The Best Convertible Travel Clothing for Women: Pack Less & Do More

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Items that serve multiple purposes are great for travel. Any one thing that saves you from packing two things means more room in your bag. You’ll have less weight to carry around, fewer things to worry about losing, and you might even be able to pack a smaller backpack or suitcase.

This is especially true for clothing since that’s generally what makes up the bulk of your packing list. Convertible travel clothing can be worn in several different ways, which means you can pack one piece instead of two or three… or twenty!

Below are some of the best convertible travel clothing items for women we’ve been able to find- some of which we’ve had the pleasure of reviewing (others we are still working on acquiring).

While the benefits of a multi-wear garment are apparent, it’s important to evaluate many factors before deciding to invest in an item before your trip. Things like the fabric and your trip style come into play, as fancy, slow-drying pieces won’t be good for your outdoor hiking adventure.

Convertible Travel Clothing – Wraps, Tops & Dresses

Sometimes advertised as cardigans or dresses or tops, these clothing items are so much more than that – they’re like magical clothes that can be worn in so many different ways: dresses, skirts, shirts, cardigans, scarves.

That way you can pack one piece of clothing that you can wear for many different occasions.

Although they come with somewhat high price tags, when you consider how many different outfits you’re getting from just one item, I think you’ll agree that it’s well worth a few extra bucks.

1. The Encircled Chrysalis Cardi, $168 USD

The Chrysalis Cardi, by Encircled, is essentially a circle scarf at its core but with some strategically placed snaps that transform the item into a cardigan, a dress, a skirt, a wrap and more. The different styles allow you to wear the Cardi in both casual and dressy situations, so you’ll have many uses for this one item.

Caroline has worn hers to weddings and on airplanes and everything in between. She’s even come up with a few of her own styles.

The Chrysalis Cardi comes in various sizes, including both petite and the new maxi (plus-size) version. I own the petite version, and I’m glad that I decided to go this route because it hits me at my knees while the normal size would be super long and make my short legs look even shorter (FYI I’m about 5’3″).

I love wearing it as a scarf because, besides looking good, it is easily transformed into a smart-looking cardi or wrap should the chill pick up. I loved traveling with it because I never had to worry about not having something smart to wear for nicer events.

The fabric (they are predominantly made of modal) drapes beautifully, but it’s not the fastest drying or the lightest. This item is best used for travel when it will be worn often, not packed on travel days, and not when spending lots of time in the great outdoors.

2. The Evolve Top, $128 USD

Another great item from Encircled, the Evolve Top can be worn multiple ways to take you from one situation to the next.

It can be worn as a tank top on warm days by using hidden snaps. For a little more coverage, the sleeves come down to a few different lengths. The top is also reversible so you can have a draping neckline in either the front or the back depending on which way you wear it.

I have this top and have worn it quite regularly in both casual and dressy events. Worn with the drape in back, some great slacks and heels, it’s something worthy of a cocktail event. Paired with leggings, it’s ready for yoga.

My one regret is not getting it in a different color as black is not something I enjoy wearing every day. Also, made of the modal that Encircled loves, it takes a bit longer to dry than I would prefer for travel clothing.

3. Helene Clarkson Nadi Wrap, $58.81 USD

The Nadi Wrap is a rectangular piece of fabric with rows of buttons along the sides. It can be worn as a scarf, poncho, skirt, top, and more. The material is great for travel because it resists wrinkles and dries fast.

It is a simple garment but can look quite dressy and takes up very little space to pack. Helene Clarkson also makes a variety of other high-quality, versatile items for the urban traveler, including many that are reversible.

• Read how to use these first 3 items plus a pair of Helene Clarkson reversible pants to make 8 unique travel outfits.

4. Vacay 2-Piece Dresses, $156+ USD

A different take on convertible clothing, Vacay makes an assortment of two-piece “dresses” and jumpsuits. Each is a top and a skirt (or pants for jumpsuits) that when worn together look like one garment, but can also be worn separately.

Many of the tops are also front-to-back reversible and some skirts work as strapless dresses, providing even more outfit options. Best of all, there are no buttons or snaps to fiddle with so you won’t struggle to create any of the styles.

Some come in fun patterns, while the Versatiles collection is solid colors. They are designed for travel with wrinkle-resistant fabric.

5. Birch & Grace Short Top, $36 USD

Coming in at a lower price-point, the Short Top can be worn at least 18 ways including as a jacket, shrug, cape, vest, and multiple tops. This design is a bit on the simpler side compared to an item like the Chrysalis Cardi, but we like that it seamlessly transforms between styles without any drama.

