Updated September 1, 2023–When you spend a lot of time away from home, it can be so important to find the right travel clothing for women. What is the best clothing for travel, anyway?
Doesn’t it depend on the climate, what you’re doing and how you’re getting to your destination?
In some places, winter layering is the ideal way to dress, while in other areas, you need clothing that will keep you cool.
Whether you want to find the best travel clothes for Europe or North America, need to source women’s summer travel clothing for a trip to Asia, South America or Africa, or require women’s business travel clothing to wear in Australia, this guide lists all the best clothes to travel in.
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The Best Travel Clothing for Women in 2023-24
So what are we looking for when it comes to finding the ideal travel clothing for women? While the best clothing for travel does depend on the kind of trip you’re taking, there are several general features worth looking for. Easy care travel clothes are the best bet, so is your chosen garment made to last and is it machine washable? Women’s travel clothing that’s wrinkle free also makes life on the road much simpler, as you don’t have to worry about ironing.
Investing in lightweight clothes for travel is also a great idea, as you don’t to pay extra for excess baggage. Note that many airlines based outside the US have less generous allowances. Where a lot of American carriers allow two large cases per person, your limit with another airline could be as little as 44lbs or 20kg. For example, American Airlines typically allows two checked bags weighing up to 70lbs or 32kg each, while with British Airways the standard limit is 23kg – just 50lbs. So you need to bear this in mind when you’re choosing clothing!
Read on to discover all the best winter and summer travel clothing for women – including lightweight and wrinkle free clothes for layering and garments to wear when flying.
The best travel clothing for women comparison table
| Item | Price | Features | Benefits |
| Long sleeved zip-up hooded sweatshirt | Click here | Wide range of styles, colors and sizes | Great for evenings and flights |
| SCOTTeVEST Featherweight travel vest | Click here | 16 pockets inc hidden, light, breathable | Good for flying & hiding valuables |
| The Outdoor Trail shirt | Click here | SPF 50, zipped pocket and relaxed fit | Incredibly versatile travel shirt |
| Nike Women’s Power classic gym pant | Click here | Top brand, bootleg cut, smooth fabric | Ultra comfortable yet stylish |
| Stretch-fitted denim jean jacket | Click here | 14 colors, stretch denim, classic item | Can be worn over any clothing |
| T-shirt dress with tie waist and pockets | Click here | Stretch fabric, 16 colors, smart/casual | Perfect for day or evening wear |
| Jessis Kidden long-sleeved shirt | Click here | UPF 50 Sun protection, Omni-Wick | Quick dry and less sunscreen |
| Toad & Co Rosalinda dress | Click here | Moisture-wicking, anti-wrinkle, 4 styles | Versatile & comfortable dress |
| prAna women’s Keelie top | Click here | Soft, breathable, 3 colors, pretty design | Dress up or down as required |
| Lace crochet trim travel top | Click here | Boho lacy top, choose long or short sleeve | Lightweight top for day or night |
| Columbia Saturday Trail II pant | Click here | Water and stain repellent, zip-off legs | Easy to convert into shorts |
| BugsAway Lumen zip hoody | Click here | Bug repellent, quick dry, hidden pocket | Insect repellent not required |
| Toad & Co Sunkissed maxi dress | Click here | Hidden pocket, moisture wicking, SPF 50 | Ideal for daywear or evenings |
| Hdieso double-breasted jacket | Click here | Wrinkle-resistant, flatters, lined | Perfect for business or evening |
| The Infinite compression socks | Click here | 5 sizes, for flying, exercise or recovery | Encourages healthy circulation |
| Auliné Collection boyfriend travel blazer | Click here | Wrinkle resistant, lined | Ideal for evening or business |
| ExOfficio Give-N-Go bikini brief | Click here | Anti-bacterial, quick dry, stretch to fit | Very practical travel underwear |
| Infinity scarf with hidden pockets | Click here | Scarf, wrap & blanket in 1, hidden pockets | Provides warmth & hides items |
The Best Travel Clothes for Layering
Much of the best clothing for travel is based around the idea of layering. There are few places on earth where you can be sure of the weather, so wearing a series of layers means you can adjust your outfit throughout the day depending on the conditions. When it gets warmer later in the day, you can remove an item of clothing to make sure you stay cool.
