Best Products Style Fashion The Most Comfortable Clothing for Travel These pieces are sure to make your next trip the comfiest yet. By Stefanie Waldek Stefanie Waldek Instagram Twitter Website Stefanie Waldek is a freelance space, travel, and design journalist with expertise in aviation, meteorology, and polar regions. She was a former editor at Architectural Digest, TripAdvisor, and ArtNews. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Updated on February 21, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews Tips for Buying FAQ 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. Bonobos, Betabrand, and Allbirds Long travel days usually aren't fun, and even short ones can put stress on your body. You can take some of the troubles away by making sure you're dressed in comfortable clothing, whether that’s athleisure or business casual. As you're building a travel-friendly wardrobe, pay attention to your clothing's material. Ideally, you'll want to wear something soft and wrinkle-resistant. And also consider your own temperature preferences — wear warm but thin layers if you're likely to run cold, or breathable ones if you're likely to run hot. And while we're here to recommend some of the most tried-and-true articles of travel clothing, the most important thing is to wear clothes that make you feel good, both in terms of comfort and appearance. Our Top Picks Best T-shirt: Allbirds Women's Sea Tee at Allbirds.com Jump to Review Best Formal Shirt: Everlane Poplin Shirt at Everlane.com Jump to Review Best Sweater: J. Crew Cashmere Sweater at Amazon Jump to Review Best Blazer: Betabrand Transcendent Blazer at Betabrand.com Jump to Review Best Pants: Athleta Brooklyn Ankle Pants at Gap.com Jump to Review Best Dress: Spanx The Perfect A-line 3/4 Sleeve Dress at Spanx Jump to Review Best Jacket for Women: Monrow Sweater Knit Checked Bomber at Monrow.com Jump to Review Best Compression Socks: Sockwell Circulator Moderate Compression Sock at Amazon Jump to Review Best Leggings: Lingswallow High Waist Yoga Pants at Amazon Jump to Review Best Shoes: Kizik The Prague Slip-On Sneaker at Amazon Jump to Review Our Top Picks for Women: Best T-shirt Allbirds Women's Classic Fit Sea Tee Allbirds View On Allbirds.com View On Zulily.com Why We Love It: It's made from a moisture-wicking, odor-resistant material.What to Consider: The shirt can be a little sheer, depending on the color. This shirt might've been designed as activewear — and it certainly functions well in that capacity — but we also think it's a great travel shirt. It's made from Allbirds' proprietary TrinoXO material, which combines sustainable eucalyptus fiber with moisture-wicking Merino wool and an antimicrobial material called chitosan, which is derived from discarded Canadian snow crab shells sourced from restaurants. That may sound like an odd combination, but the result is a super-soft, odor-resistant, and eco-friendly material that's great for wearing on the go. The shirt comes in three standard colors — two shades of gray and an off-white — as well as a bevy of limited edition colors, which Allbirds is known for across all of its products. It might be on the pricier side for a T-shirt, but we love that you're getting a two-for-one deal here. Not only can the shirt be worn on its own on a travel day, but it can also be reused as a workout shirt while you're on the road. Price at time of publish: $48 Best Formal Shirt Everlane The Oversized Poplin Shirt Everlane View On Everlane.com Why We Love It: The oversized fit makes the shirt feel less constricting.What to Consider: It may not look as polished as some people prefer. No one wants to feel constricted while they're sitting on any kind of transportation, which is why this oversized poplin shirt is the perfect travel shirt if you're seeking a more upscale look. While it still has some structure, it's roomy enough to give your body breathing room — though its drop-shoulders and loose fit might not be tailored enough for some travelers. On the plus side, the cotton fabric is quite soft, not to mention very breathable, which adds to its comfort. The shirt can either be worn on its own or as a light layer to protect you from overzealous air conditioning. Price at time of publish: $88 Best Sweater J. Crew Cashmere Classic-fit Crewneck Sweater J.Crew View On Amazon View On Jcrew.com Why We Love It: Cashmere is thin, which makes it easy to pack, but still very warm.What to Consider: It should be washed by hand to prevent pilling or snags. Cashmere is an excellent material for travelers, as it's very lightweight yet very warm. When you're trying to fit all your clothes into a carry-on or your personal item, bulk makes a big difference! This sweater comes in a variety of colors (both statement and neutral tones) as well as a range of sizes; the overall fit is relaxed, but you can size up for an even looser fit and down for a more tailored one. The sweater requires hand washing, which might not be ideal for some travelers who want a more low-maintenance piece of clothing. Price at time of publish: $128 The 10 Best Travel Clothes and Accessories for Women of 2023 Best Blazer Betabrand Transcendent Blazer Betabrand View On Betabrand.com Why We Love It: It's super stretchy and