Whether cozying up at 36000 feet, creating a blanket fort at the airport, or throwing something stylish on as you step out your hotel door - every frequent traveler needs a travel wrap. A cozy wrap is a priceless item when it comes to finding a garment that blends comfort and style. A travel wrap can double as a travel blanket, a pillow, an extra layer of warmth, a seat cover, and a final flourish to your ensemble. This multipurpose travel accessory has many purposes - from being a fashion accessory to lending warmth and comfort enhancer; we gather the best travel wraps for your next big adventure.
Why You Need a Travel Wrap
Versatility: One of the best things about packing a travel wrap is its versatility. They can be used as a blanket, a makeshift pillow, a scarf, and more. The possibilities are endless if you pick a travel wrap with plenty of fabric.
Comfort and Warmth: Airports may have the airconditioning blasting, and you may find yourself on a chilly plane - in this case, you pull out your travel wrap or oversized scarf and use it to get a dose of extra warmth. Travel wraps are great because they can be draped over your shoulders easily or wrapped around you like a cozy blanket.
Style Statement: A travel wrap isn't just about practicality on chilly flights; they are also a truly stylish and elegant piece for your wardrobe. Any travel outfit can be elevated with classic cashmere wraps or a beautiful big blanket scarf.
Top Materials for Travel Wraps
Cashmere: The cashmere or cashmere blend wrap is one of the best for a timeless, elegant wrap for warmth and luxury. Super soft, extra warm, and lightweight without being bulky, all the benefits and beauty are right there. The White + Warren Travel Wrap is a gorgeous example; you can get it in a wide range of colors and shades. The J.Crew Oversized Cashmere Wrap has that perfect blend of being soft as a warm embrace and bigger than most wraps, so you can truly hunker down in its warmth.
Cotton: Cotton wraps are excellent when you want a lightweight option. Cotton can still bring extra warmth on a chilly night and is a good option if you aren't heading to frigid conditions. One of the best reasons for choosing comfortable travel wraps made from cotton is that they are breathable and easy to care for. The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf, Wrap, and Shawl is made from organic cotton, is beautiful and stylish, and can be worn in many ways.
Wool and Wool Blends: Wool and wool blends are a fine example of a classic wrap that weaves together warmth and durability. Wool is one of the best materials for colder months and makes for a great, cozy blanket scarf when traveling. It is also one of the most versatile fashion accessories. The Woolrich Wool Blend Cape is beautiful in its boho style and has all the added benefits of not being prone to wrinkling, being easy to care for, and keeping you absolutely snug as a bug while working with a ton of different dress styles.
Fleece and Synthetic Blends: Fleecy and synthetic blends also work for your everyday style when finding capes, shawls, and scarves that can accompany you on your next adventure. These are the best-selling styles for when you want to grab yourself a solid travel shawl that is budget-friendly.
Best Travel Wraps of the Year
Best Overall: Sivana has a ton of great wraps for every style, but the Mariposa Wrap is made to accompany you on your adventures. With its vibrant style, graceful drape, and cozy viscose that brings added warmth and feels like silk against the skin, you can effortlessly blend style and substance with this beautiful shawl.
Best Cashmere Option: The travel wrap company has beautiful, high-quality scarves and shawls for those who want to splash out on soft cashmere and pack the most luxurious choice when traveling. Choose from a jeweled array of colors with over seven thousand shades. This everyday cashmere travel wrap is a game changer, lightweight, warm, and super soft.
Best Budget-Friendly Wrap: Travelers wanting an affordable everyday wrap can pick this stylish choice from MissShorthair. This printed shawl open front design makes it work as an airplane blanket, blanket for picnics, beach blanket, or chic accessory. It comes in dozens of styles, and as it's a reversible wrap, you can get even more wear out of it.
Most Versatile Wrap: If you want a dependable cashmere travel wrap that suits every occasion and climate - the Bloomingdales Cashmere Wrap is one of the most beautiful and adaptable choices. Super soft and stunningly oversized, you can cuddle up beneath this wrap wherever you are. It also comes in a rainbow of colors, so you can opt for something bright or a neutral color that fits everything.
Best for Rainy Destinations: Wool scarves, cashmere shawls, and cotton wraps may not be the best choice for rainy destinations, but you can stay dry with this SaphiRose hooded poncho raincoat. Made from polyester, this fabric is quick-drying, eco-friendly, affordable, breathable, and comes in a wide range of colors, making it a perfect option for jetting off to wetter climates.
How to Choose the Right Travel Wrap
Considering Your Travel Needs: The type of travel wrap you choose depends on your unique travel needs. Material may need to be matched to the climate you are heading for. For example, cooler climates may call for wool, cashmere wool blends, or materials that bring added warmth. Warmer climates may need a more breathable choice, like cotton or bamboo. If you are hiking on your trip, you may want something lightweight, breathable, and durable enough to withstand wear and tear, whereas if you are mostly doing city exploration - a wrap with a bit of style is more important.
Size and Portability: A good travel wrap should be easy to pack and carry; you don't want something too bulky that takes up a ton of space. Look for something that can be folded or rolled down and comfortably packed into your carry-on. Something lightweight is also important so it doesn't become a chore to lug your wrap around. You also want to find a versatile wrap that can be used as a blanket during flights, a pillow, and worn when out and about. There are many ways to wear a shawl or wrap so pick something that is big enough to play with all options.
Care Instructions: Pick a wrap that is easy to clean and maintain while on the go. Materials that are durable or easily washable will make the most sense. You also want something durable and can handle being moved around and washed and dried with ease. Darker or brighter colors may be best as they are less likely to show signs of wear and tear compared to a white wrap.
Care and Maintenance Tips
Cleaning and Storage: Different wrap materials will have different care and cleaning instructions, so always make sure to check the label. When traveling, you may be best sticking to handwashing your shawl in cold water, using mild detergents, and letting it air dry to keep it's shape and color. Rather than hanging your wrap, you may want to fold it, as hanging can cause the material to stretch.
Dealing with Wrinkles and Creases: If you always want your wrap to be travel photo-ready, keeping it wrinkle-free is a good call. One of the easiest ways to clear out the creases is to hang them in the bathroom while you take a hot shower, as the steam will cause the wrinkles to drop out. A quick spritz of fabric spray can also help the material to release wrinkles.
Conclusion
Travel wraps are one of the best investments you can make. For those who want to constantly have the option to get cozy and warm and to cover up when needed - wraps, oversized scarves, and stylish shawls are an essential part of your wardrobe. You can bet this will quickly become an item you can't live without in your closet. Check out our wraps, sustainable loungewear and tanks and bring even more comfort into your travel wardrobe.
FAQs
What is a travel wrap?
A travel wrap is a garment you can take when traveling. It can be an oversized scarf, a shawl, or a large piece of fabric you can wrap around yourself. Travel wraps can be made from wool, cashmere, cotton, bamboo, and more. You can use them as part of your wardrobe, but they also double as blankets, pillows, and coverups.
What is the best size for a travel wrap?
When choosing a travel wrap, you want to look for something oversized, as this will bring more versatility to how you use the travel wrap. A good size can be 70 x 30 inches, as this can be comfortably draped around the body.
How do I style a travel wrap?
There are many ways to style the travel wrap - you can drape it over your shoulders, wear it as a scarf, wrap it around your body, and cinch it at the waist with a belt. One of the best things about travel wraps is their versatility in use and style.
