15 Summer Travel Clothes for Hot, Humid Destinations

As a lifelong overpacker, I never thought I’d see the day I’d travel carry-on-only for a two-week journey through Southeast Asia. From five-star stays at the Ritz in Hong Kong to jungle huts in rural Thailand, with stops in Cambodia’s temple-strewn countryside and Vietnam’s bustling markets in between, my single carry-on luggage truly went the distance. To make this possible, I relied on my best packing strategies for hot, humid destinations, which included linen outfits, quick-dry pieces, and lightweight clothes that were comfortable and versatile.

I opted for brands and items that I know travel well in these warm climates; Quince’s European linen pieces easily transition from breakfast to the beach, Athleta’s tennis dress took me from train to boat ride, and Patagonia’s quick-dry layers handled sweaty days and spontaneous hikes. I even squeezed in a lightweight Everlane dress that earned compliments everywhere I wore it. Ahead, check out the 15 clothes and accessories that will make traveling to any warm-weather destination more comfortable, whether partying in Phuket or dining in Capri. 

Athleta Swing Zip Dress

One standout that I wear weekly in the summertime is Athleta’s Momentum Dress. Designed for the tennis court but perfectly chic for market meanders, it worked hard across five countries—doubling as a breezy outfit for hot sightseeing days, a quick-dry cover-up for beach or pool swims, and a low-effort dinner look with a change of shoes and some jewelry. The built-in shorts were ideal for temple visits, while the UPF 50+ fabric withstood Southeast Asia’s relentless sun. It comes in black and white (I have both), packs down small, and doesn’t wrinkle (which is a win all in itself). 

Patagonia Capiene Cool T-shirt

Nothing got more wear on my trip than the Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Shirt. I wore it on the flight, to the gym, on train rides, around cities, and even on bike rides through Myanmar’s countryside. Its quick-dry, moisture-wicking fabric and UPF 50+ protection kept me comfortable in the sun and during long, hot days of travel. It held up through multiple wears without losing shape and was easy to wash and dry on the road. I love the lilac color, but it also comes in more neutral tones, such as beige and gray. 

Lululemon Dance Studio Relaxed-fit Cargo Pants

Although these Lululemon Dance Studio Relaxed-fit Cargo Pants made me feel like an extra in Save the Last Dance, they were probably my second most-worn item on the entire trip. I love the comfortable, relaxed fit and adjustable hems, which make it easy to stay cool while being adaptable enough for unexpected weather changes or dressier occasions. Additionally, the cargo pockets are ideal for storing my phone and room key, so I don’t have to carry extra bags everywhere. I have them in black for versatility, but they also come in a bunch of other colors, too, including tan, blue, and pink.

Quince 100-percent European Linen Button-down

I tell everyone who will listen that Quince’s European Linen is some of the best in the business. Priced at under $40, this linen button-down feels like a luxury piece without the steep price tag, and with multiple colors available, it’s easy to mix and match with everything else I pack. The linen helps keep me cool thanks to its natural heat-regulating properties, so I’m comfortable whether I’m wearing the white top as a swimsuit cover-up or the oatmeal/black stripe shirt with a pair of shorts. 

Athleta Seasoft Quarter Zip + Midrise Pants Set

Super flattering with a relaxed, unfussy fit, this Athleta matching set is the ultimate travel companion, even during the summer. It’s ideal for long flights, sweaty layovers, and destinations where temps hover near triple digits, thanks to the lightweight, breathable linen blend. Plus, it doesn’t wrinkle, even after three-hour flight delays. Worn together, this quarter zip and matching pants are an easy outfit. Split up, the pieces pair beautifully with swimsuits, tanks, and tees. It’s the kind of two-piece set that looks effortlessly cool and feels ultra-comfortable, which makes it a travel essential in every sense of the word.

Everlane Gauze Smock Dress

I have a dress-buying problem; multiple pieces are still hanging in my closet, years later, with their tags on. The Everlane Gauze Smock Dress is not one of those, and is one I wear the most out of my entire collection. The soft, airy texture makes it perfect to wear traipsing through Asian markets and bustling cities. The shirred bodice and relaxed silhouette offer an easy, flattering fit. What I appreciated most was its flexibility and packability; on my trip, it shifted from casual daytime looks with sneakers to more polished evening outfits with sandals. 

Breathable Bamboo Underwear

One of my friends, who’s a gynecologist, advised that the most important thing to wear when traveling is breathable underwear, like this bamboo underwear that’s also incredibly soft and buttery. The moisture-wicking fabric keeps me feeling fresh through long flights and days out exploring in a hot, humid city, while the smooth, stretchy material moves with me without any irritation. I love that they’re lightweight and quick-drying, so I can easily wash and dry them overnight, perfect when all you have is a carry-on. You can’t beat the price either, at just under $30 for four pairs.

