korjo travel pillow review

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes
• Travel Products
• Travel Accessories

The 12 Best Travel Pillows of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Sleep and relax comfortably on the go with these top travel pillows

In This Article

Jump to a Section

• Our top picks
• Other Pillows We Liked

Our Testing Process

• Tips for Buying
• Why Trust T+L

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure / Emily Johnson

Sitting upright for hours on end or sleeping on unfamiliar pillows can be incredibly uncomfortable, but a reliable travel pillow can make your trip a lot more tolerable. Whether embarking on a red-eye flight, going camping, or looking to get a good night's sleep in your hotel room, the best travel pillows will be comfy, supportive, and portable. 

We tested more than 40 travel pillows, looking at traits like comfort, durability, portability, and quality. We narrowed down the best options while using the accessory for road trips, long-haul flights, train rides, and even sleeping at home, making sure each option was comfortable for extended use. After catching some of the best Z's, we rounded up pillow choices for different types of travelers who are looking to get more rest on their future trips.

Best Overall

Infinity pillow travel pillow.

Infinity Pillow

The modular design of the pillow makes it easy to use to support the neck, chin, or back while sitting.

The cushioning is fairly soft, so the support isn't as stiff as memory foam.

Most travel pillows come in one shape and size, so we love that this one can contort in various ways to fit your needs. At nearly 40 inches long, the infinity design (yes, like the scarves worn in the early 2000s) can be wrapped once for less support or twice for the type of neck support found in traditional C-shaped pillows. We used the pillow during an all-day road trip and loved that we could wear it around the neck with a looser or tighter fit depending on how much neck support we wanted.

We also found that it's much easier to travel with the pillow since the closed ring shape makes it easy to wear around the neck instead of having to pack it away or risk it falling off. The bamboo fabric is extremely soft and breathable, so we never felt overheated or constricted, and the pillow is machine washable for easy upkeep after a trip. Our only note is that it's not a firm neck pillow like memory foam options, so it's not the most supportive if that's what you're looking for, but it still offers sufficient cushioning for keeping the neck upright. It also comes in a whopping 10 colors.

The Details: Bamboo, nylon | 39.3 x 6.6 inches | Machine washable

Travel + Leisure / Paige VandeWiele

Best With Seat Strap

Cabeau tne s3 travel pillow.

The seat strap system keeps the pillow in place to prevent it from slipping around or falling off.

It can feel stiff at first and takes some getting used to.

This soft and supportive travel pillow is the perfect accessory for long trips, whether you're in the car or in the air. The pillow itself can attach to any headrest with adjustable straps to prevent your head from sagging or falling into uncomfortable positions while sleeping. There's also an adjustable chin strap for added comfort and security. The pillow's exterior fabric is soft and cozy yet breathable so you don't feel too hot or constricted — though it can take some time to find your perfect position.

We also love that the pillow case is machine washable. We tested this pillow on a long international trip where it really got tossed around on planes, trains, and buses, so it felt great to wash the cover at the end of the trip, making it feel as good as new. Despite its fairly large size, the pillow is also quite portable as it rolls up into a compact carrying case that you can attach to a bag's exterior or slip into larger backpacks and totes.

The Details:  Polyester, microsuede, foam   | Machine washable | Carrying case included

Most Supportive

Ostrichpillow go neck pillow.

The pillow has an asymmetrical design that can accommodate neck, chin, and head support preferences.

It might warm your neck if you run hot while sleeping.

The Ostrich Pillow Go Neck Pillow feels like sleeping on a cloud. This travel pillow provided the perfect amount of neck support and comfort when we took it on a flight, allowing us to get more rest than usual. The plush memory foam filling and asymmetric design can be easily adjusted to support the neck, chin, or head with the taller or shorter sides. The materials appear high-quality and luxurious, and it is easy to roll the pillow up to fit inside its compact drawstring sack. The pillow held its shape after being in the bag for long periods of time, which leads us to believe that it will hold up well with prolonged use. The pillow cover is removable and machine washable, but we air dried it to ensure it didn’t shrink (and had no issues putting it back on the pillow). A must-have for those with higher budgets, this pillow allows for better sleep and more comfort on flights.

The Details: Viscosa, memory foam | 10.5 x 9.5 inches | Machine washable | Carrying case included

Travel + Leisure / Susan Brickell

Aeris Memory Foam Travel Pillow

It’s supportive and firm without feeling too stiff. 

This would be best for travelers who know they prefer a firm travel pillow.

We love the comfortable and supportive Aeris Memory Foam Travel Pillow for travelers that like a firmer neck pillow. The buckle strap adjusts accordingly to fit around your neck and offers 360-degree support on the chin, jaw, and back. We loved how you can lean back in the car or plane, and the back of the neck doesn't fall backward. In addition to having exceptional support, the Aeris travel pillow folds into a small ball and easily fits into the included circular carrying case that you can clip onto a backpack or suitcase without being a noticeable nuisance. The travel pillow also comes with earplugs and an eye mask, and features a frontal slip pocket that you can store them in. After a trip, you can unzip and remove the carrying case to machine wash it, although we recommend air drying it to prevent any possibility of shrinkage.

The Details: Velour, polyester, memory foam | 11.81 x 11.42 x 3.54 inches | Machine washable | Carrying case included

Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp

Pluto Pillow Pod

Pluto Pillow

It boasts a cozy hood and built-in eye mask for total darkness even on bright flights.

It's one of the pricer options on this list.

Like the black-out curtains of travel pillows, this option comes with a hood and an eye mask that shields your eyes from any light, which is incredibly useful when you're trying to get some shut-eye on a busy flight. It has a soft neck brace that wraps around the neck with light support, and the hood goes on like a regular hoodie with a drop-down eye mask. Once our head was fully cocooned in the hooded pillow, we found that it was a game changer for travelers who have a hard time falling asleep with light or ambient noise around since it muffles sounds and blocks rays. While the space-helmet-like shape looks quite different from other travel pillows on the market, it's still easy to put on and offers excellent portability. Plus, this newer model features an easy way to clip the pillow to a backpack or luggage handle. One thing to note is that the price point is quite high compared to other pillows on the market, but the unique design and high-quality fabric and construction make it worth it for those with higher budgets.

The Details: Alcantara fabric, WPS mesh | 12 x 6 x 4 inches (folded) | Machine washable

Travel + Leisure / Dera Burreson

Gingerlily Silk Travel Pillow

A silk pillow is the way to go to protect your hair and skin throughout your travels.

This pillow is 12 by 16 inches, so make sure you have plenty of room to pack it.

For those who love sleeping on silk pillowcases at home, this mini version for travel is an absolute must. Yes, it can be pricey to buy silk travel accessories, but it's also expensive to ruin a blowout and have to find a salon on vacation (and there's no price to be put on fresh, clean skin). This silk pillow is smaller than a standard pillow at 12 inches wide and 16 inches long, but you can still use it in a hotel bed, and it's perfect for trains, planes, and cars — just make sure you have the space in your personal item bag . After using this pillow for multiple long trips, it still shows no signs of loose stitches, fraying, or pilling. Rather, the pillow feels like it will last without ever going limp or flat.

