best men's travel shorts

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17 of the Best Travel Shorts For Men

Written by Dan

Updated on April 26th, 2024

I rounded up the best travel shorts for men, from lightweight activewear to casual loungewear. See the helpful travel features like water resistance and zipper pockets in this list.

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Best Travel Shorts for Men

Public Rec Workday Short

Bluffworks Ascender Shorts

Western Rise Boundless Short

Western Rise Evolution Short

DUER No Sweat Short

• Free Fly Men’s Tradewind Shorts

Swrve TRANSVERSE Trouser Shorts

Mission Workshop STAHL : LT

Myles Everyday Short

Public Rec Flex Short

prAna Stretch Zion Short II

prAna Brion Short II

Patagonia Baggies Shorts in 5”

REI Co-op Trailmade Amphib shorts

Cotopaxi Veza Adventure Short

Vuori Ripstop Short

lululemon Commission Classic-Fit Short 7” Warpstreme

“Travel shorts” can mean something different depending on who you ask. For me, I look to pack two different types of shorts in my bag when I travel in warm weather or summer months.

I want a pair of shorts that I can wear to look “presentable,” like if I’m going out to dinner or to an event at a friend’s wedding weekend. I also want a pair of shorts that will maximize comfort and function, but have plenty of flexibility as well. In reality, these two categories are often two different types of shorts.

In this roundup, I’ve tested and rounded up my favorite shorts for travel, and I’ll mix and match between those two categories. Keep that in mind when going through the list!

For reference, I am 5’9” tall, and about 165 pounds. More “athletic” styles usually fit and flatter me the best.

Browse our 5 favorite picks

• Public Rec Workday Short Check Availability
• Bluffworks Ascender Shorts Check Availability
• Western Rise Boundless Short Check Availability
• DUER No Sweat Short Check Availability
• prAna Stretch Zion Short II Check Availability

With all of that said, let’s jump right in to see the best travel shorts for men this year.

Public Rec Workday Short

The Public Rec Workday Shorts are an excellent choice for travel shorts, coming from the thoughtful folks at Public Rec . I’m so happy with the way they fit, with the color options and how comfy they are. The moment I put them on, I thought that these may be my #1 new favorite shorts for the year.

The shorts have a good balance between being casual and presentable, with the option to walk around all day in them and feel comfortable.

In terms of materials, they are made from 100% polyester. This makes them super easy to wash again and again.

They have belt loops, which are good if you need a belt, or if you want to dress them up with a belt. There’s a hidden side zipper pocket, which is useful for stashing away something small and valuable.

They fit very true to size, like the website says. I wear a size 32 width, and I wouldn’t size up or down at all. In terms of the length, they don’t feel especially too short or long, so they’re flattering from the start.

I have nothing bad to say about the Workday Shorts and hope to wear them for years to come both when traveling and when home.

Stay minimal and comfortable with the Public Rec Workday Short, a versatile piece for any occasion.

Bluffworks Ascender Shorts

I started wearing the Bluffworks Ascender Shorts in 2019 and until recently, I barely wore any other pair of shorts. These shorts are a truly fantastic option for someone looking for a great pair of travel shorts. They have come on every summer and early fall trip of ours since I can remember.

Bluffworks has been one of my go-to brands for travel since 2016. I have a lot of their products and everything I own is durable, high quality and built to last. Having a suit from Bluffworks taught me that you really can pack a suit for a trip and it won’t wrinkle.

The Ascender Shorts are 100% polyester, making them simple to wash. I always hang them dry rather than put them in the dryer. They look fantastic and crisp, wear after wear.

They have tons of pockets, much like most Bluffworks products for men (and women). There’s a back phone pocket, which I don’t use too often, but it’s good for a passport or anything that shape that you might need to keep out of your front or back pockets temporarily for security.

They’re lightweight and packable. They feel like they have more structure on the outside. They’re made from Bluffworks’s signature Ascender fabric, so if they feel like they could also be pants, it’s because they are the “shorts version” of the best-selling Ascender Chino pants for men.

These shorts really are wrinkle-resistant, but not immune to wrinkles. My photos above might show an extreme case of wrinkles because I had them rolled up in a ball before I took the photos. Oops! I took photos on another day, which you can see here.

Regarding the size on these: they fit true to size, which is also something I’ve lucked out with in wearing Bluffworks apparel for travel. After several years, they’ve held up great, aside from the color fading ever so slightly. They don’t show too many signs of heavy wear, even after wearing them through so many countries and cities, from NYC to Puerto Rico to Mexico.

Check out the shorts you'll want to live in all summer and during trips.

Western Rise Boundless Short

The Western Rise Boundless Shorts have been my favorite shorts to wear around the house and around my neighborhood on the weekends. They’re super cozy and surprisingly durable. I like taking them on a trip when I want a travel short that has an athletic feel. If you’re not familiar with Western Rise, check out this page where I talk all about the brand as well as our travel interview with Western Rise’s Co-Founder Kelly .

With the rest of the options on this list, I’d say that the Boundless Shorts are slightly less casual than some other options, and they’re more “athletic.” I think the photos on Western Rise’s website make the shorts seem more passable as regular shorts.

They have a substantially thick waistband, which you don’t notice if your shirt is not tucked in. After a lot of wears, the band still has plenty of tension and it hasn’t worn out even a little bit.

Some shorts that tend to favor the athletic side only come in small, medium, large and x-large. What’s unique about the Boundless Shorts is that you can get really granular with your sizing and pick the exact size that works for you from all the waist sizes, 28 to 40.

Get an immediate 15% off with our exclusive Western Rise discount code! Use code HALFHALFTRAVEL at checkout.

Shop the deal

You can apparently take these shorts with you in the pool or ocean, which I have yet to do on a trip!

I can say that after these shorts come out of the washer, they don’t feel especially wet. Instead of putting them in the dryer, I always hang them dry. The large waistband will be the last to dry. Keep that in mind if you plan to take a quick dip and then go on with your day.

The zippered pockets might come in handy if you take a hotel room key or something else waterproof with you in the water during your trip.

Experience limitless comfort with the Western Rise Boundless Short, designed for flexibility and durability.

Western Rise Evolution Short

The Evolution Shorts from Western Rise are a casual and laid-back answer to travel shorts that are ready for anything. Basically, they’re a modern pair of travel bottoms for warm weather that look decent whether you’re flying, taking a road trip with stops, hitting some nightlife at night in your destination or going to the beach for a day.

Like the Boundless Shorts (above), they come in a range of numerical waist sizes, from 28 to 40. Western Rise designed these shorts to be the only shorts you’d need on a trip, if you have a variety of uses (everything except swimming and working out, basically). If you plan to go to the hotel gym or go for a run while on vacation, I suggest checking out one of the more athletic-style pairs of travel shorts I continue to suggest below.

As for stretch, the Evolution Shorts have a four-way stretch, which is one of my favorite features of any travel shorts. Second, the pockets have a few good aspects to note: the interior pockets have mesh drainage, in case you get caught in some rain, and there’s a zippered wallet-style pocket for protecting against theft.

You could wear the Evolution Shorts with a polo, a wrinkle-free button-down shirt or a simple T-shirt to look great while on the go.

Transform your summer wardrobe with the Western Rise Evolution Short, offering a perfect balance between comfort and style.

DUER No Sweat Short

As you may have seen within our other gear reviews , I’m a huge fan of DUER products. The DUER Performance Denim jeans are one of my favorite pair of pants, and I tried the Fireside jeans for winter travel! I wear my Performance Denim almost every day, actually. DUER does make a pair of the Performance Denim shorts as well.

I’m here to talk about DUER’s No Sweat Shorts . There are a few things that I like about these shorts, which make the list as some of the best travel-worthy shorts for guys. First, superficially, the No Sweat Shorts come in a lot of colors, from the really nice “Wood Smoke” to the fresh “Stone Blue,” and I appreciate this because I’m not a huge fan of classic blue jean shorts.

Second, the signature gusset in the No Sweat Shorts is what originally turned me onto DUER pants. I like how the durability of my Performance Denim jeans are carried over to the shorts. I’ve gone on hikes, slept on night buses and took long walks through cities in my DUER jeans. Through those various adventures, the gusset has held up and has provided a super comfortable fit.

I tend to see exactly how helpful the gusset is when I bend down to pick up my phone or some luggage, and the two sides of the pants or shorts feel reinforced. With the same gusset in the No Sweat Shorts, they’ll last for years upon years. (Also, they come in a women’s version, which is great for a woman in your life! See it at Becca’s list of the best travel shorts for women .)

Grab a pair of these handy shorts for your next trip.

Free Fly Men’s Tradewind Shorts

The Free Fly Men’s Tradewind Shorts are awesome if you’re on a trip to a humid place, or if you’ll be on the water a lot (think boating, fishing or hanging at a lake). They’re also great for looking decent and put-together while playing golf or dining out during travel.

Thanks to a lightweight blend of cotton and polyester with 8% Spandex and DWR (which repels moisture), these shorts are soft and feel like chinos, with great UPF 50+ sun protection. If you’re intrigued by the Free Fly brand , I recommend checking out all the products for men , which are meant for empowering life outdoors.

Free Fly Men's Tradewind Short

These relaxed chino shorts are perfect for humid destinations or being on the water.

Swrve TRANSVERSE Trouser Shorts

I think what’s attractive about the TRANSVERSE shorts from Swrve is that they’re a decent-looking pair of shorts you’d wear day to day while traveling, but they are completely geared toward being active in a flash.

With the reinforced gusset at the inseam, water-resistant four-way stretch fabric and a rear zippered pocket, you could be out mountain biking in these as soon as you were done with lunch. Swrve built these for men who value comfort, as the low waist in the front was built to avoid digging into your middle, while the higher waistband in the back should cover your rear when you bend down.

The TRANSVERSE shorts are built for adventure and have a modest 9” inseam. They come in sizes 28 to 38. Keep in mind that these shorts are not necessarily meant to be lightweight, so if you’re seeking something weightless, check out the other options above for your desired travel uses.

I have a pair of these and you should know that the sizing is a little different than most shorts. Measure your existing favorite pair of shorts to see what the waist measures. That number is your size of Swrve. For example, even though my Public Rec Workday shorts are a 32, the waist measures 33. I ordered a 33 for the TRANSVERSE Trouser Shorts and they fit great.

I could have gone a little bigger because the pockets fit a little on the snug side. My waist size usually fluctuates about a half size during the spring and summer months because I am generally more active in those months.

Move with ease in the Swrve TRANSVERSE Trouser Shorts, designed for flexibility and durability.

Mission Workshop STAHL : LT

The Mission STAHL : LT shorts are made of really unique fabric. They’re pretty stiff, but stretchy and forgiving at the same time. I’d say these are a specialty pair of shorts, as the material is a military-spec textile.

The 10” inseam is typically long for most men, so this is an aspect of them you have to be interested in and ready for. I’d say these shorts work best for men with long legs, or tall guys. In fact, they’re perfect for tall guys who find a traditional 7’’ inseam to be much too short.

There are a ton of pockets (well, six of them), which makes the Stahl LT shorts ideal as general utility shorts that will do you well during a trip.

They’re water resistant because of the outer coating, which is a special coating on the fabric.

They’re lightweight and feel very high-quality, which is reflected in the price (note that they are made in New York, not abroad).

Experience the durability and functionality of the Mission Workshop STAHL : LT, designed to withstand any adventure.

Myles Everyday Short

If you’re looking for a pair of travel shorts that comes in 14 (yes, you read that right!) colors, check out the Myles Everyday Short . They’re a minimalist and cool pair of shorts with a drawstring waistband and four-way stretch you’ll definitely enjoy. I’d say I like the Dark Oak and Fog colors best.

A unique feature of ordering them to get your size is being able to pick the inseam length (6 in., 8 in., 10 in.) in addition to your waist size (sized in Small through XL). These might be good for petite guys, or guys who are tall and find that travel shorts tend to hit too high on the thigh.

These also have mesh front pockets to hold your stuff, and a water-repellent finish on top of the ultra-soft weave. They come at an affordable price, and the enthusiastic five-star reviews could probably speak for themselves.

Stay cool and comfortable with the Myles Everyday Short, designed for active men who value style and comfort.

Public Rec Flex Short

Public Rec is one of my favorite brands for travel apparel, and most of their products are winners in my mind. The Public Rec Flex Shorts are kind of an interesting item: they have an athletic look at first glance, but if you were to hide the waistband, you could dress them up a tad.

One helpful aspect of the ordering experience is that you get to choose a customizable waist size for these. Pair your waist size (28 to 44) with a desired inseam, with three choices from 5.5 inches to 9.5 inches, depending on your height and how you like your shorts to look.

You also get a choice of having them as “unlined” or “lined.” You don’t need to wear underwear with the lined version (shhh!). Lined shorts are good to double as a baiting suit, so that makes the Flex Shorts pretty versatile.

Overall, they’re great for lounging while on vacation, or maybe you can wear them at home so that you feel like you’re on vacation . They serve a dual purpose for travel, because they can be a bathing suit, workout shorts or shorts to hang around in and be comfy in.

Stay flexible and cool with the Public Rec Flex Short, a staple for any active wardrobe.

prAna Stretch Zion Short II

prAna is a cool company that makes men’s and women’s basics in a lot of great colors and styles. They also focus on sustainability. Their Stretch Zion Short II is a nice mainstay of their men’s shorts collection, and it’s made from the proprietary ReZion fabric, which is a recycled nylon blend stretch performance fabric. They have a unique waist adjustment buckle and strap that you can show off if you have your shirt tucked in.

The Stretch Zion Short II is one of the few shorts that offers all the way up to a 12” inseam. This means they could be great for tall guys, or just men who have long legs and find that other shorts sit too high on the thigh. If you prefer shorts that hit your knees, explore the different inseams lengths available on these shorts.

My personal preference would be an 8-inch inseam, and that can even be a little to long for me when I look for a flattering shorts fit.

These Zion shorts are called “Short II” because they’re the second “iteration” of the Zion Short I, based on customer feedback. For travel, the thoughtful design that optimizes performance, breathability, moisture-wicking technology and comfort will be helpful on any summer trip.

Experience nature with the prAna Stretch Zion Short II, designed for flexibility and durability.

prAna Brion Short II

Coming again from prAna, the Brion Short II is the second iteration of the Brion Shorts, based on previous customer feedback. It’s a casual type of short, and more traditional than the prAna Zion shorts, best worn with a T-shirt or button-down during a trip.

These shorts come in two inseam lengths for men: 9” and 11”. Like the Zion shorts, tall men and men who enjoy the look of shorts hitting the knee will benefit with these options. There’s a significant difference in these two lengths in terms of how they look.

The Brion Short II is made with the same fabric as the Stretch Zion (ReZion), meaning you get UPF 50+ material that is abrasion-resistant and moisture-wicking. These are all ideal qualities for a trip when you’re walking in the sun sightseeing, or sitting outside at a bar with a cocktail on a rooftop.

Embrace the outdoors with the prAna Brion Short II, designed for maximum flexibility.

Patagonia Baggies Shorts in 5”

Maybe you’re laughing at the name of these highly-recommended shorts from Patagonia. The versatility of these shorts is no joke, though: they’re good for all-weather running, they can double as a quick bathing suit when you left yours at home, they’re nice for the general “active travel” category like easy hiking and they’re excellent “all-around versatile shorts if you don’t need to dress up.”

The lightweight factor of these shorts is probably what sets them apart. Made from recycled 100% nylon, they give off a retro 80s feel, and with the 5” inseam, be ready to show off those legs you’ve worked for all year at the gym!

The Men’s Baggies Shorts come in lots of fun colors (15 of them!) and a variety of sizes from men’s XS to men’s XXL, which is kind of rare to see from retailers. The mesh liner lends itself to the design that lets you go in and out of water without needing boxers.

They also come in a 7” inseam option.

Experience the freedom of movement with Patagonia Baggies Shorts in 5”, perfect for beach days, hikes, or lounging at home.

REI Co-op Trailmade Amphib shorts

Just like the name, the REI Trailmade Amphib shorts will almost let you turn into a frog if you plan to spend a trip on wet hikes or in and out of the ocean on a day to day. These active shorts for travel are pretty affordable, not crossing the $50 threshold, and if you’re lucky, you can find several colors on sale for $10 less at any given time.

There’s a built-in adjustable waistband that not only looks cool, but helps if you want to tighten them before wading through water while trekking, or simply hopping in a hotel pool. The material is resistant to snags and tears, which is good for more adventurous hikes and bouldering.

The main benefit of the Amphib shorts is that they’re a solid choice for being in and out of water, and not having to change clothes. The blend of 89% nylon and 11% polyester lets them dry exceptionally quickly, meaning that they may even be dry before your flight home.

Stay active and comfortable in the REI Co-op Trailmade Amphib shorts, perfect for any outdoor activity.

Cotopaxi Veza Adventure Short

We’re big fans of Cotopaxi as a brand. They stand for quality and sustainability, and their products are really well-respected in the travel space.

The Veza Adventure shorts are great everyday shorts, and they’re pretty “attractive” as far as activewear for travel tends to go. In warmer months, you can wear these shorts from the moment you wake up, through going on a flight and arriving at your destination.

The Veza shorts feature a thick waistband, which I’ve found to be comfortable and long-lasting in similar styles of shorts that I own, like my shorts from Western Rise. There’s only one inseam option for the Veza shorts, and it’s 8 inches. This inseam length is not too short and not too long. It’s probably just right!

Because of the zipper pockets and blend of nylon and spandex, you’ll be happy with the functionality and overall comfort of these. They also come in some fresh colors, with “Raspberry” and “Spice” as colors that would look awesome in trip photos. A bonus feature is a gusset, making them reinforced like my DUER shorts.

Stay active with the Cotopaxi Veza Adventure Short, designed for your outdoor adventures.

Vuori Ripstop Short

Vuori is known for their athletic-first clothing lines and the company is a climate-neutral certified brand. You can expect high-quality clothing from Vuori, and have peace of mind that your items were made in a sustainable way.

The Ripstop shorts from Vuori caught my attention because they are made from 98% organic cotton and 2% elastane. From my experience, even a little amount of elastane goes a long way in making shorts and pants avoid feeling stiff. I’m also glad to see that Vuori is promoting a range of sizes for men, from XS to XXL, with these shorts.

These are really nice-looking casual shorts that will make you feel great through out the day. Cotton isn’t necessarily the best material for unlimited use, but if you have access to a washing machine during your trip, or the space to be packing several different outfit options, that shouldn’t be a problem.

I tend to under-pack and not bring enough options with me. And because of that, my travel outfits sometimes feel limited, or I have to wash items in the sink! I realize that not everyone is like that, and you may want a pair of high-quality comfy shorts to wear a few times — not five times during your trip.

When you’re not traveling, these shorts are going to be a perfect summer weekend option.

Stay active in the Vuori Ripstop Short, combining durable material with optimal mobility.

lululemon Commission Classic-Fit Short 7” Warpstreme

We like lululemon for their thoughtful range of products that make you feel good while working out, as well as wearing their products for loungewear. The men’s Commission Classic-Fit Shorts are a minimalist and simple choice for shorts made from the company’s signature “Warpstreme” fabric, which has four-way stretch, sweat-wicking, wrinkle-resistant and quick-drying capabilities.

They are sturdy shorts made in the chino style that will look good for a wide variety of occasions. I’d be very happy to dress these up with a button-down if going out to eat, or wearing them with a graphic tee while on the go.

As for beneficial travel features, they have a secure and hidden (!) zipper pocket where you can quickly stash valuables like a credit card, room key or collection of spare change. The back pockets have snap closures.

Keep it casual and stylish with the lululemon Commission Classic-Fit Short 7” Warpstreme, a summer staple.

How I made this list

I did a lot of research to determine some of the better brands out there that are making great travel shorts. When I first searched around, I found a lot of the same products circulating on other lists that I found online!

I wanted to wait until I had personal experience in really trying out several different pairs of shorts before forming an opinion on any.

Below, I have some criteria that went into making my list.

Your shorts should be comfortable, especially if you bring them when you travel and wear them multiple times.

In my criteria and in my testing, shorts still need to be comfortable, to endure long flights or sitting for long periods of time (like on a train or in the car).

While I do love my trusty Levi’s 511 Cutoff shorts, they are not comfortable for being in one place for a long time. My wife Becca and I often travel for extended periods of time, and I often make the mistake of bringing these shorts to wear on a plane, train or car ride. They don’t do too well because they’re kind of stiff and thick. Oopsies.

Comfort also means something different for men with varying body types. Sure, material can lend itself to being stretchy or soft; however, some shorts will fit better for certain people.

I have more of an athletic build. My waist size doesn’t always match up to some dimensions of leg sizes. For example, a pair of shorts might fit perfectly in the quads, but will barely fit around my waist, or vice versa.

So, finding shorts that fit me and are comfortable is subjective to my body type.

Functionality and features

For my list of the best travel shorts for men, I looked for shorts that had a combination of these features below. The perfect pair of shorts doesn’t necessarily have to have every box checked. But, if they enable the feature, they should do it well!

Zipper pockets

For travel shorts, zipper pockets are sort of a must, if you’re traveling to Europe, South/Central America or really any place where pickpockets are known to lurk (like Barcelona or Colombia ). Good zipper pockets make it a little harder for someone to snoop in your pockets and easily grab your wallet or phone. I note this because I’ve had friends who’ve gotten their phones stolen out of their back pockets in a snap, in both Spain and in some cities in Latin America.

Even for everyday life, zipper pockets are pretty useful in having peace of mind that something important won’t fall out of your pockets! Plus, you can impress your friends with them

Hidden pockets

Hidden pockets are a nice touch in travel shorts, for keeping your items safe. Similar to how zipper pockets protect your valuables, hidden pockets make it harder to figure out where your valuables are .

Some hidden pockets also double as zipper pockets.

The drawback of hidden pockets is that they can be in non-standard places for pockets. I have one in a pair of my shorts, and having my wallet in a hidden pockets feels a little clunky. I usually stash away something like a piece of paper or a single coin. Anything larger feels like a nuisance.

Belt loops vs drawstring

Some travel shorts try to impress you by having drawstrings. For athletic shorts, that makes sense. You wouldn’t wear a belt when you go running, for example. If your shorts are a little more on the “business beach casual” side (like maybe khaki-colored shorts with a button-up shirt), having a drawstring show up in your outfit might be a turn-off.

Some shorts offer this feature as a way to not need a belt.

This might be appealing to you, but I haven’t been sold on the feature, yet! Additionally, when you wash drawstrings, it’s really easy for them to wrap around the washing machine, or get stuck inside the waistband.

But, if you’re looking for a great belt to use for shorts that do have belt loops, I’ve been enjoying my Arcade belt a lot and I recommend it. You can check it out on Amazon or on Arcade directly.

Activity, like hiking, running or other things

When you’re looking for shorts, there’s not really a single pair that will cover you in all circumstances. The shorts that you want to have to look casual and feel comfortable probably aren’t the shorts that you might wear to the gym and to go swimming.

But, the shorts that you wear out to a nice and casual dinner might be the same shorts that you can take on a hike. It took me a few years to figure this out!

In another way, the shorts that you bring to the beach can also be used for running.

I try and group together my activities and try to plan which types of shorts make the most sense for those occasions.

The benefit of (most) travel shorts is that you can often wash them overnight, and they’ll dry by the time you need them in the morning. The reason is because most travel shorts are made from quick-drying material.

I once forgot running shorts, but luckily had a pair of nylon shorts that I used for a workout in Mexico City . I washed these shorts a few times and they were always dry the morning after. I did point a fan toward them for helping them to dry off, so I knew they would be really dry!

This isn’t a huge factor for me, but it’s nice that it’s a feature of clothing if you’re conscious about being protected from the sun. For travel shorts, if you’re outside all day with no shade, this holds a high amount of value to help keep you safe from the harmful rays of the sun.

UPF is the clothing equivalent to SPF, if you haven’t heard of it (and I only learned about it recently). It’s fairly standard for most of the shorts on the list to have a UPF rating of 50. It isn’t called out so much, so if it’s a deal-breaker, I’d encourage you to look at the product descriptions after clicking through to each product.

Materials are pretty important and are something to look out for when picking your final pair of shorts. When you look for shorts that are branded as travel shorts, you can almost expect that the material will be pretty stretchy, durable and will be made from something really fancy. Let’s take a look at what you can expect.

Quick-drying

A lot of materials are branded to be quick-drying. Pretty much anything except denim or think cotton is quick-drying, in my opinion.

What you want to look out for is any materials with double fabric or reinforced stitches. Those variants probably won’t dry as quickly, because they have more material to dry. It’s like when you stack T-shirts, the top one probably will dry first. The last part to dry will be where they are touching.

Quick-drying material might mean a slightly less durable pair of shorts. Keep that in mind when doing your search.

Breathability

Depending on the climate you’re going to be in, breathability may or may not be important to you. Sitting on a long flight and immediately going to India where it’s going to be 150 degrees F??? You might want the most breathable shorts possible. Or, skip the shorts all together!

If you’re spending time in moderate temperatures like the mid 70s on your trip, breathability might not be as important to you.

Similar to quick-drying, breathable shorts might sacrifice durability.

Stretchiness

Stretchiness used to be limited to spandex. There have been a lot of really cool products to hit the market that integrate spandex-like material into denim and make them extremely lightweight, comfortable and durable.

For me, if shorts are stiff and don’t have any flexibility, they don’t make good travel shorts. You’re one lunge or squat away from splitting your pants, and I’ve split quite a few.

Stain and water resistance

Dockers stain defenders was the first pair of pants I remember seeing that had this feature. The commercials implied that you could spill anything on them and they never stained.

Now, lots of other brands have this type of material and fabric technology.

Dockers was targeting people going to work or people who never wanted to wear khakis. The shorts that you’ll find on this list aren’t only for dressing business casual, though. Stain and water resistant shorts are great for getting stuck in the rain, wearing multiple times or not showing that they’re actually pretty dirty.

And it’s implied that because water and potential spills bead right off, they’re fairly quick to dry as well.

Smell resistance

Because “travel shorts” by definition usually means that you’ll wear them a few times, you don’t want them to smell bad after their first wear. Most travel shorts aren’t made from material that hold smells. It’s called “odor control” by most brands.

Something to look out for is that if your shorts do get wet, allow them to dry. Because, even the most advanced material will probably smell if it has been damp for a day or two.

I wouldn’t roll up your wet clothes in a ball. Try to lay them out in a sunny or warm area. That should help!

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The Best Travel Shorts for Men in 2024

Posted by Keith Langston August 23, 2023 Updated January 15, 2024

We research, test and evaluate outdoor gear based on a number of factors, including our writers’ experience and expertise, trusted user reviews and more. We may earn a commission when you make a purchase through our links. See our editorial policy to learn more.

Travel and adventure require clothing items designed a little differently to ensure they remain comfortable and breathable.

Whether you’re on a trail, in a plane, discovering a new city, or exploring a park, travel takes you places…and your clothing should be able to keep up. But what makes good travel apparel? We want things that are comfy, breathable, hopefully a little water-resistant, and when it comes to shorts and pants, we want a good amount of pocket space too.

For shorts especially, this is important. If you’re wearing shorts for travel, it’s likely going to be warm out, so you want to feel comfortable and cool. If the trip isn’t too long, you’re going to want pockets (preferably that zip) so you can keep a few things with you and (hopefully) ditch the backpack or bag.

Here are some of my favorite travel shorts, tried and tested and guaranteed to be perfect for your next adventure – I also recently reviewed the best travel underwear for men if you’re interested in completing the outfit. 

• Best overall travel shorts: Vuori Banks Shorts
• Best shorts for the trail: REI Co-Op Trailmade Shorts
• Best for all kinds of adventure: Topo Designs Global Shorts
• Best lightweight shorts: Chubbies Lakesides
• Best athletic shorts: Lululemon License to Train Short

Best Overall Shorts: Vuori Banks Shorts

The rundown: California-based Vuori uses its home state as inspiration, giving almost all of their pieces a “ready for the beach or mountains” functionality, making them perfect for travelers who enjoy a bit of both worlds.

• Quick drying
• Made with recycled plastic bottles
• zipped back pocket
• Thinner material offers less protection if you’re in an environment that’s rocky or with a lot of brush

Vuori’s Banks Shorts are made with a breathable quick-drying material, so you can feel free to hop in the water. The stretchy design also makes them perfect for the hike home.

They also have a causal and athletic look to them, so they’re not just built for adventure, but are also great to wear out to a coffee shop or to walk your dog to the park, giving them tons of re-wear value. From the plane to the beach to breakfast the next morning, these shorts fit the bill for just about any occasion.

Best Shorts for the Trail: REI Trailmade Shorts

The rundown: REI is the mothership for outdoor lovers, so it’s no surprise that their brand is excellent for travelers, especially ones who are taking on lofty adventures.

• Pockets, pockets, pockets! Five in total!
• Water-repellant finish
• Made with sustainable Bluesign materials
• Thicker short is great for durability, but makes them a little more constricting
• Only one of the pockets has a zipper

Falling in a grey area between lightweight and heavy-duty, REI’s Trailmade shorts are certainly lighter than your standard cotton or twill shorts, but the rugged nylon gives them a hefty dose of durability. That durability is great for anyone who wants to go hiking or exploring during their travels. The short’s water-repellent finish is also an excellent touch, especially for anyone who knows they’re visiting a rainy destination or will be spending long periods outdoors.

One thing to note is that the sturdy nylon shorts are a bit restrictive. I wore these during a recent trip to Costa Rica, and while on the trail in 90-degree heat I had moments where I definitely wished I had something a little lighter and stretchier. But for cooler temps when you want to feel snug in your shorts, these are perfect.

Best For All Kinds of Adventures: Topo Designs Global Shorts

The rundown: In the last decade, Topo has exploded into one of the most popular outdoor brands in the country, best known for their quirky designs and their splashes of bright colors.

• 4-way stretch
• Quick-dry material
• casual look
• Thickest short on the list, which, depending on the scenario, could be a pro or con

Topo’s Global Short is like an adventure-ready pair of classic shorts. Visually, it looks like a casual pair of shorts that you could easily wear out to lunch or the store. But thanks to its four-way stretch design and quick-drying material, these shorts are for more than just everyday wear.

The thickness of the material makes them super sturdy and the four-way stretch actually makes them more flexible than the lighter REI pair mentioned previously. If you’re the kind of person who packs ultra-light and only wants to bring one pair of shorts that can work for any and every occasion, this is it.

The shorts also have two zipped back pockets, so you can carry your wallet and keys without worrying that they might slip out or be pickpocketed.