Layering clothes for cold weather also has an added advantage. Clever travelers use winter layering because warm air becomes trapped between each garment, acting as extra insulation. Layering clothes for winter climates is also ideal as even in very cold places, the temperature will often rise as the day goes on, before dropping again at nightfall.
Here are some of the best travel clothes for women that can be used for layering.
Long sleeved zip-up hooded sweatshirt
If you require layering clothes for colder weather or evenings, this hooded sweatshirt for women is ideal. With a front zip fastening option, this hoody is available in an incredibly wide choice of styles and colors. There are over 30 options to choose from! Buyers can choose between solid colors, block stripes and a tie dye pattern.
Some versions of this travel sweater are made using knitted fabric, while others feature smooth sweatshirt material. This really is one you can customize to suit your style, and it comes in six sizes too. A helpful chart means you should find the right size easily.
This is an ideal spring or fall cover-up, or to wear for winter layering.
Pros:
- Great choice of colors and styles
- Six sizes with sizing chart
- Perfect for evenings and flights
Cons:
- Check carefully to order correct option
Click here to view this hooded women’s sweatshirt
SCOTTeVEST Women’s Featherweight Travel Vest
Long vests for layering make ideal travel garments. Women’s travel clothing with hidden pockets or RFID blocking technology is also a great idea, as it can be very effective at deterring thieves. This featherweight women’s vest has an integral, concealed pocket with RFID built in, so it can stop criminals from scanning your cards or documents.
There are three colors to choose from, and it’s a very lightweight and breathable garment. With 16 pockets in total, there’s somewhere to store everything you need for most days or evenings out. It’s great for flying too, as you can place all your devices, keys and documents in it. Then all you have to do is take it off to put through the scanner.
SCOTTeVEST provide a two-year warranty on this product, and this ergonomically designed vest even features a weight management system to spread the load evenly across your body.
Pros:
- 16 pockets including security compartment
- Lightweight and breathable
- Ergonomically designed
Cons:
- Lighter colors may show dirt easily
Click here to see this lightweight travel vest for layering
Outdoor Trail shirt
This shirt is among the best women’s clothes for travel because it’s just so versatile. It offers factor 50 sun protection and venting to enhance breathability. A top pick for those seeking the best travel shirts in a women’s fit, this garment from a leading outdoor and travel brand comes in several color options.
The shirt features a relaxed fit for comfort, and the brand provides a sizing guide to help you achieve the perfect fit. Its sleeves can be rolled up when it gets warm, while a zipped chest pocket provides you with a place for storing small essential items.
Pros:
- Factor 50 sun protection
- Zipped chest pocket
- Relaxed fit and roll-up sleeves
Cons:
- Availability of required size may vary
Click here to view this travel shirt
Nike Women’s Power classic gym pant
From one of the world’s leading sportswear brands comes this pair of gym pants. They’re ideal for travel, as they contain 12% spandex for stretch. While they are gym pants, the smooth fabric and bootleg cut makes them look a lot more stylish than your average pair. A very comfortable garment to wear when flying, and you could also layer a pair of stretch shorts underneath.
One word of advice. If you’re looking for women’s petite travel clothing, these may not be the best bet as they’re quite long – although you may be able to shorten them. Some say the sizing also runs quite small, so it may be wise to go for a size up – although variations are pretty common with all clothing.
Pros:
- Stylish bootleg cut
- Smooth, stretch fabric
- Leading brand
Cons:
- Sizing may run small or long
Click here to see these Nike gym pants for women
Stretch fitted denim jean jacket
A jean jacket is an wardrobe staple in general, and a great item for travelers to take on their trips. If you’re packing summer travel clothing for women, it’s still a good idea to take a cover-up for chilly evenings. Sometimes you may also need to cover your shoulders for modesty reasons, particularly in parts of Asia. When traveling by coach or train in a hot country, the air-con may also be so powerful that you’ll need to add another layer.
There are 14 color options offered, all in light or dark hues of blue or black. The jacket is also made from stretche denim for added comfort – and less rigidity when packing. A jean jacket goes with anything, and this one comes in six sizes too.
