travel clothing for women

Think if you read posts to your other question you will realize many women just use a good purse . Mine is a Derek Alexander, light weight but strong, it has a full flap that covers a full zipper and clicks shut. I then keep money in an inside zippered pocket,, been doing it for decades , even when travelling solo, or alone with my kids.. I feel no need to wear secret pockets, and frankly they kind of make me nervous anyways the idea that a professional picketpocket doesn''t recognize that clothing is a bit naive.. I have seen some of it in stores and I think it looks like Travel Clothes... Just wear your regular clothes and be normal.. if you wish some folks like to sew a secret pocket that sits inside the waist band of their pants.. I don't as I like to wear dresses and skirts too much.

I've gotten several nice things from Travel Smith and Orvis. I buy what I think will both look nice and travel really well - an of course it's got to fit in with my mix and match clothing (take less, mix it up more). Once the pants or whatever are received it's off to the tailor shop. (I no longer have a functioning sewing machine.) 4" strip of velcro on the left pocket of pants to carry spending cash for the day plus metro tickets, a zippered security pocket attached to the inside band of anything with a waist band (for driver's license, more serious money, credit/debit card). Provide the tailor with some soft sturdy cotton and have them make a pocket or cut off the belt part of a cotton money belt and sew it in yourself. Zipper towards your body. The driver's license works as identification for renting headsets etc. I never walk around with my passport - that stays at the B&B or hotel hung in my money belt (along with my second set of credit/debit cards) inside a jacket or some such.

If you sew or have a local seamstress, these patterns don't look like safari clothes and fit a lot of body types: http://webstore.quiltropolis.net/stores_app/Browse_dept_items.asp?Shopper_id=88668251414148866&Store_id=413&Page_id=17&categ_id=1

S&R look into Scottevest, Magellan and the previously mentioned Travelsmith.

I cannot tell where to buy tomorrow. We have found nice travel clothing from Sams Club to high end department stores like Nordstrom. REI has a travel line called Adventure Travel that combines practicality with a little style. Unfortunately we often find the clothing when we are just shopping in general. Depending on the amount of time you have, just look around. My favorite travel pants have all come from Sams Club at different times.

There is a good blog called Travel Fashion Girl, but depending on your age, you may or may not find it helpful. I mostly focus on ordering clothes from regular brands that seem like they may wear well. For instance, Lands End has stylish but practical stuff these days. I like Max Studio dresses and skirts because they don't wrinkle; I often find them at TJ Maxx and Marshalls.

I have a makeshift way of making a dress into an appropriate outfit for my money belt. I have a bunch of these "tank" dressed that I like to wear made out of cotton. Google tank dresses if you can't picture them. They are kind of like a tank top with a skirt sewn on. Anyway, I put the dress on, then the money belt. Then I wear a wide stretchy belt over the money belt. The belt is like 4 inches wide and thick enough to cover the money belt. I won't wear a dress or a skirt in Europe if I don't have bike shorts on underneath (like legging material but they stop at the thigh). That way I feel ready to walk, run after trains, etc... Now this is only good enough for a small money belt without a passport. If I need to have my passport on hand I wear it around my neck with a scarf to cover the neck strap.

I second Scottevest. I have a Chloe hoodie,about 12 pockets. Stylish enough. Great for the plane, everything I need is in my coat, earplugs, book, snacks, handwipes, medications, and more. I have used it for 3 trips and love it.

A lot of my travel clothes are from Chicos. They have zipped pockets, don't wrinkle, look stylish. Zenergy is a good line. Also since we are golfers, some of my travel clothes come from Pro Shops and have good zippered pockets. Add scarves and jewelry for many outfits.

Another vote for Scottevest. I have their ladiies' trench coat. It has numerous interior zip pockets, and is relatively lightweight. I don't need the extra layer of it in the summertime, but any other time traveling in England it is perfect.

I like Eddie Bauer Travel clothes. It is called Travex. Stylish, comfortable and easy to hand wash.

I just go an email from TravelSmith today bragging about their new fall jackets and all the great pockets. If you haven't checked them out, you should. I also like Tilley. Pam

I also love the Max Studio clothes... they do travel great. I have a few skirts that I have worn for years... one brown, one black. I also wear 'normal' clothes when I travel. I bought a few of those no-wrinkle travel specific clothes and they just were not my style. I tend to go for clothes that are soft knits, and my new favorite line of clothes is Comfy.. really soft, doesn't wrinkle much and are really versatile. I also like Cut-Loose for separates. I wear lots of skirts or dresses with leggings and if I felt the need for additional pockets, etc. I would wear a neck wallet. Easy to get to and not a bulky money belt. I wear a small cross body purse for my money, passport, etc. and a day bag if I need one for camera, extras. I do like pockets in jackets or my velvet coat, but not for anything really valuable.

