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Struggling to find awesome plus size travel clothing ideas? One traveler swears by this brand. Find out what it is!
Plus Size Travel Clothing
Written by: Phebe Schwartz
One of my favorite brands for plus size travel clothing is Eileen Fisher. Her clothes are based on what Eileen Fisher calls “The System”: grab a top, add a bottom, throw on an outer layer, and voila, you have an outfit.
Everything is designed to be layered – perfect for travel!
Eileen Fisher clothes tend to be a bit pricy, but the quality is outstanding, as are the fabrics of organic cotton or linen, modal jersey, cashmere, merino wool, and silk.
Her designs can be found at large department stores such as Nordstroms, Macy’s, Lord & Taylor, and on the Eileen Fisher website as well. (If you shop online, their models may not be plus-size even though the sizing is available.)
Sizing:
Eileen Fisher sizing tends to be a bit generous. Items can be in petite, misses, or plus. However, the misses XL usually fits size 16-18, or even 20 if it’s an oversized or boxy shape. If you’re in a store, try a variety of sizes. Her plus sizes are quite generously cut.
Helpful hint: I always check the “sale” section online, and will save favorites while watching to see when prices drop even further. I do the same at the department store sites. When an item is 50% off or more, I grab it.
Mandarin-Collar Button-Front Shirt
The long-sleeved shirt
A long-sleeved shirt is indispensable for travel. This can be worn alone, over a tank or tee, or under a sweater or blazer. It can also be worn as an additional layer under or over the right dress. My preference is white, because it looks so crisp with black.
Want to look your best when traveling but still be comfortable. Read my travel tips to Pack Light Stylishly!
Basic trousers
Eileen Fisher has tailored slacks, harem pants, fitted or slouchy slacks, man-tailored trousers – I like her linen cargo slacks that are slightly cropped, and the lantern slacks which turn in just slightly at the ankle.
Use packing cubes to help you organize and even compress your belongings to maximize your space.
Skirt
The linen knit skirt travels beautifully, but so does the straight viscose jersey. Both work well with just about every top.
Tee shirt
The linen knit tees are light and airy, perfect for hot weather.
Tank top
For really hot weather, a tank top will keep you cool, especially in natural fibers. If you are self-conscious about your upper arms, look for a top with cap sleeves for a bit more coverage.
Embellished top
I adore the beaded tops, but suspect they’d be too heavy for traveling. The silk tops, however, are luxurious enough to dress up a pair of jeans, but are light as a feather.
The Dress
So many dresses to choose from! I like Eileen Fisher dresses that can be worn over her slacks, leggings, tights, or under any of the sweaters or jackets. Look for versatility as well as what is flattering for your shape. (The viscose jersey can be a bit heavy, so consider this when ordering online.)
Cashmere Shawl Collar Cardigan
Sweater
I love her boxy pullovers, but I also adore cashmere cardis that go with everything.
Hooded Weather-Resistant Jacket
Blazer or jacket
This little cotton knit jacket works with slacks, jeans, skirts, a dress. The vaguely military styling in absolutely on trend right now, but is so classic that it will still work five years from now.
I’d love to be able to fill my luggage with Eileen Fisher clothes, but my budget isn’t quite up to that. However, a few of her items will definitely add a more elegant and luxurious look to a wardrobe of basics; and if you buy on sale, you won’t break your budget.
Do you own any Eileen Fisher clothes? Share your favorite plus size travel clothing styles in the comments!
For more travel fashion related post, please read:
- Our 10 Best Posts of 2015: Travel Fashion Round-up
- In a Travel Fashion Rut? Here are 9 Fashionable Plane Outfits for the Winter
- Travel Fashion for Women Over 50: This Brand Also Has A Fantastic Size Range
- Joggers for Women: Don’t Miss this Travel Fashion Trend
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Author Bio: Phebe Schwartz started traveling at age 19, and hasn’t stopped. Retired, she and her husband are traveling the world and having the time of their lives! The plan is to have no plan, the philosophy is that where they end up is where they are meant to be. Follow their adventures: Rolling Luggagers
Eileen Fisher can feel a bit staid. Do you have suggestions for brighter, hipper, but still practical and comfortable staples?
Hi Anne, we have a wide range of categories for travel friendly clothes on the blog, all featuring recommendations from our readers reflecting different price points, sizes and different audiences. Take a look!
✈ Sweaters and Jackets: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/travel-jackets/
✈ Pants: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/travel-pants/
✈ Shirts and Tops: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/category/fashion/travel-clothing-for-women/travel-tops/
✈ Dresses: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/travel-dresses/
I haven’t heard of Eileen Fisher brand before, but I don’t go shopping at stores that often. Will check out the website. Thanks for the recommendation!
Hi Phebe
Love your tips. I look best in vests, usually size 16 – 20 depending on the cut. Where should I look for good ones for home and to also travel on tours with.
Hi Sherry, thanks for your question! We’ll share your question here so the author of the article can reply 🙂
Thanks, Alex, for giving us plus sized girls another option for good quality travel clothing. As I search for great capsule pieces I’ll definitely look here.
Thanks Michala!
I have an Eileen Fisher black (now faded) snap-front lightweight jacket (with pockets) that went with me on a three week trip to Europe & I wear it at home ALL the time, too. The weight works even in heat like Rome in early Sept with just a cami or tank top underneath. I stuffed it in my day bag & it was crush resistant- no ironing! The weight works well over a long sleeved T-shirt, too. I got it at Goodwill, my absolute favorite place to look first for travel clothing. I often find new items with the price tags still on. If I don’t find what I need at Goodwill, Red, White & Blue or other thrift shop), THEN I’ll go to REI or look at the travel-specific brands.
Great brands Josephine! Thanks for sharing your great tips! Happy travels!
I just found some 2X-sized merino wool base and middle layers on the Cabela’s website. They partner with Icebreaker to create larger items (and cheaper too!) than on Icebreaker’s own website. I ordered a long-sleeved base layer and may order a few more if the fit is right. I would have never thought about Cabela’s for travel wear!!
That’s a great tip! I’ll start looking at Cabela’s clothing from now on. Thanks Rhonda 🙂
I guess it depends on what you intend to do when travelling,but I DID pack a skirt on my 2nd long trip overseas, only to never wear it.I’m a pants girl,through and through,so the 3rd long trip had only pants.The rest of the list I agree with.(My trips have been 7-12 weeks and in many countries throughout each trip.)
It’s good that you know what works for you. I’m not a skirt girl either. I’ve tried to like them but I just don’t and prefer pants or shorts instead. Always go with what works for you 🙂
Thanks for the love, Alex! Great travel picks.
Thank you! Your travel-friendly clothes are fab!