best travel wear

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.

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

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

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

Chico's Travelers Classic No Tummy Pants

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

Birdies Vesper Seven-Layer Cloud Comfort Loafers

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

Spanx Women's AirEssentials Half-Zip Sweater

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

Girlfriend Collective Compressive Pocket Legging

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

Dr. Scholl's Time Off Platform Sneakers

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

Brouk & Co The Capri Everyday Stripe Tote

A bag for all your essentials is a must for travel. Take this affordable and effortlessly stylish tote bag that made it onto Oprah's Favorite Things list this year. Thanks to the canvas material, they are featherlight yet durable for many journeys to come.

Asutra Silk Eye Mask

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

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!”

J. Crew Cashmere-Wool Travel Wrap

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

Hoka Women's Bondi 8 Sneakers

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

Bombas Women's Everyday Compression Socks

Compression socks are always a good idea for traveling. These Bombas styles offer graduated compression of 15 to 20 mmHg while providing arch support. Unlike other socks that can feel scratchy or clammy, these are soft, moisture-wicking, and subtly cushioned.

JW PEI Aylin Canvas Cellphone Crossbody Bag

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

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.

Spanx Core-Shaping Perfect Pant High-Rise Flare

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

Naturalizer Carla Contour+ Comfort Premium Leather Flats

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

K. Carroll Accessories Taylor Tote

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

Lands' End Wrinkle-Free Button-Down Shirt

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

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.

Naadam Original 100 Percent Cashmere Sweater

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

Frankie 4 Triple Layered-Support and Cushion Liberty Black Boots

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

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

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TRAVEL CLOTHING

Not sure what to wear on your next trip? Learn about the best women’s travel clothing with our articles below! Check out our favorite women’s travel clothing finds along with practical fashion tips for destinations all over the world.

Don’t forget to download our ultimate guide to creating the perfect travel wardrobe !

Shop the Best Ankle Boots for Fall and Spring

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  When the temperature drops, short boots are the perfect travel solution. This season, your options are better than ever with a variety of trends and colors to choose from. Shop the best ankle boots for fall and spring - but don't worry - you can travel with...

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Looking for a travel shoe that also protects you from a rain shower? Then consider a waterproof sneaker. Take a look at these top picks!

15 Best Black Sneakers for Women That Feel Great and Look Good

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Black sneakers are fantastic shoes to include when you are packing, stylish yet comfortable! Readers share their favorite black sneakers for travel.

Skirt Outfits: How to Wear Them When it’s Still Chilly Outside

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Skirts are a versatile asset in your travel wardrobe especially for trips with different weather. Take a look at these 8 skirt outfits for cold weather!

Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis: Travel Shoes with Good Arch Support

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Suffer from plantar fasciitis? Travel shoes with good arch support are a must! Find out what our readers voted as the best shoes for plantar fasciitis.

5 Reader Must-Haves: August 2024

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  August means getting ready for back to school and back to work, but also planning those fall trips. See what readers adored this month!   Top Reader Favorites     Table Of Contents     Fall is coming, and TFGs are buying up some stylish...

17 Best Hiking Socks for Women Who Love Trekking

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Wandering in the wilderness is bliss—when you don’t have blisters!! Save your tootsies with the best wool hiking socks as recommended by TFG readers!

Best Long Sleeve T Shirts for Women: Ideal for Layering or More Coverage

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Like short sleeve tees, the right long sleeve t shirt is a versatile travel staple. Look at this list of the best recommendations! 

The Most Comfortable Jeans for Women: Pack These Lightweight Options

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Jeans can be great travel pants. See these tips on picking the perfect, comfy pair, and suss out some of the best women jeans styles!

Ultimate Guide to the Best Sweaters for Women

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You can still pack light for winter and stay warm with this guide to the best womens sweaters for travel–check it out!

Best Travel Skirts: Choose the Length and Style to Suit You

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  Are you looking for a travel skirts to take with you on your next trip abroad? We’ve picked out some of the best travel skirts in a variety of lengths that are perfect for packing light!   Best Travel Skirts     Table Of Contents    ...

These Women’s Wrinkle Free Shirts Will Make Packing a Breeze

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Looking for the best wrinkle free shirts? We asked TFG readers to share their favorites so your next trip is easier to pack for!

10 Best Fashion Sneakers for Women That Don’t Skimp on Comfort

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Sneakers are a great option, but can you find ones that are still stylish? Check out this list of the most comfortable fashion sneakers!

Best Anti-theft Travel Bags for Women 2024

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A secure travel purse is always a priority when on the go. These are the best anti-theft travel bags for women according to our readers. Take a look!

What are the Best Shoes for Travel in Southeast Asia? Find out!

Asia Packing Lists , Packing , Travel Shoes | 14 Comments

  If you’re wondering what the perfect shoes are to pack for your trip to Southeast Asia, we’ve got you covered. Take a look at this roundup of the best shoe styles to keep your feet cool and comfy as you explore!   Best Shoes for Traveling Southeast Asia...

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The 7 Best Women’s Travel Pants of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Look good on the go while maximizing comfort and convenience

In This Article

• Our Top Picks

Final Verdict

How we tested, other travel pants we tested.

• What to Look for in Travel Pants

Why Trust TripSavvy

TripSavvy / Marcus Millan

A great pair of travel pants is a lot like a great friend: supportive without being restrictive and ready for any occasion. Look for breathable, moisture-wicking materials that won’t wrinkle in your suitcase or after hours on the airplane. A relaxed fit (or plenty of stretch if you opt for form-fitting leggings) is essential for freedom of movement on your adventures, while the ability to transition from day to evening wear with the right accessories is a major plus that cuts down on packing requirements. 

Finding pants that meet all these criteria can seem difficult, which is why our team of travel experts took on the task of testing 40 of the most popular options currently on the market. We wore each pair in multiple scenarios from air travel to gym workouts for two weeks, then scored them for fit, comfort, quality, durability, design, and value to choose our favorites.

Best Overall

Lululemon high-rise jogger.

• Comfort 5 /5
• Quality 5 /5
• Durability 5 /5
• Design 4.5 /5

Incredibly soft

Breathable and moisture-wicking

Versatile drawstring waistband

Some may prefer a slimmer cut

The Lululemon Stretch High-Rise Jogger may well be the perfect travel pant, with a classic, loose-fitting silhouette that we found supremely comfortable. Although they’re meant to be full-length, the tapered ankle means they look good even if they come up a little shorter on tall women, while the Luxtreme fabric’s combination of softness and stretchiness offers a slightly more elevated aesthetic than one might expect from a pair of joggers. The fabric also handles temperature changes well (as proved when we tested them on a journey from chilly San Francisco to balmy Hawaii). 

We loved the buttery-soft waistband and the fact that while stretchy, these joggers also have a drawstring that you can cinch for a more tailored fit. The drawstring can be worn visibly or hidden inside for a more streamlined look. We also appreciated the extra-deep pockets, which held our phone securely even when sitting down. The pants also boast a hidden zipper pocket and card sleeve. Best of all, after multiple plane and car journeys (and three washes), the pants looked and felt brand new. Color choices are mostly muted and include kelly green, utility blue, and black. 

Sizes: 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 | Materials: Nylon, Lycra, elastane, polyester

TripSavvy / Elena Garcia

Best for Work

Quince 100 percent european linen pants.

• Design 5 /5

Flattering shape

Wrinkle-resistant material

Pull-on convenience

Some lengths available only in select colors

Pockets are purely decorative

If you’re looking for pants that you can wear straight to a meeting after arriving at the airport, look no further than the Quince Ultra-Stretch Ponte Straight Leg Pants. They offer all the convenience of traditional travel pants, with an elasticated waistband for easy on and off and four-way stretch for complete freedom of movement. But, with their straight cut and thoughtful detailing (think belt loops and faux pockets on the front and back), they are also elegant enough for the boardroom. 

We love that these pants don't crease easily, so you don’t need to waste time looking for an iron in your hotel room. And finding the right size is easy with three inseam lengths to choose from. Our tester, who wears an XL and has a pear-shaped body type, loved the pants’ fit, finding them comfortable yet supportive with good tummy control (without feeling like shapewear). The only downside? We wish there were even more sizes and that all inseam lengths were available in every colorway.  

Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL; 28-inch, 30-inch, 32-inch inseam | Materials: Rayon, nylon, spandex

Liverpool The Gia Glider Ankle Skinny Jean

Available in regular and tall lengths

Can be dressed up or down

Functioning pockets

Fit loosens slightly between washes

Sometimes you have to pack light and one way to do that is to opt for pants that you can dress up or down for any occasion—like the Liverpool Los Angeles The Gia Gliders. Thicker and more supportive than leggings yet stretchier, softer, and more comfortable than regular jeans, these mid-rise jeggings come in two lengths and can be pulled on in seconds. We found them amazingly comfortable, even after full days in the office, running errands, or traveling across the city. 

A faux zipper, a working button, and belt loops add style points. And, although the front pockets are too small to be very useful, we really appreciated the full-size back pockets. We found that the pants offered a great range of movement (although we wouldn’t necessarily recommend them for your next yoga session!) and that they were thick enough never to have to worry about see-through areas. We did find that they bagged slightly after a few days’ wear, but they returned to their original shape after washing. 

Sizes: 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16; regular, tall | Materials: Cotton, rayon, modal

Best With Pockets

Wayre jetsetter trouser.

Inclusive sizing

Incredibly versatile

Eco-friendly and ethically made

Not ideal for colder weather

If you prioritize pockets when looking for the perfect pair of pants, you’ll love the Wayre Jetsetter Trousers. They offer six functional pockets: four on the sides and back, each large enough for a phone or wallet; a card pocket; and a pickpocket-proof zippered pocket capable of accommodating a passport, cash, or keys. We also love the broad range of sizes offered, including standard and tall lengths. We loved the fit, finding them true to size with a waistband that wasn’t too tight or loose, but just right. 

