5 Reasons to Wear Sustainable Travel Clothes for Summer
Sustainable Travel Clothing: Your Stylish Companion for Summer Adventures
Whether it’s the salty beach breeze in your hair or unzipping your tent to the smell of pine needles, there’s not much better than summer travel. It’s time to slow down, unwind, explore, sip coffee, and just take in the world around you.
Planning the perfect summer vacay is an art, and part of it is packing the right stuff. At Toad, we specialize in clothes that are not only stylish and versatile, but sustainable—because if we want to enjoy nature, we’ve got to protect it too, right?
With these tips and tricks for effortlessly styling sustainable summer outfits (try saying that 5 times fast), get ready to embrace a laidback and eco-friendly wardrobe for unforgettable summer adventures.
What to Wear in the Summer
1. Lightweight and Breathable
From hiking in Portland to dancing the night away in Paris, you need clothes that are lightweight, breathable and can be layered on and off as the day demands. Or when you're wandering through a bustling market or trekking through a tropical rainforest, the last thing you want is to feel weighed down by heavy clothing. That's why choosing lightweight and breathable fabrics like organic cotton or hemp are game-changers. These natural fibers offer maximum breathability, allowing air to circulate and moisture to escape, keeping you cool and comfortable as you soak up the sun. Not to mention, packing these lightweight garments is a breeze.
2. Wrinkle-Resistant and Quick-Drying
Whether you're a packing cube evangelist or prefer to stuff everything in a backpack on the way out the door, you want no-fuss clothes that can shake out wrinkles and dry fast when met with water or sweat.
Think of fabrics like TENCEL™ Lyocell, a sustainable wonder derived from renewable wood pulp, which effortlessly resists wrinkles and keeps you looking stylish.
3. The Benefits of UPF Protectant
It’s 2023, and we all know we have to protect our skin. The best travel clothes offer Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) ratings, shielding you from harmful UV radiation. Our UPF clothing adds a layer of defense between your skin and harmful UV rays, so you can enjoy the sun without worry.
4. Sustainability
Even the best travel clothes aren’t really the best if they demand tons of energy and harmful chemicals to create. And at the heart of sustainable travel clothing: its commitment to the planet. Choose pieces that are made from recycled materials like recycled polyester (made from plastic bottles) and natural fibers like organic cotton (cultivated without harmful pesticides or fertilizers) for the eco-friendliest option. By embracing sustainable materials, you not only preserve our planet but also get to enjoy durable and high-quality clothing that stands the test of time.
5. Mix-and-Matchable
The key to curating a summer travel wardrobe is versatility—think the button-up that can hang on a hike and also look sharp at the pub, and the skirt that seems to go with everything. Investing in mix-and-matchable pieces saves space in your suitcase and allows for effortless outfit coordination. Look for clothing items that can be easily layered and combined, allowing you to transition seamlessly from day to night, or from casual to more formal settings.
The Best Summer Travel Clothes
Women's Travel Clothing
The perfect travel pant is comfortable enough to curl up in (think early flights or late-night trains) but stylish enough to transition to out-and-about, no wardrobe change required. The Pomona Wide Leg does all that and more—she’s even got a sneaky zip pocket for stashing essentials.
A chic summer dress that packs down small and dries quick—can it get any better? Believe it or not, yes. She’s also got UPF 40+ protection to keep that skin sunburn free, and hand pockets for carrying small items like cash or snacks.
Hemp and TENCEL™ Lyocell unite for a shirt that’s lightweight, quick-drying and doesn’t wrinkle. Plus, it pairs well with pants, skirts, shorts, bikini bottoms…whatever you’ve got in your bag, this tank is here for it.
Men's Travel Clothing
Pro packers know: the secret is in the layers. The Framer II Long Sleeve Hoodie can be thrown on with board shorts or worn under a flannel for a night on the town. In true Toad form, it also wicks moisture and is made from organic cotton and recycled fibers.
Even in the summer, a good pair of pants is key. These can be dressed up or down, and polyester with a bit of stretch means they can go the distance without restricting your movement. They’re also UPF 40+, so bring on that sunshine.
A true travel unicorn, these shorts do it all. An elastic waistband makes them easy to pull on and go, and a hardy combo of organic cotton and recycled water bottles (yup) makes them built for days of adventure. There’s even a back zip pocket to keep your stuff secure.
Tips and Tricks for Styling Sustainable Summer Outfits
Your flights are booked and adventure awaits. But how can you get the most out of your travel clothes?
1. Embrace Versatile Essentials
The golden rule of smart packing: Everything you bring has to create at least two outfits. In other words, leave the top that only goes with that one specific skirt behind. Instead, opt for a capsule wardrobe you can mix and match depending on your mood, activity and the weather.
2. Think in Layers
We’ve said it before, but it bears repeating: layers are your friend (and layering is not just for winter). If you’re heading to a place that’s hot during the day and chilly at night, it doesn’t mean you need to bring your heaviest coat. It means bring a tank or shirt that can go under a flannel or cardigan, and a lighter jacket that can offer extra warmth to top it off.
3. Accessorize Accordingly
Accessories are generally small (read: easily packable) but they can change an outfit in an instant. Hats are not only practical—extra warmth and sun protection—but they can also add variety. The same goes for scarves and wraps.
4. Play with Prints and Patterns
Don't shy away from incorporating fun, bold prints and patterns into your summer wardrobe. Opt for floral prints, tropical motifs and stripes to infuse a playful and vibrant touch to your travel wardrobe.
Packing is an art, but it doesn’t have to be hard. With the right pieces, you can fit a few weeks’ of stylish, not to mention sustainable, clothes in nothing more than a carry-on. Still need more travel style inspo? Be sure to check out our women's and men's travel collections see what else we’ve got cookin’.