Travel
Editors + Reviewers Agree: These Travel Wardrobe Essentials Are Top-Tier
Whether you love to travel in activewear or something more elevated you can wear straight off your flight, we’ve got all the travel wardrobe essentials you’ll need.
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Pros
- Barrel silhouette is fitted, but still loose enough for comfort
- Reviewers love how soft and lightweight these feel
Cons
- The non-black colors look more like sweatpants
“A tarot reader predicted I’ll meet my soulmate in an airport, so I had to majorly up my travel ‘fit game, starting with these pants,” says Cosmopolitan Beauty Editor Beth Gillette. Think of these as elevated sweatpants with the same elastic waistband and cotton fabric you love but in a barrel shape, which gives them a more sophisticated look. “The design looks way more elevated than leggings or sweats on the days I’m vying for love in the skies,” Beth adds. Can’t argue with that logic!
- Size range: XXS-XXL
- Colors: Black, bone, heather grey, navy, chanterelle
- Materials: Organic cotton
- Machine washable? Yes
Glowing Customer Review: “Honestly, the perfect combination of comfort and effortlessly chic. These pants are so cute and it feels exactly like loungewear, but I get so many compliments when I go out because the shape of the pants is so flattering. I bought multiple since I’ll be living in these all year.”
Pros
- Not too loose, not too fitted
- Come in packs of two
Cons
- Might be too long for those who prefer the crop look
My most tried-and-true item of travel clothing is a basic tank. On long trips, I tend to swing wildly from burning up to freezing cold, so light layers I can adjust mid-travel are key. These square-neck tanks from Amazon feel a bit more elevated, so I can wear them without feeling like I’ve accidentally left the house in my sleep clothes. Plus, this tank comes in packs of two, so you get more bang for your buck and can mix and match colors.
- Size range: XS-XXL
- Colors: 14
- Materials: Cotton, modal, elastane
- Machine washable? Yes
Glowing Customer Review: “Highly recommend! I bought the light beige/dark taupe pair and they are true to color. The fabric is soft and lightweight, plenty of length to tuck in or out. I love the square neck and that the straps sit out a little wider on the shoulders.”
Pros
- Loose-fitting style is easy to layer and lays so nicely
- Reviewers say this is the *softest* cardi they own
Cons
- A bit of a splurge
A travel cardigan is always a must. Air conditioning on planes and in cars can make the temp go from nice to refrigerator REAL quick, so it’s always a good idea to have a cozy layer on hand. I love this one because it’s super soft and warm, but the bamboo modal fabric isn’t as thick as wool. It does have some weight to it, but I like that in a travel cardigan because it can double as a weighted blanket.
- Size range: XS-XL
- Colors: Black, eclipse, juniper, light grey, ivory
- Materials: Bamboo, modal, nylon
- Machine washable? No
Glowing Customer Review: “It’s the perfect blend of cozy comfort and effortless style. The soft fabric drapes beautifully and the weight is just right—not too heavy, but still cozy enough for those chilly evenings or lazy mornings spent lounging at home.”
Pros
- Won’t wrinkle in transit
- Can easily be worn straight off the plane and dressed up or down
Cons
- You’ll need some layers (obviously!)
Have a long road ahead? Try a knit dress like this one from The Drop. Its thick but not hot fabric won’t wrinkle—no matter how much you wriggle around in your seat—and you’ll look just as good at your destination as you did at your departure. Plus, the layering-friendly silhouette is super easy to pack for the way home and comes in tons of colors and patterns to suit your style.
- Size range: XXS-5X
- Colors: 11
- Materials: Viscose, nylon
- Machine washable? Yes
Glowing Customer Review: “This dress can be dressed down for the beach or up for a cocktail party. It’s versatile and easily packs by rolling in your suitcase. Very flattering. I usually don’t buy anything knit, but the thickness of this fabric and the lack of cling are a great surprise.”
Pros
- Longer sleeves look elevated and provide more coverage
- Soft and stretchy material is *so* comfortable and won’t cling
Cons
- Expensive for a t-shirt
If you’re looking at this and thinking, “I’d never pay $55 for a basic tee,” I am here to say that I was once you. That is, until I tried Universal Standard’s V-Rex T-shirts. This T-shirt is super stretchy and comfortable but somehow manages to look cleaner and more put-together than every single tee I’ve ever owned. It probably has something to do with the sleeves being longer than 1 inch, but I swear it’s sorcery. It also won’t cling to you and won’t show sweat, which is great if, like me, you tend to get sweaty on long plane rides.
