Travel Products Style Apparel The 15 Best Wrinkle-resistant Dresses for Travel of 2023 Live wrinkle-free with these top picks. By Jill Schildhouse Jill Schildhouse Instagram Twitter Website As a travel writer with 22 years of experience in print and digital publishing, Jill Schildhouse has traveled to 36 countries and is always busy planning her next adventure. She's a self-proclaimed "medium-maintenance" packer, so she's always busy testing travel products and loves finding solutions that can serve a dual purpose. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Updated on April 25, 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. Travel + Leisure / Marcus Millan Wrinkled clothes are the bane of every traveler’s existence — there’s nothing worse than donning an incredible dress for a busy travel day, only to arrive looking like a disheveled mess. And what about pulling a dress out of your suitcase you were hoping to wear that night, only to discover dozens of unsightly creases that’ll ruin your carefully considered look? Sure, there are plenty of packing tricks for avoiding wrinkles, but they aren’t always foolproof. And few travelers have room in their luggage to bring a steamer, or the spare time to fiddle with the hotel room’s iron. Thankfully, science and nature have united in the fashion world to create wrinkle-free dresses you can count on to make you look and feel your best whether you’re en route or you’ve arrived. When shopping for travel dresses, scrutinize labels and look for natural fabrics like wool, silk, and rayon, or synthetic ones, like polyester, nylon, and spandex — these are all wrinkle-free materials. For a simple crossover-style dress with pockets (the holy grail of any dress!), our top pick is the poly-spandex blended Eddie Bauer Aster Crossover Dress. If that’s not your vibe, no worries — we’ve identified the best wrinkle-free floral gowns, silky little black dresses, long-sleeve bodycon styles, minis, and athletic dresses too. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Eddie Bauer Aster Crossover Dress at Amazon Jump to Review Best Silk: Reformation Milania Silk Dress at Reformation Jump to Review Best Athletic: Athleta Advantage Dress at Gap.com Jump to Review Best Bodycon: Lulus One Shoulder Bodycon Midi Dress at Lulus Jump to Review Best Maxi: PRETTYGARDEN Boho Maxi Dress at Amazon Jump to Review Best Mini: Lulus Mesh Ruched Mock Neck Mini Dress at Lulus Jump to Review Best Budget: Amazon Essentials Short-Sleeve Maxi Dress at Amazon Jump to Review Best With Pockets: Athleta Conscious Dress at Gap.com Jump to Review Best Floral: FARM Rio Blooming Garden One Shoulder Maxi Dress at Nordstrom Jump to Review Best LBD: Guess Twist-Front Scuba-Crepe Sheath Dress at Dillards.com Jump to Review Best Overall Eddie Bauer Aster Crossover Dress Amazon View On Amazon View On Eddiebauer.com Why We Love It It comes in a wide variety of sizes — from petite to plus — and is made from a breathable polyester-spandex blend that wicks away moisture. What to Consider Do not use fabric softeners when washing this garment. There’s nothing to nitpick with the Eddie Bauer Aster Crossover Dress, because it has every feature a traveler could dream of in one outfit: built-in sun protection (UPF 50+) and odor control, side pockets, moisture-wicking material, a crossover neckline, a forgiving waistline, and figure-flattering front darts. Dress it down with sneakers and a denim jacket or dress it up with sandals and a pashmina. There are a myriad of sizes and cuts catering to petite, tall, and plus-size buyers to ensure a great fit on any body. Choose from five colors — or choose them all – because you’re going to want to fill your suitcase with every shade of this wrinkle-resistant dress. Price at time of publish: $90 The Details: XS to 3X | Polyester and spandex | Machine wash cold; tumble dry low Best Silk Reformation Milania Silk Dress Reformation View On Reformation Why We Love It This lightweight silk charmeuse fabric feels like a million bucks and will still look like a million bucks after a trans-Atlantic flight. What to Consider It’s dry clean only and not bra-friendly. Every woman deserves to drape her body in a silky slip dress, like the Milania from Reformation. But unlike so many basic slip dresses, this little number features a deep V-neckline and lace detailing on the bodice and hemline for a little extra va-va-voom. Adjustable straps go a long way toward ensuring a perfect fit, which means you’ll move with confidence wherever your travels take you. Pair this with killer stiletto sandals for the ultimate night out on the town. Price at time of publish: $278 The Details: XS to XL | 100 percent silk | Dry clean only Best Athletic Athleta Advantage Dress Athleta View On Gap.com Why We Love It Planning to tee off or play some pickleball as soon as