always nice to find one with some additional features. Namely, some clotheslines come with clips, while others are equipped with steel hooks.

Also, if you want the utmost security and durability, consider getting a clothesline that is made out of stainless steel and covered in plastic.

The 5 Best Travel Clotheslines

Now that we’ve covered the most crucial features to look for in a clothesline let’s take a look at some specific options. Here are our top picks for travel clotheslines.

HAWATOUR Portable Retractable Travel Clothesline

When it comes to convenience and overall performance while traveling, this portable elastic clothesline is a great choice. This clothesline is made of rust-retardant stainless steel , ensuring maximum durability. You never need to worry about this one wearing down.

Apart from durability, this clothesline is equipped with black clips and stainless-steel hooks for easy setup. In addition, the elastic rope that can stretch up to 10 feet is perfectly capable of holding more than 5 pieces of clothing without a problem.

Best of all, this clothesline has multifunctionality and can be used while camping, in a hotel room, or even in your backyard. All in all, this is an excellent clothesline with a simple design and lots of features.

What We Like

• Made out of durable materials

What We Don’t Like

• Bulky and heavy

Sea to Summit Lite Line Clothesline

If you’re looking for a lightweight yet durable clothesline, Sea to Summit’s option is definitely a top pick. This clothesline is designed for travel, weighing only 1.3 ounces, and is so easy to pack and carry on any adventure . It’s also quite simple to set up and use anywhere — you just need a place to attach the hooks, and you’re good to go.

The specially designed sliding rubber beads secure your clothes and towels, removing the need for clips and allowing for compact storage. This is especially convenient for those who want to dry multiple items at the same time. Furthermore, the clothesline is extremely durable since it’s made out of high-grade materials such as stainless steel and rubber.

Lastly, the rope provides up to 11.5 feet of hanging space. And it’s important to mention that the cord has a reflective feature that ensures night visibility, making it a good option for camping or hiking.

• Lightweight design that’s easy to pack and carry
• The cord can tangle

CenYouful Portable Travel Clothesline Cord

CenYouful’s travel clothesline is yet another affordable option with great features. Not only is it designed to provide maximum support, but it’s also a really convenient item to bring on any adventure.

The first remarkable feature of this clothesline is the durable rope that’s made out of high-quality nylon material. It is nonslip and waterproof , which are welcome features when you want to dry towels or other heavy pieces of cloth.

In terms of length, this clothesline is able to extend up to 26 feet, which is more than enough for anyone’s needs. Also, the retractable cord enables you to easily extend the rope to any desired length. It’s easy to set up with 2 hooks that are able to attach to just about anything.

• 26-foot cord length
• The rolling mechanism doesn’t have a crank arm

Coghlan’s Bungee Clothesline

As one of the leaders in camping equipment, Coghlan has done a wonderful job creating this amazing clothesline. To start with, it is a very convenient and compact clothesline that allows for easy packing. It folds up into a small bundle that will fit into any pocket or corner of your backpack.

In addition, this clothesline is made out of high-quality materials, including 2 durable hooks and a plastic rope. The rope is elastic and waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about getting it soaked . On top of that, you can hang quite a lot on this clothesline as it is stable and secure with the proper setup.

This clothesline is perfect for outdoor use, and especially for hiking and camping, thanks to the durable materials.

• The convenient design
• It feels heavy

Dagongren 2 Pack Clothesline

If you‘re an outdoors enthusiast, then this clothesline is your best bet. It’s made out of superstrong material that ensures maximum durability and flexibility. The rope comes with 12 colorful clamps, making it easier to dry your clothes without fear of losing your knickers to a stiff breeze.

When packed, this clothesline doesn’t take up much space, which makes it perfect for traveling. It’s easy to set up with the help of 2 hooks. The cord extends up to 9 feet.

All in all, this is one really convenient clothesline. Even better, this clothesline is affordable, so it doesn’t require a huge investment.

