Are you a PracticalTravelGear.com reader who Tweets? That is, you’re active on the social-networking site Twitter? I sure am (follow me at @karasw), and earlier this month, one of the travel folks I follow on Twitter wrote: “If you love comfortable, flattering active/travel clothes… I love Lucy. Check em’ out at @lucyactivewear.”
Of course, I’m always on the lookout for comfy travel clothes that don’t make me look frumpy, so I clicked to learn more. While the bulk of the Lucy collection is for yoga, running and indoor-gym enthusiasts, new items include “tops” and “bottoms” that are indeed ideal for plane and car travel, as well as day hikes and outdoor sightseeing excursions.
Check out these Lucy items that I’ve been wearing around town lately. (I can’t wait to pack them for my next trip to Vail & Beaver Creek, Colorado, where the sporty, casual designs are perfect for the sporty, casual mountain towns.)
Hillside Capris
These just-below-the-knee capris just might be the ultimate pair of travel pants (for warm weather, anyway). They are constructed with trademarked “Lucy Flex” fabric (96% nylon/4% spandex), which means the pants stretch without losing their shape. Besides the super comfort factor, the material dries quickly; no cotton means they won’t wrinkle either (so great for long sitting-in-a-plane-or-car days).
Style-wise, these pants are sporty enough to wear to yoga class, on the river or on a hiking trail. There are three subtle belt loops as well as a cinch-tie waist; so you could go either way: pull the cinch tie out if you always wear pants with a belt, or just use the tie with out a belt. Either way, you look put together.
According to the Lucy size guide, the Hillside Capris have an “active fit,” and on me, that means they aren’t too body hugging (that’s the Lucy “sleek fit”) nor too blousy (the “relaxed fit”). These Hillside Capris are just right! Retail for $58.
Solaris Crop
These cropped pants are longer than the Hillside Capri, and they’re made of 96% cotton, so you’re dealing with more wrinkle potential. Still, I love the look and feel of the Solaris Crop. This is another “active fit,” so there’s plenty of room to move around — comfortably, with the 4% spandex.
The marketing copy on the Lucy websites suggest hiking in them on a breezy summer day; but frankly, I think the lightweight pants are too stylish to bring on the mountains. These pants, to me, are more appropriate for a casual day spent window shopping and dining at sidewalk cafes.
The Solaris Crop comes with a matching wide belt that ties in the front, and has two little cinch ties on the bottom of each pant leg. Low button-top side pockets give them a cargo feel. Retails for $68.
Soleil Hoodie
I thought I looked so cute in this top until my husband told me my chest looked droopy in it. Okaaaaaay. This could be due to the gathering and ruching details in the front and the sides. And it runs big; I’m 5’9″ and it’s long on me, so petite gals, beware. My other complaint: the interfacing at the generous V-neck opening is too narrow — after washing, it flips up. I have to iron it down to keep it from popping out; and this is not a good thing for a busy mom who only pulls out the ironing board perhaps once a month.
That all said, the jersey cotton (with a touch of spandex) is incredibly soft and cozy. I’ll throw it over a tank top (see below) and shorts or use it as a beach cover-up this summer. Retails for $58.
Training Tank
I like tank tops with coverage and the Training Tank has it. Simple and classy, it’s another versatile piece that can be worn while running or working out, or pair it with capris (see above) for a casual day look. Once again, the fabric is top-notch: this is made of trademarked “Lucy Tech” material, a combination of cotton, poylyester and elastene that wicks away moisture. And once again, this item of Lucy Activewear is incredibly comfortable. Retails for $28.
Check out the entire “Explore” collection designed for travel and adventures in the outdoors on the Lucy website.
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You’re right on with these recommendations! I have taken the hillside capri & the tanks around the world. They are perfect for warm weather travel! Plus, if you keep tabs on their sales you can often find them on clearance at the end of the season.
I am looking for a comfortable jeans to wear this summer for my travel and i found out hillside capri fits for me
I will be travelling a lot with my new job and I’m looking for some clothes that I can look smart and feel comfortable in for my travels. I love those cropped trousers at the top, they look nice.