The style is wide-legged, with a cropped length and high-rise waist. They’re comfortable on the plane or when exploring your destination but also smart enough to dress up come evening. We feel this flexibility helps to justify the pants’ admittedly high price tag. They are made of durable Aire-Flex fabric, which is breathable, spill- and odor-proof, wrinkle-resistant, and rated for UPF 30+ sun protection. It’s also Bluesign-certified for sustainability points, and available in six gorgeous colors from bronze to rose water. 

Sizes: 00, 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 | Materials: Aire-Flex (rPET)

TripSavvy / Julia Sayers

Most Comfortable

Vuori performance jogger.

• Design 4 /5

Unbelievably soft fabric

Completely non-restrictive

Can be tumble-dried 

Pockets aren’t particularly functional

Cropped style may not suit all tastes

Vuori Performance Joggers are made from DreamKnit fabric: a recycled polyester and elastane blend that’s impossibly comfortable on long travel days. The pants are also breathable and moisture-wicking, with four-way stretch for full freedom of movement. The fit is slim yet relaxed, with a mid-rise waist and a tapered, cropped leg. We liked the adjustability of the drawstring waist and the fact that the fit remained consistent on every wear. Some of us who are tall weren't a big fan of the length, though. 

The joggers have two side pockets, which are deep enough to hold your phone or wallet. However, we found that anything bulky looked a little odd due to the pants’ slightly clingy style. Nevertheless, we believe the durable, quality fabric makes them well worth their high-end price tag and appreciate that unlike many of the pants on this list, these ones can be tumble-dried without shrinking, stretching, or pilling. Colors range from black camo and navy to a dusky pink marsala heather. 

Sizes: XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL | Materials: Recycled polyester, elastane

TripSavvy / Sophie Mendel

Best Leggings

Abercrombie & fitch ypb studiosoft legging.

• Quality 4.5 /5

Flattering, sculpting design

Stay put, even during high-impact activities

Relatively affordable

Lighter colors may show sweat when working out

The Abercrombie YPB StudioSoft 7/8 Length Leggings are made from a super soft, stretchy, and supportive nylon and elastane blend. We loved that they were like a second skin without making us feel like a stuffed sausage. The double-layer waistband compresses without being uncomfortable for a smoothing effect, while an ultra high-rise cut and V-shaped back seaming help flatter your figure, whatever your body type. We felt that the leggings were pretty breathable, although some sweat did show through on the light color we tested. 

One highlight for us was that the leggings stayed firmly in place with no sagging, looseness, or riding up no matter what we wore them for—including a high-impact gym workout. With completely unimpeded movement, we could see them performing well in any travel scenario, from sightseeing to adventure tours. There’s even a hidden interior waistband pocket for cards or keys. The leggings are the most budget-friendly on this list and come in three inseam lengths (short, regular, and long) and four colors (lilac, oat, onyx, and mineral blue). 

Sizes: XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL; short, regular, long | Materials: Nylon, elastane

TripSavvy / Sophia Devito

Quince Ponte Straight Leg Pant

• Durability 4.5 /5

Naturally heat-regulating

Durable and well-made

Ethically sourced and produced

Unstructured fit loosens throughout the day

These beautiful linen pants from Quince are ethically woven from 100 percent European flax, making them hypoallergenic and breathable. We found them so light and comfortable, it was easy to forget we were wearing pants at all. After trying them on, we would describe them as “just easy,” from putting them on to accessorizing them for different occasions. The linen is also very high quality, with no changes to its look or feel after several washes and enough thickness not to have to worry about visible underwear. 

The fit is true to size, with a streamlined, straight-leg aesthetic that we feel is very versatile. The cropped legs hit just above the ankle, making them practical for navigating less-than-pristine airport bathrooms and cute when paired with sneakers, sandals, and flip-flops. If we could make one change? We’d add a drawstring to the elasticated waist to counteract the fact that it does stretch a little with extended wear. Finally, the pants have three functioning pockets and come in nine attractive colors. 

Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL | Materials: European flax linen

TripSavvy / Jackie Napalan

Our overall favorite travel pants were the Stretch High-Rise Joggers from Lululemon, which we loved for their buttery-soft comfort, stretch, and stylish appearance. For something a little more formal, choose Quince’s elegant yet eminently practical Ultra-Stretch Ponte Straight Leg Pants .

Each pair of pants considered for this article went through the same real-life testing process. First, we unboxed and visually inspected the pants to gain an overall impression of material and construction quality. We tested the design and function of features, including pockets, zippers, buttons, and drawstrings; then put the pants on to perform a series of squats. This gave us an idea of their fit, breathability, and stretch. 

Then, we wore each pair for at least four six-hour periods over two weeks. We wore them for traveling and everyday activities, including going to work, attending social events, and running errands. Finally, we washed the pants at least once according to the manufacturer’s care guidelines to see how well they held up. Each pair was scored from one to five for fit, comfort, quality, durability, design, and value, with overall scores informing our category winners.

Everlane The Easy Pant : These majority cotton pants look great and are easy to style with multiple outfits (ideal for saving on packing space). They ended up feeling stiffer than we expected but remained light in a way that conveyed quality. We wish the waistband were adjustable but appreciate the clean look.

Lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Tight with Pockets : Soft, comfortable, and a secure fit that moves with you, our tester wore the Wunder Train Tight while flying and to a yoga class and was impressed by their versatility. The only downside is that they won't keep you warm on a chilly flight, but we're OK with that.

Frank and Eileen Murphy Billion Dollar Pant : The thick and stretchy fabric of the Billion Dollar Pant is what our tester liked most. After a full travel day (domestic flight followed by a long shuttle), they still looked presentable and even allowed our tester to unwind with a few yoga poses. Another pricey option that not everyone will be willing to splash out for, but the performance and fit were top-notch.

What to Look For in Women's Travel Pants

Comfort and flexibility are key when it comes to travel pants, which is why many of our favorites are made from technical blends featuring materials like nylon, elastane, spandex, polyester, and Lycra. These blends are typically breathable and moisture-wicking, too, making them easily able to handle temperature changes and great for active vacation pursuits such as hiking or sightseeing tours. Natural materials like cotton and linen are also comfy and breathable, although you’ll have to pack carefully to avoid too many wrinkles. 

The travel pants that we tested for this article ranged in price from $22 to $228, but the most affordable pair that scored highly enough to be featured cost $70. This is a good illustration of the old adage “you get what you pay for,” and if you want a pair of pants that tick all the boxes for comfort, versatility, and durability, then you should expect to pay somewhere around the $100 mark. Although this may seem expensive, consider that you’ll be able to wear the right pair of travel pants over and over again on your trip and hopefully for many years to come. 

Above all, travel pants should be comfortable. You want full freedom of movement so you can run for that bus, take on that hiking trail, or dance the night away at that sidewalk taverna. You also want to be able to sit comfortably for several hours while traveling without experiencing any uncomfortable pinching or compression. This either means choosing pants with a relaxed fit, or, if you prefer form-fitting leggings, opting for ones with super soft material, plenty of stretch, and a waistband that stays firmly in place without being too tight.

Style is very personal and there’s no right or wrong when it comes to travel pants (or any other clothing). Whatever style you go for, though, we recommend choosing one with plenty of versatility. That means pants that you can dress up with heels and a blazer for a night out or formal business meeting, for example, or pair with sneakers and a T-shirt for more casual adventures during the day. This way, you’ll cut down on the number of different pants you need to take and save extra space in your suitcase for other items. 

Although pockets aren’t necessarily essential if you’re the kind of person who always travels with a purse or small backpack , they can be a very handy addition to your travel pants. After all, how much easier is it to whip your passport out of your pocket at security than rummage through your purse for the 99th time? Look for pockets that are deep enough to hold your valuables securely, even when you’re sitting down. The smartest travel pants may even have a zippered pocket or a hidden pocket in the waistband to dissuade pickpockets (almost like a built-in money belt ). 

Frequently Asked Questions

Whether for women or for men , the best pair of travel pants is the one you feel most comfortable in. Generally speaking, opt for soft, stretchy fabrics or pants with a relaxed fit that won’t feel too restrictive after hours in one position on the airplane. Pockets are ideal for keeping essentials like your wallet, phone, or passport handy, while breathable, sweat-wicking materials are great if you’re headed somewhere warm. Finally, choosing pants that you can wear for different scenarios (from daytime sightseeing or hiking to dining out in the evening) will help you pack smarter and lighter. 

When it comes to the kind of casual pants listed in this article (leggings, joggers, lightweight travel pants), the best way to pack for wrinkle-free results is to fold the pants in half vertically, then roll them up tightly starting from the waistband. Bonus: This is also a great space saver, giving you more room in your suitcase for other clothes or souvenirs you pick up along the way. 

Jessica Macdonald is TripSavvy’s Africa travel expert and a regular contributor of travel-related commerce articles. She’s visited more than 50 countries and tried countless pairs of travel pants, from lightweight technical pants for jungle expeditions to her favorite comfy leggings for adventures with her kids. This article is based on real-life tests carried out by members of TripSavvy’s expert travel team, as well as product descriptions and customer reviews.  

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The Best Travel Pants for Men and Women

Megan Johnson

Megan is a Senior Editor, SEO for SmarterTravel Media.

Megan started with SmarterTravel Media’s Airfarewatchdog way back in 2008, moved over to FamilyVacationCritic, and finally SmarterTravel in 2021. Originally from Massachusetts, she has lived in Nova Scotia, London, and New York City. She has spent nearly every summer (or at least part of it) on Prince Edward Island. She has started to go out of her comfort zone while traveling- most recently exploring caves and boogie boarding on a FlowRider.

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Pants are probably the top choice for what to wear when traveling, over shorts and skirts. However, not all pants are created equal. 