Best Lightweight Short: Chubbies Lakesides

The rundown: I love these shorts. I wear them on my daily walks along the river. I wear them to the gym. I wear them when I hang out with friends. I wear them everywhere. I basically live in them.

• Super lightweight
• Incredibly stretchy
• Moisture-wicking
• The least protective of any short on the list

I love Chubbies’ Lakesides shorts. I love them. I currently have another pair on the way right now. They are so unbelievably stretchy and comfortable, while still having a great casual look to them. You’d think you were wearing featherlight running shorts made of nothing. But the material holds up and is way more durable than you’d expect based on the feel. It has the look and feel of proper shorts, all while giving you maximum flexibility and comfort.

But, I’ll admit that they’re best when you don’t need much in your pockets since these shorts have the least storage space of any shorts on the list. If you’re going to be wearing a backpack anyways, or are traveling light and won’t be stuffing your pockets from every angle, these will be your new go-to shorts.

Best Athletic Shorts: Lululemon License to Train Short

The rundown: Let’s all just be real here – most people these days live in athleticwear. Hell, the term “athleisure” was literally created because we all love to live our lives in athletic clothing, which makes sense too since athleticwear tends to be comfy, stretchy, and breathable.

• Durable, yet lightweight
• zipped pickets (a rarity for athletic shorts)
• Tapered fit makes it look more like a casual short
• Quick drying and sweat-wicking
• Because of their thicker material, they’re not as soft and flexible as other athletic shorts

Anyone who has ever been to Lululemon knows that some of their shorts are…let’s just say “flimsy”. Some feel like they’re made of tissue paper and might tear just from holding them. Luckily, they also make thicker, sturdier shorts, like the Licence to Train collection. With a heavier, abrasion-resistant fabric that’s both moisture-wicking and made from recycled materials, these shorts are perfect for Lulu fans who want something a little more tough.

As an athletic short, they’re way lighter than the more adventure-focused shorts on this list, but they still have a good amount of heft to them. I’ve worn these to the gym, on hikes, and on a plane. They’re super versatile, and thanks to the zipped pockets, I never have to worry about losing anything.

The only real downside to these is that, because of their heartier fabric, they are a little bit more restrictive than some other athletic shorts. But compared to their strengths, that’s nothing more than a slight annoyance.

Factors to Consider

Remember that your personal choices might differ from mine. While thicker shorts are generally better if you’re going to do some hardcore backcountry activities, you might not like the way they feel. On the flip side, not everyone is into really thin stretchy shorts either.

Hell, some people even like to wear pants throughout the summer. You know yourself better than anyone else, so while this is a great guide to get you started, trust your instincts. You know how you like to travel more than anyone else.

Why Trust Us

You can trust this guide because I own all of these shorts (and that’s actually me in the photos – please, no autographs!) I’ve worn these shorts while journeying through Costa Rica, hiking the Texas Hill Country, on rides at Disneyland, and while traveling in planes and towns across the country on work assignments.

These genuinely are my favorites because they’ve withstood travel activities of all kinds. From hiking the side of a volcano, to riding a roller coaster, sitting on an airplane, playing by the river, and more.

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Posted by Keith Langston

Keith Langston is a travel and entertainment writer who is constantly torn between having adventures and playing video games. He’s written for publications like Insider, Lonely Planet, and Entertainment Weekly, among others. You can find him hiking the tea fields of Longjing, swimming beneath waterfalls in New Zealand, or eating cookies while playing Xbox.

Stay in touch with him on Instagram @KeithFromOhio .

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The Best Travel Shorts for Men and Women

Published June 11, 2019

Written by:

Shawn Forno

If you want to learn about budget travel, minimalist carry on packing, or how to travel (and even live and...

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At Tortuga, our mission is to make travel easier. Our advice and recommendations are based on years of travel experience. We only recommend products that we use on our own travels.

Table of Contents

Travel shorts are the epitome of “less is more.” It just doesn’t get better than a pair of travel shorts that fits you perfectly while performing the way you want.

If you’re anything like me, your bony knees just can’t wait for summer. But how do you know which shorts are good for travel, and which of your short pants ain’t up to snuff for your next adventure?

Traveling with the right pair of comfy, versatile, stylish travel shorts can be a game-changer. Here’s how to find the perfect pair of travel shorts, our favorite travel-friendly features, and some of the best travel shorts available right now. And, FYI, there may be jorts on this list. You’ve been warned.

What to Look for in Travel Shorts

Evaluating what makes a great pair of “travel” shorts, is surprisingly simple. You just have to ask how the shorts pack (are they lightweight and wrinkle-resistant ) and how they perform (can they handle what you like to do?)

Here are the most important features to look for in a pair of travel shorts:

Lightweight

Featherweight shorts (less than 8 ounces) are perfect for chucking in your bag for impromptu adventures and are super easy to pack when it’s cold out .

Quick-Drying

The ability to hang dry your shorts in a few hours is huge. Prioritize quick-drying fabrics like nylon and poly blends are the best.

Breathability

You’re probably wearing shorts because it’s hot out, right? So make sure they can breathe with features like mesh pockets and gussets, especially if you’re headed somewhere muggy like Southeast Asia .

Zippered Pockets

Or velcro if you’re nasty.

You can’t call a pair of shorts “travel shorts” unless they have at least one pocket that zips closed. Too many things have fallen out of my pocket on busses and in cafes over the years to ignore the importance of either an interior zippered pocket (like the Bluffworks travel pants ) or at least one rear zippered pocket.

Bonus points for seam sealed zipper pockets to keep your phone or headphones safe in a downpour.

4-Way Stretch

Shorts = action, so get a pair of shorts that can stretch to handle hiking, biking, swimming, jumping, yoga, and even rock climbing. Stretch is a bigger deal than you think, and thanks to hybrid fabrics, performance travel shorts don’t have to look like they belong in a Crossfit gym.

Other (perhaps optional) features to look for:

Stain & Odor Resistance

While it’s not a deal breaker if shorts aren’t stain proof it is a nice if your shorts don’t look like crap after two weeks.

This one is a personal preference, but if you spend a lot of time in and out of the water, a drawstring can be great. Other people remove the drawstring as soon as possible. I like it, but I’m a surfer and a climber who’s weight can fluctuate a lot while on long trips.

You do you, but I think the drawstring is a nice value add, especially if it means you don’t need to wear a belt.

Built-In Waist Straps

Some travel shorts, particularly hiking shorts, feature a little toggle or cinch strap to snug your shorts up without a belt. I don’t love these, since they don’t look great when you’re just walking around town, but if you’re going to spend a lot of time on the trail, they can be great, especially if you carry a heavy phone and snacks in your pockets.

If that list of features seems like a lot, just answer these questions before packing shorts for your trip:

• Do these shorts travel well? Do they wrinkle easily? Are they heavy or bulky?
• Are they designed for the stuff I like to do? Can you swim in them? Are they stretchy enough to go climbing or hiking? Do they breathe? How quickly do they dry?

If you can answer “yes” to both of those questions, you’ve got yourself a great pair of travel shorts, friendo.

Best Travel Shorts: Men’s Picks

You don’t need to pack more than one—maybe two—pairs of shorts for your next trip. Obviously if you’re headed somewhere tropical you’ll be tempted to squeeze in a third pair, but honestly, two pairs of shorts is more than enough, especially if you get shorts that are designed for swimming, hiking, and happy hour in the city.

Here’s a short list (hey-O!) of my favorite men’s travel shorts for all kinds of activities and budgets.

Best Travel Shorts: Public Rec All Day Everyday Shorts ($68)

I just like these shorts. They’re comfy, beautifully designed, and perfect for traveling no matter what you’re doing or where you’re going. The cut, fit, and moisture wicking, poly blend nylon fabric somehow manage to thread the needle for almost any situation—from the office (yeah) to a beach bbq. They just look good.

But, the performance is why they make such great travel pants. The two zippered front pockets keep your phone and wallet safe, and if you have more to carry the back pockets are roomy enough for snacks and headphones.

The only controversial feature (which happens to be my favorite part) is the elastic waist. Some people prefer belt loops to cinch up their travel shorts, but if you get the right fit , the comfy elastic waistband will fit like a gentle hug. And they have a lot of colors to choose from.

Snag a pair for your next summer trip and travel in comfort and style.

Honorable Mention: Outlier New Way Shorts ($125)

Best Hybrid Travel Shorts: Western Rise Boundless Shorts ($85)

The Western Rise Boundless travel shorts can handle just about anything you throw at them. The doubleweave fabric is a tight enough weave to provide stain protection and a decent amount of water-resistance, yet it’s still lightweight and breathable for muggy days around town. 

The reason I like the Boundless shorts so much isn’t just the build quality, but the cut and fit. These shorts just look good, and they happen to perform like a champ. The poly-blend contains 13% spandex (that’s a lot), so it has an ample amount of 4-way stretch. That’s huge for me since I like to bike and climb. And the zippered rear pocket is great for keeping everything snug and safe while I’m on the go.

My number one rule (besides always pack a carry on backpack !) is simple: Always pack a swimsuit . I’ve found that a good pair of hybrid shorts is more than enough for the occasional (or even frequent) dip in the hot tub or swim at the beach. The Boundless shorts are essentially my swimsuit and my shorts, which helps slim my packing list way down.

Honorable Mention: Howler Brothers Horizon Hybrid Shorts ($69)

Best Budget Travel Shorts: Uniqlo Airism Dry Ex Shorts ($19)

Ok, cards on the table: these are not “travel” shorts in the strict definition of the term. But they are great for traveling—specifically hanging out in a hostel or hotel at the end of the day. Travel shorts don’t have to be fancy to be good.

Getting nice and comfy at the end of a long day is an underrated, yet extremely important, part of travel. Packing for downtime without taking up your whole bag is what separates the pros from the n00bs, and this pair of lightweight, extremely versatile shorts have been in my bag for years.

They’re lightweight for easy packing, breathable for hot nights, comfy enough to sleep in (which I do), and have pockets for keeping a few things with you if have to shuffle around a hostel common room. The new version even has a zippered right pocket (what!?) to keep your stuff safe on the go.

I can workout, go for a run, rock climb, or even swim in them in a pinch. They’re a great utility hitter, and I’m always happy to pack them for short or long haul trips .

Best Hiking Shorts: Prana Stretch Zion Shorts ($52)

These OG travel shorts are great for the active trekker. While they are a little “trailish” for some city travelers, they’re just so danged good at what they do.

The fabric is rugged, durable, and water (sweat) wicking, while also allowing for lots of stretch thanks to a 3% spandex blend. I like the adjustable waistband strap (belts are meh when I’m hiking), and the vented gussets let these bad boys breathe on the trail. Yes, they have a cargo pocket, but it’s flat seam stitched so it’s blends in when not in use. And if you need to use it, you’ll be glad you have a solid stash pocket for your snacks and supplies. If you’re traveling in summer (or spring, or fall, really), and plan to go hiking or trekking, these are fantastic travel shorts.

Best Travel Chino Shorts: Proof Nomad Shorts ($68)

If you don’t want to look like you just stepped off the trail, these travel shorts are for you. In fact, they’re a strong contender for my favorite travel shorts.

The Proof Nomad shorts are clean, sleek, and built to perform. Made from “Japanese Toray twill,” a comfy, stretch, technical performance fabric, these shorts can equally handle heat, sweat, rain, stains, and air-conditioned digital nomad coworking spaces .

They look great, feel better, and still pack travel-friendly features like a hidden zipper pocket to keep your wallet or passport safe and stashed away. I like a good trail short as much as the next guy, but if you want to look dapper at a beer garden patio or beach bonfire, this is the travel short for you.

Best Lightweight Travel Shorts: H&M Short Swim Shorts ($12)

I picked up a pair of these tiny little bad boys a few years ago, and they’re still going strong. They’re featherweight, easy to pack, super quick drying, and stylish as hell (especially in Europe).

American guys usually opt for long board shorts that hit below the knee, but I’m telling you, shorter is better. These short shorts are easy to pack, and even easier to wear. And, bonus: the mesh lining inside means you can comfortably wear these shorts without underwear, which can stretch your packing list significantly . Seriously, that’s awesome if you’re going hiking or for a swim.

I will say that the mesh pockets aren’t great for wallets or phones, so if you’re exploring in these, you’ll want a daypack . However, I’ve worn them on hiking treks, around the city during summer, and even the occasional bike ride. If you’re looking for an ultralight pair of summer utility shorts, pick up a pair for less than $20. And if you want something a little longer, they have all length shorts available.

Honorable Mention: Oliver’s Apparel All Over Shorts ($68)

Best Athletic Travel Shorts: Oliver’s All Over Shorts ($68)

If you’re one of those “active guys,” you need a pair of high performance travel shorts for the gym, your morning run, or just all the cool stuff you plan on doing all day long. Enter the aptly named “All Over” shorts from Olivers Apparel.

Designed for the guy on the go, these surprisingly stylish travel shorts are a lightweight yet durable travel choice for working up a sweat. They can swim, climb, run, or just lounge like a champ. Definitely a great choice for hotter climates too.

Honorable Mention: Manduka Yoga Shorts ($58-$74)

Best Travel Shorts for Women

When it comes to options in the pants-shorts-skirt-skort-capri space, women have so many more choices than men. This is great, and it’s also a challenge. Finding the perfect pair of travel shorts, that goes from adventure to sundowner cocktails and are versatile enough to wear almost anywhere, feels like winning the summer wardrobe lottery. Try these options on for size:

Best Travel Shorts: Columbia’s Saturday Trail Shorts ($45)

Great material, UPF protected, a preferable inseam length (no wedgies here), and multiple sizes are what make these a winner.

I love Colombia’s Saturday Trail short for women , which won’t put you back financially (they’re less than $45 a pair) and come in a variety of neutral colors—perfect for wearing over and over again.

This pair of travel shorts for women includes Columbia’s signature sun protection, Omni-Shade™, as well as its advanced repellency technology, Omni-Shield™ (ideal if you tend to spill on yourself at every meal, like me). Made with 96% nylon, these quick dry shorts are light, wrinkle resistant, and will be ready for action just as much as you are!

Best Stretch Shorts: 4-Way Stretch Pocket Short from 90 Degree by Reflex ($19.99)

If four-way stretch didn’t pique your interest, maybe this will: these workout-friendly shorts have pockets with zippers (making your keys and ID way less likely to go missing!).

Though mostly polyester (88%), I still love the color variety and utility of these travel shorts for women .

The drawstring waist means you won’t lose your trusty bottoms even if/when you binge on too much carbonara and gelato (no judgment here!).

Keep in mind that these shorts are pretty teeny-tiny, so they might not make sense for everyday wear. Even so, they won’t take up too much space in your carry-on as exercise clothes or jammies.

Best Budget Shorts: Frill Trim Tie Waist Striped Shorts from Romwe ($7.95)

Having a pair of sweet, sassy, patterned shorts tucked in your backpack for those special night outs isn’t such a bad idea—especially when you buy a pair for less than $10 from Romwe.

Not only are these cute shorts perfect for travel, they’ll be turning eyes in the corner pub or along the beach on the reg. Their wide legs and elastic waist means, yes, you should definitely spring for more spring rolls.

Just keep in mind that their polyester composition means you need to plan for more dry-time!

Best Adjustable Length Shorts: Tranquility – Stretch Travel Short from Paskho ($58)

These adorable, pink-hued shorts sell themselves, but they’re even more than meets the eye. With multi-zip pockets and an adjustable inseam of 8.5 inches, they’re perfect for travelers headed to more conservative destinations on their adventure.

A relaxed fit means your legs look like they go on #fordays, and the hems can be rolled or not depending on your style. The contrasting black thread gives these shorts a super modern look—perfect for both a day of sunbathing or a night catching live music with friends.

What’s more, Paskho has business-wide commitment to sustainability efforts for the planet, so 1% of your purchase is dedicated to helping our mother!

Best Versatile Shorts: Prana’s Olivia Shorts ($44)

If you’d rather ride a train across Tanzania for 44 hours than wear a pair of shorts with a < 5in inseam, then you’ll love these seven inchers from Prana.

Prana sets the bar for quality construction of their clothing, and their shorts aren’t any different. The Olivia boasts four pockets and their signature zion stretch fabric.

These shorts can be casual, dressy, or great for bouldering. At $44 a pair, you might be wise to stock up with more than one!

Best Travel Skort: Patagonia’s Tech Fishing Skort ($59)

The only thing fishy about Patagonia’s Tech Fishing Skort is how you can be *so* comfortable while looking *so* stylish.

A skort can be the secret weapon of your travel fashion game, and Patagonia’s is truly made for the gal who loves to warm up for happy hour with a quick hike.

With a water repellent finish and four total pockets, it’s no wonder these skorts are finding their way into more and more carry on backpacks in 2019!

Travel shorts are the epitome of “less is more.” Take everything you like about your favorite travel pants and cut the legs off for even lighter gear that goes even further. It just doesn’t get better than a pair of travel shorts that fits you perfectly while performing the way you want.

• You don’t need more than one (max 2) pairs of travel shorts
• 4-way stretch is essential (get at least 3% spandex blends)
• Make sure at least one pocket zips closed to keep your stuff safe on the go
• Quick dry fabric is everything
• Get a fit and style you’ll actually want to wear, even if they don’t look like “travel” shorts

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If you want to learn about budget travel, minimalist carry on packing, or how to travel (and even live and work) in dozens of countries all over the world, Shawn is your guy. Shawn is not a New York Times bestselling travel author, but he is a full-time freelance blogger, copywriter, and content manager and is also a published photographer. He likes to rock climb, trek, surf, ride his bike, and read a bunch of sci-fi books.

Read more from Shawn

Megan Lee likes to joke that she majored in study abroad in college. Living in the Bay Area, she earned her chops as a writer, digital marketer, and urban traveler.

She’s visited 40+ countries, and also writes for numerous travel publications.

Read more from Megan

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The Men’s Travel Clothes I Pack No Matter Where I’m Headed

The good, the bad, and the (not so) stinky.

It’s taken a few years, but I think I finally have this packing and travel thing down to a science. I used to pack my clothing based on the exact trip I was taking. But, I realized that, with the right brands and the right materials, I could pack the same — well, almost the same — travel clothes no matter where I was headed.

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To be sure, this list has never failed me on trips to countless countries on all seven continents. This isn’t intended to be comprehensive, of course. No single list can simultaneously prepare you for Antarctica and South Africa, for example. The clothing you might wear on a polar kayaking expedition would hardly work on safari. But, I’m confident that packing and knowing how to properly layer these men’s travel clothes will prepare you to travel just about anywhere comfortably.

If you’re not interested in specific recommendations, these are the best men’s travel clothing brands I trust and recommend:

• Triple Aught Design
• Bombas (their shirts at least; I haven’t personally tried their socks)
• Unbound Merino (their shirts at least; I haven’t tested their other clothing)

The Best Travel Clothes for Men

Best men’s travel pants: aviator.

Maybe it’s the fact that my butt stopped growing at twelve years old, but I’ve always had a helluva time finding pants that fit well. I stopped buying jeans online because I returned every single pair I ordered. Aviator makes a big promise with their self-described Best Travel Jeans in the World . That’s literally what they’re called.

Aviator’s Best Travel Jeans in the World are hands-down the most comfortable pants I own.

When they offered to send me a pair, I was skeptical. But, after just a few weeks, I can safely say they’re hands-down the most comfortable pants I own. They’re soft and made to stretch, which is why they’re now my go-to pants for long-haul flights. Three zippered pockets (one in the front, two around back) provide plenty of secure storage for a wallet, passport, phone, and maybe a switchblade to keep the muggers at bay. Plus, how rad is that rear leather patch?

They’re available in a variety of traditional denim washes, but I opted for the Khaki version. It’s a versatile design that’s dressy enough to wear to a decent restaurant, but lightweight and casual enough for day hikes and city exploration. Every pair is sold with a 34-inch inseam, but the company will tailor the length for a nominal fee.

Best Men’s Travel Shorts: Icebreaker Connection Commuter Shorts

Straight up, merino wool is the best material for active travelers. If I could pick just one material for every piece of travel clothing — shorts, socks, hats, underwear, lederhosen — that I own it would be merino. Icebreaker is one of the biggest and best merino brands in the world. Every article of theirs that I own still looks as new as the day I bought it.

That includes my pair of Connection Commuter Shorts . The materials are a mix of nylon/spandex on the exterior (for durability, water repellency, and stretch) and merino next to the skin so they’re ultra-comfortable and almost never smell. The Monsoon Gray color is casual enough for hiking and city exploring, but can also be dressed up for evenings out.

Best Men’s Travel Shirts

I like to travel with a mix of casual and active shirts. Both kinds are well-suited for specific purposes.

Casual Men’s Travel Shirts: Bombas

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve no doubt seen the avalanche of online ads for Bombas. You probably already have a drawer full of their socks.

What you may not know is that the company also makes awesome T-shirts. Crew neck, V-neck, pocket crew, pick your poison. They’re all made of high-quality Peruvian Pima Cotton that’s soft and has a cool (temperature-wise) feel to it. It’s also ridiculously, buttery soft compared to both merino wool and even traditional cotton. It’s the perfect material for long plane rides, casual city exploring, and the like.

On the downside, it is cotton. That means it wrinkles easily and dries slowly. So it’s not ideal for super active days which is why I always pack merino wool as well …

Active Men’s Travel Shirts: Unbound Merino

If you’ve been online in the last year, you’ve also no doubt seen plenty of ads for Unbound Merino . Their marketing is filled with a lot of tall promises. Phrases like: “the perfect travel shirt for men,” “the last travel shirt you’ll ever buy,” and “you NEVER need to wash it!” I’m paraphrasing, of course, but you get the gist.

Honestly, believe the hype. Their travel clothing for men is amazing. I own two Unbound Merino shirts — one short-sleeve crew neck in black, another long-sleeve navy — and both are fantastic . They’re soft, lightweight, wrinkle-resistant, and dry quickly and easily. I pack one or both shirts for every single trip I take. Because merino wool naturally resists odors and germs, it’s possible to wear these shirts for days (even a full week) without washing them. The company doesn’t recommend that, but I’m telling you it’s totally possible.

The one minor note is that merino wool is not quite as comfortable as Pima cotton. That’s more an issue with the fabric itself than Unbound Merino. Don’t get me wrong, the shirts are very comfortable. They’re just not as comfortable as my Bombas shirts.

Best Men’s Travel Shoes: Astral Hemp Loyak

Of the brands on this list, Astral is the newest to me. I recently fell in love with their Hemp Loyak men’s shoes for travel. They’re lightweight, low profile, and surprisingly rugged. They can practically fold up in my luggage if I need them to. The rubber sole is flexible and thin, but in a good way — in a way that feels natural to wear as though you’re actually feeling the ground beneath you rather than being completely insulated from it.

Hemp is a great all-around natural material for clothing. It’s soft, comfortable, and breaks in a little more with each use. Plus, Astral blends the hemp upper with 23% recycled polyester, so every pair is ethically and sustainably made. They do run a bit narrow, although that hasn’t been a problem for me.

Best Men’s Travel Sandals: OluKai

I was a fan of Reef sandals for years. My last two pairs were possibly the most comfortable footwear I’ve ever owned. Both pairs, however, blew out in less than two years. If they weren’t nearly $100 per pair, I’d be fine with that. But, at that price, I expect more.

So, I recently made the switch to OluKai. The style, feel, and comfort of my new Alania sandals is similar to my old Reef’s, but the quality seems a tad better. These travel with me on every single trip. No matter where I’m traveling, I always have a use for them. From late-night bathroom runs at the campground to lounging around the ship on my Antarctic cruise to chasing raccoons off the porch of our Airbnb in Chattanooga, these have proven to be one of the most versatile pieces of travel clothing that I own.

Which brands do you think make the best men’s travel clothes? What articles of travel clothing do you always pack no matter where you’re headed?

• South Africa
• Turkmenistan
• South Korea
• Philippines
• Timor Leste
• Afghanistan
• Saudi Arabia
• United Arab Emirates
• Northern Ireland
• Isle Of Man
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• North Macedonia
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Czech Republic
• Antigua And Barbuda
• British Virgin Islands
• Cayman Islands
• Dominican Republic
• Puerto Rico
• Saint Barthelemy
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• Saint Martin & Sint Maarten
• Trinidad And Tobago
• Turks And Caicos
• US Virgin Islands
• Falkland Islands
• French Guiana
• El Salvador
• United States
• New Zealand
• Papua New Guinea
• Cook Islands
• French Polynesia
• Accessories
• Bags & Backpacks
• Horseback Riding
• Photography
• Maintenance
• Airport Hotels
• Bed & Breakfast
• Budget Hotels
• Business Hotels
• Family Friendly Hotels
• Gay Friendly Hotels
• Luxury Hotels
• Pet Friendly Hotels
• Pool Hotels
• Romantic Hotels

13 Best Travel Shorts with Zipper Pockets

• Travel Gear
• 13 Best Travel Shorts with…

Many people plan their trips during the warmer weather, or to places that are generally quite sunny. When traveling to such places, one essential item of clothing is a good pair of shorts. While shorts that are light, stylish, and quick-drying are the preferred choice, travel shorts with zipper pockets are an added bonus. What’s even better are travel shorts with hidden pockets, especially if you’re traveling in areas known for pickpockets.

Travel is all about convenience and comfort and the last thing you want to be bogged down with is your attire. Just like the best leggings for travel or even the best travel pajamas , travel shorts should offer an unparalleled level of comfort.

How To Choose The Best Travel Shorts With Zipper Pockets

Travel often involves multiple activities such as hiking, swimming or just walking around town. So the shorts you choose will largely depend on the activity you’re going to be engaged in. That being said, whatever activity you’re engaged in, you want to be sure that your travel shorts are durable and comfortable enough.

Certain features such as fabric, fit, and functionality need to be considered when choosing a good pair of travel shorts with zipper pockets.

If you’re going to be spending a lot of time outdoors, fabrics that dry quickly should be your go-to option. Synthetic materials are the preferred choice because they’re usually moisture-wicking, water-resistant, and breathable. Even if you’re caught in an unprecedented downpour, with these fabrics you won’t have to suffer in drenched shorts for long. The advantage of synthetic fabric is that they also have UPF 50+ sun protection.

When choosing travel shorts with hidden pockets, another feature to look out for in the material is the resistance to stains and wrinkles. No one wants to be wasting time ironing even if you do have the best travel steamers for clothes . Fabric that is odor resistant is also a bonus when traveling.

Functionality and Style

Of course, you want to look your best even when you’re traveling so the style of the shorts does matter. While women have the option of stylish-looking shorts, with men the styles are quite limited. Shorts that have a classic yet fashionable fit are great for travel as you can also wear them at a rooftop bar or a beachside cafe.

Travel shorts with zipper pockets offer secure storage space but you’ll also want shorts that are multifunctional.

Secure Pockets with Depth

While hidden pockets are an excellent option for keeping pickpockets at bay, you also need to make sure that they have enough depth. Shallow pockets will not hold much. It’s also important to have at least one zippered pocket when traveling. That way you’ll be able to keep your essentials secure. A bonus would be to have a seam-sealed zipper pocket for protection from the rain.

Are Athletic Running Shorts Good For Travel?

Athletic shorts are made from moisture-wicking fabric that is quick-drying. While these may not be a great option for walking around in, they’re quite good for swimming and beachside activities. However, with clothing brands upgrading their attire these days, you can probably find a fashionable pair of running shorts that can be worn all day.

Why Is It So Important For Travel Shorts To Be Stretchy?

Whether you’re sitting for hours behind the steering wheel or hiking through rough terrain, fabric that allows big movements is the preferred choice. Stretch fabric allows you to engage in various activities, providing you with more versatility.

Rdruko Men’s Stretchy Quick Dry Travel Shorts

The Rdruko Men’s Stretchy Quick Dry Travel Shorts are an impressive pair to add to your collection of travel shorts with zipper pockets. They’re durable, extremely comfortable, and look stylish too with their multiple pockets. You’ll find six pockets in all, two slanted pockets, two Velcro back pockets, and two zippered cargo pockets.

The pockets aren’t the only feature that makes these such a great pair of travel shorts. With these shorts, you’ll also be well protected from the sun’s harmful rays. The fabric has UPF 50+ sun protection. Additionally, the shorts are water-resistant, breathable, and stretchable.

The quick-dry material is great for wicking moisture from the body to keep you cool. They’re excellent for walking or hitting the hiking trail. A button fly closure and adjustable waistband provide just the right fit.

• Multiple pockets
• Quick-dry moisture-wicking material
• UPF 50+ protection
• Fade, shrink and wrinkle resistant
• Durable nylon material
• Classic fit
• The waistband is a little too stretchy and requires a belt

linlon Women’s Quick Dry Straight Leg Capri Long Shorts

As far as travel shorts with zipper pockets for women go, the linlon Women’s Quick Dry Cargo Capri Shorts is a great pair to consider. This pair of shorts comes with five pockets that include two zipper pockets on the thigh. These don’t fit into the category of travel shorts with hidden pockets, but the zippers do offer some sort of security.

Made from a combination of nylon and spandex, these quick-drying shorts are ideal for the outdoors. The UPF sun protection that the fabric offers keeps you well protected in the sun.

A side, elastic waistband with belt loops and drawstring closure enhances the comfort of wearing these shorts. The four-way stretch construction, crotch gusset, and adjustable cord lock at the bottom of the legs are additional plus points.

• Four-way stretch
• Lightweight and breathable
• Quick-drying with UPF 50+ protection
• Five zippered pockets
• The belt is a bit too long
• Zippers don’t move freely

Free Soldier Men’s Cargo Shorts

A pair of travel shorts with zipper pockets that is perfect for warm weather is the Free Soldier Men’s Cargo Shorts . These shorts have quite a few outstanding features, beginning with multiple pockets. Two large YKK zipper pockets are deep enough for your phone, wallet, or a small notebook. You’ll also find two slash pockets with COOLMAX mesh lining. The flat hook and loop pockets on the hip are great for tactical equipment.

Apart from the pockets, the other standout is the DuPont Teflon fabric which effectively repels stains as liquids. It also has UPF 50+ sun protection and a four-way stretch. In addition to this, you’ll also find a removable nylon belt that can be adjusted according to your waist. The Duraflex D-ring is a handy addition for hanging keys or other tactical equipment.

• Two spacious YKK zipper cargo pockets plus two flat hook-and-loop pockets
• Duraflex D-ring for keys or other tactical equipment
• DuPont Teflon fabric repels stains and liquids
• Lightweight and quick-drying with UPF 50+ protection
• Good range of colors to choose from
• The belt tends to get loose and needs to be tightened quite often. It’s not all that easy to figure out either.

