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Womens Light Weight summer clothes finds for 2019

I am all about packing light and love Adventures with Sarah https://adventureswithsarah.net/packing-checklist/. I do not weigh my clothes but did get me thinking. You may have a top you love but it could be really heavy. So pack the other top that weighs nothing. Have you found a great travel piece of clothing? Not a easy task.

I would like to start a forum for women with great light weight clothing finds you have found for your next summer trip. Please include store name, price and link if possible.

Posted by
6583 posts

Sorry, I don't have any links. But, I've collected quite a few pieces that I love for travel. I have an Eddie Bauer raincoat that folds into a pouch. I like the raincoat, its black, and looks fine as a windbreaker layer, as well. When traveling at cooler times, I have a burgundy cashmere cardigan I purchased at Marshall's. I like it because it packs small and is lightweight but it is very warm. I'm currently watching for something similar but with a hood. I have a pair of LLBean black, boot cut fitness pants that are comfy for long days on the plane, but I've found that with an appropriate top, they look close enough to dress pants. I have a few pieces (a short sleeved and long sleeved gray top) that are really supposed to be active/work out wear, but the silky fabric, cut and style look more like "every day" clothes. They wash and dry quickly, they were purchased at Eddie Bauer outlet. I also have a long sleeved, active wear fabric, pullover with a hood. It packs really small, I like it as an extra layer, but also works well with my active wear pants or even leggings for long travel days because it is long enough to cover my seat and very upper parts of my thighs. I have a slightly heavier, short sleeved knit dress from Loft outlet. By itself, it is a cool summer/fall dress. Since the fabric has some substance, it hangs nice and is not clingy. With a thinner white or black long sleeved top plus my cardigan and leggings, its great for fall and winter type weather. This was great when I traveled in January and was in warmer Spain and colder Vienna. I like to bring two pairs of leggings, one long and black and one mid calf and gray. They are small, comfy in hotel room and are nice under dresses and skirts. They are small enough to tuck into a purse should the weather become warm during the day. Any dresses, skirts, pants that I bring are gray, black or tan. Light weight, loose fitting pants with a drawstring are the "in thing" right now. (per my daughter) I see them everywhere. I picked up a black pair in a dressier fabric, they are very cool to wear and pack small. I have a few lightweight, elbow length print blouses, mostly from Marshall's, that pack light and are good in mostly all weather, with a layer or two when needed. A cami underneath adds a nice layer on occasion, too. I have several wide infinity scarves that pack small, add a nice touch to an outfit and can pull over my head in cooler or windy weather. Black, thin long underwear from REI, that are very warm, and the top looks like any long sleeved top. I'm watching for another top in another color. I'd like to have a little less black in my suitcase. I don't like to spend much on my travel clothes, because they could potentially get lost, also, some layers are often rolled into my purse or my backpack during the day which isn't exactly gentle on them. But, most are high quality, just purchased on sale or an outlet type store. Jockey makes a line of very light weight, underwear in a silky, breathable fabric that pack small and dry fast.

Posted by
6583 posts

OOh, sorry, another fave. A thin fleece pullover, short zipper, in from LLBean. It has held up really well even when carried most days, in my purse, backpack or around my neck. It dries faster than a sweater or sweatshirt. I picked it up on sale. It's fushia, which I cringed at, but I love the bright color in the midst of my more plain fabrics and surprisingly it goes with most things.

Posted by
17560 posts

I like the Carve Designs Dylan gauze shirt, available from REI, Carve Designs, and many other vendors. The solid color in Merlot is on sale in the first link; the REI link has other colors and prints at full price. I have put mine through the wash and hang-dry test and they come out fine; the gauze fabric is so lightweight they dry quickly, and the gauze fabric needs no ironing. It did shrink a bit which was a good thing, as they run a bit large (I am petite and the XS was loose enough I contemplated taking it in but one wash took care of the extra room). It is a nice alternative to tee shirts.

https://www.carvedesigns.com/products/dylan-gauze-shirt-merlot?variant=12517190926424&utm_campaign=gs-2018-08-02&utm_source=google&utm_medium=smart_campaign&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIyMno08WY4QIV0R6tBh23lgAuEAQYAiABEgLqovD_BwE

https://www.rei.com/product/125868/carve-designs-dylan-gauze-shirt-womens

Posted by
14818 posts

I like the Land's End cotton/modal shaped Tee. I get the SS crew neck but there is a scoop neck as well. This is my "normal" daily tee shirt for home and for travel. For travel, it sink washes great and the modal makes it dry overnight. Price varies, sign up for LE emails for coupon codes. I first came across this shirt in some capsule wardrobe suggestions on The Vivienne Files blog and have worn them now for about 5 years.

https://www.landsend.com/products/womens-shaped-layering-crewneck-t-shirt/id_306954?sku_0=::AIC

I do NOT like the LE activewear Tee for travel. It has that ability to be smelly after one wearing even if I am not smelly, lol!! (TMI, I know!). They dry quickly but you just can't get the smell out unless it's machine washed so those are out.

I also like the Macy's Ideology 1/4 zip dri-fit LS pullover if you need a layer. I took it to England and Scotland last May and June and started out in it nearly every day. Prices vary as well because well...you know Macy's sales. I think I got mine for around $20 but they might run about $35 without a sale. It also dries overnight and will fold down pretty small to fit into my purse.

Posted by
7877 posts

A store that I have found lightweight cotton very comfortable tops is Eddie Bauer. I buy ones with some design to them vs. just a t-shirt.

Posted by
59 posts

I have got to agree with Pam on the T's from Lands End which I find really pretty consistent in sizing and fit I have 2 active t's that I have never had that problem with, so cannot remark there, but recently have purchased 3 power performance T's because they wash and dry without wrinkles. They are slightly heavier than the Modal Shaped T's, but they are far more forgiving and drape beautifully. I also plan on several pants and crops from Lands End and/or the Perfect Fit pants which are slightly lighter from LL Bean.

I purchased a quilted barn jacket and down vest from LE and a Columbia Arcadia II rain jacket for on GAS tour this September. All are light and pack into small space or bags. The vest I am planning to use to augment flat pillows with down softness!

I also second her reference to 'Vivienne Files' https://www.theviviennefiles.com as a great resource for women and travel. Be warned though once to start looking through her ideas and pages it can consume you for days. She has really helped me understand wardrobes and items, and has literally thousands of pages for you in whatever colors you like. She is also a fan of light travel, so could be a great resource for ladies here.

I think I am finally going to get a scale which I can use for cooking and dieting post tour (LOL) and learn to pack Sarah's way. She makes some great points in weighing items and it will help me decide if things are too heavy or not. I am using a rolling carry on, but will need to know for my Air France flights!

Great topic!

Posted by
17560 posts

Some recommendations for petite women:

Lands’ End’s XS tees are still way to big for me, so no joy there.

Eddie Bauer tees in XS sometimes fit, sometimes not. Often they will offer XS in regular sizing but not Petite, so the tees can be quite long.

My personal favorites for travel are the Icebreaker Merino Tech Lite tee, which is very lightweight and comfortable, and does fit! The fabric has a smooth, slightly lustrous finish that makes the tee work well for casual or dress up (with a scarf) as well as hiking.

And PrAna makes some cute printed V-neck tees in a very lightweight “tissue” cotton knit that packs and travels well. I cannot post a link because the patterns keep changing. One can find both tees on sale on Amazon, Backcountry.com, or Sierra Trading Post. Sometimes at REI Outlet.

Posted by
2013 posts

A few years back I decided to only buy clothes that travel well. Most of them have come from J Jill. They are lightweight, comfy, pack well and look great. Now I can take anything in my closet or armoire when I travel.

Posted by
1194 posts

Linen tees from Gap. Every year is different- some years better than others.

Loft elbow sleeve linen tees. Lovely cut, very elegant

Portofino blouse from Express. They have regular and slim cuts. The shirts have roll tab sleeves that make them nice for shoulder season travel. They are crepe - light weight, quick dry.

Lightweight merino cardigans and pullovers from Uniqlo

Uniqlo airism camisole - a nice liner under ultrathin shirts

Royal Robbins pencil pants (now discontinued) are much lighter and thinner than jeans.

I’ve also had good luck with Dressbarn tops.

Patagonia Primaloft jacket is much lighter than fleece.

REI Kyoto jacket (any rain jacket under 15 oz Is OK)

Montbell Versalite rain pants (2.8 oz)

Posted by
17560 posts

Those discontinued Royal Robbins pencil pants are still available in some sizes and colors on Amazon.

Posted by
14818 posts

"I also second her reference to 'Vivienne Files' https://www.theviviennefiles.com as a great resource for women and travel. Be warned though once you start looking through her ideas and pages it can consume you for days."

Oh gosh Nancy! Isn't that the truth! Just the combos of colors she comes up with are amazing. I particularly like how she starts with a core color and then branches off. My favorite blog!

