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Stylish travel clothing is hard to find but these companies do a great job of combining practicality and femininity too. Whether you’re an avid globetrotter or a newbie nomad this is our essential list of the best travel clothing brands for women!
Best Travel Clothing Brands
Table Of Contents
Confession: I overpacked all the wrong clothes for 5 years before I finally started traveling carryon only on my long term travels.
I saw other travelers, predominantly male travelers, traveling around the world in a small little backpack, and I was envious of them – they seemed to move so freely without a bunch of baggage. I wanted to be like them. Traveling light.
However, my situation was the exact opposite. I was traveling with way too much stuff and somehow I never felt prepared for the destinations I was visiting. Based on limited packing advice online at the time, I chose clothing that was either too technical, low quality and consequently not practical for long term travels, or just not my style at all. To sum it up, I didn’t feel like my best self.
If you also feel unprepared while traveling, check out my guide to stop overpacking.
Traveling Europe for 2 Weeks Carry-on Only
In 2011, I set off on a mission to figure out how to choose the best travel clothing without sacrificing my personal style or skimping out on functionality. One year later Travel Fashion Girl was born. The idea was to show female travelers how they could be fully prepared on their travel while also feeling good about their clothes, too.
I made it my personal goal to start packing smarter, traveling lighter, and to bring the right things for my trips.
I eventually discovered that the secret to packing the right clothes for a trip was to choose things that were practical but things that also made me feel good about myself. The ideal trifecta for travel clothes are items that feature form, function, and fashion, too. While the majority of time you don’t need specialty “technical, utilitarian clothing”, travel and outdoor brands do offer so much functionality when traveling. Their fabrics tend to be lightweight, breathable, packable, wrinkle resistant, quick-drying, and so much more than your average garment.
Unfortunately, many times the designs leave alot to be desired for. They can be masculine, childish, or unattractive. The solution is to look for regular garments with technical features and combine those items with a few of the most fashionable travel clothing options available.
What are the best travel clothing brands?
While stylish easy care travel clothes can be hard to find, I’ve found several companies that do a great job of combining practicality and femininity. Here’s my list of the best travel clothing brands for women:
Quince Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater Sizes XS-XL
Quince
One of the top reader-favorite travel brands for key staples like pants, sweaters, and jackets is Quince. While they offer tons of great travel pieces, there are definitely a few faves that readers consistently rave about and recommend. They offer high quality yet super affordable clothing that’s washable and often wrinkle-resistant!
Quince Ultra Stretch Ponte Pants – Readers love these pants to death! They’re stylish but extremely comfortable, with the look of classic trousers and the feel of yoga pants! The four-way stretch and soft fabric make them a dream to wear. They can be worn with virtually any top, and look great with flats, sneakers, and ankle boots, so they’re beyond versatile.
Quince Lightweight Down Puffer Jacket – This lightweight and chic-looking puffer jacket goes with so many pieces! It can be worn with jeans, yoga pants, or even over your favorite travel dress. The stylish look can take you everywhere from London to Paris, to Vancouver to Quebec City, and it works in temps as low as 32° F. It’s a perfect go-to for airplane outfits, as well!
Mongolian Cashmere Tee – Quince takes a classic tee and elevates it with its soft cashmere fabric. Lightweight and versatile, this cozy top can be worn year-round, either layered or as worn solo. Effortlessly stylish, it comes in a TON of colors to match your capsule wardrobe, and the relaxed fit works with everything from silky skirts to jeans!
Their washable silk blouse is another popular pick that readers love for its crisp and polished look that’s super low-maintenance. It’s deliciously soft, flattering, and comes in a wide range of colors!
Shop Sizes XS-XXL: Amazon | Eddie Bauer
Eddie Bauer
As I started researching hiking clothing for my various trips to national parks over the past year, I discovered Eddie Bauer, and this brand has quickly become one of my favorites for travel and every day, too. I became a fan of their button down tops immediately, including the Ripstop Shirt and the Departure 2.0 Long Sleeve. They’re both versatile enough to be paired with denim shorts, worn as a beach cover up, and tucked into my favorite jeans.
Find out why TFG readers constantly choose Eddie Bauer shirts for travel in this review!
Eddie Bauer Shirt worn with the best-selling Wallaroo Victoria Sun Hat
They also have cute outerwear like my Charly Waterproof Rain Jacket (highly recommend!) and their ultra lightweight and breathable summer dresses such as their famous Departure Dress Collection. Not only do they have awesome sales but they also offer a range of clothing sizes including regular, tall, petite, and plus sizes, too.
Read this review to learn why we and our readers rave about Eddie Bauer’s waterproof jackets, particularly the Charly Jacket.