Pros:
- 14 shades of black or blue
- Stretch denim for comfort
- Can be worn with any clothing
Cons:
- A little bulkier than some jackets
Click here to see this women’s jean jacket for travel
T-Shirt Dress with tie waist and pockets
Again this is an item that should suit everyone, as it’s available in 16 different options ranging from plain neutrals to subtle or colorful patterns. When you want lightweight clothing for travel dresses are ideal, as they can take up less space than separates.
This knee-length dress has t-shirt style short sleeves, a crew neck and a tie to the waist. It also has a pocket at each side and is made from soft, stretchy fabric that’s ultra comfortable and light to wear. As it can be worn for business trips, evenings out or during the day, this multi-purpose dress is a great travel item to have at your disposal.
Pros:
- 16 color and pattern options
- Ideal for smart or casual wear
- Smooth, stretch fabric
Cons:
- You may need more than one
Click here to see this women’s t-shirt dress for travel
The Best Lightweight Clothes for Travel
Investing in lightweight women’s clothing for travel simply means having less to carry – or being able to pack more garments in. Either way, it’s a win/win. Many garments that are lightweight are also easy care travel clothes. Quick dry women’s travel clothing and items that don’t need ironing make like much simpler – whether you’re staying in a hostel or hotel or on a boat.
Wearing lightweight clothing for travel can also help to reduce the load on your body, which can be particularly important when you have a dayback, backpack or other items to carry.
The following lightweight garments make some of the best travel clothes for women.
Jessis Kidden long sleeved shirt
This women’s long sleeve shirt is tailor made for travel – especially when you’re headed somewhere hot, with a lot of local wildlife. It offers factor 50 protection from the sun.
A hidden zippered pocket also provides a secure space for tickets, documents, cards or cash.
Pros:
- Concealed zipped pocket
Cons:
- Could have more pockets
Click here to see this women’s safari shirt
Toad & Co Sunkissed maxi dress
Why stop at one? There’s no need to, when this comfortable dress comes in four designs. As each is pretty different, you could easily pack several without anyone realising you’re wearing the ‘same dress’.
The fabric is made from a mix containing half cotton and half tencel, with 4% lycra for stretch. The wrinkle resistant fabric wicks away moisture and also helps control odor. So you can style it in different ways, there’s an adjustable tie to the side.
Pros:
- Versatile dress for day or evening
- 4 different designs
- Anti-wrinkle, moisture-wicking fabric
Cons:
- A little long for very hot weather
Click here to view this Toad & Co women’s dress
prAna women’s Keelie top
This US made travel top is great for travel. Like the dress detailed above, it has the kind of design that can be dressed up or down depending on where you’re going. Add some jewelry or a scarf for evening wear, or throw on with jeans or shorts for daytime. You can choose between three colors.
The cotton rich blend of natural and synthetic fibers gives this shirt breathability, softness and durability, while the pretty detailing to the neckline adds a touch of femininity.
Pros:
- Soft, strong and breathable fabric
- Ideal for day or evening
- Attractive design front and back
Cons:
- Picking a color may be difficult
Click here to see this women’s Chelsea top for travel
Lace crochet trim travel top
If you like the boho look, then this travel top is ideal for you. It’s lightweight, floaty and pretty, and perfect for spending summer in California, Mexico or Thailand. As well as many more warm places, of course.
With an impressive range of colors, there’s always another option if you later wish you’d bought two instead of one. There’s at least a short-sleeved one for every day of the week – and then some long sleeved options too.
This comfortable, breathable top can be worn with anything and dressed up or down as required. A truly indispensible item for anyone seeking women’s travel clothes that are lightweight as well as beautiful.
Pros:
- Pretty, lacy top
- Choose long or short sleeves
- Lightweight and comfortable
Cons:
- Not ideal for business travel
Click here to see this women’s lacy long or short sleeved top
The Best Travel Clothes for Women that are Wrinkle-Free
Women’s travel clothing that’s wrinkle free is just the best. It means no worrying about finding an iron – or looking untidy. Why spend time hunting for an ironing board or trying to smooth out wrinkles when you could be exploring the city or hiking the trails?
