After eight years of traveling full-time, I’ve tested some of the best travel clothes for women. With countless product samples, purchases, and research, I’ve narrowed down my favorite pieces for travel. Unsurprisingly, not all clothes, shoes, and accessories handle travel well.
Some popular brands and products have left me feeling robbed or uncomfortable. I want to share my most comfortable, stylish, and durable travel clothes for women. I hope to help make your decisions easy and fun while saving you money.
Best Travel Clothes for Women
Women’s Travel Shirts
Solid Colored Crop Tops
I love wearing crop tops when I travel and always recommend them as essential travel clothes for women. Plain colored crops go with just about everything; they are small and easy to pack up. I got the ones in the photo above off amazon and love how flattering they are – plus, you don’t have to wear a bra with them. Not only are they good for travel, but also for light hikes and activity!
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Unbound Merino Wool
Price – $80 | Material – Merino Wool
A merino wool shirt is a worthy investment for travel clothes. I’ve transitioned many of my clothes to the material despite the price. Wools shirts stay fresh longer and do an excellent job at temperature management.
Cotton shirts often take one or two wears to feel oily and heavy, while wool shirts last for days. I’ve tested a lot of wool shirts out, and my favorite for travel so far is from Unbound Merino. Their shirts are a perfect weight, and the material is soft and durable.
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Linen Shirt
Price – $80 | Material – Linen
I love the look of linen when traveling around warm-weather destinations. Linen is as practical as it is stylish. It’s great as it tends to dry faster, feel lighter, and cope with sweat better than its cotton counterparts.
Pair a linen shirt with sandals, shorts, jeans, and shoes, or go barefoot. It will always work. A versatile piece of clothing that looks good at the beach or a restaurant. It’s tough to find decent linen shirts online, but I love the quality of J. Crew’s or Everlane’s linen shirts. You can often score a deal, so it won’t be the end of the world if you stain or snag the shirt.
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A Great Flannel Shirt
Price – $89 | Material – Cotton
Flannel shirts are fabulous mid-layers for both men and women. They provide warmth and go well with vests. Flannels are great for relaxed outdoor destinations like National Parks or Nordic Countries.
With a flannel or sweater, you’ll feel right at home. You can pair a flannel with a travel vest for a classic look that is great for warmth. I love two companies for flannels California Cowboy and Patagonia. The Fjord Flannel from Patagonia is a classic flannel while California Cowboy makes a fun spin on the shirt.
My Favorite Flannels
Women’s Travel Pants
prAna Summit Pants
Price: $89 | Fabric: Nylon / Polyester
I love loose and relaxed pants for warm weather and beach destinations. Relaxed pants make fantastic travel clothes for women as they’re. I’ve tried a bunch of different pants, but my favorite pair is from prAna. Their Women’s Summit pants are made from hemp and recycled polyester and offer 50+ UPF protection.
They are perfect for beach destinations, especially if you find yourself in more conservative areas. These pants are lightweight and weigh nothing in a carry-on bag. They sell out a lot, so a wonderful alternative is the Fernie pant (which I also have many pairs of).
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DU/ER Performance Jeans
Price – $129 | Material – Cotton/Polyester/Spandex
Jeans are a fashion staple but aren’t the best packing pants. However, travelers have options, such as DU/ER jeans. The organic cotton jeans look sharp, but the blend of polyester and spandex allows the jeans to stretch. They look like quality stone-washed denim without the weight and stiff feeling.
Fit is exceptional, with a slim fit throughout the leg. You can comfortably wear the jeans on long travel days without any discomfort. Thanks to the synthetic blend, they’re great for lengthy trips as there is no need to wash the jeans. An easy favorite for anyone seeking new travel clothes.
Shop For DU/ER Performance Slim Fit Jeans
Vuori Sunday Performance Joggers
Price – $89 | Material – Polyester/Elastane
Athleisure has come to dominate fashion now, and it’s a trend I can get behind. Joggers are a terrific way to remain comfortable and still look stylish. Vuori Clothing makes some fantastic joggers that look sharp, offer excellent performance, and feel great for travel days. They make exceptional travel clothes for women, one of my favorite items.
