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There are those for whom travel is a means to an end. And then there are those for whom travel is an end in and of itself. But regardless of which philosophical camp you fall into, it seems that we can all agree on one point. When traveling, you should be comfortable. Regardless of whether your idea of fun is jetting off by plane to some far-off island or taking a road trip in order to eat your way through every fast food joint on the interstate, you’ll want to be 100% comfortable as you do it. No more business casual, collared shirts, or belted pants. No matter how you’re traveling, you’ll want to have the right wardrobe for it.
When it comes to the perfect travel clothes, it’s really all about two things: comfort and function. First and foremost, you’ll want to be sure that whatever you’re wearing is something you’re willing to spend a very long day in (and most likely, without a shower). Then, you’ll want to ensure that your clothing serves a purpose. Those socks, for example, should probably be of the compression variety, and those pants should probably have ample pockets for all the snacks, passports, and other important items you’ll be carrying around all day.
It’s also wise to dress in layers when it comes to traveling. Be sure that you can always take something off or put something on. Who knows when you’ll want to use your hoodie as a pillow, or when the AC in your car will give out?
And finally, you’ll want to keep in mind portability when it comes to the right travel clothes. Don’t bring shoes, for example, that take up a ton of space in your luggage. Rather, you’ll want to find a pair that's light and compact as well as easy on your feet.
Ultimately, we’re confident that all of our favorite travel clothes will make your next vacation all the more enjoyable.
Here are the best men's travel clothes you can buy:
Read on in the slides below to check out our top picks.
The best travel pants you can buy
Why you'll love them: For dudes, it seems that comfort on the lower half of the body is more important than comfort elsewhere, and to that end, you’ll find few pairs of pants more comfortable and stylish than the ADED pants from Public Rec.
Don’t be the guy who travels in sweatpants. You’re better than that guy. You’re older than that guy. You’re going on a better vacation than that guy. Instead, wear pants that look and feel even better than sweatpants (yes, such a thing does exist). They’re called the All Day Every Day Pant from Public Rec, and they’re just as good for running errands as they are for running as they are for traveling.
Known for its technical leisure apparel for men, Public Rec launched in 2015 after a successful Kickstarter campaign. With an original goal of raising $15,000, the company exceeded that by more than $160,000.
Using a blend of nylon and spandex, the All Day Every Day Pant is very soft, with the right amount of stretch, and a look suitable for wearing in public. Designed to be more stylish than sweatpants and more comfortable than jeans, the pants quickly sold out and even generated a 1,200-person long waiting list.
While most other sweatpants come in sizes like small, medium, and large, the ADED Pant uses waist and inseam measurements, so you'll get a fit that's not baggy or sloppy. The waist also features a drawstring for added comfort and fit. The ADED Pant is super soft and stretchy. With the same attributes that made the T-shirt so great, the pants are amazing, too. The stretch allows for full range of motion, compared to being restricted in jeans.
While most sweatpants have shallow front pockets and maybe one rear pocket, the ADED Pant has two front pockets and two rear pockets — all of which are stretchy, allowing for ample space for your wallet, phone, keys, and other belongings.
Pros: Extremely comfortable, great fit thanks to more precise sizing, plenty of pockets
Cons: Somewhat expensive
The best travel shoes that are packable
Why you'll love them: Not only are shoes from Vivo Barefoot supremely comfortable, they’re also extremely compact, making them perfect for stuffing in luggage.
There’s nothing quite as masculine as being vegan (some would say), and there’s certainly nothing quite as comfortable as vegan shoes. Both my boyfriend and I were surprised to find this to be the case when we tried out Vivo Barefoot footwear for the first time. The shoes are produced using animal-free products and processes so that you'll not only be comfortable, but guilt-free, too.
One of the best travel shoes for guys comes in the form of the Rif Swimruns for men. Inspired by the Moroccan sand dune running shoe, this is one shoe that is seriously lightweight and seriously comfortable.
Like all Vivo Barefoot shoes, you can wear the Rif Eco Suede without socks. The upper is, of course, constructed with an eco-friendly suede, while the sole is made of the company's signature TPU Compound, which is extremely thin and lightweight but sacrifices nothing in terms of durability.
In fact, the shoe is five times more puncture resistant than a standard sole of the same thickness. But because of how thin and flexible these shoes are, you can easily roll them up, which makes packing them away as easy as slipping them on.
While the Rif Eco Suede is certainly ideal for traveling, it's also a shoe that most men wouldn’t shy away from on a daily basis. It’s meant for the “urban minimalist,” as Vivo Barefoot describes, and is certainly eye-catching enough to start conversations even in environments as sterile as your office.
Vivo Barefoot has dozens of other styles as well, so if the Rif Eco Suede isn’t exactly your cup of tea, you're sure to find a pair that suits you.
Pros: Capable of being rolled, no socks, breathable, vegan construction
Cons: Fit can be a bit tricky, expensive
The best compression socks for travel
Why you'll love them: If your travel schedule requires you to be on your feet a lot of the day, the Sockwell Circulator Graduated Compression Socks are great for relieving pressure in your lower back.
The Sockwell Circulator Graduated Compression Socks will soon become a mainstay in your suitcase, or more realistically, on your feet. They both have four zones of graduated compression from the ankle on up, which keeps the toes feeling comfortable.
Thanks to its spandex, bamboo rayon, stretch nylon, and merino wool construction, these socks are comfortable, but more importantly, ensure good circulation throughout your legs. And if you suffer from swelling feet on airplanes, these socks could be a real lifesaver.
The Circulator only comes in two sizes (though 89% of Amazon buyers say they fit as expected.) While most socks that spend all day on your feet, in a shoe, and in some form of transportation smell pretty unpleasant by the time you’re ready to take them off, reviewers have noted that this particular pair doesn’t tend to retain any odor or moisture.
These socks are especially useful not only in promoting circulation but also in minimizing swelling and reducing fatigue. So whether you’re preparing for a long day of sightseeing or just looking to make it through your flight without bloated ankles and calves, you should be able to make use of the Circulator.
Although some compression socks are almost comically long, these guys are a bit less conspicuous. The sock should fit over your calf, and thanks to accu-fit technology (which is basically dependent on spandex running throughout the sock), you won’t have to deal with the sock slipping down your leg throughout the day.
Pros: Reduces foot and ankle swelling, super comfortable, affordable
Cons: Some people have noted holes developing in socks after continual wear
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