• Colorful clamps for high winds
• Can require a bit more time to setup

In light of everything we’ve discussed, it’s easy to conclude that traveling without a clothesline is not always a good idea. This unique product won’t take up much space in your luggage and can be a lifesaver when you have to wash your clothes by hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of rope is best for clotheslines.

There are a lot of factors that determine the quality of the rope. However, possibly the best material for clotheslines is either cotton or polyethylene.

Do clotheslines need to be placed in the sun?

If you want your clothes to dry faster, then yes! However, a good clothesline will dry your clothes both indoors and outdoors.

What is the best clothesline to buy?

There are lots of options on the market, but going with any of the reliable brands on our list is wise.

Where is the best place to put a clothesline?

Look for direct sunlight exposure and a secure place to anchor it. Make sure it is secured properly, so you don’t have to pick your clothes up from the ground.

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About Amar Hussain

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.

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6 Best Ironing Boards of 2024

It's not just about the iron. Your board matters too.

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.

Here at the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab , we do a lot of ironing, especially when we test steam irons, prep for video shoots, assess wrinkle removal cycles on clothes washers and clothes dryers , de-wrinkle test fabrics for laundry detergent testing and even to spruce up our own GH lab coats.

Our top picks:

Best Overall Ironing Board

Brabantia size c ironing board.

Best Value Ironing Board

Household essentials steel top long ironing board with iron rest.

Best Over-the-Door Ironing Board

Honey-can-do hanging ironing board.

Best Ironing Board for Seated Ironing

Brabantia adjustable ironing board, size d.

Best Tabletop Ironing Board

Household essentials tabletop ironing board with iron rest.

Best Wall-Mounted Ironing Board

Iron-a-way built-in ironing center.

When we test ironing boards, we rate them for weight, how smoothly they open and close and how easy they are to store. Our "iron tip-over test" is a way for us to check both the stability of the board and the durability of the iron. Finally, we evaluate the washability and quality of the pad and cover and the functionality of any accessories, like racks, cord holders and iron rests.

At the bottom of this guide, you can read more about how we test ironing boards in our Lab, what to look for when shopping for ironing boards and find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about ironing boards. For more laundry room essentials, check out our guides to the best laundry detergents , stain removers , washing machines and how to do laundry .

Brabantia's Size C board has everything we look for in a quality ironing board: stability, sturdy construction, an adjustable iron rest, a rack to hold your freshly ironed garments and an almost 10-inch adjustable height range. With child and transport locks, plus non-slip caps on the board's legs, you can be sure that the board will not collapse during use or open inadvertently in storage.

While we haven't Lab-tested this model yet, it is virtually identical to our Lab-favorite, Brabantia's Size B ironing board , though it is just over four pounds heavier. However, the Size C provides you with three extra inches of ironing surface, making it especially useful for ironing bed linens or tablecloths, or for sewers, quilters and crafters who need the extra width. For a pop of color, you can purchase the brand's ironing board cover in tons of fun patterns when you're ready for something fun and new.

All the basics at an affordable price plus lots of great user reviews convinced us that this Household Essentials ironing board should be our best value pick. While we haven't tested this board in our Lab, we like the V-shaped double leg construction and the iron rest with a rack to hang the items you've just ironed, something many basic boards don't include.

It's about four pounds lighter than our best overall board, but a few reviewers commented that it was a little more wobbly than they expected and the cover that came with it was a bit thin. At 14 inches wide, it's also slightly narrower than many others. Like more expensive boards though, it has a mesh steel top to permit heat and steam to pass through fabrics and with over 600 Amazon reviewers rating it a 4.4 out of five, many called it "sturdy." One said it's "just what I needed."

The space constraints that come with living in a small home, apartment or even a dorm room often mean that having a full size ironing board ready to use at a moment's notice is the stuff dreams are made of. But living in tight quarters doesn't mean you're relegated to wearing crumpled clothes. If you've got a door, you can still look smooth and professionally pressed with this model from Honey Can Do.

