Pack smarter with versatile picks made for mixing and matching.

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Travel + Leisure

After living out of a backpack on several multi-month adventures across Europe and Southeast Asia, I consider myself a bit of a pro when it comes to packing light. One of my top tips? Invest in a few versatile matching sets. I own several from athleisure brand Beyond Yoga that complement my preferred, outdoor-adventure-focused type of trip, but there are all kinds to choose from, whether you’re more of a stylish linen short set or an elegant cashmere pant suit kind of person.

Whatever style you go for, the best matching sets make the most of your suitcase space by providing the building blocks for multiple outfits. You can wear them as is for a streamlined, put-together aesthetic. Or, you can mix and match each piece to create different looks for a diverse range of scenarios, depending on how you style them. To help you choose, I asked Travel + Leisure editors to recommend their favorite matching sets. Each one has been evaluated for comfort, fit, design, and durability, and tested on trips around the world.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall: Quince 100% European Linen Fitted Tank at Quince.com $40 Jump to Review Best Skirt: Prettygarden 2 Piece Maxi Skirt Set at Amazon $37 Jump to Review Best With UPF: Outdoor Voices SolarCool Tourist Shirt at Outdoorvoices.com Jump to Review Best Airplane Outfit: SALE Anrabess Women 2 Piece Sweatsuit at Amazon $60 $38 Jump to Review Best Patterned: Rujuta Sheth Yara Top at Rujutasheth.com Jump to Review Best Crochet: Soft Goat Crochet Vest at Softgoat.com Jump to Review Best Button-down: Faherty Laguna Linen Relaxed Shirt at Fahertybrand.com Jump to Review Best Gauze: Lake Hamptons Pants Set at Lakepajamas.com Jump to Review Best Shorts: Petal & Pup Chelsey Linen Set at Amazon $79 Jump to Review Most Comfortable: Free People Movement Hot Shot Crossover Set at Nordstrom $98 Jump to Review

Best Overall

$40 at Quince.com

$40 at Quince.com Why We Love It

• This set is effortlessly comfortable in warm weather and exceptionally well-priced.

What to Consider

• In lighter colorways, the pants are not fully opaque.

Made from pure European flax, this tank and wide-leg pant set is breathable, lightweight, and naturally hypoallergenic. The tank features a flattering square neck and smocked zipper back, which, when combined with the adjustable buttoned straps, makes it easy to achieve a perfect fit. The pants (available in matching black or flax) come in three different inseam lengths to cater to all tastes, whether you prefer a cropped or full-length look. We love the ample airflow provided by the relaxed, wide-leg fit—a design that makes these pants ideal for tropical climates.

We also appreciate how the thick elastic waistband and loose fit afford plenty of room for movement (even if you’re somewhat curvier than the average clothing model). A drawstring for keeping the pants in place and two front and back pockets complete the package. As T+L writer Anne Taylor says, “Both the top and pants are fairly basic in design, but if you consider that the point of linen clothing is to be simple, casual, and comfortable, then this set does exactly what it’s supposed to.” Finally, we love that this set costs considerably less than similar styles from other brands without compromising quality: the linen is thick and soft, with sturdy, long-lasting stitching.

The Details: XS-XL (top), XS-XL/26-30 inseam (bottom) | 100 percent linen

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Best Skirt

Best Skirt

Prettygarden 2 Piece Maxi Skirt Set

Credit: Amazon $37 at Amazon Why We Love It

• This set offers comfort, impressive quality, and an expensive look, all at a budget price.

What to Consider

• The cropped top may not look cropped on shorter women.

Available in a wide range of colors from neutral black or beige to eye-catching wine red or blue-green, the Prettygarden Maxi Skirt Set retails for a fraction of the price of other options on the market. And yet, the high-waisted maxi skirt and the sleeveless crop top are both made from a thick yet lightweight ribbed knit that surprised us with its quality and felt so comfortable we could easily wear it all day long. The material drapes beautifully and hugs in all the right places, which we found very flattering.

