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Stylish Theft-Proof Travel Clothing for Women

stylish theft-proof travel clothing for women

One of the biggest fears people have about traveling is becoming a victim of theft. As travelers, we can be easy targets for pickpocketing because we’re often distracted by maps and general sightseeing in new locations.

So what can you do to protect your stuff? You can be aware of your surroundings, not flash your money around in public, and look for directions before you leave your hostel.

Something you might not have considered is investing in clothing designed to protect your belongings. Here are some options for stylish theft-proof clothing.

Speakeasy Travel Scarf

A scarf is an easy way to dress up an outfit or add a little warmth on a chilly night. You’re probably packing one anyway, so why not bring one that has a little theft-protection built in?

theft-proof clothing
Brooke wearing the Speakeasy Travel Scarf: fashionable and hides valuable items

The Speakeasy Travel Scarf is fashionable and functional. It has a hidden pocket where you can hide your passport, ID, cash, or other smaller items. With your essentials stashed away, you can go out without a purse and feel a little safer against pickpockets.

The scarf comes in many patterns and colors, as well as different weights. If you think you’ll use it for heavier items, choose a heavier scarf. Otherwise the pocket will get weighed down and be a bit more obvious.

>>Read Brooke’s review of the Speakeasy Travel Scarf.

Clever Travel Companion Clothing

Clever Travel Companion is a company that developed a line of stylish yet functional travel clothing to help keep your valuables safe. The garments have hidden pockets that fit your passport, ID, and cash so you can feel more secure in crowds.

Bonus: They’re designed to NOT look like typical travel clothing, that way you won’t stand out as a target to would-be thieves.

theft-proof clothing
Caroline in her Clever Travel Companion T-Shirt
Phone in the Clever Travel Companion V-Neck Tee.
Phone in the Clever Travel Companion V-Neck Tee.

Underwear: The underwear comes in boyshorts style and has a pocket where you can stash your ID and money and leave the purse behind.

V-neck shirt: This fitted shirt has two pockets that aim towards the back, so your belongings won’t poke you in the stomach. The pockets are slim enough that items aren’t immediately noticeable.

Tank top: Similar to the V-neck, the tank top has two backwards-pointing pockets that can hide your passport and other small items.

Leggings: Leggings are a girl’s best friend when traveling, so a pair that has hidden pockets sounds even better. These theft-proof leggings have two hidden pockets, one on the front and one on the hip.

>>Check out our full review of the Clever Travel Companion theft-proof clothing line.

Clothing Arts

I haven’t personally tried Clothing Arts, but they make a full line of women’s (and men’s) travel clothing with theft-proof pockets. And they certainly don’t look like travel clothes. These skirts, shirts, dresses, and pants will have you looking stylish on the road while keeping your cash safe from thieves.

clothing arts skirt
Clothing Arts’ skirt with hidden pockets.

Royal Robbins Skirt

While not marketed as theft-proof clothing, this is certainly a travel-friendly skirt. It’s quick-dry and wrinkle-resistant, and it has a zippered pocket on the side where you can hide a few small items. There’s also a buttoned pocket towards the bottom, but I wouldn’t put anything valuable in that one.

royal robbins discovery skirt
Royal Robbins Discovery Skirt

>> Check out the Royal Robbins Discovery Skirt on Amazon.

SCOTTeVEST Chloe Hoodie

This brand is well-known for its clothing with multiple pockets, especially their vests. With SCOTTeVEST products, you can eliminate your purse entirely and store everything in the different pockets to free up some luggage space. Choose pockets wisely for your valuable items as not all of them are hidden away. And don’t go overboard – overloading the vest can make it bulky and make you stand out even more.

We love the look of the Chloe Hoodie. It’s casual yet fitted, and loaded with pockets.

SCOTTeVEST Chloe Hoodie
SCOTTeVEST Chloe Hoodie – Ultimate travel product for those who love pockets!

>> Check out the SCOTTeVEST Chloe Hoodie on Amazon.

