travel style ladies

26 Travel Outfit Essentials for Women

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

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

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

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!”

Missky Long-Sleeved Oversize Pant Set

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

Vuori Elevation Trouser in Midnight Heather

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

Girlfriend Collective Compressive Pocket Legging

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

Dr. Scholl's Time Off Platform Sneakers

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

J. Crew Cashmere-Wool Travel Wrap

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

Athleta Everlasting Button-Down Top

A classic button-down is a travel essential that elevates any in-transit look. Athleta's Everlasting button-down has all the details you need: a lightweight, odor-control stretch fabric and longer length for coverage. Luckily, you can cover all your neutral bases with navy, black, and white. Plus, it comes in an extended range of sizes from XXS to 3X.

Chico's Travelers No Tummy Pants

Chico's Travelers collection is made from wrinkle-resistant fabrics in comfortable silhouettes. Thanks to a pull-on waist and front darts, these No Tummy Pants are flattering and always look put together. If red isn't your vibe, they come in three other colors as well as the bestselling wide-leg Hutton pants in black.

Hoka Transport GTX Sneakers

Hoka's sneakers are cult Oprah Daily office favorites and podiatrist-approved . Not only do they look good with just about everything, but the Transport GTX also offer quick-toggle lacing for an easy on-off, as well as a full-length EVA midsole for the highest level of cushioning and arch support.

Spanx 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.

Spanx Women's AirEssentials 1/2 Zip Sweater

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

32º DEGREES Lightweight Recycled Poly-Fill Shirt Jacket

Sometimes a full on coat is not needed for travel, but you can never be quite sure of the weather. That's why a a little packable shacket—part shirt, part jacket—comes in. In black, olive green, or dark blue, the jacket will be your go-to for travel. Keep in mind, it runs slightly big in order to allow for comfortable layering of hoodies or sweaters underneath. There's a reason why Oprah tapped it on her Favorite Things list .

Dr. Motion Compression Socks with Enhanced Cushioning (3 Pack)

Compression socks are always a good ideal for traveling. We recommend these styles from Dr. Motion that offer graduated compression of 8 to 15 mmHg while providing arch support. Unlike other socks that can feel scratchy or clammy, these are soft, moisture-wicking, and subtly cushioned.

Everlane Organic Cotton Honeycomb Cardigan

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

Original Puffer Hug Scarf

If you're traveling for business to a location that you're not thrilled about, chances are you are in need of a hug. Don't worry, this puffer hug scarf doubles as a warm wrap to keep you cozy and a hug to make you feel loved. It's fleece-lined with deep pockets so you can also store your ID and credit card without any issues.

Naadam Original 100 Percent Cashmere Sweater

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

Frankie 4 Triple Layered-Support and Cushion Liberty Black Boots

If it's not on your radar yet, Frankie 4 is a podiatrist-designed and female-founded 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.

JW PEI Aylin Canvas Cellphone Crossbody Bag

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

Birdies Vesper Seven-Layer Cloud Comfort Loafers

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

Asutra Silk Eye Mask & Pillow

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

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

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Our Top Picks

Editor's Pick

Vuori clothing performance jogger.

Catalina Slub Tee

Featherweight Cashmere Silk Frayed Edge Scarf

Pranayama Restore Wrap

Best Leggings

Buttery soft high waisted yoga pants.

L.L.Bean Everyday SunSmart Knit Dress

Best Hoodie

Classic hoodie.

Best Loungewear Set

Two-piece loungewear set.

Four-Piece Set

Skin four-piece travel set.

Best Packable Jacket

Amazon essentials women's lightweight packable jacket.

These travel outfit ideas include plenty of wardrobe essentials you'll use while at home or away anyway. Think: the best joggers , high-waisted leggings , loungewear sets , and a go-to tee you'll want to wear every single day. There are great straight-to-the-office outfits, too, if you're headed right to a meeting from the airport. Of course, we also included travel must-haves like compression socks and a silk sleep mask for long plane rides.

Everything here can easily be rolled up and tucked into a bag, too. Maybe you don't need that wrap in the warm weather outside, but you'll step inside to the freezing cold air conditioning and thank yourself for being prepared. No matter where you go, remember that life is all about the journey, not the destination. You might as well look and feel good all the while. So grab these smart travel outfit ideas and bon voyage! ✈️

These rank at the top of best jogger lists because they truly are that comfortable. The fabric is super soft and the semi-relaxed fit lets you move around with ease. With over a dozen colors to choose from, you can go basic with black or gray or pick your favorite color. Either way, you'll never want to take them off.

This tee is a one-size-fits-most powerhouse. It's oversized without looking sloppy and has comfy 3/4-length sleeves and high side slits for a fashionable touch. The 100% cotton slub fabric is airy and light, making it perfect for wearing loose, tucked in at the front, or knotted at the hip. You'll want one in every color!

If you tend to get a little chilly when the air conditioning hits, you need something to lay over your shoulders and arms. Enter: this stunning cashmere and silk blend scarf! You can wear it as is, draped over your outfit, or as a scarf under a jacket.

If you need an extra layer but prefer sleeves, go with an open cardigan style. This wrap is made of breathable, stretchy fabric and it has pockets! It also comes in over a dozen colors and is available in sizes XXS to 3X in regular, petite, and tall lengths.

You can absolutely splurge on an expensive pair of leggings if you live for that kind of comfort. But when Amazon has a buttery soft pair for under $25, that means you can buy an extra one for when you get to where you're going, too. With over 20 color options, you'll have plenty of outfits to coordinate.

The great thing about a dress is you can go straight to the beach or brunch as soon as you arrive to your destination. This one is made of a soft jersey knit blend with a tie waist that you can make as tight or as loose as you want. The fabric also has UPF protection so you really can wear it straight to the sand!

A casual look just isn't quite complete without a go-to hoodie. Reformation offers an oversized yet stylish option, available in a neutral almond shade and basic black. It pairs perfectly with their boyfriend sweatpant for a matching set, but will also go with everything you have in your closet.

If you want to buy a matching set to coordinate, this option makes the list of best loungewear because of the 17,000-plus reviews, 25-plus color options, and soft, stretchy fabric. Tuck in the front of the top and scrunch up the cuffs on the bottom a little bit for a super trendy look.

Oh, you want more matching stuff, you say? How about this four-piece set? It comes with super soft cotton/modal blend reversible tank, turtleneck tunic, pants, and a duster. You'll also get a travel pouch to hold them all...so it's actually a five-piece set!

Sometimes the problem with traveling from one place to another is the drastic change in the weather. Go prepared with a packable jacket. This bestseller is water-resistant, has a hood, and wraps into a tiny little pouch for easy storage. It's also available in ten other colors!

Dr. Scholl's Knee-High Compression Socks

If you're getting on a plane, compression socks will work wonders for your circulation, especially on long trips. The mild compression keeps them comfortable on your calves, so you don't feel like you're wearing a medical device. They also keep your feet comfy if you've got to trek through the airport.

The Perfect Pant

Does the perfect pant exist? Spanx sure thinks so! This high-waisted flare has four-way stretch, hidden shaping technology, and doesn't have a pesky zipper or button. Just pull them on and you're ready to go from travel to meeting in no time. Oh, and they are machine washable, too.

Untuckit Button-Down Shirt

If you need a dress shirt to go with your pants, look no further than this wrinkle-free, stretch cotton button-down. It also features button placement that avoids those dreaded open gaps you might get on other shirts.

Kizik Lima Sneaker

With extra cushy foam outsoles and a breathable knit construction, you'll be able to wear these everywhere from errands to travel to checking out the sights on vacation. The best part? Though they have laces, they are actually slip-on shoes!

Silk Sleep Mask

Catching some z's is tough when you're en route. Block out the light in comfort with a silk sleep mask. Not only will it give your eyes a rest, but silk does wonders for your skin. So, you don't have to worry about weird creases on your face when you wake up.

AnnMarie Mattila is the Commerce Editor for The Pioneer Woman, covering products ranging from home, fashion, beauty, and more. 

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I Travel 5 Times a Year—These Easy Outfits Have Never Once Failed Me

As a semi-recent  Los Angeles transplant, I've made so many travel plans over the past two years to take advantage of my new West Coast life, whether it's an international flight to  Tokyo or multiday road trip to Sea Ranch, just north of San Francisco. And when I was living in New York City, a quick four-day trip across the Atlantic to  London or  Paris felt like a breeze. Then there are the long-haul flights I've done from L.A. to Monte Carlo and from Orlando to Hong Kong that take up to a full day of travel. And I've done all this with just a carry-on , mind you, so it's safe to say that I'm kind of a travel and packing expert. This is why I rounded up 20 of the best travel outfits if you're sitting on a plane, in a car, or walking 10 miles in a day to explore your vacation destination. 

In theory, your vacations are filled with a never-ending supply of chic new outfits that are more than deserving of a few Instagrams, but the reality is that your  travel outfits need to be equal parts stylish  and  comfortable. Yes, achieving that balance is possible, and we have the stylish looks of the below fashion girls to prove that looking good and dressing functionally can coexist. 

From roomy jeans and breezy dresses to versatile boots and bold sneakers that can withstand any mileage, scroll down for 20 travel outfits you'll want to copy for any upcoming out-of-office dates. 

Coat + White Tee + Jeans

Ogling this Rimowa suitcase situation. But a shaggy jacket and unique jeans will dress up any white tee. 

Shop the key pieces:

Jacket + Bold Sneakers + Comfy Pants

Comfortable pants and shoes are key whether you're on a plane or walking 10,000+ steps, but they don't have to feel drab. Add pops of color with your accessories. 

Matching Sweatsuit + Sneakers

A matching sweatsuit is a must in any wardrobe. With a fashionable pair of sneakers, you can wear it both on and off the plane. 

Quarter-Zip Sweater + Long Coat

Bundle up in a monochrome 'fit like this cream quarter-zip and coordinating coat. Finish it off by adding bottoms with stretch and a trusty pair of shoes. 

Bomber Jacket + Jeans + Shoulder Bag

For a day in a new city where you're constantly moving, it's best to stick to the basics like a roomy shoulder bag, your go-to pair of jeans, and a zip-up jacket for transitional temps. 

Leggings + Oversize Sweater

There's something about gray that makes any outfit look so much more comfortable. Throw on a cream sweater with your gray leggings for some contrast. Then put on your headphones so no one bothers you while you're waiting to board. 

Track Pants + Statement Coat + Flats

Track pants are a staple that can look dressy given the right styling. Take a cue from Helena and add the one statement coat you packed this trip with a pair of sporty bottoms.

Jumpsuit + Big Tote 

A one-and-done kind of outfit is ideal for travel. When you have a jam-packed day that starts when the sun rises, you don't want to waste any time picking out what to wear. This is where a jumpsuit or boilersuit comes in handy. 

Midi Skirt + Crossbody Bag + Sweater

A crossbody you can keep close to you will ensure your belongings are secure on public transportation. An A-line skirt, a sweater, and statement kicks complete the look.

Flowy Top + Wide-Leg Jeans + Flats

I tend to turn to less-fitted silhouettes on vacay to keep things easy and effortless. A flowy top and wide-leg jeans are just the solution. 

Maxi Skirt + Knit Polo

For an ensemble that looks pulled together but actually takes five minutes to put on, a knit polo and maxi skirt are all you need. Add your crossbody or top-handle bag to really level things up. 

Breezy Pants + White Button-Down

Don't deny yourself roomy silhouettes! This is the kind of outfit that can take you off the plane and straight to lunch if you don't have time to decompress and change outfits at your hotel. 

Quilted Coat + Shoulder Bag + Chunky Sneakers

A coat that doubles as a blanket and/or a pillow on the plane and one you can wear on the daily is a great travel piece if you're heading somewhere chilly. Pack a pair of chunky dad sneakers and a shoulder bag, and you're ready for a day of exploring. 

Jacket + Plaid Skirt + Sneakers

Going somewhere with pretty mild weather? Opt for plaid skirt and sneakers. You can add a bomber in this rich brown shade if the temperature fluctuates. 

Knit Sweater + Jeans + Bold Accessories

A cozy sweater, straight-leg jeans, and red accessories are an outfit formula you'll want to remember. And definitely make sure to stop by a café while you're out to fuel up before you hit the pavement again. 

Wrap Coat + Comfortable Boots

Rainy weather won't get you down if you have a fab coat to stay dry in. A trench or raincoat is a must if it's a rainy forecast during your travels, but you can liven it up with bright footwear. 

Coat + Sneakers + Baggy Jeans 

Layer up with a scarf and beanie if your long coat isn't enough to keep you warm. Layering pieces that can go with several outfits are always great to pack, and as someone who lives in sunny Los Angeles, I now relish the trips where I can finally pack my versatile winter clothes. 

Track Jacket + Comfy Jeans

I've worn Adidas shorts on so many trips now, and I've found that sporty pieces are the best to pack. They are durable, made to withstand the elements, and come in handy when you start sweating from all those steps you're getting in. A track jacket is a great piece to wear over a T-shirt or tank. Simply add some fun jeans and a colorful bag, and you'll feel like a street style star wherever you are. 

White Blouse + Black Maxi + Sneakers

A sheer white top is a godsend for those extremely hot travel days. Also, I've worn this black cotton maxi skirt on countless trips. It's one of the best travel items I own thanks to the breezy fit and elastic waist. 

Cutout Dress + Sandals + Net Bag

If it's more of a beach vacation, you definitely want to travel with some comfortable sandals and a larger tote that can fit all your beach-day belongings. I find that these net bags fold very flat in a suitcase, but they can fit a seemingly endless amount. 

Lauren Adhav is a freelance fashion editor based in Los Angeles. Originally from Orlando, Florida, she always wanted to work at a fashion magazine. After finally getting an internship at Town & Country in 2015, she moved to New York City and continued to get her footing in the industry with stints at Cosmopolitan , W magazine, Harper's Bazaar , and Moda Operandi. In 2017, she returned to Cosmo full time, starting off as the beauty and fashion editorial assistant and working her way to fashion editor. She contributed to both the website and print issues, pitching new ideas, forecasting trends, covering red carpet events, and informing the overall coverage and brand voice. After five years in NYC, she moved to the West Coast for the sunshine and the change of pace. As a freelance fashion editor, she still contributes to Cosmo and now Who What Wear. She's always trying to get ahead of the next big trend before it goes mainstream and loves discovering fashion brands with a unique point of view (Chopova Lowena, Sandy Liang, and Bode being some of her current favorites). She also spends an unhealthy amount of time online shopping for the perfect piece, and now that she's in L.A., she's rediscovering her soft spot for malls. On the weekends, you can find her walking around the Silver Lake Reservoir, trying to catch up on her tan at Venice Beach, and probably ordering a Chinese chicken salad at Joan's on Third.

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Travel Outfits: How to Look Chic When You’re Flying

Listen—I’m all about rocking a cute travel outfit when I’m heading out of town…but I wouldn’t be caught dead wearing heels to the airport.

To be honest, I don’t even like wearing jeans on a plane (although I’ll occasionally make an exception if they’re REALLY comfortable jeans , or if my flight is under three hours.)

Usually you’ll find me rocking a head-to-toe set of my favorite affordable cashmere during the winter, and a lightweight loungewear set during the summer.

I often see pictures of bloggers at the airport posing next to their cute pink luggage wearing like…wedges and a mini-dress. HARD PASS. How is that even comfortable? When you’re en route to the airport (and your final destination) it’s all about feeling comfortable.

For this reason, I decided to put together a little guide to cute travel outfits…featuring things that you’ll actually want to travel in , whether you’re heading out for a winter getaway or a girls trip .

Because believe it or not, it’s possible to rock comfy loungewear, leggings, or a jumpsuit and still look SUPER chic, as long as you style them properly (especially my favorite faux leather leggings .)

Below are a handful of great travel outfits I found while trolling IG—and the exact things you can buy to replicate them.

(Also: if you’re also on the hunt for stylish carry-on luggage or if you need some good go-to travel toiletries…I got you covered.)

Chic Travel Outfits

Here, I’m sharing a handful of my go-to travel outfit pieces. These are all items that I think you should have in your closet regardless of how often you go on a getaway, but they just so happen to be particularly comfy choices when going on a plane.

These picks will of course depend on how long your flight is and where you’re headed, but overall, I think they’re practical for travel days.

The only caveat here is that I know a jumpsuit isn’t exactly ideal if you’re going on a long-haul flight—however—I personally don’t mind wearing them on planes because they’re so comfy and not really that difficult to slip in and out of when you need a bathroom break.

If jumpsuits aren’t your jam, there are plenty of other ideas in this post that should work for you, like a cute matching sweatsuit or leggings and a leather jacket. Without further ado, here are the staples I’d recommend having on hand for travel days.

1. An Amazon Set

2. A Comfy Jacket

3. Sweatpants

4. A Cozy Jumpsuit

5. White Sneakers (or Slip-On Sneakers)

6. A Travel Bag

Travel Outfit Style Guide

Looking for more travel outfit inspo? I put together the four looks below, which are just as cute as they are practical. I love that you can wear these on and off the plane—perfect for those days when you have to go directly from the airport to a social event or outing.

COZY & CASUAL

Sweatshirt (similar) | Leggings | White Sneakers | Carry-On Bag

Looking for more travel secrets? Check out my post about How I Use Credit Card Points to Travel for Free.

Lots of layers.

