While I recognize the importance of planning ahead, I prefer a “go-with-the-flow” style when it comes to traveling. Packing the night before and departing without an itinerary is a regular occurrence for me. While this relaxed mindset makes it a bit easier to navigate travel mishaps, I’ll admit that it has backfired on me a few times. Most recently, my lack of preparation has left me with a minimal and worn-out rotation of winter travel clothes — a major dilemma, considering there are several weeks left of frigid temperatures ahead of me.
If you’re like me and have put off buying warm winter clothes until the very last second, fear not. I’ve found 12 winter basics available at Amazon that can help carry you through the rest of the season (and beyond) without straining your travel budget. From fleece-lined leggings to packable puffer jackets, these winter clothes come in a range of sizes and colors, allowing you to build the cold-weather travel wardrobe of your dreams — starting at just $15.
Baleaf Women’s Fleece-lined Leggings
It’s no secret that leggings are great for travel. Lightweight, stretchy, comfortable, and easy to layer, leggings are great for walking tours, outdoor activities, and everything in between. While the breathability of leggings is a plus on warmer days, you’ll want to opt for a pair of fleece-lined leggings for winter outings. These Baleaf leggings, on sale for $33, are made with a brushed fleece interior lining, a stretchy, water-resistant exterior fabric, and two ultra-deep side pockets big enough to hold your phone, wallet, and keys.
Thermajane Women’s Long-sleeve Thermal Shirt
Adding just one extra layer underneath your jacket can make a world of difference when it comes to staying warm on cold trips. This fleece-lined thermal shirt from Thermajane, on sale for $15, is form-fitting, stretchy, and moisture-wicking, keeping you comfortable despite the temperature difference between the outside and inside. Easy to slip on underneath a cozy jacket or parka, this long-sleeved tee has five different necklines to choose from.
Wrangler Authentics Men’s Long-sleeve Quarter-zip Sweater
Here at Travel + Leisure, we often preach the importance of packing versatile clothing items to take the guesswork out of outfit planning (and to save space in your carry-on). Pieces like this Wrangler quarter-zip pullover, for example, are perfect for travel; relaxed, warm, and simple in design, this fleece sweater is handsome enough for a dinner out yet casual enough to wear on a hike or walking tour. Available in eight colors in sizes up to 3XL, this sweater has earned nearly 18,000 five-star ratings for its fit, quality, and style.
Gimecen Women’s Full-zip Fleece Jacket
This full-zip fleece jacket from Gimecen also earns a nod for its versatility. Made with soft polar fleece, this warm yet lightweight jacket has a slightly tapered silhouette that makes it easy to layer underneath hefty parkas and ski jackets. Available in 13 fun colors — including a vibrant fuschia and a pastel peach — this zippered fleece is great for any upcoming winter trip.
Automet Women’s 2-piece Sweatsuit
You can’t go wrong with matching sets when it comes to building a travel wardrobe, and this Automet sweatsuit, on sale for $56, is especially great for having on deck in the winter. Made with a thick cotton-polyester fleece blend, this oversized set comes with a relaxed hoodie pullover and cuffed jogger sweatpants, complete with an adjustable drawstring waistband. One five-star reviewer says this set has become their “go-to traveling outfit,” but you can maximize your wardrobe by pairing each piece with separates you already own.
Ebmore Women’s Merino Wool Thermal Socks 5-pack
Even the coziest, most durable snow boots are useless without the right socks. These ultra-thick thermal socks, $18 for a pack of five, are a winter must-have for keeping your toes warm on chilly flights, ski sessions, and lounging at home. Available in 14 color combinations, the socks are constructed with Merino wool, a superior fabric choice for cold weather thanks to its breathable yet insulating properties. If you’re looking for men’s sizes, fear not: The brand also carries a five-pack for men, also listed at $18.
Thermajohn Men’s Thermal Underwear Set
If you’ve yet to experience the toasty miracle that is thermal underwear, allow us to introduce you to this set of Thermajohn Long Johns, on sale for $29 when you use the on-site coupon. Carried up to a men’s 4XL, this pair of thermal underwear separates is meant to be worn under your winter travel clothes for an extra layer of warmth. The set has a fleece-lined interior that traps heat and a four-way stretch that moves with you. Over 40,000 Amazon shoppers have given these long johns a perfect five-star rating, with one reviewer sharing that they were “just right” for a recent winter trip to northern Canada.
Fazortev Women’s Long-sleeve Maxi Cardigan
We may be in the thick of winter, but milder spring temperatures will soon be upon us. To prepare for the upcoming season while fleshing out your winter travel wardrobe, choose pieces that can be worn year-round. This maxi cardigan, $46 when you use the on-site coupon — is “cozy,” “stylish,” and “lightweight,” making it “the perfect travel coat,” according to one five-star reviewer. Made with deep front pockets and a shawl neckline, the knitted cardigan can be worn over a sweater dress as a lightweight coat, or layered on top of a chunky sweater for extra warmth.
Wespornow Women’s Fleece-lined Hiking Pants
Plan on reconnecting with Mother Nature this winter? If so, you’ll want to pack warm clothes built for the chilly adventure ahead — and these fleece-lined hiking pants from Wespornow deliver. The softshell protective ski pants, $41 when you use the on-site coupon, are constructed with a windproof, water-repellant material that shields you from snow, plus a cozy fleece-lined interior that traps in heat. They come with zippered hand pockets, a roomy zippered side pocket, and a zippered back pocket. They also have an elastic waistband and stretchy, articulated knees that make it easy for you to bend and move comfortably while on the slopes.
Outdoor Ventures Women’s Packable Full-zip Puffer Jacket
Traveling light for a winter trip is tricky — but not impossible. The secret to maximizing your luggage space is opting for lightweight pieces that can easily tuck into your bag, either on their own or with the help of compression packing cubes. The Outdoor Ventures full-zip puffer jacket, available in 19 colors and sizes up to 3XL, neatly folds down into its left pocket, transforming into a compact carrying pouch. Constructed with an attached hood, elastic wrist cuffs, and three zippered pockets, the versatile jacket is windproof, water-resistant, and machine-washable.
Msdc Fleece-lined Beanies 3-pack
You can get a beanie at just about any corner store during the winter, but unless it’s thick, you might as well go without. Unlike some knit caps, these winter beanies are fully lined with a warm, soft fleece fabric that retains heat, keeping your head and ears comfortable and protected on cold travel days. One five-star reviewer shares that these beanies are “one of the best” they’ve purchased at Amazon, noting that they’re “amazing” in quality and that they intend to wear them “24/7 throughout the winter.”
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