Pants can come with a variety of problems: waistbands digging into your skin, fabric wrinkling, or not being able to wear them with any other outfits. You may find yourself wishing you could just wear sweatpants and call it a day. However, sweatpants don’t exactly have a reputation of being stylish, so,  if you want to travel and still have a little style, we’ve got you covered. 

There are four key elements that go into the best travel pants: comfort, fabric, style, and versatility. These options for men and women tick all the boxes, so you know you’re making a good investment. Below you’ll find categories for athleisure, activewear, and business casual, as well as many styles including plus-size options.

Table of Contents

Best athleisure travel pants, aday turn it up pant.

Comfort: 4/5. These tailored, slim-fit pants are available from size XS to XL and are comfortable for all shapes and sizes. Two side pockets make them ideal for a busy travel day and the elastic waistband adds to a high comfort level.

Fabric: 5/5. These pants are stretchy, pill-resistant, breathable, and thermo-regulating.

Style: 5/5. When paired with a button-down, these pants can be dressed up; when paired with a tee, they can be dressed down. The three-inch cuff at the hem adds a stylish detail, too.

Versatility: 5/5. These go straight from the plane to a casual dinner or meeting.

Lululemon ABC Pant Classic Warpstreme

Comfort: 4/5. A favorite among male travelers, Lululemon’s ABC line of pants is favored for comfort and stretch.

Fabric: 5/5. A patented fabric, Warpstreme provides a coveted four-way stretch. It is also machine washable and can be dried in the dryer on low.

Style: 5/5. These pants look like a classic work pant and can easily be worn in a casual setting or dressed up with a linen or cotton blazer.

Versatility: 4/5. My boyfriend literally lives in these … at the office, while traveling, on the golf course, or hanging out at a brewery, these are his go-tos. The combo of style and comfort can’t be beaten when looking for a travel pant for men. Running a marathon is just about the only thing he wouldn’t do in them.

Duluth Trading NoGA Namastash Slim Leg Pants

Comfort: 5/5. These ultimate travel pants from Duluth have not one, but six pockets to stow all of your day-of-travel essentials. The three-inch wide waistband (with interior drawstring) is tummy-flattening, and the fit is designed for both curvy and straight body shapes.

Fabric: 5/5. Duluth’s special NoGA fabric is silky and super stretchy. It has more than 850 five-star reviews, meaning that it must be that good. Fans of the fabric rave about its figure-flattering features and support. It also wicks moisture, has UPF 40 sun protection and is machine-washable.

Style: 3/5. While this pair of women’s travel pants is slightly more like a legging, the back pocket and slightly flared leg details dress ‘em up.

Versatility: 4/5. These pants are slightly more casual and could also be worn as activewear.

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Women’s UA Motion Ankle Leggings

Comfort: 5/5. Not too tight and not too loose, these Motion Ankle Leggings make for a super comfortable trip. 

Fabric: 5/5. The ultra-soft double-knit fabric is breathable & comfortable, and the 4-way stretch material makes these pants your new go-to. 

Style: 4/5. There isn’t too much special about these leggings- they are just that- leggings, but they are definitely a step up from some basic leggings. 

Versatility: 4/5. Leggings can always be used for several different occasions, easily dressed down with a sweatshirt, but can quickly change into a nicer outfit with a dressier tunic and cute flats, heels, or boots. 

Alo ⅞ High-Waist Airlift Legging

Comfort: 5/5. Described as “second skin,” these high-waist leggings from Alo may just be the closest thing you’ll find to traveling with no pants on (or in pajamas at least). Super comfortable 

Fabric: 5/5. The double-layered waistband provides comfortable support without rolling down and the compression fabric fits tight to the body without being too constricting. 

Style: 4/5. Like the Motion Ankle leggings above, nothing is too unique about these leggings. They are a stylish and well-executed basic that will get you through travel days with ease.

Versatility: 4/5. Great for the plane, working out during your trip, or as a warm base layer to an outfit in colder climates.

Athleta Women’s Venice Jogger

Comfort: 5/5. Super soft fabric and a knit waistband give these pants the ultimate stamp of approval when it comes to comfort.

Fabric: 5/5. The Sculptek Light™ fabric is super light and stretchy. It’s also quick-drying, breathable, and wrinkle-resistant.

Style: 5/5. This pair of travel pants is semi-fitted with a tapered leg and has a mid-rise, sitting just below the natural waist. Four pockets (two secured front and two back) make accessing your essentials on travel days even easier.

Versatility: 5/5. These travel pants make up the perfect travel day uniform but can also be dressed up with a silk blouse and heels to go out on the town.

Patagonia Women’s Happy Hike Studio Pants

Comfort: 5/5. The pull-on jogger style of these pants couldn’t be more comfortable, especially with the knit waistband and hidden drawstring cord.

Fabric: 4/5. The lightweight fabric is ideal for warmer climates and water repellent with 50+ UPF.

Style: 5/5. These pants have four large pockets, ideal on travel days, and the elasticized cuffs allow you to adjust the length from capris to full length.

Versatility: 4/5. I personally love the jogger-style pants for versatility. You can hike, bike, or work out in these and keep them on for dinner or other casual activities.

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Public Rec All Day Every Day Pant

Comfort: 4/5. As Public Rec itself says of these pants , “a more stylish alternative to sweatpants, a more comfortable alternative to jeans.” With an elastic waistband and interior drawstring, you have all the comfort elements of the perfect travel pant for men.

Fabric: 4/5. This pair of travel pants have a spandex-nylon blend that is breathable and moisture-wicking.

Style: 4/5. Elements like a faux front fly and tapered bottoms give this pair of travel pants a smart finish.

Versatility: 5/5. Reviewers comment that they have ordered these pants in every color because they can’t wear them enough.

Best Activewear Travel Pants

Coalatree unisex slim fit trail head pants.

Comfort: 4/5. The elastic waistband and drawstring are super comfortable and the fabric is thicker than that of most hiking pants, but still stretches. These pants have a 4.5 star rating based on 1966 reviews.

Fabric: 4/5. These pants are waterproof, quick-drying, antimicrobial, and tear-resistant, and they have a four-way stretch.

Style: 4/5. The unisex style is flattering on most figures and has four handy-yet-stylish pockets.

Versatility: 4/5. While these pants don’t do double duty for something like a business dinner, they could pass for sit-down meals at a casual restaurant or nature lodge. Plus, you can wash them easily and will get multiple re-wears.

Columbia Women’s Saturday Trail Pants

Comfort: 5/5. The soft and stretchy fabric of these pants make them perfect for travel. With a snap closure waistband, they don’t gape. They also feature two side-zip security pockets.

Fabric: 5/5. The nylon-elastane blend is soft and stretchy. Other fabric features include UPF 50 sun protection and water and stain repellency.

Style: 4/5. Featuring a mid-rise and straight leg, these pants have a feminine and flattering fit.

Versatility: 4/5. These convertible pants come in tons of neutral-colored options to go with any outdoorsy vacation. While these travel pants do have a sportier look, they can be dressed up.

Patagonia Men’s Quandary Pants

Comfort: 5/5. These pants have a curved waistband to reduce gapping and help them stay in place during activities.

Fabric: 5/5. They’re water repellent, lightweight, quick-drying, stretch-woven, sun protective with 40+ UPF—can the fabric be any better?

Style: 4/5. The slim-straight fit is designed to be stylish and comfortable, but reviewers note that the pants are best for lean to medium builds. Five pockets make this pair of pants even better on travel days for easy access to essentials.    

Versatility: 5/5. Great in all seasons, the Quandary Pants go from trail to town.

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Best Business Casual Travel Pants

Betabrand dress pant yoga pants.

Comfort: 5/5. These pants were made famous by a crowdfunded campaign and are known for their comfort. With a thicker waistband and super stretch material, reviewers rave about comfort.

Fabric: 5/5. The rayon-blend fabric is machine-washable, wrinkle-resistant, and stretchy.

Style: 4/5. The Dress Pant Yoga Pants come in a variety of cuts: boot-cut, straight-leg, skinny-leg, and cropped-leg to fit almost any body type.

Versatility: 4/5. These are the ultimate comfortable dress pant. They look better dressed up but are comfortable enough to be a staple in your travel day uniform.

Cotidie Harriet Trousers

Comfort: 4/5. With faux back pockets, front pockets, and a tailored leg, these trousers don’t look like leggings, but they sure are as comfortable as leggings are, thanks to the stretchy waistband and elastane-blend material.

Fabric: 4/5. These pants are made with StellaForm, a nylon and elastane blend that’s machine washable, stretchy, wrinkle-resisting, and moisture-wicking.

Style: 4/5. With a slim leg and fitted look, these chino-style work pants are stylish and practical for business travelers.

Versatility: 4/5. These are one of the dressier-looking pairs of travel pants on the list, so if you need to look like you’re at the top of your game while traveling, choose these.

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Bluffworks Ascender Chino Pants

Comfort: 4/5. While the waistband of these pants looks like a chino, it’s actually stretchy for a more comfortable fit. They are also designed to hold everything you would need in a travel day, including an anti-theft hidden money pocket and two designated phone pockets for the things that matter most.

Fabric: 4/5. Wrinkle-resistant, machine-washable, soft, and lightweight, these pants check all the boxes.

Style: 5/5. This pair of travel pants for men is the classic chino style, so if that’s the style of travel pants you’re looking for, these are it.

Versatility: 3/5. These are definitely more for dinners and the office, but equally comfortable as activewear.

Linksoul 5-Pocket Boardwalker Pant

Comfort: 4/5. These pants have five pockets, so you’ll have no shortage of options for stowing your travel day essentials. Reviewers love the stretchy fabric for comfort and a modern fit without being too tight.

Fabric: 4/5. Designed for golfers, these travel pants are breathable, lightweight, and quick-drying, made from a soft cotton-poly-spandex blend.

Style: 5/5. These pants are styled like more traditional pants.