Shop Sizes XS-3X: Amazon | Columbia | Moosejaw | REI
Columbia
Columbia is one of the most popular outdoor clothing brands for TFG readers. They particularly love their extensive selection of travel pants including the Columbia Saturday Trail Straight Leg Pant and the best selling Arcadia Rain Jacket. Our readers are also big fans of their easy to wear dresses, especially the Freezer Dress Collection available in a range of lengths.
Columbia Carson Pass 2 Waterproof Winter Jacket
I like Columbia for their insanely warm yet affordable outerwear options. If I’m traveling in the winter, I need to know I’ll stay dry and warm so I can spend all-day sightseeing regardless of the elements. The Carson Pass 2 is one of my all-time favorite winter jackets for home and travel. Read my full review! Not only do their easy care travel clothes work well on the road but they’re also functional, light, wrinkle-resistant, and quick dry, too. As a bonus, Columbia offers affordable price points and a wide variety of sizes such as regular, petite, tall, and plus.
Shop Sizes XS-XL: Amazon
Ice Breaker
Recommended by travelers worldwide, Icebreaker has clothing for both women and men that specializes in merino wool garments that can be worn constantly and are said not to “smell”. If you’re traveling in cold weather, thermals are the secret to packing light and Icebreaker offers some of the best! (Trust me, I keep buying less expensive brands then I end up spending more money because I always come back to Icebreaker.)
Icebreaker Tee, Outdoor Research Sun Cap, and Ray Ban Sunglasses
However, merino wool isn’t just good for the winter. You can also use it for hot weather, too. I love their classic Icebreaker Tee, which can be worn casually to hike and camp or even tucked into a skirt and dressed up with jewelry and cute sandals. Many female travelers also recommend dresses such as the Yanni T-Shirt or Tank Dress. Their price points are high but for the minimalist adventurer, these are a must!
The Chrysalis Cardi Convertible Dress
Encircled
Encircled is a Canadian company that specializes in sustainable, stylish versatile garments for travel and everyday wear. You probably know them for their popular Chrysalis Cardi or other convertible travel dresses.
Read my Chrysalis Cardi Dress review!
The Chrysalis Cardi with Comfort Sandals (similar)
Most recently, their travel clothing line has expanded to include shirts, blouses, pants, jumpsuits, skirts, jackets, and more! Some of their other best selling pieces are their Dressy Sweatpant Jogger, Evolve Top, and the Long Sleeve Revolve Dress.
Shop Sizes S-XL: Amazon | Moosejaw | Backcountry
Toad and Co.
For casual travel basics and vacation-ready dresses, Toad and Co. offers pretty and functional clothing with fabrics that are oh-so comfortable.
I had a chance to work with them last year and was inspired by their commitment to creating clothing that doesn’t hurt the environment. Check out my review of their winter travel clothes and summer travel dresses!
TFG Readers get 10% off on the Toad&Co website with the discount code: TRAVELWISE. Their clothing is also available on Amazon!
Shop Sizes 00-18 Petite, Short and Tall: Amazon | Prana | Moosejaw | Backcountry
Prana
Prana was first introduced as yoga wear but it has since expanded into a line of travel clothing including their ultra-cute yet practical travel dresses. So it makes sense they also make some of the greatest t-shirts including their popular Foundation Short Sleeve V Neck Top
They offer globetrotting clothes with a range of sizing, inseams, and moderate price points. Their best selling Halle pants are available in different variations, and for a pair of convertible hiking pants that you’re likely to love, try their popular Monarch pants. Here’s a full review!
Shop: Eileen Fisher | Nordstrom
Eileen Fisher
Eileen Fisher has been a long time favorite of the TFG readers, particularly those that are looking for functional yet elegant basics in longer lengths and wider designs. While I didn’t own any of the brand’s clothing despite how much the readers raved about them for travel, I finally got hooked when I bought their linen tunic shirts on sale!
Eileen Fisher Linen Shirt with Wallaroo Sun Hat
Like the Eddie Bauer button-down mentioned before, I discovered this Eileen Fisher linen shirt and fell in love with it for hot and humid destinations! It’s SO versatile, chic, and the best part, the linen keeps me nice and cool. I wear it as a blouse tucked into my denim, worn as a tunic over jeans or leggings, and as a beach cover up dress.
