If you’re planning long-term travels or want to learn new packing hacks for your vacation, read this post on how to choose travel clothing. It’s one part of a series:
It’s guaranteed to be a game changer!
Packing for a trip is not easy especially if your goal is to pack light. Each item of travel clothing you pack needs to be relevant to ensure that you take the right items on your trip and avoid overpacking.
If you are planning a trip with varied destinations, activities, and climates, follow these tips to determine what clothing makes the cut and pack light.
Carefully assess each item of clothing examining its fabric, cut, and style and ask yourself the following questions:
1) Does it work in different settings?
2) Can I use it on more than one occasion?
3) Is it good quality?
4) Will it take up a lot of space in my bag?
5) Will this take ages to dry?
6) Does it mix and match with the other travel clothing I’ve selected?
Activities: Does it work in different settings?
Part of the fun of traveling is exploring everything a city has to offer. From treks and temples to restaurants and nightlife, your clothing has to work in a variety of settings.
Err on the side of caution and choose travel clothing that is stylish but not overly revealing. A maxi dress can be worn practically anywhere but a low neckline can’t. A button up blouse is versatile but if it’s too sheer it might be too revealing. Short shorts are cute but how short is too short.
Always pack conservative options that can be worn when entering religious sites or traveling to less touristy areas.
Multi-purpose: Can I use it on more than one occasion?
Every item in your bag should have multiple uses. An item does not need to be a “convertible” piece for it to serve multi-purpose. Consider these examples:
Convertible pants may work great in theory – they’re a 2-in-1. Many times, though, they’re not very flattering which makes many girls not want to wear them. It’s better to find something functional and fashionable like these travel pants – they’re the best!
Why pack something if you don’t like it?
While a sexy cocktail dress would be great just in case you got invited somewhere really nice, pack a more versatile option that can be dressed up or down for optimum versatility. These are the best convertible travel dresses for travel!
Quality: Is it durable?
Consider the life cycle of a clothing item you use at home. Even inexpensive items can last years if you only wear them occasionally. When you travel, however, your clothing works extra hard due to constant use and washing methods so its life span can be limited.
It’s important to pack travel clothing that is durable but keep in mind that after you’re on the road for a while everyone gets tired of wearing the same thing over and over. Choose items that will not fall apart after a few washes but items with a price tag you are comfortable giving up.
Packing Light: Will this take up a lot of space in my bag?
Before you purchase an item or select one from your own closet, roll it up and see how much space it needs. If it’s very bulky, consider taking a more compact item. Even in colder climates the key is to layer your clothing.
However, if the item can be used frequently and can mix and match many of your other travel clothing choices it doesn’t necessarily mean you shouldn’t pack it. Jeans, for example, can be bulky and heavy but the benefits far outweigh the disadvantages.
Packing organizers can help compress even bulky items like jeans and jackets but try to choose lighter pieces that you can layer if needed.
Quick Dry: Will this take ages to dry?
Clothing materials that dry quickly are beneficial because they tend to pack lighter and they’re also easy to wash when you’re constantly on the move.
Just because a label says it has “quick dry” fabric, doesn’t mean it works. Likewise, just because your regular clothing isn’t travel specific, doesn’t mean the fabric won’t dry quickly. You’d be surprised how much of the clothing you already own dries quickly.
Give it a test!
As a general rule, if you plan on packing less than ten clothing items, you want to make sure the majority of your clothing can dry quickly because your options are more limited.
Mix and Match: Does it go well with the other travel clothing I’ve selected?
With limited clothing options, it’s important to maximize your travel wardrobe. Choose each item very carefully and plan clothing that’s interchangeable. Determine whether or not your clothing can mix and match and test out the different combinations that can be made with your choices.
By choosing complementary clothing and planning travel outfits in advance, you’re not only well prepared but you also avoid over packing, too.
Final words of advice
Don’t start your trip with clothing that’s already worn out. It will fall apart very quickly when you travel anyway.
Even though your intentions may be to give away your travel clothing at the end of your trip, your clothing will be more than ready to be tossed due to durability or by choice. You may love it right now but you might hate it after wearing it every day for weeks at a time.
It’s normal to have to or want to replace items after you’re on the road for a while but you don’t want this to happen immediately. Be prepared to buy a few new pieces here and there to freshen up your wardrobe.
If you pack travel clothing that doesn’t work…
Don’t forget, if you choose an item (or several) that you find were not the best choices, you can always replace them. It’s a good idea not to invest more money on clothing than you want to give away. If you pack clothing that doesn’t work you have a few options:
1. Carry it around for your entire trip
2. Pay to send it home if it’s worth the price of shipping.
3. Donate it to a local or another traveler because one’s trash is another treasure!