Sweatshirt | Sweatpants | Sneakers | Faux Fur Coat | Belt Bag

COMFY TROUSERS

Crew Neck Sweatshirt | Trousers | Slide Sandals

SIMPLE YET CHIC

Flared Leggings |  Half-Zip Jacket | White Sneakers

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PRAYRNA SINHA

This post gave me a more clear idea of what I will wear when travelling and I especially loved the part where you mentioned the all black and all white monochromatic looks .

I do not think I would wear white on a plane. No to the belly sticking out as well. I do like the stretchy pants and sneakers.

Why would anyone wear a jumpsuit on a plane? The toilets are used by hundreds of people, now you want to pull down the top part of your clothes and have it dangling somewhere near the toilet, while you’re sitting on a toilet that exposes the part that gets wee on when the seat is up? Eeu that’s all kind of germ wrong!! But I do love the little 3/4 joggers! Def looking for some of those for my next long haul (when this pandemic is over!)

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Home » How to dress after 40 » What to wear » Stylish travel clothes for women that are chic and comfortable

Stylish travel clothes for women that are chic and comfortable

by Sylvia | Apr 12, 2024 | 9 comments

No matter whether you are travelling by air, land or sea, you will want to look effortlessly chic while ensuring you are comfortable throughout your entire journey. Below, you will find the best travel clothes for women and outfit inspiration for all of your trips, whether you’re taking a quick road trip or a long haul vacation.

If you are going on a trip soon, we’d love to hear about where you are going. Read on for a travel capsule as well as the best airport outfits.

Travel clothes for women

I normally travel a lot and love to share some of my tips on how to build the perfect fashionable travel wardrobe to make fashionable travel easy.

I believe that dressing in a stylish way for travel is just as comfortable and easy as flying in an old t-shirt and cargo pants or sweats.

But one of these two options makes a better first impression! Don’t worry, I’m not asking you to wear anything too fussy or high maintenance.

In fact in the image a little further below below I’m wearing a t-shirt and pants, but I’ve elevated my style through the print on my top and by adding silver shoes.

Travel clothes for women: best travel outfits

You may consider getting a few designated travel outfits. Investing in stylish travel clothes for women can help you to put together a “stylish travel clothes uniform”. You’ll also find your travel outfits work well for day-to-day wear and running errands.

Before you build the perfect women’s travel wardrobe for your needs, consider these 3 points below when choosing your own signature travel outfits:

Best travel outfits for planes

1. fabrics for traveling.

The material of your clothing makes all the difference in the world when choosing travel clothes for women! Natural fibers like cotton and linen wrinkle easily, so you may wish to avoid wearing 100% linen or cotton fabrics if that bothers you. The best wrinkle-resistant fabric options include:

• Polyester (although you may wish to consider whether you will be too hot as this doesn’t breathe)

A blend of any of these with a natural fiber like cotton would be perfect, giving you the stretch you need for long period of sitting while still looking crisp.

I’m wearing comfy airy pants (similar here and here ) and I make the outfit more stylish with Rollies shoes (similar pairs here and here ). Also check out this similar tee and suitcase .

When it’s a bit cooler I will add a short stylish jacket too like this one .

2. The best fit for your travel wear

Loose fitting, easy tailoring is the best choice when traveling, especially regarding your pants or bottoms of choice.

You don’t want to deal with tight, constricting pants when you’re in a small cabin for a few hours.

Choosing materials with some stretch to them further adds to your comfort level. Eileen Fisher is a wonderful source for travel clothes!

3. What to wear when traveling – Color

Go with patterns or darker tones when traveling.

You’re likely to be crammed into a public seat that may not be 100% clean. And coffee spills from those wobbly tray tables happen.

If you’re traveling to a foreign country, darker or earthy, neutral colors help you blend in and look more low-key, too. Save the white clothes for when you get there.

Travel clothes for women: must-haves all stylish ladies should travel with

Now that you’re thinking about the best travel clothes for women, below are some of the best options for pants, tops, dresses, skirts, shoes and accessories to choose from this season, as well as a travel capsule wardrobe.

1. The best travel purse ever

Let’s start with your bag. Your carry-on purse for travel needs to hold more than you normally would carry.

Documents, valuables, your iPad or some magazines and maybe a small makeup kit are some things you should have in your bag.

A tote is great for travel because it’s so easy to load up. But a crossbody bag is also excellent, especially for keeping it secure when you need your hands free for other things.

Safety and security will be a key priority when you travel. You want to make sure that even if you are in busy markets or in places where pick pocketing may be a problem, that your belongings are secure.

The Travelon brand is highly recommended for travel bags with anti-theft features.

Travelon Anti-Theft Heritage Crossbody Bag

Or, you could try the Baggallini crossbody (below), which comes in a good choice of colors, and has an anti-theft design. Reviewers say it is the perfect size and weight for travel.

Baggallini Securtex Anti-Theft Free Time Crossbody Bag

The TUMI tote is another stylish option that would be perfect for weekends at home or travelling.

TUMI Voyageur Valetta Medium Tote

And, for packing your suitcase, investing in some packing cubes means you can easily organize everything so you can put together your outfits upon arrival without any rummaging through everything you’ve packed.

BAGSMART Compression Packing Cubes

Also check our top 10 picks of the best purses for travel .

2. Travel scarf or shawl

A scarf or shawl ALWAYS travels with me, even in summer. Airlines don’t hand out blankets or pillows on flights as much anymore, particularly if you’re traveling in short-haul or domestic economy.

A scarf or shawl will keep you warm and comfortable, work as an airplane pillow when rolled up and will add some chic to your outfit when you arrive.

A blanket style could be the perfect option because you can use it as a blanket or head rest on the plane. Then, when you arrive, you can use as a shawl to keep you warm on chilly evenings, or as a beach towel or a picnic blanket.

Or another great choice, particularly if you are heading to a destination where you don’t want your valuables in plain sight if to choose a travel scarf with a hidden pocket, such as the infinity scarf (below).

elzama Infinity Scarf With Hidden Zipper Pocket

Sheree @shesheshow above opts for a navy outfit and adds a pop of color with her pink scarf.

Get her look with this similar set , sneakers , suitcase , tote , scarf and sunglasses .

PULI Cross Front Poncho

Here’s a tutorial and video for you on how to style a scarf .

3. Best travel shoes

Choose a pair of flats that are comfortable.

Bear in mind that you are likely to have to take your shoes off to go through security. So, you may prefer to have a slip-on style rather than laces.

I would make sure your travel shoes double up as really comfortable walking shoes. The Sperry sneaker (below) come in a choice of colors and neutrals, and feature a molded footbed so they should keep you comfortable while travelling and sightseeng.

Sperry Crest Vibe Platform Sneaker

A pair of white sneakers is a classic that will go with everything from your shorts to your summer dresses, and the Vionic sneakers (below) also have great arch support.

Vionic Winny Sneakers

We also love the slip-ons below which come in a good choice of colors and will keep your feet cool and feature an interesting, on-trend sole. Slip-ons are a great idea at the airport in case you need to take your shoes off for security.

Ilse Jacobsen Tulip Slip-Ons

Silver shoes are a good travel choice because metallics act as a neutral and will go with everything else in your closet so you don’t need to travel with too many pairs of shoes.

DADAWEN Platform Oxfords Shoe

4. Women’s travel shirts

A great button-down isn’t just a good travel option for men. It can look great worn with pants for your journey. Then, you can wear with shorts or over your swimsuit or your dress as a cover-up when you arrive for your vacation.

J.Crew Wren Linen Shirt

Boden Sienna Linen Shirt

Claudia @beafitmom.nl above opts for a beautiful shirt with statement sleeves.

Recreate her outfit with this similar shirt (another option here ), jeans , sneakers , handbag and belt .

5. Travel t-shirt

T-shirts can be the basic core of any wardrobe, and your travel closet is no exception. You can wear them to travel in and team them with shorts and skirts when you arrive. Or, you can wear it instead of a pajama top to sleep in.

I’d stick to quality fabric without any logos on the front, so you can team with lots of pieces from your suitcase. Opt for something you can dress up with a statement necklace or scarf, or down just with sneakers and shorts.

Cinq à Sept Lorainne Silk T-Shirt

Boden Wrap Front Jersey Top

Or, you might want a sleeveless option that you could dress up or down on warm days and evenings.

FRAME Savannah Silk Tank

A casual tank top will be perfect for sightseeing.

IRO Tekkio Knot V-Neck Top

6. Flying clothes: Travel cardigan

No matter where you are traveling, you are likely to need a cover-up in case it gets a little chilly on your journey, or for when the sun goes down in the evening.

If you choose a cardigan in a neutral shade, it should go with most outfits in your suitcase.

Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Cocoon Cardigan

J.Crew Cotton Blend Cardigan Sweater

The Lock and Love cardigan (below) can either be worn open as a cardigan, or closed by knotting the ends so it looks more like a draped top.

Lock and Love Draped Open Front Cardigan

7. Lightweight women’s jacket for traveling

You won’t want to be taking too many jackets on vacation with you as they take up suitcase space, so make sure the one you do choose is comfortable and versatile.

Of course, the best travel jacket for you will depend very much on where you are going. While a blazer will be perfect for the south of France, for example, you are unlikely to want such a dressed-up option on a safari in South Africa.

If you choose a blazer, I think you can wear it beautifully with pants and a pair of sneakers for the plane. Then, for a night out on vacation, you could team up with sandals or heels.

Natural fiber like linen will crease, but I think that’s part of the charm of linen blazers. Or you could opt for a piece with a wool mix for cooler climates, or in a polyester mix if you are worried about it creasing.

The J.Crew blazer (below) looks smart, but the relaxed linen fabric keeps it comfortable.

J.Crew Helena Linen Blend Blazer

You could also think about a denim jacket, which would go well over your summer dresses.

Ronny Kobo June Denim Jacket

Or, if you love a sporty look, choose a sweater you can pop over your T-shirts when it is cool.

Stellae Dux Fleece Cargo Half-Zip Crop Sweater

Psyche @economyofstyle above chooses a stylish travel outfit featuring cuffed pants and a lightweight jacket.

Check out this similar tank top , jacket (another option here ), pants , sandals , tote , suitcase and sunglasses .

You may also like our article on how to fit a blazer.

8. The best women’s travel pants

Many of you will prefer to travel in a pair of pants rather than a dress. I would tend to avoid jeans as they aren’t particularly comfortable if you want to have a snooze on the plane!

A pair of drawstring pants, such as the ones by Lenny Niemeyer (below) is a good option for both traveling and sightseeing.

Lenny Niemeyer Swim Destinos Printed Drawstring Pants

It’s a good idea to look for pants that have an elasticated waist so you don’t feel constricted during your journey. Another option could be the wide leg pants (below) which should keep you cool if you’re heading off on a sunny vacation.

Eileen Fisher Wide-Leg Linen Pants

COS’s striped pants (below) also feature an elasticated waist, and look great dressed up or down.

COS Pinstriped Straight-Leg Pants

There are more elasticated waist options in this article on the best pants and skirts to fit and hide your belly .

9. Best pants for traveling: Travel leggings

Or, how about choosing a comfy pair of leggings to travel in? You can wear it with a loose tunic to make sure you’re comfortable.

Bandier Center Stage High-Rise Leggings

10. The perfect travel dresses

Do you prefer traveling in pants, or do you prefer the feeling of coolness and freedom you get from a comfortable dress?

If you do choose a dress, we would look for one in flexible, stretchy fabric such as jersey so you don’t feel restricted on your journey.

Boden Chloe Notch Jersey Midi Dress

Boden Amelie Jersey Midi Dress

Or, you could wear a shorter dress like the J.Crew linen dress (below) over your leggings. Then simply wear with your sandals or pop over your swimsuit when you arrive.

J.Crew Bungalow Popover Linen Dress

Susanne @textelle above (read her style interview here ) looks lovely in her print knee-length dress. You could always wear leggings underneath while on the plane.

Steal her look with this similar dress (other options here and here ), sneakers and bag .

11. Travel skirts

Skirts can be a great staple in your travel closet. You could opt for a cotton A-line knee-length style for an easy style to wear with sneakers. Midi or maxi lengths also look relaxed and stylish on vacation.

For traveling, we would stick with a knee-length or a midi. You don’t want trailing skirts to get stuck anywhere while you board and deal with your luggage.

Boden Rosaline Jersey Skirt

Splendid Demi Striped Linen-Blend Maxi Skirt

Best travel clothes for women

Now that you have a good plan for your travel outfits, below are more stylish travel looks for you, to give you some inspiration according to your style personality .

Airplane outfits for the classic and casual woman

This classic and comfortable travel look starts with a relaxed-fit pair of pants or jeans and a pair of sneakers.

For your casual look, choose a t-shirt or shirt, and add a denim jacket to keep you warm. You could also add the travel scarf we featured earlier to add a little polish and extra warmth to your travel look!

Ronny Kobo June Denim Jacket – IRO Tekkio Knot V-Neck Top – Eileen Fisher Wide-Leg Linen Pants – DADAWEN Platform Oxfords Shoe – Travelon Anti-Theft Heritage Crossbody Bag – Alexander McQueen Beam Small Stud Earrings

Plane clothes for a modern-chic style

A modern-chic look can be one of the most comfortable and easy to pull off. Go with monotone neutral colors with an occasional splash of color.

Tailoring is important and comes in the form of cropped pants, or a silhouette that is a little more fitted. It’s the most minimal of all the styles and can mix and match quite well with other pieces. Add a cardigan or the linen-mix blazer we featured earlier if you want another layer.

Cinq à Sept Lorainne Silk T-Shirt – Lenny Niemeyer Swim Destinos Printed Drawstring Pants – TUMI Voyageur Valetta Medium Tote – Vionic Winny Sneakers – Ettika Triple-Layered Chain Necklace

Greetje @no_fear_of_fashion above (read her style interview here ) wears an outfit that you could wear on the plane, and then for sightseeing.

Steal her look with this similar top , trousers , sneakers , tote , belt and scarf .

Plane outfits for long haul travel: What to wear on a long flight

While all of the travel clothes above are very versatile, if you are traveling long haul, you are likely to want to try to get some sleep.

Therefore, comfort is especially important. You could choose a stylish leisure set which is as comfy as pajamas , but looks more like daywear. You can always wear as separates when you get to your destination.

The leisure set (below) comes in a choice of five colors. Reviewers describe it as a fantastic outfit for the price.

TAOVK Woolen Sweater Set – DADAWEN Platform Oxfords Shoe – Vera Bradley Hardside Rolling Suitcase – Alexander McQueen Beam Small Stud Earrings

Travel wear for a sporty look

Take advantage of the latest yoga-chic athletic trend! This includes state-of-the-art fabrics that are durable, comfortable and look good.

Choose a yoga-style boot-cut athletic bottom or a tight capri or legging. Many, like the one featured, are higher-waisted and have a built-in band to hide the belly.

Layer with a longer-length lightweight pullover, tunic or sweater to have a very chic athletic look that also hides flaws well.

The short coat below would also look great worn over a long T-shirt dress.

Stellae Dux Fleece Cargo Half-Zip Crop Sweater – IRO Tekkio Knot V-Neck Top – Bandier Center Stage High-Rise Leggings – Vionic Winny Sneakers – Travelon Anti-Theft Heritage Crossbody Bag – Acne Studios Carliy Twill Baseball Cap

Abi @stealmystyle40 above chooses a versatile casual outfit of sneakers and a hoodie, and adds a pop of color with her sneakers.

Recreate her outfit with this similar hoodie , jeans , sneakers , tote and cap .

Best travel outfits for warm climates

Of course, what you wear and what you pack will vary depending on where you are traveling to. For warmer climates, a loose-fit dress in a natural fabric can be a stylish, cool choice. If you’re heading somewhere warm, a light-colored, neutral outfit can look great. You could dress it up for evenings out with some statement gold jewelry.

Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Cocoon Cardigan – Boden Amelie Jersey Midi Dress – Sperry Crest Vibe Platform Sneaker – Baggallini Securtex Anti-Theft Free Time Crossbody Bag – Alexander McQueen Beam Small Stud Earrings

Travel clothes for cold climates

For cooler weather, you’ll want to ensure that your travel closet includes a warm, but packable jacket which doesn’t take up too much space.

You may also want to pack some thermals that you can wear under your clothes and as pajamas.

Thermajane Ultra Soft Thermal Underwear Long Johns Set

Moose Knuckles Air Down Quilted Jacket – Polo Ralph Lauren Julianna Cashmere Cable-Knit Sweater – BALEAF Fleece Lined Thermal Leggings – Sorel Joan Now Chelsea Boots – Baggallini Securtex Anti-Theft Free Time Crossbody Bag – elzama Infinity Scarf With Hidden Zipper Pocket

Travel clothes for business trips

What about if you aren’t traveling for leisure, but for business? A comfy jumpsuit can be a good option. You can wear it with a cozy cardigan and slip-on shoes for traveling, and then switch to a blazer and heels for your business meeting. Or opt for a smart elasticated pair of pants and a linen blazer.

J.Crew Helena Linen Blend Blazer – FRAME Savannah Silk Tank – COS Pinstriped Straight-Leg Pants – Badgley Mischka Cam Flats – Samsonite Mobile Office Bag – Majorica Tender Knot Necklace

a belt can be really useful

A belt is a very useful accessory when traveling. You can use it to cinch dresses or tunics to create different looks when you reach your destination.

