Whether you’re traveling by plane, train, car, or cruise ship, comfort is key when you’re on vacation. You want to pack travel outfits that will do double (or even triple) duty, and you need clothing that’s comfortable and cozy during long flights and airport layovers but still stylish enough to keep you looking good at your destination.
The last thing you need on vacation is itchy fabric, a shedding sweater, a pair of shoes that pinches, or pants that cut off your circulation at the waist. Here’s the good news: Comfortable travel clothes and shoes don’t have to sacrifice style—and there are plenty of great options for the whole family. Whether you’re embarking on a weekend road trip or a longer family travel adventure, these comfortable travel clothing brands we love will keep you feeling great and looking fab no matter where you go.
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1. Allbirds
Most comfortable travel footwear for men and women
Allbirds is a cult-favorite wool sneaker brand and the unofficial shoe of travelers everywhere, thanks to the shoes’ extreme comfort, simple design, and bonus points for sustainability. Since launching a unisex shoe in 2014, the brand has expanded into celebrity-favorite pairs of men’s shoes and women’s shoes, apparel for women and men, and unisex socks.
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The sneakers are sturdy enough for a sprint through the airport and stretchy enough to keep feet comfy on long flights. And of course, a pair of Allbirds is chic enough to help you blend easily into most destinations around the world.
Our picks: Tree Runners in men’s and women’s sizes.
2. Patagonia
Most comfortable travel clothes brand for outdoor lovers
Patagonia is well-known for its ambitious climate goals and eco-friendly practices, and with that kind of love and support for the planet it’s not surprising that the company makes much-loved travel clothing for enjoying outdoor activities of all kinds.
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The whole family can find reliable outerwear, clothing, and accessories for everything from skiing and hiking to surfing and mountain biking, gear made both for enjoying nature and helping to protect it. Patagonia’s line of Capilene Cool Tech Tees helps keep travelers dry and odor-free on the go, and the company even offers used and repaired gear at a discount to help keep clothing out of landfills.
Our picks: Baggies Shorts for men, women, and kids and the company’s original Snap-T Fleece for the whole family.
3. prAna
Most comfortable travel clothes brand for staying active on the go
With a range of stylish yoga and travel gear, prAna offers clothing made with both the environment and travelers in mind. The brand’s known for clothes that can go “from trail to tavern,” helping you look put-together on your flight and allow you to hit the ground running (or hiking, or sightseeing) when you arrive at your destination.
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That means dresses, shirts, shorts, and swimwear made with comfortable fabrics like organic cotton and recycled polyester. And the brand’s pants are many travelers’ go-to for comfort.
Our picks: Women’s Halle Straight Pant and men’s Stretch Zion Pant.
4. L.L.Bean
Most comfortable travel clothes brand with all-American style
Maine-based L.L.Bean has been a go-to brand for apparel and outerwear with classic preppy style since 1912. With swimwear, rain jackets, sweaters, and base layers, the company offers everything travelers need for outdoor adventures as well as less-active pursuits.
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Bestsellers include Pima cotton tees, water-resistant jackets, zip-up fleeces, and kids’ swimwear. The company offers a broad range of sizes and styles to back up its motto of “The outdoors is for every body,” making its clothes inclusive for travelers of all kinds.
Our picks: Men’s Carefree Unshrinkable Tee, women’s Sweater Fleece Full-Zip Jacket, and kids’ Airlight Full-Zip Hoodie.
5. Toad&Co
Most comfortable travel clothes brand for eco-conscious travelers
With a wide range of options that hold up on long-haul flights just as well as at business-casual dinners, Toad&Co’s collections are chock-full of comfortable travel clothes for both men and women. And you won’t just look good, either: You’ll also be doing good when you choose the company’s clothing.
Everything’s made with sustainable fibers and/or fabrics, purchases can be shipped in a reusable mailer, and Toad&Co donates one percent of its sales back to environmental nonprofits. So while you’re seeing the world in the company’s travel dresses or ready-for-anything shorts, you’re also playing a small part in helping to save and sustain it.
