The Best Quick-dry Clothing of 2023 – Travel + Leisure

For a three-in-one solution to all your bottom-half dressing woes, opt for these genius zip-off pants from beloved athleisure brand Outdoor Voices. Not only are they made of quick-drying nylon with a touch of elastane for added range of motion, but their zippered construction allows you to wear them as shorts when it’s scorching hot out and capris or longer pants when you’re looking to stay protected from wind, rain, or snow. A removable nylon belt further adds to their adjustable properties and they come in cool color-blocked options for tons of styling opportunities. They also come with a drawcord band at the ankle so you can wear them as joggers (which further keeps wind at bay) and their generously sized cargo pockets will allow you to forgo a purse.

Price at time of publish: $118

The Details: XXS to XXXL | Nylon and elastane

Best Shorts

Alo 5″ Airlift Energy Short

For a pair of shorts that won’t show a single drop of sweat (especially in the black shade), opt for these fan-favorite moisture-wicking bicycle shorts from Alo Yoga made of the brand’s popular sculpting Airlift fabric. They work perfectly on their own paired with your favorite crop top or sports bra, or even worn under a skirt or dress for anti-chafe properties during long days of exploring a new city on foot. Their 5-inch inseam is neither too short nor too long for ample modesty while the subtle dip in the hemline at the back creates a lovely curve in your figure. The combination of the high waist and compressive polyester and elastane blend keeps you feeling nice and tucked in as well as dry and comfortable.  

Price at time of publish: $68

The Details: XXS to XL | Polyester and elastane

Best Tank Top

Nike Women’s Dri-FIT One Breathe Tank Top

Nardolilli says you can “feel the air against your skin in this super-lightweight tank” because it’s “made entirely of airy mesh [and] you can go all out without worrying about clingy fabric.” He adds that its Dri-Fit technology moves sweat away from your skin for quicker evaporation, helping you stay dry and comfortable. Thanks to a cooling blend of polyester and spandex, you’ll be able to move through a full range of motion whether you’re lifting your carry-on into the overhead bin or hitting a personal record at the hotel gym. A scoop neck and open back further promote ventilation while a longer hemline keeps you feeling nice and covered up.

Price at time of publish: $38

The Details: XS to XL | Polyester and spandex

Best Leggings

lululemon Wunder Train Hi-Rise Tight 25″

If you were to invest in a single pair of quick-dry leggings to last through the next decade (yes, they’re that durable), let it be this moisture-wicking pair from Lululemon’s sweat-friendly Wunder Train line. What Nardolilli appreciates about these leggings is that they allow you to “train hard, not hot.” He adds that they’re powered by the brand’s proprietary Everlux material, which is “highly breathable and quickly wicks sweat so you feel less sweaty during (and after) your workout.” Most importantly, these leggings are complete with an infinite drawcord waistband for an adjustable fit, a discreet waistband pocket for your keys and card, and are available in four inseams for the perfect fit.

Price at time of publish: $98

The Details: 0 to 20 | Nylon and elastane

Best Jacket

Patagonia Women’s Torrentshell 3L Jacket

To stay dry in a downpour or warm on a chilly flight, you can never go wrong with this durable and quick-drying Patagonia jacket. It’s made of ripstop fabric for a (near) infinite shelf life, it packs into its own pocket for ultimate portability, and it features convenient pit-zips for extra ventilation where you need it most and a zipper garage chin guard to keep you bone-dry. Its two-way adjustable hood also provides sun protection while its hook-and-loop wrist closure and drawcord hem help keep wind and precipitation at bay.

Price at time of publish: $179

The Details: XS to XXL | Nylon

Best Sports Bra

Sweaty Betty Power Medium Support Sports Bra

For a sport’s bra that’s supportive enough to stabilize your bust during high-impact activities, yet plush enough to wear while strolling through city streets, look no further than this quick-drying option from Sweaty Betty. It features a unique single adjustable strap at the base of the racerback to eliminate bulk, and it comes higher up on the chest and features thicker shoulder straps than typical sports bras to help keep larger chests comfortably contained. Its polyester and elastane material stays dry against your skin while hugging you in all the right places. Thick removable inserts keep you secure while festive patterns offer visual interest.

Price at time of publish: $68

The Details: XS to XXL | Polyester and elastane

Best Socks

Smartwool Women’s Hike Light Cushion Crew Socks

Whether you’re hiking in a remote location or seeking extra insulation in chilly temperatures, you’ll love these performance-driven Smartwool socks. Seamless toes ensure you can roam blister- and chafe-free, while materials like sustainable merino wool add durability, reinforcement, and moisture-wicking properties. Contributing to the socks’ durability and overall comfort is recycled nylon and stretchy elastane, which also contour to your foot for the perfect fit. Mesh zones add a dash of much-needed breathability while the on-trend crew height provides coverage from the trials of the trails.

Price at time of publish: $24

The Details: S to L | Merino wool, recycled nylon, and elastane

Best T-shirt

Vuori Women’s Energy T-Shirt

You won’t know just how heavenly soft Vuori T-shirts are until you run your fingers over their buttery material or treat yourself to one. Thanks to its polyester and elastane fabric, this tee is both quick to dry and allows you to move freely no matter what’s on the itinerary. It’s ideal for outdoor jaunts thanks to its built-in UPF 30+ sun protection and it’ll also stay nice and fresh for multiple wears thanks to integrated odor-fighting technology. Its cropped length allows you to pair it with everything from high-waisted leggings to trousers while its drop-shoulder short sleeve gives it that perfectly laid-back look.

Price at time of publish: $58

The Details: XS to XXL | Polyester and elastane

Best Thermal Underwear

L.L.Bean Women’s Midweight Base Layer Pants

Gone are the days of thermal underwear so unsightly it needs to be concealed at all costs — this midweight pair isn’t only as easy to style as your favorite pair of leggings, but it’ll keep you nice and dry under your snow pants or hiking pants during high-intensity cold-weather activities from skiing to snowshoeing, too. The combination of polyester and elastane dries immediately on contact while allowing you to move through a full range of motion, and its thick 1.5-inch waistband will keep you feeling nice and supported where you need it most. Multiple inseam options ensure you find the right fit without having to run to the tailor.

Price at time of publish: $50

The Details: XS to XL | Polyester and elastane

Best Long-sleeve Shirt

Under Armour Women’s HeatGear Long-Sleeve T-Shirt

Wear it on its own in chilly weather or layered under your favorite jacket or sweater — either way, this compressive yet cozy long-sleeve shirt is bound to serve you well whether you’re on a hike or strolling through a wintry town. It’s made with a stretchy, moisture-wicking polyester and elastane blend you’ll have no qualms wearing for hours at a time, and it features ergonomic flat-lock seams for a chafe-proof experience. A high scoop neck gives you the coverage you need while its ultra-lightweight fabric will feel like a second skin.

Price at time of publish: $35

The Details: XS to XXL | Polyester and elastane

Best Sweatshirt

Athleta Sunrise V-Neck Sweatshirt

While we don’t often think of prioritizing quick-dry materials in outer layers like sweatshirts, this buttery, moisture-wicking sweatshirt from Athleta will make you glad you did. It not only features an elegant V-neck, perfect for looking a little more put-together while out and about, but it’s also made of the brand’s soft Nirvana fabric, made of sweat-wicking modal and lycra that’ll instantly absorb sweat post-workout. Thumb holes prevent bunched-up sleeves, while the semi-fitted silhouette is universally flattering across a wide range of body types. Looking for that perfectly lived-in slouchy look? Size up to nail the trend.

Price at time of publish: $45

The Details: XXS to 3X | Modal and lycra