The top women’s travel clothes are not only lightweight – they are also crease resistant. Many of the garments that are wrinkle free and light in weight also double up as women’s travel clothing that’s quick to dry too, making life on the road even easier.
Here are some great wrinkle resistant clothes for women who travel.
Columbia Saturday Trail II convertible pant
A convertible pair of pants is such a great idea for traveling, especially if you’re visiting a lot of different areas with varying climates. Or in coastal regions, where the weather can change very quickly. Wherever you’re headed, pair of these pants with zip-off legs to convert them to shorts are among the best travel clothing for Europe and North America. Or when you want to wear pants rather than shorts in the evening.
From leading outdoor brand Columbia, this pair are stain and water repellent, and also offer sun protection to factor 50 level. There are two pockets to the side and the back, and the former have a hook and loop closure.
The fabric contains elastane for two-way stretch and the waist is also partially elasticated for comfort. Colombia’s own Omni-Shield technology is used to repel all moisture – which is why the company challenges wearers to try and get dirty! These pants also come in 14 colors.
Pros:
- Omni-Shield water and stain repellent finish
- Stretch fabric and part elasticated waist
- Zip-off legs to change to shorts
Cons:
- Some find legs a bit too narrow
Click here to view these Colombia convertible pants for women
ExOfficio BugsAway Lumen full zip hoody
If you want to keep bugs from biting but want something heavier than the Bugsaway shirt listed above, this zip-up hoody for women is ideal. Again it has the insect repelling technology to help prevent itchy, swollen, painful or unsightly bites.
This hoody comes in a great choice of colors, so there’s one for you whether you prefer neutrals, brights or pastels. The fabric is lightweight, breathable and quick-drying for convenience. There are various other features that also add style and practicality, including a shirt-tail hem, full zip closure, a drawcord hood and thumb loops.
As with the shirt, the garment stays bug-proof for up to 70 washes, and there is a hidden security compartment inside as well as two outer pockets.
Pros:
- Insect repellent built in
- Security pocket hidden inside
- Quick-drying, lightweight, breathable fabric
Cons:
- Not as warm as the average hoody
Click here to see this women’s insect repelling hoody
Toad & Co Sunkissed maxi dress
Like the Toad & Co Samba Muse listed above, this maxi dress from the same firm is ideal for travel as it can be worn by day or night. With a few well-chosen accessories, it’s smart enough for evening. Yet the lightweight fabric also makes it a great daywear choice too.
This dress offers sun protection factor 50 and is effective at wicking away moisture. It comes in solid black, or four different patterns featuring orange, yellow and various shades of blue. Ideal for summery weather, this quick-drying dress even includes a hidden pocket for keeping important items safe.
Pros:
- Maxi dress ideal for summer
- Moisture-wicking, quick-drying fabric
- Hidden zipped pocket
Cons:
- Front slit may blow open when windy
Click here to see the Toad & Co Sunkissed maxi dress for women
Boston Proper wrinkle-resistant double-breasted jacket
If you want to wear something more tailored in the evenings or do a lot of traveling for business, this double breasted women’s jacket from Boston Proper is a suitcase essential. Unlike most work or evening wear jackets, this one is wrinkle resistant and easy to pack. In fact it forms part of the brand’s clothing collection, so it’s made for precisely this purpose.
The fluid yet tailored shape flatters any figure, and the double breasted style makes it more distinctive than than average jacket. 6% Spandex
Pros:
- Wrinkle resistant travel jacket
- Stretch fabric for comfort
- Figure flattering shape
Cons:
- Hand wash only
Click here to view this double breasted travel jacket for women
The Best Women’s Clothes for Travel on Long Flights
When considering the best womens clothes for travel, don’t forget about the very first (and last) part of your journey. The flight. Keeping warm or cool enough while flying can be a challenge. The best clothing for travel by plane is also fairly loose or stretchy, as most people tend to swell a little due to cabin pressure.
Don’t forget that you might also remove layers when in the air or upon arrival, so lightweight clothes for travel are best as they can be carried more easily. The best women’s travel clothing is also wrinkle free, as you’ll look tidier throughout the flight and when you get to the arrival airport.