RISANTRY Leather Belt

There are more tips and tricks here on how to wear a belt for the most stylish effect .

9 travel outfits using the pieces featured above

You can put together the travel clothes, shoes and accessories used above into a capsule closet (below) to give you plenty of different looks during your journey and while on vacation.

shop the best travel outfits here:

Below are past season travel capsules which should still give you plenty of inspiration.

Read our ultimate guide to creating a capsule wardrobe that works best for you.

Best brands for travelling

• Eileen Fisher
• Tommy Bahama
• Loveappella

What do you consider the most stylish travel clothes for women? What are your go-to travel outfits?

Continue reading:

• The Best Travel Gifts For Women
• 10 Of The Best Travel Purses For Vacation And Every Day Use
• Cruise Clothing Essentials: What To Pack For A Cruise
• Travel Light: 10 Days In Carry-On Luggage

Like this article on the best travel clothes for women over 40? Share it on Pinterest

Feature image by Psyche @economyofstyle

Sylvia is 40+style’s editor-in-chief and has been helping women find their unique style since 2011. An alumni of the School of Color and Design, she is devoted to empowering women of any age to look and feel their best. Read more about Sylvia and 40+style on this page .

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I am visiting Portugal this June. I’m curious where you lived and if you have any “must see” places. Thank you.

Great decision! Portugal is beautiful. I still live here (in Luz, which I love) although I travel a lot but I’m here in spring and autumn. Honestly all of Portugal is beautiful so hopefully you have some time to explore. There are 3 articles where I talk about my experiences in Portugal on this page https://40plusstyle.com/?s=portugal

I was wondering where the jean jacket could be found.

The link to the jean jacket has been added. Here is a direct link https://amzn.to/3MWqtdC

Sylvia, Where did you get that amazing tshirt you are wearing in your picture? I’m not a tshirt person but I would wear that one in a minute!

I got that from Zara a few seasons back.

If one is flying long-distance and has a problem with not just ankles but also feet swelling from extended sitting, be sure to wear shoes that allow for that. When I travelled overseas in winter months, I used to wear low-heeled boots that were a half- or full-size bigger, filled up with a couple layers of heavy socks. If my feet swelled in flight, I could always take off a pair of socks to accommodate them. (This layering also kept my feet warm and blister-free while doing a lot of walking after arrival.)

Just to let you know the clothing links for luxe dress and travel pants don’t work and an amazon search isn’t bringing them up.

They are all working now.

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30 Perfect Travel Outfits: What to Wear When Traveling

There are a lot of questions when it comes to packing for any kind of travel: What will the weather be like? How many pairs of underwear do I really need? Am I overpacking? (Almost definitely yes for me!) 

While I can’t tell you if you really need to pack 3 outfits for every day you’ll be gone, I can help you figure out what travel outfits suit you best on your way to your destination.

Whether you’re driving or flying or some other mode of transportation, you’ll want to make sure that you’re comfortable. That might be enough! Or, you might want to be comfy while still looking stylish.

Here are 30 ideas for putting together travel outfits so you have one less thing to consider while getting your suitcase packed.

Check out what's in this post!

Travel Outfits

This post contains affiliate links.

1. White Sneakers , Distressed Denim & White Top

Jeans | Button Down Shirt | Sneakers (Sold out, find white sneaker options here )

White sneakers are so trendy and can go with any outfit for travel. Step off the plane and you’ll be ready to go and start exploring your destination.

Plus, wearing sneakers (likely one of the bulkier pairs of shoes you’re bringing) on the plane or in the car will take up less room in your suitcase. Look cute, be comfortable, and have more room to pack. Win-win!

2. Crop Top and Leggings

Leggings | T-Shirt | Bandana | Shoes

If comfort is your main travel goal, opt for a crop top, high-waisted leggings, and sneakers. You’ll be comfortable without looking sloppy.

3. Biker Shorts

Shorts | Sweatshirt | Shoes

Biker shorts are a great option for summer travel. Wear bike shorts with a crop sweater or sweatshirt if you’re traveling between locations with different temperatures.

Biker shorts will keep you comfortable during the process of waiting in lines and sitting in the terminal. And you never know if the airport or plane will be chilly. That’s where having a sweater or sweatshirt will come in handy!

*Find other bike shorts here and other workout sets here!

4. White Pants

White Jeans (Sold out – Similar here ) | Stripe Top | (Sold out – similar here ) | Sneakers (sold out – similar here )

White pants can easily elevate your travel wardrobe. (Though they’re probably best if you’re not traveling with messy kids!)

If you want a style that’s a little more chic, wear a black and white striped shirt, white pants, and white sneakers. Add a silk scarf and bold sunglasses to tie it all together.

5. Graphic Tee

Jacket | Tee

Want to look hip without feeling uncomfortable? Wear a vintage graphic shirt paired with black distressed jeans. Add a leather jacket or denim jacket to your outfit for some warmth if you’ll get cold while traveling.

These are my 9 favorite places to shop for graphic tees!

6. Cardigan

Denim Shirt (Mine is super old – this one is similar ) | Pants | Cardigan (Old, similar here ) | Boots

Cardigans are a must for all your travel outfits. Not only can a cardigan change the vibe of any outfit, it’s also an easily packable item that helps you adapt to any temperature changes while you travel.

If the outfit above isn’t up to your style, try pairing a cardigan with a white tee and jeans or leggings. Add some sneakers for a cute and casual look.

7. Oversized Sweater Dress

Sweater Dress | Boots (sold out – similar here )

If it’s cold at the time of travel, wear an oversized sweater dress for a comfy and warm outfit. Wear leggings or tights underneath if the weather ends up being colder than you expected on the day of your trip.

This ‘fit is also a great opportunity to wear boots that you want to bring on the trip, so you can save room in your suitcase.

*Find more sweater dress outfit ideas here!

8. Sweatshirt and Sweatpants

Pants | Sweatshirt | Shoes

Grab a matching sweatshirt and sweatpant set for a sporty and stylish look. This is a great option for fall or winter travels. You’ll be comfortable the whole time and look put together.

Hooded Sweater | Joggers | White Sneakers (Sold out – find more white sneakers here )

Are joggers the best and most versatile item in your travel arsenal? I’d argue they just might be, especially if you invest in high-quality ones.

Dress up some joggers for a comfy look! Pair with a black tee, denim jacket, and some white sneakers for a casual travel outfit.

10. Sporty Casual Travel Outfits

I love a sporty style for the airport or car! You can make it both fashionable and easy.

Wear some Adidas pants with a white cropped tee and white sneakers. It’s very little effort for you but won’t come across that way to everyone else!

11. All Black Travel Outfits

Sweater | Jeans (old)

Wearing all black is chic and hip. Go with black leggings, a black tee, and a leather jacket. Accessorize with some sunglasses, a black hat, or a black purse.

Soften your all black aesthetic with some white sneakers or tan boots and you’ll be set!

12. Jeans and a Sweater

Mock Neck Sweater | Jeans (Sold out)

Such a simple look, but it’ll give you effortless style (and you can easily wear the pieces on your trip too)! Pair your favorite jeans with a cute sweater and some loafers or boots. This is a great look if you’re traveling during the fall!

13. Shift Dresses

Dress | White Sneakers (Sold out – find more white sneakers here )

If you’ll be rushing directly to a meeting after the plane lands, you’ll want something professional but comfortable enough for traveling. Wear a shift dress, and light sweater, and flats or leather loafers for the perfect business casual look.

*Find more shift dress ideas here!

14. Midi Dress

I always notice the chic women wearing midi dresses in the airport — and these dresses are so easy to pull off! Wear a midi length solid color dress with a printed scarf. Pair with some nude strappy sandals and some sunglasses.

15. Linen Pants

For a beach destination, wear some white linen pants. They’re lightweight enough for warmer weather, but will also keep your legs covered in case the plane is cold. Wear with a bright colored or patterned top to evoke tropical vibes.

16. Leggings & T-shirt

T-shirt (Sold out, similar here ) | Bag | Bag Strap

Leggings and a T-shirt: what could be better than that! Sometimes basic is best!

Pair with a cardigan or have a pullover with you just in case. You can never go wrong with basic neutrals!

17. Statement Jacket

Jeans | Blazer (Sold out similar here )

Give your classic neutrals a little more style! Start off by wearing jeans (in any color), a solid shirt, and black boots. Then, add a statement coat or blazer over top. It’s a great stylish outfit for traveling during the cold weather months.

18. Boho Cozy Outfits

T-Shirt | Pants (sold out, similar here) | White Sneakers (Sold out – find more white sneakers here )

Keep some style while staying cozy! Wear some loose, wide-leg, boho pants with a loose fitting top. It’ll feel like you’re wearing pajamas — perfect for a long flight where you’ll be trying to catch some sleep!

19. Faux Leather Leggings

Spanx | Tank Top | Utility Jacket (Similar here and here )| Sneakers (sold out, similar Nikes here )

A nice sleek look is great for spring or early fall. Achieve this look by wearing faux leather leggings, a neutral color top, white sneakers and a jacket to keep you warm. It’ll be stylish and comfortable!

20. Loungewear

There are so many loungewear matching sets out there, which makes putting together an outfit so much easier! Throw a headband on your hair, and you’re ready to go!

Blazer (sold out, similar here and here ) | Graphic Tee | Pants | Boots

Wearing a blazer can make your look a lot more formal, but you don’t have to give up on comfort. Wear it with jeans or leggings for a sophisticated yet comfy look.

22. Maxi Dresses

Dress | Bag | Bag Strap | Shoes

All kinds of dresses can be comfortable for traveling! Try a maxi dress with some sandals or boots, depending on the season. Dresses are easy to throw a cardigan over and can easily be reworn on your trip.

23. Long Jacket

Denim Shirt (Mine is super old- this one is similar )| Pants | Jacket | Boots

Wearing a long jacket can instantly turn any basic outfit chic. If you’re traveling during warmer months, wear a cotton or polyester trench coat. For colder months, go with something that’ll give you more warmth, such as wool.

24. Long Cardigan (aka Long Flight Travel Outfit)

For any long haul flight, you’ll want to incorporate a pullover or long cardigan (or at least bring one with you). It’ll give you some warmth, or you can use it as a blanket or makeshift pillow when you’re trying to sleep.

25. Athleisure Outfit

Athleisure is trendy, and there are so many cute sets out there! Plus, athletic clothes are lightweight and comfortable, perfect for traveling .

26. Leggings and a Tunic

Spanx | Fleece Sweatshirt | Sneakers (sold out, similar Nikes here )

A simple and comfortable outfit might be all you need! Choose a pair of leggings that aren’t too flimsy and will feel soft. Pair with a tunic top or dress for a little bit of coverage.

27. Jeans and White Tee

Jeans | T-shirt | Sneakers (sold out, similar here )

Jeans and a white tee shirt are a classic look of simplicity. Pair with your favorite sneakers for a relaxed, casual outfit. You can always throw on a cropped trench or other jacket if you are usually chilly when traveling!

28. Oversized Sweater

Turtleneck Sweater

An oversized sweater is like being bundled up in a blanket — it really can’t get much better than that! Wear with leggings or a comfortable pair of jeans.

29. Jumpsuit

Jumpsuit (Sold out, similar here )

A soft and stretchy jumpsuit can be an easy and comfortable outfit. It’s easy to accessorize and throw a cardigan over it.

30. Striped Dress

For a nice traditional look, wear a striped dress with a jean jacket. Give it a bit of a casual flare by wearing Vans. It’s also a cute European chic style!

Packing Tips

It can be hard to get everything into a suitcase and stay under the weight limit! Roll your clothes instead of folding them — they’ll fit better and be less prone to wrinkles. Packing cubes are also a nice way to keep your items organized.

If you know you’ll be shopping or buying souvenirs while traveling, take that into consideration! Leave a little extra room in your suitcase or your carry on for everything you collect.

When packing for your carry on, remember TSA’s 3-1-1 rule. All your liquids must be 3.4 ounces or less and be in a clear bag (one quart-sized bag per one passenger). Having those already packed and stored correctly will make getting through security so much easier.

As far as security goes, have an empty reusable water bottle on you. You can fill up inside the airport terminal and then you’ll have a water bottle to use throughout your travels.

Looking stylish while traveling doesn’t have to be a headache or make you uncomfortable. A lot of stylish outfits can be created from basic staple pieces. Basics can be reworn and styled in different ways. Pack dark jeans, solid colored shirts, a dress or two, and a few blouses. Depending on the weather, pack some shorts or a jacket that can be worn with anything. The key is to pack items that can be mixed and matched rather than statement pieces.

It depends on the type of jeans! Stay away from skinny jeans, as they can start to feel tight on your legs. Go with your most comfortable pair of jeans or ones with a relaxed fit if you do choose to fly in jeans.

There is no dress code for a plane, so if you will be most comfortable wearing leggings then go for it! As long as they aren’t too tight on your legs since you will be sitting for a long period of time, you will be ok!

Stay away from excessive jewelry or bulky accessories. They’ll weigh you down and could get you flagged during TSA security. You’ll also want to avoid wearing anything too tight. Your body naturally swells during flying, so anything tight will be quite uncomfortable once you’re up in the air. On the flip side, avoid wearing anything too skimpy. It’s no fun when you’re freezing on the plane and your legs are sticking to the seat.

Once you’ve found your perfect flight outfit, there are a few other little things to think about. Avoid flying in a bra that’s uncomfortable. Think about your outfit and figure out which bra will be best to wear.

When it comes to shoes, avoid heels or open toe shoes. Pick ones that will be comfortable and easy to slip off during security, but also won’t lead to you having to stand barefoot!

Lastly, avoid any strong fragrances. In such a small space, the smell can become overwhelming and bother those with allergies or sensitivities.

There are so many options when it comes to traveling outfits. Wear whatever fits your style most and will leave you feeling comfortable. Don’t forget to consider the weather of where you’re going, too! With the right travel outfit, you’re bound to have a great trip. Happy travels!

Looking for more outfits ideas? Find inspiration for how to wear sweater dresses , white jeans , and faux leather leggings .

Jen has styled women for photo shoots, fashion shows, board meetings, work trips and most importantly, every day life! She's been hired to style many homes as well. Her aesthetic aims to make style approachable and practical, and most of all fun! She's a mom of 3 who loves frozen cookie dough, plants and a generous pour of creamer in her coffee. Her biggest joy is helping others find joy in personal style through practical tips and inspiration. She loves to share all of her styling secrets on Paisley & Sparrow! Feel free to send Jen a message or join the fun on Instagram !

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Style tips · February 24, 2024

25 Chic and Comfy Travel Outfits in 2024 You Must Try

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Have a trip coming up? An important part of the planning is to figure out what to wear. Whether you are flying, riding a train, or going on a road trip, we have the 25 comfortable and chic outfits you can bring and will enjoy!

Table of Contents

Cotton Sweatshirt

If you’re embarking on an epic road trip, opt for a cotton sweatshirt for ultimate comfort without compromising style. Its soft and breathable fabric keeps you cozy during long drives, whereas its versatile design pairs effortlessly with jeans, skirts, or leggings.

Graphic Tee

Hit the road in style with a graphic tee, the definitive example of effortless cool – its casual yet trendy vibe adds personality to your ensemble, making it ideal for capturing memorable moments along the way.

Beat the heat on your summer road adventures with a cami top, your ultimate companion for style and comfort. Crafted from lightweight fabric and featuring adjustable straps, it’s your ticket to a breezy, breathable fit. 

Furthermore, its flattering profile introduces elegance to your ensemble. Mix and match with denim skirts for a look that’s as versatile as it is chic.

Hoodie Sweater

Get ready for your trip with a hoodie- a trusted ally for those chilly evenings and early morning drives! Its soft, plush fabric promises warmth and snugness, while the easygoing fit ensures easy movement along the way. 

Make those miles memorable in snug style by pairing it with some comfy cotton shorts for a stylish yet comfortable travel ensemble.

White Sleeveless Top

Achieve timeless elegance with a white sleeveless top, an icon that defies the ordinary and ignites your sense of style! Its crisp lines and minimalist design elevate your look no matter the destination of your travel.

In addition, since this top is usually made from high-quality materials like cotton or linen, it ascertains breathability and comfort during long hours on the road.

Denim Jacket

It’s about time to rev up your travel style with a denim jacket – a reliable associate for your adventures on the open road. Its durable fabric shields you against unexpected weather changes while still ensuring breathability for all-day comfort. 

Its timeless design complements any outfit, whether you’re layering over tees or dresses. Let’s not forget the ample pockets, perfect for storing essentials, keeping you prepared for every twist and turn along the way.

Denim Shorts

Gear up for your excursion with denim shorts – a smart pick that blends comfort and style seamlessly. Whether pausing for roadside attractions or soaking in the view at a scenic overlook, denim shorts keep you cool and stylish for every moment of your journey.

Crop Sweatshirt

Are you thinking about how to stay effortlessly stylish on those long-road expeditions? Enter the crop sweatshirt – soft and cozy, it wraps you in comfort without skimping on style, whereas its cropped silhouette brings a trendy twist.

Jogger Pants

Ready to upgrade your travel style with the ultimate blend of comfort and trendiness? Well, jogger pants are there to offer you both ease and flair for miles on end. 

With their carefree fit and elasticized waistband, you can stretch and move easily during rest stops and roadside explorations. Plus, their tapered silhouette and trendy design inject just the right amount of urban chic into your appearance.