From a company whose organizing products we love, Honey Can Do knows a thing or two about saving space. Its door-mounted ironing board is a generous 14 inches wide and 44 inches long, providing a large ironing surface for a board this compact. We haven't tested this model in our Lab, but it has mostly excellent consumer reviews and is from a brand we know and trust, though some complained it didn't fit securely on their doors, leading to stability issues.

Ironing for hours can be a grueling task for anyone. But if standing for long periods of time is uncomfortable or painful for you or you are in a wheelchair, this Brabantia board can make this laundry task less painful and more possible to do. Infinitely adjustable, it can be set to any convenient height and the legs curve out, making it more comfortable to use while seated.

You won't find extras like a clothing shelf or iron rest here, but the end of the board features a heat-resistant parking zone, so you can place the iron soleplate down without any fear of damaging the cover. This Brabantia boasts one of the largest ironing surfaces we've seen. It is pricey, but we think worth it for the convenience. We love all the products we've tested from this brand and online reviewers agree, with over 9,100 giving it five stars on Amazon.

For those times when you just need to de-wrinkle a shirt collar or press a pants hem, a full-size ironing board may be overkill. It's much easier and faster to pull out and set up a tabletop model for small quick jobs, like this one from Household Essentials. Home Care and Cleaning Lab Executive Director, Carolyn Forté , especially likes this one since it sits higher off the table, meaning your clothes are less likely to wrinkle as they hang over the board.

Unlike others this size, it also has a retractable iron rest to keep your iron handy and off the table while working. When you’re done ironing, it comes with a hook so the board can be stored over a door. Though much smaller than a full-size board, it's perfect for touch-up ironing or if you're not a frequent ironer, could suffice as the only board you need!

Iron-A-Way's all-in-one ironing center was installed after a renovation to our Good Housekeeping Cleaning Lab years ago as a space saver and a way to keep our ironing board out of sight. Boy, was that a great decision! It kept our laundry test area looking neat and in order no matter when a tour group passed by. The cabinet — which is mounted onto or recessed into the wall — holds an ironing board that folds down and pivots. There's also a 60-minute timer, a light and an electrical outlet built into the cabinet so you can iron even without a wall outlet nearby. It has a shelf to store your iron and the door has a rod to hang clothes up after ironing. “It's so sleek, self-contained and invisible!” says Forté.

How we test the best ironing boards

Our Cleaning Lab experts have logged hundreds of hours ironing fabric swatches for steam iron testing, cotton shirts for evaluating the wrinkle-preventing performance of clothes washers and dryers, and even the Good Housekeeping Institute Lab coats we wear, so we know a great ironing board when we see one.

In recent years, we've tested high-end and no-frills models as well as full size and tabletop designs. In fact, a new one just arrived as an entry in our 2023 Good Housekeeping Best Cleaning & Organizing Awards, so we'll be testing and reporting on it soon.

When we test ironing boards, we assess how easy they are to open, close and set up and adjust. We also evaluate how smoothly they operate, if they are stable or wobbly, how many pounds of force it takes to topple them and the weight and bulkiness of the board while carrying it. We look at how much ironing surface they provide, the amount of padding, and how well the cover handles steam and moisture. Helpful add-ons like iron rests, sleeve boards, cord holders and clothes shelves are also taken into account.

What to look for when shopping for the best ironing board

Here are a few things to consider when shopping for the best ironing board.

✔️ Material : Steam irons get very hot, so you want to be sure that your ironing board is not made from a material that can be easily damaged by heat. Plastic iron rests are big no-no; instead, opt for ones with metal iron rests trimmed with heat-resistant silicone to withstand high temperatures. Same goes for the board itself: While the top cover is usually made of sturdy cotton, underneath this cover there should be a thick padding layer and then a final metal mesh frame underneath that.

✔️ Size : There are a several size considerations to take into account when shopping for an ironing board. You not only want to make sure that you have the space in your home to use and store an ironing board, but also that the ironing surface is big enough to iron clothing on comfortably. Most standard ironing boards have an ironing surface that is about 15 inches wide and at least 49 inches long and they adjust up and down to accommodate users of various heights. Ironing boards with retractable or removable iron rests, tabletop options and even ironing blankets are great options for homes with limited available space. Wall or door mounted ironing boards, like our picks from Iron-a-Way and Honey Can Do, are also great, out-of-the-way options that won't take up any precious floor or closet space.

