Last Updated on September 28, 2026 by Betsy Ramsey
Whether you are traveling to a notoriously hot & humid climate (SE Asia, Latin America) or just in the US this steamy summer, quick-drying, lightweight clothing can be a lifesaver in hot and humid weather.
This post may contain affiliate links. These links provide a means for sites like NattyGal.com to earn a small commission when a reader clicks through and makes a purchase at no additional cost to the reader. See full affiliate disclosure inĀ Privacy & Disclosures.
Lightweight, quick-dry clothing is essential for hot and muggy climates! Today I’m sharing a few of my favorite brands and pieces. While I normally try to focus on natural fibers, my travel wardrobe is one place where I rely heavily on synthetics.
Virtually all of the products shown today combine polyester and spandex. From a travel perspective, things I love about this fabric include the following:
- It’s super lightweight meaning you save space and your suitcase remains light.
- The 4-way stretch is wrinkle-free and comfortable for travel and activities.
- These pieces will NOT stretch out with wear.
- This fabric is quick-drying and wonderful if you’re near water or perspiring. Lastly, you can quickly wash these items in a hotel sink, ring them out, hang, and they’ll dry in a few hours.
Light-weight, Quick Dry Clothing
Quince offers a variety of pieces for both men and women in their Performance Tech line. Favorites here include the wide-leg and ankle pants. It’s also wonderful that they offer a long-sleeve shirt. This piece is great for layering and sun protection.
Eddie Bauer’s Escapelite line is unique in that it comes in some pretty colors, as well as basic black. Look at this pretty violet! Be sure to check out their sleeveless split-neck tee in both solids and prints. They’re wonderful for adding color and pattern to your travel capsule.
Banana Republic Factory offers an Airstretch Pant that I love for its ability to be dressed up or down. This is one of the few performance/travel pieces that I also wear regularly in everyday life. Sadly, they may be discontinuing the line. The number of Airstrech offerings decreased dramatically in the past few years. Fortunately, Athleta offers several quick-dry pieces. Their Brooklyn pant is similar to the BRF one and is available in more colors.
Helly Hansen’s Viken dress is just about perfection! It offers a cinch-able waist and multiple pockets. The Title Nine Round Trip dress is similar.
The Uniqlo Airism line is a great budget-friendly option. The long skirt is a must-have! They also offer a nice variety of bra tops, dresses, etc.
I discovered RipSkirt Hawaii when the company started and have several pieces in my travel collection. They are slightly different from the other items shown today as they don’t stretch. However, they are very well-designed and come in many bright patterns for seeking a more colorful wardrobe.
Duluth Trading Company’s Dry on the Fly line has a nice assortment of quick-dry tees and tanks, as well as shorts, crops, and trousers. Anytime Casual and OmniWick by Columbia are extensive collections! Beyond the usual suspects, they also offer hoodies, maxi dresses, leggings, and more.
Shop Quick Dry Clothing
If you see something you like, please click my affiliate link before making your purchase! This allows me to earn a small commission (at no additional cost to you). The income from your purchases helps offset the costs of maintaining this blog and is very much appreciated!
- Athleta Quick-Dry
- Banana Republic Factory Airstretch
- Calia Truelight
- Columbia OmniWick, Anytime Casual, and Omni-Freeze
- Duluth Dry on the Fly
- Eddie Bauer Escapelite
- Helly Hansen Quick Dry
- Quince Performance Tech
- RBX Lightweight Stretch
- RipSkirt Hawaii on Amazon or Full Collection
- Spanx AirEssentials
- Title Nine Nimblene
- Uniqlo Airism
If you found this post useful, please do me a favor and share it with a friend! Enjoy this last weekend of July and, until next time…
Hi again, Betsy. These pieces are such a great idea for travel. I love that they are light weight, and wrinkle free, since you never know when you’ll have access to an iron, when traveling. My favorite pieces are the air stretch pants and that violet skirt. I like to be able to dress up my wardrobe, on occasion. Thank you for sharing. xx
Hi Christina! So glad you enjoyed the post, and yes, I though of you in your new climate when considering some of these pieces. I love the AirStretch pants so much and wish they’d bring back some of the colors they use to sell. And agree that the violet is so pretty and that it is nice to come across items that have the flexibility to be dressed up or down a bit. XO, Betsy