I also like Chicos. Check their website and click pants and then look for cotton casuals. They come in several colors and are great for travel.
You can make them into a capri on a warm day by rolling them up.

You might get some excellent information on: ladylighttravel.com Every woman traveler should at least look at it for some good advice.

I'm one of those who doesn't wear or take "travel" clothes. I've gotten most of my light packing ideas from the Vivienne Files. Not all of the postings are for travel, and I don't exactly copy them, but the coordination ideas are great. Add that to the tips already given here, the common advice to only pack items I'll wear 3 or more times and the anticipated weather where we are going and I'm ready to go. In my opinion, the most essential accessory is a long scarf that goes with every top I take. That's true for lots of places regardless of weather, but especially Paris.

My travel clothes come from Travel Smith, LLBean, Orvis, Chico's, and Tilleys. I have slacks, skirts, vests, sweaters, blouses and outer jackets which have inside zippered or hidden pockets. I also wear these types of clothes when I'm not traveling but have a few sets I keep just for traveling. Magellans has a lovely Cafe Jacket coat with a hood. It features multiple interior pockets which I used often and lightens the load of the day shoulder bag. This jacket has style and warmth, and kept me dry through the hard spring rains throughout Germany, Czech Rep, and Austria this past May. Fromm LLBean I have a waterproof coat with a removable liner, and removable hooded which I use for colder climates and off season months. I use my safari style pants for Alaska, Hawaii, cruise excursions, hiking & other outdoor activities so they have traveled to Europe with me, too, but used only for activities.

Its very important to have a good stylish clothing range while traveling.a lady can have many options.. Travel clothing for women

Reviving this thread to ask if anyone knows a good place to get good discount travel clothing for women. I have found some places, like EMS, but not with the right colors or sizes at sale prices... Specialized travel clothing tends to be expensive, but I would settle for lightweight breathable stuff. I am going on safari and I need "bush colors," which are pretty much the only colors I don't buy for myself normally. I have had some luck on eBay and thrift stores, but are there any other suggestions? Thanks!

The animals don't care what color you wear, nor do the guides.

@Ed... maybe the animals don't care... but it is important when having your portrait done while on safari to co=ordinate with the background and not clash with it (said the photographer) One needs to look cute in all surroundings:)))

Well, I am a rule follower, especially in a new place, and that's what the safari company requests. Don't see why I should flout what the experts tell me. And color aside many of my clothes are not as breathable as I'd like, given the state of affordable clothing today.

Try REI Outlet.com and Sierra Trading Post. Both are discount outlets with lots of good travel brands, like Ex Officio ( for sun proof and bug proof shirts), North Face and Patagonia. I have a long-sleeve SPF 50 Patagonia shirt in beige I would be happy to send you if you wear size XS. I bought it for a hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and haven't worn it since.

Lola, I've tried most of those, unfortunately.... Hard to find right colors AND right size AND enough of a discount for me right now. I am finishing up grad school and though my husband makes good money the trip costs more than our usual so I don't want to spend too much. I have mostly bought from Old Navy, Marshall's/TJ Maxx, eBay, and a thrift store, but this approach is time consuming and I am short on time as I am defending my dissertation two weeks before I go. I am afraid if I wait till after that the stores will be full of winter clothes. Thanks for the help, though! And definitely need larger than an XS, but thanks for the offer. I should check REI again, been a few weeks. I am also going to order some pants and a new fleece from Lands End--my old fleece was ruined last spring. James, I can't speak for anyone else, but I don't usually buy special clothes. I am just stuck right now because I am told to bring earth tones and those are colors I never, NEVER wear beyond a bit of grey. I had olive green zip off hiking pants and that's about it. I just favor dark colors and jewel tones with occasional brights.

Christina, good luck with your thesis defense. That is what needs your attention right now. Afterward, maybe try Ross? My sister has good luck finding athletic clothing ( breathable, lightweight, washable) there. Last summer we went to Alaska together and she outfitted herself for the trip at Ross--- great stuff. Neutral colors are probably the toughest part. For REI, make sure you check the separate Outlet site.

