Advice on Anti-Theft Clothes for Travel

Traveling is an adventure, bringing us face-to-face with new people, places, and experiences. While 99% of those unfamiliar people, places, and things are good, the reality is that there are a few bad apples at home and abroad, and they often congregate in highly touristed areas, hoping to score a few points on unaware travelers with their pickpocketing and petty theft skills.

What to Look for in Anti-Theft Travel Clothing

The good news: Crafty inventors have come up with myriad ways to stay safe on the road. Here are a few of our favorite clothing recommendations to help keep your property secure as you venture out in the world. These are attractive options, with all the functions of the classic safari vest, and none of the saggy baggy pockets. 

Pickpocket-Proof Clothing: 6 Items to Help Protect You and Your Valuables

Anti-Theft, Tailored Travel Pants

It's easy to find nicely tailored travel pants that feature multiple secure pockets to keep valuables secure and organized. Try for a pair with a lightweight, quick-drying fabric that has spandex for stretch and comfort.

For women wanting to add a bit more style and versatility, search for travel skirts and dresses, which a lot of the time are reversible for extending the look (and your safety) over a couple of days. 

Secure Travel Scarf With Hidden Pockets

The scarf - may be the number one travel accessory for women. It's even better if you can find an infinity scarf that has a hidden zip pocket. Cozy and safe!

Stylish Travel Coat With Hidden Pockets

Okay, we admit it, finding the coat or trench is already hard enough. However, splurging on one that has discrete exterior pockets and interior pockets helps keep your essentials secure and organized. Not to mention, even when you're not traveling, it's always nice to have extra pockets.

Cargo Pants With Hidden Pockets

Try and find cargo pants with multiple secure hidden pockets to confound pickpockets. It's smart to purchase a pair that is light, with quick-dry fabric. Also, if you find a pair you like, buy a couple in different colors. That way you can feel safe and switch it up. 

Pick-Pocket Proof Convertible Jacket for Travel

An amazing find (and purchase) would be a super-versatile jacket with a ton of pockets! Better yet, try and find one that easily converts to a vest, with the ability to zip the hood into the collar. It's important to search for a water-resistant jacket as well - that way you get so much more out of the piece.

Anti-Theft Hats for Travel

A hat might be the last place a pickpocket will expect your valuables to be. Plus, it's pretty hard to steal something right off someone's head. Find one that looks like any other hat but that has several hidden pockets. Travel hats are great for stashing cash or your hotel keys when you exploring the town. If you can find one with a concealed zipper somewhere and in a light enough fabric for hot days, you're set to go. 

4 Steps to Outsmart Thieves & Pickpockets

1. Be Aware of Your Surroundings and the people around you. If you look like you are paying attention, troublemakers will choose another target.
2. Don’t Travel With Valuables – if you do become a victim of theft it will be a nuisance, not a disaster or heartbreak.
3. Don’t Keep All Your Money in One Place: Split it up between wallet, money belt, and hidden security pockets.
4. Keep a Watchful Eye on Your Traveling Companions but keep paying attention to your own security. Experienced thieves are masters of distraction and experts at staging a commotion to divert your attention from your pocket or bag.