Sunny destinations are synonymous with lightweight attire, think flimsy dresses, skirts, and a pair of travel shorts. There’s no denying the flexibility and convenience that a good pair of shorts offers. The best women’s travel shorts come in a wide range of styles and colors to suit individual tastes. Fortunately, we’re quite spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing travel shorts for women. From comfortable lounge shorts to quick-drying hiking shorts and shorter beachwear, there’s something for everyone.
How To Choose The Best Travel Shorts For Women
When you’re zeroing on the best travel shorts for women, it’s important to know where you’re going to wear them. Travel involves plenty of outdoor activities, so shorts that you’d wear for lounging around at the beach will probably not work all that well for hiking. Like any travel attire, be it the best ballet flats for travel or the best packable jackets, you’ll want to be sure the shorts you choose are comfortable and durable. Apart from the comfort, anything that involves travel should also be functional.
Material
The kind of material that you choose will depend on the activities that you’re likely to be engaged in. Synthetic material that is moisture-wicking and quick-drying will serve you well on your travels. So much the better if it’s water-resistant too! Another additional feature when it comes to the material is the resistance to odor, stains, and wrinkles. Even if you are carrying one of the best travel steamers for clothes, worrying about wrinkled clothes should be the last thing on your mind!
Functional Pockets
The best women’s travel shorts usually feature a few pockets. Although you’ll probably carry your valuables in your travel handbag or your waterproof hiking backpack, pockets are handy. Travel shorts with zipper pockets are even better if you’re someone who likes to stash essentials into your pockets. If you’re looking out for pockets, make sure that they have enough depth. Mesh pocket bags are good for breathability but will probably get ripped if you continuously store your keys in them.
Comfort and Style
While stylish-looking shorts are great for your travels, make sure they’re comfortable too. Shorts that are too tight or ride too high up may not be ideal for travel, especially if you’re on a road trip. The fabric should also feel comfortable or you’ll end up being uncomfortable.
What Is The Ideal Length Of Travel Shorts For Women?
How short or long you like your shorts is a matter of personal choice. However, shorts that are between two and four inches above your knees are good for travel. Something that’s too short or ending at your knees may not be comfortable.
Are Hidden Pockets Necessary For Travel Shorts?
If you’re traveling in an area notorious for pickpockets, hidden pockets are a great option. Then again, that depends on what you usually put into your pockets. If you prefer carrying your stuff in a secure bag then hidden pockets aren’t necessary.
VAYAGER Women’s Lightweight Cargo Shorts
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For women who like the convenience of multiple pockets on their travel shorts, the VAYAGER Women’s Lightweight Cargo Shorts is a good option. With a total of six pockets, you’ll have more than enough space to stash your small essentials.
The shorts feature an elastic side waist with two-inch belt loops which provides a good fit. Apart from the fit, the durable fabric boasts a water-repellent finish. It’s also lightweight with sun protection. A seven-inch inseam adds to the comfort.
Pros:
- Lightweight and comfortable for hiking
- Six pockets
- Elastic side waist with two-inch belt loops for a good fit
- Sun protection
- High waisted
Cons:
- Limited color options
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CQR Women’s Hiking Shorts (404)
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Ideal for a wide range of activities, the CQR Women’s Hiking Shorts are another impressive pair of travel shorts for women. Constructed from the Tacti-cool fabric, you’re sure to stay dry and comfortable all day. The surface of the fabric expands and widens to quickly dry. It also has UPF 50+ protection.
Besides the quick-drying property, these shorts are also abrasion-resistant and durable. An elastic waistband enhances comfort while multipurpose pockets offer enough space for your essentials.
Pros:
- Streamline action waistband
- UPF 50+ fabric
- Multifunctional pockets
- Tacti-cool fabric is breathable, lightweight, and quick-drying
Cons:
- Tend to make a swishing sound when you walk but it’s not a big issue
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LEE Women’s Relaxed Fit Bermuda Short
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Denim is a staple in most wardrobes so it’s only fair that we include a pair of denim shorts on our list of best women’s travel shorts. One of the best denim travel shorts for women is the LEE Women’s Relaxed-Fit Bermuda Short. You can wear it for a day of sightseeing or a casual lunch. It’s sure to add a bit of style to your attire.
This classic pair of shorts features a mid-rise with a relaxed fit in the seat. The straight-fit legs hit just above the knees for comfort. You can choose from a wide variety of washes and finishes to find one that suits your style.
