Amber's Van Closet: A Vanlife Minimalist Wardrobe for Women
Living in a van, I have a pretty minimal closet. In fact, all my clothing takes up less space than about two of our crashpads. And even then, I hardly touch any of it between monthly laundry cycles, meaning I could easily get by on less.
So if you’re looking at moving into a van and wondering, “How much clothes do I need for vanlife?”, the answer is not many. Having a women’s minimalist wardrobe makes vanlife so much easier. Less laundry, less space, and less time spent debating what to wear in the morning (hallelujah!).
Think of your closet for vanlife as a capsule wardrobe.
However, having minimal clothing options means I have to be very picky about what makes the cut. A few criteria for vanlife clothing:
It has to be versatile above all else, able to be worn in either casual or outdoor situations.
It has to be low maintenance and not show dirt very easy. Light colors are a no-no. For those who spend less time rolling the rocks and dirt than I do, this could be negotiable. It also has to be easy to wash in whatever weird scenario I find myself doing van laundry. Delicates and dry clean only items are off-limits.
It has to be easy to mix and match with the rest of my wardrobe. Staple blacks and classic earthy color schemes are key!
It has to be something I absolutely love to wear. In other words, it has to spark joy. This last criterion has been approved by Marie Condo.
All that said, these are some of my absolutely favorite items of clothing in my van. These are the most versatile and useful of my closet (read as: binds under the bed).
Sorry gentleman, we’re talking my closet here, which means this list is mostly focused on the best clothing for female vanlifers. For those that are available for both men and women, I’ve included links to both. Heck, I own the men’s version of some of these because I like things with a baggier, boxy fit!
For the best vanlife clothing for men, check out Chris’ picks over here.
*This post contains affiliate links.
Navigation for Vanlife Clothing for Women
BEST VANLIFE TOPS FOR A WOMEN’S MINIMALIST WARDROBE
Smartwool Merino 250 Wool Top
Everyone needs a basic slim-fit long-sleeved top... especially if it’s black! So often I find myself rooting around through the cargo nets for this top. Aside from the black being pairable literally everything I own, it’s great alone in moderately warm weather and perfect for layering in the cold. The merino wool isn’t itchy in the slightly and it’s also antimicrobial, making it odor resistant (i.e. excellent for wearing multiple times in between washes).
Find women’s here: Smartwool / Backcountry / REI / Moosejaw
Find men’s here: Smartwool / Backcountry / REI / Moosejaw
Patagonia Heywood Flannel Shirt
*BEST ETHICAL OUTDOOR CLOTHING BRANDS ALERT
Flannels are my all-time fave. They’re some of the best clothes for roadtrips, travel, lounging, working, hiking, literally anything! I wear my flannel(s) all the time, but this one especially is my favorite. It’s lighter and a little more stretchy than some (with an articulated patterning), which means I can climb and be active in it. It’s also 100% organic cotton so it’s a lovely piece of eco friendly outdoor clothing.
Find it here: Patagonia / Backcountry
Image by BRANWYN
BRANWYN Essential Bralette
Good, versatile undergarments are key to a minimalist wardrobe. Ever since the news came out that high levels of BPA were found in sports bras (which can leach into the body when heated…you know…like when you’re working out!), I’ve been on a mission to detox my undergarments by switching to natural fabrics
So when I was given the opportunity to test BRANWYN’s merino wool bralette, I was thrilled. Now, if I’m wearing a bra at all, it’s almost always this one. It does have minimal elastane for stretch, but that just helps it retain shape and last longer.
While classified as a “low-impact bra for C or smaller cup sizes”, my A-cup chest finds plenty of support in it for higher impact activities, too. I also love how wide the straps are and that you can swap them between a cross back and standard strap design. It means I can wear it with more items of clothing, keeping my closet minimal.
Plus, merino wool is naturally wicking and antimicrobial, which is perfect for those really long stretches in between laundromat visits.
And while I am absolutely not in need of their Busty Bra, I really appreciate that’s making more functional merino products for first-ever “for the C+ cup adventurer” as well.