They’re great for a run, a long flight, or relaxing at home. It’s a more casual look, but that’s not always bad, and it can work in many travel destinations. Plus, they double as lounge and gym wear, saving space in my bag.
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Handful Leggings
Price: $78 | Fabric: Poly / Spandex
I love wearing yoga pants because I like to practice yoga and stay active, plus it’s super comfortable. I’ve tried Lululemon before, but my favorite is Handful. Their signature leggings are durable enough for hiking, but also light enough for a yoga sesh or everyday life. Best of all, they aren’t see-through.
They have a plethora of awesome features. Such as temperature-regulating technology that keeps you cool when hot and warm when cold, they are quick-drying and provide an extra lift to your booty. The top has a “squeeze play” high waist that provides excellent coverage and is super comfortable around your curves as you move. (Use code TWP15 for 15% off!)
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prAna Halle Pants
Price: $95 | Fabric: Nylon
Lightweight pants that are made from synthetic material are tremendous to have in your pack. These new “hiking pants” work as more casual pants and will be just as comfortable on the city streets as in the mountains. I’ve had prAna Halle pants for years and think they are the best all-around travel pants for women.
I bought them at REI before we started traveling seven years ago, and they still sit in my bag today. They are durable, water-resistant, roll up into capris, and come in many colors. There are also multiple pockets to stash all your knick-knacks when you are traveling. I typically wear these when I’m hiking or being active, but choose the right colors and they can go with casual days out. These pants run large so consider purchasing a size down!
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Shorts
There’s always at least one pair of shorts in my suitcase. Of course if you are traveling to only a winter destination in the middle of January, you likely don’t even need to bother with shorts. However, we typically hit multiple destinations in one trip, so I love having a lightweight paid on me.
My favorite shorts are made by prAna and Vuori, they make stylish shorts in many colors for every body type. I can easily wear them on a day in town, but also hike with them. That’s exactly what I did in the photo above – a hike in the morning and evening stroll at the beach around town in my prAna shorts!
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Women’s Travel Dress
Salty Crush Dresses
Price: $99 | Fabric: Rayon
I love Salty Crush dresses for beach destinations and Europe. As the cuts are relaxed and prints are playful they are versatile. The boho-chic style feels great as they are relaxed enough to fit your everyday travel needs.
It’s the comfort and affordability that makes them stand out for travel. There are a few negatives to the dresses as the rayon material makes them a little bulky and heavy. I wouldn’t plan on a full wardrobe of these dresses, but I always pack at least one in my suitcase.
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Flowy Skirt
A nice long skirt is an excellent travel accessory. After bringing my favorite yellow flowy skirt to Greece, I decided to purchase multiple. My top tip is to get plain-colored skirts so you can mix and match them with those crop tops for multiple outfits! The one in the photo above is from Lulus, they don’t sell it anymore, but you can get very similar ones on Amazon and Salty Crush.
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REI Travel Dresses
Price: $79 | Fabric: Polyester / Spandex
REI makes some of the best comfortable outdoor dresses. These aren’t to go walking around a city and look glam in, but they are super practical when you travel. The REI Co-op Aoraki travel dress will keep you cool in the sun with lightweight fast-drying fabric. It’s also great as it will dry overnight after a quick wash along the in your washbasin, plus it’s a travel dress with pockets!
The outer layer of fabric is treated with (DWR) so if you get caught in a rainstorm the dress will handle the moisture well. The zippered pocket is also great to stick a small tube of sunblock or lip balm.
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Patagonia Fleetwith Romper
Price: $119 | Fabric: Polyester / Spandex
I love Patagonia as their always looking to reduce their impact and improve the supply line. The Fleetwith is Bluesign certified and super comfortable. While the Fleetwith is available as a dress I prefer the romper best. It’s so comfortable, fits just about anyone, and is so practical when active or moving around.
The one-piece romper is made from a 91% recycled polyester/9% spandex blend and moves with your body, resists wrinkles, and dries quickly. The romper makes for a great piece of travel clothing and it is so versatile you may end up living in it.
Shop For Patagonia Fleetwith Romper
Overalls
I love overalls and find that they are some of the best travel clothes for women. They can be as dressy or casual as you want them to be (I usually go the casual route). I always get complimented on my overalls no matter where I’m at in the world.