Shop Sizes XXS-XXL: Uniqlo
Uniqlo
This Japanese brand is especially noteworthy for their AIRism and HeatTECH collections, which are available at a low price point. AIRism fabric is light, breathable, and quick-drying. Their tanks, camis, and tees are the perfect absorbent, anti-odor underlayer. They take up almost no space, are easy to hand-wash, and dry quickly. There are also AIRism bras, panties, and leggings. HEATTECH innerwear has heat-retaining properties and is great to wear as a base layer in cold climates. One of TFG’s writers likes wearing her HEATTECH tights under jeans during winter travel and another loves their lighter layers. Read her review here!
Shop Sizes XS-XXL (Short, Petite and Long): Betabrand
Betabrand
Betabrand is best known for their dressy yoga pants, which can take you from the plane to the office followed by some sightseeing and happy hour with a quick yoga session in between! While the fabric is thicker than most traditional travel clothes, it’s their comfort and versatility that makes Betabrand pants a good option for travel. In addition, their Canopy dress is also popular for female travelers looking for longer hemlines, wrinkle-resistant fabrics, and a classic cut you can wear anywhere! Betabrand has a vast size selection including XS-3X Plus and 4 inseam choices: regular, short petite, petite, and tall.
Non-Travel Clothing Companies that Are Amazing for Travel
In addition to travel apparel brands, there are certain regular brands that are absolutely amazing for travel, too. (Check out this video for a recap of all my favorite clothes for travel – our readers love them, too!) J Crew Tippi Merino Wool Sweater – One of my winter staples, their merino wool sweater is super versatile, keeps me warm in chilly weather, and doesn’t leave me sweating if it warms up a little. I can pack more than one into packing cubes and rotate them with several outfits.
J Crew Stretch 365 t-shirt – I love a comfy t-shirt and J.Crew makes an amazing one that’s very soft and adaptable for different environments. I can layer it up, wear it solo, and pair it with any conceivable bottoms. They are crucial for my capsule wardrobe!
Michael Stars Draped Top – Part of a capsule is the ability to rewear clothes again and again. I love the Michael Stars Drape top for this very reason. I feel comfortable and confident in it, which is all that matters in any piece of clothing. It doesn’t have clingy fabric, is super soft, and honestly feels like a cozy pair of PJs, which is why I wear it all the time!
Spanx Faux Leather Leggings – This brand has a reputation for selling shapewear and while they do have those products, their regular clothes are in a whole different category! Leggings are popular for travel overall, but I love these because they’re comfy, yet stylish and versatile—able to be worn dressed down or up. I seriously wear them everywhere, as a part of a plane outfit, all the way to sightseeing, or dinner out.
Tory Burch Minnie Flats – Readers raved about these for years so it was my turn to check them out. I now ADORE Tory Burch Minnie Flats! They’re foldable, I didn’t have a huge break-in period, and they felt like slippers as I transited through airports. They’re part of my new airplane outfit!
Here’s a quick summary on the best travel clothing brands:
| BRAND / MODEL | FEATURES | PRICE |
|---|---|---|
Anatomie Skyler Pants |
Function, and fashion, stylish and versatile, super lightweight, BEST SELLING | Buy it here! |
|
Eddie Bauer Ripstop Shirt |
They’re both versatile enough to be paired with denim shorts, worn as a beach cover up, and tucked into my favorite jeans. | Buy it here! |
|
Columbia Freezer Dress
|
Our readers are also big fans of their easy to wear dresses, especially the Freezer Dress Collection available in a range of lengths. | Buy it here! |
|
Icebreaker Yanni Dress |
Recommended by travelers worldwide, Icebreaker has clothing for both women and men that specializes in merino wool garments that can be worn constantly and are said not to “smell”. | Buy it here! |
Encircled The Chrysalis Cardi |
Stylish versatile garments, can be styled 8+ ways. Effortlessly transform. | Buy it here! |
|
Toad&Co Womens Sunkissed Maxi Dress |
Pretty and functional clothing, comfortable fabric, eco friendly | Buy it here! |
Prana Briann Pants |
Their best selling Halle pants are available in different variations, while the Briann pants are as functional as they are fashionable, too. | Buy it here! |
|
Eileen Fisher Linen Shirt |
It’s SO versatile, chic, and the best part, the linen keeps me nice and cool. I wear it as a blouse tucked into my denim, worn as a tunic over jeans or leggings, and as a beach cover up dress. | Buy it here! |
|
Uniqlo Airism Sleeveless Top |
Fabric is light, breathable, and quick-drying, perfect absorbent, anti-odor underlayer | Buy it here! |
|
Betabrand Straight Leg Dress Yoga Pants
|
While the fabric is thicker than most traditional travel clothes, it's their comfort and versatility that makes Betabrand pants a good option for travel. | Buy it here! |
Do you really need “travel” clothing?