✔️ Extra features : Some ironing boards have extra features that aren't absolutely necessary, but are nice to have, like a shelf underneath the board to hold your to-be-ironed or freshly ironed clothing, adjustable iron rests that can be adjusted for left- and right-handed users, extra stability locks on the board's legs and height adjusters. Wheels, cord holders and sleeve boards are also some add-ons you'll often see. The more customizable an ironing board is, the more likely it will be able to work for a wide variety of ironing needs and the more expensive it will likely be too.

Does a good ironing board make a difference?

It absolutely does! The weight of a steam iron along with the heat and steam that it produces is what irons out the wrinkles and creases from clothing. But try to press your clothing with the best steam iron on a soft, curved or poorly ventilated surface and you'll be disappointed with the results. Your steam iron needs the firm, flat support of an ironing board that allow heat and steam to flow through fabrics to really do its job. Plus the curved, narrow nose end of the board makes ironing shoulders, cuffs and other curved areas so much easier.

How often should you change your ironing board cover?

How often you change your ironing board cover depends on how often you use your ironing board. A board that is used more often will require more frequent changes to the cover. According to Brabantia , an ironing board used once a week will need its cover changed about every three years. Some covers may be machine washable, but always check with your brand to be sure and do so only on a gentle cycle in warm or cold water. If no laundering instructions come with your cover, wash it by hand. Let it air dry (skip the dryer), and put it back on the board while it's still slightly damp so it's easier to tighten into position. Iron the cover to finish drying it and smooth out any remaining wrinkles. Always replace an ironing board cover if it's scorched, burned or torn.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Jodhaira Rodriguez has been testing consumer products for GH as the Home Appliances & Cleaning Products Lab Analyst since 2021. She most recently helped test dozens of laundry detergents , stain fighters and other specialty laundry products for consideration in our annual Cleaning & Organizing Awards.

Jamie (Kim) Ueda is a consumer products expert with over 17 years of experience in areas of product development and manufacturing. At the Good Housekeeping Institute, she has tested products and written reviews across dozens of categories, including cleaning, textiles and kitchen appliances.

Jamie Ueda is a consumer products expert with over 17 years of experience in areas of product development and manufacturing. She has held leading roles at both mid-size consumer goods companies and one of the most notable and largest apparel brands in the world. Jamie has contributed to several of the GH Institute Labs, including Kitchen Appliances, Media and Tech, Textiles and Home Appliances. In her free time she enjoys cooking, traveling, and working out.

From 2021 to 2023, Jodhaira (she/her) was a product reviews analyst in the Good Housekeeping Institute ’s Home Care & Cleaning Lab, where she tested and wrote about home appliances, cleaning products and cleaning tips. Prior to joining GH, she graduated from Hofstra University with a bachelor’s degree in forensic science and spent two years as an analyst in an environmental lab in Queens.

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Nordstrom’s Low-key Sale Has Comfy Spring Clothes Up to 60% Off — Shop an NYC Stylist’s 53 Top Picks

You'll be happy you added them to your cart.

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Best Beauty Deals

Travel + Leisure / Tyler Roeland

Spring is finally here. After a few false starts and trepidation, I’m finally packing away my sweaters and boots for the sweet embrace of darling sundresses and beach-ready, comfy sandals . To start the season off fresh, I’m doing my spring shopping at Nordstrom — particularly in its sale section, which is booming with deals. With up to 60 percent off clothes , shoes, and travel necessities, it makes finding what I need for the rest of spring and summer easy (and more budget-friendly).  

As an expert shopper, my unofficial job as a fashion stylist and editor, I always look ahead to see if I need (or want) new looks for what I have on my calendar. With vacations booked, most of what I’m eyeing are those effortless travel clothes to wear while in transit or easily packed in my carry-on suitcase (psst: they have those on sale, too, for 60 percent off!) Plus, newly discounted items like flowy maxi dresses (which are 40 percent off) for the beach and a denim jacket for chilly nights; I already have this 50-percent-off one from Mavi in my cart.