The Details: Mulberry silk, cotton sateen, polyester | 12 x 6 inches

Travel + Leisure / Morgan Ashley Parker

TripSavvy / Morgan Ashley Parker

Best Cooling

Cabeau evolution cool pillow.

The mesh air vents make the pillow breathable to prevent overheating. 

It’s made of firm memory foam.

The Cabeau Evolution Cool Pillow is a great pick for travelers who get warm quickly. The pillow is designed to prevent heat from building up when you wear it as mesh vents in between two layers of cushiony memory foam filter in the air. We liked the breathability feature and moisture-wicking fabric and noticed that we didn’t feel overheated while using it on an airplane or road trip. While it took a moment to get situated, once the pillow was in the most comfortable position, it was extremely supportive and firm without feeling too hard. We especially liked the portability of the already lightweight pillow (thanks to its durable carrying case), as well as the mesh pocket for storing small accessories. Even after being rolled up and stuffed into its carrying case, this pillow quickly unfolds back to its original shape.

The Details: Memory foam | 9 x 7 inches | Machine washable | Carrying case included

Best Adjustability

Buyue travel neck pillow.

One side of the pillow has extra cushioning, and you can swivel it around to support any part of your head.

It comes with a drawstring bag to stuff it in, but the pillow still takes up a good chunk of space in a backpack.

With thick cushioning on one side of the pillow, the unique design of this travel pillow makes it easy to get comfortable in a small space where there isn't much wiggle room. No matter which way your head tilts when you sleep, you can adjust this pillow with the largest part of cushioning rotated to support the side or back of your head, or you can turn it to the front to prevent your chin from tipping forward or bobbing around. After testing the pillow on both road trips and long flights, we found that the fabric is breathable and soft for resting your head on, and we love that the cover comes off to toss it in the wash. Because of the thicker side of the pillow, it does take up a bit more space in a backpack, but it does come with a drawstring bag if you prefer to carry it outside of your luggage.

The Details: Polyester, spandex | 8 x 8 x 8 inches | Machine washable | Carrying case included

Travel + Leisure / Ava Wegner

Samsonite 2-in-1 Magic Travel Pillow

It has a modular design to shift from a U-shape to a rectangular pillow, offering versatility at an affordable price.

The neck pillow might not offer enough support for some since it's on the softer side.

This microbead pillow from Samsonite can be used as a neck pillow if you're sitting upright or you can shift it into a rectangular pillow for leaning against a window or laying on a tray table. The handy two-in-one design already gets bonus points for versatility, but the budget-friendly price makes it all the more better. In testing, it was an effortless process to switch from the U-shape to the rectangle shape by flipping the pillow inside out. Made with polyester and microfiber beads, this pillow is shockingly lightweight and feels nearly weightless to carry around an airport. Because the pillow is on the softer side with the microfiber beads, we discovered it's not as supportive as a memory foam pillow, but it still offered enough support to prevent the neck from uncomfortably craning too far to one side.

The Details: Polyester | 12.25 x 11.75 x 4 inches | Hand wash

Travel + Leisure / Anita Rutz

Best Splurge

Purple harmony anywhere pillow.

This supportive pillow is comfortable enough to sleep on at night and would make any hotel stay feel more luxurious.

At over three pounds, it's quite heavy but feels weightless if you attach the strap to a backpack.

If you're looking for a travel pillow that is just as comfortable — if not more so — than your pillows at home, then this luxurious one from Purple is the one for you. It's a miniature version of the brand's best-selling Harmony pillow, and it boasts the same cooling gel and bouncy, neck-supporting feel as the larger version. During testing, we found this pillow to be noticeably cooling, breathable, and moisture-wicking, which can come in handy for camping. We wouldn't use this pillow during flights because of the plush, rectangular shape that wouldn't work well when sitting upright, but it would be ideal when you're laying flat, like in a hotel room.

It comes with a machine-washable pillow cover, and there is a travel case sold separately . Because this is one of the priciest pillows on this list, we do wish the travel case was included, but we do think it's worth adding on for its carrying straps and compression features. The pillow feels quite heavy on its own, but when you attach the strap to a backpack, it feels weightless to carry. You can also compress the pillow in half if you have the travel case, making it much more portable. Although this is a splurge for a travel pillow, we think it's worth the investment for travelers in search of a comfortable pillow with luxe features like a breathable honeycomb design, a moisure-wicking cover, and strong neck support.

The Details: Talalay latex, knit | 16 x 13 x 6 inches | Machine washable

Travel + Leisure / Jackie Cucco

Best Breathable

Sleep number travel pillow.

Sleep Number

The memory foam filling and synthetic fiber exterior let air pass through for superior breathability.

The pillow is large and was cumbersome to carry, especially for light packers.

It can get hot and stuffy on an airplane, so we love that the synthetic materials used to create this Sleep Number travel pillow are light and airy. The memory foam filling is bouncy and lightweight, and the soft fabric pillowcase is cooling enough to prevent overheating while sleeping in a plane, car, or train. We used the pillow on a long-haul flight to Ireland and found it was ideal for leaning your head against the window or on the tray table since the pillow is on the larger side. While the size offers extra cushioning and support like a regular pillow, it did make it slightly annoying to carry through crowded airports since it doesn't come with a compact carrying case. However, it does come with a drawstring bag to carry it separately or you can use the clasp to attach it to backpacks, suitcases, or other luggage.

The Details: Lyocell blend, memory foam | 17 x 12 inches | Machine-washable cover | Carrying case included

Travel + Leisure / Emily Johnson

Best for Camping

Therm-a-rest compressible pillow.

This mini pillow is ultra-durable and fit for rustic adventuring.

It doesn’t offer neck support like a regular travel pillow.

If you’re not a fan of the typical U-shaped travel pillow, the Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow is a great alternative. It resembles the rectangular style of a traditional pillow, and you can compress it down to easily transport it to the great outdoors, making sleeping in a tent more comfortable than ever. The recycled polyester fabric is light and breathable, and the foam filling — made from extra polyurethane foam left over after producing REI’s sleeping pads — provides a soft cushion for your head. We also loved how durable it is, especially for various uses like camping, flying, or taking a nap at home. While the pillow doesn’t come with a carrying bag, it has a toggle strap that you can use to compress it into a smaller size and a built-in cover that you fold the pillow into for protection while traveling.

The Details: Recycled polyester, polyurethane foam fill | 15 x 11 x 5 inches | Machine washable

Other Travel Pillows We Liked

Some travel pillows we tested almost made the cut but didn’t due to a few weaknesses, though they still might make suitable options for some travelers.

