Editors’ Round-Up: The Best Travel Clothes

Caroline Morse loves her Vasque Talus UltraDry Hiking Boots, "I’ve packed these boots to hike the highest peak in the northeastern U.S., protect my feet on an African safari, and trudge through mud in the Australian Outback. They’ve lasted me for more than five years without causing a single blister, and they barely have any signs of wear (beyond a few scuffs on the toe). They’re comfortable, keep me dry even if I’m walking through a river, and even look pretty stylish."

Every traveler needs a go-to travel bag, and Morse swears by Aide de Camp's Nadine tote; "I use it every time I fly as my ‘personal item.’ It has a strap on the back that allows me to attach it to the handle of my rolling suitcase, so I can carry it easily. The bag is super roomy and can hold everything I need on the plane. It’s stylish and works as an oversized purse or day bag when I need it to. It’s got padding for a laptop or camera, but most of the time I leave the padding out, unless I’m traveling with electronics."

The secret to a great travel outfit is layering; here are some of our editors' best travel clothes that layer well.

Shannon McMahon swears by Everlane's E2 collection. "I have three versions of Everlane’s E2 Stretch Tank (white, black, and turtle-neck) and almost always have them in my suitcase while I’m traveling. The soft, breathable cotton doesn’t wrinkle, and the hidden zipper at the back means they fit perfectly without being tight or stretching out. I pair them with virtually anything on work trips so I can go from casual day outfits to business-appropriate in a snap."

And Jamie Ditaranto found a new favorite travel sweater in prAna's Parker sweater. "I recently purchased this sweater for a spring hiking trip and it quickly became my new favorite sweater for layering. It’s extremely versatile and the relaxed fit makes it a great cover up whether you’re wearing a tank top or a long-sleeved thermal underneath."

When thinking about the best travel clothes for a trip, many people underestimate the power of comfy socks.  Not Maria Hart, though, who loves her Brora cashmere pair: "Many travel editors will think of sumptuous pashmina wraps or the perfect flats, but my mind immediately turns to socks. Yes, socks, that humble but mighty wardrobe staple. When you’re traveling, a plush pair can really add to your comfort level. On flights as the cabin temperature drops to meat-locker levels, a cozy pair of socks can save the day. Plus, they can double as slippers in your hotel room, should your room come without a schmancy monogrammed set."

This is a staple for most seasoned travelers, but not all wraps are created equal. Christine Sarkis loves her Lululemon Vinyasa Scarf. "This ultra-adaptable scarf can be worn multiple ways and can even stand in for a sweater, depending on how you snap it. I love that I can throw it in my day bag in the morning and then have a scarf, wrap, head covering, and sweater in one. Plus, it’s compact and resists wrinkles."

Patricia Magana includes a multi-purpose wrap in her list of best travel clothes: "I use an oversized sarong nearly every day while on the road. Because a sarong is so packable and interchangeable, I toss it in a daypack, and in a pinch has served me as a beach towel, picnic blanket, beach coverall, to keep warm; and as a head scarf for days when I don’t want to fuss with my hair.  During flights, I’m either using it to keep warm or have it wrapped around my head to create a barrier between my hair and the gross airplane backrest."

Another editors' favorite is a decent rain jacket for best travel clothes. McMahon recommends her Columbia’s Switchback II Jacket for rainy destinations. "It’s paper-thin and has a hidden hood, making it the perfect top layer to keep dry, no matter what’s underneath. I’ve layered it with a fleece when it’s colder, and wore it solo in Sri Lanka’s hot monsoon season every day I was there. It packs super small so you can stash it in the smallest bags, plus it has zippered pockets for security, and the material is water and stain-repellant."

And Ashley Rossi recently discovered the Slight Anorak from Nau; "I always have this anorak in my bag now. It folds up easily into one of the zippered front pockets, and I love the drawstring waist and soft material—you'll never have to worry about being caught in the rain again."

For active trips McMahon always travels with HEAD Power Shorts. "Every HEAD item I have is soft and durable, yet affordable. The lightweight, moisture-wicking Power Shorts dry super quickly and have built-in briefs—plus they never seem to wrinkle. I bring them on every active adventure and beach trip I go on since they take up almost no bag space."

"For travel pants, I swear by two pairs", says Ashley, "a comfy pair of leggings by Lululemon, the Align Pant II—also available in a cropped version—and J Brand's Maria High Rise Skinny Jeans. Both hold their shape, are super comfortable, and look stylish after you get off the plane."

Finding a comfortable and stylish pair of sneakers is no easy feat. "I'm still obsessed with my Allbirds wool sneakers after owning them for six months. They’re so comfortable, stylish, washable, and don't require socks," says Rossi. "I easily wear them four to five days out of the week. I think my next purchase will be the brand's new wool loungers, I'm just still deciding what color to pick … "