machine-washable.What to Consider: The fit tends to look and feel a bit off when it’s buttoned, so it’s best to wear this unbuttoned. Blazers can be tricky. They're a wardrobe staple for offices and nights out alike, but they're not always the most comfortable items of clothing — oftentimes they're not made of flexible material — but this one is designed for movement. Made from wrinkle-resistant ponte fabric, which has four-way stretch, the blazer is ideal for travelers. It has real pockets, comes in sizes-extra small to 3XL, and is machine-washable. Just keep in mind ponte is a thicker material (that's what helps it stay wrinkle-free), so if you run warm, you might only want to wear this blazer in colder weather. Price at time of publish: $128 Best Pants Athleta Brooklyn Ankle Pants Athleta View On Gap.com Why We Love It: They're lightweight and quick-drying.What to Consider: They're very thin (though not sheer). When you want a pair of pants that's comfortable but a step up from leggings, this is a great go-to. They're made from ultra-thin recycled polyester and spandex that's lightweight, breathable, quick-drying, and abrasion-resistant (read: durable). They're also rated UPF 50+, so they'll protect you from the sun, too. As for fit, they have an elastic waistband for comfort and a tapered leg that looks well-tailored. We also love the ribbed panels along the sides that add a bit of texture. Impressively versatile, these pants work well both in an athletic context and a dressy one, particularly when paired with a blazer and heels. Price at time of publish: $99 Best Dress Spanx The Perfect A-line 3/4 Sleeve Dress Spanx View On Spanx View On Neiman Marcus View On Saks Fifth Avenue Why We Love It: It has a classic silhouette and four-way stretch.What to Consider: It doesn't have shaping qualities like other Spanx products. Spanx is perhaps best known for its shapewear, but the company also has a clothing line — and this dress is one of the best items in it. It has a classic A-line silhouette, which is flattering on many bodies. And while it doesn't have shaping features like Spanx's signature products, it is made from thick-knit ponte that is naturally a bit smoothing. We also love that the material has four-way stretch for comfort — you can wear this all day long, from day to night — and is machine washable. And our favorite two features? It has pockets and a back zipper with an elongated ribbon to zip yourself up with ease. Price at time of publish: $198 Best Jacket for Women Monrow Supersoft Sweater Knit Checked Bomber Monrow View On Monrow.com Why We Love It: It's the perfect lightweight jacket that offers a unique blend between a sweater and a bomber.What to Consider: The checkered pattern doesn't continue to the back of the jacket. This jacket spices up the typical bomber with its fun and retro-feeling checkered pattern, not to mention its charming hue. It's made from a sweater-knit material (comprising viscose, polyester, and nylon), which means it's extremely soft and stretchy and therefore ideal for long travel days or days of sightseeing. But despite being so comfortable, it's still thick enough to maintain its classic bomber shape — and provide a little warmth! The jacket is just made from a single layer, though, so it's best for slightly warmer temperatures. Best of all, it's machine washable and can be tumble dried, which makes it ideal for longer trips when you'll need to do laundry part way through. Price at time of publish: $168 Best Compression Socks Sockwell Circulator Moderate Graduated Compression Sock Amazon View On Amazon View On REI Why We Love It: Merino wool helps wick away moisture and maintain odor control.What to Consider: The smallest size may be too large for petite wearers. Compression socks are always a good idea on long flights — but you might even end up wearing this pair at home or in your destination! The moderate graduated compression is designed to minimize swelling when you're sitting or standing for long periods of time, reducing pain and fatigue in your legs and feet. It also has the benefit of arch support and a cushioned sole for additional comfort. The socks are made from a blend of merino wool, nylon, bamboo rayon, and spandex to create a mix of synthetic and natural materials that's naturally thermoregulating, moisture-wicking, and odor-controlling. Price at time of publish: $30 Best Leggings Lingswallow High Waist Yoga Pants Amazon View On Amazon Why We Love It: Pockets plus gentle compression make these the ultimate travel leggings.What to Consider: They're high-waisted, which might not be to everyone’s tastes. Sure, you could splurge on a pair of name-brand leggings, but this budget-friendly pair hits all the marks for traveling, working out, or simply lounging. For starters, it has deep pockets on the thighs that can fit cell phones and passports. It also has a tummy-control high waist that doesn't feel constricting, but does keep you tucked in and smooth — and it doesn't roll down whether you're doing yoga or contorting yourself into an awkward sleeping position on the plane. Plus, the material is the perfect thickness, so you don’t have to worry about them being see-through. What more could you want in a pair of leggings? Pick from a