you land? This dress will carry you through the airport and right onto the course or courts. What to Consider Because the shorts are built in, you’ll need to fully undress to use the restroom. It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling; you’ll always have the home court advantage with Athleta’s Advantage Dress. Sure, you could play any sport you desire in this athletic dress, but you can just as easily wear it while touring a new city you’re visiting or taking a stroll or jog in a nearby park. The built-in shorts have convenient pockets and grippers to prevent them from riding up and ruining your day. The poly-lycra blend pulls sweat away from your body to keep you dry and the mesh ventilation keeps you cool and comfortable. Price at time of publish: $139 The Details: XXS to XL | Recycled polyester and lycra | Machine wash and dry The 15 Best Travel Dresses of 2023 Best Bodycon Lulus Total Appeal Ruched One Shoulder Bodycon Midi Dress Lulus View On Lulus Why We Love It You’ll get the “Total Appeal” of this Lulus dress the moment you slip it on — it accentuates all the right curves and heads will turn in your direction. What to Consider This dress runs small, so it may be wise to size up. After suffering through so many confining dresses over the years, you’ll breathe a sigh of relief when trying on the Total Appeal Ruched One-Shoulder Bodycon Midi Dress from Lulus — somehow, it feels even better than it looks (and that’s saying a lot!). The fabric is ultra stretchy and the ruching is incredibly flattering, which means you won’t need to layer on any smoothing or cinching garments beneath. The one-shoulder neckline is this season’s hottest trend, yet it’s also timeless enough to wear for years to come. While you may be drawn straight to black, don’t overlook the bombshell red or hot pink colors (there are a few more to choose from, too). Price at time of publish: $59 The Details: XS to XL | Polyester and spandex | Hand wash cold, line dry Best Maxi PRETTYGARDEN Boho Maxi Dress Amazon View On Amazon Why We Love It Darling design details, cap sleeves, an elastic waist, and a flowy maxi silhouette make this a must-have travel dress. What to Consider Limited sizes leave us wanting more. If ever there was a dress made for taking fun and flirty Instagram photos while exploring a quaint countryside or bustling city, it’s this PrettyGarden Boho Maxi Dress. It’s sure to drape nicely in every shot, and any one of the 24 color options will perfectly offset your backdrop so you remain the star of the shoot. There’s a lining for modesty and the fully functional buttons allow you to adjust your neckline as desired. A stylish hat and bag will complete your Insta-worthy look. Price at time of publish: $49 The Details: S to XL | Polyester and elastane | Machine wash Best Mini Lulus Modern Movement Mesh Ruched Mock Neck Mini Dress Lulus View On Lulus Why We Love It This mini’s high neckline perfectly counterbalances its high hemline for an elevated leggy look. What to Consider This fabric has no stretch, so consider sizing up if you have fuller hips. Warning: this dress is not for wallflowers. Go ahead and show off your stems and your killer curves in this bodycon Modern Movement Mesh Ruched Mock Neck Mini from Lulus. What you’re lacking in leg coverage, you’ll make up for in a modest neckline. Worried about tummy control? The ruched fabric takes care of that, as it's cleverly placed across the midsection. And the best part about this dress is how little room it’ll take up in your suitcase. Price at time of publish: $46 The Details: XS to XL | Polyester and spandex | Hand wash cold, line dry Best Budget Amazon Essentials Short-Sleeve Maxi Dress Amazon View On Amazon Why We Love It Want to feel like you’re traveling in your favorite sleep shirt? Amazon Essentials understands and has made it socially acceptable to do so. What to Consider The rayon blend fabric is wrinkle-resistant but pretty thin, so you’ll need to wear the appropriate undergarments. If you’re the type of shopper who falls in love with a dress and then wants to buy it in every color, you’re in luck, because you can afford to do just that with this Amazon Essentials Short-Sleeve Maxi. At this accessible price point, you’ll want to stock up on several of your favorite hues (there’s 16 in total) and have fun playing around with your accessories too, (just picture the Golden Yellow dress paired with chunky turquoise jewelry and a straw bag!). And you’ll be relieved to know that the care instructions are just as carefree as this comfy dress. Price at time of publish: $27 The Details: XS to XXL | Viscose and elastane | Machine wash Best With Pockets Athleta Conscious Dress Athleta View On Gap.com Why We Love It Nothing beats a travel dress with pockets, and we’re thrilled that Athleta made the conscious decision to add