Wherever I go, I need travelling clothes that will be comfortable and practical, as well as look good. Ideally, they should pack down small and not crease and, for long trips where I may need to do some washing, dry quickly. Waterproofs should be just that. I’ve been sent jackets to review that didn’t keep me dry even in a light shower. They didn’t make it into my blog! Here’s my round-up of the best travel clothes for women.
I’ve been travelling for over 30 years and I’ve learnt the hard way what I can and can’t rely on!
Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. You can find out more about affiliate links in my disclaimer.
The best travel clothes for women
Rohan outdoor clothing
I’m a big fan of Rohan‘s range of clothing, designed to pack small, weigh less, dry quickly and resist creasing. They’re extremely hard-wearing too and make perfect travelling clothes. They aren’t cheap but this is a great example of getting what you pay for. In my experience, Rohan’s clothes live up to all their claims, making their range a great choice when looking for the best travel clothes for women or, indeed, men. I’ve worn their clothing snowshoeing in Canada, snorkelling in the Indian Ocean, climbing a mountain in Austria and hiking in the English countryside.
Unlike some other brands, their waterproof jackets have never let me down. None of their clothes have.
And as well as waterproofs, I regularly travel with a Rohan gilet, a fleece and a few tops. I don’t own their latest designs because the ones shown here that I got a good few year’s ago are still going strong today.
Great Women’s Travel Clothes Must-haves
Travel clothes for hot countries
I struggle with the heat, and the right clothes are just as important in hot countries as they are in cold climates. Avoid synthetic materials and instead opt for natural linens and cottons in loose-fitting designs that offer fairly good coverage to protect you from the sun. Yes, they’ll crease, but if you can hang them up, hopefully the worst of the creases will drop out.
- Linen and cotton fabrics
- Loose-fitting styles without too much exposed skin
- Wide-brimmed hat
- Parasol
- Comfy sandals or shoes that allow for your feet to swell
Speaking of feet swelling, Skechers make some very comfortable sandals with adjustable straps.
Tip: Bring a lightweight scarf or sarong—it adds colour and can double as a shawl, beach towel, beach dress, for that matter, or picnic blanket!
Affordable Bali Shrug
These shrugs are great to carry with you and come in handy as the evenings get colder. I’ve one of these in every colour of the rainbow and a few more besides. I love wearing them over summer dresses to cover up my arms. Name me a woman over fifty who likes her arms! You can screw these shrugs up and squeeze them into any little nook and cranny in your suitcase and they’ll never crease. They’re a great addition to your travelling clothes wardrobe and they cost around £10 or £15 each.
They tick all the boxes – pack small, lightweight, don’t crease and quickly dry.
The best travel shoes
Skechers
I always had trouble with my feet and often find that they start to ache very badly on the balls of the foot even after just a short walk.
It took me a long while to find the right shoes but finally, a friend recommended Skechers. And they’ve been me go-to brand ever since. My first pair I literally lived for years but eventually, they wore out so I bought two more. And I’ve recently bought yet another pair. They have a great range to choose from including shoes with extra arch support, wide fitting and many other options.
These GoRun Ride 7s, for example, are perfect for long walks in the countryside. I’ve even climbed a mountain in them!
Join my 'Behind the Scenes' newsletter
Delivered monthly to your inbox with all my behind the scenes news, latest posts and giveaways exclusive to my subscribers.
I agree with above comments. Both my husband and I have been Rohan advocates for 20+ years and get clothes posted to Australua.
However now we find the clothes substandard. We love the troggins but with the new material i won’t even wear mine. Shirts have started to pucker after a few wears
You aren’t the only person who has commented that Rohan has gone downhill; however, I still love them as a brand. To be fair, I’ve only bought a couple of pieces recently (as my original purchases are still going strong) but I’ve been very pleased with them.
Really enjoyed this!
I am a travel agent & yes I travel a fair bit, but I am also an odd shape (very narrow hips) & can get annoyed when travel clothes like Berghaus are far too tight on my waist while being very baggy on my hips (I am a size 8 – 10 UK)
By far the best travel trousers I have are Rohan Bags “stretch” although I buy vintage pairs as the quality is better. Patagonia is a good make too, as well as Cragghoppers, although I really wish travel clothes firms would have a wider range of “stretch” fabric items, which are far more comfortable to wear & move in while trying to endure many hours on a bus, train or aircraft.
I can only imagine you never experienced the quality and design of Rohan women’s clothing ten years ago because now unfortunately there is just no comparison to the quality of material, cut and design/detail. Just none – I am severely disappointed with what is on offer this last 3-5 years. The replacement material started to ladder within the first wearing!! Never had that problem in fact still got the originals more silky and comfortable. As for the replacement to the original Cocoon coat talk about substandard – again design, detail and material truly awful. I’m fast defecting to Cragghoppers or anywhere that can offer quality that Rohan used to produce.
Genuinely surprised by your comment. While it’s been a few years since I bought any Rohan clothes my sister bought some Rohan trousers a few month’s ago and is still raving about them. I’m sure if there was anything wrong though they would give you a no-quible refund. Regarding the other company you mention, I do like some of their products, however, I had a waterproof poncho from them that wasn’t even showerproof. Persnally I wouldn’t put them in the same league as Rohan.
You’re a woman after my turquoise heart!
Haha! You may have noticed I love turquoise. I wear it a lot (and also purple). Highly recommend the Vionic Sandals although they are a bit pricey unless you can catch them on sale. And I love my GoPro and for such a small camera it takes the most amazing footage.
My best buy so far has been packing cubes, I hate living out of a bag and they make it so much simpler! Also, if I open my bag in the office my underwear can’t come tumbling out
I really must get some packing cubes. Is there a brand you’d recommend?