Cupshe Ruffled One-piece

I’m a Cupshe stan, and it’s not hard to see why. Although I own multiple suits, this ruffled one-piece is my favorite—and a favorite for others, too. With an average 4.6-star rating from over 33,000 customers, this Cupshe swimsuit is praised for its attractive rouching and low neckline, plus the many patterns and colors available. It transitions effortlessly from poolside lounging to hillside bike rides, or pairs well with shorts for a casual daytime look. I recommended traveling with a versatile swimsuit like this to hot, humid destinations because it’ll dry fast and keep you cool, even when not used at the pool or beach. I have the ditzy floral pattern and have received countless compliments on it, but the black and cyan are currently sitting in my cart. 

Sweaty Betty Super Soft High-rise Leggings

I’m not one to spend over $100 on leggings, but these Sweaty Betty Super Soft Leggings were definitely worth the price tag. I wore them on my long flight to Cambodia and even kept them on once I arrived. The sweat-wicking fabric stayed comfortable and breathable throughout hours of travel and walking, while the high-rise fit offered enough support without feeling restrictive. The lightweight material also didn’t sour or stink with sweat, so I was able to wear them multiple days in a row without a wash. Their sleek, simple design made them easy to pair with everything from tank tops to lightweight blouses, striking the right balance between practicality and style.

Offline by Aerie Crossover Shorts

I could live in these Aerie Offline Biker Shorts—and I basically did while backpacking through Asia. The lightweight, stretchy fabric makes them perfect for layering, and the flattering crossover waistband is so comfortable. These Aerie shorts are breathable enough for sticky, humid weather but polished enough to wear beyond workouts or on flights. I pair them with oversized T-shirts and sneakers for a cute, Gen-Z-inspired look, but they’re also perfect for wearing under dresses to prevent chafing. 

Veja Esplar Sneakers

Ask anyone: I will never travel anywhere without a pair of white sneakers. And these Veja Esplar Sneakers quickly became my go-to travel shoes thanks to their classic colors and clean, timeless style. They pair effortlessly with everything in my wardrobe, from jeans to leggings, sweatsuits, and dresses. The leather felt a bit stiff at first, but it softened nicely after a few wears, making these Beja shoes comfortable enough even for long days of walking in hot locales. While some mention the soles wear down over time, I’ve found them durable enough for multiple trips, and still weave into my travel rotation to this day.

Bombas Compression Socks

I was hesitant to splurge on the Bombas Compression Socks for a long time. Almost $100 for three pairs of socks? However, my mind was forever changed after a very uncomfortable swelling incident on an eight-hour flight. The arch support and tight compression provided a snug yet breathable fit that promoted circulation and helped reduce leg and foot pain. These are great to have on hand in hot destinations to help reduce swelling after a long day of walking in the heat, too. Beyond performance, I was also really taken by Bombas’ commitment to giving back: they donate a pair to someone in need for every pair purchased. Now, I can’t fly without them, even on quick two-hour hops from Chicago to Atlanta. 

Quince Revive Nylon Camera Crossbody

Made from water-resistant, recycled nylon, this crossbody bag held up on rainy hikes in the jungle and city days in humid, wet conditions. With two zip compartments and a back slip pocket, it fits essentials like my camera, phone, wallet, plus crucial SPF products like sunscreen that I always keep on me when visiting hot destinations. I love the bag’s adjustable strap for comfort and the subtle leather details that elevate its look for going from day to night.

Lululemon Cotton Crochet Pullover

Maybe it’s because I’m almost 40, but I never travel without a sweater, even if I’m headed somewhere hot. This Lululemon oversized cotton crochet pullover is one of my all-time favorites. It has an open-knit design that makes it versatile enough to layer on cold flights or use as a top layer that won’t be too stuffy when the sun goes down. The relaxed fit and hip-length cut make it easy to pair with shorts and skirts. Although the price is a little higher, it’s a piece that’ll last you through multiple flights and countries, thanks to the quality.

Sézane Judith Low Sandals 

A durable pair of sandals is essential for any hot and humid destination, and these Sézane Judith Low Sandals combine comfort and style, making them the perfect summer travel shoe. Made from vegetable-tanned leather in Portugal, these sandals have a minimalist design and neutral tones that will go with everything from linen dresses to tailored trousers. The ankle strap with brass buckle keeps them secure, and the modest heel adds subtle lift without sacrificing comfort. They’re easy to pack and versatile enough for city strolls or casual dinners. At $220, they’re an investment, but with free returns, trying them risk-free is simple.

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