Best Products Style Fashion The Best Wrinkle-resistant Dresses for Travel Lululemon’s Softstreme Back In Action dress will take you from the hotel gym to evening drinks. By Kaitlyn McInnis Kaitlyn McInnis Facebook Instagram Twitter Website Kaitlyn McInnis is a freelance travel and lifestyle writer with bylines in Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, Tatler Asia, CNN, The Points Guy, and more. Born and raised in Canada, she specializes in writing Canadian and international travel guides. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Updated on September 20, 2022 Share Tweet Pin Email In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews Tips for Buying Women’s Wrinkle-resistant Dresses for Travel 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. Lululemon, Amazon, and Reformation Dresses are going to be your best bet when it comes to easy-going vacation and travel fashion that can transition from casual to formal, day to night with ease and little effort. The only problem with packing all-purpose dresses is that many wind up creased and wrinkled by the time you pull them out of your suitcase at your destination. While you could opt to pack a travel steamer or seek out hotels that still include an in-room ironing board, we highly recommend shopping for wrinkle-resistant dresses instead. Wrinkleproof and wrinkle-resistant garments can be worn straight out of your suitcase — even if you’ve rolled and folded your gear into one giant ball in your suitcase in a night-before packing frenzy (hey, we’ve been there). Shopping for wrinkle-resistant dresses can be a bit of a challenge; most retailers don’t explicitly state that a garment is wrinkle-resistant or wrinkle proof, but it’s surprisingly easy to find wrinkle-resistant garments as long as you know the materials and fabrics to look for (more on that later!) Below, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite options on the market right now for all types of trips and travelers, including our top pick: Lululemon’s Softstreme Back In Action athleisure dress, which will easily take you from your morning workout at the hotel gym to evening drinks in the city center. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Lululemon Softstreme Back In Action Dress at Lululemon Jump to Review Best Budget: Molerani Molerani T-shirt Dress at Amazon Jump to Review Best Silk: Reformation Daytona Silk Dress at Reformation Jump to Review Best Maxi: Skims Soft Lounge Long Slip Dress at Nordstrom Jump to Review Best Midi: BCBG Max Azria Knit Sweater Dress at Macy's Jump to Review Best Mini: Reformation Amy Active Dress at Reformation Jump to Review Best Wrap: Minkpink Jedda Printed Wrap Dress at Macy's Jump to Review Best for the Beach: Beach House Scarf Hem T-Shirt Dress at Amazon Jump to Review Best Designer: Michael Kors Ribbed T-shirt Dress at Macy's Jump to Review Best LBD: Ming Wang Open Sleeve Knit Dress at Lordandtaylor.com Jump to Review Best Overall Lululemon Softstreme Back In Action Dress Lululemon View On Lululemon Why We Love It: This multi-purpose dress is moisture wicking and versatile enough to wear to the gym or to dinner and drinks in the city thanks to the clean silhouette and neutral colorways.What to Consider: The fabric stains rather easily and will need to be washed frequently. You might be conjuring up images of yoga pants and biker shorts at the mention of Lululemon — but the Canadian athleisure brand spans far beyond yoga and pilates gear. Case in point: the Lululemon Softstreme Back In Action Dress. This simple streamlined dress is designed with a relaxed and breathable fit which does make it great for working out but the moisture-wicking fabric will also serve you well while exploring the city streets or museum hopping. The sleeveless design makes it easy to slip on a denim jacket or blazer without worrying about tightness or ruching in the bicep area while the relaxed above-the-knee length makes it easy to transition between day and night. We also love that the Back In Action Dress is a highly sustainable and long-lasting option. The garment is crafted using recycled polyester that isn’t just wrinkle-resistant but is also quick-drying and feels super soft on the skin even after a hundred washes. Oh — and did we mention it has pockets? Materials: Recycled polyester, modal, elastane | Sizes: 0-20 Best Budget Molerani Casual Plain Simple T-shirt Loose Dress Amazon View On Amazon Why We Love It: This no-frills option is crafted from a lightweight rayon and comes in dozens of different colorways to choose from.What to Consider: The lighter colorways might be too sheer for some shoppers’ tastes. You don’t need to spend a ton in order to get a reliable and stylish wrinkle-resistant dress, and the Molerani Casual Plain Simple T-Shirt Loose Dress is proof of that. The casual-cool t-shirt dress is available in a huge spectrum of sizes and colors based on your specific taste or style while the rayon material is made to resist wrinkles and creasing — even if you throw it from the clothesline straight into your suitcase. The short-sleeve dress hits just above the knee and can easily be paired with a denim jacket