variety of colors and both calf and ankle lengths. Price at time of publish: $20 Best Shoes Kizik The Prague Slip-On Sneaker Amazon View On Amazon View On Kizik.com Why We Love It: They're extremely easy to slip on.What to Consider: The silhouette is a little bulky, like a skate shoe. If you don't have TSA PreCheck, and you need to take your shoes off at airport security, this pair of shoes is about to change your whole experience. Kizik has designed its shoes to be able to be slipped on without hands — the heel of the shoe collapses beneath your heel before springing back up, so you can simply slide your foot in without having to sit down. The shoe is also ultra-comfortable on the foot, with proprietary foam outsoles and contoured (and washable) insoles. If this specific style of sneaker isn't for you, Kizik's Handsfree Labs technology is available in all of its shoes. Price at time of publish: $109 The 12 Best Travel Clothing Brands of 2023 Our Top Picks for Men: Best T-shirts for Men Fresh Clean Threads T-shirts for Men Amazon View On Amazon Why We Love It: These t-shirts are soft yet durable, and come in a pack of four.What to Consider: You can’t buy just one, as they come in a pack. T-shirts are a wardrobe essential for men, whether they're layered underneath a formal shirt or they’re the main event. These tees can easily be worn as an undershirt or alone, and they're made from a cotton–polyester jersey blend that makes the shirts extremely soft to the touch yet surprisingly durable. They have a fair amount of stretch to accommodate all shapes, and they're designed to keep their color after a number of washing machine cycles. This particular product comes in a pack of four with each shirt a different color: white, black, gray, and blue, so you’re really getting the most bang for your buck. Price at time of publish: $74 Best Formal Shirt for Men Bonobos Tech Button-down Shirt BONOBOS View On Bonobos.com Why We Love It: It's moisture-wicking and slightly stretchy.What to Consider: It's not meant to be dry-cleaned. A wrinkle-resistant shirt that's also moisture-wicking and quick-drying? Yes, please! This shirt also comes in four different fits and three lengths to suit your specific body type — not to mention 19 colors and patterns — making it quite the crowd-pleaser. And it's also a bit stretchy, thanks to a fabric composition of 93 percent nylon and 7 percent spandex. And on top of it all, it's machine-washable. In fact, it's actually not designed to be dry-cleaned, so don't get it mixed up with any of your other button-down shirts. It can, however, be steamed if that wrinkle resistance fades over the course of a long flight. Price at time of publish: $99 Best Sweater for Men Everlane The Grade-A Cashmere Crew Everlane View On Everlane.com Why We Love It: It's thin, soft, and warm.What to Consider: This is a slim-fit sweater which isn't everyone's preference. Cashmere is one of the best materials for travel sweaters, given how thin yet warm it is. Better yet, this specific sweater is made with long fibers to help prevent pilling. And for an extra nice touch, the cuffs have elastane in them, which means they're a bit stretchy and will hold their shape, even if you push them up your arms. Finally, this cashmere sweater is actually machine-washable, unlike most cashmere clothes, though you can also dry clean it. All we ask is for Everlane to add more color options. Price at time of publish: $170 Best Blazer for Men Ministry of Supply Men's Kinetic Blazer Ministry of supply View On Ministryofsupply.com Why We Love It: It uses your body heat to reduce wrinkles.What to Consider: It's pricey. We've said it before, and we'll say it again — stretchy blazers are the way to go for travelers! This one is made from Primeflex Warp-knit Japanese Polyester, which offers four-way stretch. And it's water-repellent. It's also designed to use your body heat to reduce wrinkles after just 15 minutes of wearing it, which is a uniquely convenient feature. That means the blazer will easily survive a long travel day, at the end of which, you can just toss the blazer into the washing machine, as it's unlined and doesn't need to be dry-cleaned. Note that the fit of this blazer is more tailored, so if you're between sizes, order a size up. (Pro tip: there are matching pants in a variety of cuts). Price at time of publish: $348 The 10 Best Men's Travel Pants of 2023 Best Pants for Men Lululemon Commission Classic-fit Pant Lululemon View On Amazon View On Lululemon View On Lululemon Why We Love It: Stretchy, wrinkle-resistant, and quick-drying — these check all the boxes.What to Consider: The sizing has changed slightly from an older version of these pants, so you'll want to double check. By now, you've probably figured out all the key elements we're looking for in comfortable travel clothes. This pair of pants has them all. Perhaps most importantly, they're stretchy, made from Warpstreme fabric (which is comprised of 100 percent recycled synthetic materials) that's designed to hold its shape and maintain a tailored look. But they're also quick-drying and wrinkle-resistant, which is music to a traveler's ears. They come in a range of colors, extra-long lengths, and even a variety of cuts if you'd prefer something