The Perfect Road Trip Outfit (That’s Actually Comfortable)
When you’re headed on a road trip, your outfit matters—a lot. Whether you're cruising scenic highways, hopping in and out for pit stops, or snapping photos at roadside lookouts, the best road trip outfit helps you feel good and stay comfortable from sun-up to sundown. After thousands of miles on the road, we've learned what works and what doesn't. Here's how to build a go-to road trip outfit that checks all the boxes: comfort, function, and road trip-ready style!
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1. Comfort Comes First
The golden rule of a road trip outfit is: If it’s not comfortable, don’t wear it. Long stretches in the car mean you need an outfit that can handle hours of sitting, seatbelt friction, and fluctuating temps… all while still feeling good when you hop out for gas, lunch, or a photo op.
The foundation of any great road trip outfit is a breathable base layer that doesn’t wrinkle easily, regulates temperature, and stays fresh even after hours on the road.
Our top pick? Merino wool. It’s been our go-to fabric for more than five years, because it’s odor-resistant, moisture-wicking, and naturally temperature-regulating, which means it keeps cool when it’s hot, warm when it’s chilly.
Tops we love:
Pair your top with flexible bottoms like:
Coalatree Women’s Trailhead Shorts: Lightweight, quick-drying, stain-resistant, great for warm weather
KÜHL Kruiser Men’s Shorts: One of Jonathan’s warm-weather staples and versatile enough for everything from rest stops to trails
Women’s Woolx Lola Jogger: Super comfortable, soft, and lightweight joggers
Men’s Coalatree Evolution Joggers: Jon gets compliments all the time on these cool-weather joggers (color green)
KÜHL Suppressor Men’s Jogger: Another one of Jon’s favorite road trip joggers, great for warmer weather or active trips
No-stiff-denim rule: Save your jeans for the destination, not the drive
💡 RTL Tip: If you’re leaving early in the morning, dress in layers so you’re not freezing at first light or sweating by lunchtime. Ridge Merino’s Solstice Hoodie is our most-used layer on the road. Works perfectly for varying temps on a road trip!
Shop Our Favorite Road Trip Base Layers
2. Layer Up for Changing Conditions
If there’s one thing we’ve learned from road trips, it’s that temperature swings are no joke. AC blasting, hot afternoon sun, sudden rain, and random elevation changes mean layers are your best friend.
We highly recommend packing a lightweight layer, and our go-to is the Ridge Merino Solstice Hoodie. It’s breathable enough to wear in the heat, but warm enough to fend off evening chills. And when you don’t need it, it packs down small enough to toss in just about any bag.
Shop Our Favorite Road Trip Hoodie
3. Protect Your Eyes
Long hours behind the wheel mean lots of sun exposure, even if you don’t feel it right away. A high-quality pair of polarized sunglasses is a must for any road trip outfit. They cut down on glare from the road, reduce eye strain, and help keep you alert on the road.
Our favorite road trip sunglasses combine performance and polish, so you’ll feel good whether you’re driving or snapping selfies at your next overlook.
A hat is another smart addition to any road trip outfit, especially if you’re hopping in and out of the car often. Whether it’s a baseball cap for casual vibes or a wide-brim hat for extra sun protection, it’s a simple way to stay cool and keep the sun off your face. (Hats are also great for messy hair days if your road trip spans multiple days.)
Shop Our Favorite Sunglasses & Hats
4. Don’t Forget Your Feet
Your road trip outfit isn’t complete without the right footwear. The best road trip shoes are comfortable, breathable, and easy to slip on and off. We’re big fans of tennis shoes for all-day comfort, but slip-on shoes are sometimes an even better pick for long drives. Their on-and-off ease makes gas station pit stops, spontaneous roadside adventures, and rest areas a breeze.
Shop Our Favorite Road Trip Shoes
Allbirds Wool Loungers: Cozy slip-on sneakers made with Merino wool to offer maximum comfort in a minimalist design.
Teva Re-Ember Slip-On Shoes: Cushy and outdoor-friendly with solid traction.
Kizik Venice Slip-On: Hands-free sneakers.
Darn Tough Wool Socks: Durable, comfortable, long-lasting, and worth every penny.
Compression Socks: If you’re prone to swelling or just want more comfort on long drives, compression socks make a big difference on road trips that stretch into all-day drives.
FAQ: What to Wear on a Road Trip
Q: What should I wear on a road trip for maximum comfort?
Choose soft, breathable fabrics like merino wool or cotton blends. Joggers, leggings, or loose-fitting travel pants are great for flexibility, and layering with a lightweight hoodie ensures you’re ready for temperature changes.
Q: What are the best shoes for a road trip?
Slip-on sneakers, sandals with arch support, or travel loafers. Prioritize comfort and easy on/off access.
Q: What’s the best summer road trip outfit?
Lightweight shorts + merino tank + slip-on sandals + sunglasses. Keep a hoodie or flannel in the car for cooler spots.
Q: Can I wear flip-flops on a road trip?
They’re okay for short rides, but lack support. For all-day comfort, go with sandals like Birkenstocks or OluKai.
Q: What should men wear on a road trip?
Breathable travel shorts or joggers, a performance tee (like Ridge Merino), and a lightweight layer for weather changes. For shoes, try OluKai slip ons or Cole Haan sneakers.
Q: What’s the best way to stay comfortable on a long drive?
Wear soft, non-restrictive clothing, and avoid stiff jeans or tight waistbands. Compression socks can help with circulation and prevent leg discomfort for long drives.
Q: What’s comfy and stylish for a long drive with lots of stops?
A matching set with a cropped tee and joggers, flowy maxi dress, or travel shorts paired with a tank and a flannel all make great road trip outfits that also look cute in photos. A stretchy, soft travel romper or jumpsuit is another stylish and comfortable option, but keep in mind that it can make rest stops more complicated, so consider how long you’ll be in the car and how many stops you’ll need to make. Choose coordinated colors and add accessories like jewelry, crossbody bags, oversized sunglasses, slip ons, and a hat.
Q: What should I wear for a winter road trip?
Layer with fleece joggers, a merino base, and a warm puffer jacket. Add a beanie and insulated boots if needed.
Q: Should I avoid wearing certain fabrics on a road trip?
We generally avoid stiff denim, thick polyester, and anything itchy or prone to static cling, including nylon, acrylic, rayon, and spandex. Stick to breathable fabrics like merino wool, linen, bamboo, cotton, and modal blends.
Road Trip Packing List
At the end of the day, the best road trip outfit is the one you pretty much forget you're wearing. It keeps you comfy, lets you move freely, and helps you feel like yourself whether you’re behind the wheel or walking into a new town. From long summer drives through the Rockies, to back-to-back 12-hour days in Alaska, to quick weekend road trips around Yellowstone, these outfits are what keep us comfortable, functional, and photo-ready.
If you’re building your full road trip wardrobe, check out our Road Trip Packing List for a complete guide to what we bring on multi-day drives (after years of trial and error).
Happy Roadtripping!
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