This is just a taste of what you can score. To make your life easier, I sorted through everything in the Nordstrom sale section and found the 53 best deals. Keep in mind that you'll have to act fast since some of the spring items are only discounted for a limited time and are selling fast. 

Best Women's Clothing Deals

As stated above, most of my shopping focus is on building my summer vacation wardrobe, so hitting up the women's clothing section on sale at Nordstrom is my priority. The necessities are comfy travel pants, swimsuits, and new fun items, like Free People sundresses (this one is currently 30 percent off), or my favorite travel companion: a denim jacket ; follow my lead and grab this one while it's 50 percent off. 

• Free People Shea Smocked Yoke Shift Minidress , $90 (originally $128)
• Mavi Mellie Denim Jacket , $69 (originally $138)
• La Blanca Island Goddess Ruched One-shoulder Tankini Top , $66 (originally $93)
• Free People Going Steady Ruffle Sundress , $118 (originally $168)
• Open Edit High-waist Wide-leg Trousers , $53 (originally $70) 
• Loveappella Maxi Dress , $41 (originally $68) 
• Noisy May Kirby Cargo Joggers , $34 (originally $55)

Open Edit High-waist Wide-leg Trousers

Best men's clothing deals.

There are also huge deals on men's clothes right now at Nordstrom. Some of the best men's active brands are discounted, like this Vuori high-performance short-sleeve shirt with UV protection, which makes the perfect vacation shirt. And for any man looking for a new bathing suit, these highly-rated and eco-friendly swim trunks are currently priced at under $25.

• Fair Harbor The Anchor Swim Trunks , $24 (originally $68)
• Vuori Bridge Athletic Fit Short-sleeve Performance Button-up Shirt , $59 (originally $74)
• Rhone Gramercy Quilted Zip Vest , $58 (originally $128)
• Zella Restore Soft Performance Half-zip Pullover , $32 (originally $ 69)
• Goodlife Long-sleeve Henley , $49 (originally $98)
• Zella Tricot Performance Joggers , $56 (originally $79)
• O'Neill Reserve Light Check Water Repellent Bermuda Shorts , $42 (originally $60) 

O'Neill Reserve Light Check Water Repellent Bermuda Shorts

Best luggage and travel deals.

I plan on reevaluating my luggage situation before I head off on the few trips I have scheduled in the next few months. As luck would have it, top-quality carry-on and checked bags are now discounted up to 60 percent off. You can also snag some travel bags from Tumi on sale. For shorter excursions (or if you need a second carry-on bag), the brand's Harrison William Backpack at a rare 20 percent off is an awesome option. 

• Briggs & Riley Sympatico 21-inch International Carry-on , $240 (originally $599) 
• Herschel Supply Co. Heritage Hardshell Large Carry-on Luggage , $193 (originally $250) 
• Briggs & Riley Medium Sympatico Expandable 27-inch Spinner Packing Case , $280 (originally $699)
• Mali + Lili Riley Vegan Leather Weekend Travel Bag , $60 (originally $148)
• Herschel Supply Co. Strand Duffel Bag , $32 (originally $80)
• Briggs & Riley Sympatico 30-inch Large Expandable Spinner Packing Case , $308 (originally $769)
• Tumi Harrison William Backpack , $459 (originally $575) 
• Herschel Supply Co. Novel Recycled Nylon Duffel Bag , $83 (originally $110)

Herschel Supply Co. Novel Recycled Nylon Duffel Bag

Best women's shoe deals.

Sandal season is my favorite season. I love letting my toes free and indulging in some biweekly pedicures. What I don't like is paying full price for new pairs — hence, one of my favorite places to shop is Nordstrom's shoe sale section. Besides open-toe options, I'm eyeing new travel sneakers to support a full day of walking. And with a summer wedding to attend, I might take this as an opportunity to get a new pair of heels worthy of a dance floor .