Our picks: Women’s Freesia Wrap Dress and men’s Mission Ridge Lean Pant (also available on Amazon).
6. Kühl
Most comfortable travel clothes brand for pants and shorts
Whether you’re hiking, sightseeing, or spending time on or by the water, Kühl sells shorts and pants for men and women in a broad range of styles and colors fit for any activity you might participate in during your travels.
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That includes quick-drying, water-resistant pants, lightweight pants with UPF sun protection, and shorts that can go from mountainside to city streets. When you want to pack light, items like convertible cargo pants and hybrid water shorts are great multifunctional choices.
Our picks: Women’s Freeflex Roll-Up Pants and men’s Renegade Shorts.
7. Bluffworks
Most comfortable travel clothes brand for mixing work and play
If your travels are one part business, one part pleasure, consider Bluffworks‘ hard-working, good-looking clothing for men and women that can go from strategy session to walking tour with ease. Because the brand ensures its clothing is wrinkle-resistant, moisture-wicking, and machine washable, it’s a perfect choice for taking on the go.
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The benefits don’t stop there. Bluffworks’ pants feature plenty of pockets for storing phones, credit cards, and cash. Its women’s dresses have pockets too (hooray!), because the guys shouldn’t be the only ones to enjoy the convenience. And for long travel days, its T-shirts are made of breathable, odor-resistant fabric.
Our picks: Men’s Ascender Chino and women’s Threshold V-neck T-shirt.
8. Smartwool
Most comfortable travel clothes brand for people who like adventures but not risks
While Smartwool is known first for its high-quality and high-performance soft Merino wool socks, if you stop at your feet, you’re missing out. The brand also makes a range of comfortable travel clothes for everyone in the family.
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From base layers to outer layers, the naturally temperature-regulating fabric is ideal for both summer and winter activities. Many of the items in Smartwool’s Merino wool lineup are even soft and comfy enough to do double duty as your plane outfit. And everything the company makes is backed by its “Go Far. Feel Good” guarantee. If you’re not happy with your purchase within two years, the company will find a suitable replacement for you.
Our picks: Women’s variety of base layers and kids’ Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Zip T.
9. Uniqlo
Most comfortable travel clothes brand for budget-friendly stylish clothing
From basic tees and joggers to stretchy chinos and easy-breezy dresses, you’ll find a range of clothing for men, women, and children from this popular brand that’s easy on your wallet but still looks on trend when you’re Instragramming your travels. Buying from Uniqlo is a great way to stock up on affordable graphic tees for kids emblazoned with their favorite characters before a trip to the Disney or Universal theme parks.
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The brand offers lots of clothing for men and women made with wrinkle-resistant fabrics for worry-free packing. You can also find plenty of reasonably priced accessories ideal for traveling, like hats that offer UV protection, bags for carrying your gear on the go, and socks for the whole family.
Our picks: Men’s AirSense Pants, women’s Ultra Stretch Dress, and kids’ Warm Padded Washable Parka.
10. Pact
Most comfortable travel clothes brand for fans of organic cotton
Pact is on a mission to build “Earth’s Favorite Clothing Company,” and it’s doing so by using organic cotton and partnering with Fair Trade Certified factories to produce its products. And when you place an order, it’s shipped to you in a carbon-neutral, Forest Stewardship Council–certified, recyclable paper bag.
The company offers a range of travel-friendly clothing, from women’s dresses with hidden pockets to easy-wearing men’s canvas shorts and pants. It’s 100% organic cotton T-shirts for men and women are dependable basics ideal for layering.
Our picks: Women’s Fit & Flare Crossover Dress and men’s Luxe Stretch Jersey Slim Polo.
More from FamilyVacationist:
- 8 multipurpose clothing essentials to always pack
- 12 best luggage brands for all types of travelers
- Flying with kids: Tips for a successful experience
Beth Luberecki also contributed to this report.
