The Best Quick-dry Clothing of 2024

Every traveler needs a pair of stretchy yet stylish pants — personally, I’m always on the hunt for a pair with a generous elastic waistband, for those busy travel days when jeans (or anything with a zipper, for that matter) are simply out of the question. Enter: the Vuori Miles Ankle Pant, which I’ve reached for on several recent long-haul flights. They’re stretchy enough to move with me through the airport (and to comfortably sleep in on the plane), and the streamlined silhouette keeps me feeling put-together once I arrive at my destination. It doesn’t hurt that they’re ultra-quick-drying, breathable, and moisture-wicking, too, so I never have to worry about feeling sticky or sweaty — they stayed dry through a sweltering bus ride along Columbia’s northern coast, and again during a stuffy subway commute back home a few days later. 

I also love that they’re made from recycled material, but that they feel sleeker than classic performance wear — and they certainly stand up to the other yoga and hiking pants in my closet. While the slash pockets are less secure than a zippered alternative, they’re part of what makes this design versatile enough to wear for both workouts and a day at the museum.  

The Details: XS to XL | Recycled ​​nylon, elastane

Breathable and ultra-lightweight, this midi-dress is the perfect LBD to take you from the beach to drinks at the hotel bar. It’s made from a super-soft bamboo jersey blend which is OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified, meaning it’s free of any harmful substances. Bamboo is a naturally breezy, porous fiber that dries relatively quickly on its own; if you do need to toss it in the dryer, be sure to tumble dry low, as heat can lead to shrinkage. 

This cozy blend takes bamboo’s natural quick-drying abilities to the next level with moisture-wicking properties, so there’s no need to worry about working up a sweat under the sun. To that end, the fabric really stands out for its built-in UV protection, boasting a UPF 50+ rating that protects your skin from nearly 98 percent of the sun’s damaging rays. We love that the cap sleeves and mock neck offer a little extra coverage, while the side-slits keep it feeling summery and sexy.

The Details: XS to XL | Bamboo, viscose, cotton, spandex

Alpine Parrot specializes in crafting outdoor apparel in inclusive sizes with a focus on ethnic diversity as part of their mission to help everybody enjoy the great outdoors. They make technical clothing for sizes 14 to 30, and the Arroyo Sun Hoodie is one of our favorite pieces. The hoodie is thoughtfully designed in two different styles, meant to accommodate smaller and larger busts (Coastal Fit and Forest Fit, respectively) — both are available in a soft gray or vibrant blue.

The lightweight fabric is naturally cooling and features four-way stretch to easily move with you, making this a perfect piece for everything from camping to gardening. Better yet, the quick-drying polyester material boasts UPF 50+ protection, so you can enjoy your time in the sun more safely. Design details like a spacious kangaroo front pocket, thumbholes to keep out the cold (or the sun), and buttons to customize the amount of chest coverage help to keep you comfortable on any adventure. 

The Details: 1X to 5X | Polyester

Say hello to your new favorite shorts for just about everything. While they’re definitely sporty in style, these shorts hit at just the right mid-thigh length to feel both flattering and functional for all sorts of active or casual outings. With six pockets, you can ditch the fanny pack and go hands-free while hitting the trails or biking to the beach: two drop-in front pockets are deep enough to store your phone and wallet (or even a small water bottle), while two rear drop pockets can fit snacks or other valuables, and two front envelope pockets offer secure closures for headphones, keys, and more. 

The durable, swishy fabric is abrasion-resistant, so it won’t snag on rocks or trees while you’re hiking through national parks. The material itself is incredibly lightweight and stretchy, with UPF 50+ protection and a water-repellent finish — perfect for when you need a cool-down swim after a hot hike. 

The Details: XS to 3X | Nylon, spandex, recycled polyester  

Whether you’re giving your all during a HIIT class or taking a tennis lesson on vacation, you can feel confident that this trendy tank will keep you in peak performance mode. It’s made from a blend of breathable nylon and spandex, meaning there’s plenty of stretch and the material is designed to air out and dry in a flash. An eye-catching mesh panel on the back allows for ample air flow and adds an enticing design element, although those who prefer a bit more coverage may not love that aspect. On the flip side, the crew neck provides a fair amount of chest coverage. 

