You’ve booked your ticket, made your restaurant reservations, and now it’s finally time to pack for your big trip. While we’re sure you’ll have a lovely time no matter what you’re wearing, the best travel clothes and accessories can help make that long-awaited adventure go just a little more smoothly (and make you look that much better in your photos afterward). When it comes to a travel wardrobe, we favor versatile, easy-to-pack pieces you can wear all day without having to sacrifice valuable exploring time for an outfit change. Since we’re always testing products here at Travel + Leisure, we’ve included eight options personally tested by our team (we can confirm that our favorite travel pants are squat-approved and that we comfortably walked for more than eight hours in the walking shoes below). Here are some of our favorite travel clothes and accessories, from cashmere sweaters to comfortable sneakers and everything in between. Our Top Picks Best Travel Pants: Best Packable Jacket: Best Long-sleeve Shirt: Best Bathing Suit: Best Crossbody Bag: Why We Love It Smooth fabric, a fit that stays consistent across activities, and excellent comfort put these a cut above other leggings. What to Consider They’re a bit thin for cold conditions. Sometimes you just need a good pair of leggings, and Lululemon’s are at the top of the pack for a reason. We found the Wunder Trains to be form-fitting without feeling constricting, and they feature a drawstring at the waist for extra comfort. They never felt tight even after long flights (and the ensuing bloating) or like they were stretching out too much, and the material is smooth and soft with no pilling in sight. Two hidden pockets stretch enough to hold a phone, headphones, ID, and ticket without any noticeable fit difference. They are on the thinner side, leaving legs a bit chilly in flight but very comfortable in warmer climates. Despite that, we didn’t find any transparency in the fabric at all. We tested the 25-inch inseam, but there are also 23-, 28-, and 31-inch variations available in 15 different colors and sizes that range from 0 to 20. Why We Love It These casual pants move with you and provide comfort in a good range of sizes and colors. What to Consider They run tight in the legs and are a bit prone to wrinkles. These extremely comfortable, breathable, and affordable pants moved with us through constant motion, walks, and long drives during testing. The fabric is incredibly soft, and the pockets are great for storing whatever you want to keep close by, with two large zippered front pockets plus extra cargo pockets and one rear zipped pocket. The stretchy, elastic waistband features a drawstring for extra adjustability, and the ankles have a nice level of elasticity for a jogger style. The pants are on the tighter side fit-wise, so you may want to size up for maximum comfort on long flights, and we also found them to be a bit prone to wrinkles. They do have UPF 50+ sun protection built into the fabric, which is great for sunny destinations. There are 13 colors to choose from and sizes up to 3XL. Why We Love It This packable jacket offers the cozy feel of a puffer without the bulk, plus split zippers for extra adjustability. What to Consider It’s an oversized style and you might need an extra layer underneath in extra cold conditions. A long jacket gives any outfit an extra touch of style, so finding a packable one is especially exciting. This quilted jacket from Everlane is easy to pack down into a cube or corner of your bag, and the quilting gives it some extra fluff without making it too large. It didn’t wrinkle even after more than eight hours of being stuffed in a packing cube during our testing period, and the split zipper allows for good ventilation and freedom of movement. The soft collar keeps your neck warm in the wind, and the jacket overall feels like it’s a high-quality build that will last. We felt cozy in a range of temperatures, and the oversized fit makes it easy to layer under on extra frigid days. It comes in four neutral shades (black, olive, brown, and pretty blush) and sizes from XXS to XL. The 12 Best Travel Clothing Brands of 2024 Why We Love It This high-quality sweater comes in a wide range of sizes and colors. What to Consider The sleeves are designed to run short, and you may need to do some occasional maintenance against pilling. We love this Naadam sweater for its value and high quality, paired with an extensive range of colors and sizes. Right now there are 21 colors available, with nine core neutrals and a rotating set of limited-edition seasonal shades, and it comes in sizes ranging from XXS to XXL. While we didn't personally test this option, the sweater is made from 100 percent Mongolian cashmere so it will stay soft against your skin. The sleeves are designed to run short for easier layering, though taller shoppers may find this a bit