If You Never Know What To Pack For A Trip, Allow These 23 Pieces Of Clothing To Help

We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.

Including blister-free footwear — even right out of the box.

Unless otherwise specified, all sizes listed in this post are in women’s. 

1. A plain white Madewell tee you can wear again and again and again because there’s really no wrong way to pair it. Like seriously, I’d like to see an outfit it doesn’t make sense with??

Amazon

Promising review: “The perfect white T-shirt. Comfortable. Good quality. Not too expensive. I’ve worn it time and time again. Relaxed fit.” —Bartow

Get it from Amazon for $13.88+ (available in sizes XXS–XXL and in 12 colors). 

2. Some budget-friendly high-waisted leggings if you’ve sworn off jeans and any other bottoms without at least 5% spandex. 

Amazon

Promising review: “If you’re on the fence about buying these leggings, DO IT. I bought a black pair to see how they’d fit and let me tell you! I have wide hips, big thighs, and a large behind, and these leggings fit perfectly! Even better, THEY ARE NOT SEE-THROUGH when I bend over!! I’ve *never* found leggings that weren’t sheer when I bent over before! I bought eight more in different colors and they all are the same quality! I love them so much that over a year later I bought two more black pairs!! I swear I wear these to work three times a week, at least. I love them!!” —hali howard

Get them from Amazon for $13.49+ (available in standard and plus sizes, three lengths, and 28 colors/patterns).

3. An off-the-shoulder jumpsuit with over 35,000 5-star ratings and rave reviews from flight attendants!

Promising reviews: “This is perfect for travel. I’ve worn it as PJs, on a plane with a blazer, and for a nine-hour car trip. Super comfortable and goes anywhere. I’ll definitely be getting more!” —My Cat Steve Judges My Purchases.

“I bought the navy blue to take on vacation after reading an article about how easy care these jumpsuits are. I loved it so much I bought the green. I take them out of my suitcase, hang them up, and they are ready to go in a few hours, no ironing needed. I get compliments every time I wear one of them.” —AKSunshine

Get it from Amazon for $26.98+ (available in sizes S–3X and 32 colors/patterns). 

4. A padded tank that 1) looks incredibly cute and 2) eliminates the need for a bra. 

Promising review: “Honestly saw this on TikTok and contemplated getting it for a long time. I’m so glad I committed! It’s extremely comfortable. The padding is amazing so you don’t have to worry about a bra underneath at all. You can wear it with sweats or leggings to the gym or even dress it up for a night out. Considering more colors for sure!” —Kristyn Long

Get it from Amazon for $21.99+ (available in sizes S–XXL and 22 colors).

5. A pair of cropped, feather-light pants that do 👏 not 👏  wrinkle 👏, offer UPF 50+ protection, and dry in a flash in case you need to wash ’em in the sink before the next leg of your trip. 

Athleta

I have these and they are my go-to pants for travel days — especially ones that involve flying. The wide-leg design/silky fabric is ultra-comfortable, the pockets are large enough for smartphones, boarding passes, and passports, and the elastic waist/drawstring sitch guarantees there’s no pinching or bagging even if you’re sitting and/or standing for an incomprehensible amount of time. The sides also have some subtle darting that take them up a notch in the ~fashun~ department. 

Promising review: “I can’t think of anything I don’t like about this pant. The material is wonderful and easy to care for. I like the crop as you can so easily dress them up or down. I have found traveling with two pairs of these, four or five tees, a wrap, a pair of sandals and flats, and wearing sneakers I can be gone for a week in a carry-on only. Couldn’t live without them.” —LaVon V

Get them from Athleta for $89 (available in sizes 0–16, regular, tall, and petite sizes, and in three colors).

6. A pair of Levi’s Ribcage jeans that go where no low-rise jean has ever gone before — up, up, up past your bellybutton.

Promising review: “Bought these for both my daughter and me, and they look great on both of us!!! They’re extremely comfortable and they stretch just enough. The quality is exactly what you expect from Levi’s. We purchased three pairs in total and plan on purchasing more in other colors.” —Lulu Herrera

Get them from Amazon for $55.09+ (available in sizes 20–39 and in 16 washes).

FYI, if you have Amazon Prime Wardrobe you can give these a spin before you buy them!

7. Or a pair of Levi’s pull-on skinny jeans if you’re someone who doesn’t like leaving the house in something that could be considered loungewear but you do want to *feel* like you’re wearing loungewear nonetheless. 