Pros:
- Stylish
- Straight fit
- Mid-rise with a relaxed fit in the seat
- Five pockets
Cons:
- Some may find the fabric a little too stretch for their taste
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MIER Women’s Quick Dry Stretchy Lightweight Travel Shorts
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Abrasion-resistant with stretch performance fabric, the MIER Women’s Quick Dry Stretch Lightweight Travel Shorts are excellent for travel. These are ideal for hitting the trail as they dry quickly and also wick moisture to keep you comfortable all day.
Made from 88% nylon, the shorts are abrasion-resistant so you won’t have to worry about scraping against a rock. The durable water repellent finish is also a plus as it not only resists water by stains too. The best part about these shorts is the five utility pockets that are perfect for your small essentials.
When it comes to fit, the semi-elastic waistband keeps the shorts firmly in place. However, it also has a wide belt loop that accommodates most belts.
Pros:
- Abrasion-resistant
- Durable water repellent finish
- Five utility pockets
- Semi-elastic waistband with wide belt loops
- Moisture-wicking and quick-drying
Cons:
- These shorts are almost perfect with nothing much to fault about them
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Willit Women’s Comfy Travel Casual Shorts with Pockets
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The best women’s travel shorts should be comfortable enough for a wide range of activities just like the Willit Women’s Comfy Travel Casual Shorts. Standing out as the number one bestseller in women’s outdoor recreation shorts on Amazon, these shorts hit all the right notes.
You’ll find them in a wide range of colors and patterns. Light, cool, and breathable with a stretch fabric, these shorts are perfect for a vacation. They feature an elastic waistband with an external drawcord that offers flexibility for a customized fit. You won’t have to worry about the waistband losing its shape after wash. Upgraded technology helps keep the waistband flat.
Chafing and skin irritation is reduced by the flatlock stitching. Plus the moisture wicking fabric ensures you’ll stay cool and dry.
Pros:
- Moisture-wicking fabric
- Wide range of colors and patterns
- Elastic waistband with external drawcord
- Upgraded technology prevents the waistband from losing shape
- Flatlock stitching
Cons:
- Sizing is a little off
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Columbia Women’s Sandy River Cargo Short
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Anyone familiar with the Columbia brand will know that they have some of the best outdoor attire. From the best women’s hiking pants to women’s packable down jackets, you’re sure to find something from Columbia. Not surprisingly, they have some of the best travel shorts for women too. Columbia’s Women’s Sandy River Cargo Shorts are cool and comfortable.
They feature Columbia’s signature UPF 30 fabric which is quick-drying and breathable. The shorts come with a one zip-closure security pocket and two side pockets for your smaller items. The partial elastic waist and included belt provide just the right fit and comfort for a wide range of activities. It has a classic fit with a mid-rise waist.
Pros:
- UPF 30 fabric for sun protection
- Quick-drying and breathable
- One zip-closure security pocket and two side pockets
- Partial elastic waist
Cons:
- The side pockets could do with an upgrade
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BALEAF Women’s Hiking Shorts with Zip Pockets
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If you’re looking for a stylish pair of travel shorts for women, it’s a good idea to check out BALEAF Women’s Hiking Shorts with Zip Pockets. These shorts are cool and comfortable with three zipper pockets.
The skin-friendly fabric has a four-way stretch which allows for big movements. Made from a blend of durable nylon and soft woven spandex, they’re extremely soft and wrinkle-free too. With the UPF 50+ protected fabric, you’re also protected from the sun’s harmful rays.
Comfort is big on these shorts with the smooth waistband and adjustable drawstring. The advantage of the waistband is that it doesn’t leave any indentations on your tummy. These pants are great for walking around in or running.
Pros:
- Quick-drying and lightweight
- Wrinkle-free
- UPF 50+ sun protection
- Moisture-wicking
- Soft waistband with adjustable drawstring
Cons:
- The lighter colors are a bit see-through
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UNIONBAY Women’s Delaney Stretch
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Featuring a stylish design with a classic silhouette and multiple solid colors, UNIONBAY Women’s Delaney Stretch Shorts are perfect for the warm weather. If you’re traveling to sunny climes, you’ll love these shorts. Having said that, these shorts may not go down well with women who prefer their shorts a little longer.
These have a low rise fit with a 3.5″ inseam and 8.25″ front rise. Made from a blend of cotton and spandex, they offer enough stretch. You’ll also find five pockets for your small items.
Pros:
- Classic silhouette design
- Multiple solid colors to choose from
- Made from a blend of cotton and spandex
- Five pockets
Cons:
- They tend to run large so you may need to size down
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Little Donkey Andy Women’s Stretch Travel Shorts
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A popular pair of travel shorts for women is the Little Donkey Andy Women’s Stretch Travel Shorts. These shorts feature zipped pockets and come in a wide range of colors to suit various tastes. They feel good and look great too, it’s no wonder that they stand out as one of the best women’s travel shorts.