Eddie Bauer Women’s Guide Pro Shorts

Inspired by their popular Women’s Guide Pro Pants which stand out as one of the best waterproof hiking pants , the Eddie Bauer Women’s Guide Pro Shorts tick all the right boxes. When it comes to choosing stylish travel shorts with zipper pockets this pair is an impressive buy.

If you’re traveling to a warm place, these shorts will definitely make it to your ‘must-have’ list. They’re lightweight and easy to pack, given that they’re made from a blend of nylon and spandex.

The two-way stretch ensures unrestricted movement while the fabric helps keep you relatively dry. A StormRepel DWR finish combined with FreeShade UPF 50+ sun protection keeps you sufficiently safe from the elements. Besides this, two secure zip cargo pockets keep your small essentials within easy reach.

• Available in a wide range of colors and sizes
• StormRepel DWR finish for water-resistance
• FreeShade UPF 50+ sun protection
• Secure-zip cargo pockets
• Two-way stretch for enhanced mobility
• Couldn’t find much to fault about these shorts

Jessie Kidden Mens Outdoor Water Resistant Shorts

Made from 100% polyester, the Jessie Kidden Men’s Outdoor Water Resistant Shorts is a good travel companion. It comes with multi pockets that include two zipper closure thigh pockets amongst others. However, if you’re looking for travel shorts with hidden pockets, these won’t fit the bill.

These travel shorts have several notable features. For one, they use a high-performance wicking fabric which means you’ll stay cool and dry. Like most lightweight travel shorts, these also come with UPF 50 protection.

The fit is suitable for most body types because it has a partial elastic waist and a belt. You’ll find these shorts in a range of six solid colors.

• 100% polyester with moisture-wicking feature
• UPF 50 protection
• Six different colors
• Partial elastic waist with belt
• Some may find the material a little too thin

JINSHI Men’s Outdoor Quick Dry Lightweight Shorts with Zipper Pockets

The JINSHI Men’s Outdoor Shorts definitely fits the saying ‘less is more.’ These may look like an ordinary pair of shorts but they do stand out on many fronts. Firstly, they’re extremely comfortable as they’re made from a blend of polyester and spandex. They’re easy to wear too with the adjustable waist and internal drawstring.

You can wear these on a trek, for mountaineering, walking, or a range of other activities. They’re breathable, lightweight, and dry quickly. Zip-closed security pockets will keep your essentials safe even when you’re engaged in an activity.

• Extremely comfortable
• Adjustable waist and internal drawstring
• Zip-closed security pockets
• Breathable and lightweight
• You can’t put too many things into the pockets

Wrangler Authentics Men’s Performance Cargo Short

Designed with relaxation and flexibility in mind, the Wrangler Authentics Men’s Performance Cargo Short is an excellent choice for travel. The classic cargo shorts feature a 10-inch seam that falls just at the knee for all-day comfort. The innovative flex waistband plus the stretch fabric add to the comfort of these shorts.

Whether you’re caught in an unexpected rain or walking through dewy grass, these quick-drying shorts will keep you relatively dry. When it comes to storing your small essentials, you have a choice of six pockets. Two cargo zip pockets, two back pockets, and two slash pockets offer space for your cell phone, wallet, and keys.

• Classic cargo shorts with a relaxed fit
• Innovative flex waistband
• Stretch fabric
• Quick-drying and moisture-wicking
• Six pockets
• The main pockets are quite shallow but the zippered pockets are big enough for a phone

Little Donkey Andy Women’s Stretch Travel Shorts

A popular pair of travel shorts with zipper pockets for women are the Little Donkey Andy Women’s Stretch Travel Shorts . Available in a wide range of colors and sizes, the shorts don’t only look great, they feel great too!

The blend of polyester and spandex makes them extremely lightweight. They also have a four-way stretch fabric that allows for wider movements. In addition to this, the fabric also has a water-repellent finish, which means it dries quickly. You’re also protected from the sun with the UPF 50+ feature of the fabric.

They fit well too with the part elastic waistband with belt loops for adjustability. If you like stuffing little things into pockets, there are four pockets at your disposal. Two side zipper pockets and two rear zipped pockets offer convenient storage space.

• Wide range of colors and sizes
• Four-way stretch fabric
• Water repellent finish
• Part elastic waistband with belt loops
• Four zippered pockets
• Sizing is an issue as they’re not true to size

Columbia Men’s Silver Ridge Cargo Shorts

Columbia Men’s Silver Ridge Cargo Shorts are affordable pairs of travel shorts with zipper pockets. These shorts are similar to the Silver Ridge Convertible Pants which stand out as one of the best waterproof hiking pants . The shorts come with one zip-closure security pocket, side pockets, and back pockets with hook and loop closure. The pockets are mesh pockets that dry off quickly but are not as great for keeping keys in.

These shorts feature Columbia’s signature Omni-Shade UPF 50 fabric. They’re breathable and wick moisture away from the skin to keep you cool and dry. The classic fit combined with a partial elastic waist, gusset detail, and hook and eye closure offer the perfect fit. You’ll find these in a good range of multiple staple colors and sizes.

• Feature Columbia’s signature Omni-Shade protection
• Breathable and moisture-wicking
• Partial elastic waist and gusset detail
• Good range of multiple staple colors and sizes
• The mesh pockets can tear easily with keys in them
• They feel a little snug on the hips

MIER Men’s Quick Dry Shorts with 5 Zipper Pockets

Travel shorts with zipper pockets such as the MIER Men’s Quick Dry Shorts make travel so much easier. Even though travel shorts with hidden pockets can secure valuables better, zippered pockets also do a pretty good job of keeping your essentials safe.

Featuring the patented Miflex fabric developed by MIER, these shorts are lightweight, durable, and breathable. Added to this, they’re also water-resistant with a good four-way stretch. A partial elastic waistband and gusset crotch add to the comfort of wearing these shorts.

Five utility pockets all come with YKK zippers. They’re deep enough for your wallet, phone, and keys. With the zippers on these, you won’t have to worry about things falling out of your pockets.

• Patented Miflex fabric
• Lightweight, breathable and durable
• Partial elastic waistband and a gusset crotch
• These are an excellent pair of shorts which are quite difficult to fault

BALEAF Women’s Hiking Shorts with Zip Pockets

BALEAF doesn’t only have one of the best women’s hiking pants but also has one of the most stylish travel shorts for women. The BALEAF Women’s Hiking Shorts with Zip Pockets are cool and comfortable with three zipper pockets.

They’re made from a blend of durable nylon and soft woven spandex which makes them extremely soft. Not surprisingly, the shorts are skin-friendly with a four-way stretch. The wrinkle-free fabric also offers UPF 50+ sun protection.

The shorts have a smooth waistband with an adjustable drawstring for the right fit. You won’t have to worry about the indentations on your tummy from this soft waistband. While these work well as running pants they’re also great for the outdoors and walking.

• Quick-drying and lightweight
• Wrinkle-free
• UPF 50+ sun protection
• Moisture-wicking
• Soft waistband with adjustable drawstring
• The lighter colors are a bit see-through
• They tend to run a bit big

Little Donkey Andy Men’s Stretch Cargo Shorts

The Little Donkey Andy Men’s Stretch Cargo Shorts stand out as the number one bestseller in men’s hiking shorts on Amazon, and with good reason too. They’re affordable and available in a wide range of colors and sizes going all the way to 4X-Large. They’re also quite comfortable with an elastic waistband and belt loops.

These shorts are made from ultralight, breathable and soft fabric. The water repellent finish ensures they dry quickly to keep you cool. Plus the fabric has UPF 50+ protection and a four-way stretch.

While it’s not all that easy to find travel shorts with hidden pockets, you can find plenty of excellent travel shorts with zipper pockets such as these. This pair comes with six zipper pockets, providing you ample storage space.

• Six zipper pockets
• Elastic waistband
• Ultralight, breathable and soft
• Water repellent
• The belt is not all that great

SCOTTeVEST Men’s Cargo Shorts with Concealed Pockets

If you’re traveling in an area known for pickpockets, your best bet is to get the SCOTTeVEST Men’s Cargo Shorts with Concealed Pockets . These travel shorts with hidden pockets are sure to keep your essentials safe. With eight hidden pockets you know your gadgets and other accessories are quite secure. However, these do not have zipper pockets. The pockets have a magnetic closure instead.

Even if you manage to fill all the pockets, you won’t have to worry about bulges. The shorts feature a patented, chiropractor-tested weight management system for the right balance and comfort.

The fabric is lightweight and breathable with a no bulge design. Besides this, the Teflon-treated cotton blend makes it stain and wrinkle-free. A 10-inch seam features an expandable waistband for the right fit and comfort. The best part about these travel shorts with hidden pockets is that they come with a two-year warranty. This covers any manufacturer defects but not normal wear and tear.

• Eight hidden pockets
• Patented weight management system
• No bulge design
• Expandable waistband for the right fit
• Two-year warranty that covers manufacturing defects
• No zippers on the pockets means they’re not as secure as you would like them to be

Author:  John P

As a blogger, I have had the pleasure of exploring some of the most exclusive destinations, indulging in the finest cuisine, accommodations, and experiences that the world has to offer. From the chic streets Paris to the scenic beauty of the Amalfi Coast, readers luxury. my, tips on the most exclusive hotels restaurants, and activities, giving you a glimpse into the world of high-end travel. But luxury travel is not just about extravagance - it's also about immersing yourself in the local culture and experiencing the true essence of a destination. With a passion for art, history, and architecture, I seek out the hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path experiences that make each destination truly unique. So whether you're planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo adventure, my blog is your guide to the ultimate European luxury travel experience. Join me on my journey as we explore the best that Europe has to offer, one luxurious destination at a time.

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The Best Men’s Travel Pants of 2024

We’ve tested the best wrinkle-resistant, quick-drying, and comfortable travel pants for men this year. Pack your bags and get ready for an adventure.

Have your flights booked? We’ve got your backside covered with the best men’s travel pants on the market for 2024.

From the Andean cloud forests to deep desert canyons, to long backcountry road trips and Parisian markets, these pants have been tested to tackle any adventure and do it all in style. Our travel-worn team has beaten paths around the globe in these slacks, and we’ve tested over 150 different pairs for almost a decade now. If it’s got the right stuff, we’ve saddled up in a pair.

Scroll through to see all of our recommended buys. At the end of our list, be sure to check out our comprehensive buyer’s guide . Curious just what makes a pant fit for the rigors of travel? Take a peek at our FAQ section. And if you’re still on the fence (or trying to sneak in under a carry-on weight limit), consult our comparison chart .

Editor’s Note: We updated this guide on March 11, 2024, to add our new line-up of travel pants for the year, including our new best overall pick, the Bluffworks Envoy Lightweight Travel Pants , as well as a fresh selection of new and old favorites.

The Best Men’s Travel Pants of 2024

• Best Overall Men’s Travel Pants: Bluffworks Envoy Lightweight Travel Pants
• Best Budget Men’s Travel Pants: UNIONBAY Rainier Travel Chinos
• Best Travel Pants for Adventuring In: LIVSN Ecotrek Trail Pants
• Best Travel Pants to Look Like a Local: Western Rise Evolution 2 Pants
• Most Comfortable Travel Pants: Proof 72-Hour Merino Travel Pant

Bluffworks Envoy Lightweight Travel Pants

• Fabric 57% recycled polyester, 33% polyester, 10% spandex
• Fabric weight 210 gsm
• Fit True to size
• Weight 15 oz.

• Lightweight fabric dries quickly
• Wrinkle resistant
• Looks and feels more recreational than the Ascenders
• Anti-UV properties
• More comfortable than most pants on the list
• The rear device pocket is uncomfortable to sit on a phone in the back phone pocket
• Lacks a DWR

Bluffworks’ Ascender Chino has been at or near the top of our travel pants list for four years now. Our main gripe with the Ascender is the heavy lean into the business side of “business casual.” That and the sheer number of pockets sometimes confounded our sleep-deprived travel brains. But now with fewer pockets and less golf-course chino, Bluffworks nailed the perfect travel pants with their Envoy Lightweight Travel Pants iteration ($125).

Trimming the fat started with the pockets. The Envoy drops a pocket to give us nine, but all are functional, and five of them zip shut. Two stealth pockets zip inside the hand pockets, both rear pockets zip shut, and a device pocket zips closed off the thigh and is a great place to store your documents.

Behind the right rear pocket, the Envoy tucks a drop-in style phone pocket below the waistband. This is a brilliant design that is easy to access, yet deep enough to curb sticky fingers. We did find it more comfortable to store the phone on the thigh when seated.  

The Envoys close shut with a zippered fly and metal button sewn into the elastic, belt-friendly waistband. In case you left the belt at home, silicone tabs are welded to the inside of the waistband and help keep the pants from shifting down.

Instead of a 100% durable polyester fabric found in the Ascender Chino, the Envoy is constructed from a recycled polyester spun with 10% spandex, giving the pants a 4-way stretch. On the inside, all seams are overlocked and tacked down with a double stitch on the inseam to keep them from rubbing against the skin and reducing exposure to snags. The pants wear light and supple, and given that they don’t have a gusset sewn into the crotch, we found the Envoys very flexible if not the most comfortable pants on our list.

And that’s really where the Envoys shine. If nothing else, a travel pant should go unnoticed — both on you and among potential troublemakers. These pants wear effortlessly, yet are capable of storing all your essentials safely away.

If you haven’t tried Bluffworks before, we recommend looking at the Envoy Lightweights over the Ascenders. While the Ascenders have one more pocket (a passport sleeve on the inside of the left front pocket), only three of the 10 pockets zip shut. The styling of the Envoy has five pockets that zip shut and wears more casually without compromising its city chops. 

UNIONBAY Rainier Travel Chinos

• Fabric 94% nylon, 6% spandex
• Fabric weight 173 gsm
• Weight 13 oz.

• Comfortable
• Security options
• Well priced
• Pants run long
• Material tends to collect lint

Travel should never be about the gear. It should be about the experience. An Amazon darling, at $40 a pair, UNIONBAY’s Rainier Travel Pants are a steal, leaving more cash in the wallet for traveling.

True to size, the nylon-spandex blend offers just enough stretch for a full range of motion. The pants keep around the waist with a button and have traditional belt loops if you want to class them up with a belt.

Three nylon zipper pockets pair with deep hand pockets. With two in the back and one on the upper right leg, they’re big enough to secure a passport, the latest iPhone, a notepad, or all of them together.

The Rainiers are rated to 50 UPF and feel durable in the hand, making them acceptable for activities like hiking. The outermost layer is lightly brushed and tends to collect lint and show stains quicker than other pants we tested, but they wash up easily and the 170 gsm fabric is quick to dry.

While a simple pant when compared to the Bluffworks attention to detail, these chino-style pants hit the core elements we looked for when evaluating the best men’s travel pants. If you’re looking for a budget pair of travel pants that pack up tight and breeze from the tarmac to restaurants (and maybe a light hike in between), these are it.

The Rainiers are available in four colors: charcoal, navy, black, and khaki.

LIVSN Ecotrek Trail Pants

• Fabric 70% Blue Ocean nylon, 25% nylon, 5% spandex

• Form and function meet the apex pant
• Bomber hardware
• Tons of pockets with versatile security options
• DWR is negligible
• Styling is less formal

LIVSN’s Ecotrek Trail Pant  ($129) brings more stretch, lighter weight, and a more athletic design to their tried and true Flex Canvas Pants. And while these new pants are great for climbing, hiking, or other fast-paced activities in warmer climates, we find they hit all the marks for what we love in travel pants too.

Let’s start with the many pockets, most of which are zippered. Both rear pockets close with a zipper, offering some much-needed peace of mind. Angling off the back of the left thigh is an additional, horizontal zippered pocket, which is great for gadgets or a small wallet.

Both of the mesh hand pockets have coin sleeves to prevent loose currency or keys from shifting around, and the left front hand pocket has a hidden zippered pocket large enough to protect your phone. Rounding out the seven pockets is a reinforced multitool pocket sitting on the right thigh. With so many pocket options, there’s a place for everything that feels designed with purpose instead of over-engineered.

The pocket configuration is dialed, but what sells these pants are the little details. The fabric’s synthetic blend doesn’t feel stiff, and the smartly tailored material walks quietly, fitting our testers with an ergonomic, yet surprisingly athletic fit.

A metal button closes the front and is backed with a leather pledget to prevent busting out. The Ecotrek Trail pants have belt loops, but if you forget your belt, they include a drawstring that hides inside the waistband. The cuffs are reinforced around the heel and so is the utility tool pocket.

While they don’t have a robust DWR, the material breathes very well. When things heat up, the pant legs roll up and keep under a buttoned strap that’s been sewn with reflective tape. These little details add up pretty quickly to make the Ecotrek a stellar pant.

Turn the pants inside out, and you really get an appreciation for the quality and care taken to make these pants. All seams are overlocked, with the flat-felled inseam. This kind of stitching increases durability where you need it and comfort where you want it.

Sustainability is core to LIVSN’s line of clothes, and the  Ecotrek Trail pant  walks the talk. The material is woven from Oceanflex fabric (70% recycled fishing buoys recovered from the ocean), and the YKK zipper taping is made from recycled ocean plastic. The rest is 25% nylon and 5% spandex for stretch.

If you are looking for lightweight, stretchy, durable pants, the LIVSN Ecotrek Trail Pant stands out as one of the best men’s travel pants on the market and can tackle a wide range of activities.

The Ecotrek Trail pants are available in olive, caramel, and charcoal colors, and they come in a range of sizes up to a 40-inch waist and a 34-inch inseam.

Read Review:  Darn-Near Perfect Pants, Made With Recycled Plastic: LIVSN EcoTrek Review

Western Rise Evolution 2 Pants

• Fabric 90% nylon, 10% elastane, woven in Sweden, cut and sewn in the USA
• Fabric weight 107 gsm
• Weight 11 oz.

• Lightweight material breathes just as well as the first
• More durability than the first iteration
• Fantastic fit and construction
• Better mobility than the first iteration
• New fabric feels slightly stiffer (breaks in over time)
• Patch on the inside pocket can feel sticky against the legs (they are changing it to a print)
• Single security pocket is limiting for some travelers

The first iteration of the Evolution was a GearJunkie staple around the office. Simple, functional, durable — it’s what we recommended to all our friends who ask us, “What’s the best pant for everyday use?” This year, Western Rise updated the Evolution 2.0 ($128) with more stretch, and they are only all the better for it.

This new bump in elastane gives the Evolution 2.0 significant four-way stretch and increased flexibility without sacrificing durability. The jean-like five-pocket design wears more like denim but has the durability of a hiking pant. In fact, one of our editors wore their pair to the top of the Grand Teton.

At the core of the pant is the nylon-elastane blend with a trim jean cut. The nylon fibers are softened by running them through an air-texturized process and then weaving them into a dynamic yarn. The material has a durable weave that mimics denim (and feels less “khaki”).

The DWR coating — or maybe DBR (Durable Beer Resistance) — is outstanding. We wore these pants to Oktoberfest last year where they took the brunt of the fickle Bavarian weather and a rowdy beer hall.

Reach around back, and you’ll find a double pocket on the right, with a hidden zipper pocket that’s large enough to swallow your passport. Western Rise expanded the front coin pocket and made it big enough to holster the largest phone on the market.

After your trip, roll them up and watch them disappear in your luggage. They tick all the boxes for traveling and were the envy of our photographer while cycling through Colombia.

There aren’t many reasons to ding the Evolutions; the material on the new pant feels stiff out of the box but that softens up over time. To help differentiate its pant models (which all have a similar cut and color), Western Rise screened a patch on the inner left pocket. It can feel a little sweaty against the legs.

Aware of this issue, Western Rise is changing that label to a print going forward. One thing that hasn’t changed is the pocket configuration. Some will find the additional zipper pocket just the right amount of added security. Others will prefer more pockets to keep their EDCs. And that’s where we find the Evolution falls short. An extra security pocket would send this pant to the top of the list again.

If you want that Western Rise styling but with a wrinkle-resistant fabric, the Diversion pant ($168) is also a great pick. The double-knit canvas weighs 286 gsm, making it more durable overall but sacrificing packability.

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. This fantastic five-pocket jean-style pant has been on our list of the best men’s travel pants for 6 years now. For 2 of those years, they were our top pick. We use the Western Rise Evolution 2.0s as a benchmark for fit and comfort and we recommend them to friends looking for a do-everything pant that flies fashionably under the radar.

Proof 72-Hour Merino Travel Pant

• Fabric 47% merino wool, 33% nylon, 14% polyester, 6% elastane
• Fabric weight 247 gsm
• Weight 16.5 oz.

• Gusseted crotch
• Good fit and stretch
• Pricey — $200 can buy you two (or three) other pants on the list
• Weighs an ounce or two more than other similar pants
• Lacks a dedicated device pocket

Merino pants? 100%. Proof is Huckberry’s in-house performance wear, with the 72-Hour line as their go-to travel clothes under the Proof name. New this year, Huckberry released the 72-Hour Travel Pant ($198), and while expensive, it has a lot of merits. We learned it’s all in the fabric.

Wool has natural antimicrobial, DWR, and UPF protection characteristics that we usually laud about when discussing base layers . Because wool wicks moisture, the pants breathe well and keep you feeling dry even in hot climates and sticky bus rides. It keeps the stench down and the comfort high. All things we look for when traveling. 

This is the first merino wool pant we’ve seriously considered, and it makes a lot of sense. If you are going far with limited space, you need to trim the fat. And while cutting out extra shirts and pants may once have been a questionable decision, it’s a lot easier when one pair of pants delivers so well.

The design team gave some thoughtful reflection to the 72-Hour pant. Complimenting the five-pocket design is a hidden zippered pocket inside the right rear pocket. The panels are sewn together with a combination of comfortable overstitched inseams, flat-sewn gussets, and durable flat-felled side seams.

The pants are sewn together with a combination of flat-felled and welted overlocked joints, then finished with a robust DWR. All this tech stays under the radar with black hardware finishes.

As styling goes, we find the Proof 72-Hour Travel Pant to be on par with Western Rise’s Evolution 2’s, which around the office we can agree are one of the best styled pants available today. The comfort award, however, goes to the Proofs.

Teren Lightweight Traveler Pants

• Fabric 88% nylon, 12% spandex
• Fabric weight 154 gsm

• Pre-treated with an insect repellant
• Stain resistant
• Internal drawstring for extra waist security
• Three zipper-closed pockets
• Lightweight
• Tanto-style pocket to clip your EDC
• Magnetic closure catches on anything metal
• No durable water repellant finish

Threading the needle between style, function, and durability, Teren’s Lightweight Traveler ($130) is our pick for folks who want one pant to do it all.

The Lightweight Traveler is a tapered chino-style pant with six pockets. Three pockets secure your goods with a zipper. Two zip shut vertically behind the front pockets and the third secures the right back pocket. The pants are washed in Permethrin to ward off critters. Plus, they’re antimicrobial, stain resistant, and offer UV protection.

Our editor Chris Carter wore his Lightweight Travelers on the Continental Divide thru-hike, where they withstood miles of intense bushwhacking through thorny, overgrown trails and post-holing through deep snow. Carter lauded the pants’ ability to stay stench-free for weeks on end.

After the adventure is done, the stain-release fabric readily releases dirt and grime in the wash. These chinos easily suit up for a night on the town.

The Lightweight Travelers ditch the classic button and use a pair of sewn-in magnets to close around the waist. While wearing the pants around town and doing weekend chores, the magnetic closure often got stuck on metal objects.

They snapped to my grocery cart, to my truck bed, to my knife, to loose screws while repairing my gate. Curious about the strength, I went into my garage and started hanging hardware off the pants. The magnet is strong enough to hold a hammer.

But, lean over to tie your shoes (or eat a big meal) and the magnetic fasteners slide apart easily. Stand up, and they pull right back together.

Yeah, the magnetic closure is different and takes some getting used to. Is it problematic? Maybe. The gauss, or magnetic induction, could demagnetize small metal springs in mechanical watches. Given the most popular watch is a smartwatch — this isn’t an issue for most of us. But magnets can also demagnetize credit cards and hotel room keys. We didn’t try to demagnetize a credit card, but it’s something to consider when zipping items in the front pockets.

Worried about the magnet holding the pants up? Backed with belt loops and an internal drawstring, the pants have plenty of options to keep them around the waist.

Other issues: The offset zippered front pockets drop into the same front hand pocket sleeve. They fight for the same real estate, compromising overall storage. We found these pockets a little challenging to access while seated in tight spaces.

For those looking for rain or spill protection, the Terens don’t sport a durable water repellant (DWR). But they do dry out quickly.

With so many pros, these are small cons. The spandex weave yields significant mobility while the nylon deflects catches and tears — all while keeping the pants just over 10 ounces. It’s a great combination of durability and flexibility in a quick-drying pant that packs down small. At 11 ounces, the Lightweight Traveler is truly lightweight, competing only with Western Rise’s Evolution 2’s.

KÜHL Suppressor Jogger

• Fabric 85% nylon, 15% spandex
• Fabric weight 165 gsm
• Weight 12 oz.

• Light and packable
• Durable and stretchy
• KÜHL drop in style pockets are fantastic
• Fabric is noisy
• No button-no fly minimalism may not appeal to everyone
• Only one zippered pocket on the backside

KÜHL has a strong reputation throughout the outdoor industry for making bomber, thoughtfully designed pieces. And its sub-$100 Suppressor Joggers exemplify those qualities in spades.

The 85% nylon, 15% spandex blend is lightweight, stretchy, breathable, and durable. Plus, a solid DWR treatment rebuffs Mother Nature’s fickle temperament.

Like any good pair of travel pants, the Suppressor’s sport well-thought-out pockets. The angled hand pockets are deep and easy to access while seated. A single stealth pocket zips behind the right back side, and drop-in pockets grace both thighs.

Drop-in pockets are our favorite design to haul devices. They snug the phone but keep your data within reach. The best of the batch fit on the backside of the leg, maintaining accessibility and minimizing the bounce. KÜHL has two of them. Riding down the back of the quads, they are perfect for clipping multitools, knives, or pens, and sheath a phone, passport, or tickets. And it’s these drop-in pockets that make the Suppressor our favorite pant to wear on the plane. Everything stays within easy reach.

If there’s any knock against the Suppressor Joggers , it’s that these are simple pull-on pants. No button, no fly — just an elastic waist and drawstring. On the flip side, this keeps things quick when moving through TSA – there’s no pulling off the belt and redressing after pat-downs.

Ornot Mission Pants

• Fabric 95% nylon, 5% elastane
• Fabric weight 232 gsm
• Weight 14 oz.

• Gusseted design gives a great fit
• Reflective details on cuffs
• Made in USA
• Not many – An extra pockets or a drop in phone sleeve, and these would be our top choice for travel pants

When it comes to fit and function, cyclists have it all figured out. Stretch, durability, DWR, and ergonomic pocket layout make a great commuter pant. Fall short on any of these, cyclists will be quick to call you out.

San Francisco-based Ornot hit all the paces with its Mission Shorts. This year, the brand released its beloved short in a pant. True to the brand, the Mission Pants ($148) pull off an effortlessly classy-looking pant. Minimalist aesthetics, five pockets (two that zip shut), and the rear pockets angle off the midline for easy access. The stealth thigh pocket zips contents securely off the back of the leg. The leeward position pegs the device to the leg while in the saddle.

We found the Mission Pants to be lighter than other commuter pants on the market. The 232 gsm fabric breathes well and moves with the body without feeling like a protective shell. They wear easy at the office and feel at home on the street. And if you grab a bike by the horns, both cuffs flip up to reveal reflective hits to keep you seen on the go.

We’ve been following this small brand for years and it keeps bringing its A-game to market. These garments are all made in the USA and offer a 1-year warranty. The brand’s Mission Pants are great on the bike … or not.

Jetty Acadia 2.0 Utility Pant

• Fabric 100% polyester
• Fabric weight 240 gsm
• Weight 16 oz.

• Good stretch
• Comfortable fit
• Drawstring and belt loops
• Only available in a 32 inseam
• Pants stretch and lightly pill over time
• Front occasionally unbuttons too easily

Jetty’s Acadia Utility Pant ($100) straddles the shoreline between board short and the boardroom. But don’t let its slick chino veneer dissuade you. 

The 100% polyester material is warp-knitted, interlocking the poly fibers into a smooth-faced fabric. Jetty sewed in a gusset in the crotch to add extra room for the legs. The combination of cut and materials gives the Acadia an amazing amount of stretch in all directions. 

And it also gives the pants fantastic wrinkle resistance. We’ve pulled our Acadias out of overstuffed bags and walked into meetings with deceivingly fresh-pressed-looking pants.

Two pockets zip shut on the backside to keep your goods protected, and the mesh hand pockets are deep. Riding down the right leg is a drop-in device pocket. There is plenty of room in the drop-in pocket, and plenty of room in the relaxed quads before they taper slightly to the bottom hem. This extra room in the thighs lets the phone bounce more than we’d like.

The Acadia Utility Pants close with a tarnished brass button embossed with the Jetty logo. A drawstring is sewn into the waistband so you won’t ever lose it in the wash. And in case you do need to go into the boardroom, Jetty ports the drawstring on both sides of the waistband, so you can tuck the drawstring on the inside of the pants for a polished look.

KETL Mountain Apparel Shenanigan Outdoor Pant

• Fabric 96% nylon, 4% spandex
• Fabric weight 156 gsm

• Integrated web belt
• Three zippered pockets (two in back and one behind the thigh)
• Deep mesh hand pockets
• Quiet material
• Lifetime free repair program
• Free shipping and returns
• Slim fit won’t appeal to some. Slimmest pant in the lineup
• Front snap is weak
• Metal belt clasp may invite a wanding at TSA

At $100, the KETL Mountain Apparel Shenanigan Outdoor Pants are a refreshing blend of style and tech and one helluva outdoor pant. The nylon twill is blended with a touch of spandex yielding room for adventure in a quiet yet bomber pant. 

Should you decide to bring these trousers off-piste, the durable twill has a robust DWR, shunning even the wettest brush. Deep mesh hand pockets and zippered rear pockets make sure all your goods stay where you put them. A roomy device pocket zips shut along the right thigh.

To keep the pants up, an integrated web belt hooks over the button closure. For better (or worse) the belt is sewn into the pants and cannot be removed. KETL bonded a bead of silicon inside the waistband to prevent the pants from riding down. We found these pants stay glued to the backside while wearing a pack.

Across the board, KETL pants fit slim. If you have athletic calves and quads, these will feel snug. If you prefer a more relaxed fit, these probably won’t be a pant for you. What it lacks in room, it gives back in performance. The lack of extra material makes the Shenanigan a great choice for cycling. The durability, flexibility, and tapered fit soar on the mountain bike.

