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The secret to effortless travel style? It’s all in the fabrics. Read on to find out what the best fabrics are for hot and cold weather, plus the brands our community swears by.
How to Choose the Best Fabrics For Travel
Table Of Contents
Whether you’re escaping to a cozy mountain cabin, exploring festive European markets, lounging on a sun-soaked beach, or wandering a bustling city in peak summer heat, what you pack can make all the difference between feeling effortlessly chic or uncomfortable and weighed down.
Different destinations come with different challenges
- Cold-weather trips demand warmth without bulk
- Hot-weather travel calls for breathable, lightweight fabrics that won’t wrinkle or cling
That’s why choosing the right fabrics is the secret to packing smarter, traveling lighter, and staying comfortable no matter the climate.
Today, we’re breaking down the best fabrics for travel in both cold and warm weather, plus our community’s favorite brands for each, so you can build a wardrobe that works as hard as you do on the road!
Best Fabrics for Cold-Weather Travel
When temperatures drop, we often reach for the bulkiest pieces in our wardrobe, hoping they’ll keep us warm. But here’s the truth: layering is the secret to staying cozy without overpacking, and it all starts with the right basics.
Skip the heavy, oversized sweaters, the real magic is in choosing a few strategic, lightweight pieces made from high-performance fabrics. These work together to keep you warm with less, all while fitting neatly into your carry-on.
Here are the best fabrics for cold-weather, so you can stay warm, stylish, and effortlessly packed for your next winter adventure.
Gap | Everlane | Quince | prAna | Banana Republic | Smartwool
Merino Wool – The Traveler’s Secret Weapon
Merino wool is the ultimate winter travel essential. Warm yet breathable, it naturally regulates temperature and stays fresh even after multiple wears, perfect for carry-on travelers.
Why it travels well: Moisture-wicking, quick-drying, wrinkle-resistant, and packs down small.
Look for: Base layers, leggings, t-shirts, sweaters and dresses in 100% merino or merino blends.
Brands you love: Unbound Merino, Wool&, Ibex, Icebreaker and Smartwool.
Begin your merino wardrobe journey with our Ultimate Guide to the Best Merino Wool Brands!
Lands’ End Sweater | J. Crew Gloves | Quince Tee: XS-XL & 1X-3X | Nordstrom Scarf | Quince Dress | Lands’ End Cardigan
Cashmere – Soft, Luxe, and Surprisingly Travel-Friendly
Few fabrics feel as cozy and elegant as cashmere. Made from the fine undercoat of cashmere goats, it instantly adds effortless style to any travel outfit.
Why it travels well: Lightweight yet incredibly insulating, quality cashmere resists wrinkles. Ideal for staying cozy in colder climates or layering on planes.
Look for: The higher the grade (like Grade A or two-ply cashmere), the softer it will feel, resist pilling, and last through many winter trips.
Brands you love: Quince, Lands End, Macy’s, Everlane and J.Crew.
Eddie Bauer Jacket | Quince Sweatshirt | Columbia Pullover | Nordstrom Tights | Baleaf Leggings | Lands End Leggings
Fleece – Warm, Tough, and Travel-Ready
Perfect for chilly mornings and layering, fleece is soft, breathable, and built for movement. Ideal for active trips or casual sightseeing.
Why it travels well: Quick-drying, wrinkle-resistant, and offers excellent warmth-to-weight ratio.
Look for: Lightweight or grid fleece for layering, high-pile fleece for outerwear warmth, and fleece-lined leggings for cozy comfort on flights or in your Airbnb.
Brands you love: Columbia, Lands’ End, Baleaf, Eddie Bauer and Athleta.
Icebreaker Top & Bottoms | Smartwool Top & Bottoms | Lands’ End Top & Bottoms
Thermal & Tech Fabrics – Lightweight Layers That Work Hard
Today’s tech fabrics keep you warm, breathable, and comfortable, perfect for minimalist packers and active travelers alike.
Why it travels well: Moisture-wicking, temperature-regulating, and odor-resistant, essential for layering.
Look for: Base layers made with merino blends, silk or heattech.
Brands you love: Icebreaker, Terramar, Uniqlo, Smartwool and Cuddl Duds.
Quince: XS-XL & 1X-3X | Charter Club: XXS-XXL & 0X-4X | Eddie Bauer | Athleta | Cotopaxi | Lands’ End
Down & Synthetic Insulation – Ultimate Warmth Without the Weight
When temperatures really drop, insulated outerwear is a must. Down provides unbeatable warmth, while synthetic fill performs better in damp conditions.