• Veja Dekkan Alveomesh Sneakers , $84 (originally $210)
• Calvin Klein Terisa Slide Sandals , $66 (originally $109) 
• Aerosoles Camera Platform Sandals , $80 (originally $135)
• Nike Air Max 1 '87 Sneakers , $105 (originally $140)
• Sam Edelman Poppy Espadrille Sneakers , $84 (originally $120) 
• Steve Madden Mona Sandals , $54 (originally $90)
• LifeStride Zuri Platform Sandals , $54 (originally $90
• Vionic Beach Collection Malibu Slip-on Sneakers , $53 (originally $70)

Steve Madden Women's Mona Sandals

Best men's shoe deals.

There are some equally good shoe deals for men, too. To get ready for sunny weather and travel, opt for these waterproof Adidas Adilette 22 Sport Slides , which are up to 33 percent off. You can also find travel-friendly sneakers, like this highly-rated style from Cole Haan , for up to nearly 40 percent off. 

• Adidas Adilette 22 Sport Slides , $40 (originally $60) 
• Nike Air Max 270 Sneakers , $99 (originally $160) 
• Reebok BB 4000 II Sneakers , $59 (originally $100) 
• Jordan Air Jordan 1 Retro High Top Sneakers , $
• Adidas NMD R1 Primeblue Sneakers , $98 (originally $150)
• Birkenstock Arizona Slide Sandals With Genuine Shearling , $116 (originally $165)
• The North Face Oxeye Tech Hiking Shoes , $78 (originally $129) 
• Cole Haan GrandPro Topspin Sneakers , $100 (originally $160)

Nike Men's Air Max 270 Sneakers

Best travel accessory deals.

Accessories aren't exclusively used to make an outfit feel new. From a travel perspective, they can make packing a breeze and help you have a smooth trip. Arrive with your bling organized and tangled-free by investing in this on-sale travel jewelry box , now 40 percent off. An array of trendy sunglasses is up to 60 percent off for those wanting an updated summer 2024 beach look. Also, take the opportunity to update your makeup bags and totes.

• Bey-Berk Leather Travel Jewelry Case , $42 (originally $70)
• Kate Spade New York Kimberlyn 56mm Gradient Cat-eye Sunglasse s, $64 (originally $160) 
• Hydro Flask 32-ounce Wide Mouth Water Bottle With Straw Lid , $32 (originally $45)
• Longchamp Small Le Foulonné Leather Crossbody Bag , $274 (originally $365) 
• See by Chloé Joy Rider Belt Bag , $214 (originally $285) 
• Treasure & Bond Vacation Panama Hat , $24 (originally $39)
• Naghedi Medium St. Barths Tote , $187 (originally $310)
• Tumi Alpha Small Ballistic Nylon Crossbody Bag , $219 (originally $275) 
• Herschel Supply Co. Settlement Belt Bag , $16 (originally $40) 
• Brahmin Small Charmaine Croc Embossed Leather Train Case , $102 (originally $145) 

Naghedi Medium St. Barths Tote

Take advantage of the wide selection of travel-friendly beauty products on sale — like sunscreen and dry shampoo , both under 3.5 ounces, making it easy to remain carry-on only. Treat yourself to luxe under-eye patches to apply at the end of a long flight. Upon landing you'll feel refreshed and like you just left a spa, not an eight-hour flight. I am stocking up on my favorite foundation with SPF and other makeup items for my special events.

• Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber De-Tox Hydra-Gel Eye Patches , $47 (originally $55)
• Mario Badescu Drying Duo Set , $21 (originally $24)
• Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 , $40 (originally $46)
• Jack Black Two for the Road Value Set , $14 (originally $20) 
• Coola Suncare Classic Face Sunscreen Mist SPF 50 , $28 (originally $32)
• Stila Walk The Line Stay All Day Eyeliner Duo , $19 (originally $38)
• Drybar Detox Scented Dry Shampoo , $13 (originally $28)

Coola Suncare Classic Face Sunscreen Mist SPF 50

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