Hest Pillow : This standard pillow is on the softer side yet still provides support and comfort while laying on it, but the fabric is slightly itchy, and it’s bulky to carry around, even when compressed.

Cabeau Evolution Classic Travel Neck Pillow : While the memory foam is the perfect balance of firm and soft, we found this pillow to be just a bit too bulky for frequent travel.

Travel + Leisure / Daniela Galvez

Slip Jet Setter Travel Pillow : The silk material is luxurious soft and cooling, but the pillow itself is extremely bulky to wear and difficult to travel with.

Snugl Neck Travel Pillow : Made with soft and supportive memory foam, the pillow is ultra-comfy to use in-flight, but we had a lot of trouble getting it back into the carrying case.

Cushion Lab Travel Deep Sleep Pillow : The comfort level with this pillow is so high that we started using it to sleep on nightly at home. However, it's not very portable, and we had a hard time rolling it up into the case.

Our Travel + Leisure team tested more than 40 travel pillows to find the very best ones for every type of comfort-seekers. To thoughtfully curate this list, we researched and tested popular options, including pillows with the classic U-shape and rectangular ones, too.

Paying close attention to traits like comfort, quality, durability, and portability, we noted various features that stood out to us for both good and bad reasons. We looked for special features such as cooling designs, firmness, softness, or other claims by the manufacturer to check if they rang true. Our favorite pillows also kept their shape after being tucked away into a case and always sprang back into their original form with no signs of damage. 

After testing the pillows on journeys like cross-country road trips and long-haul flights, we continue to capture testing notes every few months to update our articles accordingly.

Tips for Buying a Travel Pillow

Prioritize neck support.

When it comes to sleeping in planes, trains, or cars, you should focus on your neck and head support. When your head drops during sleep, it can leave you with a sore neck or even a headache. Your travel pillow should be supportive enough that your neck stays securely upright without feeling as though you're being squeezed.

Portability is key 

Whether you pack light or stuff your suitcase full, a compact travel pillow that fits into a small carrying case is ideal for bringing along on trips. Of course, some travel pillows don’t compress, but they should still be easy to clip onto a suitcase or backpack and not bump into too many things if you’re traversing an airport or train station. It's always more convenient when a carrying case is included, especially if it has a luggage trolley sleeve or straps.

Consider the filling material 

Travelers who like a firmer pillow should opt for a memory foam filling that can offer more support than an inflatable alternative. Microbead pillows can be just as supportive as memory foam ones, but they tend to be on the softer side and are more suited to travelers that like a little less structure while sleeping. 

Think about how you plan to use it

Travel pillows are a relatively broad category, so you'll want to narrow down your intended use and travel habits before purchasing since they come in all different shapes, styles, and sizes. For example, if you often find yourself in the middle seat while flying, you'll want a pillow with lots of head support like a memory foam, U-shape pillow or an infinity style that you can adjust. However, window-seaters might opt for a rectangular pillow for leaning against the plane wall.

Travel pillows aren't just for flights, either. There are also rectangular options that can help make you more comfortable while camping or staying in hotel rooms, rental properties, or even friend's houses that might not have great pillows. They are also a road trip essential for every adventure.

You can generally find washing instructions on the tag of the travel pillow when you buy it. Removable covers can usually go through a machine wash, but many of our team members opted to air dry the cover to prevent any shrinkage that could happen in a hot dryer. If a pillow doesn’t have a removable cover, you can spot clean the pillow by using a wet cloth dipped in soapy water.

Most standard travel pillows have a semicircular shape that you wrap around the neck to support your neck, head, and chin. These U-shaped pillows often have memory foam or microbead filling, but there are also inflatable neck pillows. There are unique J-shaped travel pillows that are perfect for supporting the neck and head of someone sitting in the middle or aisle seat. In addition, standard pillows make great travel pillows for certain situations, and plenty of rectangular-styled pillows compress down for better portability.

Most travel pillows will come with carrying cases to compress the pillow, making it more portable. If the carrying case doesn't have a handle, it should still pack down small enough to fit in a personal item such as a backpack or a tote bag. Some pillows have a luggage trolley pass-through sleeve, which you can slip over the handle of your suitcase, while others may have a strap or a clip that you can attach to a backpack to carry it hands-free.

Some pillows are specifically designed to be worn in multiple different ways, but in general, it depends on your comfort preferences. You can wear a travel pillow backward , forward, or you can lean on it in the window seat — the most important thing is finding the most comfortable position for you.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Anna Popp  is a New York-based commerce writer at T+L, where she writes most of the team's tested content. Anna participated in testing travel pillows and worked with travel editors to determine the results for the best ones on the market based on a series of tests completed during trips taken by plane, car, and train. We will continue to update this article as we test even more travel pillows.

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.

Advertisement

The Silly-Looking Trtl Travel Pillow Is the Only Way I Can Sleep on Flights

By Elissa Sanci

Elissa Sanci is a writer on the discovery team. She has found that clear ice makes carbonated drinks taste better, and citronella candles don’t work.

I will almost always choose function over fashion, even if that means looking like a total dork in public. I’ve sported a fanny pack since before it was cool, I frequently don my unflattering but extremely protective sun hat on hikes, and I have no qualms using my funny-looking wearable reading light on public transportation.

But the Trtl Pillow , a goofy travel pillow that looks and acts more like a neck brace, was where I drew the line. A long-standing pick in our guide to the best travel pillows , the Trtl Pillow is essentially a fleece scarf with a plastic insert on one side that keeps your neck stable as you doze on flights.

I had a hunch that this pick, loved by side-sleepers like myself, would lull me to sleep in a way that traditional neck pillows never could—but I didn’t think I would ever be tired enough to willingly strap on what looks like a padded neck brace in public.

Spoiler alert: I tried it after snagging a lightning deal on Prime Day. I slept so well that day on my cross-country flight that I woke up at my destination well rested—and kicking myself for being embarrassed by one of the single greatest pieces of travel gear I’ve ever owned.

Trtl Pillow

A pillow for one-sided neck support only.

It’s a fleece scarf with a built-in plastic brace—like a one-sided neck brace but softer and cozier. However, it’s not so great if you tend to shift position while you sleep, and it costs more than the other pillows we recommend.

Buying Options

The perfect pillow for people who can’t sleep on planes.

Though the Trtl is technically a pillow, I like to think of it more as a padded pedestal to rest your head against as you sleep, held in place by a fleece scarf that wraps around your neck and closes with Velcro.

The bendy, plastic brace offers the perfect amount of neck support for people (like me) who find it easiest to sleep upright by nodding their head to the side. I’d never had luck falling asleep with traditional neck pillows looped around my neck, which made me feel claustrophobic. But the Trtl Pillow’s soft fleece scarf has enough give that I find it comfortably supportive rather than constricting, and I appreciate that it keeps my head firmly in place so I don’t wake up with a crick in my neck. You can wear the Trtl Pillow on either side of your head—though you’ll need to take it off, flip it, and rewrap it if you want to switch midflight—and I’ve found it comfortable to use even when I get stuck in the dreaded middle seat.