annoying. And like all cashmere, it tends to be a bit high-maintenance, but we think it’s worth the tradeoff. Why We Love It This simple shirt is a versatile classic. What to Consider We wish there were more color options. For frequent travelers, it’s hard not to fill your entire wardrobe with merino wool — a naturally moisture-wicking and odor-resistant material — especially when you’re on the road and really don’t want to have to do laundry. This classic henley has great reviews, with seven snaps that let you stay as buttoned-up (or not) as you please while adding some visual interest, and it’s just fitted enough to be flattering without being clingy. The smooth finish of the fabric and flatlock seams keep you comfortable, there are five colors available, and it's even machine-washable (though you will need to line-dry it). Why We Love It These sweats will keep you comfortable but still looking put-together. What to Consider There aren’t a lot of colors available, and they’re on the expensive side. Sometimes when you’re traveling you simply want to take a break and be cozy. Enter the Aether set, one of our favorite matching sets for travel. You’ll be plenty comfortable in the French terry fabric, with touches like raglan sleeves and cover-stitched seams that keep you from looking frumpy. Match the hoodie with either the cropped sweatpants or shorts, which are both made from the same soft French terry cotton and feature a ribbed waistband and flat, braided drawcord with leather tips as a thoughtful touch. Bonus: all of Aether’s products come with a lifetime guarantee. Why We Love It This dress is soft, flattering, affordable, and responsibly made. What to Consider It may be a bit on the low-cut side for some builds, and we wish it came in a few more colors. Looking for a travel dress that does everything you need a dress to do and then some? The Tencel material in this model from Quinceis super soft and light, as well as sustainably made. The skirt is long enough to comfortably sit down on the train in and get you into religious sites without concern. It's also accented with two side-seam pockets for smaller items. Meanwhile, the fitted top is both flattering and easy to layer, and provides a nice level of shape to the cut. In addition to eco-friendly materials and Global Recycle Standard-certified yarn, it’s also made in Sedex-certified factories that aim to improve working conditions. It’s also affordable enough that you won’t stress out about packing it and machine-washable for easy cleaning. Why We Love It Adjustable straps, a simple but stylish build, and superior comfort put this swimsuit at the top of the list. What to Consider It can take a while to dry, but you won’t feel uncomfortable during the process. Andie’s Amalfi is simple, sleek, and straight to the point, and that’s why it was our top pick for the best overall one-piece in our Best Swimsuits for Women roundup. During testing, we found that the stylish, slim straps provide plenty of support even with their delicate appearance, keeping everything in place even while swimming laps or hitting the beach. It’s comfortable to wear all day, with no digging in from the straps on top or creeping and crawling up from the edges on the bottom, and it stays soft even when saturated. While it isn’t the fastest-drying swimsuit out there, we thought it was still comfortable no matter what level of damp it is. We didn't notice any stretching during drying, either, even after we thre the swimsuit in a dryer. There are also a whole slew of styles to choose from, with smooth, ribbed, and novelty fabrics (for a total of 10 different colors), sizes from XS to 3XL, and even a long torso cut option. Others We Liked Why We Love It The Everywhere Bagg boasts a plenitude of pockets as well as a comfortable, adjustable strap and a wide color range. What to Consider Some people might prefer a divided main pocket. If you want a travel bag that will hold nearly everything and the kitchen sink — likely in its own designated pockets — go for the Baggallini Everywhere. This crossbody bag has plentiful pockets that will keep you reaching for it across various trip styles and seasons, as well as a spacious main cavity (some might prefer a divider in there, but we also like that it allows for a variety of organization styles). We thought it was very comfortable to carry thanks to the adjustable strap, which you can shorten all the way up to a shoulder bag. The fabric is also slightly water-resistant, so your belongings won’t get soaked in any unexpected storms. The bag comes with a removable RFID-blocking wristlet, as well as a special phone pocket and sleeve for your luggage trolley. Choose from 10 colors, including standard neutrals, bright reds, prints, and even one with shearling accents. Why We Love It These flats are just as comfortable and supportive as sneakers, while also keeping your