Find it here: BRANWYN
Patagonia Synchilla Snap-T Fleece Pullover
*BEST ETHICAL OUTDOOR CLOTHING BRANDS ALERT
One of the most important rules I implemented while minimizing for vanlife, was something I called the “Only One” rule. You only need one. But I have a confession to make: I own three Patagonia Synchilla Snap-Ts.
I just couldn’t bring myself to part with my bright-colored fun patterned fleeces. They bring me so much joy and comfort to wear (and the fact that Chris thinks they’re hideous is just an added bonus). There’s a reason one of Patagonia’s original designs from the 90s still exists today.
They’re super warm, soft, great for casual or outdoor wear, and come in enough colors and prints to suit anyone’s taste. They also make tons of varieties these days, from the high pile fuzzy ReTool Snap-T to a lighter variation of the original.
Find it here: Patagonia / Backcountry
Patagonia Nano Puff Insulated Vest
*BEST ETHICAL OUTDOOR CLOTHING BRANDS ALERT
Let me start by saying I LOVE vests. I will defend vests until I die. They keep your core warm while allowing you to fully move your arms (and they don’t totally hide any cute shirt you might be wearing underneath). What’s not to love about that?!
I love them so much, this is the other instance that I break my “only one” rule. I own two vests. In addition to the Nano Puff Vest, I also have the Patagonia Down Bivy Vest, which is a bit more casual and more of a luxury item for me as opposed to an essential vanlife clothing item.
Overall, the Nano Puff is just so much more versatile. It’s super light and slim, so it feels less bulky if I’m wearing it for a little extra warmth on cold days in the van or using it to layer under another heavy jacket. It allows me to rock climb and hike with ease and still dresses up just fine to hit up a brewery in town.
The Nano Puff is also so easy to maintain. With synthetic PrimaLoft insulation, I never need to worry about washing it with special down wash or being careful about putting it in rough laundromat machines. This is really the case with any synthetic puffy vest as opposed to a down one.
Find women’s here: Patagonia / Backcountry
Find men’s here: Patagonia / Backcountry
Image Courtesy of Backcountry
prAna Pyx Down Pullover
*BEST ETHICAL OUTDOOR CLOTHING BRANDS ALERT
Yes I know I just mentioned that down is a bit more difficult to care for, but it’s unmatched in warmth for an outer layer. I’m just more careful where I wear my prAna Pyx Down Pullover so I don’t have to wash it quite as often (frequent washing isn’t good for down).
While it has most the qualities of a technical down jacket, it also looks far more casually stylish than most. I don’t own many “out on the town” clothes so this is my go-to jacket for everything from grocery shopping to catching up on work in a coffee shop.
Oh, and it’s SO. DAMN. COZY.
Find it here: Backcountry / Amazon / Moosejaw
Image credit ALO
ALO YOGA Elevate Tank
Many accuse ALO of being pricey. Isn’t all yoga-wear (looking at you Lululemon). I’m skeptical about overpaying for stuff like this too but I’ve honestly never worn a more comfortable sport tank top. I especially love this one because it’s long enough for me to comfortably wear it alone, or under any other top to double as a sports bra. I probably wear this tank top five out seven days a week on average. Thankfully, it’s easy to wash in a sink and dries quickly!
Find it here: ALO / Backcountry / Amazon
Kavu Wildwood One-Piece
I firmly believe everyone deserves to own a onesie. Change my mind.
The Kavu Wildwood one-piece is a dream for winter vanlife and even just chilly summer evenings at high altitude. I mostly wear it as PJs, but on occasion, I’ll spend the whole of lazy van days lounging in it.
Alternatively, since it’s a poly-spandex blend that can wick sweat while trapping heat, it can also serve the technical function of baselayer for winter sports. Vanlife ski bums take note!
Find it here: Backcountry / Amazon / Mountain Steals / Moosejaw
BEST VANLIFE BOTTOMS FOR A WOMEN’S MINIMALIST WARDROBE
Here I’m rocking my Patagonia Cords. Climb tested, comfort approved!
Patagonia Grand Pitch Cords
*BEST ETHICAL OUTDOOR CLOTHING BRANDS ALERT
Okay, maybe I’m a sucker for 90s vintage looks, but my cords are another go-to staple to my vanlife wardrobe. And there are few that live up to the quality of Patagonia’s cords. Ultra thick and soft, you would have to try seriously hard to destroy these pants. That’s why they’re great work pants, for those days when you find yourself crawling under your van, gathering firewood, and making van improvements.