Promising review: “OK, I’m not going to lie. I was skeptical about these pants. I hate buying clothes online without trying them on first, but the reviews here said that they run true to size, so I trusted them. I am SO GLAD that I did. These pants are everything I ever wanted. Make my butt look cute? Check. No nasty zipper to dig into my gut? Check. Perfect length for any season? Check. I can wear these with a cute blouse as a teacher, and still look professional, while still being comfortable. I feel comfortable wearing these basically any time, and I think that if you’re lacking a pair of them and thinking about it, you should go get a pair. They’re AMAZING.” —AlySedai

Get them from Amazon for $8.48+ (available in sizes 2–28, in three lengths, and 24 washes). 

FYI, if you have Amazon Prime, you can give these a spin before you buy them!

8. A trusty pair of Reebok Club C Sneakers that 1) are hella comfy and 2) match just about everything so you have no excuse to pack multiple sets of shoes when one can do the job. 

I have three pairs of these babies because they’re just so comfortable straight out of the box. You don’t have to worry about blisters and they don’t look out of place with dresses and skirts. They’re also simple enough to slip on and off when going through the airport so they check all of my travel boxes!

Promising review: “Love these shoes! I try to pair these with almost every outfit because they’re so comfy and stylish! Recently went to Philly, where I had to walk everywhere because we didn’t rent a car and these were only pair of shoes I brought (I travel light). These didn’t cramp up my feet at all as I walked over seven hours daily over the course of five days. Definitely recommend! But one thing hurts my heart…the creasing at the front of the shoe that comes with loving these shoes so much.😢” —Alli J

Get them from Amazon for $49.10+ (available in sizes 5–11 and in seven colors/patterns).

FYI, if you have Amazon Prime, you can give these a spin before you buy them!

9. A pair of Thigh Society cooling shorts you can slip on under skirts, dresses, and anything else you’d usually chafe in. These babies don’t roll, ride up, or give you dreaded swamp bum — they’re basically just like a second skin. 

Thigh Society

Thigh Society is a woman-founded, size-inclusive small biz from Marnie Consky.

I bought two pairs of these — in black and nude — and I am simply in love. Chub rub has always been a part of my life and until now, I didn’t have a great way of preventing it. I’ve tried various sport shorts and slathering my thighs in deodorant but those methods just weren’t cutting it. These shorts are unbelievably lightweight and breathable, superrrrrr stretchy (but not in a way that bags out after extended wear), and they do. not. roll. or. fall. down. I wear them under all of my skirts and dresses (because I also have an irrational fear that everything I wear is see-through when the sun hits it) and I will definitely be buying more!

Promising review: “I bought these to wear under dresses for a trip to Europe because it was supposed to be really hot, and they worked great. They were light, stretchy, and there was no chafing. Maybe not the most moisture wicking, but they were very comfortable, and I wore them several times.” —Meghan O’Leary

Get it from Thigh Society for $39 (available in sizes XS–2XL, four lengths, and in nine colors). 

10. A Levi’s denim jacket that I won’t even waste your time explaining. You and I both KNOW there’s nothing more versatile.

Promising review: “I absolutely love this jacket!!! It goes with just about everything, and is comfortable. I went up a size after reading some of the reviews, and that worked out well for me. The length of the jacket is also a nice feature, it hits right about the hip, and is not a midriff. I’m really glad I ordered this jacket, it’s so cute, and I know it will last a lifetime, Levi’s makes the best denim wear as far as I’m concerned.” —Jo Packer

Get it from Amazon for $35.73+ (available in sizes XS–XL and 1X–4X and in nine washes).

FYI, if you have Amazon Prime, you can give this a spin before you buy it!

11. A ruched, retro-inspired bikini so you can take advantage of every hot tub, infinity pool, beach, and spa day pass that comes your way. Plus, who knows when/if you’ll hit it off with another traveler who owns a yacht!

Lively

Promising review: “I LOVE the texture, design, fit, and comfort of this bikini!! It’s perfect — want to order more!” —Angela

Get the two-piece set from Lively for $27 (originally $90; available in sizes XS–XL and in four colors).

12. An adjustable raincoat from sportswear giant Columbia sure to keep you dry even if it’s raining cats, dogs, and elephants. (I assume that’s the natural progression.)

I purchased this jacket a few years ago before a trip to the Peruvian Amazon and it definitely came in clutch. If you’re a frequent traveler, you’ll appreciate not only how easy it is to pack, but that you can actually fold it up into its own pocket so you can store it in your backpack or purse when you don’t need it.