- Size range: 00-40
- Colors: 19
- Materials: Cotton, modal, elastane
- Machine washable? Yes
Pros
- Denim works for multiple climates and ‘fits
- Slightly oversited cut is layering-friendly
Cons
- Those who are easily cold might want something warmer
Traveling through various weather forecasts? Grab a denim jacket that works in multiple climates, like this classic Levi’s trucker jacket. Cosmopolitan Senior Entertainment Editor Emma Baty brings this jean jacket on “every flight, every train, etc,” because “it works for both warm and cold situations.” It’s easy to layer and style, so it’ll go seamlessly with other outfits you’ve packed.
- Size range: XS-XL
- Colors: 1
- Materials: Cotton
- Machine washable? Yes
Pros
- Affordable silk that looks so! luxe!
- Doesn’t wrinkle easily
Cons
- Some reviewers say it runs a bit small
I have fallen in love with this stretch silk shirt from Quince. Not only is it made with real silk and gorgeous, it’s also super comfortable and easy to wear. I like that I can throw it on top of any outfit and it instantly gives the impression that I put thought into my look (even if I really didn’t). And, most importantly, it doesn’t wrinkle easily, so I don’t have to worry about looking frumpy at the end of my journey.
- Sizes: XS-XL (available here), 1X-3X (available here)
- Colors: 13 in XS-XL, 5 in 1X-3X
- Materials: Mulberry silk, spandex
- Machine washable? Yes
Glowing Customer Review: “This is EXACTLY the blouse I’ve needed and wanted for years. The shape is great, the fabric is lovely.”
Pros
- Jogger style facilitates taking off your shoes at TSA
- Cargo pockets come in handy during travel
Cons
- Fleece lining might be too hot for summer travel
Jump on the cargo pants trend with these jogger sweats. Associate Editor Chaise Sanders calls these “the comfiest sweats I own,” adding that they’re a must for travel. The elastic waistband and loose leg are perfect for long or red-eye flights, but the added cargo pockets—which happen to be perfectly passport or phone-sized—really sell it for me.
- Size range: XS-XXL
- Colors: Charcoal, hunter green
- Materials: Fleece lining
- Machine washable? Yes
Glowing Customer Review: “Completely obsessed with these cargo sweats. They fit perfectly and are beyond comfortable. The material is high quality, and I love that they can look fashionable while being comfortable!”
Pros
- Front zipper makes it easier to take on and off
- Wrinkle-resistant fabric
Cons
- Jumpsuits aren’t the most ideal for airplane bathrooms
If you’re a pro traveler who likes to hit the ground running when you arrive somewhere, you know it’s important that your ‘fit looks just as good out and about as it does in a car or plane. Not only does this jumpsuit check that box, but it’s also a perfect one-and-done travel outfit. Using public bathrooms in a jumpsuit isn’t always the *easiest* logistically, but the front zipper on this one makes it easier to get on and off than other jumpsuits.
- Size range: 0-16
- Colors: Navy, black, olive
- Materials: Recycled polyester, spandex
- Machine washable? Yes
Glowing Customer Review: “As someone who goes far to find clothing that resembles the silky comfort of pajamas for work, this is a stellar style. I’m not usually one to go for a piece of clothing that requires me to be 3/4 naked to use the bathroom, but the material and hidden zipper on the top makes it easy to remove. Now, I can feel like a supermodel at home, on my couch, at work, or when on the go. 10/10 would purchase again.”
Pros
- They have pockets!
Cons
- Some reviewers say the fabric pills easily
If you’re Team Leggings for flights, this lululemon pair is superior for travel. I love that they have tons of stretch at the waist, but also don’t get loose enough to start sagging mid-flight. The best part? Pockets. Easy access to necessities (passports, cash, phone) is paramount when traveling, so pockets on leggings are a must.
- Size range: 0-20
- Colors: 11
- Materials: Nylon, Lycra elastane
- Machine washable? Yes
Glowing Customer Review: “Soft and comfortable and stay put during activity! I wore these for a run with my phone in the pocket and didn’t have to adjust or pull them up or anything. I’m so happy with these!”