Versatility: 4/5. Go from the plane straight to the green in these versatile travel pants.

Bluffworks AirlineTrevi Pant

Comfort: 5/5. These business casual pants are made from lightweight polyester with some stretch. When paired with the elastic waistband, they couldn’t be more comfortable if they tried.

Fabric: 5/5. The fabric is machine washable and provides odor and moisture-wicking control, and it doesn’t wrinkle.

Style: 5/5. The polished pants are designed to look like business casual chinos.

Versatility: 4/5. Whether you are traveling for business or just want a refined look, these pants are stylish, comfortable, and provide travelers with an extra perk: eight pockets (and three of them even have a zipper closure).

prAna Men’s Brion Pants

Comfort: 5/5. Stretchy and breathable, these pants are made with a spandex blend. Reviewers call them “outrageously comfortable.”

Fabric: 5/5. prAna’s sustainable, stretchy “ReZion” fabric is wrinkle-, water-, and stain-repellent, and is lightweight, quick-drying, and UV-protective.

Style: 5/5. The slim-fit-style pant is available with multiple inseam options, making them flattering on most body types. Plus, the five pockets keep all of your travel day essentials secure.

Versatility: 5/5. Whether you’re traveling, doing indoor climbing, or going out to dinner, these pants work.

Travel Shoes That Are Good for Your Feet

Vuori Ripstop Pant

Comfort: 4/5. These pants feature an elastic waistband, are stretchy, and have a draw cord for the perfect fit. The slimmer fit does mean a narrow leg, so size up for ultimate comfort.

Fabric: 5/5. The DuraTerra™ ripstop fabric made from 98% Organic Cotton, 2% Elastane features a two-way stretch

Style: 5/5. The midrise waist and slim fit make these a polished look, and they can be easily dressed up or down. 

Versatility: 5/5. The slim fit of these pants makes them ideal for whatever occasion comes your way – you can easily go from a flight to a business meeting in them, and smarten them up with a jacket or nice blouse and dressier shoes. 

Everlane 90’s Cheeky Jean

Comfort: 4/5. While many jeans may not be super comfortable for travel, these jeans from Everlane beg to differ. Once they are broken in, these jeans will be your go-to for comfort. 

Fabric: 4/5. Unlike most of the pants we have here, these jeans have no stretch to them, but their loose-fitting, lived in style still makes them super comfortable, despite no stretch. After washing, they do take a bit before they loosen up. 

Style: 5/5. These jeans are straight and super cute. Like any jeans, they are easily dressed down or up, with the right shoes, shirt, and accessories. 

Versatility: 5/5. Isn’t versatility the point of jeans? You can wear them for almost any occasion, and they work great for going from the airport to a meeting or dinner- just add a belt and change your shoes! 

Boston Proper Beyond the Travel Pant

Comfort: 5/5. You can never have too many dressy yoga pants like these travel pants from Boston Proper. They are super comfortable for travel and work. 

Fabric: 4/5 . Made with 95% nylon/5% spandex, these pants are stretchy, but may seem a bit flimsier than you’d like. However, they don’t wrinkle, making them perfect to pack in your suitcase. 

Style: 5/5. From the yoga studio, the airplane, to the office, the style of these travel pants cannot be beaten. Plus, they are available in three lengths. 

Versatility: 5/5. Whether you dress them up or down, these pants can fit the bill no matter what the occasion is. 

FAQ About Travel Pants

What are the best travel pants for long flights.

As most things, it depends on your circumstances. If you are just traveling for leisure, a basic legging will do the trick for women, and you can’t go wrong with the Women’s UA Motion Ankle Leggings . They are a typical legging, with a pocket to keep anything you want handy while traveling, they allow for movement, and are super breathable, making them perfect for any trip you take. For men, the Public Rec All Day Everyday pants are our pick. More stylish than sweatpants, but just as comfortable, you’ll be a happy traveler when you wear these! As far as something dressier goes, for guys we pick the Prana Brion Pant II . They are super comfortable with 5 convenient pockets, and can easily be dressed up when you need them to be. For Women, our top choice is the Cotidie Harriet Trousers they are insanely comfortable, yet super stylish. 

What are the most comfortable travel pants? 

This depends on your personal preference, but typically, the simpler, and the more stretch, the more comfortable they are going to be. Alo’s ⅞ High-Waist Airlift leggings are a basic legging, but are soft, stretchy, and are probably the closest you will come to wearing pajamas while you travel. Again, for men the Public Rec All Day Everyday are going to give you the most comfort while on the road. 

Should I wear shorts or pants on a plane?

It’s really a personal choice—but just keep in mind that it can get chilly on airplanes. You also may want to consider  your bare legs hitting up against the seat at the airport and on the plane, if you aren’t going to be able to shower shortly after you land, you may want to consider pants so you don’t have to worry about germs. 

What material is best for travel?

Again, this can boil down to personal preference, however, a lightweight, breathable, stretchy material is going to be best. Typically stretchier material won’t wrinkle, which is an added bonus on top of comfort.

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. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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

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Breaking news, 15 women’s travel outfit ideas for chic comfort on long flights.

When it comes to finding the best travel outfit ideas ideal for long flights, cramped bus rides, maybe even adventurous boat days, and anything in between — comfort, style and a price tag that won’t break the bank can all come into play if you shop properly.

As someone who has traveled to more than 30 different countries and over 75 cities, curating a small collection of clothing to wear on planes, trains and automobiles is an investment worth making if you love to travel . You know, clothing that feels like you’re wearing pajamas but doesn’t actually look like you’re going to bed.

Best Overall: Ann Taylor The Pleated Wide-Leg Pant

• Best Travel Top: PRETTYGARDEN Women’s 2-Piece Summer Tracksuit

Best Travel Dress: Chico’s Travelers Floral V-Back Maxi Dress

• Best Travel Leggings : lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Crop 23-Inch

Best Carry-On: Béis The East to West Tote

We’ve curated a list of some of the best travel-friendly garments and accessories on the market that will make that redeye a bit more bearable.

Whether you’re on the hunt for the perfect, wrinkle-free loungewear set to wear on your next cross-country road trip or a chic, lightweight parka that will easily pack into your carry-on — you’ve come to the right place. From picks from Amazon that can arrive next day with Prime to staples, we have you covered.

• Made with anti-wrinkle material
• A staple piece that can be worn year-round
• Available in classic, and petite inseams
• Some reviews mention that the cut of the pants is wider than what is photographed

Along with being stylish, these Ann Taylor linen pants are wrinkle-resistant, which means you won’t have to bother with an iron the entire time you’re away. The front pleats and high waist elongate the legs, too, making them a great option for those who like to look as statuesque as possible. Pair with a tank or slinky cami — whatever. The pants can go with so many things, including a blazer and blouse for when you return to the office.

Sizes: 0-18 | Color options : 3 | Inseams: Classic, and Petite

Best Travel Set: PRETTYGARDEN Women’s 2-Piece Summer Tracksuit

• Pants with pockets
• Soft material
• Can be worn as a set or as separate
• Some may find the fit too baggy

When you’re on the road or in the air, it’s important to select something breathable and comfy. This stylish tracksuit set is made with a blend of viscose and elastane, offering stretch and lots of ventilation for the arms and legs. We love the ribbed detail, as well as the V-neckline of the top. Most of all, we love the price and the fact each piece can be worn separately to create multiple looks on your trip.

Sizes: S-XL | Color options : 8

Best Travel Jacket: ANRABESS Womens Zip Up

• Lined with fleece for extra warmth
• Works as an alternative to a heavier jacket for the airport
• Some customer reviews mention the zipper getting stuck

This won’t work for the beach and other hot locations, but you’ll be happy to have it at the chilly airport or during the air-conditioned car ride. Featuring a YK2 style and fleece lining, the zip-up jacket has an adjustable drawstring collar, deep front pockets, and a hood if you leave the hotel without an umbrella. Soft and warm, it’s also easy to stuff into a backpack or fold into a compartment of your suitcase.

Sizes: XS-XL | Color options : 23

• Made with anti-wrinkle material, making it an ideal packing option
• Front pockets
• Dressy-casual style, so you can easily transition the look from day to night
• May be too long for petite women

Finding a dress that can be worn for multiple occasions is best when traveling, and we like all the prints this maxi comes in. It has a classic V-neck cut, comes with pockets, and is stretchy in all the right places. Wear with sneakers or flats for sightseeing, and then put on heels when it’s time for dinner.

Sizes: 0-18 | Color options: Available in one print

Best Travel Leggings: lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Crop 23 -Inch

• Buttery soft fabric
• Internal drawcord
• Hidden pocket
• Some customer reviews noted issues with sizing. We suggest reviewing the sizing chart before ordering

Whether you plan to work out on vacay or simply like the athleisure look, these lululemon leggings are a must-pack. They’re soft, stretchy and will keep you comfortable as you window shop and lounge around.

Sizes: 0-20 | Color options: 10 | Inseams: 23-31 inches

• Zippered outer pocket that’s ideal for a passport or phone
• Travel I.D. tag
• Laptop friendly
• Place for water bottle
• On the larger side

For the gal who has been searching for the perfect carry-on tote bag — we may have just changed your life! The Béis East to West Tote features two different handle straps, a shoulder strap, tons of pockets and a zipper, too.

Size: 14.17 H x W 17.13 W x 9.06 H | Color options: 5

Best Travel Suitcase: Monos Check-In Suitcase

• TSA-accepted lock
• Polycarbonate shell
• Telescopic handle
• Free shipping, and limited lifetime warranty
• Higher price point

Skip the multiple-bag packing — this Monos suitcase is all you need. One of our best luggage brand favorites, it’s a reliable travel buddy through and through. It has a sturdy shell, gorgeous vegan leather detailing, and multiple compartments to store your travel outfits in. It’s not cheap, but will last for years and is worth the investment.