Promising review: “To be honest, I was a bit skeptical with this jacket. Many reviews mentioned it wasn’t water resistant and it didn’t fit correctly. I decided to take a chance as I needed a light rain coat to take to Japan. Little did I know that a GIANT storm was rolling in before we left. The jacket fit great! I am able to put another sweatshirt underneath and still feel comfortable. Now, for the functionality. I wore this for two days in the pouring rain and didn’t get wet once! It also did a great job shielding the wind. Very lightweight and super easy to throw in my purse just in case.” —Sarah Crain

Get it from Amazon for $25+ (available in sizes XS–3X and in dozens of colors).

FYI, if you have Amazon Prime, you can give this a spin before you buy it!

13. A pair of Birkenstock Essentials sandals that are ultra-comfortable, waterproof, and can take a serious beating if you need to shove them in the exterior water bottle pouch of your backpack because you bought more souvenirs than anticipated. Birkenstock

Get them from Birkenstock for $49.95 (available in sizes 4–13.5 and in various colors — more of which can be seen here).

14. A Pashmina scarf ready to be fashioned into a blanket or pillow when flying; a wrap when you’re cold or need something modest for visiting cultural sites like temples; or even a shield from the sun as it offers UPF 50+ protection!

Promising review: “I absolutely love this wrap!! It is the perfect weight and size for travel. It didn’t leave my side on an 11 day backpack trip through Europe and was used as a scarf, blanket, towel, and wrap all throughout the trip. Fashionable enough to dress up a basic travel day outfit, warm enough to keep away a chill on a cooler night, and light enough to pack away small into a bag or tie around a purse strap. I can’t say enough great things! I am buying these as gifts for everyone I know who travels.” —Jenn

Get it from Amazon for $46+ (available in nine colors).

15. A few pairs of breathable, odor-reducing briefs from ExOfficio — a brand that specializes in travel-friendly clothing. The undies are so fast-drying, you can wash them in a sink, wring them out, let them dry for a few hours, and wear ’em again.

Amazon

Promising review: “These are my everyday undies for home or travel. They are durable enough to handle machine washing for routine use, but they also hand-wash and air-dry easily when I want to rotate just a few pairs during travel. I have tried several brands of travel undies and found I get chafing from wool and some other synthetic brands are not as durable as these.” —Ellen R.

Get them from Amazon for $9+ (available in sizes XS–XXL and in 18 colors/patterns). 

16. A pair of bike shorts you can wear on hikes — you know, those that go up literal mountains — or under dresses and skirts as an anti-chafing measure when your exercise du jour is waiting in a TSA line that snakes through the entire airport. 

Amazon

Promising reviews: “Amazing! I wore mine while traveling and the pockets are just so convenient! Amazing fit and comfortable.” —April Smith

“These are SO good. I waited to leave a review because I wanted to wear and wash them for awhile, but after wearing these all summer for workouts, walks, hikes, and general out and about stuff — and after all the washing and drying associated with this much wear — there is NO pilling or wear on the crotch and inside thigh. These still wear and look like new. I am going to order longer pants from this company for the fall and winter.” —dawbygirl

Get them from Amazon for $12.49+ (available in sizes S–XXL and 19 colors).

17. An adjustable cap with a magnetic closure meant to work *with* instead of *against* your ponytails and buns. This way, you don’t have to spend 10 minutes adjusting buckles or straps and trying not to pull out any hair in the process.

Ponyback

Ponyback is a small brand from Stacey Keller. When she couldn’t find a hat that worked well with all hairstyles, she set out to make her own.

Check it out on TikTok here. 

Promising review: “I can’t believe how perfect this hat is — I wear my long curly hair up 90% of the time and this works for ponytails, messy buns, braids, or any combo. It’s SO comfy I don’t even realize I am wearing it until my kids say to me ‘no hats at the table’ haha. This hat will be my summer lifesaver.” —Nancy K.

Get it from Ponyback for $49 (available in seven sizes and 13 colors).

18. A pair of compression socks that — while not the most fashion-forward garment — will help with mid-flight circulation so your legs don’t have to be any more uncomfortable than they already are. Amazon

Promising review: “I have used quite a few compression socks and have found that these are the best. I travel extensively for work, which means long airport walks and sitting and waiting, followed by long flights, and these have left my legs feeling great with no swelling and no leg pain later in the day. They do a great job of providing compression to the leg and calf without being too constricting in the foot area. Other products I have tried tend to be very tight in the foot area. I own quite a few pairs of these for longer than six months and use them regularly, I have found that they are durable and the compression has been consistent.” —Ted E.

Get them from Amazon for $14.32+ (available in four sizes and 21 colors/designs).

19. An oversized hoodie with a built-in sleep mask that ensures some quality shut eye whether you’re traveling via plane, train, or automobile (AKA Lyft or Uber…). 

Pond Los Angeles

Pond Los Angeles is a woman– and Asian American–owned small clothing and accessories brand based in California. 