Available only online, KETL makes it easy to buy and return. They offer free shipping both ways and back up their products with a lifetime repair program. But trust us, you’ll want to keep a hold of your KETL Mountain Apparel Shenanigan Outdoor Pants .

Orvis O.O.O.O. 5-Pocket Pants

• Fabric 51% cotton, 45% nylon, 4% Lycra
• Fabric weight 213 gsm
• Fit Casual boot cut, true to size

• Classically inspired 5-pocket design
• Hidden 6th zippered pocket in right rear pocket
• Reflective strips sewn inside both legs for visibility
• Smallest size is 32”
• No gusset for extra mobility. Not that they need it.
• Slightly less fashionable option to Western Rise’s Evolution 2

You don’t have to pack a rod to appreciate Orvis’s O.O.O.O. 5-Pocket Pants ($129). These easy-wearing cotton-poly pants are a cross between your favorite denim and a lightweight khaki. The warp-knit twill has a touch of mechanical stretch and a DWR that is tough enough to negotiate riverside scrambles after work but with enough swagger to make it back to dinner in style.

Sewn together with an exposed overlock stitch, the seam is left exposed on the inside. It’s not tacked down. Though not as durable as a welted seam, the O.O.O.O. (that’s Out-Of-Office, Office) pants trend more durable than many of the pants we’ve seen. This seems entirely appropriate for the classic 5-pocket design pants.

The rear right pocket has an extra hidden zippered pocket to keep your wallet, passport, or fishing license securely stowed. In case you are riding home, both leg’s bottom hems have a six-inch strip of reflective tape sewn into the side seam. We didn’t expect that kind of attention to detail from a fishing brand, but it’s a nice touch that we appreciate.

We’ve been wearing the O.O.O.O. 5-Pocket Pants for years now and found that they are durable, lightweight, and breathable.

Eddie Bauer Guide Pro End-to-Ender Pants

• Fabric 56% CORDURA® nylon, 37% nylon, 7% spandex
• Fabric weight Unnkown

• Burly CORDURA fabric
• Seven pocket design with three that close securely
• Limited color ways
• Backcountry styling doesn’t blend as well in the city

Eddie Bauer’s Guide Pro is a favorite with the GearJunkie staff. Classic fit, logical pocket layout, and top-shelf construction, these pants are frequently on sale and will last you for years. The Guide Pro End-to-Ender ($120) is Bauer’s beefed Guide Pro, and with a CORDURA nylon build, it’s more durable without sacrificing the weight, and it is 2 oz lighter. If you like to scramble around and get a little dirt under the nails while traveling, these pants are for you. 

Constructed with a vertical weft knit and a generous portion of spandex, the pants have some lateral stretch but are vertically static. Articulated pleats help buy the pants mobility around the knees. 

Seven generous and well-positioned pockets dot the pants. In addition to the pair of double-reinforced deep hand pockets, a pair of map pockets rest over the thighs. The left zips shut while the right thigh pocket has a flap that overlaps the lip of the pocket, keeping the contents from bouncing out. On the backside, two flap pockets snap shut and a third patch pocket hides under the right rear pocket.

The thigh pockets are sewn into the pants. This gives the pockets a clean and integrated look. Because Eddie Bauer stitches the entire pant together with overlocked seams, you can feel the extra bulk of the pocket seams against the leg.

These are the one of two pants on our list sewn entirely with overlock stitching, and it’s worth noting. This extra measure of stitching provides more durability, but you’ll feel the bulk. You get used to it over time. It’s really a testament to the overall bomber construction of the End-to-Enders. 

The pants close with a beefy zipper and fat button which stay closed. Belt loops are tacked to the waistband for extra options. And two eyelets are punched through the bottom hem of each pant leg, allowing you to run a gaiter cord through the pants if you want.

Eddie Bauer is a stalwart when it comes to value. While the styling is more traditional, the Guide Pro End-to-Ender is one of the best-built pants we’ve seen on the market. And since Eddie Bauer seems to run a sale about every other month, you can eventually find them about 40% off, making the a fantastic deal.

Municipal Overland Cargo

• Fabric 98% cotton ripstop, 2% spandex
• Fabric weight 160 gsm
• Fit Athletic

• Forward style
• Six pockets, with three that zip shut, and one that snaps shut
• Draw cord around the bottom hem
• Elastic waist
• Offered in one length
• Treading into expensive territory for a simple pull-up cargo pant

Military meets gym day. From Mark Wahlberg’s warehouse of hustle and sporting style, Municipal’s Overland Cargo ($128) deconstructs the traditional cargo pant and injects modern flair. Which is a notable feat in itself.

Typically, function dictates form on cargo pants. Patched with oversized, baggy pockets can make them wear bulky and look unflattering. The Overland weaves a touch of spandex into the mostly cotton material, sews in a gusseted crotch, and pleated articulated knees to net functional mobility in a slim jogger style pant. These wear less Operation Desert Storm and slide right into urban core.

This doesn’t imply they lost their way. With six streamlined pockets, there is room for all your EDC essentials. In addition to the two deep hand pockets, two rear pockets zip shut. A vertical zipper pocket glides easily over the thigh, and the definitive cargo pocket snaps shut over the left leg with a single button. The entire pant is sewn together with overlocked and welted seams.

Available in size S-3X, the Overlands come in one length — the ideal length for anyone. True to jogger style, the bottom hem stops before the ankle.

An elastic cord is sewn into the bottom hem and can be cinched tight around the leg with a cord lock. Because of these design decisions, the length rides on its style credibility and has an acceptable universal size allowance.

Wahlberg’s style keeps you guessing whether he’s coming from or going to the gym. No button to pull out, no fly to blow, these pants pull up like sweatpants and stay around the waist with a simple drawstring. The Overland Cargo follows Wahlberg’s “I don’t care … but I look good doing it” aesthetic and is a great option for a casual lightweight pant with pockets aplenty.

For those that are cargo-curious — or simply want to throw on a pair of pants and look good without giving it much thought — the Overland Cargos have subtle posture without leaning heavily into athleisure.

Men’s Travel Pants Comparison Chart

How We Tested Men’s Travel Pants

There are few other products we test at GearJunkie that are considered non-negotiable in society. Outside the house, you gotta wear pants (or shorts). And if you’re choosing shorts, you’re probably not looking at the right pants. Travel pants are part of our everyday uniform allowing us to test them daily. We test pants for the office grind, after-school errands, dispatching weekend chores, and yes, of course, travel, constantly logging test hours to find the best travel pants on the market.

Cozy in coach, capable of tackling adventure, but formal enough to wear to dinner, travel pants span the use case spectrum. We’ve worn them on intercontinental flights to Germany, Italy, France, and Slovenia, as well as transcontinental flights from Jacksonville to Boise. In warmer climates, we’ve pulled them out of our bikepacking bags on cool nights in Nicaragua and high up on the Colombian Coffee Triangle. One tester even wore his pair to the top of the Grand Teton.

When we get our hands on a new pant, we first take a look at the materials. We gauge the fabric weight, breathability, and the material’s ability to resist wrinkling. Synthetics with a DWR will pack down smaller, bounce back from being jammed in luggage on an overnight flight, and resist stains (and spills) better than cotton.

A touch of spandex affords some stretch and nylon tends to be more durable. We then turn them inside out to look at the seams joining the pants together, looking at where costs were cut and potential quality issues might cause a blowout on the road.

To be considered for our list, pants need at least one pocket that can be zipped shut to safely secure a passport or wallet. The hand pockets should be deep enough to keep keys and change from accidentally spilling out, or have zippers that prevent mishaps. No joke, one pair of pants we tested (not on this list) spit a wallet out at work without us even knowing it.

We then evaluated each pant’s fit, durability, packability, ability to bounce back from repeated wash and wear, and unpacking. We want to find out if a pair of pants can be washed in the sink in the evening and be ready to wear the following morning.

We want to see if the material resists wrinkling. And we want to know if the pants are cut too large, too small, or hike up the legs. The best material and construction alone can’t fake a good fit. We test pants for mobility and proper length. Does the pant bind in the crotch? Are the gussets appropriate? Are the legs cut at a proper length or do they ride up when walking?

Our testing focuses primarily on comfort, versatility, and functionality when in transit, so if you’re looking for something more durable for active pursuits, check out our picks for the  best hiking pants . We also have a guide for the  best women’s travel pants  to get your travel companion ready for the long haul.

Testing History

Steve Graepel has been leading the men’s travel pant buyer guide since 2015. Over the span of 8 years, Graepel has seen over 225 pairs of travel pants, rigorously testing 150 pants. Graepel has worked at GearJunkie as a contributing editor since 2009, testing everything from packrafts, to bike bags, sleeping bags, winter boots, and trail runners. His latest beat is travel pants and flannels. Before his time as a fashion blogger, he wrote for Travel Idaho, National Geographic Adventure, Patagonia’s Tin Shed, Trail Runner, and Gear Patrol.

Graepel has researched and tested travel pants extensively — traveling, working, and camping in the high alpine desert of Idaho, Montana, and Utah, and traveling abroad in a variety of environments including Europe, Asia, Central, and South America. He continues to test travel pants year-round and searches for anyone who will listen to his yarns about the best travel trousers.

In 2020, we tried 27 pairs and listed 15 pants on our men’s buyers guide. In 2021, we tested an additional 35 pairs, highlighting nine new pants on our list. In 2022 we saw an additional 23 pairs, adding six new pants. In 2023 we looked at 38 pairs, adding seven new pants to the men’s travel pant buyer’s guide. Finally, in 2024, we’ve reviewed 27 pants, updating our Men’s Travel Pants buyer guide with nine new pants.

Each year introduces new styles and materials, and we try to reflect the best on the market of that year. Some trousers remain on the list, year after year. They are either so good, or so good of a deal, that they are tough to topple.

To keep a finger on the pulse of pants, we read reviews from top sites and contact manufacturers directly. Steve Graepel has regular conversations with pant brand owners and representatives in the travel pant space. These relationships allow us to stay up to date on what makes pants better every year, and keep an eye on sleeper pants that just don’t have the marketing budget to get mass attention.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose Travel Pants

Regardless of whether the pants are straight-leg or slim, a good pair is one that follows the human form and doesn’t bag out after repeated washings, or bloat when packed with your phone and keys. The length should fit your inseam or run longer so you can roll them up or get them tailored.

Almost every pant on our list has a great fit. If they didn’t, we’ve shared the cons. Both the Jetty’s and UNIONBAY’s pants ran a little long. On the other end, Municipal’s Overland Cargo is short by design and is only available in one length. Both Eddie Bauer and Orvis offer a variety of inseams for a dialed fit (from 30″ to 34″).

We scored each pant for both its ability to adventure, wear in coach, and hit the streets. Some pants, like KETL Mountains Shenanigans, have a bias for stout use. The Shenanigans are coated with a solid DWR and are our choice for adventure trips where you can’t sacrifice durability.

If traveling by plane, we prefer comfortable pants with accessible pockets. While 5-pocket styled jeans or chinos wear well on the street, their pockets are harder to access when sitting on the plane. Instead, we prefer a jogger or cargo pant that has vertical zippered pockets and drop-in device pockets on the legs.

Both Municipal and KÜHL had easy-to-access pockets in the plane. Eddie Bauer’s Guide Pro End-to-Ender has two generous thigh pockets. But both are sewn into the pants and tighten up over the thigh when seated. This makes it harder to pull the contents out.

For comfort in coach, you don’t need to look past Bluffworks Envoy . They look great and have plenty of pockets to stay organized. KÜHL’s Suppressor Jogger dialed in the drop-in pockets and is lightweight and durable, but the material isn’t nearly as soft as Eddie Bauer’s pants. It’s always a trade-off.

Style Matters

While comfort is key, we also need to be able to show ourselves in public (no washed-out gray sweatpants on this list). The most versatile travel clothes should be able to tackle a hike without getting roughed up, or walk into town looking sharp enough to peruse a museum, and duck in for fine dining afterward.

Unfortunately, the cargo pockets take away some formality while out on the town. With its jogger styling, KÜHL didn’t design around Michelin stars. They prioritized function and durability, mapping to utility. KÜHL, Municipal, and Eddie Bauer each have unique cargo styling that brings a touch of modernity to the military-inspired side-pocket pants. In general, we love cargo-style pants and joggers while sitting on the plane. It keeps all your essentials within reach.

On the other hand, Western Rise’s Evolution 2 and Proof’s 72-Hour Merino are fantastically styled everyday pants, but both have a single security pocket to maintain that sleek look. They are our go-to choice for travels to big cities where we want to kick up the look and feel at home while traveling abroad.

Clean lines, darker colors, and traditional styling help you blend into crowds and stave off the would-be pickpocket’s radar. The best men’s travel pants should look as good as they feel without shouting “ tourist .”

The material should be lightweight and, in our preference, darker to minimize showing the dirt collected along the way. That said, we were astounded by how well a fresh DWR can resist stains on even the fairest beige pants.

Fabric Weight

Lightweight performance fabrics can withstand repeated washings in a sink, line dry overnight, and stay wrinkle-free after weeks on the go. Today’s fabrics offer advanced sun protection and moisture-wicking properties and are often water-resistant or water-repellent.

Fabric weight is measured in grams per square meter (GSM). A heavier GSM will take up more room in your bag and take longer to dry. We find a 200-ish GSM fabric weight, like on our top pick from Bluffworks, light and breezy, and dries out quickly.

A welterweight fabric will disappear in the bag and dry out insanely fast, but going too light sacrifices durability. All the pants we tested are durable enough to venture off the pavement.

If you want the lightest pant you can find, give KETL Mountain’s Shenanigan a look. The 156 GSM fabric rolls up tight and is exceptionally durable. Western Rise also uses a lighter GSM fabric, but the pants weigh more overall.

Fabric Type

A cotton blend fabric adds breathability and a cooling effect, which is great for warmer climates, but can also sacrifice durability. And, unless treated with a DWR, cotton can wet out more easily and hold water longer.

The Orvis and Municipal’s Overland Cargo weave some cotton into their blend. To beef up the durability, the natural fiber is woven with a synthetic like polyester or nylon and an elastic component for stretch.

If you choose to go with denim or cotton, consider a stretchy fabric with a bit of spandex or elastane for comfort and flexibility while on the road. It will resist wear longer, dry faster, and feel much more comfortable. While not on this year’s list, Aviator’s The Best Travel Jeans in the World are very comfortable and weave in some stretch, but they weigh nearly twice as much as every other pant on the list. Our cotton choices keep the weight down.

Most of the pants on this list are woven from synthetic fibers. Synthetics tend to stand up to more abuse than their natural counterparts. For example, Ornot’s Mission Pant is incredibly durable and is built for men who abuse pants while in the saddle.

Unique this year, we saw a merino wool synthetic blend with Proof’s 72-Hour Merino Travel Pant. Wool is known for its odor-resistant and insulative qualities. Contrary to what you might think, they stay surprisingly cool and breathe well in hot climates. For durability and stretch, Proof weaves nylon, polyester, and a touch of elastane.

Weaving in spandex or elastic adds mobility, but can also give the pants a polished, slick finish. KÜHL weaves in a whopping 15% spandex into the material, but most pants will have between 2-6% for a combination of durability and mobility. Bluffworks , Unionbay , and Jetty feel more formal with their smooth-faced fabric finishes. Material finishes are more of a personal preference and don’t affect their water resistance, which is added with a DWR wash.

Our favorite pants come from Bluffworks. While the fit is fantastic, they don’t have a DWR. This makes them less desirable if you are traveling to places that rain a lot. However, they excel in so many other ways that they still stand out as our top choice. On the flip side, Western Rise’s DWR not only deflects dirt and grime on the road, but liters of beer simply rolled off them at Oktoberfest. We really took one for the team while testing.

Performance fabrics are standing up to heavy use like never before. Shelling out a few more bucks for quality generally gets you into a more durable pant that should hold up to more extensive use. We’ve put in countless hours testing the pants on this list, so you’re starting in the right place.

Seam Construction

Seams are often overlooked. Out of sight, out of mind, seams bring two patches of fabric together and are crucial for durability and comfort. But this is where we can differentiate the good from the great, and this is where we get passionately nerdy.

Flat-felled seams are best for joining heavy fabrics together. Think denim. The material doesn’t stretch and the fabric is woven from heavy cotton yarn. You want a solid seam to join the pants together. The fabric is joined, then rolled over itself and double stitched for a clean, bomber fasten.

None of the pants on our list are joined entirely from flat-felled seams, though LIVSN and Proof incorporate a flat-fell seam on at least one leg seam. In general, we find it more important to flat-fell the inseam of the pants (which is what Proof does).

Too much material tacked together with a flat-fell seam can cause rubbing against the legs. And most travel pants are constructed from lighter-weight fabrics, so pants don’t always need this extra durable seam construction.

They can get away with a less expensive, and more comfortable overlocked seam. An overlocking stitch, or welt-seam, has a lower profile, leaving the raw edge exposed but sewn down to the pant. Plus they are nearly as durable as the venerable flat-felled stitch, but can feel more comfortable.

Some overlocked stitches aren’t tacked down. That is, the seam isn’t locked down flat with a second row of stitching, leaving the surged seam exposed on the inside. This usually isn’t a big deal. Our main concern would be that the stitching could get caught on something and start to unravel. But we haven’t ever had this experience and it’s a fine option to use when binding two lightweight materials together. Orvis, Ornot, and even Bluffworks uses a combination of overlocked and welted overlocked seams.

The simplest seam, or plain seam, joins the two sides together with a simple, single stitch. Often the cut material is finished with a surger to prevent the material from fraying, but the joining seam itself is sewn together with a single stitch, and the exposed edges butterfly on the inside of the pant.

This is often used for lightweight material where want to reduce the bulk as much as possible. We see this used on Western Rise’s Evolution 2. In theory, this is not a highly durable seam construction. And we’ve seen this kind of seam unravel on a few pants we’ve tested. We’ve also been beating our Western Rise’s for years now and have yet to see their plain seam blow.

We like a pant that doesn’t ride up or bind when seated, and moves with you when active. DUER and KÜHL are very close at the top, for pure comfort, you can’t beat  Bluffworks Envoy . Beyond the fantastic material, the pant is is available in slim and regular fit, so there’s truly a comfortable pant for everyone’s preference.

We’ve tested  Western Rise’s Evolution lineup   standing outside in Bogota monsoon season, climbing snow and ice on the Grand, and prosting over beers at Oktoberfest. The DWR not only sheds spills, but it deflects dirt and grime too.

After a week of wearing them across the Alps, including a day sitting in the stairwell of an overbooked train to Munich, we were shocked at how clean our light khaki Evolution 2.0s walked off the return flight. We were also impressed with KETL Mountain’s Shenanigan’s. Water immediately beads off the surface.

If you’re bringing one pair of pants, you’ll eventually have to wash them while on the road. A lightweight synthetic pant is your best bet for a comfortable morning. Here again, Western Rise’s Evolutions  rose to the top. They are lightweight, durable, and dry out quicker than most. They also remain cool and breezy in hot climates and wear supremely well.

The pair of large cargo pockets on Muncipal’s Overland Cargo are easy to access and have plenty of space to hold your kit and do it without looking like Urkel. For an equally impressive pocket game, but a more polished look, we recommend looking at Bluffworks Envoy, which stealthily hides nine pockets in the otherwise casual-looking chino. Eddie Bauer’s Guide Pro End-to-Ender is close, with seven practical and accessible pockets.

With their high CORDURA count, the Eddie Bauers are tough to beat. Ornot’s Mission pants weaves a high nylon count, and come in a very close second for durability.

For long flights on the plane, we like comfortable, casual look with easy pocket access. We give the nod to Municipal’s Overland Cargo. The deep horizontal pockets are easy to access while seated and the high cotton count breathes well.

KÜHL’s Suppressor Joggers have the highest spandex count on the list at 15%. They are super flexible, light, durable, and have a good DWR. For a more formal look, Bluffworks has an equally impressive spandex weave (10%) and is by far the most comfortable pant on our list. 

For a good combination of flexibility, durability, and all-around wearability, we recommend Western Rise’s Evolution 2. If you want to splurge, we also liked Proof’s 72-Hour Merino Travel Pant, which blends 6% elastane into the wool-synthetic base. Proof’s pants are nearly a one-and-done purchase. They are durable and stay stench-free on the road, making them the only pants you may need to bring.

The Best Hiking Pants for Men of 2024

With a focus on comfort, durability, and performance, we’ve found the best hiking pants for men. Get ready to hit the trail.

The Best Work Pants of 2024

Work pants provide functional utility for carpentry, construction, ranch work, or DIY home projects. These are the best work pants we have found.

Steve Graepel is a Contributing Editor and Gear Tester at GearJunkie. He has been writing about trail running, camping, skiing, and general dirtbagging for 10+ years. When not testing gear with GearJunkie, he is a Senior Medical Illustrator on the Neurosurgery Team at Mayo Clinic. Based in Boise, Idaho, Graepel is an avid trail runner, camper, angler, cyclist, skier, and loves to introduce his children to the Idaho outdoors.

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The 9 Best Hybrid Adventure Shorts For Men

By: Ethan Brehm Published: Jul 25, 2023

By: Ethan Brehm and Sean Tirman Published: Jul 25, 2023

Contributors

There was a time not that long ago when outdoor adventure gear and normal everyday apparel were two different categories of clothing. However, as time has gone by, it’s become more and more apparent that – for some of us, at least – outdoor adventure is a part of everyday life. And that means our garments need to be a bit more versatile.

We’ve seen lots of jackets over the years that perform well both in the city and the backcountry. The same goes for pants, especially recently. But now – finally – hybrid shorts appear to be a part of the norm. And that’s a wonderful thing for any guy that wants to go from a waterfall hike straight into running errands or even just hanging out with friends. If you happen to be one such guy, then you’re in the right place, because we’ve rounded up the best hybrid adventure shorts for men on the following list.

Best Hybrid Shorts Breakdown

Best for Travel

Roark Revival Layover Short

Best Overall

Olivers All Over Short

Best for Casual Outings

prAna Hybridizer Short

Best for EDC

Howler Brothers Horizon Hybrid 2.0 Shorts

Best for Ultimate Relaxation

patagonia Baggies Shorts 5″

Best for Athletes

Ten Thousand Set Short

Best for Camping

Flint and Tinder Hybrid Ripstop Short

Best for the Beach

Western Rise Evolution Short

Best for Rugged Adventures

GoRuck Challenge Shorts

What exactly are hybrid shorts.

These days, with a varying range of activities taking place over the course of a single day, we seek clothes that can handle everything we need them to without requiring us to take the time to perform a wardrobe change. At the bare minimum, hybrid shorts are highly comfortable trousers intended to go from land to sea (if they have to), but they can often do much more. Essentially, they’re do-anything, go-anywhere shorts.

What to Look for in Hybrid Shorts

Inseam: Inseam can be a matter of comfort or style. These days, shorter shorts are back, but there are some of you who will prefer the extra material on longer models as well. Luckily, there are many silhouettes with two options to choose from.

Material: Material is crucial with hybrid shorts, especially when you consider the inherently lightweight and water-resistant properties of nylon and polyester. However, a few of these will feature a small amount of stretchy fabrics such as elastane or spandex for extra flexibility.

Pockets: Pockets aren’t just important for securing your gear but for not weighing you down underwater. Look for pouches with mesh drains to keep the water out as well as zippered closures so your goods don’t fall out.

Color Options: Since they’re in part intended to be stylishly flexible, hybrid shorts should come in several different colors, or at least a handful in versatile colors. Of course, black, brown, and blue can go with nearly anything, but you may be the type of person who loves more expressive shades like green or red.

• Cell phone stash pocket
• Super soft and comfy
• Solid pocket options
• May fit a little big

Best for Travel: Made to be the ultimate pair of travel shorts , Roark Revival’s Layover Shorts are some of the most comfortable ever built. But don’t go thinking they’re only for the times when you have to face off with the TSA, as they’re also water-resistant, stretchy (great for hiking), and have a number of different pockets for all your everyday carry gear. These would be in contention for the best hybrid shorts ever made if it weren’t for the baggier fit.

Material: 53% Cotton, 44% Nylon, 3% Spandex Inseam: 7.5″ # of Colors Available: 8

• Very comfortable
• Versatile usage
• Sweat-wicking fabric
• Lots of color options
• Secure inner hideaway pocket

Best Overall: Perfect for the beach, bar, or even the gym , these hybrid adventure shorts from Olivers are one of the most versatile out there. Not only are they made from a water-resistant durable fabric, but they’re also sweat-wicking – so they’ll help keep you cool even when you’re working hard. They also have a comfortable elastic waistband and a discreet interior pocket in case you need to stash some cards, cash, or a minimalist wallet.

Material: 88% Nylon, 12% Spandex Inseam: 7.5″ # of Colors Available: 10

• Versatile aesthetic
• 30+ UPF rating
• Hidden key loop
• Belt loops equipped
• Longer inseam than some may like
• Not as comfortable for full-on swimming than others

Best for Casual Outings: Say you want to go from work to the trail and then out for dinner with friends afterward. However, you don’t have time to change. Here’s where the Hybridizer Short from prAna would come in handy. Built from a polyester-elastane blend, the pants are stretchy, moisture-wicking, and boast a 30+ UPF rating. Other features include a hidden key loop, an internal drawstring at the waistband, and even belt loops. The real magic comes in the styling of the trousers themselves, which will look as though you had just put these on before heading out in the evening.

Material: 75% Recycled Polyester, 21% Polyester, 4% Elastane Inseam: 8″, 10″ # of Colors Available: 6

• Reinforced pliers pocket
• Equipped with YKK zipper
• Durable ripstop nylon construction
• 2 inseam options
• Only 4 colorways

Best for EDC: Streamlined, stylish, and versatile – the Howler Brothers Horizon Hybrid shorts are a lot like your favorite board shorts , except not limited with pocket space or style. They’re built from ripstop nylon, for superb durability and water resistance, and feature a button-fly closure with a sturdy YKK zipper. Our favorite thing about these shorts, however, is that they have a reinforced pliers pocket – perfect for a multi-tool or EDC knife.

Material: Ripstop Nylon Inseam: 7.5″, 9.5″ # of Colors Available: 4

• Classic silhouette
• Two inseam options
• 12 colorways available
• Super comfortable
• Vertical side pockets reduce drag underwater
• Inconsistent fit

Best for Ultimate Relaxation: Popular during the surfing craze in the 1960s and even immortalized by the Beach Boys, baggies have since proven to be a timeless classic regardless of the era. patagonia has put its spin on the super comfortable shorts with this 5-inch version (7″ also available), featuring an adjustable waistband, mesh liner made of recycled polyester, and vertical side pockets to reduce drag in the water. Finished with a DWR, these trousers are intended to be worn in or out of the water, and even around town if you’d like.

Material: 100% Recycled Nylon Inseam: 5″, 7″ # of Colors Available: 12

• Made with input from athletes
• Four-way stretch
• Secure pocket system
• Stands up to chlorine and salt water
• Limited color options

Best for Athletes: Whether you’re swimming , climbing, running, or lifting, Ten Thousand’s Set Short is the perfect match for your active lifestyle. Designed with input from athletes of all verticals to be a perfect combination between swim and training shorts, the trousers are made from a lightweight nylon blend with a touch of spandex to make it so you can transition from one activity to the next with no problem. With a four-way stretch and secure pocket system, the shorts also feature quick-drying properties and stand up to both chlorine and salt water to ensure you’ll have these for years to come.

Material: 85% Nylon, 15% Spandex Inseam: 6.5″ # of Colors Available: 2

• Softer than other options thanks to cotton
• Cargo flap pocket on the side
• Mesh drains in pockets
• Limited availability

Best for Camping: Flexibility and versatility are key when you’re camping. This is where hybrid shorts are of utmost importance. You may venture out on a rugged hike, take a dip in the lake, and need to be comfortable at night sitting around a campfire. Flint and Tinder has been getting a lot of attention as of late and its Hybrid Ripstop Short is one of the best of its kind around. Constructed from a unique blend of cotton and nylon, these trousers sport a 7-inch inseam, elastic-drawcord waistband for tailored comfort, a diminutive cargo flap pocket on the side, and secure hand pockets with mesh drains for if they get wet.

Material: 73% Cotton, 27% Nylon Inseam: 7″ # of Colors Available: 4

• Zippered wallet pocket
• Lightweight
• Style itself is limited in application

Best for the Beach: At first glance, it may not look like Western Rise’s Evolution Short is designed to go in and out of the water, but that’s very well the intent. Available in four versatile colorways, the trousers are made with the brand’s proprietary lightweight four-way stretch Evolution nylon fabric that dries very quickly so you can do things after your beach outing without needing to change. Other features include a zippered pocket for your wallet, a hidden drawstring for the waistband, belt loops, and durable water-resistant properties.

Material: 90% Nylon, 10% Elastane Inseam: 7″ # of Colors Available: 4

• Indestructible
• Diamond-gusseted crotch for extra versatility
• Integrated zippered cargo pockets

Best for Rugged Adventures: GoRuck’s rucking challenges are nothing if not intensely rigorous. And that means the kind of apparel necessary to make it through also has to be incredibly tough and versatile. Since they couldn’t find anything that made the cut, GoRuck built some themselves. Their Challenge Shorts are quick-drying, durable as hell, feature sturdy integrated zippered cargo pockets for easy gear-hauling, and are available in a number of styles.

Material: 94% Nylon, 6% Spandex Inseam: 10.5″ # of Colors Available: 4

The Best Hiking Sandals

Hybrid shorts go perfectly with some open-toed adventure shoes. Head over to our guide to the best hiking sandals and grab a pair for your summer outings.

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Best Travel Clothes For Men For Wherever You Go in 2024

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. Any products or services put forward appear in no particular order. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Traveling can be difficult. For starters, you need to make sure you don’t leave behind any essentials . There’s also a constantly evolving world of travel hacks to keep tabs on. Oh, and for some reason it just feels 10x harder to plan outfits when you know you’ll be away from your wardrobe.

Rest assured, a great arsenal of traveling clothing can quickly turn you into a travel pro. This list covers some of the best travel clothes for men to pick up this year.

Each one of these products utilizes comfort and versatility to accommodate a lifestyle on the road. It doesn’t matter if you’re a travel veteran or a novice, there should be something here for you.

So, the next time you hop on a plane, train, or automobile, maybe consider bringing a few of these items with you.

