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.
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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 and hiking in the English countryside.
One of my favourite items is their Ambler Trousers. They’re smart enough for the office, flexible enough for most activities and extremely comfortable.
Unlike some other brands, their waterproof jackets have never let me down. I also regularly travel with a Rohan gilet, fleece and a few tops. I don’t own their latest designs because the ones shown below that I got a good few year’s ago are still going strong today.
Best walking shoes
I have flat feet and in most shoes, my feet will start to ache very badly even after just a short walk. It took me a long while to find the right shoes but finally, a friend recommended Skechers. My first pair I literally lived for years but eventually, they wore out so I bought two more. These GoRun Ride 7 shoes are perfect for long walks in the countryside, I’ve even climbed a mountain in them!
Best waterproof walking shoes
While I love the above shoes, they are not waterproof. Even walking through wet grass my feet have become quite wet while wearing them. On the other hand, these Jacara Shoes from Craghoppers are fully waterproof. I’ve really given them a good testing over 3 months and loved them. They’re also insect-repellent and have a better grip than the shoes above. You can read my Jacara Shoes review in full here.
Which of the two shoes I prefer to wear on any one day depends entirely on the weather and where I’ll be walking.
Affordable Insect Repelling Sarong
One of the most useful items I have with me on my travels is this colourful beach sarong wrap. The first time I wore this was in Sicily, while my friends both got bitten by mosquitoes I didn’t get a single bite. One of them was even wearing insect repellent spray and still got bitten. Not exactly scientific proof that it works but considering I normally get bitten more than anyone else, I was pretty impressed. And it is all thanks to Craghoppers’ NosiLife, an insect repellent which is permanently woven into the fabric of this sarong. It’s been independently tested and proven to last the lifetime of the sarong.
Affordable Bali Shrug
I’ve one of these shrugs 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 each.
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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?