The Best Travel Clothes for Curvy Women
Ok ladies, let’s talk travel wear. The strappy dresses, string bikinis, and pretty convertible tops that seem to be featured on every packing list, round-up, and Instagram feed. Yes, they are adorable. And I’m sure they look amazing on many women. However, as a curvy girl who is often caught between regular and plus sizes, I regularly find that these ‘perfect travel clothes’ really aren’t the best travel clothes for curvy women.
More often or not, when I look at these ‘must have’ lists I end up mentally knocking off half the items because they won’t look good on my figure. Only to find out that those that I think might actually work on my body come in limited sizes. It’s a pain in the butt. Just because I’m curvy doesn’t mean I don’t want pretty clothes. I deserve to feel good in a swimsuit. I want to look cute in my photos. And I know I’m not the only one feeling left out when it comes to travel fashion, but the fact is that plus size travel clothing is hard to find.
Thankfully there are some brilliant brands that recognize that women of all shapes and sizes like to travel and look good while doing it. So from one curvy traveller to another, here are my recommendations for the best travel clothes for curvy women.
Best Convertible Travel Wear for Curvy Women
Convertible clothing and capsule wardrobes are perfect for travel, especially since airlines are getting so strict with luggage. And while many brands offer these types of designs, most of them target those with slimmer figures who are willing to show more skin. Personally, that’s not my style, which is why I love the chic and elegant designs from Diane Kroe.
Diane Kroe offers a range of items from shirts to dresses to pants, all of which can be worn multiple ways. My first two Diane Kroe pieces were the Origami Top (above) and the Carry On Cozy , both of which I love. Both pieces transformed into multiple looks as tops and dresses. They washed and wore well, and were very obviously a quality make. Plus, I loved how they looked and felt on. The Origami top is perfect for dressier events and I love the Carry On Cozy for the plane and for having on hand to cover up my shoulders in more conservative places like temples.
I have since added a few more Diane Kroe pieces to my wardrobe including the butterfly wrap and Mariposa kaftan which are lightweight coverups perfect for the beach or to cover up a little more at more conservative sites. I took my butterfly wrap with me to Egypt and used my Mariposa over my swimsuits in French Polynesia.
Diane Kroe is a Canadian brand based in Toronto. All clothing is created in-house by staff, and custom orders are accepted. Pieces can be ordered online at: https://dianekroe.com and regular sizes run from 2-20 (US sizing) but custom orders are welcome, making it one of the best plus size travel clothing choices. Worldwide shipping is available. Use code HANNAH10 to save 10% off your purchase!
Best Casual Travel Essentials for Curvy Women
If you have been following me for a while and paid attention to my photos you might have noticed that, for the past few years, I have worn the same black t-shirt on every single trip I take. It’s the encircled Evolve Top and it’s easily my favourite t-shirt. The sleeves are adjustable to give it different looks, it’s a bit dressier than a normal t-shirt, and it washes and wears SO well.
I have also recently fallen in love with their Dressy Sweatpant pants which are cuter than leggings but as comfortable as PJs and can be dressed up for down. I have also declared them the ultimate airplane pants because they are super comfortable, cute, and, while not thick, provide a bit of warmth. And yes, they have pockets! They also come with me on every trip.
Encircled clothing is ethically made in Toronto, Canada. Women’s clothing ranges in size from xs-xxl and can be ordered online at: www.encircled.ca
Best Dresses for Curvy Bodies
While I used to be a tomboy as a child, I am now 100% a dress girl. Part of it is because I think they are so pretty, part of it is because it is so easy, and part of it is because I found a brand that has a huge collection of styles and colours that fit my body really well. The brand is City Chic and I have a closet full of their dresses right now.
City Chic has stores in the USA and Australia but does offer shipping abroad. As a Canadian, I can sometimes find their products at The Bay, but the best selection by far is online on the official City Chic website. They have dresses for every occasion and in a variety of styles so whether you want something loose and flowy or tight to hug your curves, you’ll find options here. City Chic is made for mid and plus size women so their sizing goes from size 12 (XXS) t0 24 (XXL).
Another cute place for size inclusive dresses (xs-4x) is Cherry Velvet. This brand is Canadian and create vintage, pin-up style pieces that are super cute and can be fun to travel with as well (although you might need to iron them before wearing!).