Together, the two pieces strike a good balance between style and function, making the set an appropriate pick for everything from brunch dates to beach days and date nights. T+L writer Rosie Marder especially likes the versatility of each piece, saying, “It’s easy to mix and match the top and skirt with other options,” making it ideal for packing light. We found it easy to travel in, with the caveat that Marder, at a 5-foot-3-inch frame, had to lift the skirt to go safely up and down stairs due to its length.

The Details: XS-XL (top and bottom) | 95 percent polyester, 5 percent elastane

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Best With UPF

View on Outdoorvoices.com

View on Outdoorvoices.com Why We Love It

• This set’s fabric is ideal for hot weather, being super lightweight, odor-resistant, UPF-rated, and quick to dry.

What to Consider

• The Milk Stone colorway is somewhat sheer.

With its camp collar and button-down front, the Outdoor Voices SolarCool Tourist Shirt gives off casual vibes for all kinds of outdoor activities. It matches perfectly with the 3-inch shorts, which we loved for their adjustable, elasticated waistband that is comfortable for everything from playing tennis to long walks on the beach. Senior editor Jackie Cucco particularly liked the shorts’ practical pockets, including two hand pockets and one on the rear with a zipper for securing small essentials. Both shirt and shorts are made from the same lightweight, breathable SolarCool fabric.

The fabric is especially designed for active pursuits, made with UPF 50-plus protection, odor resistance, and exceptionally quick-drying fabric (a fact we can attest to after wearing it to a very splashy kids’ pool party). Cucco says that the set’s thin, unlined design is “perfect for hot weather or beachwear since it keeps it breezy and not at all bulky.” Despite its thinness, the material feels well-made and built to last. We found the fit true to size, and like that the set comes in neutral, classic cream or bolder pink and blue prints.

The Details: XS-XL (top), 2XS-XL (bottom) | 57 percent polyester and 43 percent recycled polyester

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Best Airplane Outfit

Best Airplane Outfit

Anrabess Women 2 Piece Sweatsuit

Credit: Amazon $60 $38 at Amazon Why We Love It

• The fabric is smooth, soft, and roomy, making it comfortable to wear for long periods.

What to Consider

• It’s breathable and airy, so if you’re traveling in the winter, layer underneath the top.

For a one-and-done airplane outfit, T+L editor Erin Cavoto recommends this supremely soft set. It comes with a half-zip, collared top and wide-leg pants, offering a roomy, slightly oversized fit. Cavoto opted for the small size (she teeters between small and medium), and it still had plenty of flexibility and room to layer. The set has a smooth, slightly cooling lining, so if you get cold while traveling, Cavoto recommends layering underneath the top. Made with a blend of rayon, spandex, and polyester, the material is thick and feels higher in quality than Cavoto expected for the wallet-friendly price. Plus, there are 21 color options to choose from, and the set often goes on sale, so you might even be able to snag it for under $50.

The Details: XS-2XL | 50 percent rayon, 45 percent polyester, 5 percent spandex

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Best Patterned

View on Rujutasheth.com

View on Rujutasheth.com Why We Love It

• Beautifully made with a unique cut and hand-blocked print, this gorgeous set is the antithesis of fast fashion.

What to Consider

• We recommend checking the size chart carefully rather than opting for your regular size automatically.

Designed in New York and handcrafted in India, the Rujuta Sheth Yara Top is made from hefty yet breathable pure cotton. A bold, block-print design makes it stand out from the crowd in the best way possible. Indeed, T+L associate editorial director Morgan Ashley Parker says she’s “never received as many compliments from strangers as I have when wearing this outfit.” The cut is also unique, with a relaxed, slightly cropped fit and peplum detailing on an asymmetrical curve, with contrasting colors above and below the seam.

We found it roomy without being too huge, allowing for unrestricted bending, stretching, and turning. The top matches perfectly with the print version of the cropped Phoebe Pants. With a straight-leg, relaxed fit and a pull-on elastic waistband, the pants are just as comfortable as the top. Parker especially liked the oversized front patch pocket, which doesn’t pucker like regular side pockets when you sit. Finally, both pieces also look great when paired with other, plainer tops and bottoms, making them a versatile packing choice.

