The Most Comfortable Clothing for Travel of 2024

We’re starting with the basics: travel socks. My personal favorites — I have a drawer stocked full of them — are the running ankle socks from CS Celersport. They’re thick and sturdy enough to wear with boots (even my cowboy or lace-up boots), but they’re also breathable enough to wear for a long walk or run. That versatility gives me one less thing to think about when prepping for a trip. I grab a few pairs, put them in a packing cube, and I’m on my way. 

While I’ve gone through my fair share of socks in my lifetime, these have held their own for well over a year. The reinforced sole and seamless toe ensure my feet remain comfortable for hours at a time, and the elastic band around the ankle provides just the right amount of pressure. It doesn’t leave lasting indentions, but the sock never slips down.

If you don’t know what to wear for a trip, a good rule of thumb is to lean into all things athleisure. Case in point: the lululemon Define Jacket Luon. Favored by Fashion Editor Sophie Mendel, the zip-up jacket is the ideal layering piece; it’s substantial enough to be worn with just a tank top underneath, but its slim fit ensures it can be donned under a heavier jacket or sweatshirt. The super-soft fabric is also sweat-wicking and breathable (crucial if you have to sprint through the airport to make a connection). 

“This jacket is essentially my plane uniform – I wear it every single time I fly. It’s comfy but keeps me looking put-together, plus I can wear it with leggings and sneakers for a super functional, comfortable, and cute transit ‘fit. It also has two zippered pockets which are extra convenient during travel,” Mendel said. 

Leggings are a travel wardrobe staple, and Associate Editor Hillary Maglin swears by this high-rise style from Calia. Available in a handful of colors — ranging from classic black to red, purple, and light green — the leggings have a ⅞ length and were designed to offer a supportive fit (without being too tight). The lightweight, quick-dry fabric also features odor-inhibiting technology, so you should be in the clear to wear these on repeat during your travels. 

“These Calia leggings are without a doubt the softest pair I own. I’ve worn them for everything from yoga classes and grocery runs to a recent 12-hour travel day, and I’ve remained comfy through it all. The leggings are thick without hindering mobility, and they’re compressive without digging into my stomach (something I can’t stand). It also doesn’t hurt that they have subtle pockets large enough for my phone! Though I have plenty of black leggings in my wardrobe, I find myself reaching for these again and again,” Maglin shared.

If you’re someone who wears a bra, you know the never-ending struggle of finding a style you can wear for countless hours while flying. You want support, but you don’t want to feel constricted. Associate Photo Editor Alessandra Amodio has tested a few different sports bras for traveling and finally landed on the Forme Power Bra. Created as a way to help with posture, the bra is made with six tension fabrics and eight double-fabric panels, which work together to help you have better posture throughout the day. 

“As a bra-needer and someone who really shouldn’t be traveling without one, I absolutely hate wearing something bulky while I fly. My go-to is usually some type of comfy sports bra, and the Frame Power Bra has officially changed the game for me. Not only is it incredibly comfortable and made of high-quality material, but it is actually FDA-registered to be posture-correcting and improve your body alignment. Now, not only do I fly comfortably, but my neck, shoulders, and back feel so much better. I throw on a cute open button down, pair it with their Ergo Shorts or Sculpt+ Leggings, and I not only look chic and put together but I also get to travel with the peace of mind that I both look and feel great. This is also what Taylor Swift wore in The Eras Tour rehearsals; if it’s good enough for Taylor, it’s good enough for me,” explains Amodio.

A quality tank top is one of those pieces you’ll wear on repeat when traveling. Take the Variegated Rib Crop Tank from Goldie Lewinter, for example. Parker sings its praises, citing that it’s machine washable, and with its classic scoop-neck, there’s hardly a destination you could visit where it wouldn’t be a solid addition to your suitcase. Pair it with jeans and sneakers, layer it with a blazer, or throw it on over a bathing suit if you’re headed to the beach. 

“This is my all-time favorite layering tank. The loose, cropped length hits just below my waist, so there’s no need to tuck it in, but there’s also no exposed skin, either. The Pima cotton is lightweight without being sheer — key for a white tank — and I especially love the thick straps that mean I can wear it with my favorite bralette or sports bra with no issues,” Parker notes. 

Socks are the underrated hero of a travel wardrobe, especially if you’re flying long distances. If you’re searching for an extra-cozy pair to wear on a red-eye flight, Parker swears by the Garnet Hill Cashmere Ankle Socks. Made of cashmere, nylon, and spandex the socks are perfectly stretchy and soft, and they’re available in several fun colorways, as well as your classic gray, black, and white. 