This little pillow is ideal for an overpacker like me who rarely has space to spare in my carry-on. Because it folds down into a little bundle that lies almost completely flat, I can slip it between my laptop and the back of my backpack, where it takes up less space than a hardcover book. The Trtl Pillow is also small enough to fit into briefcases, purses, and some fanny packs, so it’s ideal for folks who don’t normally travel with backpacks. At only 5 ounces, the Trtl Pillow doesn’t add any noticeable weight to a bag.

And because airplanes are notoriously nasty, the Trtl Pillow is also machine-washable. Once you’re home, simply slip the plastic brace from the scarf before tossing it into the wash.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

My biggest gripe with the Trtl Pillow is that I can’t wear my over-ear noise-cancelling headphones while using it. Understandable, considering that my ear is pressed against the plastic ledge and couldn’t possibly accommodate a padded earcup, but annoying nonetheless. To block out plane noises while I nap, I use my Loop earplugs instead, which nestle in my ear and don’t interfere with the pillow when I nod off.

Since I’m almost always cold on planes, I love cozying up to the Trtl Pillow’s warm fleece scarf—but if you run hot, this pillow is probably not for you. It also doesn’t work well for people who nod forward or move their head from side to side while they sleep.

The Trtl Pillow is the priciest travel pillow we recommend. Our top pick, a more traditional travel pillow, costs $40. The price of the Trtl Pillow has risen significantly since I made my purchase last summer; it was originally $40 (before my Prime Day deal, which cut the price in half), whereas now the price sits around $60. I’ve had such success with the Trtl Pillow that I’d willingly pay full price for it even now, but it’s worth keeping an eye out for potential deals.

And, of course, the Trtl Pillow makes you look extremely silly—so silly that you, like me, may be hesitant to use it in public. But now that I’ve actually used it consistently for the past year and a half, I can say that it’s worth any side-eye you may catch from a seatmate. Before I tried the Trtl Pillow, I used to dread early-morning flights because I knew that I wouldn’t sleep a wink and that I’d inevitably arrive at my destination irritated and cranky. I’m a much happier traveler now that I know I’ll be able to drift off and rest my weary eyes after take-off, and that is worth looking a little ridiculous.

This article was edited by Rachelle Bergstein and Catherine Kast.

Meet your guide

Elissa Sanci

Senior Staff Writer

Elissa Sanci is a senior staff writer for Wirecutter’s discovery team based in Denver. Her byline has appeared in The New York Times, Woman’s Day, Marie Claire, and Good Housekeeping. When she’s not testing TikTok-famous products or writing about car garbage cans, you can find her hiking somewhere in the Rockies or lying on the couch with a bowl of chips balanced on her chest. There is no in-between.

• Work With Me

• Sierra Leone
• South Africa
• United States
• New Zealand
• Falkland Islands
• Netherlands
• Accommodation
• Electrical Gear
• Essential Gear
• Working Abroad
• Blogging Resources

Travel Gear & Packing

Trtl travel pillow review: 1st class sleep for economy passengers.

Given that I have the neck of a giraffe and I fly a lot with work, I think it’s fair to say that I’ve gone through a lot of travel pillows in my time!

After all, nothing is better at facilitating a good sleep on a plane as a well-supported neck… paired with an eye mask and a pair of earplugs of course!

But let’s be clear, not all travel pillows are made equal especially, as I’ve discovered, for the giraffe-necked among us!

Low reaching, unbearably soft, deflatable, even too bulky – I’ve gone through many a flawed travel pillow in my time, presumably so I can now live to tell you this alternative travel pillow tale!

And thankfully, it’s a tale that ends well, because honestly, the Trtl Travel Pillow will revolutionise your flying life, just as it’s revolutionised mine.

Related Posts

• Best Quick Dry Towel for Travel
• 12 Long Haul Flying Essentials
• Best Carry On Tips for Long Haul Flights

The Problem with Economy Flying

The problem with economy flying is of course, that it’s usually woefully uncomfortable, especially on long haul flights.

From a lack of legroom, to jostling elbows and seats that never recline enough – no part of the flying in economy is made for a good night’s sleep!

And this is especially true if you’re pulled the short straw of the dreaded middle seat!

Of all the travel karmic comedowns, this is surely the worst!

Without so much as a window or an aisle armrest to learn against, the chances of you getting any sleep in the middle are pretty much zero in my experience.

That is, unless you have a Trtl Travel Pillow!

Free standing, compact, light and supportive, this amazing piece of new travel comfort technology is the ideal antidote to middle seat anguish.

Without getting all up in your neighbour’s space, having to crane your neck or giving yourself a dead arm, you’ll be assured of an incredible shut eye with this amazing new sort of travel pillow.

And let’s be honest, avoiding nudging your neighbour, hurting your neck or waking up with a dead arm, are pretty good results if you’re in the window seat or aisle seat too, making the Trtl Travel Pillow a delight for economy flyers everywhere!

How Does the Trtl Pillow Work?

But how does the Trtl Pillow achieve such a feat?

While quite simply, because it’s not really a pillow… confusing I know!

To describe it more accurately I would say the Trtl is much more like a supportive neck scarf.

Folding down to the size of a book roughly, the Trtl has an inbuilt curved neck brace, covered in soft. fleece fabric, that fits brilliantly into the crook of your neck.

Lean your head onto this sturdy support and then simply wrap the soft fabric of the rest of the scarf around to keep your neck in place – securing at the end with the Velcro strap.

Amazingly adjustable, so that it fits any jaw, face or shoulder (including giraffe necks!), the Trtl Travel Pillow is light, comfortable and incredibly supportive, giving a secure base to rest your check, chin and jawline on.

The gap between the lateral bands provides cushioned support and holds your neck in a wonderful neutral position – just what the doctor ordered… literally!

Because yes, the Trtl is actually scientifically proven!

Neck ache by gone!

With its fantastic wraparound design, this travel pillow solution is also totally hands-free, so there’s no need to hold anything in place, or prop anything up; all you need to do is simply fit the pillow support against your neck, wrap the scarf material, secure at the end and you’re good to go!

Or as Trtl themselves describe the process… loop around, wrap and nap!

Wearing the Trtl Pillow

Now I understand you might be concerned here about what the Trtl Travel Pillow looks like on – after all, words like neck brace and travel scarf hardly bring to mind a glamorous in-flight picture!

But actually, you need not worry.

One of the things I love most about the Trtl Travel Pillow is that it’s actually incredibly discrete.

The support inside is made from every light plastic and is very sturdy, whilst also boasting a minimalist design.

Covered by the Trtl’s soft, fleece fabric, it’s almost undetectable.

