10 Best Versatile, Trip-ready Athleisure Pieces

As a carry-on-only girlie who loves staying active during trips, every piece that makes it into my travel backpack needs to work overtime. Versatile, stylish, and comfortable outfits are essential, especially when it comes to elevated athleisure pieces that can double as airplane looks and adventure-ready ensembles.

From soft joggers and matching sets that keep things cozy in the air to cute jumpsuits and athletic dresses that transition seamlessly from exploring new cities to scenic hikes, each item is designed to keep me ready for anything the day holds — even if that means a quick sweat sesh at the hotel gym. I put together a list of my top travel-worthy athleisure pieces that blend fashion with function, so you can look effortlessly chic while embracing every moment on the road.

Vuori Performance Jogger

Without fail, these ultrasoft, comfy, and stretchy Vuori joggers are on my body as I board the plane. I love the extra bit of comfort the slim but relaxed fit affords, a crucial feature for long-haul flights. While I typically reserve these joggers for my plane outfit, there have been instances where I forgot my leggings or active pants at home and this pair stepped in for an impromptu hike, pre-adventuring HIIT workout, and a walking tour outfit — just lace up your sneakers, don a cute tee and a hat, and you’re good to go. 

Anrabess 2-piece Sweatsuit

I am admittedly new to the matching set game, having survived many flights in my joggers and sweatshirts, but this set from Anrabess caught my eye, not only because of the gorgeous color options but because it’s an elevated version of my typical travel outfit. I love the quarter-zip feature on the top, the deep pockets on the pants, and that it’s a dead ringer for an Oprah-loved set for a fraction of the cost. This set looks polished when worn together, but is equally stylish when worn as separates — a huge plus for my versatile packing list.

Brooks Revel Road Running Shoes

Supportive shoes are nonnegotiable for me, whether I’m at home or on the road. I’ve been a big fan of Brooks for a while now, and the Revel running shoes are in constant rotation in my travel wardrobe. My pair has clocked too many miles to count on several walking tours (my favorite way to see a new city), from Tokyo to London to Tulum, and are perfect for that unexpected adventure, like a hike up a volcano in Bali before dawn (true story!). I don’t get an achy back or sore feet at the end of the day and the springy footbed keeps me energized for whatever comes next. I like this monochromatic look for greater outfit-matching opportunities; plus, I prefer not to showcase brand logos. If the sporty look isn’t your style, consider a pair of Allbirds, which I have worn with equal success.

The North Face ThermoBall Eco Snow Triclimate 3-in-1 Jacket

This jacket is perhaps the hardest working item in my carry-on, and while it’s definitely a bit of a splurge, I have never regretted bringing it with me. Offering three pieces in one, The North Face Triclimate Jacket is comfortable, warm, and customizable. I’ve worn just the waterproof shell on a windy Northern California beach, the quilted inner jacket on a leaf-peeping tour in North Carolina, and the whole shebang skiing in the Sierra Nevadas. It packs down to practically nothing — I usually split up the inner and outer jacket between my personal item bag and carry-on so I have a warm layer during my flight — and is usually the only piece of outerwear I bring on trips. 

Crz Yoga Butterluxe High-waisted Flare Pants

Another athleisure essential I bring with me is a comfy pair of yoga pants. Not only do they provide enough give for when you need to sneak in a few sun salutations after a long travel day, but they are a super cute (and trendy) bottom to add to your travel wardrobe. I’m really digging the slight flare to these bootcut pants, giving them an elevated touch that can take you from the mat to the metro without missing a beat. Plus, the buttery-soft fabric and cut are comparable to a high-end lookalike. Luxe vibes without the matching price tag? That’s a win-win!

Vuori Energy Tee

Any good travel wardrobe has a staple white tee, but you’re going to want to add Vuori’s Energy Tee to your cart stat. Not only does it offer a relaxed, slightly cropped fit in a crazy-soft material but it also has performance features like four-way stretch, moisture-wicking properties, and sun protection. I love athleisure pieces that work hard and look really good in the process. I was so excited to find a shirt that goes with practically everything in my carry-on while also being able to handle, say, a sweaty pedal around Mount Fuji. 

Outdoor Voices TechSweat Move Free Dress

Even though I’m entering my loose-fitting, kaftan-esque era, I will always opt for a cute athletic dress with a built-in shelf bra and shorts when packing for a trip. This Outdoor Voices dress is versatile enough for flying, hitting the trails, and making it to happy hour — it’s giving major tennis-core vibes with a hint of LBD sexiness. The included shorts are a huge pro for me, offering peace of mind when climbing countless flights of stairs in Europe and preventing your legs from sticking to leather, vinyl, or plastic seats. While black is a timeless choice, Outdoor Voices releases fun, limited-edition prints and colors that zhuzh up any wardrobe.

Athleta Brooklyn Heights Wide-leg jumpsuit

I. Love. Jumpsuits. No, really. I currently have six hanging in my closet and constantly fight the urge to buy more. They are quite possibly my favorite thing to wear and pack: they’re cute as heck, an easy one-and-done outfit that can be dressed up or down, and, depending on the cut and fabric, are ridiculously comfortable. When it comes to traveling, I look for athleisure pieces that provide enough mobility and stretch (especially for extended periods of sitting), pack down to nothing in my carry-on, and are wrinkle resistant. This simply fabulous Athleta jumpsuit checks all the boxes and then some. Side zipper pockets, breathable, lightweight, and UPF-50+ rated? Swoon. Keep it casual with sneakers for a day traversing cobblestone streets or toss on a killer sandal and some delicate gold jewelry for an evening out.

Girlfriend Collective Skyline High-rise Bike Short

When I’m home, I’m almost exclusively dressed in Girlfriend Collective’s squat-proof, supportive, and all-around-amazing pieces. Truly, workouts are no match for this sustainable brand. Naturally, I bring a few of my most well-loved Girlfriend items with me when I travel, including these high-rise bike shorts. Outside of rocking them during a strength training session, I’ve sat comfortably for a few hours on a plane (toss on an oversized sweatshirt and channel your inner Princess Di), worn them under dresses and skirts while sightseeing (a great hack for those extra hot and humid destinations — if you know, you know), and even donned them as a swim bottom when I forgot my bathing suit. These shorts come in a ton of colors and have a wonderfully inclusive size range. I prefer the longer 8.5-inch inseam, but I also own the 4.75-inch-long run short, which offers just as much support and comfort for travel.

Lands’ End Flannel Boyfriend Fit Long-sleeve Shirt

A flannel may not be high on your packing list, but hear me out. It’s a great light layer to wear on the plane or as part of your sightseeing outfit. While I almost always pack a warmer outer layer, there are some destinations where you just don’t need the extra bulk. Plus, there are so many different styles and colors out there now that this once-seasonal piece is a much more versatile year-round option. I tend to go for a black-and-white buffalo plaid or camel-and-brown color combo, but this blue cutie from Lands’ End is giving chambray vibes — and I am into it. I own a few Lands’ End flannels, and I like the relaxed fit of the boyfriend-style shirt best — it’s easier for layering and I prefer the silhouette when tucked into pants.

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