Best Travel Outfits for Kids Going on Vacay

You know the feeling: your suitcase is bursting, your kid’s snacks are packed, and your little one is wearing rain boots, pajama pants, and a tutu five minutes before boarding. Classic.

Vacay mode doesn’t mean style takes a nap. When your kiddos are bouncing from car seat to airport lounge to sandcastle duty, they need outfits that multitask better than we do on a Monday morning. That’s where cute meets practical, and that’s exactly how travel outfits for kids should work.

We’re talking:

• Comfy fabrics that won’t irritate mid-flight
• Layers that adapt to planes, pools, and everything in between
• Clothes that hold up after spilled juice boxes and beach days
• Pieces your kids actually want to wear

Let’s get into some fashion-mom strategies to pack smart and stress less, because moms deserve peace and kids deserve to look fabulous (even if they’re throwing goldfish crackers at their sibling).

Simple Tips That Make Travel Outfits for Kids Easy to Pack

Packing for little ones can feel like a game of Tetris with a side of glitter and juice boxes. Here are some mom-tested tricks to help you plan travel outfits for kids that are stylish, comfy, and won’t leave you digging through a suitcase in a panic.

1. Prioritize Soft, Stretchy, and Breathable Fabrics

No one wants a waistband emergency at 35,000 feet. Scratchy tags? Nope. Tight collars? Pass. Kids need comfort that doesn’t quit, especially when they’re sitting, squirming, or sprinting through a terminal. Stick with soft cottons, lightweight jersey knits, and breathable materials.

What to avoid:

• Stiff denim (especially for littles under 6)
• Heavy embellishments or metal buttons (hello, security delays)
• Fabric that wrinkles easily (because no mom is ironing on vacation)

2. Match Outfits With the Itinerary

You know your vacation schedule better than anyone. Beach mornings? Theme parks? Dinner with the grandparents? Plan outfits that make sense for each vibe, without overpacking a duffel bag the size of your child.

Here’s a quick guide:

• Pool or beach day: Rash guards + swim trunks + terry cover-up
• City sightseeing: Graphic tee + joggers + hoodie
• Chill dinner out: Polo shirt + pull-on shorts or casual dress
• Plane ride: Comfy set + slip-on shoes + lightweight zip-up

And yes, don’t forget backups. Accidents, spills, surprise water fountains, travel outfits for kids need reinforcements.

3. Layer Like a Pro (You’ll Thank Yourself Later)

Planes are cold. Beach cafes are hot. Malls are freezing again. Welcome to temperature roulette. Layering isn’t just smart, it’s survival.

Mom-tested tricks:

• Always pack a lightweight hoodie or zip-up jacket (bonus points if it’s cute)
• T-shirts under sleeveless tops work well for shifting temps
• Bring a scarf or muslin blanket for younger kids, it works as a pillow, shawl, or sun cover

4. Keep the Bottoms Pull-On Only

Buttons and zippers are cute until you’re wrangling your child in an airport bathroom stall while holding a carry-on with your foot. Pull-on styles are your best friend, no negotiations.

Why pull-ons win:

• Kids can dress themselves (yes, even toddlers)
• Easy for bathroom breaks
• Super comfy for naps

And if your kid is at the age where “I do it myself!” is the daily chant, pull-on is peace.

5. Pick Sets to Save Time (and Your Sanity)

Matching sets = less decision-making and zero morning drama. When your kid’s outfit is already planned, you’re not stuck trying to find the missing shorts that somehow disappeared between packing and unpacking.

Why sets are smart for travel outfits for kids:

• Built-in coordination (no guessing games)
• Cute in photos (always thinking ahead!)
• Easy to roll and pack together
• No mixing up tops and bottoms in hotel drawers

If you’re planning multiple outings, pack a few mix-and-match sets. That way, one top can go with different bottoms and vice versa. Think mini capsule wardrobe, but for your little one and a lot more glitter.

6. Say Yes to Statement Tees (With a Side of Sass)

Graphic tees are one of our go-to pieces when building travel outfits for kids. They're versatile, pack light, and say a lot, without your child having to.

You can go playful, inspirational, or full-on sparkle. Whatever fits your child’s personality (and your patience level that day).

Pro tip:

• Look for themes your kids love, unicorns, rainbows, emojis, dinosaurs
• Bring 2–3 tees per trip and rotate them with joggers, shorts, or skirts
• Don’t forget an extra tee in your carry-on… juice box drama is real

And hey, if your kid insists on wearing it twice in one trip, we support that kind of commitment to style.

7. Go Easy on Accessories (but Don't Skip Them)

Accessories can take a kid’s outfit from cute to “Who is this tiny trendsetter?” in two seconds flat. But when you’re mid-vacay, aim for pieces that are fun and functional.

Here’s what works:

• Sunglasses (protect those little peepers)
• Hats (shields sun + hides bedhead)
• Simple jewelry (think charm bracelets or snap-on cuffs)
• Small bags or backpacks for snacks and treasures

Avoid anything that’s easy to lose or likely to cause meltdowns when it “feels weird” or “won’t stay on.” You know the drill.

8. Prioritize Shoes That Slip On and Stay On

Shoes can make or break a vacation day, literally. Blisters, broken straps, or stubborn laces? No, thanks. When building travel outfits for kids, always pack:

• One pair of comfy sneakers
• One pair of slide-on sandals or water shoes
• One just-in-case dressy pair (optional)

Make sure every pair has been worn in before the trip. New shoes + theme park = regrets. Bonus points for shoes they can take on and off themselves, especially for airport security.

Slide-on sneakers or glitter high-tops from Lola and the Boys? Now that’s a combo that passes the mom test and gets compliments at the gate.

