OK grizzly bear, time to crawl out of your cave, shake it off and see the sun again. It’s spring! I’m feeling a renewed sense of adventure and a big need to evolve into something new. One goal is packing smarter for my trips. After years, er, decades, it’s still messy.
But I have a plan now and have truly invested in garments that are high quality, long lasting and made from sustainable materials. It’s taken away a lot of guesswork and makes me look better too, with well-fitted clothes that are high quality. I hope these suggestions will help you level up your travel gear game too.
Unbound Merino Wool Apparel for flights
Sometimes it’s breezy, other times it’s hot as Hades. I never know how the plane is going to feel at any given time. And honestly, I usually forget to check the weather where I’m going too.
To combat this hot mess style of traveling, my to-go basics for the plane come from Unbound. These are some the features of this magic material:
- Dries fast if it gets wet
- Antibacterial, which means no odor for weeks without washing
- Minimal wrinkles and stretch
Wool might make you think of scratchy sweaters, but Unbound’s pieces are buttery soft. I personally like my muscle tank under everything to provide a protective layer and offer a basic if I need to shed a jacket or sweatshirt. I’ve worn the shirts on several international flights (and the long-sleeve one skiing!) without fuss.
My husband digs his simple black t-shirt for switching from day meetings to casual drinks out with coworkers on a business trip. I’d love for him to try out more of the men’s line, because I think it would simplify his wardrobe and take the guesswork out of packing. Which for him, is often at the last minute!
A bonus? Unbound Merino looks super chic and classic.If you believe the hot tip of looking the part for a free flight upgrade, Unbound is the way to do it. It hasn’t happened to me yet, but I’m holding out hope!
And finally, sustainability is key. I used to shop for all my clothes at fast fashion stores, drawn in by sales and low prices. But those clothes rarely lasted and I found myself shopping every few months. Investing in basics made from high quality materials is my new traveler era and I’m never going back.
From plane to power hour: Pact!
Lately I’ve been chatting with fellow travelers about feeling ‘fresh’. Back in the day I’d hop off a red-eye no problem and collapse into a hotel, but these days my leisure time is limited. I’m either going right to a meeting or hoping to start checking out the destination ASAP.
Along with this, I’m trying to keep my clothes simple. My drawers are overflowing with clothes spanning (gasp) decades in all shapes and sizes. I want to cut way, way back, stick to clean and colorful basics that I can mix and match.
Online, I noticed Pact started offering more inclusive sizing and a wider range of apparel. I had a beautiful dress that grew with me during pregnancy and definitely wanted to invest more.
- Here’s 20% off your first purchase with Pact
I’ll be honest: I actually commented on a post by Pact on Instagram that I loved their clothes and hoped to see more models of different sizes! They got in touch with me directly and sent me a variety of pieces, from yoga leggings and a body suit to my favorite, olive green twill pants from their new line. Actually, I’m obsessed. I’ve worn them everywhere from my brother’s baby shower to a business coffee meeting. It feels so nice to get out of jeans or stiff work pants. And they were right when advising me on a size – for me an XL fit just loose enough to breathe but still held a nice shape.
Also, I received some joggers and a sweatshirt for flights…I fell asleep on the plane for the first time in a WHILE because I was so comfortable. Not sweaty, not cold, and feeling on trend. Win-win-win. Similarly, again Pact is carbon-neutral, organic, and working hard to offset the fast fashion industry with timeless pieces.
Get your kicks on….easier with Kizik
Half of my trips are solo or with my spouse these days, they other half is with my two children. Both under four years old. This means I have to make every step of the journey as simple as I can to stay focused.
Early on in my mom journey I found Kizik sneakers, that you can pre-tie and slide them on without bending over. Game changer.
- Grab $20 off your first purchase with Kizik
Choose from a million designs and styles to find what works well for you. However, I will say these sneakers aren’t really made for working out or super long walks, but they’re perfect for errands and everyday wear.
Another plane bonus: slide them on an off discreetly while flying for extra wiggle room!
To recap, here’s my go-tos one more time for elevated spring travel apparel:
- Unbound Merino for flights, hot days, cool evenings, and looking your best
- Pact clothing for comfort, focus, and casual style
- Kizik sneakers for traveling parents and people streamlining their time
A few other brands worth watching:
Toad and Co. is another company I found flying under the radar a bit, but I love their message and their style. Laidback, hipster-y and cozy, they have some pieces great for the transition from winter to spring. I have the Heartfelt Hoodie and it’s wonderful to wrap with just leggings or jeans. It has pockets and it’s great for baby wearing too! I’m obsessed with the look of this fleece dress too, it might be my next splurge. Markedly, Toad & Co has a great thrifting program as well where they’ll buy back old pieces for someone else to love at lower costs.
Quince rebranded back in 2020 and is one of the biggest sustainable, affordable players in the game. They’re famous for their $50 cashmere sweater. I love mine in navy, and have recently bought some clothes for the kids too.
Let me know if you do change up your spring travel wardrobe, I hope this helps!
Disclaimer: I was compensated for this post. This post also contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. This is no additional cost to you! As always, my opinions are wholly my own.
Love the information you provided here! I honestly love the style and how beneficial they are for each event. Thank you for sharing, and providing an honest opinion on each clothing and accessory choice.
I’m checking out PACT now
Wonderful, they’re great!
I am so ready for some super spring adventures!
Wonderful
Thanks Emma!
I remember back when the majority of clothing articles and everyday accessories were high quality seemingly by default. I didn’t used to need guidance about what to buy, but now I do. That’s why I appreciate all the info, you’ve provided here, about what to purchase. Thank you!
I feel the same, thanks for stopping by!
I am loving those shoes!
They’re awesome!