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From chic carry-ons to versatile travel-ready clothing, discover the women-led brands our community love for stylishly light adventures!
Celebrating Women-Led Travel Brands
Table Of Contents
In honor of Women’s History Month we’re shining a spotlight on some of our favorite women-led clothing and luggage brands. From iconic TFG staples to exciting new discoveries, they embody the bold, chic and adventurous spirit of our community.
And if you’re looking for even more travel-friendly brands, check out our Ultimate Shopping Guide featuring 50+ retailers and their shipping policies.
Fashion & Apparel
Athleta
Traveler favorites: Brooklyn Mid Rise Ankle Pants, Endless High Rise Pants and Pinnacle High Rise Trousers.
Highlights: Athleta is all about empowering women, sustainability, and caring for the planet; they’re a Certified B Corp. Loved for their inclusive sizing and incredible performance fabrics that are wrinkle-resistant, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying.
Shop: Athleta
BRAWYN
Traveler favorites: Essential Bralette, Busty Bra and Hipster Underwear
Highlights: Founded on the idea that women could create better underwear for themselves, Shawna Lauringson set out to design high-performance pieces that truly fit and flatter a woman’s body, using only natural fibers like ethically sourced Merino wool. The brand supports initiatives that allow women to experience the outdoors and donates a portion of profits to women-focused causes.
Shop: BRAWYN
Encircled
Traveler favorites: Chrysalis Cardi, The Dressy Sweatpant and The Dressy Sweatshirt.
Highlights: TFG has a long history with Encircled, the sustainable Canadian brand founded by slow-fashion advocate Kristi Soomer. We discovered her in 2015 with the debut Chrysalis Cardi, a versatile, multi-way piece inspired suitcase mishap from overpacking. Check out my original review!
Shop: Encircled
Eileen Fisher
Traveler favorites: Flex Ponte High Waisted Wide-Leg Pants, Organic Linen Tapered Pants and Stretch Crepe Slim Pants
Highlights: Founded in 1984 by Eileen Fisher, this iconic American brand is known for pioneering sustainable, ethical fashion while creating timeless, versatile capsule wardrobe pieces designed to last. A true leader in the slow fashion movement, the brand prioritizes organic fibers, eco-friendly dyes, and responsibly sourced materials.
Shop: Eileen Fisher
Natural Life
Traveler favorites: Rebecca Midi Dress, Hanna Convertible Maxi Skirt, Comfy Pocket Sweatshirt and their fun yet practical travel accessories.
Highlights: Inspired by her mother’s basement-run craft business, founder Patti Hughes built Natural Life around creativity, positivity, and the idea of bringing joy to everyday life. The brand has become a favorite in our community for its uplifting, boho-inspired styles that are perfect for relaxed travel days, road trips, and beach getaways, comfortable, packable, and full of personality.
Shop: Natural Life
Sexy Modest
Traveler favorites: Brigitte Brianna Essential 3-Piece Set, Brigitte Brianna Blouse Tee and Brigitte Brianna Habit Wide Leg Pants.
Highlights: Founded by Brigitte Shamy to challenge the idea that modesty equals “frumpy,” Sexy Modest empowers women to feel confident with versatile, comfortable pieces that offer stylish coverage. Especially popular for travel days and flight outfits, their designs are made in the USA.
Shop: Sexy Modest
Solbari
Traveler favorites: Holiday Sun Hat UPF 50+, Luxe Sun Wrap, Long Sleeve T-Shirt, Compact Sun Protective Umbrella and Luxe Hooded Full Zip Top.
Highlights: Founded by Johanna Young, Australian brand Solbari was born from a deeply personal mission after witnessing the impact of skin cancer firsthand. With a strong commitment to sun safety, the brand is globally recognized for its clothing, hats, and accessories, all independently tested and rated UPF 50+, the highest level of sun protection.
Shop: Solbari
Spanx
Traveler favorites: AirEssentials Wide Leg Pants & matching Half Zip Pullover, Perfect Fit Ponte Wide Leg Pants and PerfectFit Ponte Kick Flare Pants.
Highlights: Founded by Sara Blakely, the first woman to break into the male-dominated hosiery industry, the brand is loved for its functional yet flattering styles in inclusive sizes. A consistent traveler favorite, its AirEssentials Collection helped popularize the now-iconic two-piece airport outfit trend.
Shop: Spanx
Title Nine
Traveler favorites: Speed Racer Midi Dress, Crash Fleece Lined Leggings, Grace UPF 50 T-Shirt, Recycled Clamber 2.0 Hiking Pants and their famous Swimwear.
