Rick Steves Swears By This Clothing Fabric For Comfortable, Hassle-Free Travel

Rick Steves is one of the most famous faces in the travel community, with 12 seasons of "Rick Steves' Europe" and countless other TV shows under his belt. While the destinations are the main focus of Steves' shows, you may have noticed that he somehow always looks neat and tidy on camera despite living out of a small bag. He has a trick for that, which he shares on his website: Wear synthetic-blend fabrics.

Steves' choice of clothing fabric may surprise you. We often think that natural fibers are best for travel. However, when recommending shirts or tops, Steves writes, "Synthetic-blend fabrics (such as Coolmax or microfiber) usually dry overnight." Why is that important? If you travel with just a carry-on and follow any of Steves' hacks to make packing easier, you'll likely need to do laundry during your trip. When you do, it's essential that your clothes dry quickly, especially if you do laundry in your hotel sink (another trip Steves has recommended in the past).

Another benefit of quick-dry fabrics is that they tend to be moisture-wicking, meaning they pull moisture away from your body, keeping you dry even when you're sweating. Polyester and nylon have good moisture-wicking properties, so they can be good choices for travel. And the advantages of synthetic fibers don't stop there.

When choosing vacation clothing, Steves also recommends opting for patterns that might hide those dreaded wrinkles clothes get when they're shoved in a suitcase. Synthetic fibers tend to crease less than natural ones like linen or cotton, meaning you can skip the hassle of ironing or steaming. Plus, synthetics tend to be stretchier, meaning they're both more durable and comfortable to wear. In other words, they can be washed and worn over and over without losing shape.

Where can you get your hands on great travel clothing made from these fibers? You could start with Steves' brand pick, Coolmax, which uses recycled fibers to create cool, comfortable, and durable clothing. Steves also mentioned any kind of microfiber, which is a blend of synthetic fabrics. Or, simply check Amazon (or any other online retailer) for tons of options for moisture-wicking, wrinkle-free, and easy-to-pack basics. Just be sure to check the reviews.

If you're wondering whether Steves eschews natural fibers altogether, the answer is no. He recommends lightweight cotton pants as well on his website. For underwear and socks, he chooses quick-drying bamboo, cotton-nylon blends, or merino wool, which can be an especially great fabric to pack for a ski trip. However, keep in mind that merino wool can be expensive, and synthetic alternatives often work just as well to keep you warm. By choosing the right fabrics, you can stay comfortable, pack light, and spend less time worrying about laundry — just like Rick Steves.