At the same time, the cut and design is classic and stylish, which means you can just as easily wear them in more casual settings (provided you don’t have big grease stains on them).
Find women’s here: Patagonia / Backcountry
Find men’s here: Backcountry
prAna Summit Pant
*BEST ETHICAL OUTDOOR CLOTHING BRANDS ALERT
Made of a light Chakra softshell jersey, these are when I need a little more stretch and technical capabilities than cords are ready to provide. They’re light and breezy for warm weather but still cut a little breeze on chilly days. Again, I own the black version because to the naked eye, they can double as business-casual slacks. I’ll say it again, the best clothes for vanlife are those that possess the most versatility.
Find it here: Backcountry / REI / Amazon / Moosejaw
Image credit Outerknown
Outerknown Wander Romper
*BEST ETHICAL OUTDOOR CLOTHING BRANDS ALERT
“Tailored to your travels and totally badass” about sums it up. I don’t carry a lot of casual looking clothing in the van, so I love that this thing looks adorable enough to wear to a dinner at a hip restaurant Portland but is movable enough to go hiking in if I should choose.
It’s especially great in hot weather and is so effortlessly fashionable. Just throw it on and go!
It’s also fair trade, made of 100% cotton, and Outerknown as a brand has so many sustainability initiatives.
Find it here: Outerknown
prAna Rockland Leggings
*BEST ETHICAL OUTDOOR CLOTHING BRANDS ALERT
Forget diamonds; any modern woman knows that leggings are a girl’s true best friend. Using that logic, leggings that aren’t see-through and “can handle any climbing trip” are a girl’s BFF.
These prAna leggings feature a wide, supportive waistband that doesn’t slip or fold during activity, as well as reinforced overlays for high wear areas. And while I’m not doing many squats in these, if I can do I head high heel hook without my spotters knowing the color of my undies, I feel comfortable calling them “squat tested”.
Find it here: Backcountry / REI / Amazon
Outdoor Research Ferrosi Skort
Dress clothes didn’t exactly make the cut when I was paring down for vanlife, but sometimes, a girl likes to feel flirty. Nothing says “dirtbag date” like two people who haven’t showered for a week sipping bourbon out of the bottle on a crash pad in the dirt while the sun sets over the mountains (seriously, swoon).
For cases like that, I go to my Outdoor Research Ferrosi Skort. Super light and stretchy, this skirt is great for hot-weather hikes. It’s also fast-drying enough to work for water sports and boating activities. Then, to top it all off, it just looks like a cute pocketed skirt, meaning you can wear it to the club or the bar without anyone batting an eye.
Find it here: Backcountry / Amazon / EMS / Moosejaw
Image courtesy of Toad&Co
Toad&Co Touchstone Overalls
*BEST ETHICAL OUTDOOR CLOTHING BRANDS ALERT
Of all my pants, I think I wear these the absolute most. Toad&Co’s Touchstone overalls are the perfect blend of comfortable and performance-ready. They’re mostly made of organic cotton with a Tencel blend (which if you don’t know is a plant pulp-derived fabric that’s processed with no toxic chemicals in a closed-loop, water recycling process). This gives them softness and breathability for lounging around and warm-weather wear, while still making them stretchy and sweat-wicking ability for light physical activity.
Granted, I’m not wearing these when I’m actually out climbing, but on rest days around the van and even light hikes, these are my absolute fave.
Find it here: Toad&Co / Backcountry / Amazon / Moosejaw
Patagonia Synchilla Snap-T Fleece Pants
*BEST ETHICAL OUTDOOR CLOTHING BRANDS ALERT
When it gets really cold in the van, I don my Patagonia Synchilla Snap-T pants, which have kept me warm when temperatures have dipped far below freezing. Their heavyweight super soft fleece makeup and elastic cuff design also make them sufficient to wear out bouldering and during other lower output outdoor endeavors. I likely wouldn’t go hiking or running in them, as they might get a little too warm.
They’re made entirely of recycled polyester, too, which gives plastic and textile waste a new lease on life.
