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15 Best Travel Dresses for Your Next Summer Vacation
Wrinkle-free? Check.
Travel dresses are essential for any globetrotter who wants to tick off style, comfort and practicality when exploring new destinations. Whether you're embarking on a sightseeing adventure, attending a beach getaway or exploring bustling city streets, the right travel dress makes all the difference. While activewear is super comfy, dresses are ideal for busy summer days and look a bit more polished than workout clothes. Dresses take minimal space in your suitcase, and if you know what you're looking for, can even resist wrinkles despite being packed up tightly.
While technically, any dress you bring on a trip automatically becomes a "travel dress," that doesn't mean every dress will stay wrinkle-free and look good right out of a suitcase. These versatile garments are designed to meet the unique demands of travel, offering features like wrinkle resistance, easy packability, breathability and effortless style. From flowy maxi dresses to lightweight sundresses to exercise dresses, we have carefully selected options from brands we trust, ensuring they are made with wrinkle-resistant fabrics.
Our top picks:
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These travel dresses are specifically designed to prevent wrinkles and keep cool and looking stylish from the first day of your trip to the last. After shopping our top travel dress picks, read our Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab experts' advice on how to shop for the comfiest dresses for easy traveling. For your ultimate vacation, accessorize with a fanny pack and comfortable travel shoes.
KORSIS Casual T-Shirt Dress with Pockets
Pros
- Comes in more than 50 fun colors and prints
- Soft and flowy
- Made with pockets
Cons
- Hand-wash only
A basic short sleeve dress is a versatile travel must-buy. This travel dress on Amazon boasts more than 40,000 ratings, with reviewers saying it's "soft and not too thin" and "perfect for traveling." Flowy by design, the dress offers a casual fit, plus hidden pockets. We love that it's available in more than 50 colors and patterns — you'll want to fill your whole wardrobe with these affordable, comfy dresses. Note this style is hand wash only.
Material: 95% rayon, 5% spandex | Sizing: XS to 3XL | Colors: 51
OUGES V-Neck Pattern Knee Length Dress with Pockets
OUGES V-Neck Pattern Knee Length Dress with Pockets
Pros
- Great for every season
- Built-in pockets
Cons
- A few shoppers found the waist to be too high
Leave the steamer behind for your next formal event. This wrinkle-resistant Amazon travel dress rises to the occasion with thousands of glowing reviews. Online shoppers appreciate the vast choices of styles, from florals to velvets, and we appreciate that it means you can wear it everywhere, from beaches to weddings.
Material: 95% cotton, 5% spandex | Sizing: S to 3XL | Colors: 39
GRECERELLE Loose Maxi Dress with Pockets
Pros
- Tons of color options
- Includes pockets
Cons
- Some online reviewers found it too baggy
Touting more than 30,000 five-star Amazon ratings, this maxi dress is a reviewer and editor favorite. Made of mostly rayon with a bit of spandex, our textiles pros appreciate that this affordable pick should stretch and fight off wrinkles even on a busy day. Plus, it has two side slits, so it can be styled up or down. Choose from 45 color options — neutrals to patterns, included — to mix and match your ensembles.
Material: 95% rayon, 5% spandex | Sizing: XS to 2XL | Colors: 45
Amazon Essentials Short-Sleeve Maxi Dress
Amazon Essentials Short-Sleeve Maxi Dress
Pros
- Pairs well with sneakers or sandals
- Great wardrobe staple
Cons
- No pockets
Living up to its name, the Amazon Essentials travel maxi dress comes in all the staple colors. Its draping silhouette can be paired with nearly anything, from comfy sneakers to basic flip-flops. Satisfied shoppers left compliments that it's easy to throw on quickly, passing as either dressy or casual.
Material: 95% rayon, 5% elastane | Sizing: XS to 2XL | Colors: 16
Athleta Urbanite Dress
Pros
- Comes with a cute belt
- Front pockets
- Available in petite and tall sizes
Cons
- Only available in one color
Whether headed to the beach or out to dinner, this breezy button-up looks chic and stylish for every occasion. Made with recycled polyester and spandex, its lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric is wrinkle-resistant and rated UPF 50+. The long sleeves and midi length keep you covered without feeling overheated or sweaty.