them to this Conscious dress. What to Consider If you have long legs, you may find this dress a bit too short, (built-in shorts might have been a nice touch). Spring is in the air with the bright pink, green, and orange hues of the fit-and-flare Conscious Dress by Athleta. The Powervita™ fabric is not only buttery soft for maximum comfort, but wrinkle-resistant and moisture-wicking, too. There’s a bit of compression to help you feel supported as you move through airports and guided tours, but not so much that you’ll feel stifled. As with many Athleta products, this dress comes in regular, tall, and petite sizes, so everyone has the chance to stick their hands in these fantastic pockets. Price at time of publish: $109 The Details: XXS to 3X | Nylon and lycra | Machine wash and dry Best Floral FARM Rio Blooming Garden One Shoulder Maxi Dress Saks Fifth Avenue View On Nordstrom View On Bloomingdales View On Saks Fifth Avenue Why We Love It Going to a garden party or on a tropical vacay? This asymmetric floral gown is sure to impress! What to Consider You may need to pack heels for this floor-length look. No matter how far you have to travel, you’ll arrive at any event fresh as a daisy when donning the Farm Rio Blooming Garden One Shoulder Maxi dress, thanks to its wrinkle-free, non-stretch viscose fabric. The asymmetric one-shoulder neckline paired with a twisted sweetheart bust screams “easy, breezy dinner on a remote tropical island,” right down to the flared skirt that will flutter in the wind. The tied back adds a playful look that brings it all together. Price at time of publish: $275 The Details: XXS to XL | Viscose | Hand wash or dry clean The 18 Best Travel Pants for Women of 2023 Best LBD Guess Twist-Front Scuba-Crepe Sheath Dress Macy's View On Dillards.com View On Macy's Why We Love It This is a little black dress with a twist (literally) that’s easy to put on by yourself because of the pull-over styling and stretchy material. What to Consider It’s hand wash only, so don’t accidentally throw it in the washer with the rest of your laundry. Every woman craves that perfect little black dress she can wear to a wide variety of functions, and this Twist-Front Scuba-Crepe Sheath Dress from Guess is a winner. The flattering twist detail on the waist adds a bit of intrigue to an otherwise classic sheath silhouette, and pairs perfectly with your favorite strappy black sandals. The scuba crepe is both stretchy and supportive, never leaving an unsightly crease behind. Price at time of publish: $89 The Details: XS to 2XL | Polyester and spandex | Hand wash Best Wrap Lulus Rise to the Occasion Midi Wrap Dress Lulus View On Lulus Why We Love It This fully lined midi wrap with flutter sleeves will flatter your every movement. What to Consider The fabric has no stretch and it’s a bit lower-cut than you might realize. Every detail of this Lulus Rise to the Occasion Midi Wrap Dress is just precious — beginning with the flutter sleeves, the adjustable sash to help snatch your waist, and the sweeping midi skirt with a slight high-low design. It’s fully lined, so you won’t have to worry about a wardrobe malfunction, yet still light enough to wear on warm days. It comes in four colors, and you might want to grab it in every shade because it’s just so flattering! Price at time of publish: $62 The Details: XXS to XL | Polyester | Hand wash cold, line dry The 7 Best Wrinkle-release Sprays of 2023 Best Size Inclusive Athleta Ryder Dress Athleta View On Gap.com Why We Love It No matter your size, the Ryder dress will become your ride or die choice for effortless packing (and unpacking!). What to Consider Three colors seems limiting for such a wear-anywhere dress. Show off a little skin in Athleta’s Ryder dress, which features a cute cutout above the rear waistband. This versatile dress would be equally at home while commuting, touring your favorite city, or working in a business-casual office setting. The ribbed tank top flows into a stretchy skirt that hits mid-shin, which means you can dress it up with sandals or down with fashionable sneakers and never miss a beat. Choose from regular, tall, or petite sizing to ensure a near-customized fit. Price at time of publish: $129 The Details: XXS to 3X | Nylon and spandex | Machine wash and dry Best Long-sleeve SKIMS Soft Lounge Long Sleeve Dress Nordstrom View On Nordstrom View On Saks Fifth Avenue View On Skims.com Why We Love It Stay warm with this ultra soft maxi-length slip dress that hugs all your curves. What to Consider A few of the colors are fairly see-through If there’s one dress you’ll want to drape yourself in all fall and winter, it’s the Skims Soft Lounge Long Sleeve. The ribbed modal and spandex material is so incredibly soft, and the long sleeves and maxi length are a cozy way to wear a dress without leaving your skin vulnerable