Leather Jacket

Who says leather jackets are just for biker babes? Well, they’re a symbol of chic and practicality for travels, adding a stylish edge to your getup.

Made from durable leather, they offer protection against wind and weather, guaranteeing you stay warm and fashionable on the open road.

Rewrite the rules of travel fashion and flaunt a wrap skirt – a symbol of effortless elegance and adventure. Its adaptable design lets you customize the fit for maximum comfort during those seemingly endless trips.

Cargo Pants

Cargo pants are, without a doubt, a practical travel outfit as they offer ample storage for all of your travel needs. With multiple pockets, they provide convenient storage for essentials like snacks and gadgets, keeping you organized for any adventure.

White Trainers

With the cushioned soles and supportive design of white trainers, they provide comfort and stability during long hours of driving and traversing. Additionally, their neutral color and minimalist style make them simple to pair with any travel outfit.

Wide-leg Jeans

Ever dreamed of cruising in style without sacrificing comfort? Fortunately, wide legs jeans come with a relaxed fit, chic impact, and spacious silhouette that enables you to move with ease and confidence during those longer flights.

Crop tops – the rebel’s selection for staying cool and stylish on the road. Its daring cropped silhouette and airy fabric ensure you’re both comfortable and ready to turn heads, no matter how hot the weather gets.

Button-down Shirt

Ditch the norm and amp up your travel style with button-down shirts – a must-have for every wanderer. With their timeless flair and unmatched versatility, they effortlessly pair with anything from denim jeans to cargo pants, making outfit planning a breeze.

Their lightweight fabric keeps you pleasant, hence you’ll arrive at your destination feeling refreshed and on-trend.

Floral Blouse

Say hello to the floral blouse – a refreshing pick for every adventurous spirit. Its feminine charm, breezy fabric, and vibrant floral print keep you from feeling cool and looking fresh as you go sightseeing or stopping for a picnic lunch.

Velvet Pants

Indeed, your travel attire can also be luxurious – velvet pants combine comfort and opulence.  Their plush fabric feels like a dream against your skin, offering unparalleled warmth and coziness during those cold mornings or evenings behind the wheel.

Turtleneck Knit Top

Going to mountainous terrain or driving through scenic countryside? A turtleneck knit top ensures you remain cozy and voguish every step of the way.

Bundled in its snug embrace, you’ll conquer cooler weather adventures with unrivaled comfort. Meanwhile, its chic turtleneck design adds unexpected sophistication to your look.

Boyfriend Jeans

You can venture off the beaten path with boyfriend jeans as it is a great choice for the style rebel like you! Flattering all body types with their classic silhouette and built to endure the challenges of travel, these jeans redefine your travel fashion.

Suede Pants

These velvety-soft suede pants offer a tactile sensation like no other, cocooning you in opulent comfort as you journey down winding roads. Fashioned from luxurious, resilient fabric, they ensure you’re both comfortably chic and sophisticated with their streamlined silhouette.

Trench Coat

With a trench coat , you’re prepared to shield yourself from the whims of the weather with grace and flair. This iconic outerwear piece offers a blend of classic style and modern functionality, wrapping you in a protective layer of finesse as you navigate through changing climates.

Cropped Pants

Time to make a statement with cropped pants – an unconventional, trendy choice for your upcoming trip escapades. These fashion-forward pants offer a departure from traditional styles, and with their shortened length and relaxed fit, they provide easy movement and comfort.

Long Cardigan

Why not cozy up in a long cardigan – the ultimate layering piece for your escapades? This versatile garment provides a snug embrace, ideal for cozying up during extended drives or ice-cold evenings beneath the stars. 

With its elongated profile, it infuses a hint of bohemian charm into your ensemble.

You’ll Also Love

25 Stylish Ways to Wear a Crop Top in 2024 You Must Try

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35 Best Women's Loungewear Sets to Pack on Your Next Trip

By Madison Flager and Paris Wilson

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Some may argue that traveling by plane is an occasion to dress up, but for most of us at Traveler, comfort is the main priority when planning a transit day ensemble: You want something loose enough that you won't need to readjust (or worse, unbutton) a few hours into a flight or road trip, but put-together enough to feel that you've made a switch out of pajamas and into a true outfit. Luckily, there is no shortage of loungewear sets these days.

Read on for 35 of the best loungewear sets to add to your travel wardrobe , many of which are sitting in our editors' dresser drawers. From upscale sweatsuits to cozy cashmere knits, they'll keep you comfy whether you're sitting on a plane, train, or in the passenger seat, and will get a re-wear on lazy vacation days when the only item on your to-do list is lounging around the Airbnb .

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date. Additional reporting by Meaghan Kenny.

The Aerie LumberJane collection has been one of the brand's more popular releases. The collection features breathable, lightweight waffle fabric in shirts, shorts, and now polos. The LumberJane polo and short set are perfect for lazy vacation days spent shuffling around in your slippers . Each piece has raw seams along the sleeves, sides, and back that gives it a more lived-in look.

Buck Mason is at the forefront of elevated essentials. The Vintage Interloop set features an oversized crew that has a relaxed fit all around and thinly ribbed stiching on the cuffs to give more structure to the slouchy sleeves. The French terry sweatpants are slimming and so comfortable. Each set looks slightly different than the other, thanks to Buck Mason's Venice Wash technique that creates its cool, vintage look.

We're always raving about Girlfriend Collective, a size-inclusive, sustainably- and ethically-made brand. This set is made from half recycled, half organic cotton. They're available in your classic neutral colors, as well as this rich wine hue.

Kim Kardashian's shapewear and loungewear brand Skims never misses when it comes to cozy sets. The Cotton Fleece collection is a more sporty take on classic loungewear. The soft fleece shorts have an interior drawstring at the waist for a more customizable fit.

This chic pullover and sweat shorts both don the recognizable Alexander Wang logo. While the set is one of the trendiest pieces on our list, you'll be pleasantly surprised at just how soft the heavy brushed cotton terry is. Style the set with a small crossbody bag and pair of chunky dad sneakers for quick errands or walks around the city.

You can never go wrong with a simple high-waisted pant and tank top combo. The Anrabess sleeveless set is lightweight and thin, making it supremely packable in any weekender bag or carry-on. At just $30, it is one of the most affordable loungewear sets on our list.

Is there anything easier than throwing on a jumpsuit? Spanx AirEssentials jumpsuit is one of the brand's bestsellers—and it's just been restocked in more colors. We love the drawstring tie at the waist that gives the jumpsuit a more fitted and flattering look.

Traveler 's commerce producer, Paris Wilson , swears by Roots' loungewear. “I've been raving about Roots for years. It's hard to find a brand that doesn't skimp on quality,” she says. The Luxe Crew and Pintuck pant are made from a cotton and cashmere blend. While the material gives it a more chic look, the fit of the set is more relaxed and loose. This can easily be dressed up or down, and would look great with a sleek pair of white sneakers .

The loose fit of the Ramona sweatshirt compliments the brand's drawstring waist Jane shorts. The rouched terry fabric on the inside of each garment keeps you warm and cozy without overheating. As warmer days approach, the yellow dip-dye design is a must-have for your spring and summer wardrobe .

If you're looking for a more polished look, the Malibu set is for you. The set is made up of the Frank & Eileen Audrey Capelet and the Catherine Sweatpant . Each piece is made from 100 percent cotton triple fleece, making it incredibly soft. It's the perfect set for a long road trip or a chilly plane.

The Cool Stretch collection from Pact is made from breathable organic cotton. The soft, thin layers are a go-to summer fit when temperatures are high and you just want to chill inside. The tank top and shorts set comes in seven colorways and can be paired with Pact's Airplane cardigan or a cozy hoodie .

If you prefer something a little more roomy, the Oversized Tee and Harem Pant set from This is J is for you. It’s perfect for long-haul flights and road trips where comfort is at the top of your list, but you don’t want to step out in your pajamas. The soft, moisture-wicking fabric will keep you dry and comfortable whether you’re snuggled up on a train or plane.

This set is made for cold weather. The thick fabric will keep you warm and toasty whether you’re hanging inside with friends or out sightseeing. The top has a dropped shoulder sleeve that looks more oversized while the pants feature a wide-leg with a drawstring waist.. The set comes in 10 solid colors that are easy to pair with a slip-on sneaker or Ugg boots .

The soft ribbed knit of the Muse hoodie and sweatpant offers a lot of dimension to the duo. The set is lightweight enough that it can be worn over workout clothes without any bulkiness. The high-waisted joggers pair well with the cropped hoodie and offer a more chic silhouette.

You’ll be comfortable from head to toe with this ultra-soft pullover and pant set. The pants have a classic ‘70s wide-leg silhouette accompanied by an elastic waistband, while the pullover has a polo-inspired collar and a slightly cropped hem. An all-white set never goes out of style and will look great with a white sneaker .

The name tells you everything you need to know. The Coziest Cashmere Blend hoodie and jogger are ultra-soft. The fabric is warm yet breathable and the fact that it’s a blend gives you peace of mind that it won’t be ruined in the washing machine.

Traveler editors swear by Lunya's washable silk pajamas and cashmere Travel Set . The brand’s Silksweats complete its holy trinity of comfort. With a sherpa interior and thermoregulating abilities, you'll be comfortable without overheating in this set. Bonus: Both pieces are reversible so you can have two looks for one.

There's something to be said for a zip-up sweatshirt, even if they've largely been replaced by pullovers of late. For one, if your temperature flips from chilly to warm, you can regulate without bothering your seatmate while trying to take off your hoodie. We're a fan of the sweatpants, too: the deep pockets, cuffed ankles, and cashmere fabric are all plusses.

A new addition to OV's ultra-soft, lightweight, and durable CloudKnit line-up : this boxy T-shirt with a slightly cropped fit. It comes in charcoal, navy, mocha, fog white, and jasmine blue, all of which will match your go-to black leggings or joggers .

Awarded one of Oprah's Favorite Things in 2020, I was eager to put on Cozy Earth's ultra-soft joggers, and am happy to report they lived up to the hype. Made of a mix of premium viscose from bamboo, acrylic, and spandex, they're smooth and cool to the touch, and have a loose but not baggy fit. I've worn them a ton on WFH days, and would happily fly in them. Snag a matching pullover if you like the matching set look.

San Francisco–based Quince launched a maternity collection, which includes a nursing-friendly long sleeve and lounge joggers with an adjustable drawstring waistband. All of the collection's pieces are made with renewable materials like Tencel lyocell, a biodegradable fiber made from wood pulp; mulberry silk, a hypoallergenic and thermoregulating fabric; the company's SuperSoft fabric, a blend of recycled polyester and tencel; and sustainably- and humanely-sourced Mongolian cashmere.

Outdoor Voices’ All Day hoodie and sweatpants set really is made to wear from dusk to dawn. It aims to be the softest pair of sweats you will ever wear, and stacks up, with a CloudKnit fabric that feels as cozy as your most worn-in pair of pajamas. The sweatpants are high-rise and more fitted toward the bottom to give the most flattering look possible, too. The pieces can be bought individually and come in six different colors, from neutral charcoal to a rich Kalamata purple.

While former Traveler editor Jessica Puckett's favorite cashmere set has since sold out, Cuyana's Pima outfit is another great option for plane travel and lounging, particularly in warmer environments, as the material is soft, smooth, and breathable.

Former Traveler editor Corina Quinn turned us on to Vuori's DreamKnit Collection hoodie and jogger set. “The DreamKnit feels like a cloud—it's so soft and cozy, yet lightweight, so you don't get too hot or too cool in them,” she says. “On top of that, because there are a few different models of jogger pants and tops, my friends and I have all found a model that's flattering for us.” For a pair of sweats that make you feel like you’re wearing a real outfit without actually doing so, Vuori’s unbelievably soft, stretchy sets are an easy pick.

Friend + Folk is a size- and gender-inclusive brand that prioritizes a limited carbon footprint, and puts it into practice by way of free carbon neutral shipping, recyclable and plastic-free packaging, limited batch-production, and more. The Joon joggers are a favorite—the fit is roomy and comfortable yet still tailored, and the zippered pockets are ideal for stashing AirPods, lip balm, and other odds and ends without worrying they'll fall out as you dash through the airport. Pair them with the Perry pullover and you've got a new airport uniform.

Lululemon may be best known for its leggings and workout wear, but don't skip over the brand's loungewear. This set is made out of a smooth Softstreme material that is stretchy and feels smooth against your skin. It's a great loungewear set to wear if you run hot.

We love this Madewell number, made of a fleece-like Superbrushed terry fabric. Wide legs and a loose fit make it just the kind of thing we want to wear on long travel days, and the patch pockets are much appreciated. Since it does have tank top-style straps, bring a cardigan or other added layer for the plane.

Some loungewear is better suited for inside wear, like this cozy ribbed shorts set. Wear the pullover, with its bell sleeves and slit in the back, over leggings for long-haul flights. The stretchy shorts have a fairly short inseam, so they'll likely be more comfortable as a sleeping short or loungewear piece to change into when you arrive at your hotel or rental house.

This two-piece set might be the closest thing to sleepwear on this list, and yet is still cute enough to feel confident while wearing through the airport. It comes in a dozen colors, from basic heather gray to bold indigo blue, and pairs slouchy, relaxed fit pants with a scoop-neck button-up henley.

Sure, all sweatpants are designed to be comfortable, but the cotton, modal, and spandex fabric Knix uses takes things up a notch. The smooth, cooling, and slightly stretchy fabric feels fantastic against skin and looks a bit more put-together than typical sweatpant material.

Most loungewear tends to follow the same cut, so we appreciate Monos, a luggage brand , shaking things up when delving into clothing. This set is as soft as any sweatpants out there, with a mid-length wide-leg pant and a short sleeve V-neck tee that's just slightly cropped.

Anything labeled Signaturesoft nails both the rest day and flying-comfortably mood we're going for. The top and bottom have a streamlined shape and the sweatpants are tapered at the ankle. Both pieces are made of a comfortable rayon, acrylic, and spandex mix, so you’ll feel cozy while still looking put together. The sweatshirt and sweatpants can be purchased individually and come in nearly a dozen colors should you want to mix and match, and the sweatshirt passes the video-conferencing-chic test, in that it looks more like a standard sweater than workout wear.

Not a hoodie person? You might like this cowl-neck top, which comes with cropped pants, both made of a super soft jersey and spandex fabric. Shop the set in gray, sky blue, strawberry, or buttercream, and wear it on your next overnight flight to feel like you're in pajamas.

You may never want to put on pajamas again after wearing Softwear's Lounge Set. The fabric is buttery soft inside and out. Both the pullover and joggers are tailored and fitted with a clean silhouette—the top could pass for a normal sweater—while still being ultra soft. Plus, it’s long-lasting: The sustainable fabric is pilling-resistant and made to keep its shape after every wear.

Made for pregnant or nursing moms, this Everly Grey set is designed to fit a baby bump and make nursing easier with side openings on the top. Made of stretchy fabric with cuffed ankles and wrists and pockets on the hips, it's a loose, ever-so-slightly tailored look you'll wear again and again. Order it in one of four neutral colors: black, charcoal, oyster pink, or denim blue.

Traveling Tulls

Eco-Travel in Retirement – Nature and Sustainable Luxury Travel

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

As an over 60 woman, I plan my travel wardrobe around classic, easy-care items. I take inspiration from the French style of dressing, focusing on solid colors and a classic look in high quality pieces. I accent these with colorful scarves, jackets, and jewelry. A dress fits perfectly into this capsule. Designing your travel style around a simple dress is a great way to pack light and look great! I’ve tested some of the best women’s travel dresses and present my favorites here.

Table of Contents

Why pack a dress for travel?

I’m not your typical dress person. At home you’re more likely to find me in a great pair of jeans or workout wear. But when I’m planning a trip, I want to be ready for anything – museum visits, evenings out, and lots of walking. For me, one of the best options is a travel dress! On cruises, a dress is always on the list. (We don’t book anything that requires formal wear. It’s just not our thing.) On an active adventure where you’re in hiking or cycling clothes by day, it’s nice to have an option for something soft and pretty at night. And in a stretch, a dress can be worn as nightwear! That’s where dresses for travel come in!

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

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

What makes a great travel dress?

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

1. Packability – lightweight, wrinkle resistant

2. Versatility – I don’t pack anything that I can’t wear more than once. Clothing that has more than one good option is the best way to pack light. Choose a casual dress that can go from daytime touring to evenings out with an accessory or two. A dress that’s convertible gets extra points!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bamboo is quickly becoming a popular material for travel clothing. It’s sustainable and odor resistant.

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

Best Women’s Travel Dresses: tested and recommended

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

Our Top Pick for General Travel & Versatility:

Wool& Merino Wool Dresses

Rowena swing dress, price: $138 USD

• Packability: 11 oz., wrinkle resistant.
• Versatility: simple swing dress, but can be styled as a top or tunic
• Ease of Care: fabric is 78% ultrasoft merino wool and 22% nylon
• Quality: very well made
• Comfort and Pleasure: temperature regulating, very comfortable, and has pockets!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wool& offers several other travel dresses with pockets, including french terry dresses like the Sierra, a sleeveless option that’s very popular with travelers, the Everett, a tunic length sweater dress, and the Willow, a 3/4 sleeve swing dress with a V-neck.

Merino wool dresses are also offered by Icebreaker and Smartwool. Both brands produce quality goods so I’d feel confident ordering one of these if you find a style that suits you!

