Traveling has changed a lot recently, and the rise of athleisure is a major reason why. Athleisure isn’t just for lounging at home or running errands; it’s an ideal match for travel as well. I’ve spent hours on planes, wandered through new cities, and tackled unpredictable weather—all while wanting to stay comfortable and look puttogether. The right athleisure can do double duty: comfortable enough for a redeye flight, stylish enough to fit in almost anywhere once you land. I’ll walk you through the key pieces, the practical perks, and a few brand suggestions that have served me well on actual trips.
Why Athleisure Makes Travel Easier
Athleisure helps solve many travel headaches, from squeezing everything into a carryon to needing outfits that work in more than one situation. I’ve found stretchy, soft fabrics are game changers on longhaul flights, especially when you need mobility (and a little breathing room after airport snacks). Many athleisure pieces also dry quickly, which means you can rinse them in the hotel sink and be ready to roll for your next stop.
The popularity of athleisure has grown fast. Most major brands now have travelfriendly lines. This trend means it’s simple to find pieces that check all the practical boxes but still feel stylish enough for those travel photos you’ll want to hang onto later. Whether your trip is short or long, smart athleisure choices keep you prepared for every moment.
Picking the Right Athleisure Pieces for Travel
The athleisure market is packed with options, but not every jogger or hoodie is ideal for travel. I’ve put together some quick pointers to help you pick what works best on the road:
- Fabric: Breathable, moisturewicking materials like modal, Tencel, or technical blends keep you cool (or warm if your plane AC is wild).
- Stretch: Look for spandex or elastane woven into the fabric for maximum comfort when you’re active—or just cramped.
- Pockets: Secure, zippered pockets are super handy for stashing a passport, phone, or hotel key.
- Layering: Choosing basics in neutral colors means you can mix and match, so you’re not stuck with an outfit that screams “gym class.”
Sticking to these basics keeps you ready for everything from sightseeing to impromptu hikes or just grabbing a coffee in the lobby without needing to change. Versatility is huge when space is limited and you want every piece to earn its spot in your bag.
My TriedandTrue Athleisure Essentials
After years of trial, error, and a few regrets (never again will I travel in stiff jeans), I’ve refined a shortlist of pieces that never let me down:
- Comfy Joggers: A tapered silhouette looks sharp, but you still get that pajamalevel comfort. Consider options from Vuori, Lululemon, or Uniqlo—they blend softness, stretch, and easygoing style.
- HighRise Leggings: Not all leggings are created equal. A wide waistband and sculpting fabric can take you from the plane to a jog or even under a dress if the weather turns cold. Athleta and Girlfriend Collective have solid picks.
- LowProfile Sneakers: I always choose sneakers that are lightweight and easily packable but supportive enough for a full day of exploring. Allbirds and Adidas Slipons check both boxes.
- Base Layer Tanks and Tees: Solid tanks and tees in quickdry fabric layer easily under jackets or sweaters, letting you step right off a redeye into sightseeing mode. Uniqlo’s Airism and Lululemon’s Swiftly line are reliable choices for this.
- Lightweight Hoodie or Crewneck: Planes and trains can get chilly. I never regret bringing a slim pullover that adds warmth without the bulk. The Outdoor Voices All Day Hoodie is a favorite for handling both travel and casual wear.
- TravelFriendly Outer Layer: A waterresistant windbreaker or packable puffer handles unpredictable weather and early flights through cold terminals. Patagonia’s Nano Puff and the Arc’teryx Atom SL both come through time after time.
Planning Your Travel Athleisure Wardrobe
Packing for a real trip means thinking ahead about what you actually need. Here’s what I’ve found works best when organizing travel athleisure:
- Stick to Versatile Colors: Black, navy, or muted earth tones keep things easy to coordinate and better hide stains or spills. Neutrals mean you can use each piece in more than one outfit.
- Limit the Number of Shoes: If you can get by with one reliable pair of sneakers (and maybe some sandals or flipflops for sunny destinations), the rest falls into place and you save tons of bag space.
- Plan for Layers: Weather can switch up quickly. Lightweight pieces stack well, so you’re ready for any temperature without stuffing your bag full of bulky extras.
- QuickRefreshing Items: Most good athleisure doesn’t hang onto sweat or odors, perfect if you can’t do laundry as often as you’d like. Technical blends really shine here.
