It’s hot out there, but I can help. I’ve found the best travel-friendly clothes that will keep you cool wherever you’re going this summer. From the beach to brunch, you’ll look and feel good in these outfits.
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Ex Officio's Wanderlux Twist Dress does it all. It's comfortable enough that you can wear it on the plane, it's made of a stretchy/moisture-wicking/sun protective fabric so you could use it as a beach cover-up or on an active trip, and it's definitely stylish enough for dinner. Best of all, a hidden side zipper pocket can hold your small valuables, so you can explore without needing a purse.
Ex Officio's Wanderlux Twist Dress does it all. It's comfortable enough that you can wear it on the plane, it's made of a stretchy/moisture-wicking/sun protective fabric so you could use it as a beach cover-up or on an active trip, and it's definitely stylish enough for dinner. Best of all, a hidden side zipper pocket can hold your small valuables, so you can explore without needing a purse.
Packable Wallaroo hat
Top off any outfit with one of Wallaroo's hats that are specifically designed for travel. The Scrunchie hat for women has a large 4.5" brim to keep the sun off of your face and neck, and is edged with wire to keep the hat from falling down and blocking your view. You can crush this hat as you pack it and it will spring back to life when you wear it. An internal drawstring lets you customize the fit as well. The Jackson men's hat is similarly packable, and has the same adjustable drawstring.
Toad & Co Coolant Shirt
For ultra-hot days, Toad & Co's Coolant shirt is basically like wearable air-conditioning. It has a unique organic cotton fabric weave that helps lift the shirt off of your skin and cool down the wearer. Although the Coolant shirt looks fancy, it's machine washable and dryable so you can pack it with confidence.
White Sierra West Loop Trail Skort
Why pack separate shorts and skirts when you could have both, like in White Sierra's West Loop Trail Skort? The skort is made from a lightweight water repellent fabric and has a comfort-fit back elastic waist, so it's easy to move in on the trail. When you wear it out to a post-hike dinner, you'll appreciate the skirt's style and security zip pocket.
Ex Officio Sol Cool Jacquard Stripe Polo Shirt
Never sweat through your heavy polo shirt again. Whether you're wearing Ex Officio's Sol Cool Jacquard Stripe Polo Shirt on the golf course or in the boardroom, it will perform for you. The trademarked Sol Cool Icefil knit fabric is embedded with xylitol (derived from white birch trees). When you sweat, the xylitol can actually reduce your skin temperature by up to five degrees. It will also wick away moisture, and provide SPF 50 protection, all while looking like a standard polo shirt.
Toad&Co Rosemarie Dress
Here's what I require in a summer travel dress: It has to be lightweight, comfortable, not clingy, cute enough for photos, and wrinkle-resistant. I know it's asking a lot, but Toad&Co's Rosemarie dress meets them all (and more). That's thanks to its cool, eco-friendly Samba fabric, which is made of Tencel, organic cotton, and spandex. The Rosemarie can be dressed up or dressed down, and the A-line drape keeps it from clinging and making me sweaty on hot days. The cap sleeves definitely help keep me cool, and I love all of the colors and prints it's available in.
O'Neill Hybrid Boardshorts
Since you never know when you might stumble across the perfect swimming hole to cool down in, it's best to always be prepared, which you will be with O'Neill's Traveler Hybrid Boardshort. These cargo shorts work both on land and in water and let you switch between the two easily, thanks to the quick-drying, antimicrobial stretch fabric. A hidden passport pocket, internal key pocket, and side cell phone pocket will stash all your stuff, but don't forget to take out the passport & phone before you dive in.
Hue Cool Temp Leggings
I really wish I had the Hue Cool Temp Knit Capri Leggings when I visited Italy this summer. It was 90 degrees so I wanted to dress on the lighter side, but I also wanted to visit churches, which often meant having my shoulders and knees covered. These leggings could have easily been pulled on underneath a summer dress for modesty, and the cooling fabric would have prevented me from overheating while inside.
Ex Officio's Salama Stripe Dress
Ex Officio's Salama Stripe Dress is my new plane, train, and car ride dress. It's amazingly comfortable but super stylish, which means I can wear it for even the longest journey and then head right out without needing to change. My favorite feature is the zippered security pocket, which is conveniently placed on a side seam (so that you don't have an odd bulge in the front when you use it). It's also versatile, thanks to a two-position tie which can be worn different ways depending on which style you're in the mood for. The lightweight fabric is incredibly breathable and also moisture-wicking and sun protective, so you can wear this dress on even the hottest transit or city walk.
More from SmarterTravel:
- Essential Hiking Gear for Travelers
- 11 Ultra-Packable Dresses for Summer Travel
- 13 Best Summer Shoes for Travel
Caroline Morse loves summer and warm destinations. Follow adventures on Instagram TravelWithCaroline and on Twitter @CarolineMorse1.
Some review products are sent to us free of charge and with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions, positive and negative, and will never accept compensation to review a product.
We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
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