One Simple Plain Colored Dress
Take my advice and get one, just one, solid-colored dress that you can wear for a casual day around town, or dress up at night. I took the cream colored dress in the photo above on a year-long round the world trip, and ended up wearing this travel clothing more than I ever thought I would. It packed up small and didn’t wrinkle.
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Women’s Jackets For Travel
Arc’teryx Cerium LT Hoody
Price: $379 | Fabric: Nylon / Goose Down
There are only a few items everyone should own, and the top of the list is a down jacket. A down jacket is a staple for travel and outdoor activities as it’s tremendously versatile. They pack down and can fit easily in a backpack. However, despite their lightweight nature, they offer a lot of warmth.
When dealing with travel and various climates, it’s a great way to keep warm without eating up too much space in your luggage. My favorite down jacket is the Arc’teryx Cerium, as it manages to blend the perfect balance between ultralightweight, performance, style, and fit.
Shop For Arc’teryx Cerium LT Hoody
Patagonia Better Sweater
Price: $129 | Fabric: Polyester
The Patagonia Better Sweater is a perfect fleece sweater and excels as a cozy mid-layer. It’s thick, soft, and slimming while still being one of the warmest fleece jackets on this list. Patagonia’s fleece products have always stood out from the market in our years of testing athletic gear. As far as industry standards go, it’s hard to find a more well-loved fleece than the Better Sweater, and it’s one of Patagonia’s best-selling products.
For most, the jacket’s cost is on the high side compared to a standard fleece jacket. However, the quality and durable material provide some excellent longevity. I’ve had my Better Sweater for the better part of five years, and it has seen plenty of use. The Better Sweater comes in either a 1/4 zip or full zip up. I find the 1/4 zip provides better value and has a nice fit.
Shop For The Patagonia Better Sweater
Arc’teryx Beta
Price: $299 | Fabric: Gore-Tex Nylon
This jacket is waterproof and windproof, but it’s also snowproof. The Arc’teryx Beta jacket features three layers of Gore-Tex with a durable, water-repellent finish that means you stay dry. The hiking jacket is packed with technology and specialty fabrics, making it a top-of-the-line investment.
It’s a top-rated jacket for weatherproofing, so it will stand up to any harsh elements you may throw at it. Thanks to careful attention to fit (streamlined and flattering) and construction, this hiking jacket is equal parts practical and current – two things that will never go out of style. It’s a rain/shell jacket, so it’s not a stylish city jacket. It is a solid choice if you have the money to spend and need a jacket to hold up to the elements.
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Women’s Swimsuits
Swimsuits
There should always be at least one swimsuit in your luggage no matter where you are going. You never know when you will find yourself at the beach or with a pool. I travel with at least two bathing suits in beach destinations so that I have options and never have to put on a wet bathing suit. My favorite bathing suits lately have been made by Andie Swim and Londre.
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Women’s Underwear For Travel
Icebreaker Siren Underwear
Price: $24 | Fabric: Merino Wool/ Nylon/Lycra®
Similar to t-shirts, wool underwear far outperforms its cotton counterparts. Women have specific hygiene needs for underwear. To prevent bacterial infections, it’s important to avoid wearing cotton underwear. Icebreaker Siren wool underwear is excellent for its moisture management and antimicrobial properties.
They are lightweight and easily packable, which makes them perfect for travel. I’m wearing the Siren thong in the photo above, but they come in a bikini version too. Best of all, wool underwear can be washed and dried overnight so they are ready to go for the next day.
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Handful Sports Bras
I spend a lot of time in sports bras because they are comfortable and keep me motivated to stay active. No matter what kind of bra lover you are there should always be at least one sports bra in your bag, they are an essential women’s travel clothing item.
While I have tried many throughout the years and have found Handful the most supportive and reasonably priced. Handful makes activewear products that empower women. All their pieces are supportive, stylish, and durable. (Use code TWP15 for 15% off).
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Icebreaker Siren Bra
Price: $50 | Fabric: 83% merino wool/12% nylon/5% elastane
For a nice, lightweight travel bra, the Siren cannot be beaten. It’s thin, yet supportive, made with a soft, durable merino blend to regulate body temperatures in all weather conditions. I wear this bra almost daily and am constantly impressed by how comfortable it is.
