The Best Travel Clothes for Men of 2023

We searched the market for the best travel clothes for men.

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Best Travel Clothes for Men

FRAME / Outerknown / Hari Mari / Bonobos

People travel for all sorts of different reasons — for destination weddings, college reunions, business trips, much-needed vacations, and more. But no matter where we’re going or why, we often spend so much time thinking about what to wear once we arrive at our destination that we overlook what should be worn during the journey itself.


We’re in need of high-functioning clothes that are comfortable and won’t weigh us down as we travel from point A to point B. Take the Vuori Transit Jogger, for instance, which earned our vote for Best Joggers. They’re comfortable, breathable, and made from a durable material to withstand the most demanding conditions — yet they have a smart appearance you can wear almost anywhere. Or the Fair Harbor Bungalow Trunk, which functions both as a comfortable swimsuit and a stylish pair of shorts that’ll take you from the beach to the boat to the bar with ease.

Best Joggers

Vuori Transit Jogger

4.9
Vuori Transit Joggers

Vuori

Why We Love It
  • These joggers are comfortable, wearable, and abrasion-resistant.

What to Consider
  • The fit is on the slimmer side, so it might not be best for guys with thicker legs.

There are so many great features to these best-selling joggers that it’s hard to pick a favorite, but what it all boils down to is the material. This technical 4-way stretch woven fabric offers both structure and durability, yet comfort and wearability. Plus, it’s abrasion resistant so these joggers look crisp and clean after many wears and washes, and the gusseted crotch means you could even wear these babies rock climbing El Capitan in Yosemite and won’t have to worry about a split crotch.

We also loved the back and side zip pockets for stowing cash or small necessities, as well as a UPF rating to protect you from the sun. But above all else, it’s the fact that these joggers look great for both casual wear on the airplane or dressed up to wear out for dinner at your destination. There is simply nowhere these joggers cannot go.

Price at time of publish: $118

The Details: Technical 4-way stretch woven | S to XL

Best Jeans

FRAME Stacked Straight Jean

FRAME Stacked Straight Jean

FRAME

Why We Love It
  • These feature sustainable denim with a soft feel.

What to Consider
  • There are other fits available if straight-leg jeans aren’t for you.

There’s something very 1990s-skater feeling about these jeans, but very contemporary as well. FRAME is a master of making sustainable denim products, which use less water and less harmful chemicals than traditional denim-making techniques. This pair comes in an of-the-moment straight leg fit which is neither too relaxed nor too skinny — making it versatile enough to be dressed up or down, and comfortable enough to wear while traveling.

Price at time of publish: $248

The Details: 100% cotton | 28 to 38

Best Chinos

Bonobos Italian Stretch Chinos

Bonobos Italian Stretch Chinos

Bonobos

Why We Love It
  • These offer great stretch, plus a smart extended tab closure on the front.

What to Consider
  • With 17 colors and three fits, it can be tricky to pinpoint the perfect pair.

Every man needs some reliable chinos in his wardrobe, and it’s hard to find fault with this best-seller from Bonobos. They’re made from cotton with just a hint of elastane so they have great stretch, but still retain the crispness of cotton and don’t appear overly stretchy like an athleisure pant. We love the extended tab closure on the waist, which gives these chinos the look of something much more expensive than what they actually are.

Price at time of publish: $139

The Details: 98% cotton, 2% elastane | 28 to 38

Best Sneakers

Allbirds Men's Tree Runners

Allbirds Men's Tree Runners

Allbirds

Why We Love It
  • These are eco-friendly, washable, and straight up comfy.

What to Consider
  • Those who need sturdier arch support may find them a little soft.

Before we delve into specifics, we love that Allbirds is all about transparency. This pair of shoes — per the brand’s website — has a carbon footprint of 6.77 kg of carbon dioxide. They’re also made with a range of sustainable materials, including: FSC-certified TENCEL Lyocell uppers made from eucalyptus tree fiber; a midsole made from sugarcane-based foam; and shoelaces made from recycled plastic bottles.

And did we mention they’re machine-washable? Toss these babies in a delicates bag or pillowcase and wash them on gentle, and they come out good as new. And that’s solid intel to keep in your back pocket, considering you’ll be wearing these sneakers literally everywhere — they’re lightweight, breathable, comfortable, and lend themselves to both casual and more dressed-up occasions. Wear them on the plane or toss them in your luggage and they’ll come out looking just as fresh as when you put them in.