and sneakers for a day on the town or with heels and a leather jacket for cooler evenings. Materials: Rayon, spandex | Sizes: XS-3X Best Silk Reformation Daytona Silk Dress Reformation View On Reformation Why We Love It: This high-quality slip dress takes the fuss out of wearing silk thanks to the washable mulberry material and relaxed, feminine silhouette.What to Consider: The delicate fabric runs the risk of snagging or piling on sharp objects or rough materials. Looking for a wrinkle-resistant dress that straddles the line between ultra-comfortable and just the right amount of sexy? The Reformation Daytona Silk Dress ticks off all those boxes and then some thanks to the flowing mulberry silk material and slight ruching at the straps and bust area. The stunning slip dress can easily be worn on its own on a hot summer day but will look just as good worn on top of a basic t-shirt or under a denim jacket. We also love that this dress is machine washable; taking the fuss out of wearing — and caring for — silk. Materials: Mulberry silk | Sizes: XS-XL Best Maxi Skims Soft Lounge Long Slip Dress Skims View On Nordstrom View On Selfridges.com View On Skims.com Why We Love It: This super-soft maxi dress is designed for optimal comfort — but also happens to be ultra-flattering and versatile.What to Consider: The sizing seems to run large; size down if you want a more figure-hugging silhouette. Say what you want about Kim Kardashian but there’s no denying that the businesswoman and reality star has created something really good with Skims. The Skims Soft Lounge Slip Dress is, like much of the Skims collection, extremely size-inclusive with nine different sizes ranging from XXS to 4X. The wrinkle-resistant modal material is also extremely flattering and comfortable which makes it a stand-out option for wearing on a long flight or heading out for a full day’s itinerary while abroad. The lounge dress is available in a small handful of neutral and muted colorways that provide a versatile base for layering jackets, accessories, and shoes. Materials: Modal, spandex | Sizes: XXS-4X The 7 Best Wrinkle-release Sprays of 2023 Best Midi BCBG Max Azria Women's Open-knit Sweater Dress at Macy’s Macy's View On Macy's Why We Love It: The breathable open-knit fabric makes this sweater dress great for transitioning from summer to autumn.What to Consider: The bright orange hue might be hard to work into your existing wardrobe. The BCBG Max Azria Women's Open-knit Sweater Dress is naturally wrinkle proof thanks to the open-knit acrylic fabric — which makes it great for pulling out of your carry-on upon touchdown or wearing on a long flight. The sophisticated length and sleeveless top make this dress a great option for pairing with a light summer jacket come evening or a denim jacket as the cooler months roll in. Note that the open-knit design gives the illusion of being translucent but the dress actually comes with a built-in slip so you won’t have to worry about your undergarments showing through. Materials: Acrylic, nylon | Sizes: XXS-XL Best Mini Reformation Amy Ecostretch Active Dress Reformation View On Reformation Why We Love It: Although it’s designed for working out this moisture-wicking dress is perfectly feminine and flowy — and totally wrinkle proof.What to Consider: The non-adjustable straps might be a bit tight for taller people. The Amy Ecostretch Active Dress by Reformation might be our favorite mini dress — ever. If you’ve been quick to dismiss mini dresses due to potential accidental underwear flashes you’ll want to check this dress out stat. The feminine silhouette was originally designed as workout wear and includes hidden built-in shorts that ensure a big gust of wind won’t result in your next embarrassing moment. The elegant fit-and-flare design is also extremely flattering and versatile while the polyester material ensures you won’t have to deal with unsightly wrinkles while on the road. Materials: Polyester, spandex | Sizes: XS-XL Best Wrap Minkpink Women's Jedda Printed Wrap Dress Macy's View On Macy's Why We Love It: The cross-front v-neck and subtle puff sleeves make this wrap dress universally flattering without sacrificing comfort.What to Consider: This dress must be hand washed. Although athletic-focused dresses are one of the most reliable wrinkleproof alternatives — there are plenty of other trend-driven options that can just as easily be worn directly out of your suitcase. This paisley-printed wrap dress from Minkpink is a great example of that; the flowing wrap design is feminine and fashion-forward while the rayon/nylon blend ensures it won’t wind up creased and wrinkled when rolled in your luggage. We also love that this dress is designed with a wrap closure with ties at the waist: not only is it versatile and stylish but it also allows you to loosen the fit after a big dinner or on a long flight. Materials: Rayon, nylon | Sizes: XS-XL Best for the Beach Beach House Style Skylar Scarf Hem T-Shirt Dress Amazon View On Amazon Why We Love It: This colorful silk scarf-inspired beach dress is made of wrinkle-resistant and UPF 50+ fabric that makes staying safe in the sun easy and fashionable.What