Thinking of solo travel but not sure where to start? START HERE!
If you think a travel skirt sounds like a nutty item to take on your trip, think again. I took a "midi" travel skirt with me across Africa for a year, never thinking I'd actually wear it. I dislike skirts but - I loved it! And I ended up wearing it nearly every day.
If you know you need a travel skirt and are just trying to choose one, have a look at the comparison table below.
But if you need some convincing, jump down to the reasons why travel skirts (and dresses) rock! If, like me, you're not usually the skirt type, you might change your mind after you read this page.
NOTE: The links below will take you to your country's Amazon shop (countries covered include CA DE FR ES IT UK US). If the item is not available in your shop, you will be redirected to the US shop at amazon.com.
Name
Image
Material
Length
Quick Dry
Pockets
Details
Price
96% nylon + 4% spandex
Knee-length
Yes
2
If you need a black travel skirt, this is the one. Not one but two pockets! It dries quickly and is a bit stretchy and dressier than some of the others - great for day-to-evening wear.
$$
88% polyamide + 12% spandex
Below the knee
Yes
Hidden key pocket
For something completely different, this skirt has built-in leggings. It's also designed to be used as swimwear in more modest countries.
$$
65% rayon + 30% spandex
Below the knee
No
No
It might take a bit longer to dry but it's wrinkle-resistant so great for travel - and flattering.
$
92% polyester + 8% spandex
Knee-length
Yes
No
This is a reversible skirt - so you get two in one. The dark colors are more opaque than the lighter ones so stick to those - a skirt you can wear almost anywhere.
$$
93% polyester + 7% spandex
Above the knee
Yes
Hidden card pocket
This is more of a beach-wrap style skirt but unlike many of those, this one isn't see-through. Think of it as something you can tuck into your daypack for emergencies.
$$
86% polyester + 14% spandex
Above the knee
Yes
2
If you want something hip-hugging and a bit on the short side, the ExOfficio Camina is stretchy, light, doesn't wrinkle, dries fast - the ideal travel skirt. If you're headed to the sun your thighs (the top part at least) will stay protected. It has a UPF of 50+ and - great for me - pockets!
$$$
100% Peruvian Pima organic cotton
Below the knee
No
2
Most travel skirts travel well because they're made from synthetic fibers. This one is made of cotton so needs a little more maintenance but it's chemical-free, machine washable and comfortable.
$$$
100% cotton
Calf-length
No
2
This may not be the ideal travel skirt if you're roughing it because you need to hand wash and iron it BUT - it's gorgeous so if you need something a little dressier...
$$
Material
96% nylon + 4% spandex
Length
Knee-length
Quick Dry
Yes
Pockets
2
Details
If you need a black travel skirt, this is the one. Not one but two pockets! It dries quickly and is a bit stretchy and dressier than some of the others - great for day-to-evening wear.
Price
$$
Material
88% polyamide + 12% spandex
Length
Below the knee
Quick Dry
Yes
Pockets
Hidden key pocket
Details
For something completely different, this skirt has built-in leggings. It's also designed to be used as swimwear in more modest countries.
Price
$$
Material
65% rayon + 30% spandex
Length
Below the knee
Quick Dry
No
Pockets
No
Details
It might take a bit longer to dry but it's wrinkle-resistant so great for travel - and flattering.
Price
$
Material
92% polyester + 8% spandex
Length
Knee-length
Quick Dry
Yes
Pockets
No
Details
This is a reversible skirt - so you get two in one. The dark colors are more opaque than the lighter ones so stick to those - a skirt you can wear almost anywhere.
Price
$$
Material
93% polyester + 7% spandex
Length
Above the knee
Quick Dry
Yes
Pockets
Hidden card pocket
Details
This is more of a beach-wrap style skirt but unlike many of those, this one isn't see-through. Think of it as something you can tuck into your daypack for emergencies.