Price at time of publish: $105

The Details: Lyocell upper, EVA foam midsole | 8 to 14

Best Polo Shirt

Peter Millar Mood Performance Mesh Polo

Peter Millar Mood Performance Mesh Polo

Peter Millar

Why We Love It
  • The quality really lasts over time.

What to Consider
  • It’s a little on the pricey side.

Whether you’re taking swings on the fairway or catching a flight, Peter Millar polos have you covered. The brand, which is mostly known for its connotation with the world of golf, is an excellent option for day-to-day wear, as well. This polo has a tailored, flattering fit, and is made from a performance mesh that’s breathable, lightweight, and comes in a four-way stretch that keeps up with your every move. We love the crisp collar and genuine mother-of-pearl button detailing which bring this polo firmly out of the athleisure category and into something that will be useful and versatile in your wardrobe.

Price at time of publish: $110

The Details: 92% polyester, 8% spandex | S to XXL

Best Swimsuit

Fair Harbor Bungalow Trunk

Fair Harbor Bungalow Trunk

Fair Harbor

Why We Love It
  • These trunks are comfortable, colorful, and offer a sustainable angle to boot.

What to Consider
  • The five-inch might be a little short for some (especially taller) guys — in that case, look at the brand’s longer styles.

Bathing suits are the bane of packers everywhere — they’re the sort of thing that usually can only be worn while swimming, and then if they don’t dry out in time, can turn your entire luggage damp on the journey home. But that’s not the case with this pair from Fair Harbor. These feature a lining that is incredibly soft, supple, and never chafing, and they dry incredibly quickly.

Wear them as a bathing suit to the pool, or wear them with a t-shirt as a casual pair of shorts for warmer climates. The 4-way stretch material will move with you wherever you go.

Price at time of publish: $68

The Details: 88% recycled nylon, 12% spandex | S to 3XL

Best Long-Sleeve Shirt

Outerknown Blanket Shirt

Outerknown Blanket Shirt

Outerknown

Why We Love It
  • You won’t believe how soft and cozy it is.

What to Consider
  • It is made from 100% cotton, so may not be suitable for damp environments or precipitation.

Best sellers are best sellers for a reason — there isn’t an aspect of this Blanket Shirt we don’t love. The fit, the feel, and the range of colors available make this an extremely versatile piece, and the sustainability angle is compelling, as well. It’s crafted from 100% organic cotton (which cuts all harmful synthetic chemicals out of the growing process) and it’s finished with natural corozo buttons made from tag palm nuts gathered from the forest floor (which eliminates the need for plastic buttons). The yarn’s not-too-thick, not-too-thin weave makes this shirt naturally wrinkle-resistant, and the easy fit makes it a worthy companion for layering — on breezy evenings, chilly plane rides, or when you need something comfy and cozy to slip into after your morning surf session.

Price at time of publish: $148

The Details: 100% organic cotton | S to XXL

Best T-shirt

Fourlaps Smash Tee

Fourlaps Smash Tee

Fourlaps

Why We Love It
What to Consider
  • It’s a little pricey for a t-shirt.

Meet your new favorite airplane tee: the Fourlaps Smash Tee is the perfect weight for both working out and keeping cool on long-haul journeys. Made from the brand’s signature performance mesh, it’s heavy enough to serve as a base layer, yet light enough that you don’t sweat through it while sprinting to your gate in the airport terminal. It also comes in a huge range of colors and stripe patterns to suit every taste.

Price at time of publish: $54

The Details: 91% recycled polyester, 9% spandex | S to XXL

Best Packable Layer

Duer Weightless Insulated Shirt Jacket

Duer Weightless Insulated Shirt Jacket

Duer

Why We Love It
  • It’s just the right weight for chilly mornings.

What to Consider
  • The fit is a little wide, even as a layering piece — maybe try a size down.

Finding the right shirt jacket can be more of an art than a science — you want something lightweight that can be layered, but still substantial enough to stave off the cold whether you’re on a plane or in a variable climate outdoors. Plus, packability is an important consideration. This shirt jacket from Duer hits every mark. It's cozy without being stuffy, the collar is well-constructed enough for a smart look which feels more elevated than a typical sweatshirt, and even when stuffed into the bottom of your luggage, any and all wrinkles disappear after a simple fluffing.

Price at time of publish: $189

The Details: 72% cotton, 25% recycled polyester, 3% spandex | S to XXL

Best Socks

Feetures High Performance Cushion No Show Tab Sock

Feetures High Performance Cushion No Show Tab Sock

Feetures

Why We Love It
  • These offer great comfort and durability.