feet dry and your outfit looking put-together. What to Consider They run narrow, but you can choose to order the wide style. A comfortable, versatile pair of flats can see you through all manner of travel days. This pair from Vivaia was our best overall pick out 29 pairs of flats we tested. They has plenty of room in the square toe so your feet won’t feel squished but also won’t feel like they’re flopping around. The strap across the top helps prevent heel slippage and is perforated all the way through, so you just find your ideal fit wherever it may be. They’re also comfortable right out of the box, almost ridiculously so thanks to the built-in cushioning, as well as extremely breathable. No need to worry about rain, either: our feet didn’t get damp at all in the summer showers during testing. Despite their light weight, these flats feel extremely durable and don’t catch dust or dirt. They even pack flat and won’t take up too much room in your luggage. They are on the narrow side, but the brand offers a separate wide style in three of the six available colors, so there’s a pair for everyone from size five to 11. Why We Love It These absurdly comfortable shoes feel like a firm mattress pad, with perfect levels of breathability, support, and softness. What to Consider They’re not the most versatile style, and not everyone likes a roomy toe-box. When you’re really pounding the pavement, opt for the Ryka Devotion X, which boasts a super-soft inside and supportive outside. We found that they fit extremely well, with a little extra room in the toe-box for wiggle room, and our feet stayed firmly in place while walking without getting a single blister during our testing period. There’s also plenty of support in the sole, with enough spring that it feels like walking on a cloud, providing structure without sacrificing mobility or flexibility. The inside feels like a firm mattress pad, slightly thick and firm, while still giving way underfoot in a way that redistributes weight. The outside is super breathable and feels well-made and sturdy. There are eight colors to choose from in sizes five to 12, as well as both medium and wide widths. Why We Love It These ultra-waterproof boots are light enough that they feel like a running shoe. What to Consider They don’t have quite enough traction for very advanced hikes. If your trip involves hitting the trails, pick up a pair of the Salomon X Ultra 4. Despite their sturdy build, they still feel lightweight, almost like a pair of running shoes. Even if you slip in a puddle, your feet will still stay totally dry (ours did, even when tramping through mud and snow). They’ll still look as good as new when you wipe them down after your hike, too. They don’t require any break-in period, which is great for hiking boots, and gave us a perfectly snug fit while still giving toes room to breathe. We experienced some minor slippage on slick surfaces and rocks, but otherwise the traction is good. Choose from four different color options and sizes from five to 11. The 11 Most Comfortable Women's Boots of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Why We Love It These classic slides are easy to style and feel tailor-made for your feet. What to Consider The rings on the top are plastic, not metal, but you likely won’t even notice. For warm-weather travels, pick up these super-cushioned sandals. The leather on top is soft and pliable, while the sole is contoured and extremely comfortable; they feel like they’ve been contoured to your feet before you even ordered them. They fit us perfectly without feeling too tight across the top of the foot. In fact, they were our best overall pick as the Most Comfortable Women’s Slide for Travel of 2023. Contouring around the arch adds a high degree of support, and there’s no slipping on grass, cement, decking, or anywhere else. They’ve also versatile enough to become a staple shoe in your wardrobe. We’ve been wearing them with almost everything, and they come in black, white, and light brown, in sizes five to 11. Why We Love It These compression socks feel like a miniature massage and are easy to get on. What to Consider Almost all of the patterns are very bright. A long flight or even a long train or car ride will feel much better with a good pair of compression socks. Levsox feels like a mini massage in your arches and heels, without being too difficult to put on. At the end of the day, our feet felt a bit less tired after wearing these, with no swelling or aching in the arches, heels, or calves. These socks are breathable and snug but flexible, like a good pair of tights or leggings — feeling almost silky. They also held up well to washing and drying during our tests. They come in an excellent array of patterns, whether you prefer tie-dye, skeletons, or kittens. They are available in sizes small to extra large and packs that include three or six pairs. We