Why it travels well: Compressible and ultra-warm, perfect for long flights, outdoor adventures, and layering. Many packable puffer styles even fold into their own pockets for easy storage.
Look for: High fill power (700+) for maximum insulation, and a durable water-repellent (DWR) shell to keep you dry in light snow or drizzle.
Brands you love: Lands’ End, Eddie Bauer, Quince, The North Face and Columbia.
Discover the winter coats our community love for their unbeatable warmth, packability and style.
The North Face Carto Triclimate Jacket is a traveler’s dream. With a waterproof DryVent shell and a removable insulated liner, it adapts to rain, wind, or snow, giving you three jackets for endless outfit options.
Softshell & Waterproof Fabrics – For Rainy or Windy Winter Days
If you’re heading somewhere with snow, rain, or unpredictable weather, softshell and waterproof materials are your best friends.
Why they travel well: These fabrics are wind- and water-resistant yet flexible enough for layering, perfect for hiking, sightseeing, or outdoor adventures.
Look for: Jackets or pants made with Gore-Tex, eVent, or Pertex Shield. They’re lightweight, breathable, and designed for wet conditions. While they can be pricey, investing in one quality piece can make a huge difference when facing extreme weather.
Brands you love: The North Face, Arc’teryx, Columbia and Outdoor Research.
While living in Louisville, this Bernardo Jacket became my go-to, it’s super cute and layers perfectly over my Ibex Wool Aire Hoodie and thermals for warmth.
Packing Tips for Cold-Weather Travel
- Layer strategically: Start with moisture-wicking base layers, add insulating mid-layers (sweater or cardigans), and finish with a weatherproof outer layer.
- Stick to a palette: Neutrals (camel, navy, black, gray) + one accent color makes mixing and matching easy.
- Choose packable warmth: Down and merino pieces offer maximum heat with minimal bulk, perfect for saving space in your suitcase.
- Roll and compress: Use packing cubes to save space and stay organized.
- Don’t forget accessories: Hats, gloves, and scarves add warmth and style, pulling your travel looks together while keeping you cozy.
My latest addition to my summer wardrobe, I’m obsessed with this new Zara Midi Dress! Paired here with this belt.
Best Fabrics for Hot-Weather Travel
As the temperatures rise, the fabric rules completely change. Hot, humid climates bring their own set of challenges: intense heat, sticky humidity, and clothes that wrinkle with the slightest breeze.
Once again, choosing the right fabric can make all the difference in how you look and feel on the go. Opt for breathable, lightweight, and low-maintenance materials that keep you cool, transition effortlessly from day to night, and won’t weigh down your suitcase.
Let’s break down the best fabrics for summer travel, so you’ll be ready to stay stylish and sweat-free, no matter where your adventures take you.
Tommy Bahama Jacket | Quince Maxi Skirt | J.Jill Button-Front Shirt | Boden Anna Dress | Quince Button Front Dress (now available in plus sizes too) | Athleta Retreat Wide Leg Pants
Linen – Light, Airy, and Effortlessly Chic
Linen’s loose weave allows heat to escape and air to flow through making it one of the most breathable options for summer. It also has that effortless, relaxed look perfect for vacations.
Why it travels well: It’s ultra-light, naturally moisture-wicking, and ideal for hot destinations. Yes, it wrinkles but as our community recommends embrace the wrinkles it’s part of the charm
Look for: Pre-washed or linen blends if you prefer less creasing brands like Caslon or Old Navy offer great, travel-friendly options.
Brands you love for linen clothing: Quince, Athleta, Boden, Tommy Bahama, Banana Republic and J.Crew. Discover even more of your favorite linen styles here.
Editor’s pick: Zara’s linen is THE best!! Cost effective and lasts forever! Take a peek at their latest linen styles!
The Wool& Sierra Tank Dress is the No.1 most talked-about piece in the TFG Facebook community this week and it’s easy to see why: it’s breathable, versatile, wrinkle resistant and has pockets!
Merino Wool – Lightweight, Breathable & Surprisingly Cool
Forget everything you thought you knew about wool.
Merino wool is naturally temperature-regulating making it a smart choice even in warm-weather destinations. It keeps you cool when it’s hot and warm when it’s cool, making it ideal for unpredictable climates and long travel days.
Why it travels well: It resists odors, wicks moisture, and doesn’t wrinkle easily perfect for rewearing on multi-day trips without sacrificing freshness.