Material: Recycled polyester, spandex | Sizing: 2XS to 3XL; petite and tall | Colors: 1
Milumia Button-Up Floral Print Maxi Dress
Pros
- Elastic stretch
- Great for dressy occasions
Cons
- Some online reviewers recommend laying flat to dry to avoid shrinkage
Got a garden party or a brunch soiree on the calendar? This flowy maxi dress comes in an array of multi-colored florals that'll match the occasion. Pair the airy dress with open-toed heels or platform sandals for a casual, yet elevated ensemble. Reviewers note that the elastic middle allows for extra stretch while still looking fitted.
Material: 100% rayon | Sizing: XS to 2XL | Colors: 9
SCOTTeVEST Dorothy Dress with Hidden Pockets
SCOTTeVEST Dorothy Dress with Hidden Pockets
Pros
- Expansive size range
- Concealed pockets
Cons
- Only comes in black
When visiting a new place, keep your valuables close to you. Avoid carrying a purse at all by wearing a dress that has a place for everything. SCOTTeVEST designs clothes with hidden pockets — to conceal your phone, wallet, sunglasses, keys and more — to protect you from sneaky pickpockets. Stay safe while looking great in this cute, short sleeve pick.
Material: 86% polyester, 14% spandex | Sizing: XS to M4 | Colors: 1
Quince Tencel Jersey Side Tie Dress
Pros
- Soft, stretchy fabric
- Great for beach-side dinners
Cons
- Some online reviewers noted it ran a bit long
A best-seller from the brand whose luxury items we adore, the Quince travel dress adds a sophisticated twist to the lowkey jersey dress silhouette. It's made with silky smooth-feeling Tencel and its knotted detailing drapes nicely at the waist. With dressy sandals or classic white sneakers in tow, wear the classy ensemble when a nice dinner is on the itinerary.
Material: 95% Tencel, 5% spandex | Sizing: XS to XL | Colors: 3
ANRABESS Sleeveless Maxi Dress
Pros
- Breezy and comfortable
- Easy to style
Cons
- Some shoppers found lighter colors slightly transparent
Tapping into boho fashion, this sleeveless maxi dress on Amazon makes a great everyday piece. Thanks to its simple, loose silhouette, it's easy to dress up and down with accessories like a wide-brim hat to a belt (for a more cinched look) to a pair of platform sandals. Propelling it to a #1 best-seller on Amazon, reviewers praised its breezy, flattering fit.
Material: 60% polyester, 35% rayon, 5% spandex | Sizing: S to 2XL | Colors: 39
Pros
- Loose and flowy
- Great for summer
Cons
- A few online reviewers noted that it's slightly see-through
When your next getaway calls for sweet and simple attire, this A-line, ruffle travel dress from Amazon comes in clutch. Picture the comfy, loose silhouette when dressing for your next family gathering or summer pool party, especially its bright pink, yellow and red colorways.
Materials: 95% polyester, 5% spandex | Sizing: S to 2XL | Colors: 7
Universal Standard Geneva Dress
Universal Standard Geneva Dress
Pros
- Size-inclusive brand
- Long sleeves or short sleeves available
Cons
- Some reviewers said the hem seam frays with continued wear
Universal Standard is known for having an impressive range of sizes in every style on the site. This best-selling dress is made from soft Peruvian cotton that's designed to be pill-resistant and colorfast. In addition to being available in 11 sizes, there are v-neck, crew neck, long sleeve and sleeveless options. Reviewers say it's the perfect dress to "wear to work or lounging around the house."
Material: 93% Peruvian cotton, 7% elastane | Sizing: 4XS to 4XL | Colors: 22
Halara Everyday 2-in-1 Activity Euphoria Dress
Halara Everyday 2-in-1 Activity Euphoria Dress
Pros
- Built-in bra and adjustable straps
- Comes in cute colors
Cons
- Some reviewers wish the shorts were longer
Wildly popular for its flattering yet comfy fit, this Halara travel dress is made from a nylon and elastane blend. Translation: It is moisture-wicking while retaining its shape and stretch. One GH textiles pro especially loves wearing this pick on vacation because of its built-in interior shelf bra and adjustable straps. Plus, the shorts' liner has got you covered. Choose from an array of light pinks and yellows for summertime.