Oh and when on, the Trtl Travel Pillow really just looks like you are wearing a scarf or wrap.

Available in a range of colours, the slick black is a good all rounder, especially for travel, as accidental food drops or dribbles are less likely to show up!

That said, you can opt for cool grey, detectable red or more vibrant coral if you really want to get in the holiday mod!

And while I must say that my very poor spatial awareness skills did lead to some confusion when first putting the Trtl on (I had the curve of the neck support the wrong way – honestly, I’m an embarrassment to myself), once I got the hang of it, things were smooth and straightforward sailing from then on.

I love that you can easily adjust this pillow scarf by loosening or tightening the velcro and that the high density padding makes it super comfy.

And if you do get confused like me, then watching the ‘how to wear’ video on Trtl’s website is a great help FYI!

Practically Perfect

But it’s not just support and comfort that the Trtl Travel Pillow ticks off the list, it’s also practicality.

Machine washable, hypoallergenic and compact, all Trtl’s come in a lightweight waterproof carry bag with velcro fastening and clip so that you can easily attach it to the outside of your hand luggage.

Trtl products use premium materials and are committed to maximising recycled and sustainable materials where possible, plus their new Trtl Travel Pillow Cool range even has antibacterial properties and special cool touch fabric, along with breathable vented panels.

Honestly if, like me, you’ve tried what feels like just about every travel pillow under the sun and still can’t get the support your neck needs to sleep well in-flight, then isn’t it time to give a Trtl a go?

All I can say is get ready to enjoy the best travel sleep of, well, the night!

Get your Trtl Travel Pillow here!

PIN THIS TO PINTEREST!

This review was kindly sponsored by Trtl Pillow but, as always, all views are my own.

This page contains affiliate links meaning Big World Small Pockets may receive a small commission on any purchases at no extra cost to you.

Creator of Big World Small Pockets, Stephanie Parker is a travel addict! Originally from Jersey in the Channel Islands, Stephanie adventures the world collecting tips, advice and stories, to share with a smile

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

This airplane pillow attaches to your headrest, so I can actually sleep on a plane — even in the middle seat

When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

• This $40 Cabeau travel pillow has made my economy red-eye flights feel like business class. 
• It attaches to your headrest, so it won't move around even during turbulence and I can finally sleep on the plane — even in the middle seat. 
• It also has an ergonomic design that's more comfortable than other airplane pillows I've used, and rolls up into its own case so I can travel with it easier.

Since business class seats are financially out of reach for many frequent fliers, anyone who's flown economy is familiar with the woes of sleeping on a plane.

I've seen fellow passengers bring inflatable pillows, squishy bean-bag styles, and more, but they all slide around and continuously shift with every turbulent bump. That's why I love the $40 Cabeau Evolution S3 pillow .

This pillow isn't exactly stylish, but when I'm spending 10+ on a flight, I don't care. Now that many airlines are charging extra money to choose a seat before checking in, I feel a sense of dread when I realize I've got a middle seat on my upcoming flight. But with this pillow, I know that I can sleep comfortably in any seat with no fear of slumping down onto my neighbor two minutes after I doze off.

This travel pillow can be secured to your headrest so it won't move around as you sleep

The Evolution S3 pillow looks somewhat similar to many other U-shaped airplane pillows. However, it has a handful of extra features that make a big difference. 

There's no much set-up involved in using the Evolution S3 pillow – it's a pillow, after all – but it does include two straps that you can secure around your seat's headrest (even if you're stuck in the dreaded middle seat). It attaches around the headrest for adults or around the base of the headrest for kids and shorter travelers. Because the straps are elastic and secured with Velcro, it can wrap around just about any size headrest – it's definitely "one-size-fits-all" and I didn't have any problems using it on my flights. The overall experience is much more comfortable than using an inflatable pillow. 

One design consideration though is that if your seat doesn't have a headrest at all, the traps on this pillow might not stretch wide enough. If that's the case, you can still use the pillow like you would any other, and I'd bet the ergonomic design would still work better than your other travel pillows. 

As for the visuals, the pillow comes in a variety of colors. The " Cardinal " and " Galaxy " color options are probably the most attention-grabbing while the gray and black will likely blend in a bit better with your seat's headrest. I prefer the brighter ones as I tend to leave things on planes fairly often and those stand out a bit more.

It's also comfortable and can be rolled up in its own travel case

Instead of being a lumpy, uncomfortable pillow that gives you a few hours of sporadic sleep, the memory foam makes it actually comfortable. You can rest nearly as well in your airplane seat as you can at home on your couch.

During my testing, neck pain or a falling pillow never woke me up. Instead of nodding off and falling over on my neighbor – or, worse, not falling asleep at all on a red-eye – I fell asleep fast and stayed asleep. If you've got an eye mask and earplugs or headphones, you can basically settle in for the night. It's almost like having a cushy business-class seat — except that it only costs $40.

When you're all ready to deplane, the pillow can be rolled up "like a cinnamon roll" (according to the instructions) and slipped into the accompanying storage bag. You can then clip the bag around your suitcase, saving storage space in your carry-on bag. It was easy to fit in the case on my first try.

Read more: The best travel pillows you can buy  

The area around your neck is raised higher to keep your head from rolling as you sleep

One of my favorite features, aside from the ability to stay upright via the headrest attachment, is the focus on keeping your head and neck straight.

The inside of the U-shape (the area of the pillow closest to your neck) is raised higher than the rest of the pillow to help avoid head bobbing, which can wake up even the heaviest sleeper. This pillow is also flat in the back, which might not sound important, but it is.

Normal airplane pillows can push your neck out and make it difficult to find a comfortable fit. But because this one is flat in the back, it sits right against the headrest, keeping your spine aligned and upright instead of being pitched forward. 

If you like to wear a mask or listen to music when you sleep, you'll love the roomy side pocket on the pillow. I stored my eye mask in it, and when I was ready to sleep, I swapped it for my phone to avoid dropping it while I slept. This is also a good strategy if you still use headphones with a cord like me, so you don't have to worry about the cord dangling or getting tangled in your blanket.

The material might make your neck feel warm, but the removable cover is machine-washable

A potential downside of the Evolution S3 pillow is that it might make your neck a little warm, which I experienced. 

I'm almost always freezing on planes, but I had my male travel companion test it out too just to confirm. While he agreed that the pillow was far more comfortable than expected, he also reported waking up with some neck sweat. Fortunately, the cover is removable and can be machine-washed, so even if you do happen to overheat, you can wash it when you get home (or in your hotel room sink.)

While I wouldn't consider it a major issue, it's worth noting that the pillow will get smushed when it's rolled up and in the case, so it'd take a few minutes to fully expand again. For that reason, Cabeau recommends using the case only during travel and not storing the pillow rolled up.

I've never slept better on a plane, and even my seat neighbors have commented on the ingenious design

This pillow is an affordable way to help make your next flight feel far more comfortable than you ever thought possible, even if you're in a middle seat in economy. 