Look for: Ultralight merino or merino blends for summer-friendly layering pieces and travel basics.
Brands you love for merino wool clothing: Unbound Merino, Wool&, Ibex and Icebreaker.
Perfect for warm-weather getaways, the Old Navy High-Waisted Crinkle Gauze Barrel Ankle Pants are airy, breathable, and effortlessly chic!
Cotton – The Everyday Essential
Cotton is the hero of summer fabrics. It’s natural, breathable, and lightweight so whether you’re walking city streets or lounging in a beachside café, it will keep you feeling cool and fresh.
Why it travels well: It’s easy to wash, comfortable to wear for long hours, and ideal for versatile pieces like midi dresses, tank tops, pants and shorts.
Look for: Organic or double-gauze cotton for a breezier feel; cotton blends with a touch of spandex help resist wrinkles.
Brands you love for cotton clothing: Old Navy, Quince, Pact, Calson, Talbots, J.Jill and Michael Stars.
After seeing it remain a consistent bestseller and receiving rave reviews from our community, I had to try the Loveappella V-Neck Maxi Dress for myself and I was pleasantly surprised! Available in more colors and prints here.
Rayon & Viscose – Drapey and Cool to the Touch
Want the softness of silk without the fuss?
Rayon and viscose are semi-synthetic fibers made from natural sources that feel light and smooth, with a beautiful drape.
Why it travels well: These fabrics are breathable, pack small, and lend an elevated look to casual silhouettes. Ideal for flowy dresses and pants
Look for: Blended versions for less wrinkling and easy care.
Brands you love for rayon clothing: Natural Life, Chico’s, J.Jill, Gap and Lily Pulitzer.
Toad&Co Taj Hemp Wide Leg Pants are perfect for summer travel thanks to its breathable hemp blend, relaxed fit, and wrinkle-resistant fabric that stays comfortable on the go.
Tencel / Lyocell – The Eco-Friendly Wonder Fabric
Made from sustainably sourced wood pulp, Tencel is soft, breathable, and environmentally friendly. It absorbs moisture and resists odors perfect for all-day wear in warm climates.
Why it travels well: It’s wrinkle-resistant, fast-drying, and ideal for travelers who pack light or hand-wash on the go.
Look for: Lightweight Tencel styles with flowy silhouettes or shirt dresses.
Brands you love for tencel clothing: Toad&Co, Athleta, Quince, Lands’ End, Encircled and Madewell.
Perfect for summer adventures, the Lands End Chambray Smocked Dress is breezy, stylish, and packs like a dream wrinkle-free and ready to go!
Chambray – The Denim Look Without the Weight
Chambray gives you that classic, laid-back denim vibe without the bulk or heat. Woven with a similar technique to denim but using lighter threads, chambray is breathable, soft, and ideal for summer days when you want structure and comfort.
Why it travels well: It offers the style of denim with the comfort of cotton, and it’s less prone to wrinkling than linen or rayon. It pairs effortlessly with everything from sandals to sneakers, making it a versatile travel staple. Ideal for button-down shirts, shirtdresses, jumpsuits, and casual pants.
Look for: 100% cotton chambray for maximum breathability, or chambray blends for added stretch and softness.
Brands you love for chambray clothing: Lands End, Caslon, Madewell and Gap.
Chico’s Zenergy Ankle Pants | Eddie Bauer Departure Shirt | UV Skinz Crossover Sun Wrap | Columbia Freezer Dress | Toad&Co Sunkissed Maxi Dress | Athleta Brooklyn Ankle Pants
Still not sure?
If you’re especially sensitive to that hot, sticky summer feeling, tech-blended fabrics with moisture-wicking and UPF protection are game-changers.
Designed to pull sweat away from the body, these breathable shirts and dresses help you stay cool, dry, and fresh all day long.
For clothing with built-in sun protection, our community swears by brands like Eddie Bauer, Athleta, UV Skinz, Uniqlo, prAna, Columbia, Baleaf and Chico’s.
Packing Tips for Hot-Weather Travel
Keep your summer wardrobe efficient and lightweight with these pro tips:
- Stick to a color palette (neutrals + 1–2 accent colors)
- Pack multi-use pieces that dress up or down
- Roll your clothes to save space and reduce wrinkles. More tips here.
- Use a packing cube to stay organized
- Bring a wrinkle-release spray or steamer
What are the best fabrics for travel? Share your favorite travel-friendly fabrics in the comments below!