For most types of travel, you won’t ever need specialty travel clothing. You just have to follow some simple guidelines to shop your own closet. (Download my free guide here.) On the other hand, there are some trips that require clothing with more technical fabrics and construction such as active adventures, long-term travel, or round-the-world trips.
If you’re going on vacation, certain types of travel clothing can also help you pack lighter and more efficiently, too. Many times, the fabrics in the clothing are breathable, quick dry, compact, and lightweight. Others offer clever ways to get more use from your clothing such as reversible features or multi-way styles.
The challenge is that most of the brands that create functional clothing forget to think about the needs of the woman wearing the clothing. Sometimes I think they forget the woman part entirely and just make smaller versions of mens clothes.
Over the years, I’ve tried just about every brand out there, in search of the trifecta of fashion, form, and function and I’ve found that some work far better than others. That’s why you’ll hear so much about certain brands repeatedly on the blog – they’re just so good in comparison to the rest. And that’s also why you never read about certain other brands – I’m not a fan of gimmicks and I know you aren’t either.
Want to pack light, find out how packing cubes can maximize the space in your bag here!
What do you think are the best travel apparel brands for women? Share them with us in the comments!
For more travel clothes and packing tips, please read:
- How to Pack Carry-on Only for Every Trip
- Most Cute and Comfortable Travel Shoes
- Best Convertible Dresses for Travel
- Best Anti-theft Purses for Travelers
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I would like to know what brand of grey flat shoes you are wearing in the photo.
Hi NikkiB, I am wearing my Skechers Pureflex Skechers Mary Janes flats: https://amzn.to/3jPVJi2
Good piece, thanks! Another brand that you might mention is Sympli, a Canadian line of clothing. It’s spendy but the fabric and quality are outstanding. I have several of their basic pieces and all make great, non-wrinkling travel options. The only drawback is that they’re not always fast-drying, so I bring them on short trips or trips where I won’t be changing hotels every night.
Hi Kathi, thank you for your comment, so pleased you enjoyed the post!! Thank you for sharing your review of the brand Sympli with us! 🙂
I love Sympli, but the fabric is heavy. If you are concerned about the weight of your suitcase, only bring a couple of pieces.
Thanks, for that. This is the really good article for the traveler. Who wants to travel anywhere and they have no idea which type of clothes should take it.
Hi Nick, thank you so much for your lovely comment, so pleased you found it helpful!! 🙂
These all look like great brands, but all US companies. I guess most of your readers are in the US but the rest of us could do with some help too! Ordering from the US can be expensive, with import duties, plus returns are problematic so what about including some great European brands?
Hi Kate, thank you for taking the time to share your insight! Let me look into this for you 🙂
It has probably been said a million times already, but EnCircled is da bomb. Their Dressy Sweatpants, Chrysalis Cardi, Evolve Top and Everyday Twist Top, and you’re good for the weekend!
Hi Tania, thank you so much for sharing your insight! 🙂
And how about sophisticated plus size travel wear in great fabrics? Unicorn. 😉
Suzanne, search for “plus size” here at TFG – there are several articles written by several of us who are members. Hope that helps you!
He best travel clothing I have found is Tilley. It is packable, can be washed and hung to dry overnight and lasts forever! Their travel jersey is versatile enough to wear casually or dress up .. cant be beaten as far as I am concerned!
Great tip!
I”m sorry, this stuff is just yoga clothing and much of it is either really cheap, or cheap and slutty. You’re going to get on a business class seat in that Anatomie stuff? Seriously. Prana is fine, but isn’t there somebody out there that makes sophisticated clothing that is still in packable fabrics?
Hi Nancy, sorry you feel that way. We’ll let you know if we find anything more suitable to your needs.
I think Nancy’s comment is a little harsh…..but, I would like some great travel clothes that are not clingy and you don’t have to be pencil thin to wear. I’m not a plus size but I am curvy so many of these clothes are not going to look good on me. Any other ideas for clothes with some structure but won’t wrinkle?
I love theLuLuwrap It is the perfect travel accessory. It’s so versatile you can wear it eleven different ways easily creating a chic and stylish look for any ensemble, anytime, anywhere!
Linda…could you link to this? I’m trying to find it but there are several things that sound kind of like it and not sure which item yoyre referring to. Thanks!
I love theLuLuwrap It is the perfect travel accessory. It’s so versatile you can wear it eleven different ways easily creating a chic and stylish look for any ensemble, anytime, anywhere!
Also great is TravelSmith catalog!
thanks for the tip!
Icebreaker dresses are my go-to for travel! I also love SmartWool: a little pricier but lasts even longer!
Great brands!! Love both of them!