sorted through results from eight of our T+L tests to find the best of the best in travel pants, packable jackets, swimsuits, flats, walking shoes, hiking footwear, slides, and compression socks. While the exact testing methodologies differed depending on each product, we consistently looked for quality of material and construction, comfort, and performance. We did squats in our travel pants, carried our packable jackets around for two full days, and wore all the shoes for at least two straight hours (often longer) to find our favorites. In addition to the eight products personally tested by us, we also included some research options in this list of clothing and accessories to round out the best products for your next trip. The last thing you want to do in a hotel room is fiddle with the iron, and no one looks their freshest straight off an airplane. Avoid creating extra work for yourself and look for materials that won’t wrinkle, like wool, denim, or rayon. You can seamlessly wear them on the plane and off. Anything labeled a “knit” is also less likely to wrinkle.However, if you have the space, you can always pack a travel steamer. Thicker materials will naturally take up more room in your suitcase, as will certain styles (coats are notorious space hogs). Look for lightweight clothing that folds or rolls easily and is made from flexible, softer fabrics. When packing shoes, you'll also want to look for lightweight, shorter options rather than tall, heavy boots unless absolutely necessary. If you do need to take larger or heavier items, you may want to wear them on the plane to optimize space. You’ve only got so much suitcase space. Rather than going for seven different outfits, why not pack simple tops and bottoms you can mix and match? Keep in mind that you should pack enough underwear for every day of travel, though women can get away with just a couple of versatile travel bras. By choosing outfits that can work between various locations (like a dress you can wear both sightseeing and out to dinner), you’ll save time by not having to go back to your hotel to change between venues. Plus, if your wardrobe is versatile, you'll get more use out of it at home, too. Frequently Asked Questions How should I fold clothes for travel? There are two main schools of thought when it comes to packing styles: folding and rolling. When it comes down to it, there isn’t a huge difference between the two. Feel free to alternate — some items of clothing work best with one or the other, but you won’t know until you’ve tried it. Furthermore, compression packing cubes are a great way to maximize space and help you stay organized. What is the best outfit to wear when traveling? While it seems obvious, the best travel outfit will be something that you like and feel comfortable in. Generally, we prefer darker colors (because they're less likely to show stains or look dingy at the end of a long day); soft, natural fabrics like merino wool that can temperature-regulate and resist odor; and unstructured styles that won't dig into you on a long flight or in small spaces. How do I pack larger items like shoes? It depends on your suitcase, but generally, put your shoes in first. You can stash smaller items of clothing inside your shoes, like socks and underwear. Then, put your shoes in shoe bags (or consider using a hotel room shower cap) if you’re worried about damaging your shoes or getting dirt on the rest of your suitcase. From there, either line them up with the edges of your suitcase or put them in a separate dedicated compartment and build around them. There are also plenty of weekender bags and backpacks with dedicated compartments just for shoes. Meanwhile, you should pack chunkier clothing items like jackets, last in your suitcase, or you can just carry them or wear them on the plane. For this story, Rena Behar utilized her extensive experience as both a traveler and a gear tester to find the best travel clothes and accessories for women to shop right now. She compiled findings from T+L editor testing across eight different product categories and dozens of items, as well as incorporating researched options. The Best 16 Jean Jackets of 2024 Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.Best Dress
Quince Tencel Jersey Fit & Flare Dress
Best Hiking Boots
Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid Gore-tex Women's
Our Testing Process
Tips for Buying Women's Travel Clothes and Accessories
Look for wrinkle-resistant materials
Consider packability
Prioritize versatility
Why Trust Travel + Leisure
FAQs
What is the best material for wrinkle-free travel? ›
These fabrics include (but are not limited to) Supima cotton, lyocell (brand-name Tencel), an eco-friendly acetate called triacetate, charmeuse, and certain types of polyester. Luckily, a lot of your favorite brands are already on board with the convenience of wrinkle-free clothes.