The Details: XS/S-2XL/3XL (top), XS-4XL (bottom) | 100 percent cotton

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Best Crochet

View on Softgoat.com

View on Softgoat.com Why We Love It

• This comfortable, high-quality crochet set is versatile enough to transition seamlessly from city to beach.

What to Consider

• From a packing perspective, it’s not particularly lightweight.

Available in beige or black, the Soft Goat Crochet Vest and Mini Skirt form the most comfortable dressy two-piece outfit Popp owns. In fact, she says the stretchy, breathable cotton blend is “so comfy I could wear it for a week without taking it off,” affording complete freedom of movement whether she’s walking or sitting down. The perforated nature of the crochet makes it ideal for summer travel, although it is semi-transparent. We use it as a swimsuit cover-up at the beach and wear it over a nude bra and shorts in the city.

The vest is long enough to provide an extra layer of coverage over the rear and is a little oversized, which we love when contrasted with the fitted silhouette of the mid-thigh-length skirt. It looks just as good tucked or untucked and pairs well with jeans on occasions that call for a more casual look. Meanwhile, the skirt is fastened by a hidden zipper and stays in place well, neither riding up nor slipping down, whether we’re lounging by the pool or out to dinner.

The Details: XS-XL (top and bottom) | 86 percent cotton and 14 percent nylon

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Best Button-down

View on Fahertybrand.com

View on Fahertybrand.com Why We Love It

• This set is soft enough for casual comfort yet structured enough for more formal occasions, too.

What to Consider

• The shirt is very oversized—consider sizing down if you prefer a more tailored fit.

The Faherty Laguna Linen Relaxed Shirt and Bayview Short are sold separately, which we love because it enables you to get the best fit for each half of your body. However, if you choose them in matching shades (think cream and green, cream and cocoa, or tropical stripes), they look like a cohesive set. Both pieces are made from 100 percent European flax and are breathable, lightweight, and pre-washed for a lived-in feel. We found them really comfortable without being so soft and unstructured that they resembled pajamas.

T+L editor Taylor Fox loves that “the material is thick enough that you can’t see through it, but thin enough to feel light and breezy.” The deliberately oversized shirt features classic menswear styling with a button-down placket, buttoned cuffs, and a shirttail hem, while the shorts are true to size and hit around mid-thigh. Even better, the relaxed fit is perfect for maximum coolness on sticky summer days. The easy-on elastic waistband and slanted front pockets also come in handy for keeping keys and cash whenever you’re on the move.

The Details: 2XS-2XL (top and bottom) | 100 percent linen

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Best Gauze

Best Gauze

Lake Hamptons Pants Set

Credit: Lake View on Lakepajamas.com Why We Love It

• This breezy, effortlessly comfortable set is meant to be worn as pajamas but can easily double as an out-and-about outfit, too.

What to Consider

• The striped colorways can look a little ready-for-bed rather than a daytime look.

Imagine a set so comfy you can wear it as pajamas and so beautiful you can wear it out and about too, and you’ll have a good idea what it’s like to own the Lake Hamptons Pants Set. Although marketed as nightwear, Parker says the airy cotton and modal gauze is “ideal for working from home in the summer and cute enough that [she’d] pop outside in it as well.” It’s soft from the first wear and only gets softer with every wash, while the fact that the fabric is practically wrinkle-proof makes it perfect for traveling.

The top is a button-front tank with wide straps, smocking at the back for a comfortable fit around the bust, and a roomy, slightly flared cut. The pants are equally well-ventilated, featuring a wide-leg cut with an elasticated waistband and a drawstring to ensure they stay in place. Pockets support our argument that these pants are perfectly acceptable for wear outside your hotel room, too. For the least bed-ready look, opt for the solid navy colorway. Other choices include printed coral and blue- or green-and-white stripes.

The Details: 2XS-2XL (top and bottom) | 59 percent cotton and 41 percent modal

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Best Shorts

Best Shorts

Petal & Pup Chelsey Linen Set

Credit: Nordstrom $79 at Amazon $80 $75 at Nordstrom View on Petalandpup.com Why We Love It

• The fact that the shirt and shorts are sold together at a very reasonable price point makes this a top pick for those on a budget.

