As a freelance writer and blogger, I ask a lot of my travel apparel. Depending on writing assignments, I might go from Los Cabos, Mexico to Portland, Oregon with no time to repack my bags for different climates. I need flexibility, reliability and quick drying options in my clothing selection. Fashionable functionality is key when selecting travel wardrobe essentials. I’m also thrilled when the clothes look good, pack well in a suitcase and are easy maintenance, as in wrinkle-free. Recently, White Sierra, Pocket Poppet and HydroChic sent me some travel apparel to try out.
White Sierra affordable outdoor apparel
I love supporting family-owned businesses. I was happy to check out White Sierra when they sent me several items of mosquito repellent travel clothes to try in the summer. Now that winter has arrived, I’m ready to dress for the colder climate conditions. I realize that’s not saying a lot compared to those of you who live on the East Coast or even the rain-soaked Pacific Northwest. For me, I prefer comfortable clothing. With that in mind, I’m wearing the Alpha Storm 1/4 Zip women’s top with Alpha Tek Fleece Pant in black. I like that the light weight material (textured fleece) offers excellent warmth. The zip secure hidden back pocket on this top was not a benefit for me. I prefer a front pocket large enough to hold a cell phone. Love the lightweight fleece interior made of 100% polyester on these women’s pants. The pant comes in extended sizes and for us short people, the 29″ inseam is a huge plus for me – no alterations required. The Alpha Tek Fleece Pant comes with a hidden center back pocket – so hidden that I almost didn’t see it and when I did discover it, I saw that it would only hold a credit card, hotel room key or paper money in an emergency. Once again, I prefer pockets in my pants. (Side note: What a Trip readers use code NANCY33 to receive 33% off orders until 1/31/17.)
My favorite item in the White Sierra winter apparel shipment was the Sierra Summit Down Jacket. Priced at $110 suggested retail, it is one of their higher-end jackets, but still reasonably priced for it’s warmth, packability (is that a word?) and water repellent fabric. I love the zip secure front hand pockets and interior mesh pocket! The jacket comes in black, blue, grey and cabaret – I call it pink. This jacket, with 80% duck down, is a keeper!
Packable, wrinkle-resistant clothing
Pocket Poppet designs packable clothing for women. The woman-owned company started with a packable cardigan that is not only stylish, it folds into its own tiny travel bag. I took the sweater with me to Portugal in the fall and it was perfect for dressing up or worn with a pair of jeans. The latest clothing item to be introduced is the packable wrap dress. It comes in black, has two wonderful side pockets and is wrinkle resistant. Priced at $169, what more can you ask for in a little black travel dress?
Chlorine-resistant swimwear
Never leave for vacation or even a weekend getaway, without swimwear! It doesn’t take up much room in carry on luggage and you never know when you might need it. I recently discovered HydroChic and I think I’m in love. They market their products as modest swimwear fashion for women and girls. I like HydroChic for their chlorine-resistant swimwear and their figure flattering designs.
Mix and match chlorine proof swim shorts and tops with accent piping are a winning combination for the restaurants that state swimsuits not allowed. The sporty swim skort, with hidden shorts, is great for going from pool to patio. I love that everything I ordered is chlorine resistant, offers UPF 50+ sun protection and is cute! The wrap swim shirt comes with a full supportive swim bra to keep the girls in line (if you know what I mean.) Both bras, full support or sports bra, that I received with my order fit well and were comfortable. Additionally, the swimwear comes in plus sizes, as well. I went from yoga class to the swimming pool without skipping a beat in my swim shorts and wrap top. I can’t wait to put this swimwear to the test in my deep water aerobics classes.
Insider tips: Poppet packable clothing company offers videos on how to pack their clothes for those of us who are visual learners. When it comes to extending the life of your swimwear, remember to rinse the garments in cold water to remove saltwater or chlorine. Finally, don’t leave wet swimwear in a plastic bag. For additional insider tips follow luxury travel writer @Nancydbrown on Twitter or Instagram @Nancydbrown
Wrinkle-resistant travel apparel review written by and photos courtesy of Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip, Travels from Northern California. White Sierra, Pocket Poppet and HydroChic supplied me with this outdoor sportswear and swimwear for review purposes; all opinions are my own. This review first appeared on www.nancydbrown.com