Experts Share Airline-Friendly Packing Tips
Summer is just around the corner, bringing with it the promise of beach escapes, countryside retreats and whirlwind city breaks.
Image Photo by Marissa Grootes on Unsplash
For savvy travellers who prefer to pack light, squeezing everything into a single carry-on bag can prove quite the challenge, but it’s far from impossible. The clothing experts from Humes Outfitters are here to share their ultimate hand-luggage heroes and packing strategies to help you make the most of your suitcase space. Whether you’re headed for sunny shores or urban adventures, here’s how you can pack with purpose — and style.
Plan outfits according to your itinerary
Start with your trip’s schedule. Will you be hiking trails one day and lounging poolside the next? Or perhaps you’ll be spending the mornings sightseeing and the evenings dining al fresco. However you’ll be spending the break, knowing what each day looks like can help you pack intentionally.
Map out your outfits for each day ahead of time, with the aim to rewear and restyle pieces for multiple scenarios. A lightweight dress, for example, can be worn casually with trainers or sandals throughout the day, and dressed up in the evening with a pair of wedges and some stylish jewellery. Although it can be tempting to pack all your favourite statement pieces, it’s always better to opt for versatile pieces that can be worn multiple ways.
Get the statement-to-staple ratio right
The key to a successful capsule wardrobe is balance. In general, it’s a good idea to follow the 80/20 rule: pack around 20% statement pieces, and 80% reliable, versatile basics. This might mean one statement sundress, a bold blouse, or metallic sandals paired with a foundation of timeless staples — think a classic white T-shirt, a black vest top, wide-leg trousers, and denim shorts.
Try to make sure every item you pack matches with at least two others. That way, you can have a variety of outfit choices with just a handful of pieces.
Be ready for all weathers
Depending on your destination, a summer holiday can often bring mixed weather. Be ready for cool and misty mornings, hot afternoons and breezy nights, with the odd downpour mixed in for good measure! To ensure you’re prepared, pack plenty of layers.
A breathable shirt or linen button-down that can be thrown on over a vest top is great for keeping you cool. A fine knit or cardigan adds warmth without bulk, while a windbreaker, denim jacket or utility jacket is ideal for cooler evenings, not to mention chilly aeroplane air conditioning. Packaway rain jackets take up next to no space in a handbag, and will be a godsend if you’re caught in a tropical shower.
Packing cubes are another game changer. They keep outfits organised inside your bag, compress garments and make unpacking a breeze once you arrive.
Choose wrinkle-resistant fabrics
When space is limited, fabrics that travel well are essential. Look for materials like jersey, tencel, crepe and cotton blends that resist creasing and still look fresh straight out of your bag. If you’ll need to pack warm, wool is another material that won’t crease.
When packing, rolling rather than folding garments can help minimise wrinkles, while maximising space.
Choose shoes wisely
Shoes can be the bulkiest item in your bag, so keep your selection tight. Aim for a maximum of three pairs: a comfortable walking shoe, boot or trainer, a pair of sandals or open-toed shoes for casual wear, and one elevated option for evenings such as espadrilles, wedges or heels, or stylish flats.
Wear the bulkiest pair during travel to save space, and pack the others inside shoe bags to protect your clothes. Stuffing socks or small accessories into shoes in your suitcase is another space-saving hack.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: The Canadian National Parks Brits Are Flocking To
Curate your accessories
Accessories can transform your holiday look, particularly if you’ll be packing a lot of basics. The best part? They take up minimal space. Choose a couple of key pieces that coordinate with your outfits — perhaps a statement earring, an elegant gold or silver necklace, a watch and a chunky belt. Organise your earrings, rings and necklaces neatly within a small pouch or case.
Hats and sunglasses are needed for sunny destinations, and can be a great way to elevate a simple outfit. A lightweight scarf takes up virtually no room, and is perfect for protecting the head and neck from strong sun as well as covering up in the cooler evening.
Choose a multi-use bag
When every centimetre of space counts, multifunctionality is your best friend. A medium-sized rucksack or tote bag makes a perfect personal item for the flight and can double up as your day bag while sightseeing. For evenings, choose one compact clutch or crossbody that fits easily inside your larger bag, as well as having enough room for all your evening essentials. Stick to something monochrome or neutral-toned that can complement any of the pieces you’ve packed.
Rachel Thomson, Managing Director at Humes Outfitters said: “Packing light doesn’t mean compromising on style – it simply means getting smart about what goes into your bag. With a thoughtful approach to outfit planning, versatile, travel-friendly pieces, and a few well-chosen accessories, you’ll have everything you need to create a curated capsule wardrobe in your carry-on bag.
“Whether you’re hopping on a plane for a weekend getaway or embarking on a long summer adventure, you can skip baggage claim, dodge the extra fees, and step into your holiday with confidence.”
#PackingTips #PackingForAHoliday #IndexDigital