Price
$$
Name
Material
86% polyester + 14% spandex
Length
Above the knee
Quick Dry
Yes
Pockets
2
Details
If you want something hip-hugging and a bit on the short side, the ExOfficio Camina is stretchy, light, doesn't wrinkle, dries fast - the ideal travel skirt. If you're headed to the sun your thighs (the top part at least) will stay protected. It has a UPF of 50+ and - great for me - pockets!
Price
$$$
Material
100% Peruvian Pima organic cotton
Length
Below the knee
Quick Dry
No
Pockets
2
Details
Most travel skirts travel well because they're made from synthetic fibers. This one is made of cotton so needs a little more maintenance but it's chemical-free, machine washable and comfortable.
Price
$$$
Material
100% cotton
Length
Calf-length
Quick Dry
No
Pockets
2
Details
This may not be the ideal travel skirt if you're roughing it because you need to hand wash and iron it BUT - it's gorgeous so if you need something a little dressier...
Price
$$
One final skirt I have to talk about because it's so controversial is the Macabi skirt. I can't show it to you because I don't have their permission to use a photograph but you'll find some here. This is a skirt that converts into pants and shorts. I tried one on and looked like a stuffed penguin. A tall friend of mine, on the other hand, was able to carry it off well, and they have several styles worth looking at. It's one of those skirts that you either love or hate but versatile it is, perfect for conservative countries.
Lots of reasons!
Have I convinced you yet?
I traveled the length of Africa for a year wearing a skirt most days and it's the best item of clothing I could have taken along.
We all have our favorites. Mine was a wonderful model by Tilley Endurables. I could crush it or snag it but somehow it always looked fresh. It also dried quickly.
Of course they don't make it anymore (isn't that always the case when something is great?) The only good news is that I've kept it so even if it's not made anymore, I still have mine.
You can find travel skirts in almost any style but there are a few characteristics you should look for.
A great travel skirt should have as many of the following characteristics as possible.
Travel skirts are becoming increasingly popular items in women's travel clothing. Even if you're not accustomed to wearing skirts - I rarely wear them - travel is another story and they make perfect sense when you're on the road. Here are some of the favorite and best skirts for travel.
This made-in-India cotton skirt comes in a range of sizes and drops just below the knee. It ties nicely at the waist and is one of the more attractive casual travel skirts which can instantly look dressy - whatever you choose. The pattern makes sure wrinkles are almost invisible but the trade-off is that the cotton is harder to wash and dry. Still, it's a beautiful skirt so worth the extra work if you feel like wearing something a little out of the ordinary.
PROS
✓ Comfortable material - unlike most travel skirts, this one is made of cotton
✓ Elastic waistband, always a winner for me
✓ Plenty of beautiful patterns
✓ Comes with a matching headscarf
CONS
✕ The skirt is quite full, so not ideal for the larger woman
✕ Because it's cotton, it requires more upkeep than its polyester cousins
When space is an issue (which it always is when traveling), a reversible skirt is the perfect solution. One side of this stretchy, wrinkle-resistant skirt is a solid color like navy, black or pink, and the other side is a complementary pattern. It doubles your mixing and matching capabilities. You'll be able to minimize your wardrobe, always a good thing when you travel! The skirt is lightweight overall. Unfortunately, you don’t get any pockets, but you could wear this skirt in almost any setting so I think that makes up for it.
PROS
✓ Comfortable material
✓ Reversible, which makes it versatile
✓ Wrinkle-free so great for travel
✓ Serves as two-in-one, for both day and evening wear
CONS
✕ The models with white solid backing may let the print side show through
✕ A little tighter than the A-line the skirt suggests
✕ You should wear something over the waistband, which is a little bulky
✕ No pockets
Much as I love to wear skirts for travel, sometimes you just can't. When you're hiking in the rainforest, for example, and the ground is rife with creepy crawlies. And when it's so hot your thighs chafe (if that's a problem for you use Body Glide - won't happen again).
Most times though? I wouldn't leave home without one.