The Best Travel Clothes and Accessories for Women to Make Packing a Breeze (2024)

Sometimes you just need a good pair of leggings, and Lululemon’s are at the top of the pack for a reason. We found the Wunder Trains to be form-fitting without feeling constricting, and they feature a drawstring at the waist for extra comfort. They never felt tight even after long flights (and the ensuing bloating) or like they were stretching out too much, and the material is smooth and soft with no pilling in sight. Two hidden pockets stretch enough to hold a phone, headphones, ID, and ticket without any noticeable fit difference. They are on the thinner side, leaving legs a bit chilly in flight but very comfortable in warmer climates. Despite that, we didn’t find any transparency in the fabric at all. We tested the 25-inch inseam, but there are also 23-, 28-, and 31-inch variations available in 15 different colors and sizes that range from 0 to 20.

These extremely comfortable, breathable, and affordable pants moved with us through constant motion, walks, and long drives during testing. The fabric is incredibly soft, and the pockets are great for storing whatever you want to keep close by, with two large zippered front pockets plus extra cargo pockets and one rear zipped pocket. The stretchy, elastic waistband features a drawstring for extra adjustability, and the ankles have a nice level of elasticity for a jogger style. The pants are on the tighter side fit-wise, so you may want to size up for maximum comfort on long flights, and we also found them to be a bit prone to wrinkles. They do have UPF 50+ sun protection built into the fabric, which is great for sunny destinations. There are 13 colors to choose from and sizes up to 3XL.

A long jacket gives any outfit an extra touch of style, so finding a packable one is especially exciting. This quilted jacket from Everlane is easy to pack down into a cube or corner of your bag, and the quilting gives it some extra fluff without making it too large. It didn’t wrinkle even after more than eight hours of being stuffed in a packing cube during our testing period, and the split zipper allows for good ventilation and freedom of movement. The soft collar keeps your neck warm in the wind, and the jacket overall feels like it’s a high-quality build that will last. We felt cozy in a range of temperatures, and the oversized fit makes it easy to layer under on extra frigid days. It comes in four neutral shades (black, olive, brown, and pretty blush) and sizes from XXS to XL.

We love this Naadam sweater for its value and high quality, paired with an extensive range of colors and sizes. Right now there are 21 colors available, with nine core neutrals and a rotating set of limited-edition seasonal shades, and it comes in sizes ranging from XXS to XXL. While we didn't personally test this option, the sweater is made from 100 percent Mongolian cashmere so it will stay soft against your skin. The sleeves are designed to run short for easier layering, though taller shoppers may find this a bit annoying. And like all cashmere, it tends to be a bit high-maintenance, but we think it’s worth the tradeoff.

For frequent travelers, it’s hard not to fill your entire wardrobe with merino wool — a naturally moisture-wicking and odor-resistant material — especially when you’re on the road and really don’t want to have to do laundry. This classic henley has great reviews, with seven snaps that let you stay as buttoned-up (or not) as you please while adding some visual interest, and it’s just fitted enough to be flattering without being clingy. The smooth finish of the fabric and flatlock seams keep you comfortable, there are five colors available, and it's even machine-washable (though you will need to line-dry it).

Sometimes when you’re traveling you simply want to take a break and be cozy. Enter the Aether set, one of our favorite matching sets for travel. You’ll be plenty comfortable in the French terry fabric, with touches like raglan sleeves and cover-stitched seams that keep you from looking frumpy. Match the hoodie with either the cropped sweatpants or shorts, which are both made from the same soft French terry cotton and feature a ribbed waistband and flat, braided drawcord with leather tips as a thoughtful touch. Bonus: all of Aether’s products come with a lifetime guarantee.

Looking for a travel dress that does everything you need a dress to do and then some? The Tencel material in this model from Quinceis super soft and light, as well as sustainably made. The skirt is long enough to comfortably sit down on the train in and get you into religious sites without concern. It's also accented with two side-seam pockets for smaller items. Meanwhile, the fitted top is both flattering and easy to layer, and provides a nice level of shape to the cut. In addition to eco-friendly materials and Global Recycle Standard-certified yarn, it’s also made in Sedex-certified factories that aim to improve working conditions. It’s also affordable enough that you won’t stress out about packing it and machine-washable for easy cleaning.

Andie’s Amalfi is simple, sleek, and straight to the point, and that’s why it was our top pick for the best overall one-piece in our Best Swimsuits for Women roundup. During testing, we found that the stylish, slim straps provide plenty of support even with their delicate appearance, keeping everything in place even while swimming laps or hitting the beach. It’s comfortable to wear all day, with no digging in from the straps on top or creeping and crawling up from the edges on the bottom, and it stays soft even when saturated. While it isn’t the fastest-drying swimsuit out there, we thought it was still comfortable no matter what level of damp it is. We didn't notice any stretching during drying, either, even after we thre the swimsuit in a dryer. There are also a whole slew of styles to choose from, with smooth, ribbed, and novelty fabrics (for a total of 10 different colors), sizes from XS to 3XL, and even a long torso cut option.

