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The more I travel, the easier it is to pack for upcoming trips. My growing travel experience has helped me narrow down my favorite clothing items by what works best–and tunics always top that list. I bring along at least one on every trip. Here’s a list of seven summer tunics that you can shop now and wear all season long!
Summer Tunics
Written By: Niki Landry
wearing the Soul Escape slouchy live in tee
Summer tunics come in lots of shapes, fabric, and styles, but are typically characterized by a longer length, side slits, and split neck or button down. You can find them full sleeves (I like them rolled) or sleeveless, lightweight, or sweater. The tunic you choose will all depend upon your destination and style preference.
Here are seven tunic top styles for various destinations!
Top and Bottom | Dress | Hat | Sunglasses | Sandals | Tote
Beach
Beaches are probably the destination where tunics get to shine the most. Gauzy or light fabrics make them great for warm climates, and don’t forget to pack them on your cruise or sailing trip as well. There are lots of fun prints or embellished tops on the market that can help to add interest to your beachside outfit.
For the most versatile piece, look for fabric that isn’t too translucent, and a style that hits at your upper thigh. This way, you can use your tunic as a swimsuit cover-up, wear it as a dress, pair it with denim shorts for daytime sightseeing, or with linen pants for a nighttime stroll.
Here are some of our favorite linen clothing styles!
Sunglasses | Bag | Flats | Tunic | Leggings
T-Shirt
I have used and abused this simple tunic length top. It is my favorite piece to wear on every trip, and I pair it with everything: leggings, under overalls, with shorts, over skinny jeans, and tucked into skirts. It matches with lots of colors and doesn’t wrinkle.
It’s an easy-to-wear top and loose, which makes it comfortable but not overly baggy. It also hits high on the leg so it provides great coverage if paired with leggings.
Learn more about mixing prints and patterns!
Necklace | Shorts | Shirt | Bag | Sunglasses | Sandals
Chambray
Mix a favorite travel fabric in a tunic cut and you’ve got a perfect top to bring on your spring or summer vacation. Ideal for tropical or casual trips, this chambray top is a stylish and versatile piece to add to your travel wardrobe.
Learn more about how to wear chambray clothing on vacation!
Hat | Bag | Boots | Dress | Earrings | Pants
Midi
This shell style midi top is a modern twist on the tunic. It provides a calf-hitting length, straight sheath shape, and high side slits to make a trendy addition to your travel wardrobe.
Pack it for any stylish adventure like visiting a museum or art gallery, or dinner in a fashionable city.
Here are some tips on creating a stylishly chic minimalist travel wardrobe!
Hat | Earrings | Dress | Bag | Sandals
Dress
A cousin to the shift dress, this striped linen tunic is great for anyone who loves the style of a tunic top but prefers a longer length.
This style–a new take on the nautical stripe–is perfect for travel during the spring and summer months. Pair it with a chic hat and stylish sandals to complete your comfy look.
These are the best sandals for travel this summer!
Hat | Watch | Necklace | Boots | Dress | Bag | Sunglasses | Shorts
Maxi
With styling typical of a tunic in a longer length dress, this piece is perfect for destinations where you may need to stay covered up, but would like a breathable, loose-fitting garment.
I like the idea of styling it with denim shorts underneath. Wear it over shorts, leggings, or alone as a maxi dress – it’s oh-so versatile.
These were voted the best leggings for women that travel!
Bag | Bracelet | Flats | Tunic | Jeans
Classic
The traditional white button down in a tunic length is an update on a classic. The longer length gives it a more casual feel, which is perfect for travel. It also provides coverage, comfort, and style.
If you are prone to spills or travel for long periods, opt for a darker color.
What’s your favorite way to wear summer tunics? Share and comment below!
For more ideas on travel clothes, please read:
- 9 Alternatives to Traditional Travel Pants
- Why Women’s Tunics Always Top My Travel Essentials
- Top Summer Dresses Perfect for Traveling Abroad
- Plus Size Travel Clothes for Women
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Author Bio: Niki is an interior designer and artist from Louisiana. In addition to her design work, she writes for local and online publications sharing her experiences and passion for travel. Niki is currently adding stamps to her passport while building her design practice, Niki Landry Designs.
I love tunics! However – I’ve noticed its been more and more difficult to find them. Any recommendations on where to shop for them? Esp. longer button down ones.
Some of the Tunics featured in the article are from shops like Nordstrom and Loft 🙂
Love any tunics but didn’t wear one till last long haul holiday plane trip.Worked amazingly well!!
Now you know for next time 🙂
Thank you for posting these! I love layering tunics while traveling. Now just need to be on the look out to add these to my staple wardrobe.
Glad you liked it 🙂
Love tunics! Always makes me feel more put together!!
Which ones are your favorite to wear?
I love the tunics. I’ve been wanting to purchase a few new ones.
Thanks Kim!
I never considered bringing long-sleeved, button up, collared shirts on vacation before because I had always considered them business type clothing. But I was watching one of the packing videos on this site and that was one of the suggestions, so I decided to try a couple when I went to Italy. I LOVED them. I could wear them on their own in multiple ways (arms down or rolled up, tucked in or not, etc.) or I could wear them as an extra layer/like a light jacket. So versatile!
Thanks Tiffany! Glad you found a new travel wardrobe staple 🙂
Yes! I have come to love tunics so much. I can’t wait to try a couple of these out for my June trip to North Africa!
Sounds like the perfect place to wear them!
I’m a big fan of tunics to protect my fair, sensitive skin. Styles from companies such as Cabana Life and Coolibar are easy to wear as dresses or as tops, plus they provide high SPF. I love to wear tunics on their own with sandals and a wide-brimmed hat for hot days or with leggings underneath for cooler nights or extra coverage.
Tunics are fab for covering up in the sun and it sounds like you have a few styles for yours 🙂
Stripes are always a must!
🙂 We love stripes