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Women’s Socks For Travel
Darn Tough Micro Hiker
Price: $24 | Fabric: Merino Wool/ Nylon/Lycra®
The Darn Tough Micro Hiker is a standout hiking sock thanks to a tight, durable weave, quality material blend, and perfect fit. Their Micro Hiker offers a nice mid cushion underfoot that feels comfortable but isn’t too much. A wool synthetic blend allows the socks to warm and cool temperatures well.
Fit is excellent, and I’ve experienced no slipping or bunching. Darn Tough socks are some of the most expensive, but they have a lifetime warranty and exceptional durability. Socks are such a crucial travel essential, and I can’t imagine traveling with cheap cotton socks on a long day.
Shop For Darn Tough Micro Hiker Socks
Smartwool Run Targeted Socks
Price: $18 | Fabric: Wool/Nylon/Elastane
Smartwool’s Run Targeted socks are an excellent option for hot weather days. It’s a light and breathable sock that ensures dry feet on hot weather days. The wool blend in the socks utilizes more nylon, allowing for a thinner yet still durable sock. As a result, the Run Targeted manages moisture exceptionally.
Fit is comfortable and snug without slipping or bunching, essential if you have plans for long days on your feet. Smartwool uses its Indestructawool in critical wear areas for increased longevity. However, in our testing, no lightweight sock will last forever.
Shop For Smartwool Run Targeted
Women’s Travel Shoes
Allbirds Runners
If you’re shopping for a new pair of travel shoes, likely, you’ve already come across Allbirds Wool Runners on the internet. They’ve billed themselves as the most comfortable shoes in the world, made to fight odor, be worn without socks, and generally handle the demands of travel exceptionally. Those are all some tall claims.
The feeling of wearing them is best compared to wearing a wool sweater comfortable and cozy. If that sounds hot for travel in a warm destination, they make a breezy Tree Runner version of the shoe. What makes these unique are the properties that wool brings, such as odor and dirt resistance. They’re also machine washable, dry quickly, and can keep your feet warm even when wet.
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adidas Ultraboosts 22
adidas Ultraboosts make perfect travel shoes for women as they’re stylish sneakers and very comfortable. They hit the target between a sneaker and running shoe with enough tech to fit either environment. The sleek design with maximalist colorways is the highlight, and they look great on the feet. With a wide range of colorways and models, it’s easy to find a design that fits your style.
Avid runners or hikers will want to look elsewhere as the shoes are a little clunky and heavy. The travel shoes are great for gym wear and light runs for most. We have an excellent recommendation for the Arc’teryx Norvan LD3 if you’re after a high-performance running shoe that is still great on hikes!
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Blundstone BL550
These are a solid go-to and a classic look for stylish travel boots. The BL550 has great tread, insoles, and firm arch support, making it much more than a stylish boot for travel. These boots can feel comfortable in a more formal or stylish event, but they’re equally at home on a ranch or going for a walk in the woods. An EVA footbed with unique technology in the heels ensures all-day comfort.
The boots feature soft leather, strong stitching, and decent soles. Plus, they’re incredibly comfortable. I love the slip-on fit, and the pull tabs make it easy to put on and take off. As a tip, I’d pick up some leather treatment to protect the boot and add a level of water resistance. Altogether they’re a tremendous travel boot and will serve you well in everyday life.
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Born Julianne
A pair of black flats is always great to have in a suitcase. They’re stylish and comfortable. Best of all, flats take up minimal space in your luggage. For most travel, it’s best to stay away from heels as many destinations around the world have uneven streets. You don’t want to break an ankle trying to look good.
Flats or loafers are a great option for a dress shoe that eats little room in your luggage, unlike a pair of heels. With flats, you can find a pair of stylish shoes that allow you to blend in with trendy locals and are comfortable enough to wear all day.
These simple flats from Born are super comfortable and great for events involving hours of standing. These are my go-to travel shoes when we travel for business and provide presentations.