Key Takeaways

While creating this list of the best travel clothing for men, I searched the market far and wide to discover exactly what’s out there. The Vuori Strato Tech Tee is hands down one of the best travel items you can get your hands on. Vuori is a brand centered around modern activewear which fits right in with a travel wardrobe. The Roark Layover 2.0 Pants can serve as another great option for anyone with a long flight looming on the horizon.

• Buying Considerations

How We Chose

• Why Trust Us?

Final Verdict

Best overall: vuori strato tech tee.

Why it’s great: Travel comfort always starts with a versatile t-shirt, which is why the Vuori Strato Tech Tee is one of the best men’s travel clothes items. This tee is made primarily of polyester which is naturally moisture-wicking and odor-resistant. This shirt can be worn on its own in warm weather and just as easily layered if you travel to a cooler environment. Oh, and it offers UPF protection if you’re planning to be out in the sun a lot.

Who is this for: This shirt is perfect for anyone who loves a laid-back, classic look while traveling. It’s super soft and breathable, which is sure to make it one of the most comfortable options in your wardrobe. It also features a modern athletic fit, which means it might run a bit on the small side.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: The biggest flaw with this t-shirt is the admittedly thin material. In certain lighting, the shirt may be a bit see-through–especially in the lighter colorways.

Material: 96% Polyester, 4% Elastane | Sizes: XXS-XXXL | Colors: 14 | Care: Machine Wash Cold, Tumble Dry Low

Best Shoe: Tropicfeel Dune

Why they’re great: Tropicfeel is a go-to brand for all things travel. These Dune sneakers feature sprint laces and foldable heels which make it effortless to get them on and off. If you’re traveling somewhere wet, these shoes are also very water-friendly–they can literally be worn while swimming. Not to mention, you can easily pack these shoes down to throw them in a bag if need be.

Who is this for: These are perfect for someone who wants to be comfortable and prepared for anything. The AirTech mesh uppers of these shoes make them breathable, and the grippy rubber outsoles provide solid traction—even in slick environments.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: The biggest flaw of these shoes is that they can degrade quickly—especially the insoles. However, if you wear them moderately and take good care of them, they should last a reasonable amount of time.

Material: 77% Recycled Polyester, 23% Polyester | Sizes: 6-12.5 | Colors: 6 | Care: Machine Washable (Short Cycle)

Best Luxury: Aurélien Extrafine Merino Crew Neck Sweater

Why it’s great: This Extrafine Aurélien Merino Sweater is the perfect choice when you want to travel in class. Merino wool is among some of the best fabrics for travel because of its natural benefits such as comfort, odor resistance, and temperature regulation. Not to mention, this sweater is offered in 14 classy colors with sizes ranging from small to triple extra-large.

Who is this for: If you’re looking to stay classy but oh so comfortable, this is for you. This sweater combines the best traits of merino wool and cashmere for a silky smooth experience all around.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: There’s not much to complain about with this refined sweater besides its high price tag. But that should be expected for a luxury item such as this one.

Material: 100% Extrafine Merino Wool | Sizes: S-XXXL | Colors: 14 | Care: Handwash, Air Dry

Best Budget: Gildan Men’s Underwear Boxer Briefs

Why they’re great: Underwear is an underappreciated component of travel comfort. These Gildan Boxer Briefs feature a standard 6-inch inseam, and a flexible waistband to provide maximum comfort making them one of the best travel clothes for men. The cotton and polyester blend is also moisture-wicking and breathable , so you never get too hot down there.

Who is this for: These are great for men who just want to stay comfy. As far as boxer briefs go, these are an extremely soft and comfortable option that will keep your most delicate areas cozy.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: The legs of these boxer briefs can ride up pretty easily. However, in my experience, this is pretty much inescapable with most pairs of boxer briefs on the market.

Material: 90% Cotton, 10% Polyester | Sizes: S-XXL | Colors: 7 | Care: Machine Washable

Best On Amazon: Amazon Essentials Men’s Fleece Sweatpants

Why they’re great: These Amazon Essentials Fleece Sweatpants offer a solid amount of insulation for travel in cold weather. The relaxed fit provides just enough space and flexibility to move around comfortably. The drawstring waistband also adds to the overall comfort of these sweatpants–especially when sitting for extended periods of time.

Who is this for: Want to stay comfy but not look like you’re wearing pajamas ? These are for you. These sweatpants are pretty much on par with any other pair of sweatpants out there–casual and comfortable.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: These sweatpants are on the cheaper side which means the material isn’t exactly the best. They may not last a very long time if you plan to wear them frequently.

Material: 52% Cotton, 48% Polyester | Sizes: XS-7XL BIG | Colors: 14 | Care: Machine Washable

Best For Long-Haul Flights: Roark Layover 2.0 Pants

Why they’re great: When looking for maximum comfort and the best men’s travel clothes for long flights, you should never overlook what pants you choose to wear. The Roark Layover 2.0 Pants are built with long flights in mind, utilizing a 2-way blended stretch fabric. These pants feature a drawstring waistband which negates the need to take your belt off when going through TSA. The oversized zipper pockets also provide plenty of storage while reducing the risk of precious items slipping out while abroad.

Who is this for: These are for men who don’t necessarily want to don sweats but do want to be comfortable. These pants feature a standard slim fit which means they aren’t super baggy, but they won’t suffocate your legs either. The perforated back panel of the waistband also provides plenty of airflow for hot environments.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Unfortunately, the drawstring waistband may not provide as much support as you’d like while wearing these pants. If the pants aren’t fitted properly, they can easily sag at your waist.

Material: 72% Cotton, 26% Nylon, 4% Elastane | Sizes: 28-40 | Colors: 8 | Care: Machine Wash Cold, Hang Dry

Best Hat: Tillak Wallowa Camp Hat

Why it’s great: The Wallowa Camp Hat from Tillak is an excellent 5-panel cap to easily tame a messy mane. This hat is both lightweight and breathable, while the full nylon construction helps to dry up quickly if you get caught in the rain. It can also be rolled up and packed away easily, ready to be on hand whenever necessary.

Who is this for: If you’re like me and need an emergency hat on hand in case of bad hair days (or you’re just not sure if you’ll need one) this bad boy is perfect. It offers a solid range of adjustments to make it comfortable for even the biggest noggins out there. It’s also extremely light so you’ll hardly notice it once it’s on.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Some reviewers have complained about how stiff the bill of this hat is. This is most likely by design because 5-panel hats typically have more rigid bills than other cap options.

Material: 100% Nylon | Sizes: N/A | Colors: 6 | Care: Hand Wash, Hang Dry

Best Merino Travel Piece: Swiftwick Pursuit One

Why they’re great: These Swiftwick Pursuit One socks are made with a technical fiber merino wool blend, which offers just the right amount of cushion and comfort for most types of travel. These socks insulate your feet in cold conditions, yet they’re still breathable for warm weather. Not to mention, the Pursuit line is available in 6 different cuff heights to cover just about everything from a no-show sock to a boot sock.

Who is this for: If you prefer the heel-toe express to cabs and trains, you’ll want the comfort these socks offer. These socks offer a great balance between cushion and compression. They also do a great job of preventing blisters, even after being worn for hours on end.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: These socks are not impervious to holes which will likely develop after extended usage. The rate at which these holes occur depends on how frequently you wear them and how active you are while wearing them.

Material: 63% Merino Wool, 35% Nylon, 2% Spandex | Sizes: S-XL | Colors: 3 | Care: Machine Wash Cold, Tumble Dry Low.

Best For Cold Weather: Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket

Why it’s great: If you’re taking a trip home for the holidays to chilly temperatures, it’s great to have something like the Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket to keep you warm. Since this is a puffer jacket , it’s lightweight yet still offers a solid amount of insulation and wind resistance. It’s also able to be packed down into a small square that should easily fit in a weekender bag or duffel bag .

Who is this for: Not too sure what the weather’s gonna be like? Tight on packing space? This is for you. This jacket is extremely comfortable, providing a reasonable amount of warmth against the cold–it’s even better when layered.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: The thread on this jacket tends to come loose pretty easily. However, Patagonia is very accommodating with clothing repairs and may fix certain issues free of charge.

Material: 100% Recycled Polyester, PrimaLoft Gold Insulation | Sizes: XS-XXXL | Colors: 7 | Care: Machine Wash (Gentle Cycle), Tumble Dry Low

Best Formal Wear: xSuit 5.0

Why it’s great: The xSuit 5.0 is a reinvention of your granddad’s suit, with wrinkle-resistant and water-resistant stretch fabric. There’s also no need to take this suit to the dry cleaners because it’s machine-washable—perfect for business trips and destination weddings. You probably don’t even need to store this suit in a garment bag while traveling—although, a little extra protection never hurts.

Who is this for: This is for the modern swanky traveler who doesn’t want to compromise on style. This suit is made with 8-way stretch fabric which all but guarantees it’ll be one of the most comfortable suits you’ve ever worn.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Some reviewers claim this suit looks pretty cheap despite the $600 price tag. This may come down to the material or the simplistic design of this suit, but it’s ultimately a matter of subjectivity.

Material: Techwool Blend | Sizes: 34-52 (Jacket), 28-46 (Waist) | Colors: 5 | Care: Machine Wash Cold (Gentle Cycle), Hang Dry

Buying Considerations For Men’s Travel Clothes 

Material plays a critical role in clothing comfort—especially when you’re looking at the best travel clothing for men. Ideal travel clothing should be soft and flexible to accommodate your body’s natural range of movement. Merino wool is an excellent option because of the many natural benefits associated with it. Some other solid materials are polyester, elastane, and viscose. It’s also important to look for materials that offer some degree of odor resistance, which many of these options do.

Versatility

Versatility is also an important factor in great travel clothing. It’s always easier to pack one item that can be worn three different ways rather than three separate items that can only be worn one way. Most importantly, you want clothes that can provide you with plenty of options, which is key while on the go. You shouldn’t have to sacrifice your style just because you’re away from home.

Destination

Your travel destination is obviously another important factor when deciding what to throw in the suitcase. Are you traveling somewhere with plenty of sunshine? Somewhere below freezing? Your wardrobe should always reflect the environment you’re about to enter. This doesn’t just apply to weather either, it applies to the general attire of your destination as well–especially when heading abroad. Unfortunately, tourists are a prime target to scam while traveling, and that’s much easier to do if you stick out like a sore thumb. So, try to dress appropriately for your desired location.

There are plenty of clothes out there that can be used when traveling, but it can be difficult to pinpoint the options that are truly the best.

That’s why each product on this list had to be evaluated by certain credentials in order to qualify for consideration.

Brand Reputation: Does the brand have a positive reputation in the public eye, and is it well-known for producing good products?

Customer Reviews: Does a customer stand by their purchase or do they regret the decision? Negative reviews are inevitable, but is there some validity in the critiques made by reviewers?

Personal Experience: Do I have personal experience with the product or the brand?

Value: Does a product’s quality correlate with the price that is asked of you?

Why Trust Us? 

Ryan Jamison’s insightful contributions to FashionBeans are underpinned by a decade of hands-on experience and rigorous product testing, cementing his status as a trusted authority in men’s fashion and grooming.

His reviews, spanning essentials like messenger bags , EDC necessities , and tech pants , reflect a deep understanding of what the modern man needs—from functionality and style to material durability. Ryan’s meticulous approach to evaluating men’s attire and accessories ensures that each recommendation is both practical and stylish, making his guidance invaluable for readers seeking to enhance their wardrobe. This blend of personal experience, customer insights, and thorough research makes Ryan’s advice on FashionBeans a valuable asset to the modern man.

Overall, it’s hard to beat a solid t-shirt when looking for the best men’s travel clothes. With a high level of versatility and comfort, the  Vuori Strato Tech Tee can serve as your perfect travel companion. The Roark Layover 2.0 Pants are another fantastic option that can make any kind of travel a breeze.

Preferably clothes that are comfortable and antimicrobial to prevent odor build-up. Sometimes you might be staying in a dingy motel, or you might even sleep in the car. This is why it’s super important to wear clothes that will remain cozy and clean, even after multiple days of use.

As someone who often wears jeans to the airport, I’ve found that it ultimately depends on the type of jeans you wear. Tight-fitting jeans that constrict your legs will likely prove to be a nightmare for most of if not all of your flight. However, relaxed-fit jeans are generally pretty comfortable, and they can be just as great of an option as many other pants out there.

It should probably go without saying, but any clothes that you don’t find comfortable should be left at home while traveling. The last thing you want when on a 12-hour flight across the globe is to suffer through a pair of tight pants or itchy socks.

Ryan is a writer, filmmaker, and all around content creator. Over the years, he has written screenplays, short stories, and nonfiction informational pieces. Ryan is currently working to build up his YouTube channel (@ ryan-jamison ) via creative video essays that combine his love of filmmaking and writing. He also *occasionally* posts some photography on his Instagram (@ ryanjamison99 ). When away from the keyboard, Ryan loves running, hiking, reading, and he’s also a total boot nerd.

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Travel Europe on a Budget

The Savvy Backpacker

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The best travel clothes | guide to high-performance & fashionable travel clothing.

We talk about our favorite travel clothing and help you find the perfect travel-friendly clothes to keep you comfortable on the road.

I’ve been a nerd about travel clothes since my first trip to Europe back in 2006—now I have a closet full of travel pants and shirts and jackets (you get the idea). It’s been refreshing to watch travel clothing evolve from hideous outdoorsy gear to stylish clothing made from high-tech fabrics.

In this guide, I’ve gathered some of the most popular travel clothing brands to help you find the best travel clothing so you can stay fashionable and comfortable while traveling.

The Current State Of Travel Clothes

In the old days, travel clothing used to look like this…

But now travel clothing looks like this!

So what’s the deal with travel clothes these days?

I’d argue that the “travel clothing” market hasn’t changed much but the “performance clothing” market is actually what’s pushing the category forward—so these days, I consider travel clothing and performance clothing essentially the same thing.

And it makes sense because many of these new high-performance fabrics offer a ton of benefits that complement both everyday wear and travel.

Even mega-brands like Levis, Gap, Dockers, Lululemon, and Uniqlo are starting to offer fashionable “travel-friendly” or “performance” clothing but small niche brands are pushing the boundaries (which I’ll cover later in this article).

The Good Things About Travel Clothing

Travel clothes are finally being designed to be fashionable and stylish so you can easily wear them in Paris, Milan, or New York without looking out of place.

My #1 travel clothing rule is that I’ll never wear any “travel clothing” that I wouldn’t wear in my everyday life.

Second, high-tech clothes continue to evolve because more companies are developing better fabrics and competition is driving innovation.

The Bad Things About Travel Clothing

Unfortunately, high-tech travel clothing tends to be expensive.

First, many of the fabrics used are high-end so the raw materials are expensive. Second, a majority of travel clothing is made by small companies so they can’t mass produce their products—which pushes prices higher.

Another negative thing about travel clothing is that there are many options for men but fewer for women. This is probably because guys tend to stick to very basic items and they nerd out on “high-tech fabrics more than women.

So what can you expect to pay for travel clothes?

• Nice merino wool socks will be $10-$20/pair
• A pair of travel pants will range from $70-$180+
• A wool shirt will be $50-$100+

Do You NEED Travel Clothing?

Do you really “need” to shell out your hard-earned cash for these high-end garments?

I’ll be the first to say that you certainly don’t need clothes made out of technical fabrics when you travel. Many of these fabrics can make certain aspects of traveling easier and more comfortable… but they’re more of a “nice-to-have” than a “must-have.”

In my opinion, there are a few key pieces that I think deliver a ton of value and there are other items that are more optional — I’ll cover both throughout this article.

The Benefits of Travel Clothes & Performance Wear

What’s so great about travel clothing? Let’s take a look…

Durability & Multi-Day Wear

One of the main benefits of travel clothing is that you can wear them multiple times without having to wash them. This means you can pack fewer items so you can travel lighter.

Odor-Resistance

Many of the fabrics used in travel clothes have anti-odor properties. Merino wool is naturally odor-resistant but some synthetic materials are manufactured in a way to reduce odor.

Quick-Drying Abilities

If you plan on washing your clothes while you’re traveling it’s nice to have items that can be hand-washed and air-dried quickly (i.e. washing your socks and underwear in the sink). Quick-drying fabrics can also be beneficial if you get caught in the rain.

Wrinkle-Resistance

While it’s hard to completely prevent wrinkles when you’re living out of a suitcase, many materials have anti-wrinkle properties. In general, synthetic materials resist wrinkles better than natural fabrics but it depends on the fabric.

Lightweight & Packability

Performance fabric tends to be lightweight so it won’t weigh down your luggage as much — for example, a pair of tech pants will weigh half as much as a pair of jeans. Lightweight fabric also tends to dry quicker than something like cotton jeans which absorb water.

Moisture Wicking & Breathability

One of the most important factors in keeping comfortable is keeping dry. Moisture-wicking fabric helps pull sweat away from your skin and its breathability lets the moisture escape from the fabric.

Stretch and Comfort

Every fabric will have a different amount of stretch. Unsurprisingly, fabric with more stretch tends to be more comfortable since it allows you to move with less restriction.

But you’re always making a compromise when it comes to stretch because, in general, you sacrifice durability/water-repellency for stretchability.

Water Repellency

Certain fabrics are naturally water-repellent and others have chemical coatings which help keep water from soaking into the fabric. In my opinion, water repellency isn’t super high up on my “must-have” list (unless it’s a rain jacket) but it’s a nice bonus.

Note: The chemical water-resistant coatings aren’t permanent so they will become less effective the more the garment is washed.

High-Tech Performance Fabrics Explained

There are multiple different types of fabrics that travel clothing companies use to make their products. There is a lot of nuances and technical/marketing mumbo jumbo when it comes to each fabric but we’ll start with the three main fabric categories — natural fabrics, synthetic fabrics, and natural/synthetic blends.

Natural Fabrics

There are a handful of natural fabrics but the most common are merino wool and cotton.

Merino Wool

The best kind of natural fabric is fine merino wool because it has many natural benefits. Merino wool is naturally odor-resistant, soft, fairly durable, wicks moisture well, dries quickly, and works well in both hot and cold weather.

However, merino wool does have some downsides. First, it’s expensive so even a “cheap” merino wool t-shirt will cost around $50.

Second, thin wool has a tendency to develop holes much more quickly than a more robust fabric like cotton or synthetics.

And third, most wool can’t go in the dryer since heat will make it shrink so it does require a little extra care.

Cotton Should Be Avoided

Most travelers highly recommend avoiding cotton when it comes to travel clothing because cotton holds moisture and doesn’t dry quickly. For example, a cotton pair of socks will trap sweat which will cause odors, blisters, and sweaty feet.

That said, I’m not as militant when it comes to wearing cotton so I still wear cotton jeans and t-shirts. However, I still generally avoid cotton for socks and underwear.

Synthetic Fabrics

Things get a little more complicated when it comes to synthetic fabrics because there are dozens of different variations and each has different performance properties.

That said, synthetic fabrics are usually much cheaper to manufacture but some of the high-end technical fabrics are still expensive.

Synthetic fabrics are very durable, they can be highly water-repellent or even waterproof, many resist wrinkles, they dry very quickly, and they’re lightweight. Some synthetic materials also have a lot of flex so they’re comfortable to wear.

However, there are some negatives. First, synthetic fabrics can become smelly after one or two wearings. Some synthetic fabrics are treated with anti-odor chemicals so that helps.

Next, cheap synthetic fabrics have an ugly “synthetic sheen” and feel fake. Most of these cheap synthetics also make that “swish swish” sound when you walk. Advanced synthetic fabrics can look and feel very similar to natural fabrics but these fabrics are expensive — so you’ll have to pay if fashion is a concern.

Some cheap synthetics also don’t breathe well so they can get pretty balmy in the heat. That’s why you should look for “breathable” fabrics.

Another issue with synthetics is fabric flexibility. The most durable fabrics tend to not have very little flexibility. So if you’ll have to sacrifice a bit of durability for comfort in some instances.

Natural/Synthetic Blends

Travel clothing brands are starting to combine fine merino wool and synthetic fabric to give you the best of both worlds — performance and durability. I heard from someone in the wool industry that there is no performance loss as long as the blend includes at least 70% wool.

You’ll usually see blends in socks, underwear, and shirts.

The Best Travel Clothes and Recommended Travel Clothing Brands

Okay, okay… calm down. I’ve broken down each type of garment (socks, underwear, pants, shirts, etc.) into its own section.

I’ve tried giving specific recommendations when possible (and I’ll try my best to keep the recommendations up-to-date), but sometimes I can only point you towards companies that make tech-wear travel clothes.

I will also do my best to recommend options for all budgets since I know not everyone wants to drop $100 on a t-shirt.

Socks for Travel

In my opinion, a few nice pairs of socks (along with comfortable shoes) are the most important travel accessory. So, if you have a limited clothing budget, spend it on socks.

Boring, I know… but it will be your best bang for the buck

Fine merino wool socks are my favorite and preferred style of socks. Merino wool socks with a bit of synthetic material also work well because the synthetic fibers help the socks keep their shape/fit.

From my experience, 100% synthetic socks aren’t great but they’re not terrible.

Avoid cotton socks if you can.

Obviously, you’ll want to match your socks to the season — i.e. thin, no-show socks for the summer and longer/heavier socks for colder weather.

My Favorite Sock Brands:

• Smartwool : The most famous wool sock company. They offer just about every style. Check Amazon to see what’s available.
• Darn Tough Vermont : Darn Tough socks are made in the USA and they offer a lifetime warranty so that’s awesome. Check Amazon to see what’s available.
• Unbound Merino : This small company makes merino wool basics but we really dig their all-season ankle socks. They don’t contain as much wool as we’d like but this helps keep the cost down. Check them out at Unbound .
• Farm To Feet : This is another 100% USA company that makes a small but quality range of wool socks. Take a look at Amazon to see their offerings.
• Wigwam : Wigwam makes both merino wool and synthetic socks. While they’re not our favorite socks, their prices are pretty good so they’re worth checking out if you’re looking to save a little money. Check Amazon .

Travel Underwear

Ahh, yes. Travel underwear.

I’ve already written at length about the many benefits of travel underwear , but I’ll briefly cover them again below:

• Quick Drying: Wash them in the sink and they’ll be dry by morning.
• Moisture Wicking : This helps keep your skin dry.
• Breathable: This helps stop you from getting all sweaty down there.
• Odor Blocking: Stop the stink (or at least delay it)
• Comfortable: You don’t want to spend your time thinking about your uncomfortable underwear.

Synthetic Underwear

Most travel underwear is made from synthetic fabric which is designed to be soft, lightweight, and breathable. It isn’t the best at controlling odor since some synthetic material holds in odor but many brands have various manufacturing processes that help combat odor.

The most popular travel underwear is made by ExOfficio (you can read our Exofficio review but these guys essentially invented travel underwear). We tend to find the best prices on Amazon and REI .

Patagonia (i.e. everyone’s favorite outdoors brand) has a handful of nice underwear options for both men and women.

Another very popular option is Under Armour underwear . They get a ton of great reviews on Amazon , many people swear by them, and they’re sometimes cheaper than ExOfficio.

For budget travelers, Uniqlo has their Airism line of underwear which isn’t bad but I’m not a huge fan of their cuts. But they’re very affordable so they’re worth looking at.

If you’re on a tight budget, you should check out Target and discount stores like T.J. Maxx or Marshalls because you can find “athletic” underwear for decent prices.

 Merino Wool Underwear

Merino wool is actually a very solid choice for underwear — even in the summer. It’s soft, it’s lightweight, it breathes well, and it’s the best option for resisting odor. The two main downsides are the high prices and durability.

There are a few different brands that sell quality merino wool underwear:

• Allbirds : Allbirds (the company famous for their merino wool shoes) also makes quality underwear and socks for both men and women. Check them out at Allbirds .
• Wool & Prince: This is our current “go-to” brand when it comes to anything merino wool. They currently only offer men’s underwear. Check them out on Wool & Prince .
• Icebreaker: Another popular wool brand is Icebreaker and they make everything from underwear to coats. Browse their selection on Amazon to find a cut that fits your style.

The Best Travel Pants and Jeans For Men

The number of companies making travel-friendly pants and jeans has exploded over the past few years. It’s actually kind of overwhelming but I’ll help you sort it all out.

And don’t worry — all the pants we recommend are actually fashionable so you won’t be looking like a mountain climber while city hopping.

The main thing to remember is that each of the pants on this list has different performance properties so that’s something you’ll want to match the performance to your needs.

Bluffworks Ascender Chinos

Bluffworks, which makes a range of travel garments, recently released their new Ascender Chinos . These are made with lightweight high-performance fabric. The polyester twill fabric has a nice amount of stretch and it has a minimal amount of “synthetic sheen”. The fabric is lightweight so it breaths well, resists wrinkles, and has water-resistant properties.

It’s also nice that these come in both a regular and tailored fit. I own the tailored fit but it certainly isn’t constricting.

The Ascender Chinos have multiple security features like multiple secret zipper pockets to keep all your stuff safe (so you can throw away that terrible money belt).

The Ascender Chinos sell for $125 via Bluffworks

Bluffworks Departure Jeans

There are a lot of people who think jeans make a terrible choice when it comes to travel pants… and they kind of are (they take forever to dry, they’re heavy, and can be hot). But I love traveling in jeans.

Well, Bluffworks helped address many of the “negative” things about denim with their Departure Jeans. These are made from 68% Cotton, 22% COOLMAX Polyester, 9% Rayon, and 1% Spandex so they are super stretchy and much more lightweight than normal denim.

And they included two cleverly designed hidden pockets that don’t interfere with the normal pockets.

But I’ve saved the best for last… these look like normal jeans and they’re legit comfortable. I wear them even when I’m not traveling and that’s about as good an endorsement as I can give.

The Bluffworks Departure Travel Jeans retail for $98

Western Rise AT Slim Rivet Pants

Western Rise is a small performance apparel company from Telluride, Colorado that wanted to make clothing that performed well on the trails but still looked good in town. We think the AT Slim Rivet Pants do a really nice job of walking this balance.

The AT Slim Rivet Pants look very similar to standard five-pocket pants. The fabric is durable yet fairly lightweight and breathable (97% nylon, 3% spandex). Western Rise describes the fabric as “air-texturized fibers” so while it is nylon, the fabric has a cotton feel so there really isn’t any of that synthetic fabric sheen (but it does make a swishy noise).

The fabric also has a DWR coating to help repel water in case you get stuck in the rain or spill beer all over yourself. Additionally, there is a hidden zippered pocket for security.

As for the looks, these come in a slim but not skinny cut. They look like normal pants — which is a top priority. I wear my mine even when I’m not traveling.

The Western Rise AT Slim Rivet Pants retails for $128.

Outlier Slim Dungarees

Outlier designed their Slim Dungarees as a “five-pocket pant that we could travel the world in” and they’ve found their way on many of our trips to Europe. These have a great look and I think they’re some of the best-looking/most stylish travel pants. unfortunately, they’re also some of the most expensive so that’s something to keep in mind.

The Workcloth Doubleweave Canvas is both soft and lightweight yet very durable. The fabric has a nice amount of stretch and it dries very quickly. It also has a self-cleaning” NanoSphere® treatment that helps it repel water, coffee, wine, and dirt.

The Outlier Slim Dungarees sell for $198

Prana Brion Pants

PrAna is a well-established outdoorsy company so most of their stuff is better suited for things like hiking and rock climbing. That said, their Brion Pant  is one of their best-sellers thanks to its fairly modern cut and the fact that they look similar to jeans/chinos.

These are constructed from their durable and quick-drying ‘Zion’ fabric that’s actually stretchy (4-way stretch) so provides a good amount of movement. It’s also coated in a water-repellent (DWR) coating so it will withstand a little water.

So, these might not win any awards for fashion, they’re a solid choice at a solid price.

The  PrAna Brion Pant  retails for $79 via  PrAna .

Everlane Performance Chinos

Everlane recently released their Performance Chinos which I’m also really digging. I own a pair so I can attest that these are very comfortable and they’re probably the most stylish pants on this list.

That said, their Performance Chinos are made from 94% Cotton, 6% Elastane so these are the least “technical” pants on this list as well. But I still think these are a nice option if you’re more concerned about comfort than technical features.

The Everlane Performance Chinos cost $68 and come in four colors.

Ministry Of Supply Kinetic Dress Pants

If you’re looking for a formal/dressy look, but still want a ton of comfort, then look no further than Ministry of Supply Kinetic Pants . These have been described as “dress pants with the feel of sweatpants”.

The Kinetic Pants are made from Japanese Primeflex polyester that has a ton of stretch, resists wrinkles, wicks moisture, and repels water.

The Ministry of Supply Kinetic Pants sell for $145

Travel Pants & Jeans For Women

As we mentioned before, there is a lack of travel pants for women but we’ve tried to find some of the best of the limited choices that are available. One thing to note is that most women’s travel pants tend to focus more on comfort than “technical” fabrics.

Ministry of Supply

Of all the travel clothing brands, Ministry of Supply makes some of the most fashionable and best-performing clothes. Their stuff certainly isn’t cheap but the prices aren’t totally outrageous either.

Their flagship travel pants are their Slim Kinetic Pants which get rave reviews for looks, comfort, and performance. And they can be machine-washed and tumble-dried.

The Slim Kinetic Pants sell for $145.

Anatomie is a high-end women’s travel clothing company that’s one of the few brands which puts a heavy focus on fashion. Most of their travel-friendly pants are expensive at $225+/pair but they have a ton of different styles and cuts for just about every body type.

Check out Anatomie to see their travel pants and other travel garments (shirts, shorts, dresses, jackets, etc.).

Prana Travel Pants

PrAna is one of the few companies that make women’s pants made out of legit technical fabrics. Most of their stuff falls into the “ugly hiking pants” category but they have a few different styles of pants and jeans that are actually cute. And most of their pants are priced around $80 so they’re not crazy expensive.

Check PrAna to see all their styles.

Lululemon may be known for its yoga clothing but they’ve also branched out to more fashion-conscious athleisure wear that works fairly well as travel pants.

Check Lululemon to see the different styles they have available.

The Best Shirts For Travel

Alright, moving right along to shirts made from high-performance fabrics that actually look stylish.

Wool & Prince Tees

I practically live in t-shirts so a few solid-color tees are a staple of any travel wardrobe. While pricy, I love my Wool & Prince merino wool tees . These can be worn for multiple days and I don’t have to worry about washing them.

They have both 100% wool tees and 78% / 22% merino nylon blends. I recommend the blend since it’s cheaper, more durable, and requires less care when washing.

The Wool & Prince Tees sell from $68-$78

Bluffworks Meridian Dress Shirt

If you’re looking for a sharp-looking yet no-fuss button up then look at the Meridian Dress Shirt from Bluffworks. It’s made from 98% polyester and 2% spandex so it won’t wrinkle and the fabric will dry very quickly. The fabric can take a beating and there aren’t any special care instructions. We also like how it comes in both a classic and slim fit.

