How to Pack Stylishly for a Summer Holiday

Holiday packing is all about balancing convenience and style. All too often, the first one trumps the second, and men fill their luggage with light basics like shorts and T-shirts, forgetting about evening wear or less than perfect weather. Basically, stylish travel packing should cover all bases while meeting your luggage allowance, and that’s not as difficult as it may seem. Let’s take a look at some pro packing tips.

Choose Versatile Essentials

Your starting point should be the essentials because they’re … well … essential. Begin with a few neutrals that will go with anything. Three well-fitting T-shirts in white, navy and perhaps a subtle striped pattern are your absolute basics. Add two button-down shirts – one linen shirt in white or pale blue, another in your favourite pattern.

For legwear, two pairs of tailored shorts (try a navy pair and a khaki pair) hitting just above the knee will always look cool. For evenings and days in the village, a pair of lightweight chinos in a cool tone like light brown or beige will work as day changes to evening. If you’re a real pro, choose a pair of swimming shorts that can also be worn as regular shorts to save a bit of space.

If you’re planning on sampling the finer offerings of the destination, such as fancy restaurants, theatre, opera, guided tours and museums, why not pack a light, easy care blazer to add a touch of sophistication. With an unbuttoned shirt or smart T-shirt, you’ll look the part.

Shoes are the most cumbersome of necessities, so think hard about what you really need. Two or three pairs will usually suffice: leather sandals or espadrilles for ambling around town, clean white trainers for exploration and to wear on the plane. But like the blazer, it’s a good idea to throw in something that tips the formality needle over a little for classier occasions – loafers or tan Chelsea boots look smart, and won’t take up too much luggage space.

Along with your changes of underwear and socks sufficient for the duration, that should be everything you need for any holiday. But your packing shouldn’t stop there, because now you need to think about contingency.

When The Sun Ain’t Kissing

There’s no such thing as guaranteed sunshine in any summer holiday resort, and even in the warmest places, outdoor evenings can bring a slight chill. Here’s where a lightweight sweater or cotton knit can be worn or just thrown over your shoulders when breezes pick up. 

A packable performance jacket or cagoule is probably all you’ll need for a resort in the summertime. Sports and outdoor activity retailers will have a decent selection, which you can of course wear when you’re back in the UK. Check that it folds down nice and small and that it is breathable – wallowing in your own sweat isn’t a good look.

Accessories

Accessories are your opportunity to stand out among the other tourists. A Panama hat or similar brimmed option offers protection from the sun, but it’s also a holiday classic that means you won’t look like you’re trying too hard. A baseball cap will keep the sun off your eyes, but remember to slap extra sunblock on the back of your neck, as it’s particularly prone to burning.

Don’t forget those sunglasses either – book an appointment with your optician if you need a prescription pair. There’s no style guidance here though. Pretty much any style works on holiday, from chic and minimalist to something a little more flamboyant.

The Art of Packing

Now you’ve got your essentials and accessories sorted, they need to fit in your bags. Roll up softer items like T-shirts and underwear, and neatly fold ironed garments such as shirts and blazers. Take a coat hanger in case the destination doesn’t provide them. Place your shoes at the edges of your case, but don’t waste the volume that they take up – stuff them with socks, toiletries or other small items (this can also stop them from being squashed).

Throw in a laundry bag to keep your worn and clean clothes separate, and if you’re travelling from place to place, use another plastic bag to keep your shoes in – it’ll stop smells and dirt from reaching your other clothes.

With some sensible prep, your summer holiday shouldn’t throw up any unwelcome surprises. You just need to have the right clothing for days, evenings and when the sun isn’t playing ball – nothing over the top. Spending a few moments packing everything thoughtfully will pay dividends when you arrive and want to start the fun straight away.