Pros
- Zipper makes for easy on-and-off during travel
- Oversized, billowy sleeves are comfy and great for layering
Cons
- Many reviewers noted that the hood is a bit heavy
Taylor Swift helped put Popflex on the map by wearing the brand’s Pirouette Skort, but one of the brand’s most buzzed-about styles is actually the Zip Cloud Hoodie. The oversized zip hoodie pairs billowy sleeves and a drapey hood with a cute cropped length and cozy fleece lining. In other words: it’s perfection.
- Size range: XXS-3X
- Colors: 17
- Materials: Cotton, polyester
- Machine washable? Yes
Glowing Customer Review: “Oh my god, I love it so much I can’t take it off. I’ve never felt so cool as when I put on this hoodie. The hoodie is so well made too, such good quality, even down to the zip and toggles. I love how it looks like an oversized boyfriend hoodie, but then it’s so cute and cropped in at the waist.”
Pros
- Slight compressive effect makes you feel supported
Cons
- Crop style can ride up
If you don’t want to wear an underwire bra, a workout top, like this tank bra from Girlfriend Collective, will be your BFF. Traveling is stressful enough without having to pick out a bra and a shirt to wear, so why not make them one and the same? This tank bra will give you full coverage while also allowing you room to breath comfortably. And the sweat-wicking fabric means you don’t have to worry about overheating.
- Size range: XXS-6XL
- Colors: 14
- Materials: 79% RPET (recycled water bottles), 21% spandex
- Machine washable? Yes
Pros
- Thin material is light and won’t add bulk
- Available in a ton of colors
Cons
- Might not be warm enough for some
I rarely travel without a scarf, especially on planes, which can get very cool and dry. This wrap shawl is a great option that’s comfy, easy to pack, and can double as a little blanket.
- Size rage: One size
- Colors: 9
- Materials: Tencel, spandex
- Machine washable? Yes
Glowing Customer Review: “This wrap is PERFECT! It was exactly what I was looking for! I love the fabric (stretchy, lightweight, and cooling—but not too much of any of these features). The size is also great! Not too big or too small. I love the many uses and that it is not sheer! This is so soft and perfect for travel.”
Pros
- Fabric won’t wrinkle easily
- Customizable with inserts sold separately
Cons
- The sleeves are a little long, per some reviewers
A simple black blazer elevates any outfit, so it’s perfect for travel days when you have to go straight to work or just want to look a bit more polished. The only downside is that some blazers can wrinkle easily—but not this one! The scuba fabric is stretchy, so you don’t have to sacrifice comfort for style, and it’s wrinkle-resistant. Plus, you can customize your look with inserts sold separately.
- Size range: XS-XL
- Colors: Black, navy
- Materials: Recycled nylon, spandex, polyester
- Machine washable? No
Glowing Customer Review: “This jacket fills my bucket list of a great travel/city jacket. Great fit, great color, doesn’t wrinkle when tucked/rolled in a bag, easily fits over sweaters, but looks great even with just a tank. Plus it has the perfect amount of stretch so you can move around comfortably. It’s the best hybrid of both classy and functional.”
Pros
- Many reviewers say they can wear this bodysuit without a bra
Cons
- Limited size range
Love a good bodysuit but afraid they’re a little…ahem…inconvenient for travel? Enter this Vuori pick. “I don’t typically travel in bodysuits, but this one is so soft that it’s one of my few exceptions,” Senior Editor Lauren Alexis Fisher says. “It’s supportive enough for me to wear without a bra, and the snap gusset means I don’t have to take the entire thing off in airport bathrooms.”
- Size range: XXS-XXL
- Colors: Fossil heather, black, salt heather, mallorca heather
- Materials: Recycled polyester, elastane
- Machine washable? Yes
Glowing Customer Review: “This bodysuit is so incredibly soft. I don’t want to take it off. I’m a 36D, I bought an extra large and I feel like I could go without a bra.”
16
best lightweight, packable jacket for travel
Outdoor Ventures Packable Rain Jacket Women Lightweight Waterproof Raincoat
Pros
- Comes in a packable pouch
- Waterproof (obviously)
Cons
- No extra lining for warmth or comfort
Regardless of whether or not rain is in the forecast where you’re going, this lightweight raincoat from Outdoor Ventures is so versatile for travel. Not only is it layering-friendly, but it’s also packable and comes with a small pouch that makes it easy to stash in your carry-on.
