Lean on linen, cotton, and tencel
Stylist-Approved Suitcase Staples
- Throw It on Over Your Swimsuit: European Linen Shirt, $42
- Day to Night Essential: Organic Cotton Poplin A-line Maxi Skirt, $50
- Lightweight for Hot Days: Organic Cotton Poplin Long-Sleeve Shirt, $40
If you’re anything like us, nerves start to set in when it comes time to finally pack your suitcase ahead of summer travel. Sure, all of the outfits you have planned in your head will work in theory — but will they all fit in your bag while keeping you looking (and feeling) cool while you’re away?
To avoid pre-trip packing panic, we turned to Molly West Coe, a stylist and founder of Styled Buy, to find out the best fabrics to bring on vacation. Ahead, shop her recommendations from Quince starting at $30.
Stylist-Approved Summer Vacation Fabrics
- Linen: European Linen Patch Pocket Wide-Leg Pants, $52
- European Linen Shirt, $42
- Cotton: Organic Cotton Poplin Long-Sleeve Shirt, $40
- Organic Cotton Poplin A-line Maxi Skirt, $50
- Tencel: Tencel Rib Knit Tank Midi Dress, $50
- Vintage Wash Tencel Utility Shorts, $30
Related: This Shoulder Bag Is a Twin to a $1,090 Celeb-Worn Designer Style but Costs 90% Less — Shop It in New Summer Colors
Lightweight Linen
For a hot day, linen is a must, says Coe. “It fits the summer ambiance, is mix-and-matchable, and can be worn with whatever you want,” she adds. Breathable options like this linen shirt, which is “comfortable and classic,” according to shoppers, or this pair of shorts with a stretchy waistband are simple, easy-to-style staples worth bringing with you, she says.
Linen will naturally wrinkle, but to Coe, it just enhances the fabric’s beachy look. “Linen fits the vibe” for vacation because it’s a low-lift and airy material that won’t occupy precious space in your luggage. If creases bother you, pack a portable steamer or hang it near a hot shower, Coe suggests.
Linen Favorites
European Linen Patch Pocket Wide-Leg Pants $52 at Quince.com |
European Linen Shirt $42 at Quince.com |
Styling Tip
If traveling to the beach or pool, wear a linen top over your bathing suit. It’ll keep you warm when the sun sets, and it dries quickly, says Coe. The same shirt can be worn with jeans for dinner or while exploring, too.
Italian Underwire One-Piece Swimsuit $50 at Quince.com |
Italian Leather Cutout Slide Sandal $62 at Quince.com |
Bella Stretch Vintage Shorts $40 at Quince.com |
Bella Stretch Barrel Jeans $50 at Quince.com |
Breathable Cotton
Cotton clothing, but specifically poplin, has a crispness to it, even after a day of travel, says Coe. “Poplin has a starchy feel, so you get a little more shape with it,” she says. Tiered, layered dresses like this Quince version are great for getaways because they can be worn with sandals for daytime sightseeing, and then easily dressed up with heels and jewelry at night. Since it’s not as relaxed a fabric as linen, it doesn’t wrinkle as easily, either, Coe notes.
Cotton Must-Haves
Organic Cotton Poplin Long-Sleeve Shirt $40 at Quince.com |
Organic Cotton Poplin A-line Maxi Skirt $50 at Quince.com |
Packing Tip
“My mom always did this, so now I do too: I roll things versus folding them. It doesn’t crease as much. With dresses, or anything very nice, I hang them in a garment bag and then put that in my suitcase,” says Coe.
Soft and Airy Tencel
Many of Coe’s clients are traveling to Europe this summer, and she’s telling them to pack Tencel pieces for extra comfort. It’s light, breathable, and feels smooth against your skin, which is excellent for long days of travel and sightseeing. Fit-and-flare dresses like this Quince option, which customers call “buttery soft,” stay compact in your bag and resist wrinkles. If you tend to sweat a lot, Coe suggests avoiding gray, as stains tend to show up more prominently.
Top Tencel Finds
Tencel Rib Knit Tank Midi Dress $50 at Quince.com |
Vintage Wash Tencel Utility Shorts $30 at Quince.com |
Ahead, shop more stylist-approved, travel-friendly fabrics from Quince.
Organic Cotton Poplin Smocked Midi Dress $70 at Quince.com |
Organic Cotton Poplin Tiered Maxi Skirt $60 at Quince.com |
European Linen Vest $42 at Quince.com |
European Linen Shirt Dress $54 at Quince.com |
European Linen Scoop Neck Midi Dress $84 at Quince.com |
Pull-On Tencel Chambray Pants $50 at Quince.com |
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