Size: (Exterior): 30 × 21 × 11 | (Interior) 28 × 20.5 | Color options: 11

Best Travel Skirt: Real Essentials Women’s Ultra-Soft Flowy Maxi Skirt (3-Pack)

• Made with soft, stretchy material
• Comes in a budget-friendly 3-pack
• Slightly compressive
• Material is on the thinner side. While not see-through, we recommend adding tights for cooler climates

Some vacation items don’t easily transition back to regular life. Instead of opting for a sarong or something cliche, we suggest a maxi skirt in a classic cut that works no matter where you find yourself. This one from Real Essentials comes in a 3-pack, so you’ll have color options, plus it can practically go with anything.

Sizes: XS-2X | Color options: 8

Best for Plane: Cozy Earth Women’s Bamboo Viscose Jogger Pants

• Cuffed ankles that won’t drag on the airport or public restroom floor
• Causally relaxed fit
• Breathable material
• Free shipping
• Not available in petite

Yes, Cozy Earth makes more than just sheets ! These comfy joggers pair well with the brand’s matching Women’s Bamboo Rib-Knit Hoodie and are chic for early morning flights or long car rides. The bestsellers feature a thicker waistband, and banded cuffs to keep legs warm.

Sizes: XS-XXXL | Color options: 4 | Inseams: Regular, Tall

Best Travel Top: Toumett Women’s Long Sleeve Travel Shirt

• UPF 50 sun protection
• Zippered front pockets and ventilated back
• Lightweight
• The shirt isn’t made with anti-wrinkle material

A lightweight top to wear with jeans, pants, or a maxi skirt is a non-negotiable for travel. This one from Toumett is our favorite for its style and thoughtful design. The breast pockets have hidden zippered pockets, while the back’s flap can be lifted to reveal tiny ventilation holes to prevent sweating. The cool/dry fabric offers protection from the sun, and Amazon customers rave about the durable material.

Sizes: XS-XXL | Color options: 9

Best Travel Bag: lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 1L

• Interior pocket to hold essentials
• Exterior zipped pocket
• Can be worn around the waist as a fanny pack or as a crossbody bag
• Not waterproof

The lululemon Everywhere belt bag is the item I could not live without during my last trip to Europe in 2021. It surprisingly fits a ton of items and keeps your essentials stored away safely but still accessible.

Size: One size fits all | Color options: 14

Best Travel Shorts: PRETTYGARDEN Women’s 2-Piece Suit

• Lightweight and stretchy
• Can be worn to the office when you’re not on vacation
• The shorts have pockets!
• Some of the colors don’t appear as vibrant in person as they do in the product photo

For a casual but put-together look, go for something like this. Made from a blend of viscose, elastane and polyester, it’s light, flexible, and easy to care for. Wear as a matching set one day, and then pair the shorts with a flouncy top or tank. The vest looks amazing with a skirt, jeans or another pair of shorts.

Sizes: XS-XXL | Color options: 13

Best Travel Shoe: AllBirds Women’s Tree Dasher 2

• Flexible sole
• Slip-on style
• Breathable mesh upper
• Based on some customer reviews, the shoes need to be broken in first. We suggest wearing them for a few days before travel

A pair of great walking shoes is a must for the airport, sightseeing and beyond. AllBirds’ Women’s Tree Dashers are great for comfort and style. They have extra traction on the bottom, as well as a thicker sole for more support and cushion. While they’ll need to be broken in, we think you’ll love their overall flexibility, especially while exploring.

Sizes: 5-11 | Color options: 14

Best Travel Shirt: Uniqlo AIRism Seamless V-Neck Long T-Shirt

• Material has a sheer feel but isn’t see-through for maximum coverage
• AIRism technology to keep you cool

An easy breezy tee is a travel must. It can be paired with a skirt, jeans or slacks, and even works as a coverup when walking to the pool. This one from Uniqlo is drapey and lightweight, plus comes with the brand’s AIRism technology design to keep the material cool even on the hottest day.

Sizes: XXS-XXL | Color options: 5

Best Travel Outfit for Women: Quince 100% European Linen Square Neck Jumpsuit

• Soft, hypoallergenic material
• Adjustable straps
• Two front pockets, and one back pocket
• Prone to wrinkling

A jumpsuit is a wonderful travel outfit because it can be styled in multiple ways. On causal outings, wear with sneakers or flip-flops. For the evening, slip on a pair of strappy heels. This linen jumpsuit from Quince is an affordable favorite of ours. It has adjustable straps, pockets and is lightweight enough for warm climates. It also has a self-tie belt, so the jumpsuit can have a more tailored but effortless look.

Sizes: XS-XL | Color options: 8

Best Travel Hat: Free People Arizona Packable Wide Brim Hat

• Adjustable rope detail
• No UPF protection

This wide brim hat is a touch more stylish than a baseball cap, offers coverage from the sun, and can be adjusted as needed. Best of all, it can be folded to pack away in your bag! You’ll be happy to have it while lounging by the pool or touring sunny streets.

Size: One size fits all | Color options: 4

What is the best outfit to wear on a plane?

The best outfit to wear on a plane is one that is comfortable and non-restrictive.

Look for sets or pieces made from stretchy, non-irritating and breathable materials, such as cotton. Athleisure styles are generally a good option, as they’re stylish, flexible and warm enough to keep you cozy at high altitudes.

We love the lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Crop 23-Inch Leggings for travel. They’re soft, look super cute with a hoodie and sneakers, plus have a hidden drawstring for an adjustable fit.

We also love shopping for drapey pants and joggers on Amazon. The site makes it easy to filter by color, price and size, and it’s easy to find comfortable options in whatever style we’re looking for.

What shoes to wear on a plane?

The best shoes to wear on a plane are ones that are comfortable and that can be easily taken off and back on when going through TSA.

We like Allbirds Tree Dasher’s 2 . It has a no-slip heel collar for a secure fit, as well as a cushy sole for hours of walking. Most importantly, it can be slipped on and off with ease when needed.

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The 13 Best Travel Crossbody Bags to Complement Your Wanderlust

Brought to you by true enthusiasts.

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

The crossroads of travel and fashion? Now that’s a happy place. Naturally, we jump at any chance to double dip on our favorite subjects, so a breakdown of the best crossbody bags for travel is an obvious and resounding “yes.”

There’s a fine line that divides the modern jet setter from the weary traveler, and it’s (mostly) marked by a precise combination of style and preparedness. And anyone who’s traveled knows that great bags are the most important companions.

Best Transparent

Melissa x telfar jelly shopper ii.

Best Wallet

Calpak croc wallet in cognac.

Best Plain Black

Ganni tech festival bag.

The right crossbody allows you to carry your essentials hands-free while you’re hauling ass through airport security at 5 A.M. or putting in miles during a day of sightseeing. Of course, you might also need something to carry to dinner or on a spontaneous date with some accented stranger (a girl can dream!). The moral of the story is you need a bag that can do it all —and one that works for you in every way. So, whether you’re jetting off on an international adventure or gearing up for a summer vacation , shop the 13 best crossbody bags for travel, ahead.

Ahem, would it be cheesy to call this one a clear choice for anyone traveling for an event or concert. An open-topped bag isn’t normally ideal for traveling, but with bag restrictions at most stadiums and venues in America, a fashionable transparent bag is a must-have.

Dimensions: Height: 5.5 inches; width: 7 inches; depth: 2.75 inches

Material: Melflex

Colors: Clear, Green, Orange, Pink, Purple

Customer review: “It’s so nice! ”

For those of you that prefer a wallet on a chain over a carry-on, Calpak has you covered here.

Dimensions: Height: 5.75 inches; width: 8.75 inches; depth: 1.3 inches

Material: Faux leather

Colors: Black, Cognac, Emerald, Pink Sand, Iris

Customer review: “So convenient— I do love this travel wallet! Fits all my cards, passport, and I clip my keys in the middle! We’ve traveled a lot this summer, and I’m super happy with this purchase. ”

Does the small Ganni patch elevate this basic sling bag to a whole new level? One hundred percent.

Dimensions: Height: 16.5 inches; width: 23 inches; depth: 7 inches

Material: Recycled polyester

Colors: Black, Leopard

COS Oversized Quilted Crossbody in Gray Denim

These quilted tote bags were EVERYWHERE during spring 2023, and we’re not done with them just yet. This crossbody is big enough for that extra jacket and pair of shoes while still making a stylish impression.

Dimensions: Height: 15.6 inches; width: 15.8 inches; depth: 8.7 inches

Material: Recycled cotton, polyester

Colors: Black, Beige, Light Beige, Gray Denim

lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag in French Press

It may not be a crossbody in the traditional sense, but most people do wear this sling bag across their torso—and by “most people,” we mean the legions of shoppers who swear by this item.

Dimensions: Height: 5 inches; width: 7.5 inches; depth: 2 inches

Material: Recycled polyester, nylon

Colors: 19 options

Customer review: “The perfect travel bag. It is the perfect size bag to hold everything I need! My passport, credit card, lipstick, money, and a medicine container are all inside with plenty of room. ”

The Row Nu Twin Mini Crossbody

For digital director Claire Stern Milch, this is the most tried-and-true travel purse of all.

Dimensions: Height: 6.5 inches; width: 7.6 inches; depth: 2.5 inches

Material: Leather

Colors: Black

Customer review: “Love this bag! Perfect for everyday and travel!”

MZ Wallace Small Sutton Deluxe

Here at ELLE, we love MZ Wallace . This perfectly sized Sutton is just the latest obsession. We scrolled through pages and pages of five-star customer reviews in search of any “cons” to no avail.

Dimensions: Height: 10.2 inches; width: 9.8 inches; depth: 5.5 inches

Material: REC Oxford, Italian leather

Colors: 16 options

Customer review: “Love the feel, look and style. Everything fits so nicely in this bag. All items are an eyes view and so convenient to get. Love it.”