The Bluffworks Meridian Dress Shirt sells for $98

Bluffworks Piton Polo

I’ve only had my Bluffworks Piton Polo for about a month but I’m already seeing why this is an excellent travel shirt. First, it looks great and I love how it comes in a classic and slim fit. Next, the breathable pique knit is breathable and it only has a very slightly noticeable synthetic look even though it’s 100% polyester. And like all Bluffworks clothing, the fabric is tough, wrinkle-resistant, and doesn’t require any special care.

The Bluffworks Piton Polo sells for $68

Wool & Prince Polo

My Wool & Prince Polo always finds itself in my backpack. I love the cut and the quality is top-notch. It’s a nice “dressier” change from a t-shirt while still being casual. And you get all the benefits from merino wool fabric.

Wool & Prince offers has two types of polos — a 100% merino wool version and a 78% merino wool, 22% nylon blend. I own the blend version and I love it.

The Wool & Prince Polo sells for $78-$98.

Bluffworks Threshold Performance T-Shirt

You might be seeing a pattern here… but Bluffworks is back with their Threshold Performance T-Shirt. This ultra-lightweight t-shirt is made from a blend of 66% Polyester, 29% Lyocell, and 5% Elastane so it has a ton of stretch, wicks moisture well, and is very breathable. The fabric is thin (which is why it’s airy/breathable) so if you like a little more heft to your shirts then you might want to look elsewhere.

The Bluffworks Threshold Performance T-Shirt sells for $45

Wool & Prince Button-Ups

Wool & Price has a number of both short-sleeved and long-sleeve button-up shirts made from merino wool. I own one of their button-down oxford shirts and the fabric is very sturdy — I’d say it makes a nice choice for cooler weather as I can see it getting a little warm in the hot weather.

They also have a new wool/linen blend which will be more airy and breathable so these look great for warmer weather (I’ll be testing these once they get back in stock).

The Wool and Prince Button-Up Shirts sell for $98-$138

Outlier Merino T-Shirt

Outlier is another high-end brand that makes excellent products and one of my favorite items is their Ultrafine Merino T-shirt. It’s made from 17.5, 195gsm Merino Jersey Wool so the fabric is sturdy and drapes a bit better than many other merino t-shirts. And it comes in a lot of nice colors. But like all other Outlier products, the ultra-high-quality comes at a very high price.

The Outlier Ultrafine Merino T-shirt costs $110 each or three for $295.

Unbound Merino Wool T-Shirt

Unbound is another small company offering 100% ultra-fine 17.5 microns, 190g Merino wool shirts at affordable prices. I own a few of their shirts and while their shirts might not be quite as nice as other 100% merino shirts on our list, the price is a bit cheaper.

The Unbound Merino Wool T-Shirt sells for $65

Uniqlo Airism Shirts

When it comes to budget basics, it’s impossible to beat Uniqlo’s Airism line of shirts. We own a few different Airism items and they’re not terrible but they certainly aren’t nearly as nice or perform as well as the other items on this list — but they’re cheap.

Check Uniqlo to see what they have because always changing their stock.

Women’s Travel Shirts

Ok, here’s the deal… there aren’t a ton of “performance” shirts for women that aren’t ugly. But here are a few decent items we’ve found:

• Bluffworks Womens : Bluffworks has recently released a line of women’s travel clothing that looks very promising.
• Ministry of Supply is a great choice for high-performance clothing that still looks fashionable. And while their prices aren’t cheap, we consider them very reasonable. They also have nice dresses and other items.
• Unbound Merino has a black v-neck 100% merino shirt in a women’s cut for $65.
• Anatomie has a number of high-end cute tops made from travel-friendly fabrics but they’re expensive.
• Lululemon has some decent options but many of their items lean heavily into athleisure.

Cold Weather Travel Clothing

Most of the items on this list will work well in colder weather but you’ll want to pair them with other items to achieve maximum warmth. The key is layering—which basically means combining a few lighter layers to achieve warmth without the bulk.

Base Layers

A base layer is technically anything that is worn directly on your skin. Socks and underwear fall into this category but it also includes items like shirts, undershirts, and long underwear.

In the winter we’ll throw on long-sleeve merino wool or synthetic long underwear and this helps keep us warm and dry when we’re outside all day.

For the best selection, I recommend checking out REI as they carry all the major long underwear brands. If you’re trying to save a little money, check out Uniqlo’s  HeatTech  line of long underwear since it is cheap.

A mid-layer is anything that is worn between your base layer and your outer layer. Its main purpose is insulation and it can be a sweater, vest, down jacket, hoodie, or just about anything. Sometimes the mid-layer can act as an outer layer if the weather isn’t too cold.

When it comes to tech-wear, the main pieces are Merino wool sweaters/jackets, fleece jackets, and down (or a synthetic variation) jackets. The piece just needs to allow internal moisture (sweat) to evaporate through the fabric. It’s also nice if the piece is lightweight and durable.

Fleece is always a popular choice because it provides a good amount of warmth, durability, and breathability without being too bulky. There is also a variation of fleece called hard fleece — which is basically a fleece with a smoother and more durable exterior. Most hard fleece garments are also more water-resistant than normal fleece.

There are hundreds of fleece jackets available on the market at all price points, so we’d check out the selection at REI and buy whatever fits your budget.

Another popular choice is down jackets — although a lot of companies now use synthetic down ( Primaloft , Coreloft, etc.) and many people prefer synthetic material to natural down. Synthetic down is incredibly lightweight, compressible, breathable, and it retains warmth even when wet.

It is crazy how compressible natural and synthetic down jackets are — some can compress to the size of a shoe. When compared to a fleece jacket, a synthetic down jacket is more water-resistant , wind resistant, packable, and lighter. 

Nearly every outdoor brand makes lightweight down/synthetic down jackets. One of the most popular and fashionable brands is Patagonia — check out both Amazon and REI for the best selection. The  Patagonia Nano Puff jacket is probably the most popular lightweight puff jacket on the market so it’s no wonder it’s a favorite among experienced travelers (it’s what we use).

Outerwear is generally the final layer and it is what protects you from the elements (wind, rain, snow, etc.). The problem with outerwear is that it encompasses a huge range of garments that perform a huge range of functions. It can be anything from a simple waterproof jacket for summer showers, to large winter coats capable of withstanding a harsh Scandinavian winter.

I’ll start off by diving into  waterproof jackets since that is probably what most people are interested in learning about.

Most traditional waterproof jackets are called hard shells . These are 100% waterproof and they have that plastic-y feel and sound. If you want the ultimate protection from the elements, this is your choice.

However, being impermeable to the elements means that the material doesn’t breathe — this is less than ideal because it doesn’t allow your body’s sweat to evaporate. Basically, it traps moisture and makes you feel all clammy.

Some high-end hardshell jackets have breathable fabric, but even those aren’t as breathable as softshells (which we’ll talk about later).

Unsurprisingly, most waterproof jackets are made by outdoor companies, so trying to find a stylish one isn’t super easy. However, there are plenty of decent-looking options by Marmot, Patagonia, and The North Face.

However, in the summer I generally recommend that a traditional rain jacket is unnecessary — mainly because it doesn’t rain a lot and most jackets are too heavy for summer travel.

However, Ultralight Rain Jackets are super lightweight (they only weigh a few ounces) and they can be packed into a pocket, so they’re easy to carry around in a daypack. Ultralight rain jackets won’t have very good breathability, but you’ll only be wearing them in the rain, so it isn’t a huge issue.

The best ultralight rain jackets are the  Outdoor Research Helium II , Marmot Super Mica , and the  Montane Minimus  (they all weigh under 10 oz).

When it comes to breathability, it doesn’t get any better than a softshell jacket. Softshell jackets aren’t technically 100% waterproof, but they’re essentially waterproof. They’re well-suited for urban travel because they’re more comfortable than a hard shell and they’re more stylish.

Again, there are hundreds of softshell jackets, so I recommend visiting REI (click here for Men’s and Women’s ) to see which ones fit your budget and style preference.

Heavy Coats

If you’re traveling during the winter, you may consider bringing a heavy winter coat . In some instances, you may be completely comfortable by layering a base layer, a few mid-layers, and an outer layer. But, sometimes, you need a heavy coat — especially if you’re traveling to Northern or Eastern Europe in the dead of winter.

Puffy down coats provide an amazing warmth-to-weight ratio — which is always something to consider when traveling. Combine that down coat with a base layer and a warm mid-layer, and you’ll be staying toasty. Natural down is the warmest, but it becomes ineffective if it gets wet.

On the other hand, synthetic down isn’t quite as warm, but it still works if it gets wet and it dries quicker. Different coats have different amounts of water-repellant, so this is something to take into consideration.

For the best selection of insulated coats , I recommend checking out REI  simply because they have the best selection. Look for one that fits your personal style.

If you’re looking for the ultimate protection from the elements, you’ll want a standard waterproof, winter coat. A lot of coats have a 3-in-1 system that contains a waterproof outer shell and an interior insulated lining. Again, REI is a good place to start your search because they have the best selection.

More Travel Gear Recommendations from The Savvy Backpacker

Here are some more helpful “best of” travel gear guides that we think you’ll find helpful!

• Best Travel Backpacks
• Best Travel Backpacks for Women
• Best Carry-On Backpacks
• Best Travel Shoes
• Best Waterproof Boots for Men
• Best Waterproof Boots for Women
• Recent Posts
• Best Prepaid UK eSIM | Data Plan Buyer’s Guide - April 21, 2024
• How to Avoid Pickpockets in Europe — Tips for Outsmarting the Thieves - April 19, 2024
• Best Prepaid eSIM For Italy | Data Plan Buyer’s Guide - April 18, 2024

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Alarm clock. Duffel bag or suitcase. Car keys and cell-phone. Open road or airport terminal. It's a long road ahead - but that's what makes you eager to travel and explore. If this is how your favorite type of mornings start, then you know why wearing the right men's travel shorts can make all the difference. Perfect fit, modern cut, with all the right features. Here's how to find the perfect pair of men's travel shorts available right now for your next trip.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST MEN'S TRAVEL SHORTS?

There is no one single short that's overall the go-to choice for every on-the-road situation, and that performs at the top level. Some men's travel shorts, however, come close to becoming it. The scorching heat of a long summer day quickly drains even the toughest of us. The ones that endure know the importance of wearing adequate men's travel shorts in light colors with confidence. Featuring KÜHLAIR™ vent system, Konfidant™ Air Short is your best high-temperature option thanks to the lightweight and abrasion-resistant fabric that lets your body breathe. Modern and technical design built for the unforgiving climates. Load up your suitcase with radically different men's travel shorts built for unparalleled comfort and freedom of movement - Radikl™ 8" Short. Feel the natural flexibility and comfort with every outdoor exploration and every driven mile. Cut from advanced fabrics that offer year-round performance, this men's travel shorts will make all the difference no matter where you find yourself wandering to. The legwear that won't hold you back. Ask yourself: what's the nature of your travel? Is it a hiking trip or an expedition into the unknown? Consider the environment you are traveling to. Take inseam length into account - longer shorts help better protect against insects and thick foliage. How long will you be on the road, and do you have adequate pockets for your gear? Look for zipped and hidden pockets if you are an urban explorer. Then you will find the answer and choose the right men's travel shorts for you.

WHAT FEATURES DO ALL THE BEST MEN'S TRAVEL SHORTS HAVE?

When it comes to choosing the right men's travel shorts for the occasion, start by assessing the trail or destination climate and weather conditions. Then, check your gear. Men's travel shorts must be packable, wrinkle-resistant, and lightweight without sacrificing performance. We know you are eager to explore, so here's a quick checklist of features to look for: - Comfortable, anti-abrasion material - Fast drying time - Breathability through advanced fabrics - Flexibility and stretch for true freedom of movement - Plentiful pockets Whether you go by land, sea, or air - Navigatr™ quick dry shorts ticks all the boxes. The legwear is all about comfort, quality, and durability. It offers different inseams and features FreeRyde™ waistband to keep you comfortable on the move or a seat. The fabric blend provides water and odor resistance, with a four-way stretch to keep you comfortable in the most uncomfortable conditions. With an ample amount of strategically placed pockets for easy access, and a hidden, zip passport pocket keeps valuables out of sight. Go on a trip feeling confident in your gear.

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Best Travel Clothes for Men No Matter Where You’re Traveling (+ 5 items you need from Western Rise)

Last Updated: July 17, 2023

Sharing is Caring!

I created a monster. I told my boyfriend about Western Rise clothing, and last year, I managed to get him a merino shirt to test out so I could review it on my website. He adored it . So when Western Rise came out with their Limitless Button-Down Merino shirt earlier this year, his heart was all aflutter, and I got him a sample to review. Since then he has put his own money into a total change of wardrobe. Now, pretty much his entire travel wardrobe is made by Western Rise. (He owns three shirts and two pairs of pants.) 

In this article I’ll describe exactly what he owns, and what he likes (and doesn’t like) about each, and in turn why I think Western Rise makes some of the best travel clothes for men.

See also: Merino Wool Clothing for Travel: A Guide to Choosing the Best Brands  

About Western Rise Men’s Travel Clothes

Western Rise is a men’s outdoor/travel clothing company based in Colorado. Their designs are very intentional with a stylish edge that can seamlessly take men from the office to the mountains in one fell swoop. 

They make outdoor gear that masquerades as smart casual clothing; rugged enough for the trail, and snappy enough for the office. 

Or maybe, it’s the other way around. 

Either way, when it comes to men’s travel wear , the key factor here is the intersection of performance and design, which results in multi-functional clothing that can be worn in multiple scenarios . And if you’re traveling light , this isn’t a nice-to-have; it’s a downright necessity. 

Creating a Capsule Wardrobe for Men: What Makes the Best Men’s Traveling Clothes

Remember when I wrote about the best travel capsule wardrobe for women ? Well, fellas: now it’s your turn. Here’s what makes the best men’s traveling clothes, and how you can design the most efficient capsule wardrobe for men. 

All of the clothes reviewed in this article fit the following criteria. 

• Quick Dry – The best travel clothes for men will air dry, overnight. Period. Quick dry shirts and pants are essential. 
• Antimicrobial / Antibacterial – The more wears you can get before washing, the less travel clothing you need to bring. Antimicrobial and antibacterial properties keep the stink away. 
• Wrinkle-Free – No matter how meticulously you fold, roll, or cram your clothes into your luggage , they’re going to come out creased if the material isn’t wrinkle-free. Even the best packing accessories won’t solve this problem. 
• Same Family of Colours – Ideally everything you pack matches. This creates more wardrobe possibilities within a smaller selection of clothes. Don’t forget about your shoes, which also need to match! 
• Lightweight – If you’re going to Siberia, a breezy lightweight shirt may not be appropriate. But extreme weather conditions aside, the right selection of lightweight clothes will be great on their own, and can layer for cooler temperature variations. And of course, lightweight clothes pack down easier. 
• Multifunctional – The more scenarios your clothes are suitable for, the more multifunctional they are. The Limitless merino wool button-down shirt as an example (reviewed below), can be worn in different ways to fit in with both super casual and business scenarios. 

Why Merino Wool is the Best Travel Clothing for Men (and Women)

Western Rise specializes in about half a dozen different performance fabrics, including merino wool, hemp, and various composites. But the star of this article when it comes to men’s travel shirts is merino wool. 

Here’s why merino wool clothing rocks for travel (for men and women):  Note: Western Rise is a menswear company, but for the best merino travel shirts for women (and men too), check out Aviator . I have their t-shirt, Redeye hoodie, and zip up hoodie. They’re all awesome.

• When cotton gets wet (from sweat or rain or whatever), it can’t keep you warm – in fact, it lowers your core temperature. Merino wool still keeps you warm, even when wet.  
• Merino wool is anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, and thus odor-resistant. Antimicrobial shirts are like magic. You can wear your merino tee for an entire week (or longer) without smelling. My fella tested this theory – he wore it for a week straight and it passed my deep-inhalation-of-the-armpit test. 
• It’s soft and delightful to the touch. 
• It’s moisture-wicking and breathable . 
• It regulates your body temperature . A relatively light weight merino wool shirt can still keep you warm, and also cool. (Magic). 
• It’s easy to care for . Hand wash or machine wash on cold, hang to dry overnight. Done. 
• It lasts forever . 
• It’s better for the environment . Some synthetic materials that have similar warmth and moisture-wicking properties also contribute to micro-plastic pollution. 

The challenge with merino wool, however, is that you’re going to have to pay for it; as a sustainable material, merino wool clothing is almost always more expensive than its synthetic counterparts. But in my experience if you treat your merino wool travel clothing well, it will treat you (and the environment) even better, by not only doing a better job than any other material, but also by lasting way longer. 

As mentioned at the beginning of this article, my boyfriend received two Western Rise shirts on my behalf for free to review. The rest of the shirts and pants, he bought with his own money. If you use the links in this post to buy your own duds, I’ll earn a small commission. 

Use the exclusive code PROHOBO10 for 10% off your first order . 

StrongCore Merino Tee – Best Casual Shirts for Men 

This is Western Rises’ best-selling tee, and with good reason. 

My fella was initially impressed with the shirt’s light weight and soft feel. He wore it on an especially hot summer day and went from outside-swelter to inside-over-air-conditioned-chill and was comfortable in both environments. He was also impressed with how quickly it air-dried after washing. 

Style-wise, my fella is a little persnickety, and is accustomed to cotton t-shirts. The StrongCore Merino T-Shirt fit him a bit differently; it was longer than he’s used to, and also a little bit looser (while still being the correct size for him). 

It’s also a bit thinner than a standard cotton tee, which slightly affects how it hangs on the body. This is a plus when it comes to being travel-friendly, because it is much lighter and packs down smaller than its cotton counterpart, without sacrificing on the warmth or protection a thicker cotton tee would offer. 

Lastly, my guy was perplexed by how the wool got a little bit fuzzy after a few washes. He thought it was lint! It’s not. It’s just the material; merino wool gets that way – unlike cotton. Honestly it’s barely noticeable; my boyfriend took his role as travel t-shirt reviewer very seriously. 

He has now worn this shirt (heavily) for well over a year. Nothing has changed; the shape remains in tact, the material hasn’t degraded at all, there’s no stink-factor even with many wears between washings, and it’s so comfortable he wears it all the time. 

For the Best Men’s Casual Shirts, check out the StrongCore Merino Wool Tee here . 

Limitless Merino Button-Down (Merino Wool Dress Shirt) – Best Men’s Dress Shirt for Travel 

A wrinkle-free dress shirt for travel? Say it ain’t so. 

In the name of comfort, my fella is a t-shirt-wearing kind of guy. When the Limitless Merino Wool Button-Down Shirt came out however, we both saw potential for this to be a comfortable way to look dressier while traveling (and at home). Because sometimes circumstance requires you to level up your look, and dressy collared shirts do not travel well. In his words: 

“I was immediately surprised at how stretchy it is. I’ve often felt restrained by the material of other button-downs which kept me from wearing them and opting for a tee instead. This is a button-down shirt that is so comfortable, I lounge in it.  No matter the occasion, it can be dressed up for a day at the office or a date with my special lady, or dressed down for an evening spent with friends, at the beach, or even on a hike. This really is an everyday shirt.”

A classic button-down shirt is a men’s travel wardrobe essential. You can achieve different looks by rolling up the sleeves, wearing it unbuttoned over a tee, tucking and untucking it, etc. It is essentially many different shirts in one, and the merino wool makes it wrinkle-free, anti-bacterial, odour-resistant, and well-equipped for the rigours of travel. It’s one of the best men’s wrinkle-free travel shirts I’ve ever come across. It ticks ALL the boxes.

Learn more about the Limitless Merino Button-Down Collared Shirt here .

Limitless Merino Polo Shirt – Best Collared Shirt for Travel 

With a merino tee and a long-sleeved button down, the last piece to complete the perfect trio of best travel shirts for men is the Limitless Merino Polo Shirt. In terms of both climate and dressiness, it falls right in the middle with short sleeves and a collar. 

By this point my guy was convinced that Western Rise makes the best men’s travel clothing and started buying other pieces; this was the first. 

While you might not think that wearing wool in hot humid weather is wise, here’s what my fella said: 

“The temperature regulation has been helpful during the hot and humid days of summer. There was little to no odor retention until the third or fourth day of consistent sweaty use. With light activity around the house I can go a week without washing.”

Speaking of washing merino wool, it’s much easier to care for than you might think. Simply machine wash it in cold water and air-dry (it dries incredibly quickly). The label even says you can dry it in the dryer on a delicate cycle (as my fella has done many times), but I believe drying merino wool decreases its lifespan, and let’s get it right: merino wool ain’t cheap. You’ll want it to last. 

Check out the Limitless Merino Polo Shirt here .

Western Rise Pants

While this article thus far has been about Western Rise shirts, it’s worth noting that Western Rise Pants are some of their staple, multi-award-winning, cornerstone products. 

Evolution Pant: Best Travel Pants (The Only Men’s Travel Pants You’ll Ever Need)

Western Rise calls the Evolution “the ultimate travel pant”, for the following reasons: 

• The material is water-repellant, stain-resistant, super durable, and Blue Sign approved for sustainability
• It’s soft, stretchy, abrasion-resistant, and anti-pilling
• They pack down smaller than a t-shirt!
• Dressy enough for the office, while rugged and comfortable enough for the outdoors
• Hidden back right zipper security/passport pocket
• Front pocket is large enough for a smartphone
• Voted Best Travel Clothing in Carryology’s 2019 Carry Awards

My guy loved his first pair of Evolution Pants so much, two months later he bought another pair (in another colour; they offer it in six colours after all). He says:

“The Evolution Pant touts itself as being “the only pair of pants you need” and so far it’s hard to argue with that statement. They’re the best travel pants I’ve ever had. The fit is just right straight out of the packaging and I’ve worn them for multiple days at a time. These pants are ideal for summertime, but I am confident they will be great in all climates. They’ve already taken the place of a couple pairs of pants.”

Evolution Pant 2.0 – Taking Men’s Travel Pants to the Next Level (2022 UPDATE)

Since originally writing this post, I parted ways with my boyfriend, and Western Rise levelled up the Evolution Pant 1.0 to create the Evolution Pant 2.0. So I found a new test subject for the Evolution 2.0 pant, and he was just as enthralled with Western Rise as my first fella was.

The Evolution Pant has been Western Rise’s flagship product since 2018, but they wanted to improve on it anyway, and that they most certainly did. While the biggest changes are the stretchier waistband, 4-way stretch fabric, and a new durable water repellant formula, as you can see from the image above, these are just the tip of the iceberg. They went to town with the improvements.

In their words:

The Evolution Collection can be worn for multiple days in a row without washing. The pants pack smaller than a t-shirt, move with the body, and replace at least three pants in your closet. The new design ensures they can dress up for any meeting or wedding, yet are rugged enough for any outdoor activity. Sustainably built from the yarn up with the comfort of your joggers with the performance of high-grade nylon. The most versatile pants for travel, outdoor, and everyday. The Everyday Pant, Elevated.

When I asked Fella 2.0 for his feedback on the Evolution 2.0 Pant, the things that really stuck out for him included:

• Stain Resistant – I would go so far as to say stain proof. He spilled a large amount of red wine on the pants (unintentionally of course, but I wasn’t entirely displeased with the event as it was a chance to test out their stain resistant claims). What happened next shocked us both. The wine beaded up and rolled off the pants, leaving no mark or stain whatsoever. It was like magic.
• Wrinkle-Free – These pants hang perfectly without a wrinkle in sight, despite being crammed into luggage.
• Secret Zippered Back Pocket – Within the back pocket is another zippered pocket that is perfect for extra travel security , to keep valuables (like cash, credit cards, or a passport) out of the hands of pickpockets.
• “Media Pocket” at Front is Big – You know that tiny pocket at the font that has been a feature in 5-pocket jeans and pants since forever? The one that is so small it’s useless? It’s called a media pocket. And on the Evolution 2.0 pant, it’s actually big enough to hold something – even a smartphone (depending on the side of the phone).
• They’re dressy, AND casual – My fella’s immediate reaction on seeing the pants is that they are dress pants. I didn’t see them that way; I don’t tend to think of 5-pocket pants as being dressy. But this just goes to show that the Evolution Pant straddles the line between casual and dress. Depending on what you wear them with, you can dress them up or down – an incredibly useful trait for travel.

Shop for the Evolution Travel Pant here . 

AT Pant: The Travel-Friendly Alternative to Jeans

My guy is from a relatively warm place, and we are contemplating spending the winter in Canada. Being his first real winter, I warned him that the Evolution Pant might not have what it takes to get him through. So, he bought a pair of the AT Pants, which are Western Rise’s alternative to jeans.

It’s a classic 5-pocket pant, but it’s lighter, more durable, and more comfortable than cotton denim. They also keep you from getting wet if it rains, and in keeping with all travel-friendly clothes for men in this article, they dry quickly.

He hasn’t thoroughly tested the AT pants yet, but here is his initial reaction:

“The fabric breakdown is 97% Nylon and 3% Spandex versus the Evolution’s 96% Supplex Nylon and 4% Elastane, which makes it not as flexible as the Evolution (probably couldn’t do yoga in the AT Slim whereas I could in the Evolution), but they’re a tad thicker and feel more hardy and durable. Definitely a cooler weather pant. Idk what else to say besides…I really like them! ?”

Check out the all-season AT Pant: a travel-friendly 5-pocket pant. Like jeans. But way better. Check it out . 

These are only a few Western Rise Men’s Clothing options! Check out their Best Sellers here . And remember: Use the code PROHOBO10 for 10% off your first order. 

One Last Reason to Check Out Western Rise Clothing

When I went on an expedition cruise around Newfoundland , I attended a number of workshops about various environmental ideas and practices. I learned about “ buy-cotting ”; it’s like the positive cousin to boycotting. It involves using your buying power to vote for the things you care about. I think about this every time I am at the grocery store and compare an organic/sustainable product to it’s cheaper counterpart. Which product reflects and supports my values and concerns? Every dollar I spend counts. 

This applies to more than groceries. Which is why my heart sang when I read about Western Rise’s commitment to sustainable manufacturing. 

As a member of 1% For The Planet , they donate 1% of their annual revenue to grassroots environmental non-profits. 

In addition, they’re a Climate Neutral Certified company, which means they measure, reduce, and offset the company’s carbon footprint, resulting in net-zero carbon emissions. 

See also: My Zero Waste Kit for Travel (and Home)

You Might Also Be Interested In: 

Pro Packing Hacks: These are the Best Packing Accessories  

The Ultimate Packing List for Long-Term Travel  

Checked vs. Carry on Luggage, and Best Options for Both

The Best Travel Capsule Wardrobe for Women

6 thoughts on “Best Travel Clothes for Men No Matter Where You’re Traveling (+ 5 items you need from Western Rise)”

Why would I buy anything special for travelling? I’ll just wear what I always wear.

For a blog with the name “hobo” in the title, you are becoming rather petit-bourgeois.

Thank you for the delightful comment, Andreas. Keep spreading the joy.

Great post! When traveling, wear clothes that you are comfortable wearing.

Comfort is SO important! When I started traveling full-time, I bought all this functional clothing that I ultimately wasn’t comfortable in – from both style and literal standpoints.

The sweet spot is when your travel clothes are comfortable and stylish, AND they’re practical from a travel standpoint (as in, they are anti-wrinkle, ultralight, and antimicrobial, as examples). This becomes especially important if you are traveling long-term or full-time, and everything you own needs to wash and wear well, and pack down light.

It’s true that having versatile and multi-functional clothing is crucial when traveling, and Western Rise seems to have mastered that. Their gear’s ability to seamlessly transition from outdoor adventures to more formal occasions is a huge advantage. I’m personally drawn to the Limitless Merino Polo Shirt – it’s incredibly versatile, don’t you agree?

The fact that merino wool stays warm is a lifesaver, especially during unexpected weather changes or sweaty hikes. And those antimicrobial properties are a real blessing on long trips without access to laundry facilities.

Thanks for explaining why merino wool is such a fantastic choice for travel clothing – much appreciated!

Cheers, Femi.

Thanks for your comment, Femi! For a much more in-depth look at merino wool including 12 different merino wool travel clothing companies, check out this newer article: https://www.theprofessionalhobo.com/merino-wool-clothing-for-travel-a-guide-to-choosing-the-best-brands/

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Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. We may earn a commission through links on our site. Why Trust Us?

The Best Men's Shorts, Tested by Style Editors

Our fashion director recommends shorts from Abercrombie and Levi's.

Best Men's Shorts

Best Overall

Abercrombie all-day short.

Best Jean Short

Levi's 501 ’93 denim shorts.

Best Gym Shorts

Ten thousand interval short.

Best Linen Shorts

Banana republic lino linen short.

Best Budget Shorts

Uniqlo geared short.

Best Drawstring Shorts

Dockers ultimate pull on shorts.

Best sweat shorts

Mack weldon ace sweatshort.

Best Chino Shorts

Levi's xx chino authentic shorts.

Best Twill Shorts

Save khaki twill terry utility sweat shorts, what to consider.

Our fashion director Ted Stafford says to prioritize breathable knits. Fabrics like seersucker, linen, nylon, and cotton are all great for keeping you cool in the blazing heat. In addition, many of our favorite shorts are constructed with a blend of materials nowadays, so you often get the best of both worlds.

When it comes to construction, we also recommend shorts that have moisture-wicking fabrics, which can help prevent swamp crotch or sweat stains. If you're looking for a comfortable all-day short, we recommend finding one with elastane in the waistband for extra stretch.

Inseams will determine the kind of vibe you're aiming for. Anything six inches or less will look a bit bolder, while a seven-inch inseam will be a more understated length. For guys who are more modest, a nine-inch inseam will probably be your best bet.

To find the right inseam length for you, our fashion team recommends a short that hits two inches above your knee. This tip helps create the most flattering proportions for your body type—shorter guys will look more elongated, and taller men will avoid looking they're the newest members of Reno 911 .

Baggy cuts are all the rage these days, but don't feel like you have to jump on that style bandwagon. Our editors say that the fit of your shorts depends on the occasion. Going for a dressier vibe? Opt for a slim cut short that feels tailored—it plays well with button-down shirts and even blazers . If you prefer a laidback aesthetic, then you can't go wrong with a floaty short under your go-to T-shirts .