Find women’s here: Backcountry
Find men’s here: Patagonia / Backcountry
Image credit Skhoop
Skhoop Insulated Skirt
My first winter in Alaska was the first time I encountered what I would later regard as pure magic: the insulated skirt. It seemed like every woman in Alaska owned one, and while I was a skeptic at first, a broken work heater in January and convenient access to a whole rack of second-hand insulated skirts quickly changed my mind.
Especially for winter vanlife, the insulated skirt is clutch, adding significant warmth on top of any outfit. With a full zipper on one side and a half zipper on the other (to adjust for split and thus leg mobility), it’s easy to take on and off. Skhoop makes both down and synthetic insulated versions, in either mini, midi, or full-length designs. I personally own a synthetic calf-length one, which is more than warm enough for my purposes.
Find it here: Backcountry / REI / Amazon
BEST VANLIFE ACCESSORIES FOR A WOMEN’S MINIMALIST WARDROBE
Julbo Vermont Classic Glacier Goggles
Resurrected from the original glacier goggle design by the same legendary company, the Vermont Classics were originally released in honor of Julbo’s 125th anniversary. The revival was received incredibly well and demand and now they’re a staple to Julbo’s adventure eyewear collection.
These glasses feature flexible, ear-hugging temples and a durable all-metal frame (be careful you don’t confuse them with the Julbo Sherpa glacier goggles). The glacier goggle nature of the glasses means they come with leather side blinders and a removable leather nose strap.
So you may be thinking, “But I don’t plan on being on glaciers all that often.” Let me counter by telling you how awesome these glasses are for ALL occasions. Sure, I originally bought them during my glacier guiding days in Alaska, but I soon found I loved them, not only for the many compliments I always received but for the fact that they actually stay on my face. The soft temples don’t even squeeze my head and give me a headache. Plus the Spectron 4 polarized lenses provide full UVA/B protection for the eyes.
Even if you aren’t really the outdoor adventure type, these glasses are top of the line and honestly great for just about any occasion.
Find it here: Backcountry / REI / Outland USA / Moosejaw
Patagonia Fishermans Rolled Beanie
*BEST ETHICAL OUTDOOR CLOTHING BRANDS ALERT
This is another instance where I break my “Only One” rule, but that’s mostly because hats have different purposes based on the occasion. I have my climbing hat, my skiing hat, and my can hat. Here I speak about the latter, which is probably the one I wear most often.
A hat is the easiest way to add a lot of warmth when living in the van. In fact, on really cold nights, I wear this hat tor else I’ll wake up cold. I like this recycled polyester hat in particular because it’s lighter and stretchier than most beanies, which makes it perfect for comfortable lounging and sleeping.
It also looks nice enough to wear out casually, either cuffed up or floppy on top.
Find it here: Patagonia / Backcountry
Patagonia Better Sweater Gloves
*BEST ETHICAL OUTDOOR CLOTHING BRANDS ALERT
The worst part of my day is getting up to brew coffee in the morning, before the sun has risen and my mug can warm up my fingers. That’s why I keep these gloves handy (literally). A convertible mitt that transitions from fingerless glove to full mitten, I can use these to do chores like make food without sacrificing finger dexterity. Then when I’m cuddled in bed watching a show, I can flip the fingertip covers on and stay nice and warm.
The exterior is a soft, brushed fleece while the outer is a durable sweater knit fleece that won’t pill or thin after repeated use.
These were also great for cracking a cold beer at the end of a climbing sesh before I upgraded to Yeti’s stainless steel beer cozy (also 10/10 recommend).
Find it here: Backcountry
Mountainsmith Adventure Office Bag
I like to think of this shoulder bag as my adventure briefcase. Perfect for life as a digital nomad! Its 17L body is small enough to look like a purse, but spacious enough to hold pretty much anything I need through the day (organized neatly into its MANY pockets). The integrated padded laptop sleeve that fits my 13” laptop perfectly. It’s great for smaller computers and tablets, but not for larger computers.
With a Cordura nylon construction, it pretty much indestructible. I’ve been using almost every day for the last two years and (aside from some coffee stains on the yellow lining), it looks practically new. I also love the padded shoulder strap that’s attached to the pad on swivel D-ring, which keeps the bag from getting awkwardly twisted.