Highlights: Inspired by Title IX, the 1972 law that banned gender-based discrimination in sports, founder Missy Park set out to reshape an industry where athletic apparel was largely designed by and for men. Based in Northern California, the brand champions women through its T9 Movers and Makers initiative, supporting other women-led businesses.
Shop: Title Nine
Thigh Society
Traveler favorites: The Cooling Shorts and The Cargo Shorts.
Highlights: After experiencing thigh chafing herself, founder Marnie Rabinovitch Consky set out to create a solution that didn’t rely on shapewear or messy powders. Based in Toronto, Thigh Society specializes in comfortable, non-restrictive, lightweight anti-chafing shorts for women of all sizes, now a go-to for staying comfortable in hot-weather travel.
Shop: Thigh Society
Woolx
Traveler favorites: Stella Leggings, Mia V-Neck T-Shirt, Ryann Hoodie, Cassie Midi Dress and Ellie Wide Leg Pants.
Highlights: Founded in 2012 in New York by Nicole Calleo and her father Joe, Woolx was created with the goal of making clothing from ethically sourced merino wool that helps you look good, feel good, and stay comfortable through everything life throws your way. Travelers also appreciate the brand’s inclusive sizing, with options ranging from XS to plus sizes.
Shop: Woolx
Universal Standard
Traveler favorites: Better-Than-Wool Cardigan and Iconic Geneva Dress
Highlights: Founded in 2015 by Alexandra Waldman and Polina Veksler to address the lack of stylish, high-quality clothing options for all sizes. The brand champions true inclusivity, offering a size range from 00 to 40, with versatile, timeless pieces.
Shop: Universal Standard
UV Skinz
Traveler favorites: V-Neck Maxi Dress, Long Sleeve Crossover Sun Wrap, Hooded Water Jacket and Hooded Resort Wrap.
Highlights: After losing her 32-year-old husband to melanoma, Rhonda Sparks founded UV Skinz in Sonora, CA, driven by a mission to raise awareness about sun safety. The brand offers UPF 50+ sun-protective clothing for the whole family.
Shop: Nordstrom
Zestt Organics
Traveler favorites: Dreamsoft Travel Scarf
Highlights: After years of lugging blankets onto planes, best friends Benita Goldblatt and Jess Misner Diehl set out to create a better way to stay cozy on the go. They founded Zestt Organics to offer sustainable, ethically made essentials designed for real-life travel.
Shop: Zestt Organics
Luggage and Travel Gear
Away
Traveler favorites: The Carry-On, The Everywhere Bag and The Bigger Carry-On Flex.
Highlights: Co-founded by Jen Rubio, Away was born from her experience in the fashion industry and observing how little innovation existed in luggage design. Known for its minimalist-chic aesthetic and lifetime warranty, Away luggage features durable, lightweight polycarbonate shells, 360-degree Hinomoto wheels, and modern features like ejectable USB chargers and interior compression systems.
Shop: Away
Arden Cove
Traveler favorites: Crissy Anti-Theft Crossbody and Carmel Convertible Anti-Theft Backpack
Highlights: Founded by sisters Karin and Carmen in San Francisco, to provide women with chic, everyday purses with security features like slash-resistant materials, locking zippers, and RFID-blocking pockets. The idea was inspired by Karin’s study-abroad experience in France, where her classmates were pickpocketed while she stayed safe using her unfashionable anti-theft bag.
Shop: Arden Cove
BÉIS
Traveler favorites: The Roller Carry-On, The Weekender, The Commuter Tote and The Light Up Travel Mirror.
History: When founder Shay Mitchell was younger, she carried one bag everywhere, even as it fell apart. The memories tied to that bag inspired her to design bags that would last a lifetime and be ready for every travel adventure.
Shop: BÉIS
Calpak
Traveler favorites: Luka Duffel, Terra 26L Backpack and Luka Softside Carry-On
Highlights: Founded in 1989 in Los Angeles by Edward and Judy Kwon, Calpak started with handbags and wallets. In 2013, their children Jennifer and Roy breathed new life into the family business, evolving it into a modern line of stylish, functional luggage and travel bags.
Shop: Calpak
Lo & Sons
Traveler favorites: OG Tote, Pearl Crossbody, Waverly Convertible Purse and Rowledge Backpack.
Highlights: Family-owned Lo & Sons offers functional, stylish bags, backed by a limited lifetime warranty. Despite the odds, Helen Lo started the brand at 65 after immigrating to the U.S. with no money or business experience.