to the cold. While you could rely on the more subdued colors of onyx and heather grey to get you through winter, feel free to spice things up with wine or fire, too. Price at time of publish: $88 The Details: XXS to 4X | Modal and spandex | Machine wash cold, lay flat to dry Best Formal Dress the Population Iris Slit Crepe Gown Saks Fifth Avenue View On Nordstrom View On Anthropologie View On Bloomingdales What We Like A high slit and plunging neckline is always a head-turner, especially in these vibrant colors. What to Consider This dress is quite long, so be prepared to spend more to have it hemmed or wear taller heels. If you’re hoping to hide in the crowd, this Iris High Slit Evening Gown from Dress the Population is not for you. This garment is made to catch everyone’s attention thanks to its bodycon silhouette and thigh-high side slit. It’s elegant, the carefully placed seams help create long lines, and the colors – including bright fuchsia and cobalt – absolutely pop. Plus, it’s rare for such an elegant gown to be machine washable. Price at time of publish: $198 The Details: XXS to XXL | Polyester and spandex | Machine washable Best Casual Columbia Chill River Printed Dress Amazon View On Amazon View On Zappos View On Columbia.com Why We Love It An always-flattering A-line dress with stretchy fabric and pockets is the ultimate casual look you’ll live in. What to Consider Larger arm holes may make wearing a bra difficult. Some casual dresses are simply cute and comfy, but this Chill River Printed Dress from Columbia uses those traits as a jumping off point. It’s also made with Omni-Wick technology to keep you cool and dry, Omni-Shade technology to block UVA and UVB sun rays, and Omni-Freeze Zero, which reacts with sweat to help you feel cooler. The best part? There’s no annoying zippers or snaps or ties — it simply pulls over your head. Price at time of publish: $55 The Details: XS to 3X | Polyester and elastane | Machine wash and tumble dry Tips for Buying Wrinkle-resistant Dresses Choose fabrics like silk, polyester, and nylon Some natural fabrics, such as wool, silk, and rayon are naturally wrinkle-resistant, but they tend to be a bit more expensive — though many would argue they are worth the investment when it comes to timeless pieces you plan to enjoy for years to come. On the other hand, synthetic fabrics, like polyester, nylon, and spandex are also great choices for garments that will travel well and hold their shape without taking on any wrinkles. Consider the occasion First, consider the formality of the event, and choose a silhouette that matches. Think A-line, wrap or sheath dresses for weddings and more formal occasions. A fit-and-flare or bodycon dress is most appropriate for a night out on the town, while a maxi may be best for beachy weddings or tropical trips. Also, be sure to factor in the season and climate, especially when it comes to fabric choice, so you aren’t left feeling hot or sticky in a non-breathable material. But no matter which wrinkle-resistant dress you choose, make sure it’s a style and silhouette that makes you feel confident and comfortable. Find the right balance between style and comfort Most women are happiest when walking that fine line between showcasing their personal style and still feeling comfortable enough in their dress to be able to sit down, eat a meal, and dance the night away. Pay attention to details, textures, and embellishments, which can make or break your experience wearing the dress — for instance, fun sequins can irritate armpits on a strapless number and tight maxi dresses may shorten your normal gait. Frequently Asked Questions How should I pack a wrinkle-resistant dress? While a true wrinkle-resistant dress shouldn’t take on creases and lines, you still don’t want to toss it carelessly into your luggage. Instead, roll your dress and secure it in a packing cube with other garments so it doesn’t have much room to move around — just make sure that when you’re rolling it, you smooth it out at the same time so you aren’t accidentally introducing any wrinkles. No packing cubes? Roll the dress into a dry cleaner bag to help prevent excess friction. How do I wash a wrinkle-resistant dress? Never make assumptions based on fabric, and instead always rely on the care instructions that accompany each garment. Some wrinkle-resistant dresses are machine wash-ready while others require hand washing or dry cleaning — and if you get it wrong, there’s a chance your dress won’t survive the experience. Why Trust Travel + Leisure For this article, T+L contributor Jill Schildhouse researched dozens of wrinkle-resistant dresses and tapped into her extensive fashion and travel experience to pick the best ones for all your wardrobe needs. The 12 Best Travel Clothing Brands of 2023 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