Q: What are the best adventure chic brands for cruises?

A:

It depends on the type of cruise you are taking, but for the Yangtze River, where days involve both onboard elegance and shore excursions to temples and gorges, I recommend brands that blend performance with style.

On a Yangtze River cruise, “adventure chic” means clothing that is lightweight, quick-drying, and wrinkle-resistant, yet polished enough for dinner. For tops, Patagonia and Columbia offer excellent sun-protective shirts and fleece jackets that look sharp in the lounge. The North Face has versatile “Hike & Dine” pants that resist stains and pack small. Eddie Bauer is another strong choice for their travel-wrinkle-free chinos and microfiber blazers, which work for both the Three Gorges Dam tour and the Captain’s Farewell Dinner.

For footwear, Merrell and Keen produce slip-resistant walking shoes that are stylish enough for the ship’s promenade and sturdy enough for uneven steps at Shibaozhai Temple. If you want a more elevated look, Arc’teryx offers minimalist, technical outerwear in muted tones—very chic for sunset on the top deck. And don’t forget a Buff or Lululemon neck gaiter: it protects from sun and wind, and doubles as a fashion accessory.

> Director’s Note: On Century and Victoria Cruises, the dress code is “smart casual” for dinner. Jeans are fine, but avoid ripped, heavy denim or gym wear. Adventure chic brands are perfect because they transition from a morning hike to an evening cocktail without needing a complete change.

If you are packing for a longer itinerary that includes a pre- or post-cruise stay in Shanghai or Beijing, consider Outdoor Voices for their merino wool travel dresses and Rohan for their invisible-zipper trousers. These pieces layer well and photograph beautifully against the karst scenery. Remember to bring a light rain jacket—the Yangtze valley can mist up quickly—and Sea to Summit dry bags are great for keeping electronics safe during shore excursions.

We look forward to welcoming you aboard!