The 6 Best Travel-Friendly Fabrics for a Wrinkle-Free Trip
Planning for a vacation is always challenging, especially since you want to arrive at your destination looking polished and fresh. Although, this can prove to be a nearly impossible task when all your clothes have gotten wrinkled in your suitcase. Who has time for steaming, ironing, or dry cleaning when you have places to go and people to see upon reaching your destination?
Lucky for you, the solution is simple. All you need to do is familiarize yourself with the best wrinkle-free fabrics and keep them in mind the next time you’re shopping or packing for a trip. Even fabrics that do tend to wrinkle (e.g., cotton, rayon, and silk) are much less likely to do so when blended with one of the fabrics below. Scroll down to see and shop stylish, travel-friendly pieces to pack for your next trip.
1. Wool
Not only will wool keep you warm and toasty in the winter, but it’s also incredibly wrinkle-resistant. This is a great option if you’re traveling somewhere chilly.
Shop wool pieces for your next trip:
Just because you're going on vacation doesn't mean you can't dress up.
2. Lyocell
Lyocell is a semisynthetic form of rayon, commonly referred to as its brand name, Tencel. It’s soft and strong, drapes nicely, is machine-washable, and (most importantly) resists wrinkling.
Shop lyocell pieces for your next trip:
The best thing about this dress? It won't take up too much space in your suitcase.
Pro tip: always pack pieces that can be styled two ways while traveling.
This dress comes in red, mint, and blue in case you want at pop of color.
3. Polyester
Polyester gets a bad rap (thanks to ubiquitous ’70s connotations), but it can be surprisingly soft and comfortable for a synthetic fabric. It’s also affordable, durable, and wrinkle-resistant!
Shop polyester pieces for your next trip:
These can be dressed up or down based on your plans.
4. Cashmere
This luxury fabric is strong and warm yet lightweight and soft. If it appears wrinkly when taken out of your suitcase, just hang it or lay it flat for a bit. The creases should release.
Fun fact: Cashmere is a hair acquired from goats, not sheep (contrary to popular belief). Even more wrinkle-resistant is alpaca, which some are touting as the new cashmere.
Shop cashmere pieces for your next trip:
Pair this sweater with jeans and ballet flats for a comfortable yet chic travel outfit.
If you get cold easily, packing a cashmere scarf for the flight is a must.
You'll continue to wear this long after your trip is over.
5. Knit
Knit is technically classified as fabric made from interlocking loops of thread. It’s usually made of wool yarn, but some knits like jersey can be made of wool, cotton, and synthetic fibers. Thicker knits (and fabrics in general) are less wrinkle-prone than thin knits.
Shop knit pieces for your next trip:
6. Spandex
Found in some of our favorite workout gear and denim, spandex tends to aid in wrinkle resistance when blended with other fabrics. It’s a durable synthetic fabric, also known as Lycra or elastane.
Shop spandex pieces for your next trip:
Made from a spandex and polyester blend, this dress is sure to stay wrinkle-free.
A pair of leggings made from spandex is ideal for long flights.
Next: These Are Officially the Wildest Celebrity Airport Outfits of All Time
This post was originally published at an earlier date and has been updated.
Allyson is a senior editor for Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories for Who What Wear. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.
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