What to Consider

• Getting a perfect fit can be difficult if your top and bottom halves are sized differently.

The Petal & Pup Chelsey Linen Set eliminates the need to buy your matching top and bottoms separately, making it more affordable off the bat than most of the other options on this list. The round-necked top is cropped with a boxy fit that we found naturally flattering. Elasticated puff sleeves and a back-tie make it more visually interesting than your standard cropped tee, while the high-waisted shorts offer oversized pockets, a decent mid-thigh length, and the comfort of an elasticated drawstring waistband.

Although the lightweight cotton and linen blend is definitely meant for warm weather only, Popp calls the set “super versatile because of how easy it is to mix and match both the top and bottom with other pieces of clothing.” This makes it ideal for taking on vacation because it gives you several outfit options in one. We found it breathable enough to wear for long periods in 85-degree weather without feeling thin or flimsy, although we would caution that the fabric is not 100 percent opaque.

The Details: Sizes 2-10 (top and bottom) | 55 percent linen and 45 percent cotton

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Most Comfortable

Most Comfortable

Free People Movement Hot Shot Crossover Set

Credit: Amazon $98 at Nordstrom View on Dicks Sporting Goods View on Zappos Why We Love It

• Made from a soft jersey blend, this set is both effortlessly comfortable and universally flattering.

What to Consider

• Although we wouldn’t change a thing, the elasticated ankle cuffs may not be to everyone’s taste.

The key to the Free People Movement Hot Shot Crossover Set’s exceptional comfort is its cotton and elastane jersey blend. It’s soft, thick enough to be durable (we’ve been wearing and washing our set frequently for over six months), but also sufficiently lightweight to wear in 90-degree weather (as we did in the Californian desert). T+L senior editor Kayla Kitts calls it “the perfect matching set for every height and body type”, saying that although she doesn’t usually like fitted tops, this one is super flattering while the wide-leg pants afford complete freedom of movement for everything from sightseeing to long travel days.

The cropped muscle tee top features seam detailing across the chest and an asymmetrical crossover hem, while the pants are ankle length and high-waisted. We love the elasticated cuffs because they keep the hem from trailing in the dirt, while side seam pockets provide a natural resting place for your hands. A word of warning—this set comes in a rainbow of colors and there’s a good chance you’ll end up wanting them all.

The Details: XS-XL (top and bottoms) | 95 percent cotton and 5 percent elastane

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Best Strapless

View on Lounge.com

View on Lounge.com Why We Love It

• The top is backless yet long and flowing enough to be appropriate for classy summer parties and dining out.

What to Consider

• The pants run long, and you may need to hem them.

The Lounge Linen Blend Bandeau Top is fastened with a length of fabric, leaving the back open for a sultry look that strikes just the right balance between showing some skin and achieving airy, formal-occasion-appropriate comfort. Cucco wore the bandeau with the matching wide-leg trousers to a summer party and out to dinner in the Hamptons and loved that she “could wear a backless tube top while still feeling sophisticated and classy.”

There is double lining around the bust if you want to go braless, though the lining is thin. The top also features subtle shaping in the chest area and side slits for added ventilation. Meanwhile, the wide-leg trousers are elasticated at the waist for a forgiving fit and contribute to the overall aesthetic with wide, turn-back hems and pleated detailing. We particularly like the two side pockets, which score practicality points by being big enough to hold an iPhone. The pants do run long, though, and you may need to get them hemmed. Currently, the set is only available in cream, and while that’s the timeless choice for formal summer events, we wish there were more colors to choose from.

The Details: Sizes 2-12 (top and bottom) | 70 percent Tencel and 30 percent linen

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Best Dressy

View on Marieoliver.com

View on Marieoliver.com Why We Love It

• Together, the two pieces of this set make for a statement formal outfit, but apart, they can be dressed down for maximum versatility.

What to Consider

• There’s no give in the waistband of the skirt, so be sure to get the right size.