9. Choose Dresses That Pull Double Duty

For the girls who love a little twirl (and the moms who love a little practicality), dresses are an easy win. The key is choosing styles that can play all day and still look cute enough for dinner. No itchy tulle, no stiff lining, just soft, stretchy, and ready to roll.

The sweet spot?

• T-shirt dresses with pockets
• Cotton sundresses that layer well
• Sequin styles that don’t shed like a glitter tornado

And don’t forget: leggings or biker shorts under dresses = extra comfort and coverage when cartwheels or playground stops happen.

10. Pack Pajamas You Can Actually Show in Public

You know those mornings when you’re running late for breakfast and your kid insists on keeping their jammies on? Happens every trip. That’s why we always pack PJs that could pass as casual wear in a pinch.

Look for:

• Two-piece sets with fun prints
• Soft onesies for little ones
• Pajamas cute enough to wear to the hotel lobby or a road trip snack stop

Pro tip: pack an extra pair in your carry-on for long flights. A quick change into cozy PJs can work wonders mid-air.

11. Don't Forget Swimsuits That Dry Fast & Look Cute Longer

If your vacay includes water (and whose doesn’t?), bring at least two swimsuits per kid. That way, you always have a dry one ready, and no one’s putting on a soggy suit from yesterday.

What to look for in the best travel outfits for kids that include swimwear:

• Rash guards for sun protection
• Quick-dry fabric
• Styles your kid won’t fight you on

Don’t forget a cover-up! A long tee or lightweight robe makes pool-to-lunch transitions so much easier.

12. Keep a Spare Outfit in Your Day Bag (Always)

No matter how short the outing, always, always, have a backup outfit in your bag. This is not up for debate.

Why?

• Spills happen
• Messy play happens
• Potty emergencies happen

The ideal backup outfit:

• Rolled tee + soft shorts or leggings
• Lightweight, wrinkle-resistant fabric
• Nothing too fancy, just clean and comfy

Toss in a pair of undies and a plastic bag for the dirty stuff, and you’re a packing pro. We stash a Tie Dye Tee and Shorts Set and some basic biker shorts in our travel tote and forget the stress.

13. Color Coordinate for Family Photos (Yes, It’s Worth It)

We know, we know, organizing family outfits sounds like a lot. But hear us out: if you’re planning vacay photos (or just want your Instagram feed to look less chaotic), coordinating colors is a game-changer.

Tips to keep it cute:

• Pick 2–3 colors that mix and match well
• Avoid too many busy prints
• Add pops of sparkle or metallics for fun

It’s not about matching perfectly, it’s about looking like you tried (even when you didn’t).

14. Give Them a Say (But Narrow the Choices)

No one wants a vacation meltdown because the wrong leggings made it into the suitcase. Letting your kid help choose their travel outfits for kids gives them confidence, and can even cut down on tantrums.

Here’s the hack:

• Pull 3 mom-approved outfits
• Let your child pick their favorite
• Repeat until packed

You stay in control, and they feel heard. Win-win. And honestly, half the fun of a vacation is letting kids express themselves, yes, even if that means rainbow shorts and dinosaur socks on the same day.

15. Organize by Day, Not by Item

Here’s one trick that changed our packing game: pack by outfit per day, not by shirt, pants, socks, etc. It's a small shift, but moms, it's a game-changer.

Instead of digging through a suitcase hunting for “those rainbow shorts that only go with the one glitter unicorn tee,” bundle full outfits together. Use zip bags or packing cubes labeled by day or activity. One grab-and-go bundle = one less thing to stress about.

Your travel outfits for kids should be:

• Easy to access in the chaos of hotel mornings
• Already styled for photos (bonus!)
• Quick to swap out when plans change

Toss in a note to remind yourself of what you planned for that day, especially if your kid insists on wearing their “pool shirt” to dinner with grandma. Been there.

16. Keep One "Wow" Piece for Special Moments

We all have those vacation moments that deserve a little extra sparkle, birthday dinners, fancy brunches, and meeting the cousins for the first time. That’s when one standout piece can turn heads and make memories.

Think:

• Statement dress
• Fun matching sibling sets
• Something with sequins or shine

You don’t need a whole glam wardrobe. One “wow” piece like the Sequin Ombre Dress makes your child feel like a star (and you’ll get a hundred compliments at the restaurant).

Keep it soft, breathable, and packable, but go ahead and let them shine.

17. Laundry on the Go? You Bet

If you’re going away for more than five days, laundry is your secret weapon. It lets you pack lighter and keep those favorite pieces in rotation.

Quick tips:

• Bring a mesh laundry bag to separate dirty clothes
• Pack a travel-size detergent
• Check if your hotel or Airbnb has laundry services

This way, you can reuse your favorite travel outfits for kids instead of overpacking and hauling home a suitcase of unworn glitter leggings.

And honestly, some kids will insist on wearing that sequin hoodie four times anyway. Might as well make it clean.

Find the Most Fun and Practical Travel Outfits for Kids Today

Packing the right travel outfits for kids can turn hectic mornings and on‑the‑go moments into smooth, happy memories. With the right mix of comfort, style, and practicality, your little ones can feel good and look amazing from takeoff to touchdown. Thoughtful choices mean fewer meltdowns over clothes and more time enjoying every special stop along the way. Keep these tips handy, mama, and watch your next trip feel easier and a whole lot more stylish.

At Lola and the Boys, we know moms want more than just “cute.” You want clothes that last through the fun, the mess, and the magic. Our styles are made to move, sparkle, and shine right alongside your kids, whether they’re jumping in puddles or posing by palm trees.

Shop the latest arrivals at Lola and the Boys and make their suitcase the most stylish one on the trip.