Others We Liked

If you want a travel bag that will hold nearly everything and the kitchen sink — likely in its own designated pockets — go for the Baggallini Everywhere. This crossbody bag has plentiful pockets that will keep you reaching for it across various trip styles and seasons, as well as a spacious main cavity (some might prefer a divider in there, but we also like that it allows for a variety of organization styles). We thought it was very comfortable to carry thanks to the adjustable strap, which you can shorten all the way up to a shoulder bag. The fabric is also slightly water-resistant, so your belongings won’t get soaked in any unexpected storms. The bag comes with a removable RFID-blocking wristlet, as well as a special phone pocket and sleeve for your luggage trolley. Choose from 10 colors, including standard neutrals, bright reds, prints, and even one with shearling accents.

A comfortable, versatile pair of flats can see you through all manner of travel days. This pair from Vivaia was our best overall pick out 29 pairs of flats we tested. They has plenty of room in the square toe so your feet won’t feel squished but also won’t feel like they’re flopping around. The strap across the top helps prevent heel slippage and is perforated all the way through, so you just find your ideal fit wherever it may be. They’re also comfortable right out of the box, almost ridiculously so thanks to the built-in cushioning, as well as extremely breathable. No need to worry about rain, either: our feet didn’t get damp at all in the summer showers during testing. Despite their light weight, these flats feel extremely durable and don’t catch dust or dirt. They even pack flat and won’t take up too much room in your luggage. They are on the narrow side, but the brand offers a separate wide style in three of the six available colors, so there’s a pair for everyone from size five to 11.

When you’re really pounding the pavement, opt for the Ryka Devotion X, which boasts a super-soft inside and supportive outside. We found that they fit extremely well, with a little extra room in the toe-box for wiggle room, and our feet stayed firmly in place while walking without getting a single blister during our testing period. There’s also plenty of support in the sole, with enough spring that it feels like walking on a cloud, providing structure without sacrificing mobility or flexibility. The inside feels like a firm mattress pad, slightly thick and firm, while still giving way underfoot in a way that redistributes weight. The outside is super breathable and feels well-made and sturdy. There are eight colors to choose from in sizes five to 12, as well as both medium and wide widths.

If your trip involves hitting the trails, pick up a pair of the Salomon X Ultra 4. Despite their sturdy build, they still feel lightweight, almost like a pair of running shoes. Even if you slip in a puddle, your feet will still stay totally dry (ours did, even when tramping through mud and snow). They’ll still look as good as new when you wipe them down after your hike, too. They don’t require any break-in period, which is great for hiking boots, and gave us a perfectly snug fit while still giving toes room to breathe. We experienced some minor slippage on slick surfaces and rocks, but otherwise the traction is good. Choose from four different color options and sizes from five to 11.

For warm-weather travels, pick up these super-cushioned sandals. The leather on top is soft and pliable, while the sole is contoured and extremely comfortable; they feel like they’ve been contoured to your feet before you even ordered them. They fit us perfectly without feeling too tight across the top of the foot. In fact, they were our best overall pick as the Most Comfortable Women’s Slide for Travel of 2023.

Contouring around the arch adds a high degree of support, and there’s no slipping on grass, cement, decking, or anywhere else. They’ve also versatile enough to become a staple shoe in your wardrobe. We’ve been wearing them with almost everything, and they come in black, white, and light brown, in sizes five to 11.

A long flight or even a long train or car ride will feel much better with a good pair of compression socks. Levsox feels like a mini massage in your arches and heels, without being too difficult to put on. At the end of the day, our feet felt a bit less tired after wearing these, with no swelling or aching in the arches, heels, or calves. These socks are breathable and snug but flexible, like a good pair of tights or leggings — feeling almost silky. They also held up well to washing and drying during our tests. They come in an excellent array of patterns, whether you prefer tie-dye, skeletons, or kittens. They are available in sizes small to extra large and packs that include three or six pairs.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How should I fold clothes for travel?

  There are two main schools of thought when it comes to packing styles: folding and rolling. When it comes down to it, there isn’t a huge difference between the two. Feel free to alternate — some items of clothing work best with one or the other, but you won’t know until you’ve tried it. Furthermore, compression packing cubes are a great way to maximize space and help you stay organized.
  

• What is the best outfit to wear when traveling?

  While it seems obvious, the best travel outfit will be something that you like and feel comfortable in. Generally, we prefer darker colors (because they're less likely to show stains or look dingy at the end of a long day); soft, natural fabrics like merino wool that can temperature-regulate and resist odor; and unstructured styles that won't dig into you on a long flight or in small spaces.
  

• How do I pack larger items like shoes?

  It depends on your suitcase, but generally, put your shoes in first. You can stash smaller items of clothing inside your shoes, like socks and underwear. Then, put your shoes in shoe bags (or consider using a hotel room shower cap) if you’re worried about damaging your shoes or getting dirt on the rest of your suitcase. From there, either line them up with the edges of your suitcase or put them in a separate dedicated compartment and build around them. There are also plenty of weekender bags and backpacks with dedicated compartments just for shoes. Meanwhile, you should pack chunkier clothing items like jackets, last in your suitcase, or you can just carry them or wear them on the plane.

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