Made from high-end, breathable cotton, the Marie Oliver Estella Top comes in summery blue-and-white stripes or one of two boldly colorful floral prints. The latter feature stunning embroidery applied by artisans in India. The top is made unique by its tie-front V-neck, puff sleeves, and peplum waist—and, when worn together with the matching Owens Skirt, makes an eye-catching choice for a summer wedding or garden party.

The flowing fit of both pieces makes this the perfect outfit for times when you have to dress up but the temperature is skyrocketing, as we proved while wearing it in 95-degree Arizona heat. Both the top and the bottom are fastened by invisible zippers in the back and side seams, respectively, while the skirt is fully lined for maximum opacity. We like that each piece can be paired with other, more neutral wardrobe items for less formal occasions, helping to justify the considerable price tag.

The Details: Sizes 0-14 (top and bottom) | 100 percent cotton

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Best Cashmere

View on Amazon

$239 at Amazon Why We Love It

• Soft and warm with a detachable hood to maximize versatility, this set is well worth the investment.

What to Consider

• Cashmere is notoriously high maintenance, so be prepared for dry cleaning bills.

When paired with the Fluid Cashmere Sweatpants, the Lilysilk Eshe 2-in-1 Cashmere Detachable Hoodie combines all the throw-on simplicity of a regular sweatsuit with the sophistication of high-grade Mongolian cashmere. The fabric is exceptionally soft and breathable, although we find that its warmth makes it best for cold weather. We wore ours all winter long, including on a ski trip to France. The oversized hoodie is rendered in a cozy ribbed knit with a drop shoulder and a detachable hood, while the sweatpants offer a relaxed cut and a flattering high waist with an adjustable drawstring.

We found them unbelievably soft and comfortable for long flights, sleeping peacefully in ours on a nine-hour flight to Europe. Both the top and the bottom run true to size and fit together perfectly. We particularly love the detachable hood, which allows the top to transition smoothly from flight to fancy dinner. Without the hood, it looks like a regular, upscale cashmere sweater. As Popp says, “investing in cashmere is always worth it, and with the detachable hood you get two looks in one, so this set stretches the dollar more than most.”

The Details: S-L (top), XS-2XL (bottom) | 100 percent cashmere

Best Wrinkle-resistant

View on Shopwayre.com

View on Shopwayre.com Why We Love It

• In five years of owning this set, we haven’t had to iron it once.

What to Consider

• The top’s boxy cut can look a little bulky on ladies with larger chests.

If you hate ironing, you’ll love the Wayre Boxy Shift and Snap Tank. It’s made from the brand’s sustainable Like-silk fabric (part post-consumer plastic bottles, part recycled spandex), which is some of the best wrinkle-resistant material we’ve seen. It’s also stretchy, stain and odor-resistant, and UPF 30-rated, making it perfect for travel. In fact, Parker has traveled around the world with hers for the past five years and says it’s the “ideal set to wear while sightseeing since it’s easy to walk in and looks equally good with sneakers and sandals.”

With its seamless crew neckline, mid-crop length, shoulder pleats, and breezy side slits, the top is both comfortable and stylish. With the right accessories, it can easily transition from day to evening activities. To make a set, pair the top with the Travel Pocket Flow Short. Made from the same travel-ready material, the shorts are pleated for maximum movement and high-waisted enough to provide just enough coverage. We especially love the zippered side pockets and concealed passport compartment.

The Details: 2XS-3XL (top and bottom) | 86 percent recycled plastic bottles and 14 percent recycled spandex

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Best Athleisure

View on REI

$99 $85 at Amazon Why We Love It

• The set’s Spacedye fabric is breathable, stretchy, reassuringly opaque, and comfortable to wear in almost any weather.

What to Consider

• The core colors are mostly muted—keep an eye out for seasonal shades if you prefer something brighter.

Ever since I first tried this cropped tank and leggings set from Beyond Yoga, I’ve been wearing them constantly for everything from running errands to a full day of mountain climbing. I love the brand’s signature performance fabric for its soft four-way stretch, reliable opacity, and UPF 50-plus protection. It’s thick enough to wear through the Scottish springtime without getting cold, yet breathable enough to keep sweat to a minimum whenever I’m exerting myself.