WE-AR4 The Cargo Leather Crossbody Bag in Sage

Cargo bags have appeared repeatedly over the past few fashion months, which means organization just got trendier. This sectioned bag allows you to keep all those bits and bobs in a place of their own.

Dimensions: Height: 8.5 inches; length: 10.5 inches; depth: 4 inches

Material: Calfskin

Colors: Black, Sage, Navy, Ice Blue

Bottega Veneta The Cassette Padded Leather Crossbody Bag

If you prefer to shop designer, more power to you. For travel-friendly options, look for styles that close securely and transition well from day to night.

Dimensions: Height: 6.5 inches; width: 3.5 inches; length: 10.5 inches

Customer review: “This is a gorgeous bag, and the leather is so dreamy *but* you will be forced to pick and choose what you want to carry as the interior is quite small. I’m able to fit my iPhone pro, small wallet, lip balm and car key…and that’s pretty much it. But the look is worth it!”

Isabel Marant Wardy Camera Bag

While we love cameras, camera bags are usually ugly, point blank. You’re not paparazzi, and although you are a traveler, you wouldn’t want anyone to think of you as a tourist , right? This fashionable find from Isabel Marant is the solution.

Dimensions: Height: 5.25 inches; width: 3 inches; length: 7.25 inches

Material: Leather, silver, textile

Mansur Gavriel Moon Sling Bag

If style is your top priority, here’s an option that will match with quite literally anything you wear. The concession is that you might not be able to squeeze that telescopic camera lens inside it, but there’s more than enough room for airplane snacks.

Dimensions: Height: 5.5 inches; width: 7.1 inches; length: 10.6 inches

Colors: Black, Desert, Avorio, Plum

Customer review: “What a beautiful and versatile bag, both in terms of style and colour. It's surprisingly roomy for the size. The leather is absolutely beautiful and buttery soft. Super happy with my purchase!”

Prada Padded Re-Nylon Shoulder Bag

It wouldn’t be a complete crossbody roundup without some form of nylon Prada. Similar to the ever-practical Re-Edition 2005 Re-Nylon Bag , this quilted flap-over bag comes complete with a detachable mini zipper pouch.

Dimensions: Height: 17 centimeters; width: 24 centimeters; length: 8 centimeters

Material: Nylon fabric

Colors: Black, Desert Beige

Customer review: “I have the original nylon and the Re-Edition, and they are my go-to bags. Lightweight, durable, and great for daily use.”

BAGGU Medium Nylon Crescent Bag

This BAGGU option is actually a personal recommendation from associate fashion commerce editor Meg Donohue—although all the rave customer reviews amplify the point. This bag is spacious, not bulky, and surprisingly cute.

Dimensions: Height: 8 inches; width: 13.75 inches; depth: 4 inches

Material: Nylon

Colors: Black, Brown, Cocoa, Lemongrass, Pixel Gingham

Customer review: “This bag is so cute and easy to carry. I’m a mom on the go and my bags always get dirty. This bag is so comfortable and easy to clean. The strap is nice and wide and comfortable and the bag is big enough for me to even carry my Owala in it! If you’re on the fence, come on over. This bag rules!”

How to Shop for Travel-Friendly Crossbody Bags

• Look for bags that close securely. Zippered or lock closure tops are best. Snaps and magnets come in second, and open tops offer the least protection against theft.
• Before purchasing, make sure a bag will hold all of your necessities. If you’re a seasoned traveler, you likely know which items you like to keep on your throughout your days. But if not, give it some thought. Will you want to keep your passport on your person, or are you comfortable using the hotel safe? Do you carry an inhaler or EpiPen? Is your wallet large, or do you have a sleek card holder? Think these things over and be sure your new bag will hold everything you want it to. Often, it’s better to go slightly larger than you might initially think you need. Size up.
• Ideally, the bag will feel comfortable to wear and will have a thick, perhaps even padded, strap. It’s also preferable for straps to be adjustable.
• The more organizational features, the better.
• A bag that can be worn in multiple ways or has a versatile style is best if you want to pack light. Some bags won’t transition well to a fancy dinner or night out. If you only plan to bring one bag, keep this in mind.
• If you’re more concerned with practicality, you’ll definitely want to look for durable, weather-resistant materials, so you don’t have to worry about getting caught in the rain.

Why Crossbody Bags Are Good for Travelers

• If worn as a true crossbody, it’s not as easy for the bag to slip off your shoulder—or to be snatched—as it is with a tote, shoulder, or handbag. Yet, it still provides that handsfree convenience. The same can be said for backpacks.
• From a fashion perspective, crossbody bags are easier to dress up than backpacks and are likely to match with more of your outfits.

Why Trust ELLE

Every product featured on ELLE.com is independently researched, tested, or editor-approved. We only recommend products that we stand behind, and the merchandise featured on our site is always driven by editorial and product testing standards, not by affiliate deals or advertising relationships. Any content created in partnership with advertisers is marked as such.

Meg (she/her) is the associate fashion commerce editor at ELLE.com , where she specializes in shopping stories spanning the fashion, home, and lifestyle categories. Over the past three years, she has devoted countless hours to researching brands, testing hundreds (maybe even thousands!) of products, and deep-diving into market and consumer trends. Her favorite job responsibilities consist of co-writing the monthly series Same Same But Different and curating the fashion market for ELLE Escapes . Meg graduated magna cum laude from the Missouri School of Journalism with an emphasis on magazine editing. In 2020, one of her feature stories in the service article category was recognized by the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication. The year prior, the Society of Professional Journalists named voxmagazine.com “Best Affiliated Magazine” in its Mark of Excellence Awards, when she was on staff. Meg’s stories have appeared on Cosmopolitan, Town & Country, Harper’s Bazaar , and Good Housekeeping , among many other outlets. Her personal passions include travel, buffalo sauce, and gardening. You can find her in New York, where she lives, or on Instagram , where she also lives. She will never stop hoping for a One Direction reunion tour. 

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Pack Everything You Need (and More) in These Top-Rated Travel Backpacks from Amazon That Start at $13

One buyer “will not travel without” their new bag

Melissa Epifano is a writer and editor with over five years of experience. She covers a variety of lifestyle topics but typically gravitates toward home design and fashion. She has been published on sites such as PEOPLE, MyDomaine, The Spruce, InStyle, Travel + Leisure, and Real Simple. After spending a few years in New York, Melissa now lives with her fiancé in Bath, UK, and runs a wide-fit shoe brand.

Packing is stressful enough as it is, and if you’re limited to very little checked luggage and just one backpack, you’ll want to make sure it’s a great one. Not every bag is cut out for this responsibility, but luckily, Amazon’s travel backpack selection is bubbling over with worthy vacation companions. 

The following backpacks were made with travelers in mind and have roomy clothing compartments, anti-theft pockets, and plenty of hidden slots for all your essentials. Find just the bag you need for your next trip without blowing your travel budget, below, starting at $13.

Amazon's Best Travel Backpacks

• Taygeer Travel Backpack , $17.99 (orig. $35.99)
• Areyteco Travel Backpack , $31.98 with coupon (orig. $59.99)
• Shrradoo Extra-Large Travel Backpack , $27.99 with coupon (orig. $39.99)
• Matein Travel Laptop Backpack , $25.49 (orig. $39.99)
• Amazon Basics Laptop Backpack , $26.11 (orig. $30.72)
• Indusky Large Travel Backpack , $12.99 (orig. $25.99)
• Coofay Travel Backpack , $33.99 (orig. $35.99)
• SwissGear 1900 Scansmart TSA 17 Laptop Backpack , $89.99
• Lumesner Carry-On Backpack , $35.99 (orig. $49.99)
• The North Face Jester Everyday Laptop Backpack , $75

Taygeer Travel Backpack

Over 10,000 shoppers have purchased this backpack in the last month, which hints at just how good the now-$18 bag is. It has a USB charging port, shoe bag, anti-theft pockets, and a laptop compartment, but it still feels comfortable to wear, per reviewers. Plus, all of the available colors are on sale. 

Areyteco Travel Backpack

When it comes to travel backpacks that minimize stress, Areyteco’s backpack ticks the boxes with its anti-theft pocket (perfect for wallets and passports), comfy shoulder straps, and expandable frame. One customer was so impressed with how it “held up” during their travels that they “will be buying three more for my family.”

Shrradoo Extra-Large Travel Backpack

Snagged 10,000 times in the past month and rated five stars by 31,000 people, this spacious backpack is so good that one reviewer “will not travel without it.” Although there is room for a large laptop, books, and clothes, it remains compliant for a wide range of airlines. 

Matein Travel Laptop Backpack

It’s the littlest details that can make such a difference with a travel backpack, like this bag’s luggage strap, which easily loops over the top of a suitcase handle, or its 180-degree fold-out feature that makes packing a breeze. The 17-inch size is the perfect happy medium, but if you need something larger, the 18-inch version is on sale, too. 

Amazon Basics Laptop Backpack

For an affordable bag that’s not too large, customers say it’s hard to beat the value of this Amazon Basics travel backpack. Over 12,500 customers granted it a perfect rating, appreciating its durable polyester fabric and spacious compartments.

Indusky Large Travel Backpack

With this travel backpack, you can get all the fancy bells and whistles of a more expensive bag for just $13. It has numerous pockets, a USB charging port, and a waterproof compartment. 

Coofay Travel Backpack

Grimy shoes and wet swimsuits will never have to touch your other items again thanks to this backpack with a separate waterproof compartment. While customers love that it’s comfortable and slides into overhead bins with ease, this backpack also earns style points and gets “so many compliments,” according to one buyer .

SwissGear 1900 Scansmart TSA 17 Laptop Backpack

Grab SwissGear’s highly-rated backpack, and you’ll experience why one customer called it their “dream bag.” One of the most enticing features for travelers is its TSA Scansmart material, which allows you to leave your laptop inside during chaotic security checks at the airport.