to Consider: The nylon material must be hand washed and line dried. This colorful wrinkle-resistant dress is somewhere between a modern Hermès silk scarf and a sixties-inspired party dress — in other words, the ideal garment for throwing on before heading out to the beach! The patterned sundress is also sustainably made using recycled plastic bottles, nylon, and spandex, features convenient side pockets, and offers all day UPF 50+ sun protection. We also love how the flowy fit is universally flattering and will retain its feminine shape even after being washed over and over again. Materials: Nylon, spandex | Sizes: XS-XL Best Designer Michael Kors Women's Ribbed T-shirt Dress View On Macy's Why We Love It: This ribbed t-shirt maxi dress was designed for comfort without sacrificing style.What to Consider: The ultra-maxi length might be too long to wear flats or sandals with. We love Michael Kors for its affordable take on runway fashion — and the ribbed t-shirt dress is no exception. The pullover-style dress can easily be worn as is or paired with a denim or leather jacket for an evening-appropriate look. The metallic button motive down the side also offers a little dose of flair that sets this dress apart from the basic t-shirt maxi dress. Note that this striking maxi dress is available in both regular and petite sizing depending on height and preferred fit. We recommend opting for the petite size if you plan to wear flats or sandals as the dress length does hit below the ankles. Materials: Viscose, polyester, nylon, metallic, elastane | Sizes: XXS-XXL The 17 Best Travel Pants for Women of 2023 Best LBD Ming Wang Wrinkle Resistant Open Sleeve Knit Dress Dillard's View On Lordandtaylor.com View On Mingwangknits.com Why We Love It: This wrinkle-resistant little black dress is ideal for formal events or evening wear thanks to the elegant lace trim and chic peek-a-boo sleeves.What to Consider: The thick knit fabric might be too warm to wear in warmer climates or summer months. The Ming Wang Wrinkle Resistant Open Sleeve Knit Dress is a game-changer when it comes to traveling with formalwear thanks to the wrinkle-resistant rayon and polyester blend. The versatile little black dress is a little bit more conservative than other dresses on the list which makes it a decent option for black-tie events or five-star dinners. That said, the fun peek-a-boo sleeves and lace trim offer personality and visual interest that will make the dress just as appropriate for trendy restaurant dates or daytime wear — just add a fun pair of sneakers or slinky heels and you’re set. Materials: Rayon, polyester | Sizes: XS-XL Tips for Buying Women’s Wrinkle-resistant Dresses for Travel Know which fabrics won't wrinkle Although it’s tempting to opt for natural materials such as cotton or linen, these are the absolute worst offenders when it comes to wrinkles. Wrinkleproof and wrinkle-resistant fabrics tend to be synthetic and include rayon, polyester, nylon, spandex, and acrylic. You’ll also find that wool and cashmere are relatively wrinkle-resistant but require much more maintenance and might not be the best for throwing into a suitcase or carry-on. Shop with your intended activity in mind Depending on the type of trip you’re planning or who you are as a traveler, you’ll want to select dresses that suit your style and preferences. Nylon and spandex athleisure dresses are a great option if you tend to work out or explore city streets on foot, for example, while polyester or acrylic dresses tend to be much more trendy and fashion-forward (but not as breathable). Consider comfort Wrinkle-resistant fabrics tend to be heavy natural materials (such as wool or cashmere) or synthetic materials (such as polyester or rayon). If you tend to run cold you might benefit from investing in heavier natural materials but if you’re planning a trip south you’ll absolutely want to opt for breathable and lightweight synthetic or recycled fabrics. Frequently Asked Questions How do I wash a wrinkle-resistant dress? Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer that’ll cover how to wash every type of wrinkle-resistant dress. Dresses made from nylon or polyester should typically be washed by hand and line dried but you’ll want to double-check the laundry symbols on your tags before throwing them in the washing machine or sending them for dry cleaning. How should I pack a wrinkle-resistant dress? The point of wrinkle-resistant and wrinkle proof material is to not have to worry how exactly to fold and pack your garments — but it’s still worth taking the time to fold them properly in order to ensure as few wrinkles as possible. Start by folding each dress along the seams and smooth out any wrinkles or creasing. Then you’ll want to roll your dresses before placing them in your suitcase. For extra protection, you should consider packing a dryer sheet or a piece of tissue paper between each garment. Why Trust Travel + Leisure For this article, Kaitlyn McInnis used her experience as a travel writer and former fashion editor to curate the best wrinkle-resistant dresses to suit most needs. 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