The Details: 2XS to 3X | Nylon, spandex

Designed to keep you cool as you work up a sweat, these cozy, compressive leggings from Lululemon’s Wunder Train line are a must-have for fitness enthusiasts and frequent fliers alike. The brand’s ultra-quick-drying proprietary Everlux fabric is soft and cooling, with just enough compression to feel like they’re hugging you in all the right places. 

They’re made from a stretchy blend of nylon and elastane that stays in place all day long, thanks to an adjustable internal drawcord that keeps the wide, high-rise waistband secure. There’s even a discreet waistband pocket, where you can safely tuck small essentials like credit cards or room keys. While they’re soft and stretchy enough to comfortably move around in, these feel better suited to more active pursuits than low-key lounging.  

The Details: 0 to 20 | Nylon, lycra elastane

Perhaps no item of clothing has made me feel as invincible in the face of inclement weather as this Rains Jacket, borrowed from a friend during a hike in Normandy during a summer storm. I felt giddy as I watched the rain pelt and roll off my coat, luxuriating in how toasty and dry it remained on the inside. A short while after the clouds had passed, the water had already beaded off, and it was dry enough to tuck back into my bag.

The jacket, which boasts a water column pressure of 4,000mm, is the perfect lightweight layer — it’s elegant, easily packable, and ready to handle spring showers thanks to its quick-drying PU coating. The length is both a perk and a potential pitfall, as it helps protect you from the elements, but somewhat restricts your freedom of movement when closed.  

The Details: XS to 2XL | Polyester

Girlfriend Collective has been my go-to athleisure brand for years, and the Tommy Bra is a good example of why: it’s supportive enough to jog, hike, or do yoga in, but the trendy square neckline, scoop back, and flattering compressive fit also feel cool enough to pair with a skirt and tall boots for a night out. I’m always on the hunt for versatile pieces to travel with, so this is a perfect two-in-one; plus, the material wicks away sweat and dries easily, so I can transition comfortably between activities within the same day. 

The straps aren’t adjustable, so wriggling into this can be tricky if you’re already sweaty — but once it’s on, it’s comfortable and offers excellent support. The smooth, double-lined fabric is made from recycled plastic bottles, and boasts four-way stretch for easy movement. I’m partial to the neutral tones for maximizing their outfit potential, but I love that it comes in jewel tones and seasonal shades, too, so it’s easy for everyone to find an option that matches their style (and maybe even their matching leggings).  

The Details: 2XS to 6XL | Recycled plastic bottles, spandex

Our team tested 97 pairs of socks to narrow down the best ones for every occasion, and the Feetures High Performance Ultra Light Ankle Sock easily earned our top pick for anyone dealing with sweaty feet. They’re thin and lightweight, taking up next to no room in your suitcase.

While they don’t offer much in the way of cushioning, they’re designed to mold to the natural contour of your feet, providing a comfortable fit that you can walk around in all day long. We found that the breathable merino wool blend kept our feet cool while at the gym and while running, and the socks never bunched or slid down. We also appreciated that they’re available in a wide range of sizes. 

The Details: S to XL | Super-fine merino wool, nylon, polyester, lycra

Breezy and breathable, this is one of the best travel tees around. It’s lightweight and packable, and the drapey silhouette is versatile enough to pull double duty: throw it on with jeans and sandals for a day of sightseeing, or wear it to pilates. Either way, you’ll feel as cool as you look thanks to the moisture-wicking, quick-drying Tencel blend. It’s baby soft and made from partly recycled materials, and hits lower in the back for added coverage. We love that it comes in a wide range of sizes, including petite and tall sizing to help you find your perfect fit. 

The Details: 2XS to 3X | Recycled polyester, Tencel modal, elastane

While lycra would have once been relegated to workout and swim apparel, this stylish and functional long-sleeve tee now rivals something Skims would market as a going-out top. It’s simple and subtle enough to wear for everyday errands and travel, but it’s true draw is as a swim tee and beach cover-up. If you’re heading on a tropical getaway and plan to indulge in some R&R by the pool or beach, this top offers superior protection without sacrificing style.

It’s soft, lightweight, and stretchy for maximum comfort. The moisture-wicking fabric even boasts UPF 50+ sun protection, and dries quickly enough to wear straight from the water to lunch by the pool. Better yet, it comes in a rainbow of vibrant jewel tones and a wide range of inclusive sizes, including petite, long, plus size, and long plus. 

The Details: XS to XL | Nylon, lycra spandex