Lumesner Carry-On Backpack

This water-resistant backpack comes with packing cubes, which makes it so much simpler to stay organized while you’re on the go and ensure everything you need fits neatly inside. A happy buyer noted that this is “a must-have for any frequent traveler looking for convenience and reliability,” and they managed to fit an entire week’s worth of clothes for traveling around Europe. 

The North Face Jester Everyday Laptop Backpack

For day trips or city excursions, an extra-large backpack is the last thing you want, which is where The North Face’s Jester style comes in handy. The smaller bag may not be as large as others but it’s mighty, made from a water-repellent 600-denier polyester fabric, and capable of holding everything you need throughout the day — even a laptop.

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Green Washing, not Greenwashing: What’s the Best Way to Do Laundry?

The suds that go down the drain can be harmful to wildlife. We’ve got tips on how to clean clothes and support nature.

Credit... Naomi Anderson-Subryan

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By Elizabeth Anne Brown

• Sept. 9, 2024

Your favorite laundry detergent sends stains and smells packing. But where do those suds go once your clothes are clean?

Most wastewater treatment systems were built to extract just what “we flush down the toilet” before the treated water is released back into the world, said Karl Linden, a professor of environmental engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder who specializes in wastewater treatment technologies.

Unfortunately, that doesn’t include the chemical additives of modern life.

Treatment plants generally rely on a cocktail of microbes to gobble up anything dissolved in water, but certain substances, including surfactants, the chemicals that dislodge the grease and grime from your clothes, can be tough for the standard workhorse bacteria to consume.

Unless your treatment plant has invested in expensive systems beyond what’s required by law, the remnants of your detergent are probably still present when the treated wastewater is released.

“These substances can end up in the sea, river, lakes, etc., where the effluent from wastewater treatment plants ends up,” said Dunia Santiago, a chemical engineer at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria in Spain who studies how detergents move through wastewater systems.

Some of them don’t break down easily in nature and, over time, can build up to levels that are harmful to wildlife, Dr. Santiago said.

Surfactants and artificial fragrances can be toxic to aquatic life or interfere with their reproduction. And, water softeners that help detergents work in hard water can supercharge the growth of algae and microbes, effectively sucking oxygen out of an ecosystem and suffocating creatures that live there.

Here’s what to look for to make your laundry not just clean, but green, too:

First, check the label

It doesn’t help that the detergent aisle is rife with greenwashing. Manufacturers aren’t required to meet objective standards when they put labels like “eco-friendly” or “natural” on their products.

Dr. Santiago said looking for the Environmental Protection Agency Safer Choice emblem could help cut through the noise.

When a product is submitted for to the E.P.A. for certification, “scientists evaluate every single ingredient in the product, no matter the concentration, to assess the potential to cause human and environmental health effects,” said Jennie Romer, deputy assistant administrator for pollution prevention at the agency.

They’re looking for the “safest possible ingredients,” including those that “are safer for fish and aquatic life and break down quickly in the environment,” she said. Safer Choice products must be free of PFAS, the so-called forever chemicals , and phosphates, which are used as water softeners.

Safer Choice takes packaging into consideration, too. If a product’s container isn’t directly reusable, it must contain a certain percentage of recycled material and be recyclable itself.

The environmental option doesn’t have to be a budget buster. “Safer Choice products are available at a variety of price points in many different retail outlets, including dollar stores,” Ms. Romer said.

Pods, powder, liquid or sheets?

It’s not just the ingredients in your detergent that matter. The method of delivery counts, too.

The best way to reduce the environmental effects of your detergent is to not use too much. “A lot of times, people are using way more detergent than they need,” said Joe Zagorski, a toxicologist at Michigan State University’s Center of Research on Ingredient Safety.

Here’s an article from The Wirecutter, the New York Times product review site, on how to make sure your pours are judicious . And here are the pluses and minuses of different products:

Pods: Liquid detergent pods aren’t eligible for the E.P.A. Safer Choice label because of persistent problems with children ingesting them. From an environmental perspective, laundry detergent pods don’t allow you to fine tune the dose of detergent to match the load, which can lead to overuse.

But despite public concern that the pods’ dissolvable coating could create microplastics, Dr. Zagorski said evidence indicated that polyvinyl alcohol, the ingredient that makes a pod’s squishy outer shell, breaks down well during wastewater treatment.

Powder detergents: Powder detergents do allow for precise detergent dosing but don’t perform as well in cold-water washes. That matters, because much of the environmental impact from laundry comes from the energy needed to heat the water, Dr. Zagorski said.

On the positive side, powder detergents frequently come in cardboard containers, which avoids single-use plastic.

Liquid detergents: Liquid detergents work well in water of all temperatures, which helps cut the environmental impact of your loads considerably. They should be as concentrated as possible. There’s no need for extra water in the bottle, which just results in larger packaging and more energy needed to get the product to market.

Sheets: Laundry detergent sheets are sometimes advertised as the plastic-free alternative to pods. In reality, many contain the same ingredient, polyvinyl alcohol, that make up the coating on pods. Wirecutter testers weren’t impressed with the cleaning achieved by the five brands of laundry sheets they tested, noting they left significantly more stains and odors behind compared with their top-choice sustainable liquid detergent. A less powerful cleaning agent can lead to doubling up on the dose.

The bottom line

Taken together, cold-water washing and not using more detergent than you need are probably the most effective ways to support the environment from your laundry room. That makes an unscented, highly concentrated liquid detergent with the E.P.A. Safer Choice label the best option for most households. But you can’t shirk the cold-water washing part.

Our Coverage of Climate and the Environment

Climate F.A.Q.:  Do you have questions about climate change? We’ve got answers .

Sizing Up Earth’s Lungs: A small team in a remote corner of Colombia is surveying every tree in an effort  to better understand how much planet-warming carbon the Amazon actually stores.

A Superpower Beyond Clean Energy: Solar farms fight climate change and can help with another global crisis: the collapse of nature. But so far, efforts to nurture wildlife habitat have been spotty .

The Hottest Summer on Record: The excessive heat worldwide suggests the full year will also be a record-breaker , according to Copernicus, the E.U. agency that tracks global warming.

‘Last Chance Tourism’: More tourists are eager to visit vanishing glaciers and ice caves before they melt, but warming is also making the sites unstable .

Ask NYT Climate :  Will A.I. ruin the planet or save it? The technology is a notorious energy hog, but it could speed the global transition to cleaner power .

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What Not to Wear for Fall Hiking Trips, and What to Pack Instead From $19

16 do’s and don’ts, according to a travel writer with 30 years of hiking experience.

Travel + Leisure / Francesca Fasciglione

Given the award-winning economist Malcolm Gladwell’s 10,000-hour rule, I became a hiking expert at the ripe old age of four. It helps that I grew up in Montana where many kids — myself included — take their first steps on trails. Baby hiking boots are a thing, and trust me: they’re ridiculously cute. But just because I’m statistically proficient at hiking, doesn’t mean I don’t have a million mistakes under my belt. After all, the only difference between an expert and a beginner is that an expert has already made their fair share of blunders.

Fall is a tricky time to hike. The weather is changing, and transitional seasons require more technical gear. Plus, you have to pack more layers than you’d need for an August outing. That means you’ll need a bigger backpack. But don’t do what I did a few weeks ago when I went hiking in Graubunden, Switzerland and bring a bag so big the locals — who are world famous for being polite — give you serious side-eye. Whether you’re worried about wearing the wrong footwear or fabric, below are 16 examples of what not to wear for fall hiking. Most importantly, I’ve included what to put on or pack instead. 

Katie Jackson

Don't wear: 100-percent leather boots

Wear this instead: synthetic hiking boots .

Don’t get me wrong: 100-percent leather boots last a long time, and they look cool. But they require a longer break-in period, and I don’t love them for fall hiking because they’re not waterproof. I live in Montana where we had a winter weather advisory last week. (Yes, fall hiking here usually involves snow and wet conditions.)

Fortunately, Merrell makes the Moab 3 Mid , a soft, but sturdy synthetic boot with a waterproof membrane that keeps moisture out. In the last 15 years I’ve owned three pairs of these boots which have an impressive 4.7-star average rating on Amazon. This fall, I’m treating my feet to their fourth pair, the new Moab 3 Vista Mid . “Great hiking boots with no break-in period,” wrote one hiker who wore them on two 10-mile days in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. 

Don't wear: Everyday leggings

Wear this instead: technical leggings.

While everyday leggings aren’t the worst bottoms to wear hiking (that award goes to skinny jeans or leather pants), they’re up there. After working at Lululemon and learning all about different fabrics and fits designed for movement and the elements, I now only wear technical leggings on the trails.

These Toad & Co tights cost more than a $20 pair of leggings you’d wear to the grocery store, but they’re far more breathable, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying. While they are already fairly stretchy, they also feature stretch-woven patches at the knee and seat for freedom of movement while trekking and scrambling. Plus, they have pockets at the thighs and back to store your smaller essentials or items you want to keep closer at hand.

Don't wear: One-season jacket

Wear this instead: transitional jacket .

Because fall is a shoulder season, it can feel like July one day and January the next. When I’m outside during these temperamental months, I prefer transitional pieces that work for a range of conditions. My ultralight 3.4-ounce packable Patagonia Houdini summer rain jacket goes into storage, and out comes my Columbia Switchback Rain Jacket . It has a longer length and is fully-lined, so I stay warm even when there’s frost on the ground. That said, it’s made of nylon and polyester, so it’s still pretty lightweight.

Don't wear: Road shoes 

Wear this instead: trail running shoes .

My friend Kayla Regulski is an avid runner who runs sub-3 marathons. Still, she was in pretty poor shape when I took her on a 5-mile hike in South Africa. She’d only packed her road shoes which had no tread and left her in some pretty precious situations when the trail was rocky or slick. Meanwhile, I did just fine in my beloved Altra Olympus 5 Trail Running Shoes . They have grippy Vibram outsoles, so I feel confident on uneven or wet terrain.