Thanks, Lola! And no kidding, right? I made the Lands End order--they have some good activewear, including some wicking polos. And I am watching some eBay items. I will try Ross if I am still lacking anything after my defense. Thanks for the rec.

No kidding. Thesis defense is big. Been there, done that. I should mention that my favorite travel pants are from Eddie Bauer, the Bremerton Stayshape Stretch Twill pants. They might work for you, as they have two neutral colors (khaki and driftwood). They are minimalist no pockets or waistband, side zip, so they pack really small. With 8% Lycra they are very comfortable and stay wrinkle-free. Also hang-dry overnight if you press out the water in a towel, and come out looking good. The 92% is cotton so very comfortable in hot conditions. They are not cheap, but do double duty as work pants for me (professional dress code, a bit above business casual, with a jacket). I take 2 pair on every trip, and wear them to work as well, also to parties with a nice sweater. They come in three lengths, petite, regular and tall. If you are by chance a member of an alpine club (since you mentioned EMS) you may be able to get discounts at Eddie Bauer. At least my alpine club does (40%). But maybe that is because we are in Seattle? It is worth looking into. Or look for discount offers. Right now the website is offering 25% off purchases with pants or jeans.

Thanks for the tip on Bauer. I think I am finally almost all done, but I will look into those pants in the future. I went to a mall I'd never been to and went to Kohl's for the first time ever, and lo and behold, their SONOMA life + style brand has affordable earth tone cotton clothes. Things were on sale, too! Between that and Lands End I think I am mostly outfitted now!

There are a few reasons why to buy travel clothing. First, it usually have more pockets. Men do not appreciate this as all their clothing has pockets. Women's clothing generally does not. I love Flax, but I am always annoyed that they never have pockets except in the pants. Second, the travel clothes often are easier to wash in a sink that is half the size of your home bathroom sink. And they dry faster. I've nothing against buying clothing from other places, but I've found that I kind of like the travel places. Oh, and I don't save these clothes for trips to Europe. I wear them all the time. Pam

@Pamela... agree about the Flax clothes. As with most women's clothing...they think we don't want pockets. I think we could start a new business of travel clothes that aren't those slinky black knits (which also have no pockets) Even with my favorite travel clothes I always find something is not quite perfect
:(

The lack of pockets is annoying! I usually want something more stylish than "travel" clothes but man I wish I could afford the clothes by Magellan and so on with hidden extra pockets. Someday,

Christina and others, In another thread a couple of years ago (at the earliest) I mentioned a company that sells patterns for hidden-pocket clothing. Mostly for traveling but also other things. It's called Sav-T-Pockets and the website is
www.sav-t-pockets.com. If you sew or know someone who will do it for you then it's possible for you to have clothing with pockets that are hidden that are also in colors and styles that suit you.

If you're looking for the pattern site, it's saf-t-pockets.com. I'm making their Brief Escapes pattern for our next trip.

Ex-officio and Royal Robbins have nice styles. If you get your travel clothing in neutral colors they are more likely to look "normal". Also make sure the cut is appropriate - set in sleeves vs raglan, etc. Look for shirts with a princess cut instead of a loose cut. Look for shirts with security pockets in the side Vs over the bust. Look for pants that roll up into capris Vs zip off. Also look at women's athletic gear, such as Title Nine or Athleta. Many of these have secret pockets. They are expensive but last for years. I suggest going straight to the manufacturer web site for travel clothing, as many stores only sell just a few of the styles and those are usually the ugly ones.

Yes, I agree with a few other posts. "Chico's" has great clothes for travel. Their "Zenergy" styles are absolutely wonderful for everyday wear. We just returned from a 20 day trip to Australia and New Zealand. One of the other 36 guests had some of the same outfits I bought. Three other women also wore clothes I know were "Chico's". I order a size 4, so I must order on-line. Items can be returned up to 60 days of purchase. They are constantly having sales, both in the stores and on-line.

You know this is a months-old zombie thread, right? I'm guessing the OP has long since returned from their trip.

The 2/13 bump was originally a spam post which has since been removed.

Hi,
I agree its really difficult to carry the clothes which are not comfortable during travelling.So,I make sure to purchase different designer clothes from Camilla especially for travelling which have comfort and style.

How can a clothing thread be a "zombie" - we still need to wear clothes whilst traveling! :P

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My biggest problem is so much of the travel clothing looks like it was made for my grandmother! I have found some great jersey dresses and some other dresses that do pack & travel well.