The tank top’s cropped cut and slim racer back allow for maximum ventilation and unrivaled freedom of movement. I find the built-in bra and slightly compressive fit offer enough support that I feel confident wearing it with nothing underneath, while the high-waisted leggings flatten my stomach and stay in place whether I’m running, stretching, or tackling a rocky scramble. I also really appreciate the practicality of the two hip pockets, which are sufficiently deep to secure my phone while exercising. And although the set’s aesthetic is definitely athletic, I find there’s scope for versatility with both pieces when paired with other clothing items.

The Details: 2XS-2XL (top and bottom) | 87 percent polyester and 13 percent elastane

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Best Crewneck

$128 at Aloyoga.com

$68 at Aloyoga.com Why We Love It

• Its loose fit doesn’t restrict movement, making the set comfortable to wear for hours on end.

What to Consider

• You can’t wear the set in certain types of weather, unless you buy other variations of it.

If you’re looking for pajamas you can go outside in, the Alo Yoga Accolade Short and Accolade Crew Neck Pullover set is it. It isn’t literally a set of PJs, but it’s just as comfortable. The loose-fitting set is made with a French terry fabric that’s buttery-smooth and fleecy on the inside and soft to the touch on the outside. The shorts come with a drawstring you can adjust to get a good fit, but the crew neck sweater fits a bit oversized. It’s something T+L writer Jasmine Gomez doesn’t mind, though. “It gives you that cozy feel you get from wearing your favorite hoodie,” she says.

She wore the set on a five-hour road trip to Boston and found it very comfortable to travel in. After wearing it on three different occasions and washing it a few times, the set still hasn’t experienced any pilling or other damage. Its fabric seems durable and unlikely to rip easily. Because the crewneck sweater is pretty warm, this set can only be worn during certain temperatures. We wore the sweater while speed-walking in 70-degree weather, and it made us sweat, so it’s likely not a great set for really warm days.

The Details: 2XS-2XL (top), 2XS-L (bottoms) | French terry cotton and polyester

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Best Sweatsuit

View on Buckmason.com

View on Buckmason.com Why We Love It

• Crafted from soft, breathable French terry cotton, this set offers a more elevated look than your typical sweatsuit.

What to Consider

• We’d love to see it in more colors.

Senior editor Jasmine Grant calls this Buck Mason set “just about the coziest matching set [she’s] ever owned.” It lives up to our expectations from this brand: basics made exceptional through the use of quality materials. The French terry cotton offers plenty of airflow when running to your gate to catch a flight, while the relaxed fit allows for unrestricted freedom of movement. The sweatsuit is also elevated enough that we didn’t feel underdressed when meeting friends for a day out.

The top is short-sleeved, with a quarter zip and an oversized cut that sits just below the waist. A rib-banded hem and cuffs add visual interest while also matching the wide, ribbed waistband of the sweatpants. We found the latter to be super flattering, offering a more sophisticated look than other sweatpants in our closet. A drawstring allows for a secure, adjustable fit, while the fabric is semi-brushed for maximum softness. Best of all, neither piece showed any signs of pilling or shrinking after multiple wears and washes.

The Details: XS-2XL (top and bottom) | 100 percent French terry cotton

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Best Preppy

$78 $47 at Nordstrom

$88 $53 at Nordstrom Why We Love It

• Made from soft, comfortable, breathable pique, this set offers style and sun protection both on and off the court.

What to Consider

• Because colorways go in and out of stock quickly, it can be difficult to find matching tops and bottoms in your desired shade.

Parker is a long-time fan of Spanx’s AirEssentials line, finding the material “soft, weighty, but somehow not too warm even in hot weather.” Its distinctive textured weave creates a preppy, just-off-the-court aesthetic—although we find the Polo Top so comfortable we often choose it for non-athletic activities too. Expect a V-neck collar, short sleeves, sleek tailoring, and contrasting piping on the collar and cuffs that elevates the look above that of a regular solid set.