I’ve owned two pairs of Olympus 5, and I’m looking forward to trying Altra’s newest offering, the waterproof and windproof Timp 5 GTX Trail Running Shoes , this fall. The brand is billing it as “the ultimate shoe for the upcoming shoulder season.” Not a fan of Altra’s wider toe box? Check out the new Merrell x Janji Agility Peak 5 Trail Running Shoe . It has a more neutral width and fun features like an odor control treatment and gaiter loops (gaiters are a must for fall hiking where there’s snow).

Don't wear: Cotton base layers

Wear this instead: merino wool base layers.

While cotton is the fabric of choice for some astronauts in space, it’s the worst fabric to wear in the fall, especially outdoors. But don’t just take it from me. According to the American Hiking Society , “cotton is not suitable for hiking” because it “readily absorbs and retains water leaving the hiker wet, which is a dangerous situation.”

Merino wool, on the other hand, is naturally moisture-wicking. And because it serves as insulation for sheep, it’s also thermoregulating making it the ideal material for changing temperatures. My go-to top for fall hiking is my Fjallraven Abisko Long Sleeve Merino Shirt . It has anti-stink properties, so it can go days between washings, and unlike scratchy wool, it’s so soft I use it to clean the lenses on my expensive Nike Flyfree Sunglasses . 

Don't wear: Single Hiking Stick

Wear this instead: trailbuddy trekking poles.

With an impressive 4.7 rating and more than 49,000 five-star ratings at Amazon, these aluminum hiking poles are surprisingly strong, durable, and lightweight, considering their affordable price point. They can be adjusted in seconds, collapse down to easily fit in your backpack, and feature padded straps and moisture-wicking cork handles that feel comfortable in your hands even after miles walking.

Not to mention, they are the safety item you never knew you needed on the trails, since they help prevent you from losing your footing and falling on steep or more challenging hikes, according to hikers . Another happy hiker also recommended these trekking poles over a walking stick: "I've had this pair for 10 months now and have hiked well over 300 miles with them. They have saved me from too many falls and potential injuries to count. Won't hit the trail without them."

Don't wear: Bulky fleece

Wear this instead: lightweight microfleece.

My favorite new outer layer is this best-selling Lululemon Scuba Half-Zip Hoodie . But between its oversized fit, large “scuba” hood, and plush, thick, cotton-blend fleece fabric, it’s not the best hoodie for hiking. Instead, opt for a hoodie made with microfleece. It’s just as warm, but because the fibers are thinner, the fabric is lighter. It’s also more breathable, so it dries quicker. Look for hoodies with fleece from Polartec , the pioneer in performance fleece. For example,  consider REI Co-op’s Hyperaxis Fleece Jacket 2.0 . It’s made of Polartec’s Power Stretch Pro fleece which offers four-way stretch and is so lightweight (14.2 ounces to be exact) it can be worn as a mid-layer, too. “I basically never took it off,” wrote one satisfied shopper who got this hoodie for a trip to France. 

Don't wear: Short socks

Wear this instead: long socks.

Most people I know who have trekked to see the mountain gorillas in Rwanda, describe the experience as magical. But the word I use is “miserable.” That’s because I didn’t get the memo that I needed to wear long socks and long pants to keep the fire ants out. In a matter of seconds, an army of soldiers — the size of a grain of rice — ruined my bucket list hike.

Regardless of season or destination, I always hike in long socks now. They keep dirt and sand out of my shoes and protect my ankles from stray branches. Personally, I love these Anlisim Merino Wool Hiking Socks because the padded soles absorb shock, and the merino wool they’re made of has properties that prohibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria. They’re so popular that 3,000 sets (each set has five pairs) were sold last month.  “Warm, quick drying ,and not too bulky,” summed up one Florida-based shopper who wore them on a trip to Iceland. 

Don't wear: An oversized backpack

Wear this instead: under-30-liter backpack (unless camping) .

You can always tell a beginner hiker by the size of their backpack. Nine times out of 10, it will be too big for the trail they’re on. I, too, sometimes overestimate how much space I need, and I always regret it. My rule of thumb is 10 liters of space for every three hours of hiking, but REI also has this handy How to Choose a Backpack guide .

For fall day hikes, when you need to pack layers for changing weather, I recommend the Women’s Osprey Tempest 20L . It has a very impressive 4.8-star average rating on Amazon and is adjustable to fit different torso lengths. With a 4.7-star average rating and more than 1,150 five-star ratings, the Men’s Osprey Talon 22L is also a safe bet. 

Don't wear: Moody colors

Wear this instead: bright colors  .

Vogue editors recently named moody colors as one of their top trends this fall. While I love darker tones, especially black because it pairs with everything, I try to wear bright colors and neons for fall hiking in the U.S. Why? September through December is the most popular time to hunt. I definitely don’t want to be mistaken for a bear or a deer.

With its penchant for eye-catching colors you won’t find in nature, Cotopaxi is my go-to for ultra-visible hiking tops, jackets, and accessories like my new multi-hue Kapai Hip Pack . But, you can also find more affordable “loud” layers from other brands on Amazon. For example, this $30 UPF 50+ Pullover has more than 2,200 five-star ratings and comes in a Fluorescent Green that will make sure you’re seen whether you’re hiking in a forest full of aspens or acacias. 

Don't wear: Flannel shirts

Wear this instead: flannel shacket.

Forget football. Fall is flannel season. While I spend most of September through December in my favorite Outerknown Flannel Blanket Shirt , I don’t hike in it. Instead, I prefer to hike in flannel “shackets” which, unlike flannel shirts, feature hand pockets and can be worn as both an under and outer layer. In the last few years I’ve hiked everywhere from Portugal to Peru in my UANEO Flannel Plaid Shacket . It has more than 6,700 five-star ratings on Amazon where shoppers describe it as soft, warm, and stylish. Note: Because it’s on the heavier side, I don’t wear it on long hikes where I’m counting every ounce. I also don’t recommend wearing it if you’re not willing to tell other hikers where you got it. Trust me: you’ll get compliments.

Don'twear: Open-toe sandals

Wear this instead: close-toed sandals.

While I prefer to hike in boots after Labor Day, on uncharacteristically warm fall days, I can sometimes be found sporting sandals. I used to hike in Chaco’s Z Cloud or Teva’s, but after my 200th stubbed toe, I switched to Keen’s. The Oregon-based brand’s signature closed-toe sandals keep all your piggies protected and provide almost as much support and traction as trail running shoes. Yet, your feet still get to breathe. Plus, you can hike sans socks (just don’t do it in Rwanda).

Keen’s popular Whisper sandal has more than 18,000 five-star ratings on Amazon. One shopper who calls them their “magic shoes” and “foot mittens” wore them on a recent trip to Guatemala where they were “perfect” for everything from hiking up a volcano to strolling Antigua’s cobblestone streets. 

Don't wear: A second jacket

Wear this instead: a packable down vest.

If I had to choose between free pumpkin spice lattes for life or a Canada Goose Cypress 750-Fill-Power Down Vest , let’s just say I’d be one cozy and cute, albeit uncaffeinated hiker. Whether you spend $500 or $50 (if you’re on a budget I recommend REI Co-op’s 650-fill vest ) on this essential layer, you’ll find it’s a lot easier to hike in than a second jacket. Your arms will be free, so you’ll have a wider range of motion and less bulk. That said, your core—which sends blood to your limbs—will stay warm. I’ve hiked in dozens of countries while wearing this popular Patagonia Down Sweater Vest that packs down into its own pocket . If having an insulated hood is more important than packability, check out Patagonia’s Bivy Hooded Down Vest . 

Don't wear: Bear bells

Wear this instead: bear spray.

I spent last week hiking in Glacier National Park where years ago I encountered a grizzly bear on a trail at dusk. I was so sure it was going to eat me, I left a voice note on my phone telling my family I loved them. Spoiler alert: I made it out unscathed.

Because bears hibernate in the winter, they’re most active in fall, foraging for food pretty much 24/7. But that shouldn’t keep you from hiking. Just don’t do what some tourists do and rely on bear bells to keep you safe. According to this NPS’ hiking in bear country guide , bear bells “are not adequate or effective.” Instead, wear a can of bear spray on your hip, chest, or anywhere you can access it within 2.5 seconds. Also, check the expiration date. Most bear spray has a shelf life of around 3-4 years.  

Don't wear: A regular cotton bra

Wear this instead: a bra made for movement.

Because hiking is a low-impact sport, I used to think I could get away with wearing a regular cotton bra. But every time I did, I had regrets. They’re just not as comfortable, especially when wet. These days, I only hike in sports bras like this moisture-wicking prAna Chakara bra with UPF protection. On sale, it’s only available in sizes S and XS. For more options, consider this REI Co-op Merino Bralette , available in sizes XS-3X. It’s made of merino wool, so it’s naturally odor-resistant and temperature regulating. And in lieu of an annoying clasp, it has a stretchy band and adjustable straps. 

Don't wear: A backpack without a hip belt

Wear this instead: backpack with a hip belt.

From Australia to Antarctica, I never travel without this packable backpack with nearly 13,000 five-star ratings . That said, I don’t use it for hiking, especially in the fall. It doesn’t have a hip belt which is a dealbreaker for hikes when I want to pack extra layers or a heavy Stanley thermos filled with hot apple cider to enjoy on the summit. Hip belts are essential for more even weight distribution.

While I’m a big fan of Osprey backpacks, I’m also partial to the NEMO Resolve 35L Endless Promise Technical Active Pack because its hip belt has pockets where I can stash my lip balm, allergy pills, and other small essentials I don’t want to have to dig around for. It’s also made of a tear-resistant recycled polyester that’s two to three times stronger than the industry standard and 20 times more water-resistant. 

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