Most airplane pillows are generic inflatable or bean-bag style options sold at airport stores and slide around when you need it most. In terms of innovative styles that prop your head up, the Trtl Travel Pillow wraps around your neck so you can customize the fit. It's about $10 cheaper and easier to travel with as it doesn't include a foam base like this one, but it doesn't connect to headrests and doesn't have storage pockets, which are features I found to be key with the Evolution S3 pillow .

I've never slept better on a plane than with the Evolution S3 pillow, and I've even had a seat neighbors comment on the ingenious design. Yes, it looks a little weird, but who cares if you wake up on the other side of the world feeling well-rested and ready to go?

Subscribe to our newsletter. You can purchase syndication rights to this story here. Disclosure: This post is brought to you by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners. We frequently receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising sales team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at [email protected] .

• Main content

The World’s best Travel Pillow – Cabeau Evolution review

By: Author Swedish Nomad

Posted on Last updated: December 29, 2017

Categories Travel Gadgets

Home / Travel Gadgets / The World’s best Travel Pillow – Cabeau Evolution review

I found this travel pillow from Cabeau about 2 years ago, and since then I haven’t had a single thought of switching for another neck pillow while traveling!

After long bus rides or long-haul flights, you quickly realize that it isn’t fun to sit still for several hours, and especially that it sure ain’t comfortable without a support for your neck. Sure, you can use your arms, hands, the backrest of the seat in front of you, or even your partner for a short while, but in the long run, you’ll likely get frustrated.

Luckily there are a few tricks you can pull, but in this particular article, I will focus on my pro tip of using a comfortable travel pillow, also known as a neck pillow. According to me, this is an essential travel gadget for all travelers!

What is a Travel pillow/Neck Pillow?

In short, a pillow that is specifically designed to support your neck. What makes it a travel pillow is normally just the fact that the particular neck pillow is designed to be easy to carry while traveling. Most travel pillows are ergonomically designed and aim to make it easier to sleep comfortably on the road.

I’ve been traveling since 2010 and full-time since 2014. During this period I’ve tried and bought countless of travel pillows, both cheaper models, and premium neck pillows. But truth to be told, none of them have been durable and the majority have just been with me for 2-3 trips before the pillow itself became uncomfortable.

To fly or jump on a bus for 8 hours or more without a travel pillow is not something I would recommend.

Luckily I found the Cabeau Evolution Pillow about 2 years ago, and it has made my travels a lot more comfortable. In addition to that, it is also easy to carry and it’s even foldable, which makes it possible to squeeze into almost every kind of luggage/backpack.

What makes it even better is the fact that I’ve been carrying this particular travel pillow from Cabeau to more than 50 countries, and it’s still standing strong. The pillowcase is washable, and the memory foam is still intact.

Most of us have probably owned some kind of neck pillow. Most common are the inflatable ones, but also various kinds of fabric. What many travel pillows have in common is the sad fact that they break or lose its shape, which makes them practically useless.

The lower price of 10-20 Euro doesn’t help either when you constantly have to buy a new one. With Cabeau’s neck pillow you’ll get a travel pillow that will adjust to your head and neck, thanks to its memory foam.

With that said, this is a premium product and it comes with a higher price as the quality is way above average. Don’t worry though, I promise you that it’s a good investment and you’ll most likely not be disappointed. The higher price will also pay off in the long run since the Cabeau Evolution pillow is durable. Just look at mine that has been to 50 countries and used weekly for about 2 years time.

I recommend this travel pillow to everyone who asks me for a good neck pillow to bring along on the trip or flight. Many of my friends and family have also become faithful users and every now and then I receive emails saying thank you for the nice recommendation.

I’m in no way associated with Cabeau nor being paid to promote this either. My recommendation is solely from the fact that I use this myself, and find it the best travel pillow I’ve come across for 7 years of traveling. Perhaps that’s also why it’s being sold on almost every major airport worldwide.

You can buy the pillow from Cabeau here

Facts about the Cabeau Evolution Pillow

• Perfect travel pillow – both for travels and the beach (yes, even home in your bed)
• Memory foam that adjusts to your head and neck
• Extra slot for smartphone
• Specially designed to support the neck
• Has buckles that can be clamped together to keep the pillow in place
• Can be folded for smoother storage
• A set of earplugs comes with this travel pillow
• The cushion case can be washed in the machine
• Possible wipe the foam inside
• Dimensions of neck pillow: 28 x 23 x 12 cm

Are there other alternatives?

Of course, as previously mentioned I have tried countless of other neck pillows. Cabeau Evolution is far from the only option out there, and if you’re happy with a budget version for 1-2 trips it’s still better than none.

In recent time I’ve also seen some bulkier travel pillows, but still, I can’t think of any portable neck pillow that will beat the Cabeau Evolution when it comes to quality and functionality.

Perfect as a present or Christmas gift for travelers

A really good travel pillow will always be an appreciated present or Christmas gift for someone who likes to travel or often go on longer trips by bus or airplane. Expect a double thank you for the gift afterward when they’ve brought this travel pillow along on their first journey!

Do you have any tips of other travel pillows that you’re using/have used? Feel free to share, and if you have some more questions about the neck pillow from Cabeau, leave a comment or send me an email!

Tuesday 5th of March 2019

Hi Alex. Thanks for your review of the Cabeau Evolution travel Pillow. I have tried various travel pillows and they are either uncomfortable or don't work with my Bose noise cancelling headphones. I was wondering whether you have ever used your Cabeau travel pillow with noise cancelling headphones and how this went? This travel pillow looks like it will tick all my boxes the only unknown is how they will go with my headphones. With a long haul trip from Australia to the USA coming up in 3 months time I am keen to buy one of these so if you have the time to provide any feedback on my question it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again for your review. Joe

Alexander Waltner

Thanks for your comment. It's a great travel pillow. I have, but I think it could depend on which noise canceling headphones you have. I suggest that you visit a store where they sell the Cabeau Evolution, or that you order it online and try it at home. By the end of the day, we are all unique, so what works for someone, might feel uncomfortable for someone else.

The travel pillow is very good though, so I can warmly recommend that you either try it in a store (they are most likely sold somewhere where you live) or buy them via let's say Amazon.

Item added to your cart

Cabeau Evolution travel pillows

Couldn't load pickup availability

These incredibly popular travel pillows are the best selling travel pillow in New Zealand, and for good reason. Just read the reviews!

These are great for long car rides too if you're not flying for a while!

Made of responsive memory foam, they are ideal for travelling in a plane, train or car. The patented ergonomic design, flattened back and high side panels provide perfect neck comfort and with straps at the back they can be fastened to the airplane headrest if you want to so your head doesn't fall forward.