Best Jeans for Curvy Women
I hate buying jeans. I have thick thighs and a big butt and a smaller waist and nothing ever seems to fit properly. However, on suggestion from some friends I finally tried American Eagle curvy jeans and immediately bought three pairs. These are the only jeans I have found (so far) that actually work for my body. They have all kinds of styles but, being a millennial (who also lives in Canada where you want to be able to tuck your pants into winter boots) I’m partial to the skinny jean. The Ne(x)t level ones are super stretchy and comfortable. Recently I’m also loving the wide leg dreamy drop styles which are super soft and actually comfortable. American Eagle offers sizes up to 24 and a variety of inseam lengths.
Best Leggings for Curvy Women
Like jeans, I struggled to find leggings that fit me well. Again, the whole smaller waist and bigger bottom led to lots of fit problems. Usually, waist bands sliding down which meant every time I hiked/walked/worked out I would have to stop to pull up my pants. I tried all kinds of brands and styles before landing on one very specific pair from lululemon: The Wunder Train tights. They don’t fall down and they aren’t see through and I cannot recommend them enough. Lululemon currently carries up to a size 20 but keep in mind the fit on their leggings is very different than jean size. I wear 18 jeans and 12 in these lululemon leggings, so keep that in mind when figuring out sizing!
Best Travel Swimsuits for Curvy Women
Swimsuits and wetsuits have been one of my biggest pet peeves as a water love and scuba diver. Especially when, on top of travel, I live on a lake at home in Canada during the summer months. I’ve tried tons of swimsuit brands over the years and have several favourites. In fact I created a whole blog post about my favourite swim-wear brands. You can find it here.
Best Travel Outwear for Plus Size Women
Outerwear can be another pain in the butt to buy, but being Canadian I have to have several different coats for the different seasons. I’ve bought coats from plenty of brands throughout the years, but when it comes to keeping warm or dry, my favourite brand is Columbia.
I currently have two Columbia jackets; a warm winter one perfect for those -40C days (yes, I said -40C. Welcome to Canada) and a lightweight waterproof rain coat. The raincoat is perfect for travel because it folds up into its own pocket, is lightweight, breathable, and most importantly: it is waterproof.
Columbia products can easily be found in sporting stores as well as online on amazon. The raincoat I’m wearing above can be found here.
Best Anti-Theft Pieces for Curvy Women
As a solo female traveller, I think that Clever Travel Companion is one of the coolest clothing lines out there. Their products; which range from underwear to pants to tank tops to hoodies, are all pickpocket proof. Secret pockets that are perfect for cash, passport, and banking cards keep your important items safe and concealed.
While the colours and designs may be plain and simple, the designs are flattering. I tried out their travel tank with 2 secret pockets a couple years ago and it’s now a staple in my luggage. Check out my review for it here.
Clever Travel Companion clothing can be ordered online at: clevertravelcompanion.com. They will ship around the world, and sizes run from XS-XXXL.
Great post. I found many of the sites suggested very intriguing. I will definitely be adding to my travel wardrobe. With the checked bag fees and carry-on space crush I need to minimize my travel gear.
These brands are all lightweight and pack easy as well! I love them all and take them with me everywhere.
I’m traveling to Ireland and was excited for your post but most things listed are no longer available. Super bummed.
Not sure what you mean? I just checked them all and the only thing currently unavailable is the Lululemon leggings I recommend. I’ve been keeping an eye on them since Christmas and I’m not sure if they are just out of stock or being discontinued. I have ordered a new style to try and it should be coming next week- will share if I love them. But everything else I’ve listed is available.
So refreshing to read some tips for us curvy girls!
I thought it was about time 😉 I’m not the only one!
I think you did an excellent job by covering the topic of travel outfits for curvy women without compromising their chic style
Yassss thank you!! As a fellow curvy girl I know it can be extra challenging to find clothes that are comfortable and functional enough for travel. Some awesome ideas here I’m def going to try out!
Yes! I am so grateful to have found these brands so happy to share with my fellow curvy travellers 😉
some really great suggestions here Hannah. I split my (only pair) trousers on our trip to Australia. Couldn’t face trying to replace them to patch job and how for the best. Can’t predict all drama when travelling!
Oh god thats my fear when I go to Asia haha
That’s my biggest fear. My sister and I are going to Thailand later this month and we’re both 6′ tall so if our pants or shoes give out we are S.O.L.
haha yeah sometimes its worth it to pack extra 😉
Side note, good for you for putting a swimwear shot up. I took some shots in Bangkok at a swish infinity pool and haven’t yet found the confidence to share them publicly. Bravo curvy sister, bravo.
haha thanks 🙂
How do you find the Cherry Velvet dresses, in terms of wrinkling? I have four or five of them, but hadn’t really thought about taking them travelling, as I thought that they’d just wrinkle up, and I usually stay in hostels that don’t have irons readily available!!