- Size range: XS-3X
- Colors: 16
- Materials: Polyester
- Machine washable? No
Glowing Customer Review: “Love this!! Sturdy, waterproof, comfortable, easy to pack, good zippers… Wore this all over a rainy trip to Amsterdam and was so happy with it. Loved the fit, loved the color.”
Pros
- It has pockets!
- Breathable cotton and comfy elastic waistband
Cons
- Full skirt can be too much fabric for some
Anthropologie’s Somerset maxi skirt is perfect for travel because it has a thick, stretchy waistband that isn’t uncomfortably tight. The breathable cotton fabric has a bit of weight to it, so it doesn’t wrinkle too easily, and even if it did, the wrinkles blend nicely into the cut of the skirt. Plus, the cut is so breezy that it makes for a comfortable travel piece. You’ll look just as good stepping off the plane as you did boarding.
- Size range: XXS-3X (also available in Petite)
- Colors: 5
- Materials: Cotton
- Machine washable? Yes
Glowing Customer Review: “Love this skirt so much. I would love if it were a tiny bit shorter for more of a midi look, but I won’t let go of it. It’s a really great staple for spring, summer, and fall that you can dress up with a nice top or cardigan and dress down with a tee.”
Pros
- Straps are adjustable for a customized fit
- Lightweight material is so breathable
Cons
- Thin material pills easily
If you suffer from motion sickness like me, it’s important to have travel clothes that are super breathable, loose in the midsection, flexible, and machine washable. This jumpsuit, with its loose torso and overall bagginess, checks all the boxes. And it has pockets!
- Size range: S-XXL
- Colors: 25
- Materials: Polyester, rayon, spandex
- Machine washable? Yes
Glowing Customer Review: “I was worried this would be too tight on my thighs and butt, but it’s perfect. Super lightweight and very soft. Adjustable straps and pockets. I’ve used it for sleep, travel, amusement parks, babysitting, and just about everything else. Definitely recommend.”
Pros
- Incredibly stretchy, but won’t get stretched out
- Will work seamlessly with your vacation wardrobe
Cons
- You’ll get less stretch benefits if you’re on the higher end of the size ranges
Ever since I turned 13, I’ve been strictly anti-jeans on planes or road trips. But the Good American Always Fits collection might just change my mind. These jeans are suuuuuper stretchy, in part because they’re meant to fit a range of sizes and mold to fit your body even as it changes, so they have enough give to keep you feeling comfortable, even while traveling.
- Sizes: 00-4, 6-12, 14-18, 20-26, 28-32
- Colors: Indigo316
- Materials: Cotton, elastane, elasterel-P
- Machine washable? Yes
Glowing Customer Review: “I was a size 6 before I got pregnant, now I’m probably closer to a 12. While these jeans are snug, they look great and are super comfortable. It’s awesome that they’ll still work with my fluctuating weight and body. I don’t know how they manage to make jeans that stretch so much but look good quality. My sister and mom of different weights and heights also tried them on and we felt like the real life Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.”
Pros
- Thick straps don’t dig into your shoulders
Cons
- The straps aren’t adjustable
If I’m wearing a bra while traveling, you can bet I’m wearing a wireless bra or bralette. I like this one from Bali because it’s very thin, so it doesn’t add a lot of extra bulk or weight, and it’s supportive at the same time. It also has a lot of stretch, so it never digs into my ribs, and looks smooth under clothing. It’s so comfy, it can even double as a pajama top in a pinch.
- Sizes: S-3XL
- Colors: 8
- Materials: Nylon, spandex
- Machine washable? No
Glowing Customer Review: “The Bali Wireless Bra is the most comfortable bra I have ever tried. I have been looking for over a year for a bra that provides support and coverage,” one tester writes. “The soft, breathable fabric fits according to the contour of my upper body, plus the stable band and straps hold up and allow snugness, support, and flexibility without tightness in sensitive areas. This is a stretchy, non-binding bra that will leave you wondering if you have a bra on.”
Olivia Truffaut-Wong is an editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers beauty, entertainment, and lifestyle. She loves finding and testing the best skincare products to recommend, like the best tinted sunscreens, and is always researching the best cat accessories for her fur baby. She has over 10 years of experience as an entertainment and culture writer and editor, and her work has been featured in The Cut, Refinery29, Teen Vogue, Polygon, Bustle, and more.
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