How We Selected

To curate the best shorts for men, Men's Health 's editors and writers have personally tried on and tested a range of summer shorts in different styles across a bunch of occasions. For instance, we’ve worn Ten Thousand’s Foundation Shorts to the gym, sported Abercrombie's All-Day shorts to the office, ran errands in Mack Weldon's Ace shorts, and donned Banana Republic's linen shorts to weekend getaways. Then, our testing editors narrowed down the selection by evaluating these tried-on shorts based on their style, fit, price point, comfort, durability, and most importantly, versatility.

You won't find any trend-chasing shorts in here (such as too short, too baggy, too many holes, or too graphic). Instead, our picks focus on timelessness and comfort for the active guy. Read on for our definitive list.

After weeks of trial and error, we landed on Abercrombie as the short to wear this spring and summer. Stafford says that the short's flat front cut hits the perfect style note between casual and dressy. That means it plays well with a T-shirt, polo, or button-up, and you can dress it up or down as much as you want. The seven-inch inseam is a middle-of-the-road length that flatters guys with giant quads or chicken legs, so it works with a lot of different body types.

We love a menswear essential with performance features, and Abercrombie's All-Day Short delivers on that front. The cotton-blend fabric wicks away moisture, which helped us feel dry during exceptionally hot days. Its waistband has a hint of stretch that's easy to move in. And because the waist doesn't crinkle like other hybrid dress shorts, we found that it still looked polished when we wore it under a tucked-in dress shirt, and without a belt. It comes in eight (!!!) colors, and given its affordable price point, we recommend copping these in a few styles.

Read more: Best Clothing Brands for Men

Finding a top-tier jort ; however, was a much easier task. The 501 is one of the most iconic jeans ever designed, and still holds up today. And its shorts version is no exception. Levi's cut its marquee pant down to a 7-inch inseam that hits mid-thigh for a lot of guys. And to save you time, the brand was kind enough to distress the hell out of it, resulting in a great lived-in look that pairs well with casual fits. Because this is the 501, it works with just about any summer casual look, and you know it'll never go out of style.

Yeah, these jean shorts are much thicker than other options on this list, but we found that the 501's straight cut offered enough breathing room through the thighs to keep us relatively cool on a typical summer day. Though you may want to swap these for a chino or linen short on blazing afternoons.

Summer workouts call for lightweight gym shorts that are still durable. Enter Ten Thousand, a purveyor of some of our favorite workout clothes , including this one. The Interval Short is made with a polyester blend that's purpose built for tough exercises. Trust us: Our fitness editors have put it through the paces, and found that it didn't rip, and moved like a second skin. That's thanks to its four-way stretch fabric, which also has a bit of compression so it doesn't ride up or cling. We found that the quick-drying material lives up to its odor-fighting marketing claims, and helped prevent swamp crotch during 90-degree runs.

The Interval Short comes in three inseams, though we suggest (you guessed it) the 7-inch length for a universally flattering cut. And while our fashion team mainly recommends wearing this for the gym, its slim cut makes for a decent athleisure fit, and some of our editors frequently wearing this on weekend errands. In fact, the Interval Short is so great that we gave it a 2024 Men's Health Fitness Award .

Banana Republic's Linen Short is a stylish way to beat the heat. First, its featherweight fabric is exceptionally breathable and naturally moisture wicking. In our testing, we felt fresh and cool wearing this in tropical weather, even when the temps hit above 85 degrees. Meanwhile, its breezy design is balanced with a slim cut, so it looks polished enough for beachside dinners, or weekend barbecues.

The Lino's mid-rise waist flatters most body types, even guys with a spare tire, and we find ourselves reaching for this short when we want a casual knit to go with our lightweight polos and camp collar shirts . In other words, if you're going to pack one vacation short, choose this one.

Read more: Best Men's Linen Shorts

We've been co-signing cargo shorts long before they came back in style. Take this one from Uniqlo, which takes everything we love about the workwear classic—ample pockets, relaxed fit, a durable fabric—and tops it with a water-repellent shell to dry you off during water sports. Our editors have sported this on a boat, lakeside, and during torrential downpours, and can attest to its quick-drying capabilities. The polyester belt is non-obtrusive, and cinches in the short during hot weather hikes.

We also appreciate its roomier cut and eight-inch inseam that looks great (without looking sloppy) on taller guys. And this being Uniqlo, the Geared Short is incredibly affordable, so you're getting a great cost-per-wear value. We recommend stocking up on this in multiple colorways.

Read more: Best Cargo Pants

Draw-string bottoms don't have to look sloppy. Case in point: Dockers, which makes a pull-on short that's smart enough for off-duty fits, and is cozy like our favorite lounge pants. Its cotton fabric is infused with elastane for extra stretch, and has a loose knit that's somewhat breathable and moisture wicking. And while it doesn't move like our tried-and-true gym clothes, we found that the Ultimate Pull On Shorts felt comfortable enough to wear all day, especially when we were on the move.

Take note: though this short has a casual vibe, its draw-string waist keeps it from being too dressy. We recommend pairing this with T-shirts and laidback fits, but keep it outside the office.

Meet your new lazy day bottoms. Mack Weldon's short has a plush French terry fabric like your favorite hoodies. But unlike OG sweats, this one is cut close like a slim fit chino, so you can pull this lounge pant off in public. Plus, our editors like its suite of pockets that can easily store your keys, phone, and wallet while you're on the go. Though because of its thick knit, it's not ideal for warm weather activities.

Of course you can wear this out and about, but we think the Ace Sweatshort works best as an at-home uniform. We like to use it as a pajama bottom, then throw a dress shirt over it in the morning before our Zoom meetings.

Read more: Best Sweatpants for Men

Just like giant pants, roomy shorts are back. But finding a baggy option that still looks put together was a tough find. That was until we landed on Levi's XX Chino . It's cut wide and drapes over the thighs for a breezy finish, all while still preserving a bit of structure to it.

We like the seersucker fabric, which is light, breathable, and lends an interesting visual texture that's easy to dress up. Our fashion team recommends pairing it with with a solid-colored top—dress shirt, polos , T-shirts, you name it—for a foolproof weekend fit. Unlike our other favorite shorts, this one has zero stretch. But because of its relaxed fit, we found it was just as easy to move in.

Twill might not be the first knit you think of for warm weather fits, but we highly recommend this one from Save Khaki. Based on our testing, we found the fabric to be extremely durable, and can withstand stains (like party fouls), scratches, and tears with ease. In fact, we've been wearing this short for a year and found that it still looks as good as new after multiple washes. Beyond its functionality, the twill forms a diagonal pattern that sets it apart from your typical sweat short.

While the terry cotton is thick, we didn't find it to be too heavy for our summer outings. In fact, this has been our-go to short for our spring and summer vacations, especially when it comes to stepping out for a sunset beach walk.

The Different Styles of Men's Shorts

To rely on just a simple pair or type of shorts for every task on your summer checklist would be a mistake—a sweaty, smelling, head-turning-for-all-the-wrong-reasons type of mistake. Below, we break down several of the most popular kinds of shorts for men. Basically, you need to build up a solid arsenal of shorts that’ll make summer dressing a breeze.

Athletic shorts: your active lifestyle requires a few pairs of go-to moisture-wicking shorts for the gym, running, cycling, hiking, and all kinds of sports or sweat-inducing fun. Made with performance materials, these shorts will keep you cool, dry, and comfortable while you sweat it out.

Swim shorts: looking for athletic shorts specifically meant for water activities? Swim trunks and board shorts are a no-brainer. Better yet, most can be worn out of the water as everyday moisture-wicking shorts, easily.

Leisure shorts: if your focus is more on R&R over PRs, you still need some cool, casual stunners that have the versatility to be worn in both daytime and evening scenarios, from your sofa to perhaps a bar. Sweat shorts and lounge shorts will keep you cool and comfy while you beat the heat. On the other hand, denim shorts and utility/cargo shorts let you embrace the outdoors in sharp style.

Dressy shorts: for your office days, dinner plans, summer or beach weddings, and any formal or business casual occasions, chino shorts, Bermuda shorts, khaki shorts, and any pleated shorts—especially those built with a hint of stretch and a comfortable waistband—are foolproof.

Shop More of Our Favorite Menswear Essentials

Best Shorts on Amazon | Best Board Shorts | Best Swim Trunks | Best Athletic Shorts | Best Jeans Shorts

Ted Stafford is the Fashion Director of Men’s Health. He oversees all style and fashion content for the brand, and also styles their fashion stories. His active lifestyle informs his passion for translating great designs into real-life style, a favorite part of his job. Prior to joining Men’s Health he worked at GQ magazine and Calvin Klein

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The Best Boardshorts For Men To Ride The Waves In This Summer

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Favored by surfers and athletes, the best boardshorts for men aren’t solely reserved for paddling out. They’re also comfortable, versatile and stylish for casual swimming, kayaking, beach days and plenty of dry-land activities. After reviewing a wide range of options, we selected Outerknown Apex Trunks as the best men’s boardshorts overall for their top-notch quality and secure design. Vuori’s Cruise Boardshorts are the most versatile for taking the plunge in and wearing as regular shorts and Florence F1 Burgee Cordura Boardshorts as the high performance pick that all the pros wear. Here’s everything else that we highly recommend for your summer pursuits.

We rounded up the best boardshorts for men to surf in style this summer.

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• Best Boardshorts For Men Overall: Outerknown Apex Trunks By Kelly Slater
• Best Comfortable Boardshorts For Men: Fair Harbor The Nautilus Boardshort
• Best Performance Boardshorts For Men: Patagonia Hydrolock Boardshorts
• Best Lined Boardshorts For Men: Rhone 7-Inch Point Break Boardshorts
• Best Versatile Boardshorts For Men: Vuori Cruise Boardshorts
• Best Active Boardshorts For Men: Florence F1 Burgee Cordura Boardshorts

Best Boardshorts For Men Overall

Designed and tested by pro surfers, outerknown apex trunks by kelly slater.

Sizes: 28 to 40 | Colors: 12 | Outseam (outside length of the shorts from waist to hem): 19 inches | Pockets: Back zipper pocket | Materials: 89% recycled polyester, 5% spandex, 6% recycled spandex

Designed by World Surf League champion Kelly Slater, Outerknown’s Apex Trunks have been tested in real-life conditions to hold up well to constant pounding. They’re made with four-way stretch and recycled polyester so you can bend and move easily in this pair, and they’re built to last with double-bonded seams. Style-wise, they’re great for everything for a quick jog to a round of beach volleyball. Other thoughtful details include its smooth, anti-chafing finish, zippered back pocket and bungee key loop.

Best Affordable Boardshorts For Men

A classic for less than $40, hurley one and only boardshorts.

Sizes: 28 to 44 | Colors: 29 | Outseam: 23 inches | Pockets: Side flap pocke t| Materials: 100% polyester

Hurley boardshorts are a surfer classic that’s been updated to include inclusive sizing, many colorways and an affordable price. The One And Only pair is cut from super soft suede-like fabric and, with a 22 inch inseam, they’re great for those on the taller side or anyone who wants like a bit more coverage. Some reviewers did say the waist can be tight, so consider sizing up.

Best Comfortable Boardshorts For Men

Stretch fabric and the perfect fit.

Fair Harbor

Fair Harbor The Nautilus Boardshort

Sizes: 30 to 38 | Colors: 7 | Inseam: 8 inches | Pockets: Side pockets, back zipper pocket | Materials: 80% recycled polyester, 12% cotton, 8% spandex

Fair Harbor’s boardshorts put a modern spin on the styles of yesteryear with an ultra-comfortable fit. They’re a classic silhouette cut from quick-drying, naturally odor resistant, water-repellant fabric. They’ve got a hidden zipper back pocket for stashing beach day essentials, two side pockets with built-in water drainage and four-way stretch, so you can hang out in this pair all day.

Best Performance Boardshorts For Men

Stay-put waistband and anti-chafe side seams, patagonia hydrolock boardshorts.

Sizes: 28 to 40 | Colors: 5 | Outseam: 19 inches | Pockets: Side zip pocket | Materials: 87% recycled polyester, 13% spandex

On active days, you want a secure boardshort that won’t ride down on your waist or require constant adjustment. Patagonia’s Hydrolock boardshorts are designed to avoid that pitfall with a snug-fitting, contoured waistband and locking system that keeps this pair firmly in place yet still allows for movement. The bonded side seams also prevent chaffing and the textured drawcord keeps the waist knot secure for an extra layer of security in rougher conditions. FYI: The brand recommends sizing up if you like a more relaxed fit.

Best Classic Boardshorts For Men

Technology packed shorts from an iconic brand, o'neill superfreak 21-inch boardshorts.

Sizes: 28 to 44 | Colors: 6 | Outseam: 21 inches | Pockets: Side zip pocket | Materials: 90% polyester, 10% elastane

O’Neill has been making surf gear since 1952 and the Superfreak boardshorts are a consistent top-seller, largely due to the brand’s patented Hyperfreak side paneling that lends structure and flexibility. Other modern updates include a Hyperthread technology that utilizes soft thread to prevent abrasion and chafing, and a water repellant treatment that reduces drying time for maximum comfort.

Best Lined Boardshorts For Men

Barely-there mesh boxer liner and anti-odor tech, rhone 7-inch point break boardshort.

Sizes: 28 to 40 | Colors: 8 | Inseam: 7 inches | Pockets: Front pockets, back zipper pocket | Materials: Recycled polyester and elastane

Boardshorts are typically unlined to reduce bulk. But if you like the security of a liner or want to work out in your shorts, Rhone’s Point Break boardshorts feature a fine mesh boxer liner along with flat-lay waistband, snap fly and interior drawstring for a streamlined silhouette. This pick is also great to pack on vacation since Rhone’s fabric has anti-odor technology in it, which allows for more wears before washes.

Best Long Boardshorts For Men

Extra length means extra coverage, maui rippers very long 4-way stretch boardshorts.

Sizes: 28 to 46 | Colors: 8 | Outseam: 24 inches | Pockets: Side pocket | Materials: Polyester and spandex

Whether you’re tall or like extra coverage, these Maui Rippers are the longest boardshorts on our list with an impressive 24-inch outseam (the outside length of the shorts, measured from the waistband to the hem). Falling below the knee, they’ll keep most of your legs protected from the water and the sun while paddling or hanging out. They comes in a range of waist sizes and the outseam increases to 25 inches in the larger sizes.

Best Stylish Boardshorts For Men

Unique prints for the style minded, roark shorey boardshorts.

Sizes: S to XXL | Colors: 11 | Outseam: 16 inches | Pockets: Sideseam pocket, back patch pocket | Materials: 49% recycled polyester, 35% polyester, 8% hemp, 8% spandexFor a combo of style and performance, the Roark Shorey boardshorts are a bit more interesting than your average pair. The patterns range from a classic tropical floral to an Amalfi Coast-inspired design . Besides looks, the shorts are outfitted with four-way stretch and a water-repellant finish. Unlike the other options on the list, this pair has an elastic waist (rather than a fixed one) so it’s best suited to more casual pursuits than intense surfing and wave-riding.

Best Versatile Boardshorts For Men

For the beach and beyond, vuori cruise boardshorts.

Sizes: 28 to 38 | Colors: 8 | Inseam: 7.5 inches | Pockets: Front pockets, back flap pocket | Materials: 45% recycled polyester, 45% polyester, 10% elastane

Vuori’s Cruise boardshorts are stylish cut like a regular pair of shorts but are fully waterproof to seamlessly take you from the beach to a workout to lunch and more. The shorts hit just above the knee and have a scalloped leg for improved comfort and they come in solids and subtle patterns for all-day wear.

Best Active Boardshorts For Men

What the pros wear, florence f1 burgee cordura boardshorts.

Sizes: 24 to 38 | Colors: 9 | Outseam: 18.5 inches | Pockets: Side zip pocket | Materials: 64% Cordura, 26% nylon 66, 10% spandex

Made from highly durable Cordura yarns with a triple-needle construction, the Burgee Boardshorts from Florence are designed to withstand serious abuse from the ocean. Tested by founder and surfer John Florence on the North Shore of Oahu, the shorts are built for durability but also manage to have enough softness and stretch to keep you chafe-free. The brand recommends spot-cleaning and hand-drying the shorts to conserve water, reduce microfiber shedding and extend their longevity.

Why Trust Forbes Vetted

The Forbes Vetted fashion team has researched and covered many menswear-specific topics, including guides to the best shorts , jeans and spring jackets . Deputy editor Kari Molvar oversaw the editing of this piece and approved all the picks included in the final cut. She has reported on fashion and lifestyle topics for more than 20 years, and has written about everything from the best wallets to golf shorts for guys.

How We Chose The Best Boardshorts For Men

To narrow down the options and help you find the best boardshorts, we researched bestselling boardshorts from both established and up-and-coming surf and swimwear brands. We paid attention to specific features that matter most for boardshorts, including comfort, durability, length and style. To better determine the potential pros and cons of each pick, we also carefully read reviews from real-life users who have firsthand experience with all of the boardshorts on this list.

What To Consider When Shopping For Boardshorts

There are a few key factors to consider to ensure your boardshorts hold up well over time, fit your body and keep you comfortable all day.

Boardshorts typically have a tighter, fixed waist that’s often further secured with a lace-up tie, to ensure they stay on in the event you get tossed around by a wave. However, fixed waistbands tend to be less forgiving and offer less room to accommodate fluctuating weights and rounder midsections. If you opt for a pair with an elastic waistband (like the Roark Shorey Boardshorts ) keep in mind that they may not be as equipped to handle rougher conditions.

Polyester is a common material for boardshorts, thanks to its lightweight, quick-drying capabilities and overall comfort. All the boardshorts on this list are made with spandex or elastane, for improved range of movement in and out of the water. Most boardshorts are DWR (durable water-repellent) treated for faster drying, and have anti-odor properties for frequent wear.

While shorter swim trunks are increasingly popular, boardshorts tend to err on the longer side. The extra length helps to keep legs protected, whether it be from wax on the board (you don’t want to rip your leg hair out) or the sun’s harmful rays. Boardshorts usually fall just above the knee to keep the thighs (which have the most contact with a surfboard) covered.

Most boardshorts have at the very least two front pockets, and it’s not uncommon for many to have a back pocket, too. Some boardshorts even have internal key loops or keyrings (like the Outerknown Apex and Fair Harbor Nautilus ) to keep keys safe and close. If you plan on bringing anything with you into the water, like surf wax, be sure to look for a zippered or flap pocket with a closure to securely stash your belongings. Storing things in a back pocket, though, might not prove the most comfortable when surfing, especially when sitting on your board.

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The 17 Best Men’s Travel Shirts for Style, Comfort, and Adventure

As much as I hate to admit it, the perfect men’s travel shirt doesn’t exist.  You might find comfortable travel shirts that look good – but those same “perfect travel shirts” may be too delicate to adventure hard in, dry too slowly, and get destroyed when you drop it off at a Southeast Asian laundry kiosk. On the other hand, a shirt may dry quickly and withstand a beating but be a little too ugly to be your only shirt. So what’s the solution?

The solution to the “perfect travel shirt” problem is to strategically pick a few shirts for your travels with a dedicated shirt for looking good, a few shirts for adventuring and wandering hard, and an all-purpose shirt that sits somewhere in between – and I think I’ve mastered this compromise.

Read on to discover my favorite shirts for traveling, adventuring, and still looking good along the way

CONTENTS OF THIS GUIDE TO THE BEST MEN’S TRAVEL SHIRTS

• My optimal travel shirt setup
• What to look for in a Good Travel Shirt Based on Your Travels
• Technical Flannel Shirts
• Travel Ready Dress Shirts
• Short Sleeve Oxfords
• Denim Travel Shirts
• Hawaiian Shirts
• My Favorite Travel Jacket: The Bluffworks Field Jacket

THE OPTIMAL SHIRT SETUP FOR TRAVEL

If you want your packing list to be ready for anything, pack the following shirts in addition to some travel-ready pants and travel-worthy shoes :

• One shirt for looking good and going out – a versatile button down shirt, ideally short sleeve oxford that is sweat wicking and wrinkle free or a denim shirt
• One shirt that doubles as a warmth layer but can be worn anywhere – I’m a fan of lightweight, technical flannel shirts
• Three or more travel friendly t-shits –a mix of short sleeves, V-necks, and Henleys made of wool, synthetic materials (polyester), or a proven active wear blend to dry quickly and resist funk

If you stick to these three options, you’ll keep your bags light while still being ready for any occasion or adventure.  Read on to discover my favorite options for Men’s travel shirts.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A GREAT TRAVEL SHIRT

Keep in mind that though a shirt might be branded as a great “travel shirt” it still may be over kill (or inadequate) for your travels.  To pick the right travel shirt, that will keep you comfortable, looking good, and smelling good through whatever travels you have in store, think heavily about your destination and consider these points in your potential shirts…

What is the right style for your travels (if any) based on the destination if any?

What materials are best (polyester, wool, or an active wear cotton blend), durability: how hard will your adventures be on these shirts.

• Versatility: What situations will you need to dress for?

Smell and dirt resistance: How often will you be able to shower and do laundry?

If you’re going to Europe, having a nice short sleeve button down is highly recommended.  If you’re going to Southeast Asia, don’t even think about taking any long sleeve shirts.

If you’re doing the Banana Pancake Trail (Thailandà Laosà Vietnamà Cambodia) and the most you’ll do is a pub crawl, ditch the fancy stuff

And if you’re heading to Bali, plan on beachwear and your “nice clothes” being shorts and a nice short sleeve shirt.

In any case, think about the situations you’ll be in and the style required (or not required) to avoid extra clothing.  Here’s a quick cheat list to help

• Southeast Asia: You’ll be in sandals and shorts the entire time.  No long sleeves.
• South America: It may get chilly and adventurous, especially if you’re going to Patagonia, so a long sleeve flannel, an “island-ish” short sleeve button down, and plenty of Merino Wool/Quick Dry t-shirts will do you well.  Also, bring a set of nice clothes – as Buenos Aires, Rio, Cusco, and Medellin have some amazing nightlife
• Europe: You’ll only need one or two “adventurous” pairs of clothes at most (unless you’re trekking).  Dress for the seasons as  winter in Europe is vastly different than summer
• Middle East: Dress conservatively and plan for the deserts to be hot by day and cold by night. You’ll be surprised how far a wool t-shirt and flannel button-down will take you here.
• North America: Dress for the seasons and for specific locations.  We’re all across the board in the US and Canadialand.
• Central America: No long sleeves.  Plan to exist completely in shorts and sandals.

If you can afford it, wool is the most amazing material for shirts .  ( Read about how I decided to wear a wool shirt for a week straight to test the idea).  They resist funk, still keep you warm when wet, and dry quickly.  The only downside is these shirts will breakdown quicker than polyester – especial if you’re using an industrial washer.

Polyester/synthetic shirts are an excellent, cheap option, especially for hard adventuring.  You can purchase them at target for ~$10 or less and they stand up to heavy abuse.  Along the way, they dry quickly and insulate when wet. The downside is they don’t resist funk too well.  Personally, I always hike and travel (by bus, train, and plane) in synthetic shirts because they’re so cheap I don’t care if they get destroyed.  I recommend picking up at least a couple synthetic t-shirts for routine wear in hard conditions.

Cotton: Limit how much of your wardrobe is cotton.  Depending on how often you’re getting wet and how often you wash, cotton can be fine or can be a complete pain.  On the upside, some cotton shirts look good, they’re extremely durable, and they can stand to go a good amount of time between washes in a pinch (denim, not necessarily t-shirts). The only options I consider in cotton are Short sleeve button downs which class up very well, and denim shirts which are super durable, look good, and are a great protect layer for light adventures (like motorbiking in Asia .

The only upside of cotton is that it is much tougher than wool and polyester, with good abrasion resistance and actually gets better with wear.  This is why my denim shirt was my shirt of choice to wear during my motorbike ride through Vietnam , to save a little skin just in case I fell.  All the while, it still looked good enough for the bars.

If you’re in Europe and (should be) showering everyday and have laundry nearby, materials and worrying about getting smelly shouldn’t be too much of an issue.

On the other hand, if you’re moving super quickly through humid Southeast Asia or adventuring through South America and can only wash ever week and a half, do yourself a favor and get shirts made of technical materials (wool, polyester, etc.) that wick sweat, resist odor, and do more to keep you dry.

Now that you know what to look for in a travel shirt, let’s take a closer look at your options

THE BEST MEN’S TRAVEL SHIRTS

• T-Shirts (Wool, Polyester, and active wear blends – timeless, simple, near perfect travel shirts)
• Technical Flannel Shirts (every traveler should have one)
• Wrinkle Free Dress Shirts (great for looking good anywhere)
• Short Sleeve Oxfords (great for looking good anywhere)
• Denim travel shirts (the “all-arounder” and travel shirt underdog)
• Hawaiian Shirts (for Beachy Travel)

BEST T-SHIRTS FOR TRAVEL

(wool, polyester, and active wear blends).

As unexciting as it sounds, t-shirts are by far the best travel shirt option. They’ve been around for ages, worn in every activity, and performed well while staying stylish every step of the way.  If you take only one type of shirt traveling, stick to t-shirts.

In terms of style, you can’t go wrong with a well fitting t-shirt.

The small packing foot print of t-shirts makes them easy to pack and wash, lightening your load and making life easier.

Some might insist that t-shirts are too boring to wear for a year straight.  I disagree.

To stay looking good (and not get bored), avoid traditional crew neck t-shirts and light V-neck and Henley shirts in dark colors (grey, burgundy, darker blue, black).

For material, invest in at least two wool shirts and grab two cheaper synthetic shirts. 

I have been very satisfied with Wooly’s merino wool t-shirts, Bluffworks’ synthetic travel t shirt, Outlier’s insanely great Ultrafine Merino shirt, and a handful of others I’ve tested and highly recommend below. 

For active wear synthetic shirts, my go to is actually the Hylete Icon-2 performance Henley, designed as gym wear but looks so great I wear it on nights out. For a Target’s G9 Champion brand shirts which are comparable in quality, function, and style to Lulu Lemon’s men’s line and quite a few of Nike’s pieces, but available for ~$10 to $20 for us budget travelers .  

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves…read on for the 17 best travel t-shirts for men, and you’ll definitely find the perfect gear for your upcoming travels.

My Favorite T-Shirts for Travel

1. bluffworks threshold tee.

This amazing t-shirt was obsessively designed specifically for travel. If you’re trying to keep your bags light by getting a shirt that you can wear over and over (without washing) in a variety of conditions, the Bluffworks Threshold T is a perfect candidate.

High breathability, great odor resistance, and a feel softer than cotton make this a great shirt to wear. A unique synthetic blend keeps this shirt super light while drying quickly and making hand washes and line drying possible for “one bag” travelers”

Where to buy: Click to see more colors at Bluffworks Online

2. THE OUTLIER ULTRAFINE MERINO T SHIRT

This is insanely soft yet comfortable and durable shirt is absolutely the best wool shirt I have ever owned.

Made of 100% extremely fine Merino wool, this shirt naturally resists odor (I’ve worn the shirt for a week straight to test), dries quickly, and does a wonderful job keeping me cool even in tropical climates.

The construction is top notch, very durable and cut with a just slim enough and stylish fit. With 2 or 3 of these shirts, a traveler could easily wander the world with these as their only shirts.

Where to buy: Click to see more colors Outlier Online

3. THE HYLETE ICON HENLEY

The Hylete Icon 2 Henley is a perfect blend of style and function that fits daily life, adventure, and travel equally. The quad blend performance fabric (that is stretchy, odor resisting, and quick drying) and design are actually intended as hard core exercise that can be worn in everyday life. With the classic Henley stylish three button front, this dresses up nicely with Chinos and a blazer or will simply keep you looking good on long treks.

From the cool highlands of the Himilayas to the warm days and posh night clubs of Bali, this Hylete Henley has been a favorite piece of apparel in my pack and will continue to be. I highly recommend this affordable yet stylish piece of performance gear for your travels

Where to buy: Click to see more colors available at Hylete Online.

4. WOOLY CLOTHING

Woolly Clothing offers great wool clothing direct to you, which means its cheaper than many other options.  I own a few of their shirts (a V-neck and a Henley) and wholeheartedly vouch for the.  Great style.  Great performance

Where to buy: Check out the selection of Woolly Clothing on Amazon

5. C-9 CHAMPION TEES

Champion C9 is Target’s in house attempt to compete with active wear giants like Nike and Lulelemon for the men’s athletic wear market.  The result is great gym wear that wears beyond the gym for a great price.  I always load up on a few of these shirts for upcoming travels whenever I’m in the US.

Where to buy: $12.99 at Target

6. H&M ACTIVE WEAR V-NECKS

Though these shirts somewhat break my rule of avoiding cotton, the 95% cotton/5% Elastene blend works extremely well.  Not only do these shirts fit well and maintain that fit, they dry much quicker than normal cotton shirts and resist funk pretty well too.  I tested these shirts against high dollar “performance cotton” shirts from other brands (think $60-$80 per shirt) and the H&M slim fit shirts performed much better.

If you’re ever traveling and in a pinch need some shirts anywhere in the world, just drop by an H&M and pick these up. 

Where to buy: $24.99 for 3 at H&M Online

7. RIDGE MERINO JOURNEY TEE

The Ridge Merino Journey tee is an awesome, travel-ready wool tee-shirt design for durability, hard use, and quick-drying comfort while still fighting funk. This Merino Wool shirt combines 13% nylon into the fabric, making it twice as durable as your average, 100% Merino wool t-shirt. The result is a high performing wool t-shirt that you can abuse for years.

I’ve carried my Ridge Merino Journey tee shirt for just over 2 years of travel and worn it for a week straight without washing, and the anti-microbial nature of the wool keeps me smelling fresh. Hard use of trekking, hand washing, and abrasion from backpacks hasn’t damaged the shirt at all over the two years, proving this is one tough t-shirt

If you’re looking for a single, comfortable t-shirt that looks good and is adventure ready, check out the Ridge Merino Journey t-shirt.

Where to buy: Click to see availability at Ridge Merino online

TECHNICAL FLANNEL SHIRTS

A single technical flannel shirt is a priceless addition to the traveler wardrobe.  Wool flannel shirts are great (I have a Pendleton Board Shirt that I love) and there are plenty of other synthetic “technical flannel” shirts combine nylon and polyester to be just as warm, more durable, and are much lighter and easier to pack.

Additionally, the right flannel shirts can add a touch of style if you pick the right one.  My current flannel works in nearly any occasion, and my Uniqlo Oxford Travel shirt works in the rest of those classy sitauations.

I tested Eddie Bauer’s Traveler Flannel Shirt and fell in love (you’ll see pictures all over the site of me in it) and purchased 3 while it was on sale.  Plus, there are several other options for travel ready technical flannel shirts– read on to discover my picks

MY FAVORITE FLANNEL SHIRTS FOR TRAVEL

8. eddie bauer technical flannel.

