As someone who has traveled to more than 30 different countries and over 75 cities, curating a small collection of clothing to wear on planes, trains and automobiles is an investment worth making if you love to travel. You know, clothing that feels like you’re wearing pajamas but doesn’t actually look like you’re going to bed.
When it comes to finding the perfect travel look that’s ideal for long flights, cramped bus rides, maybe even adventurous boat days, and anything in between — comfort, style and a price tag that won’t break the bank can all come into play if you shop properly.
Luckily, we’ve curated a list of some of the best travel-friendly garments and accessories on the market that will make that redeye a bit more bearable.
Whether you’re on the hunt for the perfect, wrinkle-free loungewear set to wear on your next cross-country road trip or a chic, lightweight parka that will easily pack into your carry-on — you’ve come to the right place.
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- Best Overall: Spanx AirEssentials Cropped Wide Leg Pants
- Best Travel Top: Spanx AirEssentials Half Zip
- Best Travel Dress: LILBETTER Women Sleeveless Maxi Dress
- Best Travel Leggings: lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Crop 23-Inch
- Best Carry-On: Béis The East to West Tote
Best Travel Outfits
Best Overall: Spanx AirEssentials Cropped Wide Leg Pants
Pros:
- Four-way stretch for maximum flexibility and comfort
- Lightweight fabric
- Available in regular, tall, and petite inseams
Cons:
- We wish this bestseller pant was available in more than two colors
Spanx has an entire collection of travel-friendly clothes that is a comfy as a cloud but as trendy as the latest Vogue cover girl. These cropped wide leg pants for example are made of spacer fabric that’s lightweight, soft and ultra drape-y, designed to feel silky against your skin.
Sizes: XS-3X | Color options: oatmeal heather, very black | Inseams: Regular, Tall, Petite
Best Travel Top: Spanx AirEssentials Half Zip
Pros:
- Stylish drapey fit
- Pairs well with Spanx AirEssentials Cropped Wide Leg Pant but also can be worn with jeans or leggings
- Soft material
Cons:
- One customer review mentioned that the material pilled
If you like the Spanx AirEssentials Cropped Wide Leg Pant, we suggest adding the Half Zip Jacket to your suitcase. It’s made from the same buttery soft material and has that casually cool, drapey fit that looks good on everyone. Wear to the airport to look put together or keep on hand for the chilly hotel lobby.
Sizes: XS-3X | Color options: 10
Best Travel Dress: LILBETTER Women Sleeveless Maxi Dress
Pros:
- Works well for the day, as well as evening
- Available in plus sizes
- Has pockets
- Made of a lightweight rayon and spandex blend
Cons:
- Depending on the length of your torso, the waist may fall too low
Finding a dress that can be worn for multiple occasions is best when traveling, and we like all the prints this maxi comes in. It has a classic V-neck cut, comes with pockets, and is stretchy in all the right places. Wear with sneakers or flats for sightseeing, and then put on heels when it’s time for dinner.
Sizes: XS-3X | Color options: 32
Best Travel Leggings: lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Crop 23-Inch
Pros:
- Buttery soft fabric
- Internal drawcord
- Hidden pocket
Cons:
- Some customer reviews noted issues with sizing. We suggest reviewing the sizing chart before ordering
Whether you plan to work out on vacay or simply like the athleisure look, these lululemon leggings are a must-pack. They’re soft, stretchy and will keep you comfortable as you window shop and lounge around.
Sizes: 0-20 | Color options: 10 | Inseams: 23-31 inches
Best Carry-On: Béis The East to West Tote
Pros:
- Zippered outer pocket that’s ideal for a passport or phone
- Travel I.D. tag
- Laptop friendly
- Place for water bottle
Cons:
- On the larger side
For the gal who has been searching for the perfect carry-on tote bag — we may have just changed your life! The Béis East to West Tote features two different handle straps, a shoulder strap, tons of pockets and a zipper, too.
Size: 14.17 H x W 17.13 W x 9.06 H | Color options: 5
Best Travel Suitcase: Monos Check-In Suitcase
Pros:
- TSA-accepted lock
- Polycarbonate shell
- Telescopic handle
- Free shipping, and limited lifetime warranty
Cons:
- Higher price point
Skip the multiple-bag packing — this Monos suitcase is all you need. One of our best luggage brand favorites, it’s a reliable travel buddy through and through. It has a sturdy shell, gorgeous vegan leather detailing, and multiple compartments to store your travel outfits in. It’s not cheap, but will last for years and is worth the investment.
Size: (Exterior): 30 × 21 × 11 | (Interior) 28 × 20.5 | Color options: 11
Best for Plane: Cozy Earth Women’s Bamboo Viscose Jogger Pants
Pros:
- Cuffed ankles that won’t drag on the airport or public restroom floor
- Causally relaxed fit
- Pockets
- Breathable material
- Free shipping
Cons:
- Not available in petite
Yes, Cozy Earth makes more than just sheets! These comfy joggers pair well with the brand’s matching Women’s Bamboo Rib-Knit Hoodie and are chic for early morning flights or long car rides. The bestsellers feature a thicker waistband, and banded cuffs to keep legs warm.