For more tips on travel fashion, please read these posts:
- Ultimate Guide to a Travel Capsule Wardrobe
- 50+ Retailers and their Shipping Policies
- Best Linen Clothing for Women: Ultimate Summer Guide
- Best Merino Wool Brands for Women
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We hope you found this post on choosing the best fabrics for travel helpful. Please share with your friends on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. Thanks for reading!
Going to Scandinavia in June. Not sure how to pack effectively with varied temperature
Hi Bonnie, a good place to start is to take a look at TFG’s Four Signature Packing Lists for ideas for a capsule wardrobe and how many clothing items you could pack: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/functional-and-fashion-packing-list/ The packing lists show you how to pack light and have the right clothes no matter the destination or the length of the journey!
The point of our capsule wardrobes is that you use the principles behind them, not the exact clothing shown. Depending on your preferences, you can choose more bottoms, fewer dresses, more tops – you can adjust the combination based on your needs!
Check out this 10 step guide which takes you through every stage of your packing so that you don’t have to worry about forgetting anything: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/10-step-packing-guide-europe/
Then for destination-specific help, we also have a comprehensive blog category dedicated to articles on what to pack for individual European countries. Choose your destination from our Europe Packing Lists: https://bit.ly/3hqJLeg
Hope this helps. Have the most amazing time on your travels! 🥰
Thank! This information is very helpful. I like to shop my closet when I pack. I have gradually stopped buying clothing made of fabrics that wouldn’t travel well. I appreciate having these great options in my everyday wardrobe, too.
Best fabric for sensitive skin and always cold??
Looking for a black long sleeve top.
Hi Arelene, thank you for reaching out. Merino wool is the best fabric for traveling light and for staying warm. Merino wool is the ultimate travel fabric, because it is super lightweight, durable, and very versatile, so you will only need to pack a few items. One of the best advantages of merino wool is that it wicks away moisture while retaining airflow, keeping you warm and toasty while you’re out sightseeing! But if your skin is to sensitive for wool, have a look at this article for some alternative fabrics: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/best-alternative-to-merino-wool/ I would also highly recommend that you join our TFG facebook group and post your question there: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelfashiongirls/ Its a fabulous community of helpful female travelers that have the best advice and recommendations to share. Hope this helps. Happy travels!
I have found a website qualitago.com where you can find a lot of items made of cotton, silk and other natural or semi-natural fabrics from most common brands. They show detailed composition, so you don’t have to click on every item to check if it’s 100% of cotton or 1%. They don’t have search engine unfortunately, but worth to check.
Thanks for the tip!
I am currently travelling… I had 20 degrees in New York, and six degrees centigrade in Vienna.
I am travelling with merino wool and silk.
And am laying…
a tank top, a top, a merino jumper, a cardigan if needed… A woollen coat…
And have hat, scarf and gloves. If I need more layers, then I add another scarf, or another tank top
Thanks for sharing Kay! Happy travels!
Have you ever tried Coolibar’s ZnO fabric? All our family members have at least one item, and my son with the sun allergy has several pieces. It’s a cotton/bamboo sunblock fabric. It washes, dries and breathes like cotton. It stains fairly easily, so does need some special attention when washing, and it’s a bit pricey, but it does a great job of keeping you covered and cool in the sun.
Oh I’ll have to look into that produce Connie! Thanks for sharing!
I’ve seen a lot of recommendations for bundle packing. However, as a larger woman, I have clothes that are larger than what it shown in the bundle videos. The method does not work for bigger clothes unless you want to reduce width with side folds.
Hi Susan 🙂 Have a look at this post for plus size packing tips http://bit.ly/28St1Z6
Thanks! Good article. And good links in it, too!
Thanks for reading Susan! We appreciate the feedback! Safe travels!
Wow! Such an impressive or important news you providing us. so thank you so much for this.
I think maybe you meant to put “taking forever to dry” under the disadvantages for cotton, instead?
There’s a reason why Patagonia sells (fabulous) wool baselayers in three different weights for hiking — I use them frequently for travel.
Wool’s moisture-wicking capabilities also make it fast to dry. Granted if you have a heavy wool sweater that will take awhile, but certainly still less time than the equivalent thickness of cotton.
Travelling, particularly flying from the UK into a hot country is super tricky. You never know what the temp in the airport will be like, you’ll be cold on the plane, and boiling when you get off the other side. I now go with a maxi dress with cardi, that seems to work
Helpful, as always!
Thanks!