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

Best for a Special Event While Traveling

Chico’s Travelers Collection – dresses

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

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

I don’t own any of these gorgeous dresses above because I have another Chico’s dress, bought 10 years ago, that still looks great! It’s a floral print and always in my luggage if I want to add a beautiful dress to my bag!

Our Favorite Convertible Travel Dresses

Origami by Diane Kroe

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

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

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

Best Dress for Sun Protection

Coolibar (Malta) Travel Shirt Dress –

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

Price: $115 USD

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

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

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

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

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

Best of the rest: more suggestions for travel dresses

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

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

An option often offered in travel dresses is a reversible dress – pattern on one side and solid on the other. This might work for you, but I donated mine as it was too heavy. Some reversible dresses, like mine, are actually a two layer dress (a black sheath inside a patterned sheath). Thus the dress is heavier than a single layer dress.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Amy Tull and Team

• Amy Tull and Team https://travelingtulls.com/author/gramma2chance/ Nature and Birding in Costa Rica: a World of Strange & Wonderful Beauty
• Amy Tull and Team https://travelingtulls.com/author/gramma2chance/ How to Survive a Long Flight: be comfortable even in Economy Seats (2024)
• Amy Tull and Team https://travelingtulls.com/author/gramma2chance/ Best Time to Travel to Machu Picchu, Peru: a traveler’s guide (2024)
• Amy Tull and Team https://travelingtulls.com/author/gramma2chance/ Undercover Birding: how to enjoy birdwatching while traveling with friends

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

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

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

• Amy Tull https://travelingtulls.com/author/amy-travelingtulls/ 25 Tips to Conquer Travel Anxiety: How to Make Travel Easier (and almost stress-free!)
• Amy Tull https://travelingtulls.com/author/amy-travelingtulls/ Easy Elegance: 3 Capsule Wardrobe Templates for Travel Planning
• Amy Tull https://travelingtulls.com/author/amy-travelingtulls/ Navigating the Amazon and Caribbean with Viking: An Honest Review (2024)
• Amy Tull https://travelingtulls.com/author/amy-travelingtulls/ Elegance at Sea: An Authentic Viking Ocean Cruises Review

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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18 Best Travel Backpacks, According to Frequent Flyers

By Gabrielle Porcaro

As someone who frequently travels, I've slung duffels, totes , and travel purses on my arm, but nothing compares to using the best travel backpacks. Depending on the length of your trip, a suitcase can either be too bulky or not big enough, so you'll need the vital second bag to make sure all your clothes, tech, and gear securely arrive at your destination. Plus, traveling with a backpack can be more supportive for your back, freeing up your arms and hands to pull out directions on your phone or to hold an iced coffee. Backpacks can also be surprisingly roomy, so everything you need (or want) on your trip fits as comfortably as possible. The good news is there are a wide range of excellent options to suit any and all of your needs. Below, we found the most travel-friendly options and tapped Glamour editors and some of our frequent-flier friends to share the best travel backpacks.

What to look for in a travel backpack

When shopping for luggage items like a travel backpack, the comfort and capacity of the bag is key. You want it to feel easy on the body, which means wide straps or a hip belt to distribute weight, which comes in handy if you're running to catch a plane or carrying it through a crowded subway. Bonus points if the straps are they adjustable and padded. Consider the material: Is it lightweight, soft, and made of durable material like water-resistant fabric? As for size, think about the use of the backpack. There are weekender bags and carry-on size options you can use for long weekends or smartly packed weeklong vacations and styles for short day trips, hikes, or shopping excursions.

The best travel backpacks, at a glance

• Best Overall : Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack , $210
• Best on Amazon : Shrradoo Extra Large 52L Travel Laptop Backpack , $33
• Best Daypack : Lululemon Everywhere Backpack , $78
• Best Budget : Coofay Carry On Backpack , $30
• Best for Commuters : Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack , $95
• Most Stylish : Tumi Voyageur Just in Case Packable Nylon Travel Backpack , $150

All products featured on Glamour are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Best Overall : Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack

Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack - Del Día

Here's a simple, sleek backpack with plenty of built-in organization. “My twin sister and I have traveled the world together, and this bag came in particularly handy on our trip to South America when we both needed more room besides our carry-on luggage. What I loved about this piece is it's essentially a suitcase with straps. The wrap zipper fully opens up, allowing you to see and organize your goods into the compartments. Crafted in repurposed nylon, the exterior is one of a kind, and the colors made it easier to spot one another through the crowds,” says Glamour contributor Gabrielle Porcaro .

Capacity: 42 L / Waterproof : Water-resistant

• Pros: Repurposed nylon body; suitcase layout; weight-distributing harness system
• Cons: Can easily show dirt

Best on Amazon : Shrradoo Extra Large 52L Travel Laptop Backpack

SHRRADOO Extra Large 52L Travel Laptop Backpack

As a runner-up, consider this the Swiss Army knife of backpacks. Hidden in this compact, durable bag are 20 pockets and compartments to accommodate and organize everything from clothes to an umbrella to power cords. A practical standout feature of this travel backpack is an external USB port with set-in charging cables to charge your phone (just remember to charge your power pack before heading out on your trip). Another noteworthy aspect is the U-shaped 3D breathable mesh straps designed to relieve stress from shoulders and reduce a sweaty back.

Capacity: 52 L / Waterproof : Water-resistant

• Pros: So many pockets for organizing; USB charging port; comfortable
• Cons: Chunky, technical look

Best Daypack : Lululemon Everywhere Backpack

Lululemon Everywhere Backpack 22L

Lululemon gets a lot of love for its Lulu leggings and activewear, but don't sleep on accessories like its laptop bags . A classic backpack with a modern design, the Everywhere Backpack has a clean appearance that will effortlessly match your look. Inside it's spacious and has a padded pocket that fits a 16-inch laptop. On the exterior is a front zipper pocket for keys, antibacterial wipes, headphones…whatever you need handy while on the go.

Capacity: 22 L / Waterproof : Water-repellent

• Pros: Internal laptop sleeve; side water bottle pockets; lightweight
• Cons: No luggage strap; not a ton of pockets

Best Budget : Coofay Carry On Backpack

Coofay Carry On Backpack

This affordable, multifunctional pack is lightweight but can hold a lot and easily fit under an airline seat as a carry-on. “I loved the space and compartments of this bag. It's durable and packed a lot of room for so many things. The luggage handle strap is also a bonus if you're hauling a roller bag,” wrote one Amazon reviewer . Bonus: It has a shoes and a wet pocket compartment.

Capacity: 17 L / Waterproof : Yes

• Pros: Separate shoe compartment, 29 color options; USB port design
• Cons: Short luggage strap

By Sam Reed

By Stephanie McNeal

By Sophia Bush

Best for Commuters : Everlane the ReNew Transit Backpack

Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack

Whether you're a college commuter or in the office most days, this is an excellent option for everyday travel or work trips. It's a go-to for Condé Nast associate director of box business operations Haley Welch . “The separate laptop compartment makes organizing seamless, as does the front and upper zipper compartments, which is great for a Kindle,” she says. She likes that the chic and minimal look effortlessly mixes with every outfit, from comfy travel joggers and hoodies to a work-appropriate suit or dress.

Capacity : 27 L / Waterproof : Water-resistant

• Pros : Internal and external water bottle holders; zipper pocket on top; made from renewed materials
• Cons : Only holds a 15-inch laptop

Most Stylish : Best Tumi Voyageur Just In Case Packable Nylon Travel Backpack

Tumi Voyageur Just in Case Packable Nylon Travel Backpack

For anyone looking for a dressier option for their everyday commute or regular work trips, Tumi has a gorgeous style. Don't let the sleek appearance fool you; the zipper reveals a very roomy interior but still folds flat. A two-way zipper makes it easier to grab whatever you need from the inside with a smaller front pocket as well. There’s also a very convenient add-to-a-bag sleeve to secure this nicely over your suitcase handle, making it one to use on daily and international excursions. It's so stylish it can double as a cute work bag for office days.

Capacity: 15"H x 12"W x 4 1/2"D. (Interior capacity: large) / Waterproof : Water-resistant

• Pros :Packable; folds down flat; lightweight
• Cons: Doesn’t fit a ton

Best for Organization : Snoffic Travel Backpack

Snoffic Travel Backpack

If remaining organized is of the utmost importance while traveling or in everyday life, look no further than this Snoffic backpack. This wallet-friendly pick has a 4.6-star rating on Amazon and under $35 price tag. “I was able to pack a week's worth of summer clothes in it, which included two summer dresses," says one Amazon reviewer . Not only does this bag offer ample space and waterproof material, but it also includes two clear toiletry bags (also waterproof) to help you reduce your zip-lock baggie usage. Plus, it comes in a wide range of pretty shades.

Capacity : 40 L / Waterproof : Water-resistant

• Pros : Nicely priced; roomy; includes two toiletry bags
• Cons : Boxy shape

Best for Pockets : Athleta Excursion Backpack

Athleta Excursion Backpack

This pick, courtesy of Glamour commerce editor Malia Griggs , is one that can hold every little trinket or gadget you own. “I thought this backpack was going to my go-to for hiking, but it’s actually my go-to for pretty much everything. I love how sleek it is, and yet, despite its slim appearance, it manages to fit my 15-inch laptop, my secondary screen, charger, headphones, e-reader, and mouse. It has handy organizational features, like an inner key ring, zippered outer pockets for me to stash my lip gloss and phone, and not one but two mesh pockets that fit my water bottle and an umbrella. Its handles are also made of a breathable fabric—so useful when I’ve worked up a sweat while out and about.”

• Pros :Lightweight; ripstop material resists snags and tears; mesh back panel for added support
• Cons: Larger on top shape

Best Minimalist Design : Dagne Dover Dakota Medium Neoprene Backpack

Dagne Dover Dakota Medium Neoprene Backpack

“On my last flight I saw not one, not two, but multiple travelers with this style hanging from their backs. As someone who regularly takes Dagne Dover bags on trips, I understand the popularity. The neoprene material is strong, soft, and stretchy, which causes the bag to flex to your body and whatever you put inside. It's forgiving, allowing you to fit in and possibly overstuff everything you need for a trip. It also washes well, ensuring it will always have that chic appearance even after some wear and tear,” says Porcaro. Dagne Dover also makes excellent diaper backpacks like this parent-approved Indi Diaper Bag .

Capacity: 16 L / Waterproof : No

• Pros: Packs a lot; machine washable
• Cons: Neoprene is a bit heavier than other material; material creases easily

Best for Airplane Travel : Augustnoa Classic Noa

Augustnoa Classic Noa

“So many features drew me to this bag: the eco-friendly (plus water-friendly) material, smart design, and luggage sleeve—a must for any travel carry-on piece. There are ten pockets and compartments to organize essentials, something I took full advantage of when using. As an active person trying to hydrate more, I also appreciated the side pockets that securely held my water bottle (I bent over, and it didn't budge). It also includes a removable drawstring bag, something I always forget to pack for morning workouts and overnight travels,” says Porcaro.

Capacity: 21 L / Waterproof : Water-resistant

• Pros: Pockets on straps; laptop and tablet sleeve; two water bottle holders
• Cons: Pockets in the back and on straps are small

Best Roll Top : Roark Passenger 27L 2.0 Bag

Roark Passenger 27L 2.0 Bag

Expandable storage is always a plus with any travel bag. This backpack, from super cool brand Roark, has an adjustable top to allow more room. The roll-top also has a magnetic entry, allowing for easy and secure access on the move. Interior and exterior pockets, including one for your tablet or laptop, sunglasses, and a hidden pocket for your passport, are specific details that make this a unique backpack. Ergonomic air mesh padded straps, a quilted back, and chest straps prevent this from adding any discomfort to your travels. The appearance calls for adventure, but it equally works in cities.

Capacity: 27 L / Waterproof : 100% Nylon

• Pros: Streamlined look; quilted back; magnetic closure top
• Cons: Could use more internal pockets

Best Large Travel Bag : Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 55L

Patagonia Black Hole® Duffel 55L

The beauty of this bag is it says it right in the title—it's a black hole. With a 55-liter capacity, there's no doubt it will hold everything you need for a long weekend or even a long weekend trip. Ultra-comfortable to carry, it's perfect for hiking excursions, camping trips, or multi-city European backpacking adventures. Durably made with 100% recycled fabric, this fits in the overhead bin; if you want to check it, you can trust it will return to you just as you left it.

Capacity: 55 L / Waterproof : Water Repellent

• Pros: Large, carry-on size, top and side handles; removable shoulder straps
• Cons: Rugged design

Best for Laptop : Herschel Kaslo Dayback Tech Backpack

Herschel Kaslo Dayback Tech Backpack

If you're looking for a laptop backpack , this is a top choice. Hershel backpacks are a go-to for marriage and family therapist and mom of two boys, Whitney Steller. “I have had this for almost six years, and the quality is amazing. No rips or anything and the straps are still comfortable. “The classic grade school look was also a draw and the fact that it fits perfectly under a plane seat. This style, in particular, is eco-friendly, made from post-consumer water bottles, and has a padded compartment to fit up a 15-inch laptop.

Capacity: 20 L / Waterproof : No

• Pros: Optional strum strap to help disturbed weight; padded compartment for laptop
• Cons: No luggage sleeve

Best Y-Pack : Topo Designs Y-Pack Backpack

Topo Designs Y-Pack Backpack

This is an awesome option for anyone who ends up leaving a trip with more than they brought. “The adjustable Y-shaped strap can be tight and secure or loosened to allow for more room, which is the reason why this is a piece of heavy rotation for me. It always shocks me how much I can fit/shove into the main compartment yet still slide my laptop out of the back sleeve. No matter if it’s filled with a hoodie and various pouches holding makeup, power cords, and snacks; it's easy to access. I like to use the zip pocket on the top to store antibacterial wipes, hand sanitizer, headphones, and anything else I want easy access to once I arrive on the flight,” says Porcaro.

Capacity: 23.8 L / Waterproof : No

• Pros: Drawstring closure offers more space; zip pocket on top for easy access; durable material great for travel and the outdoors
• Cons: G-hook buckle closure can sometimes be tough

Best Waterproof : SealLine Skylake Dry Pack

SealLine Skylake Dry Pack

The beauty of this piece is that it rolls up for easy packing within a suitcase or larger travel backpack. The fact that it's created from an extremely lightweight material also ups the packability and wear factor. Jen Ator, a personal trainer, used this on her honeymoon in Thailand. “Not only was it super sturdy and waterproof, but it fits everything we needed during day trips.” She also pointed out how handy the exterior pocket was for easy access to essentials like a phone to snap a picture of her and her husband.

Capacity : 18 L / Waterproof : Yes

• Pros: Lightweight; stowable
• Cons: No interior pocket

Best Convertible : Thule Crossover 2 Convertible Backpack

Thule Crossover 2 Convertible Backpack

Adaptability is vital when traveling, and this Thule convertible backpack offers various ways to hold it. If you're in a tight space, de-boarding, or want to give your shoulders a break, there is a longer shoulder strap and top handle to hold. Inside the backpack, you'll find compartments that look like your favorite easy-rolling carry-on suitcase, making it easy to keep everything with you secure and organized. Another standout feature is the exterior crush-resistant SafeZone compartment that's perfect for storing sunglasses or a phone.

Capacity: 21 ¾"H x 14"W x 8"D. / Waterproof : Water Resistant

• Pros: Crust resistant, two-way zip closure, RFID-shielded pocket;
• Cons: Expensive

Best for City Travel : PAK Large Nylon Backpack

PAK Large Nylon Backpack

“As a backpack I recently added to my collection, I was impressed by how many features were hidden in what seemed like a pretty basic bag. First, it’s worth noting how seamlessly this slid on and off my back, making it a breeze to sit on the subway or grab my wallet to buy coffee. At first glance, I was confused about the zipper on the bottom of the front pocket, but when I realized it was a coat sling, which, as someone who runs cold and always has an extra layer, is something I will use again and again. Another made-for-me feature is an extra large pocket for water bottles since it’s a personal pet peeve when they aren’t wide enough for standard sizes. Having only worn this around the city for daily life, I appreciate that the shape and look of the pack are city-ready and more polished. When I take this on international trips, I look forward to using the hidden theft-proof compartments,” says Porcaro.

Capacity: 13.5”L x 7” W x 14” H / Waterproof : No

• Pros: Easy access pocket in the back, Coat sling, Large side pockets
• Cons: Not super large

Best Customizable : Roam Continental Backpack

Roam Continental Backpack

Anyone who is a fan of customization will appreciate this pick. Buyers can choose the color they want on the front, back, side, and straps to create a bag that is uniquely theirs. This is favorite of Glamour commerce editor Jenifer Calle , who has been using it for years. “It fits enough for weekend trips and vacation travel. I particularly like that the side zippers fit my Owala water bottle and there are plenty of zipper and pockets to hold my wallet, keys, chargers, lip balms, and more” says Glamour’s Calle.