more slim-fit. Maintenance is a breeze: they're machine-washable and can be tumble-dried. Price at time of publish: $184 Best Joggers Vuori Sunday Performance Jogger REI View On Nordstrom View On REI View On Vuoriclothing.com Why We Love It: Three of its five pockets are zipped.What to Consider: There's only one length. For more casual (and more comfortable) plane attire, we love these joggers from Vuori. They're made from a technical knit fabric that looks a little more elegant than true sweatpants, though they're equally as comfortable since they have a four-way stretch and are moisture-wicking. We love that these can double as workout gear, too. One of the best details of these pants, for travel in particular, are the three zipped pockets for secure storage: two back pockets and one front pocket. That way you don't have to worry about losing your passport. There are also two open front pockets that are great for quick access to things you'll need more readily. Price at time of publish: $98 Best Shoes for Men Cole Haan Men's Zerogrand Stitchlite Wingtip Oxford Amazon View On Amazon View On Colehaan.com Why We Love It: It can be dressed up or down.What to Consider: The sneaker-like sole is not for everyone. Men's dress shoes are notoriously uncomfortable, but this pair bridges the gap between stiff dress shoes and comfortable sneakers. Its Oxford-style upper is made of a flexible knit material called Stitchlite, which allows the shoe to conform to your foot without causing blisters – Stitchlite is also super breathable, unlike leather. The sole of the shoe provides sneaker-like support with EVA and rubber, though that does mean it has a sportier look to it. Another reason we like this shoe: it doesn't have real laces. Because the Stitchlite material is so stretchy, you can simply slip this shoe off and on at airport security. Price at time of publish: $185 Best Jacket for Men Bonobos Boulevard Bomber Bonobos View On Bonobos.com Why We Love It: It's water repellent.What to Consider: It runs small, so you might want to size up. For a casual jacket, a bomber is a classic. This one, which comes in black, navy, and mineral blue, is made from a cotton-nylon blend that's breathable yet water-repellent — which is always good for travels. The collar, waistband, and wrists have ribbed detailing to change up the texture, while the pockets have snaps to keep things secure. There's also an inside chest pocket for your valuables, such as your wallet or your passport. The jacket is machine washable and can be tumble dried on low. Keep in mind that Bonobos clothing does tend to run small, so you may want to size up. Price at time of publish: $189 Tips for Buying Comfortable Travel Clothes Look for soft, wrinkle-free materials It's just a matter of fact that softer materials are more comfortable – no one wants to wear itchy, stiff clothing while traveling. So when shopping for comfortable travel clothes, make sure to pay attention to the materials. But don't only consider softness: look for wrinkle-free fabrics, too, which will allow you to look more polished at your final destination. Think about your own temperature preferences Some people run hot, and some people run cold — whichever direction you skew, keep that in mind when shopping for comfortable travel clothes. It's never a bad idea to layer up when in doubt. Temperatures inside plane cabins, for instance, can range from sweltering while at the gate (if the air conditioning isn't turned on yet) to freezing while in the air. Wearing a tank top under another jacket or sweatshirt is always a good call. Consider pockets Pockets are a traveler's best friend. It's always helpful to have an easily-accessible pocket to stash your passport or boarding pass in. Also, consider the depth of the pocket — it's easy for items to fall out of shallow pockets, particularly if you're sitting down. Frequently Asked Questions What types of clothes are best to travel in? This is very much a personal preference, but in general, the best type of clothing to travel in is soft, stretchy, and wrinkle-resistant. Fortunately, with advances in materials, even business-casual clothes can be made from travel-friendly fabrics while maintaining a professional appearance. But there's nothing wrong with wearing athleisure clothing while traveling if that's what you'd prefer! What materials are warmest? Wool and cashmere are some of the warmest materials you can wear while traveling. You might also want to consider synthetic materials designed to trap heat. What materials are most breathable? Cotton reigns supreme in terms of breathability. But some synthetic materials like polyester and nylon can be breathable, too — it all depends on their knit or weave. More loosely woven materials are typically more breathable. If you're going with a synthetic fabric, make sure it's a moisture-wicking kind to encourage breathability. Why Trust Travel + Leisure For this article, contributor Stefanie Waldek read dozens of high-quality consumer reviews and relied on her own experience as a travel writer to curate the perfect list of comfortable travel clothing for both men and women. The Most Comfortable Pairs of Slippers for Men and Women Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit