10 of the most packable clothes for your summer travels
Toss these in your suitcase before your next trip.
Credit:
Raum Goods/Venus Swim
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Now that most travel restrictions have been loosened, wanderlust has taken over and calendars are filling up. Whether you’re packing a car, a weekender, or an overhead compartment, your luggage is valuable real estate for all of those cute summer outfits. As an avid traveler myself, I've become a pro at finding clothing and accessories that are made for on-the-go lifestyles. Below, we’ve rounded up 10 of the best packable pieces—from wrinkle-free clothing to sunglasses that fold up—that will serve you well on your next vacation, no matter where you're headed.
1. This travel-friendly tank dress
Meet the Lululemon dress that was made for traveling.
When it comes to versatility, you can’t beat a tank dress. This maxi dress is made from Lululemon’s Vitasea fabric, which translates to a travel-friendly look that’s easy to throw on and go. It’s available in two gorgeous and summery shades in women's sizes 0 to 14.
Several shoppers noted the easy fit that seems to “float away from your body,” and was “roomy with being too clingy.” One woman noted how it doesn’t wrinkle, even when tossed into a travel bag.
Get the All Yours Tank Maxi Dress from Lululemon for $84
2. These foldable sunnies
You'll never have to worry about breaking your glasses again once they're neatly packed away.
Fanny packs and tiny belt bags packs don’t leave too much room for Audrey Hepburn-sized sunnies. But you can still get the trendy cat-eye look with a pair of these Inmix sunglasses. Made from stainless steel with a unique hinge design, they fold up small enough to pop into your pocket. They're available in fives styles and six colors, all with polarized sun protection. I own a pair myself and love how sturdy they feel and how lightweight they are—I almost forget I'm carrying them around when I'm out and about.
Get the Verne Flex Foldable Sunglasses from Inmix for $69
3. This ruffled dress that doesn't wrinkle
You can wear this dress straight out of your suitcase—no iron required.
Flirty, feminine, and wrinkle-free? Yes, please. This tiered sundress has adjustable straps and is available in three floral patterns. It pairs just as well with slides for a day at the beach as it does with strappy heels for a night out. It comes in women’s sizes S to XL.
As an avid beachgoer, I put this dress to the test by wrapping it up in the tiniest ball and cramming it into my beach bag for hours. It came out looking just as good as it did when it went in. That earns it a "must-buy" review from me!
Get the Britney Babydoll dress from Wmnswr for $48
4. This convertible dress/skirt
It works on its own or as a beach coverup.
Clothing that pulls double duty is a packing win. With a stretchy bandeau top, this two-in-one piece goes from strapless sundress to sleek midi skirt in seconds. It’s available in four brilliant summer patterns and in women's sizes XS to 3X.
Multiple reviewers rave about the bright colors, light material, and comfortable fit. “I love how light this dress feels," one shopper says. "Perfect for a hot day and packs nicely."
Get the Convertible Dress/Skirt from Venus Swim for $17.99
5. This wrinkle-resistant shirt
UntuckIt is a favorite brand among frequent flyers for a reason.
UntuckIt is best known for its wrinkle-free line, which is exactly what it sounds like: All of its dresses and shirts are sprayed with a heat-activated treatment that resists wrinkling even when exposed to high temperatures, like on a long cross-country flight. The collared Christine shirt is one of the most popular pieces, with reviewers praising the soft yet crisp cotton material and structured cut.
"This is a perfect fit!" one person says. "No gaping buttons at the chest and it’s slimming at the waist. The fabric is so soft and lightweight. Perfect for summer and can be dressed up or down. Also, barely any shrinking after machine wash and dry."
Get the Christine Shirt from UntuckIt for $68
6. These shorts that pack into a travel pillow
You'll get a pair of shorts and a pillow all in one.
These breathable, stretchy shorts are good for everything from grueling hikes to lazy lounging. After you wear them, tuck them into the front right pocket and they turn into a small travel pillow. Not only that, but they’re also waterproof, stain-resistant, and antimicrobial. Available in four colors, they come in women’s sizes XS to XL.
The shorts received high praise for the deep "amazingly functional" pockets and comfy high-waisted fit. "I recently took them on a trip to Cambodia and wore them almost every day," one reviewer says. "They were so easy to rinse and keep wearing. Plus, they are so cute and comfy and they pack right down into the pocket."
Get the Trailhead Shorts from Coalatree for $58.99
7. This boob tape that will replace all your bras
Boob tape is small enough to even pack in your carry-on.
To save space in your suitcase, swap out your bulky bras for a roll of Nue tape. Available in three skin tone shades, it’s sweat- and waterproof so you can wear it under any outfit, including bathing suits. All you have to do is cut the boob tape to your desired length and stick it on. Because it's customizable, you can choose exactly how much lift and support you want.
One reviewer successfully wore Nue at the beach all day, while another enjoyed a full night of dancing. And if you're worried about the removal process, fear not: Many reviewers rave about how easy and painless it is to take off.
Get Nue Tape from Revolve for $25
8. These breezy, versatile shorts
Your new, go-to lounge short.
No matter what you’re doing once you hit your destination, these comfy shorts fit the bill. The rayon fabric is breathable, moisture-absorbent, and ideal for casual wear, and they have pockets galore for stashing all of your essentials. The shorts come in women’s sizes XS to XL.
Get the San Marcos Short from Bila 77 for $60
9. These shoes that roll up
These are so comfortable, you'll want to wear them all day, every day.
Nothing takes up more precious suitcase space than footwear. So when you find a pair that goes with everything and rolls into a ball, that’s a step in the right direction. Raum Goods’ slip-ons are made with sleek and durable full-grain leather and are lined with sheepskin. Bonus: The brand claims that the little copper button implanted in the soft sole “grounds” you to the earth through an acupuncture point in your foot. They’re available in 11 colors and in women’s sizes 5 to 12.
I've worn mine with everything from summer dresses to jeans and they're as comfortable as they are versatile. I take them on almost all of my trips.
Get the Slip-On Earthing Shoes from Raum Goods for $155
10. This collapsible straw hat
Complete your vacation outfit with this tropical topper.
Made of beach-chic raffia straw, this fedora features an adjustable drawstring and easy-to-collapse construction, so it's made for tossing in your suitcase or beach bag. It's available in two sizes: S/M and L/XL.
“Comfortable, classy, and goes with pretty much everything,” one person says, while another adds that it's “easy to pack and springs back into shape.”