9 Best Wrinkle-Free Travel Clothes

Travel can be demanding at times—on you and your clothes. Who wants to arrive at their destination after a long plane or car ride and have to get out the hotel iron? Wrinkle-free travel clothes can take the stress out of traveling. For the best wrinkle-free travel clothes, choose ones that are easy to care for and versatile enough that you can pair them with other items in your carry-on bag.

The type of weave and fabric you choose definitely makes a difference in finding wrinkle-free clothes. Certain fabrics are far less likely to wrinkle than others, like lyocell (a synthetic form of rayon), polyester (don’t turn up your nose so quickly—it is synthetic, sure, but also affordable and durable) and spandex (also known as elastane or Lycra), which is nice when blended with other fabrics. For cooler weather, cashmere, thicker knits and wool are all less likely to come out wrinkled, too.  

We’ve selected a few staple pieces for the whole family to arrive crisp and wrinkle-free. Here are the best wrinkle-free travel clothes for the whole family.

1. Orly Dress by Helene Clarkson

I have a personal fondness for Helene Clarkson’s Canadian-made collection of wrinkle-free travel clothes. Her collection caters particularly to travelers because the clothing is wrinkle-free and uber functional. Pieces can be mixed and matched with colors and patterns that coordinate well together, and many of the pieces are reversible (so you can get two colors for the price of one!).

Travelers—as well as non-travelers—can choose from a stylish selection of dresses, tops, pants and other clothing that will look good—and feel comfortable—at home, work, on the road or for a special evening out. Her jersey knits and stretchy ponte fabrics are flattering and easy to pack in small spaces, and all of her pieces are machine washable and quick drying.

This attractive Orly summer dress comes in a beautiful cerulean blue, black and paisley. It falls just below the knee with a flattering handkerchief hem and is short sleeved. It is made of a super comfortable stretchy material—95 percent polyester and 5 percent spandex—and looks great with flats, flip flops or sandals. This wrinkle-free summer dress is made for all sizes, from extra small to 2x.

Helene Clarkson has also introduced a Curvy Collection, with great plus-size options that work well for curvy figures. The Aro reversible cigarette pant is inspired by clam diggers of the 50s and 60s, and the Alula Reversible tunic has flattering bell sleeves and is reversible with two different necklines: boatneck or keyhole!

Related: Flip It and Reverse It: 10 Clothing Items That Do Double-Duty on Vacation

2. Eddie Bauer Women’s Willit Stretch Legend Wash Shorts

These wrinkle-resistant shorts from Eddie Bauer are made of a thick durable fabric. They are stretchy and very soft, and have two roomy front pockets, as well as two back pockets. Choose from many great colors, including a dusted indigo and a desert rose, as well as more classic colors, like grey, cloud blue and green. Sizes include petite, tall and regular options.

3. Boston Proper Women’s Wrinkle-Resistant Straight-Leg Knit Pant

The Beyond Travel Collection at Boston Proper is designed entirely using a wrinkle-resistant knit fabric that is flattering as well as super comfortable. These wrinkle-resistant straight leg pants are the perfect pants for the car or plane, and they’re easy to pair with other pieces in your travel collection. These super-comfortable high-rise pants are made with a banded stretch waist. The knit fabric is 95-percent nylon and 5-percent spandex and is machine washable. Choose between brown, navy and black, and in a range of sizes from XX-Small to X-Large, with short, long and regular options.

4. Lululemon High Times Pant Full On Luon 7/8 Yoga Pants

Although Lululemon doesn’t specifically bill themselves as travel wear, their clothing is so comfortable that it works perfectly on a plane, in a car, lounging around the house or while exercising. I make sure to have my Lulus in my carry-on backpack so that I can change into them at the airport, particularly for an overnight flight. The Lululemon High Times Pant Full On Luon 7/8 Yoga Pants are made of a four-way stretch, sweat-wicking material with added Lycra fiber so that it clings, but also breathes and is super comfortable. The pants also have a wide waistband and a flattering high rise fit for added coverage. Choose from several solid colors or unique patterned ones. Sizes range from 2 to 12.

5. prAna Cantine Dress

This halter-style sundress is perfect for the active traveller or a stylish teen. It has a built-in shelf bra that gives you support even when you’re on the run. It’s lightweight, keeps its stretch and shape, and is made of a moisture-wicking polyester and spandex blend that’s super comfortable. You’ll find this wrinkle-free summer dress very flattering, especially with the attractive double strap back detail. Pair it with sandals or white sneakers for a fun look. This summer dress comes in solid colors or attractive prints, and is machine washable.

6. Calvin Klein Men’s Dress Shirt Non-Iron

This 100-percent cotton Calvin Klein men’s dress shirt wicks away moisture from the body, so it will leave men feeling dry and cool. Its slim modern fit nicely tapers to a man’s body, and the slim sleeves and lack of pocket creates a sleek, clean look. The non-iron fabric is easy to care for, and resists wrinkles. And the cuff is adjustable with two button positions. This wrinkle-resistant shirt comes in a wide variety of colors and is machine washable.

7. L.L. Bean Wrinkle-Free Double L Chinos

L.L. Bean has many wrinkle-free clothing options for men—from the classic T-shirt, polo shirt, or collared shirt to wrinkle-free double L chinos—in both a long pant and shorts.

Men will find the L.L. Bean Wrinkle-Free Double L Chinos pants reliable and super comfortable. They are made of a durable, soft, mid-weight cotton that is shrink-resistant and fits true-to-size. They’re a perfect trouser for travel (think long plane rides), for lounging around at home or pairing with a jacket or blazer. These wrinkle-free travel pants also have elastic waist panels for added comfort. They sit comfortably at the waist and have a relaxed fit through the thigh and hip. These 100-percent cotton pants also have deep roomy pockets, and can be machine washed and dried.

8. L.L. Bean Men’s Wrinkle-Free Kennebunk Sport Shirt

This men’s, wrinkle-free L.L. Bean Kennebunk button down shirt is so comfortable, the wearer won’t want to take it off! It’s a high quality sport shirt that wears like a dress shirt, so men can wear it out to dinner, on a date, for a day of sightseeing or as “business casual.” This wrinkle-free shirt is made of 100-percent cotton using TrueCool technology that’s designed to wick away moisture and dry quickly. It’s available in regular and tall sizes ranging from small to XXL, and comes with a single chest pocket. Choose from any of the 15 plaid colors. This wrinkle-free shirt can go in the washer and dryer.

9. AKA Boys Wrinkle Free Dress Shirt

This long-sleeved, wrinkle-free shirt has buttoned cuffs, a left chest pocket and point collar. It’s available in a wide range of sizes from young boy to teen, with some husky sizes mixed in. This wrinkle-free shirt is made of a 65-percent cotton and 35-percent polyester thin blend for a comfortable, soft feel. Boys can dress it up with a bow tie or suspenders, wear it for a band performance or wedding, or dress it down with a casual pair of slacks. Choose from many great colors from a classic white to standout colors like aqua blue, pink and lime green. This easy care shirt is machine washable.

Toronto-based Diana Ballon is a writer and editor who writes about travel, health and wellness, and is most happy when her stories can combine both. Diana’s stories have appeared in numerous digital and print publications. She loves to travel, and is most at peace when she is cycling, hiking, snorkeling and experiencing off-the-beaten path adventures, ideally with her family. Find Diana’s work on her personal website and follow her on Instagram, @dianamaryballon.

What to Pack for Your Next Trip