“These will ruin you for ordinary socks in the future, so consider yourself warned. Yes, I didn’t think my feet needed sweater-quality softness but I knew I was wrong within seconds of putting these on. They manage to be cozy and soft without overheating my toes, and I love wearing them on the plane as well as when getting cozy in a hotel room (and back at home, too),” says Parker. 

Outerwear is one of the harder things to pack in a suitcase; most jackets and coats tend to be heavy and bulky. Thankfully, Associate Editor Anna Popp solved that dilemma by finding the Apu Lightweight Puffer from Paka. You’ll want to bring this packable piece along for trips that include lots of activities — think hiking or skiing — or any destination where the temperatures will fluctuate significantly. It gets points for its water-resistant outer shell and warm insulation. Not to mention, it’s moisture-wicking and the hood is compatible with most helmets. 

“This puffer jacket has the warmth of a parka but not the bulkiness, which makes it the perfect outerwear to bring while traveling. It can easily fit in a suitcase, or it’s perfectly cozy and warm to wear on an airplane if you need to save extra space. I love that it looks nice while going out in the city on a snowy day, but that it’s also designed to be worn for sportier occasions like skiing, hiking, climbing, or running,” Popp shares. 

If you want all the warmth of a sweatshirt but are in the market to upgrade your travel look, think about investing in a relaxed-fit sweater. Popp loves the Naked Cashmere Ethel Brushed Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater, which could pair with most bottoms in a winter wardrobe — leggings, joggers, jeans, and even trousers. Wear it while you’re traveling to save valuable suitcase real estate, but be sure to have a tank top or T-shirt underneath in case you need to shed a layer. 

“This brushed cashmere turtleneck is so cozy, it’s like wrapping myself up in a luxe travel blanket. I got the small/medium size and it’s slightly oversized so I can wear a T-shirt underneath for when I get a little too warm en route to my destination. The style is easy to dress up or down with jeans or a skirt, making it a versatile piece in my travel wardrobe,” Popp says. 

The first step of creating a capsule travel wardrobe is to fill your closet with versatile basics, like the Jack Performance Pants from Southern Tide, that can be worn in a variety of ways and for a wide selection of events. This particular style is casual enough for the golf course — it’s also made with a moisture-wicking, UV-protected polyester fabric — but it’s dressier than your average sports pants. 

“For a pair of pants that can be dressed up or down, you can’t go wrong with these men’s bottoms from Southern Tide. The pants also haven’t wrinkled at all, which is impressive since they’ve been stuffed in drawers and suitcases for days on end. The best part is also the vast size range with varying waist and leg sizes, so it’s easy to get the perfect fit on the first try. There’s also a hidden zippered pocket on the side to store valuables like keys or a wallet,” Popp shares. 

A comfortable pair of sneakers is a critical addition to any traveler’s travel uniform, whether you’re a runner or not. After all, they’re the perfect shoe for long walks through airport terminals or for getting in 10,000-plus steps while exploring a new city. Senior Editorial Director Nina Ruggiero puts her stamp of approval on the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4, a cushioned shoe that comes in several bright and fun colorways. 

“I’ve been training for the London Marathon, and since I started wearing these sneakers, I haven’t had a single ounce of pain in my feet, even on long runs. They are extremely cushioned yet so lightweight. Even after the race is done, I imagine I might be wearing them on the long flight home to L.A.,” says Ruggiero.

If you had to rank clothing based on versatility, a vest would be somewhere at the very top. The Ruggiero-recommend Echo Insulated Vest from Vuori is proof. Water-resistant, insulated, and designed with pockets, the zip-up vest is a great option for travelers who want to prepare for a variety of temperatures and weather conditions. It’s also made with recycled content, so it gets a thumbs up for sustainability measures. 

“This lightweight but warm insulated vest has quickly become one of my husband’s favorite items of clothing. He wears it on dog walks, weekends, and travel days — it even has pockets,” says Ruggiero. 

Your travel wardrobe should be slightly tweaked if you’re headed somewhere tropical — like a resort. Instead of classic loafers, opt for something like the Swellsole Cutback Sneaker from Reef. A go-to pick for Ruggiero’s husband, the slip-on shoe marries all the comfort of a tennis shoe with the more dinner-appropriate silhouette of a dressier style. The sneaker is also super lightweight, so you don’t have to worry about it weighing down your suitcase. 

“I always thought of Reef for flip-flops, but since my husband found their hybrid boat shoe/sneakers, he’s bought them in at least three colors. They’re supportive thanks to memory foam, and can be dressed up or down,” Ruggiero notes. 