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Sanuk Sling Sandals
I’m a sandal person and don’t believe any travel bag is complete until I throw in a pair. In warm destinations, we spend 90% of our time in a pair of sandals. It’s a wardrobe staple and immensely comfortable. When I want to put together a cute women’s travel outfit and ensure my feet are comfortable, I opt for Sanuk Sling Sandals.
I have multiple pairs of yoga slings. Why? Because it feels like you are walking on a yoga mat all day long! I wore these all over Egypt, Greece, Bali, and on an African safari, and I still have them. They are easy to wash and are insanely stylish for such a small, lightweight travel item.
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Women’s Travel Accessories I Love
Belt Bag
Do yourself a favor and get yourself a travel belt bag! I bought one a year ago and now go everywhere with it. Before I was stuffing my phone in whatever pocket I had, or in my bra, or even worse – my husband’s pocket. I hated it. I couldn’t stash all my cards and makeup because I didn’t want to travel with a large purse.
And that’s where a travel belt bag came in. These belt bags are small and perfect for going through the airport, or venturing around a new city. There are many colors to choose from, and although they don’t look as stylish as a purse, they don’t look out of place at all. Plus they are much more secure than a traditional purse, as the way they wrap around the torso would detract from any pickpockets.
Shop For Lululemon Athletica Everywhere Belt Bag
Ponytail Hat
I get asked about my ponytail hat literally all.the.time. It’s a staple in my travel bag as it packs up extremely light and is sweat resistant. I wear it on every hike we go on when traveling, as well as at the beach or around town when the sun is strong and I want to cover my face. I wear my hair up a lot, and this hat is ideal for never having to readjust my hair style to fit a hat.
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Sunglasses
I always have two pairs of sunglasses on me when I travel. A pair of Smith Optics for hiking and outdoor adventures, and a pair of stylish sunglasses to wear at the beach or around town for the day. I
f you’ve seen the photos in this post you have likely noticed one of these two sunglasses. My stylish ones (in the photo above) are Persol, and my Active ones are always the Smith Lowdowns.
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Apple Watch
Another travel item you may have seen in almost every one of these photos is my Apple Watch. I wear it just about every day of my existence. It’s safe to say it’s a part of me now.
I use the Apple Watch to track all my steps for the day and every activity I perform while traveling or at home. From snowboarding to kayaking and hiking I use it to track my activity. It keeps me conscious of my lifestyle and movement.
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Jewelry Case
I don’t travel with all my best jewelry for obvious reasons, but that doesn’t mean I don’t travel with any jewelry. I love having a few necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings with me when I dress up on the road. The best way to keep this jewelry safe and organized is with a travel jewelry box!
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Travel Toiletry Bag/Portable Makeup Organizer
Lastly, it’s up to you ladies on how you want to travel with all your makeup, brushes, and serums. I personally use a portable makeup organizer, which takes up about 1/8 of my suitcase, but it’s necessary for me to have all my favorites with me.
That being said in my younger days, when I only had a backpack on my back and stayed in hostels I traveled with a lot less makeup, one face lotion and face wash my toiletry bag took up a lot less space. Now that we take photos and write on this blog for a living, I put a bit more time into getting ready!
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Happy Traveling, Ladies!
Keep in mind these are just recommendations and what works for me when I travel. I have been traveling for over 10 years and find many of these travel clothes for women staples to have in the suitcase. Of course it is all up to you and the details of your exact trip!
Plan For Your Trip
- Protect Your Trip: We don’t travel without travel insurance, nor should you. You never know what can happen while traveling, so it’s best to be prepared. HeyMondo provides excellent short-term and long-term travel insurance plans.
- Find Cheap Flights: Sign up for Going (formerly Scotts Cheap Flights) to get notified when prices get ultra low.
- Travel Adapter: Make sure you find a good adapter to keep your personal electronics charged. Otherwise, you may be paying for a cheap one once you land. Purchase one here.
- Travel Backpack: We like the Nomatic Travel Backpack for our travels. Check the price here.
- Our Favorite Travel Shoes: Our answer to this question is always ALLBIRDS! Check them out on their site!
- Get a Travel Credit Card: We travel worldwide for free because we have leveraged our spending into points. See why you should get a travel credit card and how you can do the same with our favorite travel credit cards.
More Women’s Travel
Thank you for all the fantastic womens travel clothes suggestions!