Material: 77% nylon, 23% elastane | Sizing: XS to 4XL | Colors: 21
Girlfriend Collective Citrine Paloma Racerback Dress
Girlfriend Collective Citrine Paloma Racerback Dress
Pros
- Seasonal limited-edition colors
- Made with recycled materials
Cons
- The racerback design makes it a bit harder to get on
Available up to a size 6XL, this pick offers medium support with the brand's signature compressive fabric. In our exercise dress evaluation, curvy testers raved that it fit their hips perfectly without pulling on their stomach. Plus, GH analysts appreciate Girlfriend Collective's commitment to sustainability by using recycled materials in this dress.
Material: 79% recycled plastic bottles, 21% spandex | Sizing: 2XS to 6XL | Colors: 6
Abercrombie & Fitch Traveler Mini Dress
Pros
- Non-restrictive and airy
- Convenient hidden pockets
Cons
- Not much coverage in the padless bra
Great for errands, this travel-ready mini dress from Abercrombie got nods for its lightweight and airy feel that also includes phone pockets hidden within the shorts. It has a looser fit overall that doesn't feel constrictive. A GH tester especially liked that it "didn't cling to [her] stomach like most exercise dresses that are more form-fitting." However, the padless bra did show nipples, according to testers.
Material: 89% polyester, 11% elastane | Sizing: 2XS to 2XL; petite and tall | Colors: 12
Outdoor Voices The Exercise Dress
Outdoor Voices The Exercise Dress
Pros
- Popular for its versatility
- Built-in shorts pockets
Cons
- Liner shorts can ride up, according to some users
Outdoor Voices' Exercise Dress has a cult-like following for being a summer necessity. Complete with lightweight, moisture-wicking nylon, plus built-in shorts, pockets and a shelf bra, the workout dress is a go-to for biking, golfing, hiking or just running errands. Our pros love its versatility but note that its spandex shorts aren't as compressive as traditional bike shorts.
Material: Recycled polyester, spandex | Sizing: 2XS to 3XL | Colors: 8
How we chose the best travel dresses
The Good Housekeeping Institute is comprised of fiber scientists who know what materials are best to pack (meaning they can stand up to wrinkles and are durable enough to wear repeatedly). GH fiber scientists typically test clothing items like leggings or cashmere sweaters by evaluating shrinkage after laundering, pilling, fabric strength and more.
Our team of textiles analysts vetted these picks by ID'ing wrinkle-resistant fabrics with simple care instructions for easy laundering when traveling. Pictured here, a GH staffer wears the Outdoor Voices Exercise Dress included in this guide.
What to look for when shopping for the best travel dresses
✔️ Make sure it's washable. Remember that you may not have access to dry cleaning while traveling so pick pieces that are hand- or machine-washable for easy care on the go.
✔️ Consider the necessary undergarments. While sleeveless dresses are trendy, you may not want to have to pack a strapless bra you'll only wear once. Make sure that your travel dresses pair well with the bras and underwear you plan on packing.
✔️ Ensure it's versatile. Make sure you will be able to style each dress in multiple ways so you can keep your suitcase light with room to bring home souvenirs.
What material is best for a travel dress?
Generally, knits and stretchy fabrics will stay wrinkle-free while woven fabrics crease more easily. Polyester and cotton blends are popular since they give the feel of cotton with the performance of polyester. Also, regenerated cellulose fibers like Tencel are smooth and moisture-wicking, ideal for vacation.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Emma Seymour originally wrote this guide, based on her years of experience at GH overseeing fashion categories like comfortable heels, white sneakers and swimsuit brands. She's also well versed in travel products, running Lab and consumer tests on travel backpacks to smart luggage. Her degree in fiber science and apparel design from Cornell University lends a strong fashion background with expertise in proper fit and construction. Commerce Editor Jacqueline Saguin most recently updated this guide with new picks based on her research vetting the most popular travel dresses online.
Emma Seymour (she/her) is a senior product analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she has led testing for luggage, pillows, towels, tampons and more since 2018. She graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor of science in fiber science and apparel design and a minor in gerontology, completing research in the Body Scanner Lab on optimizing activewear for athletic performance.
Jacqueline (she/her) covers all things e-commerce in beauty, lifestyle and beyond for the Good Housekeeping Institute. Before joining GH in 2021, she was a style and beauty reviews fellow at Insider, testing viral trends, reviewing sustainable brands and more. She's a graduate of the University of Florida's School of Journalism, with a specialty in magazines and mass communication.
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