- Don’t Forget Accessories: A comfy hat, simple backpack, or stretchy headband circles out your look while giving you real function on the road.
Considerations Before Investing in Travel Athleisure
Before dropping money on travel athleisure, I run through this simple checklist. Years of overpacking or picking the wrong items taught me a lot:
- Quality and Durability: Travel can be tough on clothes. Check for strong seams, fabric that comes back after washing, and little to no pilling after multiple wears.
- Easy Care: Stuff you can wash in a hotel sink and hang dry overnight is perfect. Steer clear of anything with special washing rules or delicate materials that don’t travel well.
- Sizing and Fit: It’s worth trying pieces on or buying only from shops with nohassle returns. If it’s too loose, you might look sloppy. If it’s too tight, you’ll feel cramped after a heavy meal.
- Price Point: Budget is personal, but my advice is to pay up for the workhorses (like great travel pants or a hoodie) and save on basics you can replace easily if needed.
Washing While Traveling
Anything that dries overnight and shrugs off wrinkles is a vital companion when you’re living out of a suitcase. Technical fabrics usually dry quicker than cotton and resist creasing, keeping you ready for the next adventure without relying on laundry services. If you want to upgrade your travel routine, pack a couple detergent sheets or a small bar of travel soap.
Upgrading Your Travel Style: Packing Tips and Pro Moves
Once you’ve chosen your lineup, a few habits make it easier to stay comfortable and look puttogether, wherever you go:
Roll, Not Fold: Rolling clothes saves space and reduces wrinkles. I fit more into packing cubes by rolling up joggers, tanks, and even hoodies.
Pack by Outfit, Not Item: Choose complete sets or capsules, not just random shirts and pants. You’ll avoid overpacking and still have options that work together.
Downsize Toiletries and Tech: A solid athleisure wardrobe means you can skip “justin-case” extras, freeing up space for tiny steamers, detergent sheets, or chargers—things that save your trip in a pinch.
These habits simplify every part of your adventure—from dashing through airport security to crashing on your hotel bed after a full day.
Popular Brands Worth Checking Out
I’ve tested a stack of different brands searching for the perfect travel outfit. Here are a few that stand out for comfort, durability, and easy style:
- Lululemon: A top pick for a reason. The ABC Joggers, Define Jackets, and Fast and Free Tights are always in my bag.
- Vuori: Their joggers and shorts work for both lounging and exploring. Soft, durable, and surprisingly stylish, they’re a smart investment.
- Uniqlo: Great basics such as Airism tees and elastic pants, all at prices that make it easy to stock up without feeling guilty.
- Patagonia: For outerwear, their Nano Puff jackets and base layers perform in every type of weather, with some eco-friendly cred on the side.
- Allbirds: My go-to runners for airport days or city walks thanks to their weightless feel and sustainable edge.
All of these brands blend style and performance, so travel athleisure becomes a way to feel confident, not just comfy, however far you go. And don’t be afraid to check out smaller or newer brands—there are always new favorites to stumble upon.
Frequently Asked Questions
New to travel athleisure? I get lots of questions from friends prepping for their big trips. Here are some of the most common ones:
Q: Can athleisure really work for long flights and city exploring?
A: Absolutely. The best athleisure is made to handle transitions; it shines on a plane, looks sharp in museums or cafes, and is simple to dress up or down.
Q: How do you keep travel athleisure looking fresh after several days on the move?
A: Quick detergent packs and choosing moisturewicking, wrinklefree fabrics makes all the difference. Hang clothes out overnight or during downtime to keep things fresh and ready for another day.
Q: Is paying more for top athleisure brands really worth it?
A: For basics you’ll wear over and over (joggers, jackets, shoes), definitely. They last longer and look better. But balance it out with affordable picks for lessused pieces so you don’t overspend.
Wrapping Up
Athleisure makes travel feel smoother, comfier, and less of a chore. Picking versatile, tough pieces keeps you prepped for the curveballs—a dash through terminals, a lastminute city walk, or a rerouted flight. With just a little planning, you’ll pack less, do more, and feel great wherever your adventure takes you. Time to track down those favorites and let your travel style shine.
Please feel free to leave a comment, share your expertise, give tips or ask a question.