Sizes: XS-XXXL | Color options: 4 | Inseams: Regular, Tall
Best Travel Set: Malibu Travel Set
Pros:
- Drapey sleeves for extra coverage
- Works for a variety of activities
- Made with 100% triple fleece cotton
Cons:
- Pants have no pockets
Whether you’re looking for travel outfits for Europe, a tropical getaway or something local, this is one of our favorite options. The Malibu Travel Set is all the things: stylish, comfortable and made with high-quality fleece cotton that will take you from excursion to excursion. We love the raw detail on the pants, as well as the overall drapey — not baggy — look of the top. Pair with sneakers or comfortable heels, and you’ll be ready to jet-set.
Sizes: XS-XL | Color options: 11
Best Travel Bag: lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 1L
Pros:
- Interior pocket to hold essentials
- Exterior zipped pocket
- Can be worn around the waist as a fanny pack or as a crossbody bag
Cons:
- Not waterproof
The lululemon Everywhere belt bag is the item I could not live without during my last trip to Europe in 2021. It surprisingly fits a ton of items and keeps your essentials stored away safely but still accessible.
Size: One size fits all | Color options: 14
Best Travel Shorts: PRETTYGARDEN Women’s 2-Piece Suit
Pros:
- Lightweight and stretchy
- Can be worn to the office when you’re not on vacation
- The shorts have pockets!
Cons:
- Some of the colors don’t appear as vibrant in person as they do in the product photo
For a casual but put-together look, go for something like this. Made from a blend of viscose, elastane and polyester, it’s light, flexible, and easy to care for. Wear as a matching set one day, and then pair the shorts with a flouncy top or tank. The vest looks amazing with a skirt, jeans or another pair of shorts.
Sizes: XS-XXL | Color options: 13
Best Travel Shoe: AllBirds Women’s Tree Dasher 2
Pros:
- Flexible sole
- Slip-on style
- Breathable mesh upper
Cons:
- Based on some customer reviews, the shoes need to be broken in first. We suggest wearing them for a few days before travel
A pair of great walking shoes is a must for the airport, sightseeing and beyond. AllBirds’ Women’s Tree Dashers are great for comfort and style. They have extra traction on the bottom, as well as a thicker sole for more support and cushion. While they’ll need to be broken in, we think you’ll love their overall flexibility, especially while exploring.
Sizes: 5-11 | Color options: 14
Best Travel Shirt: Uniqlo AIRism Seamless V-Neck Long T-Shirt
Pros:
- Material has a sheer feel but isn’t see-through for maximum coverage
- AIRism technology to keep you cool
- Roomy cut
Cons:
- No pockets
An easy breezy tee is a travel must. It can be paired with a skirt, jeans or slacks, and even works as a coverup when walking to the pool. This one from Uniqlo is drapey and lightweight, plus comes with the brand’s AIRism technology design to keep the material cool even on the hottest day.
Sizes: XXS-XXL | Color options: 5
Best Travel Outfit for Women: Quince 100% European Linen Square Neck Jumpsuit
Pros:
- Soft, hypoallergenic material
- Adjustable straps
- Two front pockets, and one back pocket
Cons:
- Prone to wrinkling
A jumpsuit is a wonderful travel outfit because it can be styled multiple ways. On causal outings, wear with sneakers or flip-flops. For the evening, slip on a pair of strappy heels. This linen jumpsuit from Quince is an affordable favorite of ours. It has adjustable straps, pockets and is lightweight enough for warm climates. It also has a self-tie belt, so the jumpsuit can have a more tailored but effortless look.
Sizes: XS-XL | Color options: 8
Best Travel Jacket: lululemon Always Effortless Jacket
Pros:
- Water-resistant
- Hidden hood
- Multiple pockets
- Cinchable hem
Cons:
- Sizes end at size 14
Jackets, like the lululemon Always Effortless Jacket, come in handy for chilly airports, hotel bars, and air-conditioned cars. It’s packable, water-resistant, windproof, and has a stowable hood for extra coverage. The best part? The pockets. The exterior one zippers, making it ideal for your phone, and the interior pockets can store essentials like your wallet or hotel key.
Sizes: 0-14 | Color options: 7
Best Travel Hat: Free People Arizona Packable Wide Brim Hat
Pros:
- Foldable
- Adjustable rope detail
Cons:
- No UPF protection
This wide brim hat is a touch more stylish than a baseball cap, offers coverage from the sun, and can be adjusted as needed. Best of all, it can be folded to pack away in your bag! You’ll be happy to have it while lounging by the pool or touring sunny streets.
Size: One size fits all | Color options: 4
What is the best outfit to wear on a plane?
The best outfit to wear on a plane is one that is comfortable and non-restrictive.
Look for sets or pieces made from stretchy, non-irritating and breathable materials, such as cotton. Athleisure styles are generally a good option, as they’re stylish, flexible and warm enough to keep you cozy at high altitudes.
We love the lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Crop 23-Inch Leggings for travel. They’re soft, look super cute with a hoodie and sneakers, plus have a hidden drawstring for an adjustable fit.
Another option we love comes from Spanx, specifically, the Spanx AirEssentials Cropped Wide Leg Pants and Spanx AirEssentials Half Zip. They don’t come in a set, unfortunately, but the pants have that ever-cool relaxed but tailored look, which will make you look put together, especially when paired with the zip-up.
What shoes to wear on a plane?
The best shoes to wear on a plane are ones that are comfortable and that can be easily taken off and back on when going through TSA.
We like Allbirds Tree Dasher’s 2. It has a no-slip heel collar for a secure fit, as well as a cushy sole for hours of walking. Most importantly, it can be slipped on and off with ease when needed.
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