Not all leggings are created equal — and the Free People Movement Style Never Better 7/8 Length Leggings are some of the best out there, at least according to Ruggiero. The high-rise workout- and travel-friendly leggings are super soft, sleek, and slightly cropped into a ⅞ length. Stretchy but supportive where it matters (the waistband won’t slide down), they’re also squat-proof and sweat-wicking. What more could you ask for in a pair of leggings?

“These are my new favorite leggings — they’re just as good for a workout as they are for a travel day. They’re comfortable, breathable, and stretchy, but still offer full coverage. The chocolate brown color makes them easy to pair with a sweater for fall,” shares Ruggiero. 

Editor Taylor Fox is an admirer of the DU/ER LuxTwill High Rise Trousers, a superb alternative to jeans or stretchless trousers. The high-rise waist and wide-leg silhouette are timeless, and the cotton material is breathable, soft, and offers just the right amount of give. The brand also notes that the LuxTwill fabric will soften with wear throughout the day. 

“I wore these pants on a 12-hour train from New York to Montreal, and I felt comfortable the entire time. They’re on the baggier side, so they don’t pinch or pull, but are still made of high-quality materials that hold their shape and help you feel polished and ready to go after a long plane, train, or bus ride,” Fox says. 

A matching set is, hands down, the simplest and most effective way to nail a comfortable travel look. Fox wears the Cuddle Fleece Set from ThirdLove, available in black and taupe. Yes, the comfort the set provides is key, but it’s not even the best part. That title is reserved for the fact that both the elastic pants and the sweatshirt are reversible. On one side, you have the brushed, plush material; the other is a sweatshirt knit. 

“I love a set for travel since it’s so easy to style and this fleece-lined set is one of the most comfortable things I own. The inside is fuzzy and soft, so you feel like you’re wearing a blanket all over, but the outer material is nice enough that you don’t necessarily feel like you’re dressing down. You can comfortably wear these on long flights and travel days when you know you’ll want to sneak in some naps,” Fox shares. 

The Luxeire High Rise Flare Trouser, chosen by Updates Writer Anne Taylor, definitively falls into the category of pieces you can wear on repeat. Whether you’re traveling for work or you simply want to feel a bit more put-together on your journey, you’ll be more than satisfied with the stretch, comfortable elastic waistband, and functional front pockets. The fabric is also pill-resistant and quick-drying, and you can hand wash or wash them on delicate as needed. 

“When I want to look a little more dressed up for a flight but still want to prioritize comfort, I reach for these pants. They’re a splurge for sure, but I’ve never worn a more comfy pair of work-appropriate trousers in my life. They feel like a high-end pair of flared yoga pants, but have front pin-tuck detailing that makes them feel way more upscale. I also love the huge front pockets that fit my phone and passport comfortably,” notes Taylor. 

Leggings make a repeat appearance on this list, which should come as no surprise; they’re unparalleled when it comes to practicality and comfort. Taylor prefers the Oner Active Effortless Seamless Leggings, a seamless style with contouring around the waist and glutes. Available in two lengths and a long list of colorways, the high-waisted pants are stretchy, quick-drying, and lightweight (three essential characteristics for any travel clothes). 

“I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect travel leggings for years, and I think I finally found them with Oner Active. They’re seamless, which I prefer because it means no uncomfortable digging anywhere, and the material is incredibly soft and silky. They are also stretchy for comfort, but offer some compression that keeps me feeling energized even during the longest flights (sort of like a giant pair of compression socks),” says Taylor. 

In the world of travel, a basic T-shirt will never steer you wrong. Wear it on its own, use it as a base under a cardigan or a light jacket, and dress it up or down as necessary. Taylor approves of the Ultralight Short Sleeve Tee from Le Bend, a breathable style (available in black or gray) made with a blend of bamboo rayon and merino wool. Another bonus: it offers UPF 20+ sun protection.

“This is a pretty standard black T-shirt, but the beauty lies in the materials. The bamboo rayon gives it this silky cooling feeling that’s great for preventing me from overheating, and the merino wool has natural odor-preventing properties that make sure I smell nice, even at the tail-end of a 10-plus-hour flight. I love wearing this on long travel days to feel comfy and fresh all day,” shares Taylor. 

If Articles Editor Denny Lee had to recommend one travel shoe, it would be the Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX. Part hiking shoe, part sneaker, the Anacapa 2 Low GTX is the type of footwear you can count on in all types of scenarios — from the airport to the trailhead and beyond. The cushioned style is made with waterproof nubuck leather and breathable ventilation, and it has enough traction to ensure you don’t slip if you’re booking it to your next stop. 

“I’ve had my pair for a year, and it’s gotten me through summer hikes, fall leaf-peeping, winter après-ski strolling, and spring gardening — not to mention too many airport terminals to count. I stick them in the washer and they’re as good as new,” says Lee.