Hey there, fellow budget-savvy adventurers! When it comes to traveling on a budget, packing the best travel clothes for men will be a game-changer. As a seasoned budget traveler myself, I know how essential it is to pack the right clothing while exploring the world. So, if you’re ready to embark on exciting adventures, I’ve got your back! Let’s dive into the best travel clothes that’ll keep you stylish, comfortable, and on a budget!
How to pick travel clothes for men
I’m going to cover some major points of interest I feel get overlooked when it comes to picking the best travel clothes for men. Here I’m going to cover the most important aspects of choosing the right travel clothes:
- What to wear on the plane
- Best travel shirts
- Best travel shorts
- Best travel pants
- Best cold weather jacket
- Best footwear for hot climates
What to wear on the plane?
When it comes right down to it, pack the clothes you feel most comfortable in! However, there are some items I highly suggest adding to your travel wardrobe that make travel life easy.
For those long-haul flights, I recommend wearing a merino wool t-shirt, lightweight pants (ditch the blue jeans) and some lightweight comfortable shoes.
Editors’ Top Pick – Best Travel Shirt:
This is often overlooked for those long-haul flights. My favorite t-shirt hails from Unbound Merino, they have these phenomenal wool crew neck t-shirts. You may be asking “Why wool?” Wool has natural anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties so that means these t-shirts require fewer washings and you can wear them longer. Don’t worry they won’t itch like that ugly Christmas sweater your nana made you back in the 8th grade.
Unbound t-shirts are designed for long-haul flights, they’re super comfy and you don’t have to worry about them getting stinky. In fact, you can wear it for several days because it’s odor-resistant.
| Unbound Merino Wool T-shirt |
|---|
 Men's Merino Wool Crew Neck T-Shirt Check For Price |
For your actual trip always choose lightweight and breathable fabrics to beat the heat or cotton / wool blends for those colder destinations.
On my last trip to Brazil, my ultra-light tees were a lifesaver but my tank tops came in clutch for those days with that sweltering tropical heat. I was able to explore the bustling streets in Rio with ease.
Best Travel Shorts: Hybrid shorts and Board shorts:
Shorts are an obvious choice when it’s hot out there. Always go for comfortable, quick-drying shorts that allow you to move freely during hikes or city strolls. Again, neutral colors are your best bet for easy outfit coordination.
Hot Tip: My hybrid shorts are mostly 92% Polyester and 8% Spandex or Elastane. I own several but my favorites are; Rip Curl, O’Neill and Billabong. They are all high quality and I love them, I pretty much only wear these during the summer months.
Board shorts are basically swimming trunks with lots of color and patterns.
Hybrid shorts are more casual in look and design. They’re usually made with stretch material and are quick-drying. Hybrid shorts take the best of both shorts and board shorts into one package.
While I was exploring Cambodia and Thailand, I knew the heat was going to be a factor so I only wore board shorts and hybrid shorts. Here are some of my favorite hybrid shorts….
- O’NEILL Loaded Heather Hybrid Boardshorts, Heather Asphalt, 48
- SHORTS
- O’NEILL
- RIP CURL BOARDSHORTS: The RIP CURL Dawn Patrol board short is a staple for any watersport, outdoor activity, or casual beach day. Suitable for swimming, paddle boarding, beach surfing, lounging by the pool, sailing or just at home
- MADE FOR THE SEARCH: RIP CURL is a company for, and about, the crew on The Search. The products we make, the events we run, the riders we support and the people we reach globally, are all part of the Search that RIP CURL is on
- DESIGNED FOR PERFORMANCE: Our products are designed to make The Search a bit drier, warmer, and more comfortable. RIP CURL remains a company built by surfers for surfers, and we’ve been market leaders in surfing for over 50 years
Editors’ Top Pick – Best Travel Pants:
This item deserves your full attention! Traveling on a long-haul flight (10+ hours) you want to wear something comfortable going to and coming back from your vacation. My biggest mistake was wearing jeans after a few hours, they became uncomfortable. There have been some trips where I was just too warm and I’m sitting there with swamp ass!
Don’t get me wrong I wear jeans when I travel but I usually wear them in cooler and colder climates.
The best travel pants for maximum comfort on those long flights come from prAna and Western Rise. I personally own 4 pairs of prAna and LOVE THEM!
| prAna Stretch Zion Pant II | Western Rise Evolution Pant 2.0 | Western Rise Diversion Pant |
|---|---|---|
 My #1 choice! Comes in 8 different colors 94% Nylon, 6% Elastane Stain & Water Resistant I personally own 4 pairs! Check For Price |  Your ultimate travel companion! Comes in 6 different colors 94% Nylon, 6% Elastane Stain & Water Resistant Great for travel & everyday activities Check For Price |  Your ultimate travel companion! Comes in 5 difference colors 94% Nylon, 6% Elastane Stain & Water Resistant Very versatile for everyday use Check For Price |
Tips for finding the best travel clothes for men
- Quick-Drying Fabrics: When you’re hoping from one spot to the next you don’t want to waste time waiting for your clothes to dry. Quick-drying and moisture-wicking fabrics are your best friends for long-lasting comfort and easy laundry on the go.