Keep in mind that it is lightweight, so it won’t provide much warmth. Each one is handmade by women in Indonesia following the principles of Fair Trade. One size fits XS to 3XL.

6. Kameleon Rose The Ultimate Travel Dress, $83.98 USD

This is a tube dress with buttons along the bottom that allow it to be worn 20 ways, including several different dresses, tops, skirts, and even harem pants. The fabric is lightweight, crease-free, and quick-drying, plus there is a hidden zip pocket!

7. Diane Kroe Origami Travel Dress, $109.99 USD

An asymmetrically-cut dress with batwing sleeves, it has a hidden snap detail and can be styled into various dresses, skirts, and tops. There are multiple colors and fabrics to choose from, including a travel jersey that is environmentally friendly, fast drying, and breathable.

If this style doesn’t work for you, Diane Kroe has many other versatile and travel-ready tops, pants, and dresses to choose from. All of their products are available in sizes up to 20.  

8. Maxi Dress / Skirt

If you’re not looking for anything fancy, your standard run-of-the-mill maxi dress or skirt will be a nice multipurpose addition to your travel wardrobe. Shoot for one with a stretchy top so that it will work around the waist and all areas of the torso.

• Looking for a shorter style? Try the ExOfficio Wanderlux Convertible Skirt on Amazon, which has a hidden zip pocket. 

Convertible Travel Pants

1. Zip-off Pants

Well known throughout the travel world, those pants that zip off into shorts aren’t always the most attractive article of clothing you’ll come across. But if you find the right pair, ones that fit you like normal pants, they can be a helpful addition to your travel wardrobe especially when adventuring outdoors and to more rugged destinations.

By packing these pants, you’ll have one piece of clothing that can serve as both pants and shorts. Some convertible travel pants have zips or buttons that let you turn the pants into capris, so you’d have three different uses for these pants depending on the weather.

Others only change into capris, but the usefulness is still there.

The trick is to make sure the pants are comfortable on you. If they have an awkward fit, you may not end up wearing them at all, and they’ll end up taking up precious space in your bag. Our best advice would be to try before you buy and then to wear them around before you leave. If you can do that, then the pants will make sense packing.

• Check out some of our favorite travel pants for women.

2. Kameleon Rose The Ultimate Travel Pants, $90.35 USD

An alternative to standard zip-off convertible pants, these don’t turn into shorts but can be worn 10 ways thanks to a hidden zipper and elastic ties. Besides pants, they can be styled as a strapless jumpsuit, long sleeve shirt, halter top, or even used as a bag!

Like The Ultimate Travel Dress, they are made of travel-friendly fabric and have a zip pocket.

Reversible Travel Clothing

Reversible clothing is a new addition to Her Packing List after discovering the Splice Clothing brand and all their amazing reversible items. We’re including reversible clothing in our convertible clothing list because it is technically multi-way clothing that converts looks (but the looks are colors).

Learn more about my experience with Splice Clothing here.

1. Splice Clothing’s Jaisalmer Reversible 4-Way Tunic

The Jaisalmer Reversible 4-Way Tunic from Splice Clothing is one of my new favorites that I am excited to travel with after the pandemic. But it is an item I am currently wearing regularly in my normal life, so win!

Not only does this tunic offer a blue and green version, but you can also switch it back to front for either a v-neck or boat-neck look. It’s a super versatile tunic that I have layered in cool weather and worn alone on warmer days.

2. Splice Clothing’s Dubai Reversible Snap-up Top

Made completely of cooling lyocell, the Dubai Reversible Snap-up Top is a long-sleeve, button-up shirt that goes from gray to black. It’s a lightweight top that feels amazing and works perfectly as a layer in warmer weather!

Versatile Clothing That Doesn’t Convert

Some clothing doesn’t physically change like the zip-off pants or the Encircled Cardi, but they can be worn in dressy or casual settings depending on what else you wear. By packing clothes like this, you can use the same item for multiple situations.

Look for simple items that are comfortable and don’t automatically scream “gym wear.”

With the right cut and style, a pair of comfy black pants you might wear on a long bus ride can be dressed up with a cute top and shoes, and suddenly they look a little fancier.

A solid-colored top can be worn with jeans to go sightseeing or with a skirt and a fun necklace for a night on the town.

Some items you might enjoy reading about:

• Encircled’s Dressy Sweatpants

What’s your favorite convertible travel clothing? Do you have clothes that can be worn in multiple ways? Share so we can add to our list!