What is the most efficient packing style? ›Your packing technique of choice will very much depend on your priorities. Vertical folding is the best compromise for those short on time, while bundling is the ultimate technique if you have an hour or two at your disposal and want to maximize space without creating wrinkles.
What is the perfect clothing for traveling? ›Generally soft, stretchy, and loose-fitting clothing is best for travel, as it'll keep you comfy and won't feel restrictive on long flights or drives. Some people may also opt for compressive clothing, like leggings or compression socks, which helps promote circulation on long travel days.
What is the 1 2 3 4 5 rule packing? ›Consider the 1-2-3-4-5-6 Rule
One general guideline is to pack one hat, two pairs of shoes, three bottoms, four tops (short or long-sleeve or outer layer), five pairs of socks, six pairs of underwear. This should be enough to last you for two weeks.
This may seem an ambitiously small suitcase, but the golden rule of packing is to always take half the clothes you were planning to bring (and twice the money).
What is the 1 to 6 packing rule? ›Pack less clothing than you think you'll need.
For shorter trips, we're big fans of the 1-2-3-4-5-6 Rule for packing: 1 hat, 2 pairs of shoes, 3 pairs of pants or skirts, 4 shirts, 5 pairs of socks and 6 sets of underwear.
When choosing what to wear on a plane, look for stylish tops made with natural fabrics, such as cotton, silk, wool or linen, which will allow air and moisture to pass through. Moisture-wicking man-made fabrics are an equally savvy option.
How do I look classy when traveling? ›For a timeless yet effortlessly chic look, opt for a pair of high-waisted jeans paired with a basic tank. Layer with a cozy cardigan or smart blazer for chilly airplane cabins. To accessorize, you can't go wrong with a sleek leather tote and a silk scarf.
What should a woman wear on a plane? ›No one wants to sit through a seven-hour flight in constricting jeans or too-tight shoes — soft, stretchy, and stylish clothing is the way to go. Athleisure sets, loose-fitting pants and tops, and slip-on shoes all make for comfy and convenient plane outfits.
How to pack a lot of clothes? ›Bundle Before Packing Clothes.
Start your clothing bundle by laying a large item down, like a jacket. Next, put smaller pieces on top, filling the large piece until it's filled. Then, wrap the large piece around the other smaller clothes to form a bundle.
How to roll pants for packing without wrinkles? ›
Fold the pants placing one leg over the other through the middle near the crotch to fold them perfectly in half. Then, using your fingertips, start rolling from the waist until you reach the cuffs. As you roll, smooth out the fabric with your hands to achieve a crease-free fabric.
Should I roll my jeans in a suitcase? ›By combining folding, rolling and using packing cubes, you get the best of all worlds. Folding button-downs, jeans, formal dresses and dress pants allows you to prevent wrinkles. Rolling the rest of your clothes helps you make the most of the gaps in your suitcase that folding can leave.
Which fabrics do not wrinkle easily? ›Fabric made from polyester does not get wrinkled easily. It remains crisp and easy to wash. It is quite suitable for making dress material. Polyester is a synthetic fiber.
What is the best fabric to wear when traveling? ›Your most common choices: Nylon and polyester: Most performance fabrics feature either of these synthetics. Some name brands include CoolMax® polyester or Cordura® nylon. Pros: Breathable, lightweight, wicks away moisture and dries quickly, resists pilling and abrasion.
What is the best material for non wrinkle sheets? ›Instead, opt for sheets made of naturally wrinkle-resistant fabrics, like eucalyptus, wool, or microfiber. You can also keep an eye out for quality certifications, like OEKO-TEX®, which means products have been tested for a list of up to 350 harmful chemicals.
Is there a type of linen that doesn't wrinkle? ›No linen shirt is ever fully “wrinkle-free,” said Olie Arnold, style director at e-retailer Mr Porter. But thanks to a few fabrication tweaks, today's linen-blend shirts wrinkle less than their 100% linen predecessors.