In a previous post, we discussed the best kinds of clothes to pack for a trip including quick-drying underwear, breathable clothes and dark-coloured items. In this post, we focus on the most comfortable clothes for traveling. 

Comfort is one of the most important things when you are traveling. That’s because traveling, exploration and other travel-related activities are often uncomfortable. Sitting in a plane for hours is not exactly fun. So maximizing your comfort ensures you enjoy your trip. 

5 Things to Consider When Choosing Comfortable Clothes for Traveling

1. Comfortable fit - avoid anything that’s too tight. Everything from your shirt to your shoes should fit well. For clothes, a looser fit is usually better for breathability and blood flow.  
2. Breathable to help you stay cool. 
3. Sweat-wicking to keep your skin dry. 
4. Easy to layer, which lets you quickly adjust to changing temperatures. 
5. Fabric that’s soft and gentle on your skin - that’s why we love sweatpants and tees so much for traveling. 

The Most Comfortable Pants for Traveling 

My go-to travel pants for casual trips are sweatpants. Sweatpant design has evolved so now you can get really good looking ones that don't look like you are ready for a lazy day at home. If it’s hot, joggers have a thinner material and tend to breathe better.  

If you want a smarter look (e.g. when going on a business trip), chinos or business pants are also comfortable. Just make sure they fit well, they are lightweight and they are breathable. 

If you prefer jeans, look for soft stretch denims. They contour well to your body while allowing lots of flexibility and providing a comfortable fit. 

The Most Comfortable Shirts & Tops for Traveling

Any kind of top is ideal for traveling as long as it is breathable and moisture wicking. A tank top is perfect for tropical vacations where you expect lots of sunshine, t-shirts are also great for warm weather and long-sleeved t-shirts are ideal for mildly cool weather. 

Hercleon has all three types: a tank-top, t-shirt and long-sleeved shirt. They are made with a special antimicrobial fabric that kills odor-causing bacteria, so they don't stink even after multiple wears without washing.  

As for materials, cotton, linen and bamboo are ideal for most traveling (soft and breathable), wool is great for any weather and is especially ideal for outdoors, and polyester or nylon are also excellent for outdoor adventures.

The Most Comfortable Socks & Underwear for Traveling

If you are a frequent traveler, forget your regular underwear and invest in a few pairs of travel underwear. We’ve talked about this before in our post on how to pick the best men’s underwear for traveling.

Even your most comfortable pair of undies may not be as comfortable as travel underwear when you are in a plane for eight hours or walking through a city the entire day. 

Travel underwear is pricier but it’s designed to keep you comfortable when traveling. It’s made with premium fabric that is highly breathable, moisture-wicking, odor-resistant, stretchy and soft, and has no-chafe seams. Just get 2-3 pairs specifically for traveling. 

Hercleon has two types of men’s and women’s underwear that are perfectly suited for the road. There’s Kribi Sport if you are planning an activity-packed trip (e.g. hiking, beach volleyball, etc.) and Kribi lounge underwear for more relaxed traveling. 

Both are super soft, so comfortable you forget you are wearing underwear, and designed to fight off bacteria and fungus, thus keeping away any bacteria-caused odors as well as infections. 

As for socks, go for merino wool socks. They beat all other materials in comfort and hygiene. Cotton is soft and breathable, but it absorbs sweat and stays damp, which keeps your feet sweaty. Synthetic socks let go of the sweat quickly, but only if you have very breathable shoes. Otherwise, you’ll end up with sweaty and stinky feet. 

If you are planning to fly, consider buying compression wool socks especially if you have a health condition that causes poor circulation in your legs such as varicose veins.  

And if you are going outdoors, get yourself a pair of HercSocks. They are breathable and odor-resistant, and you can also get a version that’s resistant to rain and snow. 

The Most Comfortable Shoes for Traveling

Finally, let’s talk about shoes. Trainers and sneakers are the best options for most travelers. They are comfortable for most activities and you can get a versatile pair that looks just as good in the museum as it does at a fancy restaurant. 

If you don't plan to do a lot of walking, you can wear boots, oxfords and other types of shoes as long as they fit well, they are breathable and you can comfortably wear them for hours. 

Don’t forget to pack a pair of sandals or slip-ons if you are going on a long haul flight. They are more comfortable than wearing shoes all that time.