Here are some suggestions regarding the ideal travel clothing for women who are taking a flight.
The Infinite compression socks
A pair of decent compression socks is an in-flight essential. They help to encourage healthy circulation, which in turn can prevent blood clots from forming due to immobility and cabin pressure.
Whether you’re seeking the best women’s travel clothes for Europe, Canada and the US or indeed any other part of the world, you really should pack a pair of these in your carry-on. Unless you’re very flexible, it’s also wise to put them on before boarding, as there’s never much room for manoeuvre inside the cabin!
As well as for travel, these compression socks can be worn for exercise or when recovering from surgery or illness. They’re available in five sizes, and the site has a handy sizing guide to help you choose.
Pros:
- Compression, recovery or exercise socks
- 5 sizes available
- Encourages healthy circulation
Cons:
- Unsightly if not concealed by clothing
Click here to see the Infinite in-flight compression socks
Boston Proper boyfriend travel blazer
If you want the best travel clothing for women’s business trips, this boyfriend style blazer is another top option from Boston Proper. This one is a single breasted style with a single button fastening. It comes in bright as well as more formal shades, so it’s ideal for dressing up an outfit for evening. Such as one of the dresses detailed above.
This is also a good pick for anyone who wants women’s travel clothing that’s wrinkle-free, as the fabric is designed to resist creasing. Again this is part of the Boston Proper Beyond Travel range, and the material was specially developed to help create the best women’s travel clothes possible.
It you want to look sharp and stylish when you travel, one of these jackets is a great investment.
Pros:
- Single breasted jacket with 1 button
- Specifically designed for traveling
- Wrinkle-free, machine washable fabric
Cons:
- A little longer than some would like
Click here to view this Boston Proper travel blazer
ExOfficio Give-N-Go bikini brief
This bikini brief is a travel must-have. While underwear may not be the first thing you think of when choosing the best clothes for travel, it’s certainly an essential item. With 6% lycra and made from lightweight mesh, they’re ideal for keeping comfortable on long flights – as well as when hiking, exploring or playing sport.
There are a dozen colors to choose from, and the underwear is treated with a an anti-bacterial agent to keep it smelling fresh for as long as possible. The fabric is also fully breathable, and is also capable of wicking away moisture to keep you dry.
These briefs stretch to fit perfectly at the waist, and are quick-drying too. This means you may get away with packing less, as they can be machine washed and dried in no time.
Pros:
- Quick-drying, breathable fabric
- Stretch to fit comfortably
- Anti-bacterial to reduce odor
Cons:
- One pair supplied only
Click here to see this travel underwear for women
All-in-one Infinity scarf, blanket and wrap with hidden pockets
This Infinity item is nothing short of amazing – surely the perfect travel accessory for any long flight. It has zipped pockets, plus poppers at each end so you can wear it as you wish. It’s a travel blanket, wrap and scarf – all in one great value product. There is a hanging loop too, so you can keep it within easy reach.
Purchasers can choose between black and gray. When you’re out exploring a new destination, you can keep all your valuables and documents safely stored and well concealed within the hidden, zipped pockets.
This wrap, scarf and blanket in one even comes with a reimbursement insurance to cover you in the event of theft, as well as two ‘Return Me’ lost and found tags to stick to your most important possessions.
Pros:
- Travel wrap, scarf and blanket in one
- Hidden pockets with zips
- Customizable to wear as you wish
Cons:
- Not ideal for hotter places
Click here to view this customizable travel scarf, wrap and blanket
Which travel clothing for women will you wear?
We really hope this guide has helped you out when trying to find the right garments to pack for your next trip. Whether you need layering clothes for winter or lightweight summer wear, all these products come highly recommended – and are chosen based on years of travel experience.
As is common in the travel industry, UNSTOPPABLE Stacey was provided with accommodations, meals, and other compensation for the purpose of review. While it has not influenced this review, the Arizona travel writer believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest.
In addition, this blog, UNSTOPPABLE Stacey Travel, contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, Stacey earns a commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help reduce the costs of keeping this travel blog active.
Further, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Thanks for reading.
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