It fits like a neck brace but is very comfortable and so easy to sleep in. I'm a convert. More costly than the micro bead and the other memory foam pillows in this store, but the Cabeau is worth the investment if you're travelling lots or doing a long haul trip. It has toggles in the front so you can wear it snuggly tight or loosen it off to eat.

To carry it, roll it up like a cinnamon bun into its bag where a velcro strap can easily fix it around your luggage handle if you don't want to pack it. The cover also can be removed for washing. Store out of the bag for long periods to keep its shape.

Customer Reviews

Really personal and helpful and was happy to swap an item after l had ordered wrong size..highly recommended

So comfortable to sleep on the plane with this neck pillow. Easy to carry around as well.

I flew Sydney to Singapore with my new Cabeau and slept for the first time. And I arrived without the usual stiff and aching neck. I love the convenience of being able to pack the pillow into the provided bag as well. A fantastic purchase and I highly recommend it.

Very comfortable pillow - would highly recommend to other travellers.

SO VERY HAPPY, such excellent quality. Lovely soft fabric, fantastic design. Can't wait to actually use them on our big trip to Europe. We have tried them at home and so very pleased. We'll worth it. Great purchase.

What our customers say

My partner in crime loves it to bits his other one got stolen the zips as clips are an added bonus recommend this product 100%

These are fantastic, years ago I brought the smaller cloths and they have been first rate all this time.

Footrest hammock

What a great buy these are. So compact for storing in luggage.

I bought these for travelling but have been wearing them for playing tennis to support my dodgy calf and they are great. They're not too tight, but tight enough to provide support, feel comfortable to wear and don't slip down when you're moving a lot. I highly recommend these :)

This is so soft, rinses out well and dries really quickly. It's a fantastic face cloth. Get two and use the second as a washer for the rest of you. Just brilliant.

These are good in that they do the job and work well for domestic travel. Unfortunately they do not have any markings on the regarding the maximum volume so unsuitable for international travel. A rather annoying lesson to learn!

I ordered 2 sets. Black for Mr and a gorgeous Turquoise shade for Me. We can't wait to use them. I loved the tips on the Web Site that we can take the cubes out of our suitcase and put them in our Cruise Ship Cabin drawer. As we will be away for 6 weeks I instantly wanted them. We are over trying to find things in our bags. We know we will just love these packing cubes. My only thought is "is one set each an enough"? 😃

I gave this hammock to a friend who was travelling over 17 hrs non stop. She used the hammock and said it made the journey much more comfortable

I haven’t had a chance to wear them yet but they fit well. Firm but not too tight. A good length too.

Fantastically handy especially in the limited space of an aircraft’s bathroom. Quick and easy!

Bought these for my daughter and her girls who are about to go on a lifetime trip. Best face cloths ever for travelling.

I’ve not used the products yet but service was speedy and seamless. The foot hammock looks ideal, and the pouches to decant liquids into are such a great idea to save space. Looking forward to using these on my next trip which is soon.

Easy to fill and use and once also good for space saving.

• Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
• Opens in a new window.

VIVAIA Shoes Review: Are the Trendy Shoes Worth It?

Our pros tested flats, heels and boots to see if the trendy brand is worth it.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Sizing and Fit

Return policy, sustainable practices, the bottom line: are vivaia shoes worth it, why trust good housekeeping.

In the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, we wanted to see if these shoes lived up to the hype when it came to both comfort and sustainability. In the Lab, we've tested everything from the best flats for work to the most comfortable dress shoes . So far, we've tested eight VIVAIA styles including flats, heels and boots — five of which I tried out for myself. The Margot 2.0 flat also impressed our judges enough to earn a GH Sustainable Innovation Award .

The Best VIVAIA Shoes

Vivaia margot 2.0.

Not only did the Margot earn a GH Sustainable Innovation Award, but it's also our pick for the best fashionable shoe for bunions thanks to its stretchy, knit fabric that's available in over 50 colors and patterns.

"The insole has more cushion than most of my other flats, so they’re comfortable to wear all day long, even when I’m walking all over the city," said Home & Apparel Reviews Analyst Amanda Constantine . Both Constantine and Textiles Lab Senior Analyst Emma Seymour enjoy adding VIVAIA's removable bows to their flats for a two-in-one shoe. Textiles Lab Product Analyst Grace Wu loves these fun bows too, but she notes that they may shift as you wear them.

I have a pair of the Margot Mary Janes , which are similar in style but with an added buckle strap. Like Constantine, I have worn these all around the city and find they lend more support than the typical flat. I can't get enough of the stylish square toe and appreciate that the strap has infinite buckle hole options for a secure fit.

My feet are narrow at the ankle and wider towards the top, so these shoes run a little big on me. I can still wear my regular size without them falling off my heels. The extra space lets me slip in a pair of insoles for even more comfort. Wu and I agree that the arch support is great but note that the insoles can get sweaty after all-day use when worn sans socks or tights .

VIVAIA Regina Pro

When I first heard of VIVAIA, I thought the brand only made flats, so I was excited to learn you can find boots, heels and more on its site. The Regina Pro is popular among GH staffers (including me). The square toe and angular block heel are effortlessly modern , and I can't get enough of this versatile bootie that can go from day to night.

The style runs a bit large, so I sized down half-size to find a better fit. I found that my pinky toes rubbed against the side as I broke them in but the pinching has lessened over time as the material has expanded. My shins hurt less when walking around in these boots compared to other heeled styles I own.

Wu tested out the heeled boot too, and while she liked its stylish appearance, she found the style to run large and the heel portion and front to be a bit too stiff. Seymour owns the Regina Pro too and finds them easy to slip on and off thanks to the stretchy, knit upper. "I find them comfortable to wear. The footbed offers some arch support and the wide heel makes them feel more stable," she said.

VIVAIA Melody 2.0

I don't know about you, but I find heels to be a tricky business. I don't have bunions, but as someone who runs and used to do ballet, I find it nearly impossible to track down a heel that doesn't make my shins hurt while walking around the city. With the Melody , my feet immediately felt cushioned, almost like I was on a very chic cloud.

"I have the most problematic feet: Flat, bunions and just overworked from working in professional kitchens," said reviews analyst Eva Bleyer . She often doesn't wear heels because they are never comfortable on her feet, but she found a refreshing change in the Melody. "I have a large bunion on one of my feet and I found the material able to stretch and conform, instead of constricting my feet," she says. Her favorite part is the cushiony bottom that lends enough comfort that she doesn't have to wear extra inserts.

Bleyer says they are so stylish that she is considering wearing them to her upcoming wedding-related events. While she does think she could have gone up half a size, she said the shoes began to fit better after she wore them a few times. On the flip side, I sized down a half-size and experienced some blisters on my heel while breaking them in.

VIVAIA Tiana

Bow flats are an irresistibly cute style I gravitate towards, but most seriously lack support. That's not the case with the Tiana flats , which have arch support and a shock-absorbing midsole. I experienced no break-in period and appreciated the padding around the heel for extra comfort.