I'd forgotten that last spring I found some inexpensive crop pants at JC Penney on sale for under $10. I took a pr last spring for 5 weeks and they were terrific. Very lightweight poly, dried quickly, no wrinkles. I'm mentioning this not because anyone might be able to find them but so that you'll flip thru the sale rack and see if anything pops out at you.

Posted by
3961 posts

Great ideas! @Lola- Interesting that you mentioned Carve Design. I was at REI a couple days ago and bought the same Gauze blouse in xs. I bought the black & white stripe at regular price but used my dividend. Good to hear it will shrink slightly, it is generously cut. I was in need of a new light weight Denim jacket and lo and behold I found one at Costco yesterday. The brand was Buffalo. Well made, med. denim color or white. Marked down to $14. Just what I was looking for. Other light weight clothes that fit the petite: Royal Robbins, Columbia and my favorite is Cut Loose. I particularly like Cut Loose tops and sun dresses. They are made in San Francisco. It's a cotton linen blend & wrinkle resistant. Washes well & hang to dry. Good mark downs. One of the online sites for discounted Cut Loose is: www.birdielou.com.

Posted by
2768 posts

I just bought THESE PANTS and love them. Very lightweight, good for warm weather. I'm usually on the line between petite and regular length and bought the petite - they are cropped appropriately on me, not too short. They are pretty casual, I picture then with sneakers/walking sandals for general sightseeing. But I did wear them with flats and a nicer blouse for a dinner (not a fancy place, one I'd normally wear stylish jeans to) and felt appropriate.

Posted by
567 posts

Ditto for Lands End modal cotton tees and I have all types of sleeve length;
Same for REI gauze shirt, light and washes dries overnight.
Soft surroundings has a light skort works great for both casual or dress it up when wish.
Marmot waterproof rain jacket rolls up small into my day bag or Orvis pack and go Travel jacket.
SAS, Teva sandals.
Uniqlo has Airism brand for bra camisoles and sleeveless tees.
Magellan’s or Travelsmith has nice reversible dresses , I fold it flat but also have rolled it.

Posted by
249 posts

Thank you everyone for your input. Great advise!

I just order two of these tops as they will be very cool and weigh nothing
- https://www.kohls.com/product/prd-3633345/womens-lc-lauren-conrad-pleat-neck-top.jsp?skuId=42901579&om_mid=_Order_Confirmation_Responsive_Dynamic&om_etid=37337127&utm_source=TRA&utm_medium=ET&utm_term=37337127&utm_content=551390&utm_campaign=_Order_Confirmation_Responsive_Dynamic

Last year i found a very nice t-shirt at Kohl's that scooped in the front and back . I wish I bought every color. as they fit nice and are light weight. I order this hoping it is similar. T-shirts can weigh the most
- https://www.kohls.com/product/prd-3047073/womens-sonoma-goods-for-life-essential-v-neck-tee.jsp?skuId=79470933&om_mid=_Order_Confirmation_Responsive_Dynamic&om_etid=37337127&utm_source=TRA&utm_medium=ET&utm_term=37337127&utm_content=551390&utm_campaign=_Order_Confirmation_Responsive_Dynamic

Has anyone had any luck buying bathing suits at Amazon. I know Sarah says that everyone in Europe wears a bikini and nope not going to happen for me. I am thinking possibly a one piece but do like tankini. My favorite word for looking for a dress or bathing suit is ruching. :-)

I will be in Greece the end of September and beginning of October.

Posted by
6583 posts

Bathing suit--Someone made a great recommendation to buy a long sleeved rash guard/swim top and to wear over a bikini top or sports bra. It worked for me. I typically wear a tankini, but the top is too bulky to justify bringing on a trip that I wouldn't be using it a lot. If you buy a long sleeved swim top, try to get one that could double as a "regular" top

Posted by
1194 posts

Someone made a great recommendation to buy a long sleeved rash guard/swim top and to wear over a bikini top or sports bra.

That’s what I do. I have a couple of cute tops from Lands End and one from Gap.

For bottoms I have swim capris (Hydro Chic) or swim leggings (swim outlet). They work well enough as alternative clothing. They’re not bad as exercise wear too.

Posted by
249 posts

Anyone have any luck finding linen pants in navy or brown that are not too expensive? Any luck on amazon?

Posted by
84 posts

Target currently has a black linen blend pant in their a.n.d. line for $25. I can’t speak for how they hold up in a suitcase but I did accidentally sleep in them the other night (fell asleep on the couch) and they weren’t a mess the next day.