What to Consider
  • They’re technically a running sock.

While this sock was designed for runners, it’s also great for travelers who spend long days wearing the same shoes and do lots of walking. They have high-quality, targeted mesh construction on the top to allow for added ventilation and breathability, so your feet will almost never get sweaty, even in the hottest climates.

These Feetures socks also come with the brand’s signature “Perfect Toe,” which means no irritating toe seam that bunches or chafes. We especially love this sock for its durability — after gritty adventures and numerous washes, they still retain their shape and comfort.

Price at time of publish: $15

The Details: 81% polyester, 17% nylon, 2% spandex | M to XL

Best Sandals

Hari Mari Men’s Scouts Striped Sandal

Hari Mari Men’s Scouts Striped Sandal

Hari Mari

Why We Love It
  • These offer incredible comfort that only gets better with age.

What to Consider
  • These may be a bit over budget for a pair of sandals.

While the jury is still out on whether or not it’s acceptable to wear flip-flops on planes, they’re absolutely something to have in your travel wardrobe. They take up very little space in your luggage, and they create an air of comfort and ease wherever you go — especially if you go for this pair from Hari Mari, which features memory foam detailing so they’re comfortable from the first wear.

Made from buttery-smooth nubuck leather, these feature a cupped heel for stability, and a molded rubber outsole that provides great grip while you’re wearing them. They’re also considered “boat-safe,” making them a smart choice for planes, trains, automobiles — and aquatic modes of transportation.

Price at time of publish: $70

The Details: Nubuck leather, memory foam, nylon strap | 8 to 13

Best Underwear

CDLP Boxer Brief

CDLP Boxer Brief

CDLP

Why We Love It
  • These have a sleek profile and offer incredible comfort.


What to Consider
  • If you purchase a pack of three, six, or twelve, the price per pair marginally decreases.

Underwear is one of those things that needs to be painstakingly designed — from the material and fit, to the waistband, tag, and color. There isn’t an aspect of these luxe CDLP Boxer Briefs that we would change. They’re made from lyocell, a fiber derived from certified renewable wood sources that provides silky softness, breathability, and natural moisture-wicking properties. They also have natural antibacterial properties, so you can wear them for even the longest haul flights and be confident they’ll stay fresh.

Price at time of publish: $35

The Details: 95% lyocell, 5% elastane | XS to XXL

Tips for Buying the Best Men's Travel Clothes

Choose versatile items

The days of traveling with heavy trunks and a staff to pull their weight are long gone — these days, travelers need highly practical, versatile pieces that pull their own weight. When building your travel wardrobe, you’ll want to look for pieces that can function in multiple situations, such as a t-shirt that is comfortable for long-haul flights but can also look polished enough to wear to dinner at your destination.

Choose materials that can withstand the elements

Today, brands across the board are experimenting with synthetics and blends which offer functionality that far exceeds the simple cottons and wools worn by our forebears. The upshot is that tech materials eliminate the need for packing multiple pieces wherever you’re headed. A proper moisture-wicking t-shirt, for example, can work just as well in a desert climate as it does as a base layer for winter snow sports.

Frequently Asked Questions
  • What should men wear for business travel?

    It really depends on the nature of your business, where you’re heading, and what you expect to be doing on your trip. But the good news is that the codes of business travel are much more relaxed these days than they were even a few decades ago. Unless you're an attorney going straight from the airport to court, you can probably get away by and large with a business casual outfit with high-tech touches such as a moisture wicking polo shirt or stretchy, wrinkle-resistant chinos.

  • What is the best outfit for air travel?

    Let’s face it — the days of getting dressed up for the plane are long behind us. That doesn’t mean you can’t still look smart, however. Dressing up in a full suit might come off as a little overly formal these days, but luckily the world of athleisure has come a long way in terms of producing viable hybrids — stylish joggers, chinos that feel more comfortable, and t-shirts that look sleeker than the ratty old college tee you might wear to bed at home.

  • How can men look stylish while traveling?

    An easy start is to keep your entire outfit monochrome, by sticking to all black, all navy, or all gray, for instance. Some men — especially business travelers — like to travel with a single blazer or suit jacket for their work trips, and wear it on the plane to avoid wrinkles. In this case, opt for something lightweight that you can easily wear through security, then slip into a baggage hold or have the cabin crew hang up for you once you’ve boarded your flight.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this story, commerce writer Todd Plummer combed through market research, referenced product descriptions, and touched on his own personal experience to create a comprehensive roundup of the best travel clothes for men.

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