Promising review: “I fly a lot and am constantly trying to find a hoodie with a big hood to cover my eyes so I can catch up on some beauty sleep on the plane. I saw this product on Instagram and knew it would be a game-changer. I was able to use it recently for the first time on an early morning flight, and let me tell you, it is EVERYTHING I was looking for and more. It’s comfy, cozy, oversized, and the eye covers make you feel like you’re in a whole other world and not packed like a sardine on a plane. My over-ear headphone fit perfectly under it, and I got the best sleep I’ve had on a plane — EVER!” —Heather G.

Get it from Pond Los Angeles for $102.40 (originally $120; available in sizes S–XL and five colors).

20. A stretchy tank top jumpsuit so comfortable and stylish, you can wear it on your flight and then roll right out of the airport and through the rest of your day without a wardrobe change.

Pssst! Reviewers also say this is a great option during pregnancy because it’s bump-friendly and works long after baby is born!

Promising review: “This romper is so comfy. It is the best travel outfit of all time. You can dress it up or down. Wear it out for dinner or just to get groceries. I’m buying more in other colors!” —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in sizes XS–3X and in 20 colors, prints, and styles).

21. A simple flat that’s easy to slip on and off at the airport and takes up next to no room in your bag so you can go ahead and pack that sweater that you def won’t need on your Caribbean trip but… like… what if you do and then you regret not bringing it??

Those 45,000+ 5-star ratings don’t lie!

Promising review: “I normally cannot wear flats because they give me terrible blisters on the back of my feet. These didn’t! Bought these in nude for a city vacation with a lot of walking, but where sandals aren’t necessarily worn and these were perfect! They obviously don’t have the support of sneakers, but I am so happy to finally have a cheap pair of flats that don’t give me blisters. I did break them in with thin socks on around my house before wearing them out and when possible, I wear them with little sock liners. Also — I was able to fold these in half like Tieks and fit them in a semi-small purse to change into to dance at a wedding! Score!” —Kate

Get it from Amazon for $8.70+ (available in sizes 5–15, including wide sizes, and 21 colors). 

FYI, if you have Amazon Prime, you can give these a spin before you buy them!

22. A cozy pair of Richer Poorer recycled sweats sure to nail your two airport outfit musts: They’re comfyyyyy — first and foremost — and they’re perfectly presentable. 

Emma Lord/BuzzFeed

Here’s more from my colleague Emma Lord:

“Before these sweatpants, I had three rotating sweatpants that each had, like, One Good Thing about them, but weren’t overall great. After I got these Richer Poorer sweatpants, I straight up got rid of all the others, because this pair has it all. I’m talking ridiculously soft fabric on the inside, and — be still my millennial heart — the aforementioned POCKETS. I tend not to go outside in sweatpants, but I do occasionally have to run down to the lobby of my building to pick up deliveries, and these make me feel very ~sweatpants chic~ (and the deep pockets are truly appreciated for holding things like my phone and keys and face masks). I can tell these are going to be a favorite of mine for a loooong, long time (unless I end up getting it in other colors, in which case it might tie for my favorite with those lolol).” 

Get it from Richer Poorer for $76 (available in sizes XS–XL and four colors).

23. And a Hackwith Design House shirt that can be worn ~six~ different ways so you don’t have to lug around a large checked bag or wear the same exact outfit every day. Hackwith Design House

Hackwith Design House is a woman-owned small business. Their sustainable designs are made to order and sewn in their Minnesota studio. Their sizes run from XS–4X. On Mondays, they also release limited-edition designs so you can be one of only 25 people to own a piece! 

I have this shirt and I *love* it. All credit for its discovery goes to TikToker @jennifer.bianca who I happened to stumble across on my FYP. It checks all my boxes: black, comfortable, versatile, and durable. My initial worry was that I wouldn’t feel secure in it (I have a 38DDD chest and most wrap tops/dresses I’ve tried haven’t stayed where they’re supposed to), but I haven’t had an issue with this! I’ve worn it tied in the front giving me a square neck (like the middle picture) and tied in the back giving me a V-neck up front (just like the photo on the right) — both were super comfortable and I didn’t have to adjust myself at all. As someone whose weight fluctuates, I also appreciate that this piece can handle pounds gained and lost. The fabric is medium weight so I’ll be wearing it season to season and there’s just enough elasticity in the arms that if you roll up your sleeves, they won’t fall back down. All that is to say trust that I will be buying additional colors!

Get it from Hackwith Design House for $145 (available in sizes XS–4X and in five colors). 

Reviews in this post have been edited for length and/or clarity.