A flannel shirt crafted perfectly for travelers.  Lightweight polyester and “FreeDry” technology insulates like a jacket when cold but wicks moisture and breathes to keep you cool and dry in the heat.  The fit on this shirt is more classic, giving you room to move make it great for exploring the outdoors and getting active.  The cuff accent colors offer a great touch too.

I’ve toted this shirt around for the last year, love it, and can’t recommend it enough.

Where to buy: From $35 to $70 at Eddie Bauer Online

9. THE PENDLETON BOARD SHIRT

The Pendleton Board shirt, originally rocked by surfers in the 60’s is a classic that goes anywhere, and being 100% virgin wool is extremely functional too.  It stays warm through the cold and the rain and still breathes in the heat.  I’ve worn mine around more campfires and in more national parks than I can remember – and with good reason.  Better yet, I can wear it right into the city and no one is the wiser.

A timeless shirt that you’ll literally be able to wear forever

Where to buy: $135 at Pendleton.com

10. ICEBREAKER LODGE SHIRT

Icebreaker’s new take on a classic.  100% Merino Wool, this shirt is as technical as it gets, performing in the outdoors (and traveling) while still looking good enough for city life. 

The Merino wool fights odor and stays warm throughout.  Pair with a Merino wool t-shirt for best results

Where to buy: $135 at REI online

TRAVEL READY DRESS SHIRTS

Most commonly labeled “easy care” and targeting business travelers, these shirts are a perfect “dress up” shirt for travelers.  They are usually sweat wicking, breathable, and wrinkle free but have the cut of a nicer button down Oxford.

Best yet, good options can be had for very cheap through Uniqlo and H&M and even better options can be found through Bluffworks that cost a bit more but are well worth the money.

One of my two current “dress up” shirts is actually a Uniqlo easy care oxford that I wore through the cold season of Europe and then came to Asia, chopped of the sleeves and had it sewn for ~$5, and now wear as my island shirt.  But there are plenty of shirts that you won’t have to chop in order to look good.  Read on for my faves.

11 . WESTERN RISE AIRLIGHT BUTTON DOWN

This high tech, travel focused, easy care button down gives you the style of a dress shirt and the durability/easy care you need for travel.

49% Nylon added to the fabric delivers abrasion resistance and easy care properties that make a good shirt to tuck in the bottom of your bag or bring as your only shirt.

Finally, the slim and stylish fit make this shirt perfect for daily wear and long term “one bag” travel just as much as outdoor adventures.

Where to buy: $109 at Western Rise | Click here to check available colors

12. UNIQLO EASY CARE DRESS SHIRT

If you’re on a budget and still need to look good during your travels, Uniqlo’s easy care dress shirts are a great option.  The technical materials breathe, wick sweat, and resist wrinkles so you can wear them longer without caring. I wore one of these through Europe and then chopped of the sleeves to make it my casual island shirt…worked like a charm!

Where to buy: $29.90 at Uniqlo.com

13 . BLUFFWORKS MEDIAN TRAVEL SHIRT

A completely “technical” dress shirt, blending 98% polyester and 2% spandex gives the sweat wicking, anti-microbial qualities so you can wear longer, along with wrinkle resisting qualities and freedom of movement so you can stay comfortable along the way.  If you need to “class up” on the road, the Bluffworks Meridian dress shirt is a safe bet.

Where to buy: $98 at Bluffworks

SHORT SLEEVE OXFORD SHIRTS

Though these commonly break the travel rule of “no cotton”, they actually manage to work very well.

First, the airflow you get from a button prevents you from sweating all over it and getting it completely nasty

Second, most people only wear button down shirts when lounging, so you get away with washing it infrequently.

Third, these shirts are always quite durable and can actually go a little longer without a wash than your common cotton t-shirt. 

Last, these are a classic style staple that can be had for cheap and worn with a bit of versatility.  My go to spot is the Gap – as the shirts always have a classic cut, have a more timeless design (fits just as well in the 1970’s as now and can be worn anywhere in the world), and you can always pay $5 to have the shirt tailored and the fit improved later on.

14. GAP OXFORD SHORT SLEEVE SHIRT

A classic shirt made simply and durably make this another one of my go-to shirts when traveling.  The construction is surprisingly good meaning it will work on hikes and in active situations if you feel like pushing it.  Though this shirt is cotton, it breathes well enough to avoid funk for longer than your active t-shirt.  Beyond the adventures, it looks good enough for most any situation.

Where to buy: Starting at $35 at Gap online

MY FAVORITE DENIM SHIRTS FOR TRAVEL

Denim shirts are the unsung hero of travel shirts.  There is a reason that Levis Strauss made his “can’t bust ‘em” gear for goldmining rough necks out of cotton denim – because it works.  Denim shirts are a great all around travel shirt that sits side by side with the technical flannel.

Granted, these denim shirts don’t insulate as well, suck when wet, and take forever to dry, but they look better than flannel and are better if you’re in a situation where you might get thrown around and need an extra layer of skin – like riding a motorbike anywhere in Southeast Asia. Plus, the denim shirt looks good.

A travel tip I got from my buddy “Dr. Strangelove” and his Spanish friends was to actually carry a denim button down on adventures to throw on for nice pics – instead of wearing that sweaty hiking shirt.  That’s actually excellent advice – but I’m a touch too apathetic to execute.

So, if you want a good all-around shirt, that looks good, and you won’t be getting too wet or sweaty, consider the denim shirt.

15. GAP DENIM SHIRTS

Classic cut and fit and constructed well enough to last through your travels.  I have a couple Gap denim shirts that I’ve worn for years and countless countries, and they keep getting better with age.  They’re durable and look good too.

Where to buy: From $40 at Gap

16. THE ORIGINAL: LEVI’S DENIM SHIRT

Levi Strauss did something right with his first couple of creations, cementing “denim” as a style staple.  If you’re going to pick up a denim shirt, you can’t go wrong with the original – Levi’s

Where to buy: Levis.com

HAWAIIAN SHIRTS

Though you wouldn’t expect to see it on this list, if you are venturing to hot or humid climates, Hawaiian shirts are an excellent option.  For one, they’re fun.  People may judge you, but those who don’t will automatically assume you’re fun.

Second, they’re traditional Hawaiian shirts for a reason.  They’re great in the heat and allow just enough breeze while blocking the sun.  They’re also perfect for when you’ve just gotten out of the water.  So, if you’re heading to the islands, consider having some fun and making a Hawaiian shirt your shirt of choice.

Where should you buy these?  Honestly…nowhere in the US.  Buy one on the road as a souvenir.  You can have a custom one made in Southeast Asia for cheap or buy the Balinese version (with real coconut buttons) when you’re in the area.

17. BONUS: THE ONLY JACKET YOU NEED FOR TRAVEL – THE BLUFFWORKS FIELD JACKET

So, you have your perfect travel shirt setup and now need something to layer over it to stay dry, warm, and stylish…what do you choose?

There are literally thousands of options to choose from, between waterproof puffy down jackets, to rainproof shells, but my travels have led me to…exactly one.

The Bluffworks Field Jacket .

This waterproof, windproof take on the classic M-65 military issue field jacket combines the best of style and function that travelers need.

Top of your torso by checking out this Bluffworks Field Jacket Review for full details and even better pictures…

Now that you have the top half of your wardrobe for travel worked out, what’s next?  Clearly you should figure out the best pair of bottoms for your trip by checking out the 15 best travel pants for men and the 5 best travel shorts for men followed closely by my 8 favorite travel shoes for men to create your perfect travel rig.

Like it? Pin it!

Other Great Travel Gear  Content:

• The 8 Best Travel Shoes for Men
• 5 Great Men’s Travel Shorts
• The Best Travel Pants for Men
• My Carry on Packing List

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Carlos is a nomad, slow traveler, and writer dedicated to helping others live abroad and travel better by using his 7+ years of experience living abroad and background as a management consultant and financial advisor to help other nomad and expats plot better paths for an international lifestyle. Click here to learn more about Carlos's story.

Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. We may earn a commission from these links.

Linen Shorts Are the Secret Weapon to Have This Summer

The breezy fabric manages to make even the most casual of shorts look effortlessly chic.

Seriously, though—if there's one piece of clothing you need to have in your wardrobe for summer, its linen shorts. The style is breezy yet classy, far more chic than cargos or—dare I even say?—wearing your swim trunks as shorts. Linen is the certifiable best material to beat the heat, and it even manages to make a 6" inseam look elevated.

best everyday linen shorts

J.crew 9" linen shorts.

best drawstring linen shorts

Bonobos linen blend boardwalk shorts.

best relaxed linen shorts

Todd snyder 7" italian linen beach shorts.

best casual linen shorts

Joe's drawstring linen shorts.

best slim-fit linen shorts

Orlebar brown cornell slim-fit linen shorts.

best chic linen shorts

Banana republic lino 7" linen shorts.

best versatile linen shorts

Everlane linen easy shorts.

best affordable linen shorts

Quince 100% european linen drawstring beach short.

best luxe linen shorts

Loro piana bermuda bay linen drawstring shorts.

best elevated linen shorts

Nn07 crown 1196 straight-leg linen shorts.

Linen is breathable, and it's classy, and even if you're just cracking open a cold one after a long day of work, you'll feel that much more like a Jay Gatsby or Dickie Greenleaf type. If you're going on vacation, going to a BBQ, or even going to lunch, a linen short and your best short-sleeve button-up is an infallible outfit formula; no matter how much you're sweating under the sun, at least you'll look damn good.

The 10 best linen shorts below are cool, elevated, and just damn better than your other shorts. Snag a pair before the heat kicks in.

J.Crew 9" Linen Shorts

A classic and classy option, J.Crew does the simple linen short to perfection.

Bonobos keeps things quietly elegant with these drawstring shorts. With your favorite sandals and a good ol' tee, you've got the perfect summer fit.

Todd Snyder 7" Italian Linen Beach Shorts

For a baggier fit, Todd Snyder's Italian linen style is luxe yet laidback. And that elastic waistband ensures all-day comfort, too.

These are the ultimate casual linen shorts—all your tees and tanks pair perfectly.

These have all the comfort of an elastic waistband and all the style of a sleek, slim-fitting silhouette. Button-downs go hand-in-hand with these shorts perfectly.

Banana Republic Lino 7" Linen Shorts

BR makes the perfect linen short that you can wear just about anywhere. To a nice dinner, to work, or to a summer barbecue, just grab your favorite boat shoes and a breezy button-down and be merrily on your way.

Spring and summer won't be complete without these. The drawstring waistband is all about comfort, but the chic, easy design is all about style.

For only 40 bucks, Quince has pure linen shorts that you don't want to miss. These are made even better by a comfortable elastic waistband.

These just look like summertime. Loro Piana does linen to the nines, and with a drawstring waist, you've got the perfect summertime shorts for the rest of your life.

These mid-rise, lightweight shorts are ready for wherever summer takes you, from the office to the beach.

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15 Best Men's Summer Shoes for Every Occasion

From comfortable white sneakers, stylish sandals, suede penny loafers, and everything in between.

Every item on this page was chosen by a Town & Country editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

Because online shoe shopping can feel like navigating a minefield, we made the work easy for you by rounding up some of our favorite styles of the season based on designs, materials, and budget. Whether you're looking for a casual pair for everyday wear or want a dressier option for special occasions , ahead you'll find the very best men's summer shoes to add to your seasonal collection.

The Horsebit Loafers

Gucci men's loafer with horsebit.

The Boat Shoes

Ralph lauren merton leather boat shoe.

The Suede Loafers

Loro piana sea-sail walk loafers.

The Driving Loafers

Tod's gommino driving shoe.

Todd Snyder Nomad Suede / Leather Crossover Sandal

The Statement Makers

J.m. weston suede loafers.

The White Sneakers

Common projects original achilles sneaker.

The Breezy Pair

Manolo blahnik mario leather-trimmed raffia loafers.

The Espadrilles

Frescobol carioca helio suede espadrilles.

The Sandals

Saint laurent culver leather sandals.

Because there's always room for another pair of Gucci's horsebit loafers.

Material: Suede

Size Range: 5.5-14.5

No summer shoe collection is complete with the humble boat shoe, and Ralph Lauren's iteration is classic as it gets.

One reviewer writes: "Comfort, versatile and easy to wear are the best adjectives to describe these shoes. I can wear boat shoes all day everyday with confidence that my foot will not hurt. I appreciate the ability to wear these casual shoes any and every where needed."

Material: Leather

Size Range: 7-15

Loro Piana is the latest luxury brand giving boat shoes the designer treatment in 2o24. Featuring a supple suede upper, flexible footbed, and durable rubber soles for extra grip, this minimalist pair is the product of fine Italian craftsmanship.

Size Range : 39-46

Originally created in the '60s for men who wanted extra grip while sitting behind the wheel, Tod's driving shoes are versatile enough for casual- and formal-wear alike.

Size Range : 7-13

Handcrafted by artisans in Tuscany, these leather slides feature a suede cushioned footbed that comfortably hugs the feet with each and every step. Slide them on with a pair of shorts during the day or linen pants for evening outings.

One reviewer reports: "These look great with jeans or shorts and are the most comfortable sandals yet."

Material: Leather/suede

Size Range: 8-13

These bright blue espadrille-loafers were made for having fun in the sun.

Material: Suede/jute

Size Range : UK7-UK11

Like the little black dress of footwear, white sneakers can be dressed up and down without a second thought.

One shopper says: "Excellent white sneakers that were specifically what I was looking for. Clean, sleek and versatile! Comfortable!"

Size Range: 6-14

On blistering hot days when leather feels like a no-go, Manolo Blahnik's elegant raffia loafers are the answer to your outfit woes.

Material: Raffia/leather

Size Range : UK6-UK13

Espadrille flats are having a huge moment in the women's shoe department, and men's styles are just as comfortable, lightweight, and breezy.

Material: Suede/straw

Size Range: 40-46

Forget flip flops: these strappy sandals will have you looking put together and polished by the pool.

Size Range: EU39-EU45

Vince Fletcher Loafer

For a fuss-free sneaker you can slip and on off with ease, you can't go wrong with sporty slip-ons. Vince's pair also features perforations that lend to comfy breathability.

One shopper says: "Excellent sneaker, can be dressed up or dressed down."

Size Range: 7-13

Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed

Would this really be a best men's summer shoe roundup without a pair of Birkenstock's cult-classic Arizonas?

One shopper says: "I’ve worn Birkenstock for over 20 years! They are the most comfortable sandal on the market!"

Size Range: 7-13.5

Peter Millar Excursionist Penny Loafer

When shopping for summer loafers, opt for muted colors and airier materials. This sage penny loafer-sneaker hybrid is exactly what we had in mind.

One shopper says: "I love these loafers, and have bought a pair in all the colors. They are great looking, fit extremely well and are made of top-notch construction."

Size Range: 8-12

Brunello Cucinelli Suede Loafers with Tassels

When you want to kick your casual footwear game up a notch, you turn to Brunello Cucinelli. Case in point: these suede tasseled loafers will add oomph to an otherwise understated outfit.

Size Range: 6-13

Scarosso Andrea Nero Loafers

Black leather makes this pair formal, while the woven details add a touch of texture and breezy flair with every step.

Size Range: 39-48

Sophie Dweck is the associate shopping editor for Town & Country, where she covers beauty, fashion, home and décor, and more. 

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The Best Quick-dry Clothing for Everything From Sweaty Hikes to Beach Days

These quick-drying pieces will keep you comfortable on the go.

In This Article

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Travel + Leisure / Alli Waataja

Quick-dry clothing is my most reliable travel companion, keeping me comfortable and dry whether I'm visiting Vietnam in monsoon season or sightseeing during a French heatwave. A long-time activewear staple thanks to its moisture-wicking qualities, it’s become increasingly popular in versatile, travel-friendly clothing, allowing you to effortlessly transition from a morning hike to a poolside lunch without having to deal with damp clothes or stop by the hotel to change. 

“Polyester is a hydrophobic fiber which means it does not easily absorb moisture,” says Sean Cormier, a textile expert and Associate Professor and Chair of the Textile Development & Marketing Department at the Fashion Institute of Technology. He touts polyester and nylon as two of the most reliable quick-dry fabrics, pointing out their potential antimicrobial benefits as a perk for travelers who may need to wear clothes multiple times between washes. 

Quick-dry clothing comes in an array of fabrics, from synthetics like polyester and nylon to natural fibers like wool, all of which are designed to wick away moisture and keep you feeling fresh, no matter what the weather brings. 

To help you find the most versatile and comfortable quick-dry clothing for your next adventure, we researched dozens of pieces from top brands, including several that have earned permanent real estate in my suitcase as a travel writer. Whether you prefer athletic shorts for keeping cool on the trail or breezy tops for sweat-free strolls around the city, there’s something for everyone on this list.

Vuori Miles Ankle Pants

Stretchy and seamless, these versatile pants are easy to dress up or down for any occasion.

The slash pockets don’t offer a secure closure for your valuables.

Every traveler needs a pair of stretchy yet stylish pants — personally, I’m always on the hunt for a pair with a generous elastic waistband, for those busy travel days when jeans (or anything with a zipper, for that matter) are simply out of the question. Enter: the Vuori Miles Ankle Pant, which I’ve reached for on several recent long-haul flights. They’re stretchy enough to move with me through the airport (and to comfortably sleep in on the plane), and the streamlined silhouette keeps me feeling put-together once I arrive at my destination. It doesn’t hurt that they’re ultra-quick-drying, breathable, and moisture-wicking, too, so I never have to worry about feeling sticky or sweaty — they stayed dry through a sweltering bus ride along Columbia’s northern coast, and again during a stuffy subway commute back home a few days later. 

I also love that they’re made from recycled material, but that they feel sleeker than classic performance wear — and they certainly stand up to the other yoga and hiking pants in my closet. While the slash pockets are less secure than a zippered alternative, they’re part of what makes this design versatile enough to wear for both workouts and a day at the museum.  

The Details: XS to XL | Recycled ​​nylon, elastane

Daise Paige Midi Dress

This breezy, everyday dress boasts antimicrobial properties and built-in sun protection.

It’s only available in black, and the bamboo fibers are prone to shrinking if you put it in the dryer.

Breathable and ultra-lightweight, this midi-dress is the perfect LBD to take you from the beach to drinks at the hotel bar. It’s made from a super-soft bamboo jersey blend which is OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified, meaning it’s free of any harmful substances. Bamboo is a naturally breezy, porous fiber that dries relatively quickly on its own; if you do need to toss it in the dryer, be sure to tumble dry low, as heat can lead to shrinkage. 

This cozy blend takes bamboo’s natural quick-drying abilities to the next level with moisture-wicking properties, so there’s no need to worry about working up a sweat under the sun. To that end, the fabric really stands out for its built-in UV protection, boasting a UPF 50+ rating that protects your skin from nearly 98 percent of the sun’s damaging rays. We love that the cap sleeves and mock neck offer a little extra coverage, while the side-slits keep it feeling summery and sexy.

The Details: XS to XL | Bamboo, viscose, cotton, spandex

Best Hoodie

Alpine parrot arroyo sun hoodie.

This comfortable hoodie features built-in sun protection and is designed for a wide range of body shapes and sizes.

It’s only available in two colors.

Alpine Parrot specializes in crafting outdoor apparel in inclusive sizes with a focus on ethnic diversity as part of their mission to help everybody enjoy the great outdoors. They make technical clothing for sizes 14 to 30, and the Arroyo Sun Hoodie is one of our favorite pieces. The hoodie is thoughtfully designed in two different styles, meant to accommodate smaller and larger busts (Coastal Fit and Forest Fit, respectively) — both are available in a soft gray or vibrant blue.

The lightweight fabric is naturally cooling and features four-way stretch to easily move with you, making this a perfect piece for everything from camping to gardening. Better yet, the quick-drying polyester material boasts UPF 50+ protection, so you can enjoy your time in the sun more safely. Design details like a spacious kangaroo front pocket, thumbholes to keep out the cold (or the sun), and buttons to customize the amount of chest coverage help to keep you comfortable on any adventure. 

The Details: 1X to 5X | Polyester

Best Shorts

Rei co-op trailmade shorts.

These durable, water-repellent shorts boast six pockets to keep everything within easy reach while you’re on the go.

They can ride up at times.

Say hello to your new favorite shorts for just about everything. While they’re definitely sporty in style, these shorts hit at just the right mid-thigh length to feel both flattering and functional for all sorts of active or casual outings. With six pockets, you can ditch the fanny pack and go hands-free while hitting the trails or biking to the beach: two drop-in front pockets are deep enough to store your phone and wallet (or even a small water bottle), while two rear drop pockets can fit snacks or other valuables, and two front envelope pockets offer secure closures for headphones, keys, and more. 

The durable, swishy fabric is abrasion-resistant, so it won’t snag on rocks or trees while you’re hiking through national parks. The material itself is incredibly lightweight and stretchy, with UPF 50+ protection and a water-repellent finish — perfect for when you need a cool-down swim after a hot hike. 

The Details: XS to 3X | Nylon, spandex, recycled polyester  

Best Tank Top

Athleta ultimate muscle tank.

This flowy, breathable top is perfect for keeping cool during high-impact workouts or hot summer days.

The cropped fit and sheer fabric may not offer enough coverage for everyone’s preferences.

Whether you’re giving your all during a HIIT class or taking a tennis lesson on vacation, you can feel confident that this trendy tank will keep you in peak performance mode. It’s made from a blend of breathable nylon and spandex, meaning there’s plenty of stretch and the material is designed to air out and dry in a flash. An eye-catching mesh panel on the back allows for ample air flow and adds an enticing design element, although those who prefer a bit more coverage may not love that aspect. On the flip side, the crew neck provides a fair amount of chest coverage. 

The Details: 2XS to 3X | Nylon, spandex

Best Leggings

Lululemon wunder train hi-rise tight 25".

These flattering leggings are made from a breathable, cooling fabric that stays in place through high-impact workouts, busy travel days, and more.

Given their compressive feel, these may be better suited to working out and running errands than lounging around the house.

Designed to keep you cool as you work up a sweat, these cozy, compressive leggings from Lululemon’s Wunder Train line are a must-have for fitness enthusiasts and frequent fliers alike. The brand’s ultra-quick-drying proprietary Everlux fabric is soft and cooling, with just enough compression to feel like they’re hugging you in all the right places. 

They’re made from a stretchy blend of nylon and elastane that stays in place all day long, thanks to an adjustable internal drawcord that keeps the wide, high-rise waistband secure. There’s even a discreet waistband pocket, where you can safely tuck small essentials like credit cards or room keys. While they’re soft and stretchy enough to comfortably move around in, these feel better suited to more active pursuits than low-key lounging.  

The Details: 0 to 20 | Nylon, lycra elastane

Best Jacket

Rains jacket.

This sleek, unisex jacket is top-of-the-line windproof, waterproof outerwear.

The length is great for a rain jacket, but can get in the way if you’re wearing it for more high-impact activities.

Perhaps no item of clothing has made me feel as invincible in the face of inclement weather as this Rains Jacket, borrowed from a friend during a hike in Normandy during a summer storm. I felt giddy as I watched the rain pelt and roll off my coat, luxuriating in how toasty and dry it remained on the inside. A short while after the clouds had passed, the water had already beaded off, and it was dry enough to tuck back into my bag.

The jacket, which boasts a water column pressure of 4,000mm, is the perfect lightweight layer — it’s elegant, easily packable, and ready to handle spring showers thanks to its quick-drying PU coating. The length is both a perk and a potential pitfall, as it helps protect you from the elements, but somewhat restricts your freedom of movement when closed.  

The Details: XS to 2XL | Polyester

Best Sports Bra

Girlfriend collective tommy cropped bra.

Girlfriend Collective

This flattering bra is supportive and stylish enough to wear for a workout or a night on the town.

The straps aren’t adjustable.

Girlfriend Collective has been my go-to athleisure brand for years, and the Tommy Bra is a good example of why: it’s supportive enough to jog, hike, or do yoga in, but the trendy square neckline, scoop back, and flattering compressive fit also feel cool enough to pair with a skirt and tall boots for a night out. I’m always on the hunt for versatile pieces to travel with, so this is a perfect two-in-one; plus, the material wicks away sweat and dries easily, so I can transition comfortably between activities within the same day. 

The straps aren’t adjustable, so wriggling into this can be tricky if you’re already sweaty — but once it’s on, it’s comfortable and offers excellent support. The smooth, double-lined fabric is made from recycled plastic bottles, and boasts four-way stretch for easy movement. I’m partial to the neutral tones for maximizing their outfit potential, but I love that it comes in jewel tones and seasonal shades, too, so it’s easy for everyone to find an option that matches their style (and maybe even their matching leggings ).  

The Details: 2XS to 6XL | Recycled plastic bottles, spandex

Feetures High Performance Ultra Light Socks

These lightweight socks keep feet cool and dry in warm weather.

These aren’t particularly cushy, but that’s typically in the best interest of those with sweaty feet.

Our team tested 97 pairs of socks to narrow down the best ones for every occasion, and the Feetures High Performance Ultra Light Ankle Sock easily earned our top pick for anyone dealing with sweaty feet. They’re thin and lightweight, taking up next to no room in your suitcase.

While they don’t offer much in the way of cushioning, they’re designed to mold to the natural contour of your feet, providing a comfortable fit that you can walk around in all day long. We found that the breathable merino wool blend kept our feet cool while at the gym and while running, and the socks never bunched or slid down. We also appreciated that they’re available in a wide range of sizes. 

The Details: S to XL | Super-fine merino wool, nylon, polyester, lycra

Best T-shirt

Athleta with ease tee.

Drapey and super-soft, this tee is breathable enough for workouts and warm-weather travel.

It’s designed to have a roomy fit — size down if you prefer a more fitted silhouette.

Breezy and breathable, this is one of the best travel tees around. It’s lightweight and packable, and the drapey silhouette is versatile enough to pull double duty: throw it on with jeans and sandals for a day of sightseeing, or wear it to pilates. Either way, you’ll feel as cool as you look thanks to the moisture-wicking, quick-drying Tencel blend. It’s baby soft and made from partly recycled materials, and hits lower in the back for added coverage. We love that it comes in a wide range of sizes, including petite and tall sizing to help you find your perfect fit. 

The Details: 2XS to 3X | Recycled polyester, Tencel modal, elastane

Best Long-sleeve Shirt

Lands' end women's crew neck rash guard upf 50.

Lands’ End

This waterproof top works as a beach cover-up and a swim tee.

It’s less breathable than an everyday long-sleeve top, but its lightweight construction keeps you from overheating. 

While lycra would have once been relegated to workout and swim apparel, this stylish and functional long-sleeve tee now rivals something Skims would market as a going-out top. It’s simple and subtle enough to wear for everyday errands and travel, but it's true draw is as a swim tee and beach cover-up. If you’re heading on a tropical getaway and plan to indulge in some R&R by the pool or beach, this top offers superior protection without sacrificing style.

It’s soft, lightweight, and stretchy for maximum comfort. The moisture-wicking fabric even boasts UPF 50+ sun protection, and dries quickly enough to wear straight from the water to lunch by the pool. Better yet, it comes in a rainbow of vibrant jewel tones and a wide range of inclusive sizes, including petite, long, plus size, and long plus. 

The Details: XS to XL | Nylon, lycra spandex 

Best Sweater

Quince eco-knit milano stitch mock neck pullover.

Ultra-chic and sophisticated, this sweater will keep you cool even in muggy weather.

The elevated design dries impressively fast, but not at the same speed as performance wear designed for athletic use.

If you’re looking for a chic, timeless layer to elevate your travel wardrobe, look no further than the Quince Eco-Knit Milano Stitch Mock Neck Pullover. The design is simple yet sophisticated — it’s the ideal unfussy and lightweight layer to wear on the plane, or while sipping a coffee at a Parisian cafe.

The soft material is a blend of Lenzing Ecovero, a sustainably-sourced viscose fiber, as well as quick-drying polyester and nylon, which add just the right amount of stretch. While this material won’t dry as quickly as some activewear, it’s naturally designed to wick away moisture and keep you feeling comfortable. We love that it’s machine washable and easy to pair with anything in your closet. 

The Details: XS to XL | Lenzing Ecovero, polyester, nylon

Tips for Buying Quick-dry Clothing

Choose the best fabrics for your needs.

Quick-dry clothing comes in an array of fabrics, some of which dry more rapidly than others. If you’re looking for pieces to primarily wear while working out, Cormier suggests synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon, which are often used in activewear because of their antimicrobial properties. Natural fibers like wool also dry quickly, and are ideal for more everyday or elevated pieces for travel.

Prioritize versatility

Versatility is always key while traveling, as being able to mix-and-match or layer your clothing allows you to make the most of the space in your suitcase. Look for pieces in neutral colors and streamlined silhouettes that will be easy to style in different ways — think a breezy tee that can be worn for a workout, or with jeans for a laid-back daytime look. Pieces with antimicrobial properties are particularly helpful here, as they’ll stay fresh longer between washes while you’re on the road.

Quick-dry clothing will come in handy whenever you’ll be at risk of getting damp or sweaty. The moisture-wicking properties that typically go along with it will help keep you feeling cool and dry, whether you’re running to catch a flight or heading to a spin class. 

Given that most quick-dry clothing skews more casual, Cormier suggests wearing it for activities where you’re likely to work up a sweat, such as hiking, running, playing tennis, or golfing.

Given that the majority of quick-dry clothing is made from synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon, it’s typically safe to machine wash them with like-colors and, if needed, tumble dry on low. However, certain pieces may require hand washing if they’re more delicate, while others need to be air dried in order to prevent potential heat shrinkage. Be sure to always check the care label on your individual garment to ensure you’re keeping your clothing in optimal condition. 

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this article, T+L contributor Sophie Dodd extensively researched the best quick-dry clothing for every occasion, from rainy weather to sweaty hikes. She looked to top brands that are T+L editor-approved for travel clothing , and included pieces she and other editors have worn and loved. She prioritized materials that are stylish and travel-friendly, like lightweight fabrics that feature moisture-wicking properties, convenient pockets, and more. She also aimed to highlight pieces made from sustainable or recycled materials, and that come in an inclusive range of sizes. 

Additionally, she consulted Sean Cormier, a textile expert and Associate Professor and Chair of the Textile Development & Marketing Department at the Fashion Institute of Technology, in order to get his insight on what to look for when shopping for quick-drying clothing. Sophie also relied on her own expertise as a commerce writer and a frequent traveler who has tried out pieces from several of the brands on this list, including Girlfriend Collective, Athleta, Rains, and more.

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