Due to the blend of polyester and spandex, the shorts are extremely lightweight. This means they’re easy to pack. Additionally, the fabric also dries quickly due to the water repellent finish. You’re also well protected from the harmful sun’s rays with the UPF 50+ feature.
What also makes them one of the best travel shorts for women is the four-way stretch that allows wider movements. A part elastic waistband and belt loops also ensure a good fit. With four pockets at your disposal, you have convenient storage space for your phone or keys.
Pros:
- Wide range of colors and sizes
- Four-way stretch fabric
- Water repellent finish
- UPF 50+ protection
- Four zippered pockets
Cons:
- These shorts are not true to size so sizing could be an issue
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FEKOAFE Women Comfy Drawstring Casual Cotton Shorts
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The number one bestseller in women’s plus casual shorts on Amazon is the FEKOAFE Women Comfy Drawstring Casual Cotton Shorts. If you’re looking for something that’s stylish yet perfect for lounging around, these are pretty impressive.
They feature a mid/high rise elastic waistband for a stretchy fit, making them ideal for travel. Since the fit around the legs is quite loose they’re also a good pair for shopping on vacation. There’s also an adjustable waist drawstring for that perfect fit and casual look. Two deep side pockets plus two back pockets offer enough space for your valuable essentials.
Pros:
- Mid/high rise elastic waistband for a comfortable fit
- Adjustable waist drawstring
- Two deep side pockets
- Available in a wide range of prints and solid colors
Cons:
- The length of the denim colors are shorter than the cotton shorts
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Dickies Women’s Stretch Performance Short
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With Dickies Women’s Stretch Performance Shorts you’ll have both comfort, style, and durability. A perfect combo for your travels! You can be sure these shorts will go the distance with the reinforced double-needle stitching.
That’s not all you’ll get with these impressive shorts. The Temp-IQ intelligent cooling provides advanced temperature control. Additionally, the fabric is also quick-drying and moisture-wicking. These shorts are perfect for the outdoors as the bi-stretch fabric enhances mobility and comfort.
Your essentials will be quite secure in the hook and loop closure pockets on the right leg and back. These mesh pocket bags are excellent for ventilation and drainage in case you get caught up in a downpour.
Pros:
- Reinforced double-needle stitching for durability
- Temp-IQ intelligent cooling
- Quick-drying and moisture-wicking
- Impressive pockets with hook and loop closure
- Comfortable and lightweight
Cons:
- Not available in junior sizes or sizes lower than 4
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Eddie Bauer Women’s Guide Pro Shorts
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One of the best waterproof hiking pants is by the brand Eddie Bauer, which also has one of the best women’s travel shorts! The Eddie Bauer Women’s Guide Pro Shorts stands out on many fronts. They’re stylish and comfortable with two zipper pockets.
These shorts are a definite ‘must have’ for warmer places. The reason being that they’re lightweight and easy to pack. Made from a blend of nylon and spandex, they also have a two-way stretch.
Besides the two-way stretch, these travel shorts for women are also quick-drying and breathable. With a StormRepel DWR finish and FreeShade UPF 50+ sun protection, you’ll be quite safe from the elements.
Pros:
- Available in a wide range of colors and sizes
- StormRepel DWR finish for water-resistance
- FreeShade UPF 50+ sun protection
- Secure-zip cargo pockets
- Two-way stretch for enhanced mobility
Cons:
- Couldn’t find much to fault about these shorts
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Hanes Women’s Jersey Short
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A basic pair of shorts that stands out as one of the best travel shorts for women is the Hanes Women’s Jersey Short. Whether you’re lounging around or sitting for hours in the car, these shorts offer unparalleled comfort. Many women would agree with us when we say these are a great addition to your travel essentials. They’re soft, comfortable, and easy to wear.
Made from 100% cotton, the soft stretch cotton jersey shorts are not restrictive at all. They feature a wide ribbed waistband with an adjustable outer drawcord. In addition to this, you’ll find roomy side pockets for your small essentials. The decorative stitching accents add a seven-inch inseam to enhance the look of these shorts. They’re available throughout the year in colors that are updated seasonally.
Pros:
- Soft, stretch cotton jersey
- Roomy side pockets
- Wide, ribbed waist with adjustable drawcord
- Decorative stitching accents
- 7-inch inseam
Cons:
- The pockets could do with more depth
- Not very stylish
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