10 Moisture-wicking Clothes for Sweaty Travelers Under $50

As someone who blasts the A/C in her New York City apartment 365 days a year—yes, even in winter—I have to steer clear of certain fabrics when shopping for warm-weather travel clothes. Once the temperatures rise above 70 degrees Fahrenheit, I transform into a hot, sweaty mess, and certain materials only seem to make things worse. Cotton, for example, is lightweight when it’s dry; sweat even a little bit in it, however, and it will soak it right up, putting your damp pits on full display for every local and fellow tourist to see. 

That’s why I opt for moisture-wicking clothes that are made with athletic fabrics like nylon while packing for my spring and summer travels. If you, too, identify more closely with Twilight’s hot-blooded Jacob rather than icy-veined Edward, I recommend you do the same; and to help you do just that, I’ve handpicked 10 travel pieces with sweat-wicking capabilities to keep you as cool and comfortable as possible. From dinner-friendly trousers to flowy tank dresses, these items are sweaty traveler-approved and have earned glowing reviews for keeping wearers dry even on balmy days. The best part? You won’t have to sweat any hefty price tags—they’re all under $50. 

Libin Women’s Cargo Joggers

On sale for $30, these Libin cargo joggers are cool, comfortable, and functional. Featuring five pockets, an adjustable drawstring waistband, and UPF 50+ sun protection, these hiking pants are suitable for any outdoor activity you’ve got planned this season. Made with a stretchy, quick-drying fabric, these pants expertly “wick sweat away” on hot days, according to Amazon reviewers. Bonus: They’re available in three inseam lengths, so you can find your perfect fit.

PGA Tour Men’s Golf Pants 

Looking for trousers that won’t show sweat stains? I suggest trying golf pants—specifically, these PGA Tour pants—on for size. Made to help golfers keep cool on the green, these comfortable pants “never wrinkle” thanks to their moisture-wicking woven fabric that also doesn’t discolor when wet, according to one water polo referee who regularly wears them poolside at work. Available in three lengths and carried up to a size 44 waist, these travel-friendly trousers are a steal at $35.

Toumett Women’s Long-sleeved Safari Shirt

Not only is this button-down shirt versatile enough to pair with shorts, skirts, and jeans, but it also dries sweat quickly and provides UPF protection from the sun’s harmful rays. The long sleeves can be buttoned up to create a quarter-sleeve, and the hidden mesh panel on the back provides maximum airflow, keeping you cool on extra hot days. Available in 16 colors, this “great all-weather shirt” is about to be your new go-to travel staple. 

Baleaf Women’s Workout Shorts

These breathable, sweat-wicking Baleaf shorts will keep you cool during workouts, lengthy walking tours, and day hikes. They have a wide waistband with a hidden drawstring on the inside, allowing you to customize your fit while maintaining a more versatile, streamlined appearance on the outside. The side pockets are deep enough to hold your wallet and phone, while the discreet zippered pocket at the back is perfect for keys or credit cards. 

Eddie Bauer Men’s Rainier Shorts

Moisture-wicking? Check. Sun protection? Check. Plenty of pockets? Check, check, check, check, and check. These Eddie Bauer cargo shorts, also available in women’s sizes, tick all of these boxes and then some, making them “the perfect shorts,” according to one self-proclaimed “picky” Amazon shopper. The nylon-spandex fabric provides flexibility, while the StormRepel finish sheds water. Another reviewer wrote that they “don’t get wet” while sweating—an impressive sentiment, considering they wrote the review while travelling throughout the hot, humid Philippines. Plus, they’re 30 percent off right now, marking them down to just $42. 

Izod Women’s Tennis Dress

While this Izod dress might be intended for tennis, it’s chic enough to wear off the court, too: Pair it with gold hoops, a pair of beach sandals, and a clutch, and you’ve got a resort-ready ensemble that looks as good as it feels. This athletic dress is outfitted with two functional side pockets, a zippered collar, and stretchy built-in shorts, keeping you covered on windy days. The polyester-spandex fabric provides stretch while wicking away moisture, keeping you sweat-free even during active excursions. 

Caracilia Women’s Workout Romper 

On sale for 36 percent off, this adorable romper looks just like a high-end $98 version—and according to many five-star reviewers, the quality is on-point, too. Featuring flouncy, flowy shorts and an interior liner, this romper is made with a nylon-elastane fabric that’s “anti-sweat” and is stretchy enough to accommodate larger busts. It’s worth noting, however, that this romper doesn’t come with pockets, so you’ll want to style it with a cute sling bag for storage (I suggest checking out this colorful belt bag while it’s also on sale). 

Liberty Imports Men’s Crew Neck T-shirt 5-pack

Also carried in women’s sizes, this five-pack of classic crew-neck T-shirts is a steal at $40, amounting to just $8 per shirt. Like many other pieces on this list, these T-shirts are made with a lightweight, stretchy spandex blend fabric that “quickly evaporates” sweat and can be layered easily underneath vests and jackets. Available in 14 color combinations, carried up to a 5XL, and incredibly budget-friendly, it’s no wonder that this multipack has earned over 5,000 five-star reviews.

The Gym People Women’s Muscle Tank

This breathable muscle tank functions like a workout top but has a minimalistic silhouette that can be styled with more casual outfits, too. Reviewers report that this comfy top is a “great shirt for workouts and travel” thanks to the spandex-blend fabric that’s silky, stretchy, and “truly sweat-wicking.” 

Columbia Women’s Pfg Freezer III Dress

Columbia is known for creating comfortable, high-quality outdoor clothing and gear, and this tank dress is no exception. Just like the name suggests, this moisture-wicking dress was designed to keep you cool on sunny, blisteringly hot days. Crafted with the brand’s Omni-Freeze cooling fabric, this dress accelerates sweat evaporation and provides rapid heat release, all while providing UPF 50 sun protection. My favorite feature of this dress, though, is how simple and versatile it is. Since you can style it a million different ways depending on the occasion, it can be the only dress you need to pack.

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.