Find it here: Mountainsmith / Amazon / EMS / Outland USA / Moosejaw
BEST VANLIFE SHOES FOR A WOMEN’S MINIMALIST WARDROBE
Teva Ember Moc
“Part sneaker, part sleeping bag,” the Teva Ember Mocs are my absolute FAVORITE thing in my closet (which is also why we listed them as a vanlife essential, right up there with things like drinking water storage!).
I can’t gush over these things enough. With a durable quilted and insulated upper, they’re warm enough to keep our feet from feeling cold on our virtually uninsulated floor. They also feature a collapsible neoprene heel counter (for easy conversion from slides to secure shoes) and a high-traction outsole for mild to moderate activewear. They’re actually perfect for wearing at the crag in between climbs.
Seriously, if you can only get one item on this list, these better be it.
Find women’s here: Backcountry / REI / EMS / Outland USA / Moosejaw
Find men’s here: Backcountry / REI / EMS / Outland USA / Moosejaw
XtraTuf Legacy Rainboots
Before I moved to Alaska, I had never heard of XtraTufs (but in Alaska, they’re the most stylish thing on the tundra). They’re also some of the most comfortable, useful books I’ve ever had the pleasure of owning, so OF COURSE they made the vanlife minimizing cut… much to Chris’ chagrin.
Every vanlifer needs a good sturdy pair of boots and because boots take up a lot of space, if you can get one that suits all needs (rain, snow, and mud), all the better. The Xtratuf insulated Legacy series boots are all that and more. Super cushy midsoles, full water proof protection, warmth for winter wear, and easy to clean, these boots have come in so handy in the van…. like the time we got reallllllllyyyyy stuck in some desert red clay and had to dig ourselves out using only sage brush and rocks.
Find women’s here: Xtratuf / Amazon
Find men’s here: Xtratuf / Amazon / Moosejaw
Chaco Z2 Classic Sandals
The Chaco X2 Sandals are another vanlife clothing must-have. A sport-specific sandal with a heavy-duty rubber sole, they provide all the necessary support and active-performance in a cute, strap-happy package.
I backpacked across Central and South America almost purely wearing my Chacos. Now in my van adventure, I wear them for mild to moderate hiking, water sports, beach lounging, fishing, warm days around town, casual cragging, you name it.
Find women’s here: Backcountry / REI / Amazon / Moosejaw
Find men’s here: Backcountry / REI / Amazon / Moosejaw
Teva Arrowood 2 Knit Sneakers / Approach Shoes
Shoes especially take up a lot of space, so the more versatility in shoes, the better. The Five Ten Knit Access approach shoes are excellent because they’re so lightweight and breathable (while still being durable and agile on tough terrain). This means I can wear them on approaches, moderate hikes, running, and working out. They even look stylish enough for urban wear.
Plus I LOVE how easily they slip on and off, yet don’t slide around on my feet when walking and running.
They’re not quite burly and supportive enough for really long hiking ventures (I do keep full-on hiking boots on hand for that), but these are just so useful in so many situations.
Find men’s here: Backcountry / Outland USA / Moosejaw
Find women’s here: Backcountry / Outland USA / Moosejaw
Before You Drive Away…
So there you have it: Amber’s top picks for the best clothing for vanlife. It’s by no means a perfect list for everyone, but will hopefully give you an idea about some of the sorts of garments that make living a little easier.
Remember, vanlife is largely about minimalism so embrace the minimalist travel wardrobe! Getting the most use out of the fewest items. Buy minimally, but consciously (focusing on sustainable brands is a good start!)
To make your van’s closet even more sustainable, what you can find used first. Thrift stores are the vanlifer’s best friend. If you spend a lot of time pursuing outdoor adventures, there are even outdoor specific thrift stores that deal in used outdoor apparel and other gear. If you haven’t already, check out our extensive guide to used outdoor gear stores in (almost) all 50 U.S. states. If you don’t live near one of those, there are still plenty of places where you can buy used outdoor clothing online.
Stay cozy as the winter winds down, vanlife friends!
**This post contains affiliate links to support the continued creation of these van life guides. This just means that if you purchase something from one of the links above, I get a small commission from the sale at no cost to you. Read more here or reach out with more questions.