- Wrinkle-Resistant: I admit that I never iron my clothes when I travel so I look for wrinkle-resistant materials like synthetic blends or wrinkle-resistant cotton. I’m too busy soaking in the sites and having fun to worry about creases.
- Lightweight Fabrics: As a budget traveler your mantra should be packing light! Choose clothes that don’t weigh you down and fold up small, allowing you to fit more into your backpack.
Best cold weather jacket:
My go-to jacket for cold weather destinations is a puffer jacket. For winter wanderers, the key here is layering. No need to bring more than one jacket or several sweaters for that matter. Puffer jackets are ideal because they keep you warm, very lightweight and packable!
How to choose a puffer jacket: Not all puffer jackets are the same so you need to look for:
- The “down fill power” number
- Size of the panels or weight of the jacket.
For example, a 14-ounce 800-fill jacket will be much warmer than a 7-ounce 800-fill jacket. That 14-ounce 800-fill puffer is meant for extremely cold weather conditions. Mine is 650 and that works best in normal cold weather conditions.
Personally, I like my Eddie Bauer Men’s Microlight Down Hooded Jacket.
Editors’ Top Pick – Best Puffer Jacket:
- 650-fill down insulation
- StormRepel DWR finish sheds moisture
- Insulated hood
- Three secure zip pockets (1 interior)
- Packs into handwarmer pocket
- StormRepel DWR treatment offers a moisture-shedding finish
- 650-down insulation for added warmth
- Responsible Down Standard (RDS) certified by Control Union 851564. More About RDS
- Shell and lining made with recycled materials
- Secure zip side pockets for small essentials
Best footwear for hot weather destinations:
This is 100% on you buddy but your shoes can make or break your travel experience, so choose wisely! Go for lightweight walking shoes with good arch support to keep your feet happy during long days of sightseeing.
For those hot climate zones you essentially have two options:
- Flip-flops
- Outdoor sandals
Flip-flops are a must for the beach and if you’re staying in a hostel. Never walk barefoot into a hostel shower…NEVER!
Whenever I travel to a destination that has a hot climate, I always wear outdoor sandals. I’m older now and flip-flops will lay me out. I can’t rave enough about outdoor sandals and how comfortable they are, they saved my ass in Colombia, Cambodia and Thailand.
I refuse to wear sneakers and socks when it’s 90 degrees and humid….no thanks!
Editors’ Top Pick – Sandals:
- CONSCIOUSLY CREATED & MATERIALS: Environmentally Preferred Leather hides sourced from Leather Working Group certified tanneries; Premium leather; Quick dry lining for active use in and out of the water all summer long
- SUPPORT & COMFORT: Lace lock bungee capture system provides a secure fit while making these men’s sandals quick and easy on/off; Light flexible cushioning springs back after each step; Integrated footbed with arch support
- TRACTION & PROTECTION: Lugs with water channeling grooves help provide superior grip on slippery or wet terrain; Non marking rubber leaves no imprint when walking on boats; Iconic toe bumper offers additional safety to help prevent injury
- WATER-RESISTANT: Quick dry washable synthetic straps and lining for active use in and out of the water all summer long; Whether it’s on a boat deck, tropical trail or just lounging waterside these water shoes for men bring hybrid comfort and protection
- SUPPORT & COMFORT: Lace lock bungee capture system provides a secure fit while offering quick and easy on and off; Shock absorbing underfoot support give these men’s water shoes enhanced cushioning
- TRACTION & PROTECTION: Multi directional lugs with siping channels provide superior grip on slippery terrain; Non marking rubber outsoles leave no imprint when walking indoors or on boats; Iconic toe bumper offers additional safety to help prevent injury
BONUS: Packing Cubes and Compression Bags
Investing in packing cubes and compression bags can revolutionize your packing game. These organizers keep your clothes neatly packed and compressed, saving valuable space in your backpack. Don’t skip over The Best Packing Cubes For Stress-Free Travel, they really make life easier.
Final Thoughts: Best Travel Clothes For Men
There you have it, my fellow budget travelers! With these tips and recommendations for the best travel clothes for men in 2024 and beyond, you’re all set to embark on your epic adventures without breaking the bank. So choose wisely, be stylish, and go forth to explore the world with confidence as a one bag traveler!
Happy travels!