Exofficio Vest

Similar to the SCOTTeVEST line, Exofficio makes outerwear with lots of pockets where you can stash your passport, ID, keys, credit cards, and more. As long as you don’t jam a whole daypack’s worth of items in this vest, you won’t look like a tourist, and items in the inner pockets should remain safe from pickpockets.

exofficio flyq lite vest
Exofficio is a great alternative for travel clothing with pockets.

>> Check out the Exofficio Flyq Lite Vest on Amazon.

Theft Proof Accessories

If you’re still looking for options beyond theft-proof clothing to keep your valuables safe, there are several great accessories and other items to try out.

  • Bra stash: These are little pouches you wear in your bra. They’re usually not big enough for a passport, but they can hold your ID and some cash. The bra stash is a good option for a night out when you don’t need to carry much with you.
  • Buddy pouch: This little pouch attaches to your waistband with strong magnets. It’ll still be visible unless you wear a longer shirt that covers it, but according to Caroline’s review, it should stay securely on your waistband.

    theft-proof clothing
    Caroline with her Buddy Pouch – works for running or for travel
  • Money belts and neck pouches: You don’t have to get the tacky fanny packs that scream “rob me” anymore. Money belts come in slimmer forms, and there are other versions that are worn around your neck or arm. These can still be a great solution for securing your belongings while you travel. Check out our round-up of money belt options.
  • Theft-proof handbags: There are lots of options for theft-proof purses and handbags, and they can go a long way in keeping your stuff safe. They come with zipper latches, locks, slash-proof material, identity theft protection, and many other safety features. Check out some of our favorites from Travelon and Pacsafe.

It’s important to note that no accessory or item of clothing is ever 100% immune to theft or pickpocketing. You still have to be smart about where you store things and how you access them when you’re in a crowd. But hopefully these options will keep you one step ahead of the thieves and less likely to become a victim.

Have you tried theft-proof clothing? What are your favorite options?

stylish theft-proof travel clothing for women

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Written by Ali

Ali Garland is a freelance writer, blogger, and travel addict who made it to all 7 continents before her 30th birthday. She enjoys travel planning, encouraging others to see the world, and packing carry-on only. She and her husband are expats living in Berlin. You can find Ali at Ali's Adventures and Travel Made Simple.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Clariza says

    I have a little zippered change purse with a key ring. I use it when traveling, putting in one credit card and a days worth of cash. I carry this in my pants pocket or in my purse. That way I don’t have to one carry all my money and credit cards while sight seeing and even if I am carrying it , I don’t have to pull out my entire wallet. Can also be a wallet to give up if robbed. I also love Pacsafe bags!

    Also keep your room/ house key in your pocket not your purse. If your purse is taken you can still get inside your rental.

  2. Leah | KidBucketList says

    Thank you! This is so helpful! I’m off adventuring in the Balkans in a few weeks and wondering how to carry the passports and cash in a safe way. You’ve provided me with a swag of ideas.

  3. Shirley says

    Like Clariza, I also use a very small zippered change purse with room for one credit card and some cash. I attach a stretchy coiled cable to it and clip that to my belt loop. This prevents me from accidentally setting the little purse down on a counter and walking off without it. If I am carrying a purse or backpack, I clip the cable to that. I use a lightweight money belt under my clothing for other cards, id, passport, etc. I leave it in my hotel safe when possible,

  4. Pine says

    Good article. I have a Scotte tech vest. I got it for a trip to Japan a few years back. Worked great for hiding things, Carrying small purchases and easily carrying my iPad mini.. It served me well also on a 6 week road trip through USA southwest.
    I enjoyed it so much after Japan I continued to wear it when at home, eliminating a purse entirely.
    Like commenters above I have the coiled cable in the vest and have a one credit card Clipped to it and clip AnD key to it as well. I carry a Very small crossbody thrift store bag as a decoy and put a bit of daily spending cash into it.
    I am so looking forward to the day when I /we can get back on the road, Hope everyone stays healthy and saves up for a BIG trip!

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