Capacity : 26 L / Waterproof : Water Repellent

• Pros : Customizable; 100-day trial period; soft material; luggage sleeve
• Cons : Expensive

By Andrea Navarro

By Danielle Sinay

By Bianca Lambert

By Hannah Singleton

12 Travel Garment Bags to Look Good Everywhere

Be wrinkle-free everywhere you go

Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper's BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

But choosing the best travel garment bag for your needs can be a challenge. There are a lot of options on the market, so we asked an expert about how to find the right one. According to Tumi creative director Victor Sanz, “Your garment bag should be sturdy, functional, and sleek. If you’re frequently traveling by plane, a garment bag that folds to fit carry-on requirements is essential.” He adds, “You want to find the size that will fit all your clothes without having to overfold them and will allow you to reach your destination in style.”

Best Quilted Garment Bag

Mz wallace michael garment bag.

Best Luxury Garment Bag

Tumi alpha garment bag trifold carry-on.

Best Garment Duffel

Halfday the garment duffel.

Best Timeless Garment Bag

Longchamp boxford garment bag.

Best Packable Garment Bag

Calpak packable garment bag.

Best Affordable Garment Bag

Amazon basics premium garment bag.

Best Durable Garment Bag

Hartmann metropolitan two-garment sleeve.

Best Personalized Garment Bag

Mark & graham commuter 2-in-1 garment bag.

Best Expandable Garment Bag

Samsonite ascella 3.0 softside expandable luggage.

Best Water-Resistant Garment Bag

Stitch ultimate garment bag.

It’s also important to consider bonus features, like pockets and organizational compartments, and, as Sanz notes, “A crucial function is to ensure that you’re able to hang your garment bag when you arrive at your destination, so that you can prepare your outfits as easily as possible and to ensure that all your clothes are crisp.” Keeping all this in mind, we found the 12 best travel garment bags out there today. Once you start using one of these, you’re never going to go back.

MZ Wallace’s signature quilting isn’t limited to the brand’s totes, appearing here in garment bag form. The thin design is extremely lightweight, ideal for quick trips when you need to bring one to three outfits. There is even an exterior pocket for bonus storage.

Dimensions: 22" × 3" × 39"

Materials: Oxford, leather

What reviewers are saying: “I have been interested in a MZ Wallace garment bag for a while. It is perfect! Just right proportions and size. Thoughtful design and construction details.”

Tumi always delivers premium luggage that will last you over a decade, and this garment bag is no exception. Sanz says: “It’s foldable, with a sturdy handle for easy carrying, making it convenient and compact for every type of travel. I also love that it has several zipper pockets, so I can pack my toiletries and other travel essentials all in one bag. When I arrive at my destination, I hang it in the closet and I know that I will be ready to go.”

Dimensions: 15" x 22" x 6"

Materials: Ballistic nylon

What reviewers are saying: “This bag stores so much for a carry on. I was able to comfortably fit 2 suits and more for a destination wedding!”

This duffel has been receiving high praise ever since its release. A few of the reasons it’s so popular: The duffel is carry-on friendly, water-resistant, and has interior and exterior pockets. And those are only a few of its distinguishing features. Choose an original or compact size for the style that suits your needs.

Dimensions: 22" x 12" x 12"

Materials: Polyester

What reviewers are saying: “The Garment Duffel is a great purchase, especially for anyone in an industry that takes short frequent trips. I was actually able fit quite a bit more clothes than I had anticipated. Took the bag to work and my company bought 20 of them to give to customers. Great purchase.”

Longchamp’s iconic nylon and leather trim takes on a garment bag silhouette. The two-tone design exudes sophistication, with practical touches like a top carry handle, built-in hanger, and front zip pocket.

Dimensions: 23.25" x 41.25"

Materials: Nylon, leather

What reviewers are saying: “I bought this as a gift for my boyfriend who travels a lot and needed a nice garment bag particularly for his suits. This bag is perfect! It fits his suit as well as a few extra shirts. The fabric is an amazing, durable quality, and the leather details make this product look incredible.”

This garment bag is actually designed to fit inside of your carry-on, rather than serving as a stand-alone piece. The water-resistant exterior protects against spills, and exterior zip pockets hold small accessories. It gets the job done, while taking up the least possible amount of space.

Dimensions: 40" x 19"

What reviewers are saying: “I use this bag when I need to workout at work. I go from a suit to athleticwear in minutes.”

Looking for an affordable option that is available ASAP? Amazon’s garment bag holds up to three suits or dresses and boasts multiple zipper compartments.

Dimensions: 40" x 4" x 20.5"

What reviewers are saying: “I bought this bag in 2019 and it has held up incredibly well since then, performs all functions advertised at a great price value. I have taken it on many flights, buses and train rides and have never had an issue with fitting it in the overhead bin on both longer-haul flights and short budget-airline carriers.”

Hartmann’s garment bag adds contemporary touches to an otherwise traditional design. The result? A chic, useful travel accessory that will stand the test of time. The padded shoulder strap and multiple interior pockets enhance the convenience of this style.

Materials: Nylon

What reviewers are saying: “Hartmann was an anniversary gift from my work place, and I am still proud to own it 35 years later.”

Mark & Graham Commuter 2-in-1 Garment Bag

Another convertible duffel, but this time with a personalized touch. That’s right—Mark & Graham lets you monogram your duffel. With a plethora of zippered and snap interior and exterior pockets, this bag gets creative with its storage solutions.

Dimensions: 22" x 10" x 10"

This spinner-style garment bag makes navigating a chaotic airport easy. The ergonomic design has expandable capabilities, as well as various compartments, a hanger bracket, and a pocket for liquids.

Dimensions: 20.5" x 24" x 9.5"

What reviewers are saying: “It’s easy to maneuver and overall great quality and very neat design (many compartments and zippered areas).”

For golfers and non-golfers alike, Stitch makes a duffel that is water- and stain-resistant, and includes a hanger hook, shoulder strap, elastic shoe pockets, and webbed handles. You can even get it customized with your initials.

Dimensions: 22.5" x 11.5" x 12"

What reviewers are saying: “Love it! Fits into the airplane overhead bin, no trouble bringing it along as a carry-on bag. Very sturdy, zippers are tough enough. Shoulder strap is removable. My suit arrived in top shape using this garment bag. Highly recommended.”

Ralph Lauren Leather-Trim Hybrid Garment Duffel

Ralph Lauren’s duffel design is the epitome of understated elegance. An accompanying shoulder strap makes it easy to carry around.

Dimensions: 15" x 21.5" x 9"

Materials: Polyester, leather

Gucci Savoy Garment Bag

Embrace the bold luxury aesthetic with a Gucci bag covered in the house’s monogram. Containing a big compartment with a hanger and two zip pockets, this garment bag will hold all your essentials.

Dimensions: 21.5" x 16.1" x 6.7"

Materials: Canvas, leather, cotton

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For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion, beauty, and lifestyle resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in fashion by working with the world’s leading authorities in ready-to-wear, footwear, accessories, and more. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of editors and industry experts.

Gaby Keiderling is a freelance writer, working on fashion, lifestyle, travel, and sports features.

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12 Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks for Women of 2024

Shop our recommended lightweight luggage picks for traveling on a plane overseas, quick work trips, and weekend getaways.

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

Travel backpacks and lightweight carry-ons are incredibly versatile since they offer more organization, comfort, and storage than a typical purse, better functionality than a tote, and are still sleek enough to bring just about anywhere. There are countless options suitable for every kind of adventure — whether you’ll be hiking in inclement weather on vacation or exploring an international city for a work trip — and each one is designed with airplane travel in mind.

Our top picks for best travel backpacks 2024:

Best Overall

Everlane the renew transit backpack.

Best Foldable

Longchamp le pliage backpack.

Most Fashionable

Away the everywhere zip backpack.

Most Functional

Monos metro backpack.

Best Convertible

Mz wallace metro convertible backpack.

Best Budget

Large travel backpack.

Best Carry-On

L.l.bean stowaway pack.

Best Compact

Athleta excursion backpack.

Most Efficient and Comfortable

Troubadour ki backpack.

Best Hiking

Osprey sirrus 24 women's hiking backpack.

We’ve taken all the guesswork out of selecting the best travel backpack for your needs with our recommendations below. They fall under a variety of categories, so you can pick and choose the features that matter most to you. Once you settle on the perfect backpack, all that’s left to do is to start brainstorming some creative travel captions and hit the road.

There's not much that this Everlane backpack doesn't offer in terms of travel conveniences. It comes with a 15" exterior laptop pocket, a trolley sleeve, catch-all exterior zip pockets, two water bottle holders, and comfortable straps, all for under $100.

Like other Longchamp accessories, this chic backpack offers plenty of flexibility for women on-the-go. The nylon material can easily fold into a suitcase or larger bag for storage, and is lightweight enough to be worn for long stretches of sightseeing.

This sleek backpack easily slips on top of a suitcase with its trolley sleeve, and can also fit a great deal if it's the only luggage you're bringing. Plus, it features a 15" laptop pocket. Customers note that it offers plenty of space to organize basic travel necessities including masks, hand sanitizer, snacks, books, magazines, and a light jacket all at once.

Don't be fooled by the simple design of this pack: it offers all the bells and whistles you could possibly want for everyday traveling. Features include a detachable folio kit, a 15" laptop sleeve, a trolley sleeve, and several thoughtfully designed interior pockets for storing everything from electronics to toiletries and clothing.

Designed with urban commuters in mind, this stylish quilted backpack is incredibly comfy and still professional enough for the office. It offers both interior and exterior pockets, top carry handles, and a structured silhouette for all your work essentials.

Over 11,000 reviewers rated this backpack five stars on Amazon thanks to its roomy interior and security features. One customer wrote, "This backpack somehow bends the rules of physics to fit several outfits (warm-ish weather), a pair of shoes, carry-on toiletries, and a few personal items. I’ve taken this on three trips so far and the zippers and stitching are holding fast despite pushing it to its limits on an international trip."

Looking to maximize that one personal item allowance on your next flight? This lightweight pack includes cushioned straps, several interior pockets, and a "shove it" front pocket for quickly stowing away electronics and other small items.

This lightweight backpack offers an impressive amount of storage given its size, making it ideal for everything from sightseeing, to hiking, and even long distance running. One happy customer wrote that it's "Such a cute backpack! It's small and deceiving, fits way more than you would expect!"

If protecting your back and shoulders is a top consideration while traveling, opt for this ergonomic Troubadour pack. It comes with a breathable back panel and thoughtfully designed straps for a supportive fit without sacrificing storage space.

For a hiking-specific backpack, this Osprey bag includes several unique features that are helpful on the trail. A trekking pole attachment offers ease on rough terrain, hipbelt pockets make snacks and essentials easily accessible, and a raincover and ice axe holder offer protection during inclement weather.

BÉIS The Expandable Backpack

If you tend to overpack (or do a lot of shopping on vacation), an expandable backpack offers added flexibility. Not only does this one offer extra space, but it also comes with functional details like a key leash, laptop sleeve, trolley sleeve, and water bottle pockets.

Fjällräven Kånken Water Resistant Backpack

This Scandinavian backpack was originally produced in the 1970s for Swedish schoolchildren, but has since become iconic around the world thanks to its stylish yet practical design. The water-resistant material makes it durable, and the foam insert and cheerful color makes it a piece you'll be reaching for often.

How to shop for a travel backpack for women:

Look for the following when shopping for a new travel carry-on backpack:

✔️ Durability: A travel backpack is an investment piece that you'll hopefully get a lot of use out of, so there are several factors to consider before buying. The primary question to ask yourself is how you plan to use it, and whether it's important to buy something that you can use in a variety of settings. To get the most value out of your purchase, we recommend looking for features that offer versatility and durability, such as high-quality, water-resistant material.

✔️ Support and comfort: Additionally, whether or not you have back issues, it's important to consider the level of support a backpack offers. Opting for lightweight packs, with cushioned back panels, and ergonomic straps will protect your shoulders (and will also make for a much more pleasant wearing experience.)

✔️ Style and special features: Lastly, taking into account your personal style and any must-have features will help narrow down the many options available. Take time to think about if the aesthetic is a top priority, or if a different aspect such as organizational capabilities or eco-friendly manufacturing is more important to you. The good news is that if you're really having difficulty deciding, there's always the option to purchase more than one backpack for different occasions.

• Why is a travel backpack helpful? Rolling luggage certainly makes transporting your heaviest items easier, but it does require the use of one or both hands. Especially if you're traveling lighter, or for transit that occurs after those initial trips to/from the airport, a backpack allows you to move about hands-free, while still carrying more than you could with a smaller bag or purse.
• What size backpack can I bring on a plane? If you're using the backpack as your primary piece of carry-on luggage, t he maximum dimensions are typically 22 inches long, 14 inches wide and 9 inches high . If you're using it as a personal item stowed under the seat in front of you, it shouldn't exceed 18 inches long, 14 inches wide and 8 inches high.

Sam Lawyer is a lifestyle writer and television producer based in New York City. She’s been contributing to Woman’s Day for nearly five years, and covers a variety of topics from gifting, to health, and entertainment. Her work has additionally been featured in Cosmopolitan, Country Living, and Good Housekeeping. When she’s not writing or producing, you can find her binging her favorite Bravo shows or getting walked by her French Bulldog.

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The 7 Best Travel Outfits According to Our Readers

FASHION , Travel Clothing , Travel Outfits

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Do you tend to reach for one outfit all the time in your closet? The same can be said for travel outfits. Our readers share their recommendations for the all time best travel outfits so you can feel comfortable and chic wherever you go. Find out what they said!

The Best Travel Outfits

As you can guess from our name, we’re all about traveling fashionably while still staying comfortable and weather-appropriate. We’re also big on capsule wardrobes and packing minimally.

With this in mind, we asked our readers the ultimate question:

If you could only wear one outfit every single day for an entire trip, what would it be?

Here’s what our readers say are the best travel outfits:

Cardigan | Top | Bag | Sunglasses | Earrings | Skirt | Lipstick | Flats

Feminine Chic

“ A sleeveless top, cardigan, black skirt, and ballet flats . I think that could be dressed up or down for most of my activities.”

If you prefer dresses and skirts to pants, this is a great travel outfit idea for summer or warmer spring and fall seasons. This type of outfit can easily be dressed up or down, so you can take it from day or night.

For cooler seasons, swap the sleeveless top for a sweater and add tights. Another reader recommended adding a scarf to this look for a pop of color or warmth.

Backpack | Boots | Dress | Lipstick | Leggings | Necklace | Palette

Winter Romance

“ Merino wool dress or tunic, black leggings, necklace, and ankle boots. ”

When we envision strolling down the old cobblestone streets of Europe, we think of this outfit. There’s nothing more comfy and cozy yet chic and sophisticated as a dress with tights and boots.

Even if you don’t normally wear dresses, a merino tunic with leggings is a nice alternative, and is comfy enough for plane rides while stylish enough for a dinner at a nice restaurant.

For ankle boots, go for a flat heel if you plan on walking a lot, or a short heel for dressier occasions.

You can still pack your light  in a small suitcase even when you travel in winter by using packing cubes to compress your clothing as shown in this video !

Hat | Jeans | Sunglasses | Bag | Top | Earrings | Sandals | Lipstick | Sunscreen | Cardigan

Beachside Casual

“ My distressed girlfriend jeans, a white or black tee, long open cardigan, and my flip flops !”

As much as dressing up is fun, there’s nothing better than jeans and a tee. Girlfriend jeans are the most comfortable jeans style. To keep from looking sloppy, go for a slimmer fitting tee.

When you’re by the beach or in locations like Florida or Southern California, take along a duster cardigan for warmth and flip flops for shoes.

And if you aren’t a fan of jeans, another reader recommended swapping denim pants for a maxi skirt.

Top  | Scarf | Longsleeve | Bag | Earrings |  Leggings  | Spray |  Boots

Airplane Comfort

“ Comfy leggings, a soft material t-shirt, ankle boots, and my Icebreaker long-sleeve shirt layered over the t-shirt in case it gets cold.”

Planes are notoriously horrible in terms of temperature. Sometimes it’s freezing, while other times it’s stuffy and hot. This outfit is the perfect solution.

We recommend workout-type leggings, which help you keep a steadier body temperature. The t-shirt will keep you comfy if it gets warm. If it’s cold, layer with the long-sleeve shirt.

Ankle boots will keep your feet warm, too. For an easier trip through security, go for a slip-on or zip style bootie so you can quickly slip them on or off. Or, pull on some compression socks for comfort.

Cardigan  | Watch |  Top  |  Earrings  | Sunglasses | Shoes |  Bag  |  Jeans

Sporty and Stylish

“ Jeans, a tee, a boyfriend cardigan, and Superga tennis shoes .”

So many readers recommended the ultimate three-piece outfit formula: jeans, a tee, and sneakers. One recommended black jeans with a white v-neck tee for classic sophistication. Or, go for more colorful options if you’re traveling to South America, Spain, or another location known for color.

When it gets cool, layer with a boyfriend cardigan or an open chambray button down top.

And for sneakers, we can’t get enough of Superga . White is perfect for a preppy style, while black or grey is great if you’re worried about getting them dirty.

Bracelet | Sunglasses | Sandals | Dress | Lip Balm | Necklace |  Bag

Fashion Meets Function

“If I had to choose just one outfit, I’d go for a simple black dress and Birkenstocks with my favorite leather fringe necklace .”

A black dress is the perfect combination of fashion and function. Black never goes out of style, and you can go longer without washing it. You can easily transform it with jewelry and scarves.

As for shoes, we love Birkenstocks! They’re the comfiest sandals with amazing support. There are so many styles, too, so there’s something for everyone.