I am starting to love SweetLegs — I just wish that they were a natural fibre, as I usually try to avoid the synthetics in the crotch area, especially in the hot sweaty summer! But I definitely ordered a bunch today with their 20% off sale this weekend:)
Definitely checking out the other suggestions here!
I find if I hang my cherry velvet dresses over a door or in a closet it helps get the wrinkles out. Can also hang it in the bathroom when you shower- the steam will help 🙂
I love Eddie Bauer’s Girl on the Go insulated trench. It stands up to all sorts of weather. I’ve worn it in pouring rain in summer without the lining and stayed dry, and in the snow and wind in winter with the lining and have stayed warm. It’s low profile enough for city travel.
Good to know! I have a couple things from EB but they only carry plus online (with ridiculous shipping) or in the USA.
I found this site yesterday and love it! My husband is very uninterested in traveling outside of North America and I can’t contain my wanderlust anymore. When you travel solo, do you try to keep it down to a large carry on for most trips or do you check your bags every time?
Thanks Dana! It depends on how long and where I’m travelling. For 1-3 weeks I do carry ons. But when I do multi-month trips I tend to check my bags.
I just found your site and really enjoy it. Great pictures!
thanks!
One of my favorite travel pieces is the Columbia Pardon My Trench. It’s a belted jacket with trench detailing and a hood and zip up pockets. It’s sleek enough to work in a city but sturdy enough for light hiking, trekking. And it fold up very small. Runs up to 3X.
Columbia have awesome coats
Glad I found this post! Planning a 3 week trip to Italy and Greece (includes a 12 day cruise). I’m sure your suggestions and websites will help me. Great to see fellow Canadian suggestions too.
ooh fun! Definitely check out Diane Kroe pieces for that! The convertible aspects will help you pack lighter + her clothes are beautiful.
Thanks for these ideas. One cmpany I like for clothing is Blue Sky. Available online or in person in BC, this company makes bamboo clothing in real people sizes. I especially like their skort which is knee length with pockets. It can be dressed up or down. My travel wardrobe is almost 100% Blue Sky.
I’ll have to check them out. Thanks!
Thank you so much, thanks to you I’ve found cute swimdresses and city chic was awesome for me!
Yay! glad to help
Thank so much for this article. I will definitely be checking out all of these sites!
Happy to help!
[…] My journey towards self-acceptance and body positivity has been one hell of an adventure but it’s incredible how much has changed over the past few years. I enjoy checking myself out in the mirrors that I used to avoid. I buy more form-fitting clothing, I have a drawer filled full of swimsuits, including multiple bikinis, and I feel adorable in sundresses. (PS: You can find my picks for curvy-friendly travel clothing here) […]
I love your sandals. Where are the from
The gold ones? Birkenstocks!
Curvy and plus, fine, but I am also TALL. Almost impossible to find the combo. Most talls only add leg length and do not add to rise.
Have you tried American Eagle curvy jeans? I’ve tried them since I wrote this and they are now my new favourite. They come in a taller length and my friend who is 6 feet LOVES them
[…] For more of my clothing picks, checking out my list of the best travel clothing for curvy women. […]
Please expand to include those of us above 24/3X. I’m glad the industry is starting to be more inclusive, but apparently they think travel and life stops at size 22/24. It’s even worse if you happen to be short (like me) or tall.
Some brands on this list to go to larger sizes but, agree, the sad fact is a lot of brands don’t. I continue to update this list as I can to be inclusive but I also focus on highlighting brands that I know and use and trust. I don’t just list random brands because they offer certain sizes.
Looking for lightweight dresses. Love some of the ones you wear. But have been bitten with shipping to Canada. When you order to Canada and have delivered by DHL do you get a charge from them to clear customs plus the customs cost? When I looked it up, it looked like a 13% customs fee. Worth shipping to Canada if on sale?
yes the shipping and duty can be brutal. I try to keep anything purchased from abroad under $100 to avoid the duty fees!
Hi,
I’ve been reading a lot of information about good travel wear for curvy, larger ladies and one thing I’m having trouble finding is anyone discussing good bras for those skinny strap dresses and tops. I would love someone to give me some insight.
I live in Alberta, Canada so it would helpful to have some information on bras I can purchase in Canadian funds. Thank you.
My go to is Dessee brand (Penningtons carries them). They have a convertible bra that works really well for me. I usually go strapless under my thin-strapped dresses.