Whether you have a detailed itinerary planned or no plans beyond wandering the open road, there’s nothing quite as freeing as a road trip. Unlike traveling by train or plane, a road trip puts you in complete control – you can go anywhere for any amount of time!
That said, even your dream road trip comes with a few drawbacks, one of which being that you spend the majority of your day in the same seat with very little room to move.
With that in mind, it’s essential to ensure that you have your travel style down to a science. The clothes you choose for your road trip can make or break your trip!
To learn more about putting together the perfect travel wardrobe, just keep reading.
1. Leggings and Jeggings
If you’re in search of the ultimate piece of travel style clothing, look no further than leggings. Thanks to the popularity of this item, you’re no longer stuck with wearing pajamas if you want to be comfortable in the car.
Leggings and jeggings (jean-style leggings) come in a wide variety of colors and styles. You can find leggings to suit virtually any outfit, some even come with pockets!
Don’t worry, if you’re not a fan of the tight fit of leggings, you can opt for looser-fitting yoga pants. As long as you go with pairs that look more like pants than pajamas, you’re good to go.
2. Wrinkle-Free Tops
Let’s move on to tops. Unlike leggings or jeggings, your tops are going to be more wrinkle-prone from fidgeting in the car for hours at a time. Because of this, it’s a good idea to go with wrinkle-free material.
Believe it or not, the most important aspect of travel clothing isn’t the fit but the fabric! Quick-dry fabric, for example, is lightweight, takes up less room in your bag, doesn’t produce lint, and is wrinkle-free on top of requiring less drying time.
In addition to a few tops, consider packing a wrinkle-free wrap dress. This is not only a comfortable option but will make you look perfectly put together during pitstops.
3. Weather-Appropriate Pieces
We’ve gone over the basics; the more specific items you’ll need will depend on the weather during the time of year in which you plan your trip and your destinations. Plan accordingly!
For example, your packing list might include tank tops and cotton t-shirts if you’re traveling in the summer, while a winter trip calls for warmer options like sweaters and gloves.
Beyond temperature-appropriate clothes, be sure to pack a rain jacket or umbrella for those unexpected rainy days.
4. Bathing Suit
Regardless of the time of year in which you’re traveling, a bathing suit belongs on the list of travel essentials! If you’re traveling in the summer, you might pass by a lake, river, or pool that calls your name.
And even if your trip is in the cooler months, you never know when you’ll encounter a hot tub or hot spring perfect for relaxing after a long day on the road. A coverup or rash guard is smart as well – just to be safe!
5. Hat and Sunglasses
Whether you’re in the car or exploring a roadside attraction, protecting your face and skin from the sun is a must. Skin damage from the sun is a very real threat, even when you’re behind the wheel.
While you shouldn’t go overboard with your travel wardrobe (nothing is more uncomfortable than an over-packed car), don’t be afraid to pack a few different hats and sunglasses.
Baseball hats, wide-brimmed hats, and patch hats are all great options and provide the dual benefits of fashion and sun protection. Just don’t forget to pack your sunscreen too!
6. Wool Socks
This might seem like an odd item to bring on a road trip, but the comfort of your feet truly can make all difference in terms of your overall comfort.
Wool is the ideal fabric for socks because it’s extremely comfortable in addition to being lightweight and moisture-wicking. Your feet will stay cozy and dry regardless of where your road trip takes you.
Now, there’s nothing worse than reusing dirty socks, so pack plenty. If you’re ever feeling worn out behind the wheel, wash your hands and change your socks, you’ll feel like a brand new you!
7. Walking Shoes
Though your packing list should include shoes suited to the activities you have planned on your trip, your main priority should be comfortable walking shoes. Your everyday shoes should be appropriate for both driving and walking.
You should have at least a rough idea of the activities you’ll be doing along the way to ensure you bring the proper shoes. However, packing a pair of hiking boots and dressier pair to go with your semi-formal outfit is a good place to start.
8. Laundry Essentials
As we mentioned above, you never want to overpack for your trip. No matter how long your road trip, never pack for more than a single week. You can always stop at laundromats along the way if you need to!
Instead of bringing multiple weeks’ worth of outfits, pack a small laundry kit with your travel essentials. This should include laundry detergent, dryer sheets, and a laundry bag. If you’re planning to hand wash your clothes, you’ll need a portable clothing line as well.
Start Prepping for Your Dream Road Trip Today
Building your travel wardrobe is just the first step toward making your dream road trip a reality. You still have a lot more planning to do, and there’s no better time to start than now!
Once you have the clothes portion of your packing list done, you can move on to car prep, itinerary building, and accommodations booking.
If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed by all the planning required for a road trip, we’ve got you covered! Check out our blog to learn more about prepping for a vacation like a pro.
