Browse cozy summer travel attire from Athleta, Lululemon, and other brands.
As someone who has always been prone to packing too much, I never imagined I would manage a two-week trip across Southeast Asia using only a carry-on bag. Whether it was luxurious accommodations at the Ritz in Hong Kong or simple jungle lodges in remote parts of Thailand, along with visits to Cambodia’s ancient temples and Vietnam’s vibrant marketplaces, carrying just one bag proved surprisingly sufficient.
carry-on luggage
I truly covered all the ground. Making this happen required using my top packing techniques for warm, muggy locations, which involved choosing linen clothing, fast-drying items, and light garments that were both comfy and adaptable.
I chose brands and products that I am aware travel well in these hot weather conditions.
Quince’s European linen pieces
smoothly switch from morning meals to seaside activities,
Athleta’s tennis dress
took me from the train to a boat ride, and
Patagonia’s quick-dry layers
managed hot days and impromptu treks. I even found time for an additional activity.
lightweight Everlane dress
That received praise wherever I wore it. Up next, take a look at the 15 clothing items and accessories that will make your trip to any sunny locale more pleasant, from celebrating in Phuket to enjoying dinner in Capri.
Related:
Comfy Short Sets: The Perfect One-and-Done Travel Wardrobe Addition You’re Missing This Summer—All Under $50
Athleta Swing Zip Dress
$125
$69
Buy on athleta.gap.com
A notable piece I wear every week during the summer is
Athleta’s Momentum Dress
Created for the tennis court yet stylish enough for wandering through markets, this piece proved versatile over travels spanning five nations. It served not only as comfortable attire for scorching sightseeing excursions but also as a fast-drying cover-up after dips at the beach or pool. With just a swap of footwear and accessories, it transformed into an effortless evening ensemble. Its integrated shorts made it perfect for exploring temples, and the UPF 50+ material stood up well against the intense sunlight throughout Southeast Asia. Available in black and white (both shades I own), it compresses compactly when packed away without wrinkling—a definite plus.
Patagonia Capiene Cool T-shirt
$45
Buy on REI
Nothing saw more use during my trip than theصندキャンペキャンペ
Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Shirt
I used it during flights, at the gym, on train journeys, exploring various urban areas, and even cycling through Myanmar’s rural landscapes. The material, which quickly dries and wicks away moisture with UPF 50+ protection, ensured my comfort under sunlight and throughout extended, warm travels. This piece maintained its form after several uses and proved simple to clean and dry when traveling. Although I’m fond of the lilac shade, it’s available in subtler hues like beige and grey as well.
Lululemon Dance Studio Loose-fitting Cargo Pants
$128
Buy on shop.lululemon.com
Although these
Lululemon Dance Studio Loose-fitting Cargo Pants
made me feel like I was just an extra in
Save the Last Dance
, they likely ranked as my second favorite clothing option throughout the journey. I appreciate their comfy, laid-back style along with the flexible hem adjustments, making them perfect for staying cool and versatile enough to handle varying climates or more formal settings. The cargo pockets are also great because they allow me to keep my phone and room key handy without needing an additional bag. I own several of these.
black for versatility
However, they are available in many other hues as well, such as tan, blue, and pink.
Fifteen 100 Percent European Flax Linen Button-Down-Shirt
$40
Buy on quince.com
I share this with everybody who’ll hear me out that
Quince’s European Linen
is among the top in their field. Priced at less than $40, this
linen button-down
It feels like an upscale item but at a more affordable price point. With various color options, it’s simple to coordinate with all my other belongings. The linen fabric assists in keeping me cool due to its inherent temperature regulation qualities, ensuring comfort regardless of where I wear it.
white top
As a swimsuit cover-up or the option for one
oatmeal/black stripe shirt
wearing a pair of shorts.
Athleta Seasoft Half-Zip Top with Midrise Pant Set
$89
Buy on athleta.gap.com
$99
Buy on athleta.gap.com
Extremely complimentary and designed with a loose, unassuming fit, this
Athleta matching set
serves as the perfect travel partner, even throughout the summertime. Whether you’re on lengthy flights, enduring hot layovers, or visiting places with temperatures reaching well into the triple digits, this piece excels due to its lightweight and breathable linen mix. Additionally, it resists wrinkles, making it ideal even when faced with extended flight delays of up to three hours. Together, these attributes make it an essential choice.
quarter zip
and
matching pants
is a simple yet stylish ensemble. Separately, these pieces complement swimwear, tank tops, and t-shirts wonderfully. This two-part outfit appears casually chic and remains extremely comfortable, making it indispensable for travels in every way.
Everlane Gauze Smock Dress
$148
Buy on Everlane
I’ve got a issue when it comes to buying dresses; many items are still in my closet years later, with the tags never removed.
Everlane Gauze Smock Dress
It isn’t among the others and is actually the piece I reach for the most from all my garments. Its lightweight, breathable fabric makes it ideal for exploring Asian marketplaces and vibrant urban centers. The gathered bodice combined with a loose cut provides a comfortable yet stylish appearance. Most importantly, I loved how versatile and compact it was—during my travels, it transitioned effortlessly from laid-back daywear paired with trainers to dressier night-time ensembles when matched with sandals.
Breathable Bamboo Underwear
$30
Buy on Amazon
A friend of mine, who works as a gynecologist, suggested that one essential item to pack for travel is moisture-wicking undergarments, similar to these.
bamboo underwear
That’s also exceptionally soft and creamy. The moisture-wicking fabric ensures I stay comfortable during extended flights and busy days of exploration in sweltering, sticky cities, while the sleek, flexible material stretches with my movements without causing any discomfort. These socks are light as air and fast-drying, making it simple to rinse and dry them quickly overnight—ideal when traveling light with only a carry-on bag. Plus, you get great value at less than $30 for a set of four pairs; it’s quite unbeatable.