Blouse | Coat | Scarf | Lipstick |  Bag  | Flats | Pants

Classic Sophistication

“ Black ankle-length pants, a white button down blouse, ballet flats, a trench coat and silk scarf .”

When you’re traveling to France or Italy, what better than to take a styling cue from Audrey Hepburn! A white-button down is always a classic option, and there are a number of non-ironing styles, too.

Another reader recommended this same outfit but swapped the flats for loafers and the black pants for dark skinny jeans.

What are your tips for the best travel outfits? Share in the comments below!

For more tips and ideas on travel fashion, please read:

• 8 Ways to Wear a Skirt
• How to Wear a Leather Jacket
• How to Wear One Dress, Many Ways
• Different Ways to Wear A Scarf
• Trench Coat Outfits to Wear Around the World

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We hope you liked this post on the best travel outfits. Please share it with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Thanks for reading!

I find it almost impossible to withstand the cold (-2-10), specifically in England, by wearing tights under a dress. I’ve tried thermal with jeans, freezing cold still. I’ve tried fleece lined pants, still very cold. I pair them with tall leather boots. I’m allergic to wool, so wool base layer is out. What can I do to keep my legs warm if I choose to wear tights? I was thinking thermal under the dress, but then I’ll bulk up and the “look” isn’t quite going to be there. ?

Hi Eunice, thanks for your question! For other options please take a look at these posts for some ideas: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/tights-for-women/ https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/how-to-pack-for-cold-weather/ https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/how-to-pack-for-cold-weather/ Hope this helps 🙂

Thank you, Alex. I’ve been following your page for sometime now and have benefitted greatly from the articles I’ve read. This is still very tricky for me. What I meant is that if I still choose to wear a woollen dress, yet still feel freezing cold with fleece lined tights, do you think it’ll work if I wear another layer of thermal under the tights? Wouldn’t that bulk up, hence less attractive looking? I don’t have ultra slim legs to begin with ?

Hi Eunice, If you’re wearing a dress I’d wear a pair of regular black tights under a pair of fleece or warm leggings. It’s warmer than you’d think :). Hope this helps!

I’m going premium flight to Barbados and I want to wear a dress with 3” wedges, I’ll change my footwear for the flight. I’m 5’1 and size 16. I’m aware that I’m limited but I’m going to find a creaseless fabric probably navy spot or tan. I fancy midi length. Have you any ideas please? I’m 61 years of age but still like to dress trendy.

Hi Sue, thank you for your question. Have a look at this article for some different options for dresses: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/cute-summer-dresses-for-women/ I would highly recommend that you join our TFG facebook group and post your question there: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelfashiongirls/ Its a fabulous community of helpful female travelers of all ages that have the best advice and recommendations to share. Hope this helps. Have an amazing trip! ?

Love these outfits!

Hi Donna, thank you for your lovely feedback! ? So pleased you enjoyed the article!

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Pinterest’s 2024 Travel Report Hints at Low-Key Style

By Brittany Siminitz | April 29, 2024

Pinterest has released its annual travel report, highlighting the destinations, activities, and other travel-related terms—including aesthetics—with the biggest increases in searches year over year (February–March 2024 compared with the same period in 2023).

You might be thinking, “What does travel have to do with jewelry?” and that’s a fair query—there is no mention of jewels anywhere in the report. But it does give us a sense of consumers’ moods and desires, and from that we can make inferences on the types of accessorizing they might be inclined to do.

For instance, the report tells us that travelers are feeling mellow—no big cities or party-centric beaches are among the top searched destinations. Pinners using the platform to perfect their travel plans seem to prefer quiet, intimate trips, where digital detoxes reign over Instagram-worthy shots (though jaw-dropping views aren’t absent from the list).

“In 2024, wellness travel will take over. As the hustle and bustle of daily life takes its toll, travelers seek digital detox and solace in serene landscapes and rejuvenating experiences,” reads the report. “Say goodbye to crowded cities and hello to off-the-beaten-path destinations that promise tranquility and self-discovery. Adventure travel for the adrenaline seekers, mysterious places that add thrill and wonder, and nature travel are all on the rise.”

Search terms seeing big jumps this year include “luxury safari lodge,” “mountaineering,” and “adventure camping,” with Pinners showing interest in such destinations as Tanzania (which is relevant to our industry) and the Philippines.

In what Pinterest calls “quiet life trends,” searches have increased for “travel journal pages,” “wellness retreat aesthetic,” and “village vibes,” among other terms, along with interest in Okinawa, Japan, and the English countryside as destinations.

Pinners also seem to favor locales with an aura of mystery—”haunted places,” “ancient cities,” and “lost places” were all notable search terms, and interest in Peru’s Machu Picchu and Edinburgh, Scotland, rose, according to the report.

So what can we glean from this report when it comes to jewelry? The data doesn’t exactly ring “statement jewels”; it feels like sentimental jewelry—and perhaps good-luck tokens—might be a better fit. I imagine those hiking dangerous trails or visiting haunted places might benefit from an amulet or two, something that requires little maintenance and can be worn worry-free. The pandemic years brought a major surge in talismanic jewels, and this year’s apparent travel trends look to reinforce that spike—sentimental jewels are here to stay.

Is there a place for the statement earring or luxuriously sparkling tennis necklace? The growing popularity of search terms like “Santorini party” and “Morocco aesthetic” certainly would support that. But an overwhelming need for connecting with nature and its quieter offerings comes from this report, and while travelers will no doubt make photo-worthy visits, the vibe feels pared-down, less gussied up.

Read the report in full here .

(Photo via Pinterest)

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What does 'Sapphic' mean? An ancient term is having a modern moment

When people look at images captured by Ty Busey, the photographer says she wants them to know that the pictures and films were captured by a queer woman. Drawing on Renaissance paintings as inspiration, Busey poses her subjects, who are LGBTQ women and nonbinary people, with halos and textured backgrounds in lounging postures. She describes her artistic eye in one word: “Sapphic.”

The term derives from Sappho, a lyrical poet who lived in ancient Greece and created verses about pursuing women lovers that were rich in sensuality and nostalgia — and even libertine at times.

The style of Busey’s work is a fitting way to rectify its namesake’s historical legacy. In the hundreds of years after her death around 570 B.C.E., Sappho was often portrayed in art as heterosexual when her own poetry said otherwise.

When asked what she hopes viewers take away from her visuals, Busey said, “I want the person watching the video to be like, ‘Yes, this is what it feels like to be with a woman.’”

Busey, a Maryland resident who has identified as a lesbian since she was a teenager, first learned about the label “Sapphic” on TikTok in 2021. In the years since she’s embraced the term, it has abounded, appearing on social media meme pages , as a literary genre , as a descriptor for events in brick and mortar spaces and even as a noun for self-identification.

Over two-and-a-half millennia removed from its namesake, the term Sapphic does not have a precise definition that’s agreed upon by all of those who currently embrace it. However, its current use is generally as an umbrella term for lesbians, bisexuals, pansexuals and other women-loving women, and for transgender and nonbinary people who may not identify as women themselves but align with this spectrum of attraction and community. 

While Sapphic may evoke ancient images of romance, it has a lesser-known political undercurrent: The poet Sappho resisted tyranny in her own era by the military general Pittacus, making her a potent queer symbol during a tenuous time for LGBTQ rights.

A rebirth on the internet

Describing herself as “chronically online,” Tyler Mead, 28, said she learned about the term Sapphic “funnily enough, actually, on the internet.”

As a singer, songwriter and producer under the moniker STORYBOARDS , she came across queer artists like Fletcher using the term. 

“It got me intrigued, and I was like, ‘What does this term mean? What does this mean to them? And, what could it also mean for me?’ Because it’s been a bit of a journey for me of coming out in multiple layers,” Mead said.

In 2018, Mead came out as pansexual, then in 2020 as a trans woman. For the past year, she’s identified as a lesbian and as Sapphic, which she said captures a philosophy of “softness” in her approach to romance and dating. 

“An interesting part of being a trans woman who is Sapphic is that, even before I started transitioning, I always knew that I was attracted to women … but not in a straight way,” Mead, who lives in Los Angeles, said.

The expansiveness of the term, she explained, is a strong draw, adding that she knows people who are trans masculine that use it. 

A songwriter since middle school, Mead not only considers her music Sapphic but sums up her entire “energy” on the bio section of her TikTok profile as: “Sapphic fairy.”

Related stories:

• A lesbian archive inside a Brooklyn brownstone has documented decades of Sapphic history
• Billie Eilish, Reneé Rapp, Phoebe Bridgers: Queer women finally get their due in music
• 10 trailblazing queer women to celebrate

The word “Sappho” appears to have first emerged digitally in 1987 on an early iteration of an email list, according to Avery Dame-Griff, curator of the Queer Digital History Project . 

The Greek poet, it seems, was the namesake of an English language mailing list for LGBTQ women during a time when email would have only been accessible to those in academic or computer-related fields, according to Dame-Griff. 

A name like Sappho, he explained, would have signaled that the mailing list was for queer women without using a term like “gay” or “lesbian,” which would have drawn unwanted attention. 

Since 2004, the first year for which Google Trends provides search data , the term “Sapphic” peaked in December 2005 before steadily declining for the next 15 years. Since 2020, however, it has been on a steady upward trajectory. 

Perhaps nowhere is the term currently more prominent than social media, where Sappho-themed meme accounts —  Sappho Was Here , Suffering Sappho Memes and Sapphic Sandwich , just to name a few — have amassed tens of thousands of followers on Instagram. And, on TikTok, a wildly popular social media platform among those in the 18-29 demo , the term has been hashtagged over 340,000 times.

Some of those hashtags lead to 26-year-old New Yorker Nina Haines. During the pandemic, Haines said, she was craving queer community. Unable to see LGBTQ friends in person because of Covid, she started posting about Sapphic literature on TikTok in an effort to find connection.

Then, in 2021, Haines founded Sapph-Lit , a book club that today boasts 8,200 members from over 60 countries, with members who identify as queer women and nonbinary people. Her book picks have included modern romances, like Casey McQuiston’s “I Kissed Shara Wheeler,” and classics like Audre Lorde’s “Zami: A New Spelling of My Name.”

“At the end of the day, we really want to prioritize Sapphic literature, because Sapphics have been historically rendered invisible throughout history,” she said. 

For Haines, who has a tattoo of Sappho on her arm, the term Sapphic “captures the women-loving-women experience” in a way that is “rooted in history” and that signals “that we have always been here.”

A historical legacy 

Hailing from the Greek island of Lesbos and living from roughly 630 B.C.E. to 570 B.C.E., what is known of Sappho’s life comes from surviving fragments of her poetry and what was written about her by other ancients, according to Page duBois, the author of 1995’s “ Sappho Is Burning ” and a professor of classics and comparative literature at the University of California, San Diego.

Sappho’s queer legacy, duBois added, emerges from an expression of romantic and sexual desire toward women in her poems, often with a tint of nostalgia.

“They are really lovely and project that kind of world of voluptuous, flower filled, scented eros [desire] directed toward women,” duBois said.

But a passive “pink, romantic Valentine” she was not. “An aggressive pursuer of her lover,” Sappho described intimate memories of a far away, beloved woman, according to duBois. 

“She talks about anointing her with beautiful ointments and putting garlands on her, and satisfying each other on soft beds,” duBois said of Fragment 94 of Sappho’s poetry.

There are contradictory interpretations that Sappho was a schoolteacher, an aristocrat or a hetaira (a sex worker who operated like a courtesan or geisha), and that she was perhaps enslaved. In the Middle Ages and Victorian periods, she was presented as heterosexual in art, portrayed as a forlorn woman who threw herself off a cliff after she was rejected by a ferryman she loved.

Finding a new generation

For the past 100 years, an ever-evolving lexicon — and a debate about the best terms to use — has been a consistent feature of LGBTQ culture. 

As far back as the 1920s, there are examples of “Sapphic” being used to advertise sexual entertainment, like sex shows, performed by women for a male audience. The term Sapphic can also be found in 1930s tabloid headlines , and several lesbian publications in the ‘70s and ‘80s incorporated the word Sappho in their names .

It became more common for women to identify as a “lesbian” in the 1960s, though there were earlier exceptions, according to Cookie Woolner, author of “ The Famous Lady Lovers: Black Women and Queer Desire Before Stonewall .”

Of course, butch, femme, dyke, stud and a host of other terms have been embraced by queer women, each shaped by the communities that created them and the social movements of their time. 

“Maybe in some ways, the terms are changing because it’s about a break from a past generation,” said Woolner, an associate professor of history at the University of Memphis.

Though Woolner and others have noted that there are those who eschew certain terms or identifiers, for one reason or another. Some LGBTQ women, for example, don’t identify with “Sapphic” due to a perceived chasteness and the ancient aura.

For the past three years, Busey has organized a “Sapphic picnic” outside of Washington, D.C. For this year, Busey chose the theme “For the Gods,” an ode to Greek gods and goddesses and conducted a photo shoot to match. 

“There’s something about those ancient photos and the way that they’re all falling on each other — I really love them so much,” she said. “I just want to recapture it specifically with women, especially if I could put a Black woman in there.”

More than 2,500 years after Sappho walked the earth, champions of the term Sapphic see the parallels between finding their own power and the erasure and subsequent embrace of the lyrical poet’s queer identity.

“I see her as this reclamation,” Haines said of Sappho. “As this statement of, ‘No, I actually mean the words that I say, and don’t twist them.’”

For more from NBC Out, sign up for our weekly newsletter.

Alex Berg is a freelance on-air host and journalist based in New York City.

Region by region: How these states could broaden abortion access

The year began with nationwide conservative efforts to shrink abortion access . Advocates for the procedure hope to end 2024 by reversing some of these restrictions, via the ballot box.

And the outcome of their efforts could have major implications for something opponents have long waged war on − interstate abortion travel.

With ballot initiatives underway in nearly a dozen states to let voters weigh in on where to set the limits, the success or failure of these measures will have impacts beyond state lines and on regions broadly, advocates told USA TODAY.

Acting as a sort of sanctuaries for neighboring abortion access deserts, states with more liberal abortion laws have seen an influx of out-of-state patients since the overturning of Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 case guaranteeing a constitutional right to the procedure. 

And a slew of proposed abortion-related constitutional amendments in 2024 could add to the map.  

Prep for the polls: See who is running for president and compare where they stand on key issues in our Voter Guide

How many people got abortions in 2023? New report finds increase despite bans

“Unless there's a national right to abortion care, we're absolutely doing it state by state, community by community as best as possible,” said Adrienne Mansanares, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains. 

Abortion travel escalated post-Roe

After the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and decades of federal abortion precedent in June 2022, decisions around the procedure and any limits or exceptions returned to states, creating a nationwide legislative patchwork.  

Over a dozen predominantly red states have implemented near total bans on abortions, while a handful of blue states including Oregon and Vermont allow abortions regardless of the gestational period, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a research group that supports abortion rights. Some states restored an abortion limit similar to that of Roe. 

The varying laws have led to a rise in patients traveling between states seeking an abortion, Mansanares said.

Planned Parenthood’s health centers in Colorado, a state with wider abortion access, saw a tenfold increase in patients seeking care from nearby Texas, Oklahoma and Arizona between 2020 and last year, according to the organization's records. In October 2020 through September 2021, their Colorado health centers saw 374 of these out-of-state patients; from October 2022 through September 2023, the clinics served approximately 3,800 patients from the same three states. Over 75% of these women scheduled appointments for abortions.

The bulk of women came from the Lone Star State, where the procedure is almost completely banned. 

"When state bans go into effect, they impact the entire country,” Mansanares said. 

This year, voters in at least three states will decide whether to enshrine abortion access in their constitution. And there are still ongoing initiatives to add such a decision to the ballot in about a dozen more states, including Colorado. 

If passed, these referendums could cement some states’ statuses as abortion access points, while opening new points of access in others. 

Women travel both to and from Florida for abortions

Sitting in the southeast where some of the country’s tightest abortion laws are concentrated, Florida has been a relative haven for patients in the South in the wake of Roe’s overturning. 

But with the state’s current 15-week limit about to drop to six weeks, after a recent state Supreme Court ruling, women in Florida and the surrounding region could face a shortage of care, said Serra Sippel, interim executive director of The Brigid Alliance, a group that provides resources for abortion travel. 

Already, Florida is among The Brigid Alliances top states from which they help patients travel, often seeking abortions in D.C. or Maryland, Sippel said.

And she said the group is bracing for this need to grow after May 1, when the six-week limit is set to go into effect. 

November ballot measure could change Florida yet again

The Florida Supreme Court at the same time cleared the way for a measure protecting abortion through viability, often around 24 weeks, to appear on November’s ballot.  

Tami Fitzgerald, executive director of the “100% pro-life" group North Carolina Values Coalition, said she is worried about the effects of both Florida court decisions in her own southern state. 

“All states in the South, once Florida's heartbeat bill goes into effect, will have either a heartbeat bill or a gestational limit at conception,” Fitzgerald said. “And so that means North Carolina's 12-week limit on abortion will cause women to flood across our borders, again, to obtain abortions.” 

Along with Virginia, which allows abortion through 26 weeks of pregnancy, North Carolina has some of the lowest restrictions on the procedure compared to the rest of the south. Even after the state legislature last summer lowered the limit from 20 to 12 weeks, with exceptions, North Carolina saw one of the highest number of out-of-state patients in 2023, behind Illinois, according to the Guttmacher Institute.