You can choose from a plethora of fun patterns and colors, from chocolate zebra (which I have) to pitaya gingham. You won't be able to add accessories to this style like you can with the Margot, but an attached bow won't fall off or shift like some of the clip-on accessories can. Note that I sized down a full size in this shoe.

VIVAIA Madeline Pro

I have been dreaming about over-the-knee boots ever since: "Are you wearing the —" "The Chanel boots? Yeah, I am." But I almost gave up after far too many leather boots that were a pain to put on and felt too much like I was about to get on a horse. Not only did the Madeline Pro boots slip on and off with ease thanks to a stretchy upper, but the vertical ribbed texture is the type of subtle detail I love — plus it creates a slimming effect.

You can fold over the top of the boot to lower the height, which means you can get two (or maybe three!) styles for the price of one. The wool upper also isn't itchy — a major pro for someone like me who is sensitive to wool.

The exterior material is water-resistant, and I appreciate the cushioned midsole and doubled arch support to keep you going from 9 to 5 (or longer). I also sized down half a size in these boots, but I may have been fine with my regular size. The boots feel a little snug but not so tight that I can't wiggle my toes. Similar to the Margot 2.0 flats, these boots can feel pretty sweaty on a warmer day, but I like to roll them down a bit to cool down.

In my experience, I found that VIVAIA's shoes ran large . I ordered my first pair, the Margot Mary-Jane , in my regular size, but I have found that sizing down a half or full size is typically a better fit.

Wu has had similar experiences and found it difficult to find her size in the Regina Pros. "I went with a 37, [my true size], for these and found them just a hair too long, so my feet kept sliding forward and jamming in the front which didn’t have enough give. A size down would’ve been too small," said Wu.

However, Seymour found VIVAIA to run true to size: "I have narrow feet and the flats stay on my feet decently well." Constantine agrees that they run true-to-size, but that her pair of flats are a bit wider than other flats she owns. She appreciates that V IVAIA offers unique sizes in between full- and half-sizes. Bleyer reported she could have even gone up a half size, but notes that she is often between sizes and after wearing the heels a few times, they began to fit better.

Overall, VIVAIA's sizing can be inconsistent depending on the style. Similar to finding the perfect jeans, your size in a pair of flats may be different than your size in heels or boots — even if you are buying from the same brand.

If you aren't in love with your pair of shoes or want to exchange them for a different size, you have 30 days from the date you received your items to return them. Items must be unworn, unwashed, unaltered and have original tags and packaging. Note that final sale items and gifts cannot be returned, and the original shipping cost is non-refundable.

You can read more about VIVAIA's return policy on the brand's site and follow the listed steps to start a return or exchange.

When evaluating VIVAIA for Good Housekeeping’s 2024 Sustainable Innovation Awards , we noted its use of sustainable materials and practices that make it stand out in the sustainability space.

VIVAIA claims to work with suppliers that meet its labor and social standards and make energy and emission reductions. One Sustainable Innovation Awards judge said, "I applaud their innovation and looking outside of the box for ways to be more sustainable. Their materials and manufacturing process are focused toward sustainability in the fashion market which is well needed."

Members of our expert panel were impressed with VIVAIA's use of recycled polyester and a 3D knitting process that eliminates leftover scraps. Other judges highlighted the brand's use of plastic bottles, natural rubber and sugar cane and appreciated that the brand also uses recycled materials in its packaging. But these sustainable materials are not unique to VIVAIA. Rothy's , for example, also sells washable shoes made from recycled plastic bottles.

VIVAIA insoles are made of artemisia and polyurethane foam (PU) to create an anti-bacterial design, and one panelist notes that PU is made of isocyanate monomers, which are known to have toxic characteristics.

As is true with any brand that markets itself as sustainable, it's important to keep an eye out for verifications and certifications that back up marketing claims. Our panel wished there was more transparency and information online to substantiate some statements made on VIVAIA's website, such as how the brand ensures suppliers meet its labor and social standards. Overall, though, our judges determined that VIVAIA's overall efforts in the sustainability industry merit recognition.

Despite some room for improvement in sustainability transparency and sizing consistency, VIVAIA shoes balance comfort with style and are a more sustainable choice than many other shoe brands. The shoes are well-liked by consumer testers for their unique designs made from stretchy yet supportive materials.

I find VIVAIA flats, in particular, to be more comfortable than the average ballet or Mary Jane flat. Plus, VIVAIA is less expensive than competitors like Rothy's, while still maintaining its focus on quality and sustainability.

Elizabeth Berry is the Updates Editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she collaborates with Lab analysts to optimize product guides across verticals. She has written on a variety of style categories, including our top-tested shoes from the best flats for work to the best HOKA shoes . Elizabeth loves her Square-Toe Margot Mary Janes and personally evaluated five shoes included in this story. She is excited to further test her VIVAIA flats, boots and heels as she continues to wear them throughout the seasons.

To write the review, she worked with our Textiles team to gain expert insight into the brand's shoe selection and sustainability claims. Executive Director of Strategy & Operations at the GH Institute Lexie Sachs is a lead reviewer of products in the apparel, bedding and lifestyle spaces and has 15 years of experience in the industry. Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Senior Analyst Emma Seymour ; Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Product Analyst Grace Wu and Home & Apparel Reviews Analyst Amanda Constantine provided testing notes on included styles.

Elizabeth Berry (she/her) is the Updates Editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she optimizes lifestyle content across verticals. Prior to this role, she was an Editorial Assistant for Woman’s Day where she covered everything from gift guides to recipes. She also has experience fact checking commerce articles and holds a B.A. in English and Italian Studies from Connecticut College.

Lexie Sachs (she/her) is the executive director of strategy and operations at the Good Housekeeping Institute and a lead reviewer of products in the bedding, travel, lifestyle, home furnishings and apparel spaces. She has over 15 years of experience in the consumer products industry and a degree in fiber science from Cornell University. Lexie serves as an expert source both within Good Housekeeping and other media outlets, regularly appearing on national broadcast TV segments. Prior to joining GH in 2013, Lexie worked in merchandising and product development in the fashion and home industries.

@media(max-width: 64rem){.css-o9j0dn:before{margin-bottom:0.5rem;margin-right:0.625rem;color:#ffffff;width:1.25rem;bottom:-0.2rem;height:1.25rem;content:'_';display:inline-block;position:relative;line-height:1;background-repeat:no-repeat;}.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}} Product Reviews

The Best Toys and Gifts for 3-Year-Old Boys

The Best Pool Lounge Chairs

The Best Outdoor Dinnerware Sets

The 19 Best Face Creams for Women

Gas vs. Electric Stoves

The Best Bed Frames

The Best Dumbbells

The Best Mops

Are Earth Breeze Detergent Sheets Worth It?

The Best Dresses on Amazon

The Best High-End Coffee Makers