Shop: Lo & Sons
Ms. Jetsetter
Traveler favorites: Flat Reusable Toiletry Containers, Tech Organizer and Hanging Toiletry Bag.
Highlights: Ms. Jetsetter was founded by Tracey McGhee, a fellow TFG reader, which makes supporting her even more special! Her toiletry containers are truly one of my all-time favorite travel products. I’m obsessed.
MZ Wallace
Traveler favorites: Crosby Crossbody Sling Bag, Metro Scout Crossbody Deluxe, Medium Metro Deluxe Tote and Metro Convertible Backpack.
Highlights: Founded in 2000 by Monica Zwirner and Lucy Wallace Eustice, this New York–based B Corp–certified brand provides “functional luxury” for women leading busy lives. Over 4 million recycled water bottles (and counting) go into the fill that gives MZ Wallace bags their signature lightweight quilted nylon and cushioning.
Shop: MZ Wallace
Rebecca Minkoff
Traveler favorites: Julian Backpack
Highlights: My all-time favorite travel purse, the Julian Backpack has truly been around the globe with me including on my recent snowy trip to Finland!
Shop: Rebecca Minkoff
Sherpani
Traveler favorites: Soleil 3-in-1 Convertible Backpack and Esprit Anti-Theft Sling Bag.
Highlights: Inspired by her own solo travels, Maria Ruzic co-founded Sherpani in Boulder, Colorado with her husband, creating stylish, functional anti-theft bags designed to empower women to travel with confidence.
Shop: Sherpani
Shoes
Dansko
Traveler favorites: Paisley Waterproof Sneakers, Josey Sneakers, Rowan Closed Toe Sandals and Reece Sandals.
Highlights: After discovering clogs on a trip to Denmark, Mandy Cabot and her husband began selling them from their car, laying the foundation for Dansko, a Pennsylvania-based comfort footwear brand. In 2012, she transitioned the company to 100% employee ownership, empowering the team who helped build the brand.
Shop: Dansko
VIVAIA
Traveler favorites: Margot Square-Toe Mary Janes. Aria Pointed-Toe Ballet Flats, Izabel Walker Pro Hybrid Ballet Flats and Ryan Pro Square-Toe Water-Repellent Ankle Boots.
Highlights: Founded in 2020 by Marina Chen, the brand turns recycled plastic bottles, natural rubber, and carbon-free materials into stylish and comfortable shoes women actually want to wear. Many of their designs are also American Podiatric Medical Association approved.
Shop: VIVAIA
Vessi
Traveler favorites: Weekend Sneakers and Market Flats.
Highlights: One of Vessi’s three co-founders, Mikaella Go helped grow the brand into a global success, selling over a million pairs in its first few years. Based in Vancouver, Vessi creates travel-ready waterproof shoes using Dyma-Tex technology and 100% vegan, eco-friendly materials.
Shop: Vessi
Beauty & Personal Care
Kitsch
Traveler favorites: Mini Shampoo and Conditioner Solid Sample Set, Toiletry Bottles 11pc Set, and Volumizing Thermal Round Dual-Voltage Brush.
Highlights: After launching Kitsch in 2010 as a self-funded project, Cassandra Thurswell grew it into a global beauty brand. From heatless styling tools to satin pillowcases and solid toiletry bars, Kitsch offers stylish, eco-conscious beauty essentials.
Shop: Kitsch
L’Ange
Traveler favorites: Le Duo Classic 360° Airflow Titanium Styler and Le Ceramique 1-Pass Flat Iron
Highlights: Inspired by her daughters’ contrasting hair types, Dalia Lange founded L’Ange in Southern California in 2017. The brand designs professional, salon-quality styling tools, many of which are dual-voltage for international travel, plus haircare products for every hair type, helping women look and feel their best wherever they go.
Shop: L’Ange | Ulta Beauty
Supergoop!
Traveler favorites: Unseen SPF 50 Sunscreen and Unseen Sunscreen Stick
Highlights: Founder Holly Thaggard started Supergoop! in 2005 to normalize daily SPF use after a close friend’s skin cancer diagnosis.
Shop: Supergoop!
What brands would you add to our list? Share with us in the comments!
For more travel clothes and packing tips, please read:
- Essential Travel Clothing Brands: The Female Globetrotter’s Guide
- Ultimate Guide to the Best Merino Wool Brands for Women
- Ultimate Guide to a Travel Capsule Wardrobe
- Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Luggage for Travel
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