Cupshe Ruffled One-piece
$40
Buy on Amazon
I’m a big fan of Cupshe, and it’s easy to understand why. Even though I have several swimsuits, this one stands out.
ruffled one-piece
My personal pick—and one that’s popular among many others—this Cupshe swimsuit has garnered an impressive 4.6-star rating from more than 33,000 customers. Its appealing features include stylish rouching and a plunging neckline, along with numerous patterns and color options. This swimwear piece seamlessly shifts between relaxation by the pool and cycling adventures up hillsides, as well as pairing nicely with shorts for laid-back day looks. I highly suggest packing such a multi-functional suit when heading to warm, muggy locales since it dries quickly and keeps you comfortable even away from water activities. I own the whimsical floral design and get plenty of compliments on it; however,
black
and
cyan
are presently in my shopping cart.
Sweaty Betty Ultra-Soft High-Rise Leggings
$128
Buy on Amazon
$128
Buy on sweatybetty.com
I typically wouldn’t pay more than $100 for leggings, but these do catch my eye.
Sweaty Betty Ultra Soft Leggings
They were certainly justified by their cost. During my extended trip to Cambodia, including a lengthy flight, I found these pants remained comfortable and breathable thanks to their moisture-wicking fabric for many hours of traveling and exploration. The high waist provided adequate support but wasn’t overly tight. Additionally, due to the lightness of the material, they did not become unpleasant or develop an odor from perspiration; thus, I could comfortably wear them several consecutive days before washing. With a stylish yet understated look, these trousers paired effortlessly with various outfits ranging from casual tanks to dressier shirts, merging functionality seamlessly with fashion.
Offline by Aerie Crossover Shorts
$35
$21
Buy on ae.com
These places are where I could easily spend all my time.
Aerie Offline Biker Shorts
—And I essentially did that when traveling across Asia using my backpack. The lightweight, flexible material of these Aerie shorts makes them ideal for layering, plus the stylish crossover waistband ensures comfort. They’re ventilated well enough for hot, muggy conditions yet sleek enough to be worn outside of workout sessions or even during long plane rides. I often combine them with loose-fitting tees and athletic shoes for an adorable, trendy appearance inspired by Generation Z aesthetics; however, they work just as great underneath skirts to avoid irritation from rubbing.
Veja Esplar Sneakers
$150
Buy on Amazon
$148
Buy on Nordstrom
Ask anybody; I’ll always carry a pair of white sneakers whenever I travel. These
Veja Esplar Sneakers
quickly became my go-to
travel shoes
Thanks to their traditional hues and sleek, evergreen design, they blend seamlessly with all items in my closet, whether it’s jeans, leggings, tracksuits, or dresses. Initially, the leather seemed somewhat rigid; however, it became more pliable after several uses, rendering these Beja footwear comfy even during extended strolls in warm climates. Although certain individuals report that the soles degrade eventually, I have discovered them robust enough for numerous excursions, continuing to incorporate them into my traveling ensemble as needed.
Bombas Compression Socks
$90
Buy on bombas.com
I was reluctant to spend too much on the
Bombas Compression Socks
For quite some time, almost $100 for just three pairs of socks seemed excessive. Yet, everything shifted following an extremely unpleasant experience with swollen legs during an eight-hour flight. The superior arch support and compressive fit offered comfort and enhanced blood flow, significantly alleviating discomfort in both feet and legs. They’re particularly beneficial when traveling to warm climates as well; these socks aid in reducing post-walking swelling under the sweltering sun. Additionally, what truly impressed me about Bombas was their dedication to philanthropy—they match each purchase with a donation to someone who needs it. Nowadays, I won’t board a plane without wearing them, not even on short flights like those between Chicago and Atlanta.
Fifteen Revive Nylon Camera Crossbody Bag
$70
Buy on quince.com
Crafted from water-resistant, reclaimed nylon, this
crossbody bag
I’ve found myself caught in rainy treks through jungles and muggy days within cities. This bag comes with two zipped sections and a rear slip pocket, making it perfect for carrying necessities such as my camera, mobile device, wallet, along with essential sun protection items like sunscreen which I always carry during visits to warm locales. The adjustable shoulder strap ensures comfort, and the understated leather accents add sophistication, allowing seamless transitions from daytime activities to evening outings.
Lululemon Cotton Crochet Pullover
$128
Buy on shop.lululemon.com
Perhaps it’s due to me being nearing 40, but I always make sure to pack a sweater, regardless of my destination’s temperature.
Lululemon loose-fitting cotton crochet sweater
It ranks among my absolute favorites. Its open-knit construction allows for versatility, making it perfect to wear over clothes during chilly flights or as a light outer layer when you don’t want something too heavy.
too
It can feel stuffy as evening approaches. With its comfortable design and short length, it simplifies pairing with both shorts and skirts. Even though the cost is slightly elevated, this garment offers durability for numerous trips across different lands due to its high-quality construction.
Sézane Judith Low Sandals
$220
Buy on sezane.com
A sturdy pair of sandals is crucial for any trip to a hot and humid locale, and these
Sézane Judith Low Sandals
Merge comfort and style to create the ideal summer travel footwear. Crafted using vegetable-tanned leather in Portugal, these sandals feature a sleek design and muted colors that complement both lightweight linen dresses and well-pressed trousers. An ankle strap equipped with a brass buckle ensures stability, while a low heel provides gentle elevation without compromising comfort. These shoes are compact for packing and adaptable for urban exploration as well as relaxed evening gatherings. Priced at $220, they represent a worthwhile purchase; however, thanks to complimentary return shipping, testing them out poses minimal risk.
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