Practical features include four-way stretch and UPF 50-plus protection. We pair our polo with the AirEssentials Pique Skort for a sophisticated A-line silhouette that hits around mid-thigh and built-in, compressive Booty Boost shorts. We love that the integrated shorts allow us to bend over or climb out of taxis without worrying about accidental exposure, while the hidden side pocket is ideal for stashing your phone or credit cards. Other matching pieces in this line include a Long-sleeve Crewneck Top, Straight Leg Pants, and regular shorts.

The Details: XS-3XL (top and bottom) | 52 percent Tencel modal and 40 percent polyester, 8 percent elastane

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  Credit: Travel + Leisure

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  Credit: Travel + Leisure

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  Credit: Travel + Leisure

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Our Testing Process

Each of the matching sets in this article is owned and personally recommended by one of our expert travel writers or editors. We asked our team members to consider the comfort, design, and quality of their favorite sets, with most opinions formed over several months and in some cases, years. We’ve worn the sets for a wide range of activities and to destinations around the globe, from Florida to France, Costa Rica, and Scotland, giving us a good idea of how they perform in various settings and climates. We will continue to gather feedback on each set to get a sense of long-term quality and will update this article accordingly.

Tips for Buying Matching Sets

Look for travel-friendly styles

If you’re buying a matching set for a vacation, look for travel-friendly, wrinkle-resistant fabrics like polyester or modal that take up minimal suitcase space and are easy to wash and dry on the go. The importance of this depends on the nature and duration of your trip. For example, I might choose to pack a cashmere set for a short city break where warmth and sophistication take priority over being able to send my clothes to the hotel laundry without worrying, but I wouldn’t pack it for a longer trip where access to a dry cleaner is unlikely. Wherever you’re headed, pockets are a traveler’s best friend. I always choose leggings with pockets over those without for air travel, for example, so I can keep my phone and passport handy.

Consider the material

Of course, the best material for your matching set is also heavily dictated by your destination, the time of year, and what you’ll be wearing it for. If you’re headed somewhere warm or plan on wearing the set for active pursuits such as hiking, jogging, or a spot of beach yoga, breathable fabrics that wick moisture and dry quickly are key. Polyester and cotton with a percentage of elastane or spandex for stretch are best for athletic sets, while linen is great for looking put together in a tropical climate. If you’re planning a winter vacation, insulating fleece, wool, Merino, and cashmere are your best options.

Pick styles that can be mixed and matched

A big part of a matching set’s appeal from a travel perspective is the ability to make the most of your packing space by using the set to create several different outfits. As well as picking pieces that look great when worn together, choose a set whose top and bottom can easily be mixed and matched with other styles to create a range of versatile looks suitable for several different occasions and activities. For example, my favorite leggings and cropped top combo is ideal on its own for a workout session. But I can also pair the leggings with boots and a comfy sweater for a casual cold-weather outfit, or team the cropped top with a skirt and heels for going out at night.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many matching sets should I bring on a trip?

The number of matching sets you should pack for a trip is completely subjective and depends on a variety of factors, including where you’re going, how long for, how versatile your wardrobe needs to be, how much suitcase space you have, and how easy it’s going to be to do laundry. As an example, if I were going on a five-day city break, I might pack one outfit per day, including two matching sets whose pieces could be mixed and matched to give me a different look for day and evening wear.

What is the best way to style a matching set?

Whether you wear your pieces together for a coordinated, put-together look or separately with other items from your wardrobe, you should style them according to the situation. The best sets can be dressed up or down to maximize versatility, for example by pairing them with sneakers and a denim jacket during the day, or with heels, a blazer, and statement jewelry at night. When you’re wearing the pieces together, neutral accessories tend to be the best choice since they allow the set to take center stage and be the focus of your outfit.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

T+L contributor Jessica Macdonald has been writing about travel clothing for the past 10 years and considers matching sets to be her best travel hack when packing light is essential, whether for a backpacking trip around Europe or when sharing suitcase space with her family for an African safari. Currently, her three favorite sets are all from Beyond Yoga, including the leggings and cropped top combo linked above. She also consulted Travel + Leisure writers and editors to get their top picks, too.

How to Create a Travel Capsule Wardrobe, According to Style Experts

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