Fitzgerald said she wants a limit like other southern states for the Tar Heel State and is concerned about referendums like Florida's.

“It should be a concern for everyone who believes in the sanctity of human life,” she said. 

Travel for abortion care is 'not ideal'

Still, abortion access advocates say interstate travel is an imperfect solution. 

“It is not ideal," said Tara Romano, executive director of Pro-Choice North Carolina, “because not everyone can leave the state to access abortion. And this is really just how chaotic it's been since (Roe was overturned).” 

“If you're in a state where you cannot access abortion, being able to get to another state is going to be really critical,” she added. “It's just that it's not going to be able to help everyone,” including patients in emergency situations, Romano said. 

For those seeking an abortion, Mansanares said considerations range from travel costs to finding somewhere to stay in a different state, along with taking time off work and, for the many women who are already parents, finding childcare. 

“It's a huge financial burden. And then the act of traveling out of your home state for care has a tremendous psychological impact as well,” Mansanares said. “Our patients are very fearful. They experience a deep amount of shame or stigma. Many of them feel terrorized." 

And aid from organizations like The Brigid Alliance are “being stretched to the max, Sippel said. 

“I want to emphatically say that it's a good thing that this referendum will be on the ballot,” Sippel said of Florida. “If it's passed, that is excellent news for Florida. And then, of course, it won't be enough.” 

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The 12 Best Travel Pants for Women of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

We tested 40 pairs of pants to find the best options for every traveler.

In This Article

Jump to a Section

• Our top picks
• Others We Liked

Our Testing Process

• Tips for Buying
• Why Trust T+L

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure / Elena Garcia

Building up a wardrobe of travel clothing can be a challenging process. Luckily, we tested a whopping 40 pairs of women’s travel pants so you don’t have to. From long-haul flights to commuting to the office, we thoroughly examined each pair of pants for qualities like comfort, durability, fit, and design to recommend the very best styles for every adventure. 

To test out a variety of styles, sizes, and colors, we tried out trousers, leggings, joggers, cargo, wide-leg, and straight-leg pants to make sure we covered all of our bases when it came to style preferences. We researched and chose travel pants from trusted brands like Lululemon, Spanx, and Everlane and wore them as often as we could during the multi-week testing period. Based on our results, we selected 11 pants that are stylish and comfortable, making them the perfect new addition to any travel wardrobe.

Best Overall

Lululemon high-rise jogger.

• Comfort 5 /5
• Design 4.5 /5

The waistband is stretchy and the material is exceptionally soft.

The fabric is a bit baggy. 

These Lululemon joggers have all the comfort of sweatpants with a more elevated look thanks to the tapered leg and silky-soft fabric. Designed for sitting on a plane for hours or sprinting through an airport, the nylon blend fabric will keep you cozy when there’s a draft and plenty cool in humid conditions. We’re big fans of the stretchy waistband that is lined with an incredibly soft fabric so it won’t cause any itching or discomfort. The drawstring waist also makes it easy to adjust the fit, but we found that the 0 to 20 size range runs true to size so adjustment may not be necessary. The pockets are helpful for storing your phone or passport and the sturdy waistband keeps these pants from falling down, even with packed pockets.

We found the material to be a tad baggy and wished the taper around the shins was a bit slimmer, but we didn’t mind the roomier feel in the rest of the legs. After machine washing these pants several times over a five-month period, they look good as new, so we feel confident the high-quality fabric and stitchwork will ensure a long lifespan, making them an excellent choice for frequent fliers.

The Details: 0 to 20 | Nylon, lycra, polyester, elastane | High-rise waist | Pockets

Travel + Leisure / Elena Garcia

Best Budget

Libin cargo joggers.

• Design 4 /5

There are tons of pockets to place items like a phone, passport, or keys. 

These pants run small, so consider sizing up. 

If you’re in a pinch for time before a trip, these budget-friendly cargo joggers from Amazon are super comfortable and will arrive in time with a Prime membership. Our favorite thing about these travel pants is the number of useful pockets on the front, back, and sides. After five months of use for travel, trips to the gym, and running errands, they still look and feel good as new.

The front and back pockets have zippers to give you peace of mind that your valuables will be safely tucked away whether you’re on an airplane or walking down the street. The polyester material is extremely lightweight and breathable, so these pants are ideal for traveling in warmer climates but might not be warm enough in the winter. Plus, the UPF 50+ sun protection built into the fabric is a huge benefit for traveling in the summer. We found they run a bit small, so we recommend sizing up to get the best fit.

The Details: XS to 3XL | Polyester, spandex | UPF 50+ | Zippered pockets 

Travel + Leisure / Kim Sommerfeldt

Best Wrinkle-resistant

Everlane pant.

• Comfort 4.5 /5

The wrinkle-resistant fabric can withstand being packed in a suitcase for long periods of time. 

The pants have cropped legs. 

Packing clothing that’s prone to wrinkling can be difficult, so we love that the cotton blend fabric used to make these Everlane slacks is resistant to wrinkles. The fabric is soft and breathable but thick enough to wear in cooler temperatures which is ideal for year-round traveling. While these pants run true to size, the waistband has a slight stretch to it so we were plenty comfortable while wearing them for a 12-plus-hour day of traveling. After being worn over a five-month period, the quality of the fabric and stitchwork never faltered or showed signs of pilling or fading. Plus, the pants can be machine washed and hung up to dry for easy cleaning. The only thing to note is that these come in a single cropped length so if you’re tall, they may be extra cropped.

The Details: XXS to 4XL | Cotton, modal, elastane | Wrinkle resistant | Pockets 

Best Straight Leg

Spanx the perfect pant, slim straight.

Spanx 

• Design 5 /5

The pants look professional and sleek but are soft and cozy like sweatpants.

They are a bit dressier than other travel pants.

From the office to the airport, these comfortable slacks are the perfect pair of bottoms for a more elevated travel look. The best part of these pants is that they have the comfort of a pair of leggings thanks to the stretchy and soft rayon blend fabric, but the straight-leg design makes them incredibly versatile. The material is fairly thick, so they’re best suited to moderate temperatures and might be a bit too warm in hotter climates. With a high-waisted fit, the waistband is nice and stretchy while still feeling compressing and flattering thanks to the thicker fabric trim. We had some issues navigating the size chart, so if you’re in between sizes, you may want to order a size up in addition to your regular size and return the one that doesn’t fit (Spanx has a generous 90-day return policy).

The Details: XS to 3XL (regular, petite, tall) | Rayon, elastane, polyester | No pockets

Travel + Leisure / Morgan Ashley Parker

Liverpool The Gia Glider Ankle Skinny Jean

These jeggings are the perfect combination of comfortable and stylish.

Since there is a faux button closure, we noticed the elastic waistband does stretch out over time.

For those who love both the look of jeans and the comfort of leggings, these Liverpool travel pants offer the best of both worlds. The cotton blend material is just as soft as any pair of stretchy leggings but they look exactly like a pair of denim skinny jeans. We found the material to be thicker than an average pair of leggings making these perfect for cooler climates, but the fabric is still thinner than jeans so they’re well suited for all seasons. Plus, these pants have functional pockets in the front and back with a faux zipper and button to make them appear identical to a pair of jeans. We noticed these pants stretch out after being worn several times, but putting them through the washer and dryer returns them to their original true-to-size fit.

The Details: 0 to 16 | Cotton, rayon, modal | Mid-rise | Faux zipper | Back pockets

Travel + Leisure / Taylor Fox

Best Splurge

Frank & eileen murphy billion dollar pant.

Frank & Eileen

The high-quality materials and effortlessly stylish design of these pants make them well worth the higher price point. 

The back pockets are just for show. 

Frequent travelers will appreciate the luxurious feel and effortless style that comes with wearing the Frank & Eileen Murphy Billion Dollar Pant. While the pants are certainly an investment due to the higher price, they exceeded our high expectations for the cost. The pants run true to size and are easy to slip on thanks to the silky-smooth fabric which has enough stretch so that mobility isn’t compromised. The tapered legs that crop at the ankles make it easy to pair these pants with sneakers for a casual look or heels for going out to a nice dinner on vacation. We love that the front pockets are big enough to hold a phone discreetly, but note that the back pockets are just for show. Apart from the stylish silhouette, these pants can be machine washed and air dried for hassle-free upkeep, and we feel confident the quality of the materials will hold up well over time.

The Details: XS to XL | Cotton, spandex | Mid-rise | Front pockets | Faux back pockets

Travel + Leisure / Tamara Staples

• Travel + Leisure/Tamara Staples

Best Sustainable

Wayre jetsetter trouser.

These wide-leg pants are made entirely of recycled plastic water bottles. 

The fabric might not be warm enough for the winter.

These wide-leg pants from Wayre are specially designed for travelers thanks to the stylish silhouette and four-way stretch fabric made of recycled water bottles from landfills in Taiwan. One of our favorite features of the Jetsetter Trousers is that they come with a variety of discreet zippered side pockets that are specifically designed to hold a passport or credit cards. Besides the pockets, we love that these true-to-size pants come in a wide range of size options and the stretchy waistband offers just the right amount of give without feeling too tight or loose. After several washes over a five-month period, they did not stretch or fade at all. While the recycled material is soft and breathable, it might not be warm enough for colder weather. Finally, we found these pants to be wrinkle-, spill-, and stain-resistant due to antimicrobials built into the fabric, and they have UPF 30+ sun protection, too.

The Details: 00 to 20 | Aire-flex fabric | High-rise | Wrinkle resistant | Zipper pockets

Travel + Leisure / Julia Sayers

Best Lightweight

Everlane the easy pant.

The cotton and twill fabric is breathable and airy without feeling thin or flimsy. 

The fabric wrinkles easily. 

Everlane’s The Easy Pant lives up to its name, being one of the most versatile pairs of pants we tested. The simple wide-leg design goes with virtually any top and the elastic waistband makes it a breeze to slip them on and head out the door in a pinch. Made from a cotton blend fabric, the bottoms are airy and breathable without being see-through or thin, but they do wrinkle fairly easily, which is something to note for traveling. The material is thicker than expected which makes these pants functional for fall or spring when the temperatures are a bit cooler. And if you tend to run warm while sitting on a plane or sightseeing in the summer, these pants have a cooling effect so you won’t get sweaty or clammy. In fact, after five months of regularly using these pants, we found them to get more comfortable the more we wore them. The only downside is that they aren’t adjustable, so you’ll want to follow Everlane’s sizing guide to ensure you get the right fit.

The Details: XXS to XL | Cotton, elastane | Pockets

Best Leggings with Pockets

Lululemon wunder train high-rise tight with pockets.

• Quality 5 /5

The material is stretchy enough for all-day comfort without feeling restrictive.

The pants aren’t warm enough for cold weather. 

These buttery smooth leggings from Lululemon are made with a stretchy and cooling nylon material that’s warm enough for the airplane but plenty breathable for long days on your feet. They're also an excellent choice if you want hiking leggings to take on warm-weather adventures. The leggings come in a huge range of sizes and color options to choose from and the high-rise waistband has enough give that it doesn’t squeeze or dig into the waist. Since the material is quite breathable, these pants might not be the warmest for winter travel but they will still keep your legs warm in moderate temperatures or if there’s a draft on the plane. The highlight of these leggings is the discreet side pockets that make it super easy to slip earbuds, a phone, passport, or an airplane ticket into the pocket for convenient access while traveling. And when you’re carrying cash or a credit card, there’s even a hidden pocket in the back of the waistband for additional storage.

The Details: 0 to 20 | Nylon, lycra | 23 and 25-inch lengths | High rise | Side pockets

Travel + Leisure / Taylor Mcintyre

Best Leggings

Abercrombie & fitch ypb studiosoft legging.

Abercrombie & Fitch

They boast the same quality as Lululemon leggings but cost less. 

There aren’t any pockets. 

For a pair of comfortable and soft leggings, you can’t go wrong with this pair from Abercrombie’s YPB collection. After five months of use, we didn't notice any pilling, stretching, or fraying, plus the nylon material feels just as soft and compressing as similar Lululemon styles — and these are available at a fraction of the price. While there aren’t any pockets, we didn’t find this to be a dealbreaker, especially for those who often travel with a sling bag or tote bag anyway. One of the best things about these leggings is they run true to size and come in short, regular, and long sizes for an optimal fit in both the waist and legs. After working out and washing these pants many times, they still look good as new. We found these wallet-friendly leggings offer excellent value for the high-quality materials and lower price.

The Details: XXS to XXL (short, regular, long) | Nylon, elastane | High-waisted

Travel + Leisure / Sophia DeVito

Best Wide-leg

Cozy earth women's modern modal wide leg pant.

Cozy Earth 

The fabric is cozy and silky-smooth which is ideal for long-haul flights.

The legs are very long.

These Cozy Earth travel pants are basically a pair of elevated pajamas that can be worn for long-haul flights or while lounging around the hotel. The loose-fitting pants are made with a buttery soft modal fabric blend that is breathable and moisture-wicking while still feeling warm enough for chilly flights or cooler weather. We loved that these pants have a wide-leg fit that made us feel like we were wearing a cozy blanket while still offering a full range of motion while walking or sitting. The elastic waistband has a high-waisted fit and the pants run true to size, but the legs are very long so if you’re shorter, you may need to get them hemmed or they will drag on the ground. Best of all, these pants don’t wrinkle easily and the fabric feels durable enough to be worn time and time again without the quality diminishing.  

The Details: XS to 4XL | Modal, polyester, spandex | Pocket

Travel + Leisure / Jodi Epsinosa

Quince 100 Percent European Linen Pants

They fit true to size and hug the body without feeling too clingy.

We wish the waistband had a drawstring for adjustability.

These 100 percent linen pants are the perfect choice for early flights or long days of sightseeing. The linen doesn't wrinkle nearly as much as we would expect so you can wear them while sitting for long periods of time or pack them in your suitcase without worry. The material is thick enough that you can't see undergarments through even the lighter colorways, yet these pants are still light and breezy. They also feature two side pockets and one back pocket so you can store all of the travel essentials you may want on-hand.

Throughout our months of testing, they did not show any signs of fading or piling, even after multiple washes. They even survived coming out of the dryer without shrinking in any way. These straight-leg pants hit just above the ankle, making them a fun choice to pair with sneakers, sandals, or even heels, depending on your day's itinerary. While we love the true-to-size fit of these linen pants, they do not have a drawstring at the waistband and tend to stretch out throughout the day, so we recommend sizing down if you're between sizes.

The Details: XS to XL | Flax linen | 25-inch lengths | Two side pockets and one back pocket

Other Travel Pants We Liked

While the pants below scored highly, we ran into some slight issues during testing that knocked off a few points for quality and fit. However, we still felt they earned an honorable mention.

Quince Ultra-stretch Ponte Straight Leg Pant : The material is thick and cozy, but we wish the waistband had a bit more compression to it for a more comfortable fit. 

SweatyRocks Women's Casual Wide Leg Trousers : These budget-friendly trousers are versatile enough to take you from the airport to the office, but we didn’t love the fake pockets for practical purposes.

We got our hands on 40 pairs of travel pants from notable clothing brands like Vuori, Lululemon, Athleta, and more to uncover the best styles for every type of trip. From leggings to trousers, we covered our bases by trying a variety of styles, colors, and sizes to get thorough testing insights on each pair of pants. 

Whether traveling by plane, train, or car, we wore the pants for hours on end to get a feel for their overall fit, quality, and comfort. After wearing them on long-haul flights, in the office, or on lengthy road trips over a five-month period, we noted if the pants ran true to size, remained comfortable for long periods of time, and held up after being washed multiple times. In the end, our favorite pants for travel had the perfect balance of being breathable and warm, soft and cozy, and offered superior versatility no matter what kind of adventure they were needed for.

Tips for Buying Travel Pants

Opt for wrinkle-resistant materials.

Since your clothing will likely be tucked away in a suitcase at some point while traveling, it helps to get a pair of pants that have wrinkle-resistant qualities. Synthetic fabrics such as polyester, nylon, and elastane have anti-wrinkling properties which make them excellent fabrics for traveling. Generally, materials like cotton, linen, and hemp are prone to wrinkling if they aren’t mixed with other synthetic fabrics. You’ll want to check the specifications while shopping for a pair of pants to see what the materials are and if they are made with any type of wrinkle-resistant treatment. 

Look for pockets

While not having pockets isn’t a dealbreaker by any means, they are helpful for conveniently accessing items on the go. Pockets can also be handy for tucking away valuables like credit cards, passports, and cash, especially if the pants offer zippers in discreet places. 

This is ultimately a personal preference, and we tested dozens of different styles to offer plenty of versatile options. Common comfy pants styles you might see in an airport include joggers, leggings, and sweatpants, but you’ll also see trousers and straight-leg pants for a more elevated but still comfortable travel look. 

Travel pants can be made of all types of both synthetic and natural fibers. The most common materials you’ll see are polyester, cotton, nylon, spandex, elastane, and linen. Synthetic fabrics are better if you’re looking for a pair of wrinkle-resistant pants and natural fibers are usually better for breathability and moisture-wicking properties. 

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

T+L Commerce Writer Anna Popp reviews travel products and writes most of the team’s Travel + Leisure Trusted articles. She owns several pairs of pants on this list and tested each pair on domestic and international trips. She drew from her knowledge of wearing travel pants and combed through in-house testing notes to write this list of the best travel pants for every adventure and style preference. 

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