Whether you are taking a trip to the Cotswolds, or a luxury beach resort, there is nothing worse than under-packing or bringing the wrong mix of clothes to your holiday destination In the midst of a packing panic.
The good news is that getting it right isn’t as difficult as you might imagine.
Tony Standing, expert menswear stylist at Thread, has revealed the essential capsule items to pack for any destination alongside expert styling tips.
A city break
For a 3-day city break:
- 2x t-shirts
- A button-up shirt
- A pair of trainers
- Espadrilles
- Chinos
- A pair of sunglasses
When exploring a new city, comfy footwear should be the first thing in your suitcase.
Trainers with a durable rubber outsole are essential for walking around the city and sightseeing, as you want to be comfortable. You’ll also want to make sure you throw in a pair of smart casual shoes for dinner in the evening, like espadrilles or suede sneakers for a classier look.
For the rest of your outfit, think of clothes that work in combinations. A lightweight shirt works by itself to smarten up chinos, or you can wear it as a light jacket over a tee on colder evenings. For a night out, this works under a blazer too. Try sticking to a single palette too, so you can put clothes together with no clashing.
A week on the beach
For a 7-day beach holiday:
- 3x short sleeve linen shirts
- 3x long sleeve evening shirts
- 2x swimming shorts
- 2x crew neck t shirts
- A pair of chino shorts
- Sunscreen
- Tote bag
- Baseball cap
- A pair of flip flops
A linen shirt is always a no-brainer when temperatures soar – it’s breathable, lightweight, generally affordable, and one of the most sustainable fabrics out there. If you are spending your long-awaited break along the beachfront, these are a perfect choice. When most of your day will be spent wearing beach shorts, these shirts double as the perfect cover up for when the air becomes slightly cooler.
A sturdy beach bag will also make your day easier. A tote is big enough for everything and easy to access, so you’re not fiddling around with zips. I’d recommend packing beach shoes to protect your feet from the hot sand and any sharp stones. Flip-flops or espadrilles are a great option for this.
A trip with the family
A weekend with the family:
- 2x knitted jumpers
- Long sleeved shirt
- A pair of chinos
- Running trainers
- Rucksack
- Swimming shorts
- Shower resistant pack-mac
- Sunscreen
With the whole family around, you might find yourself carrying more things than normal, so ensure to pack light. Think practical, lightweight layers in neutral colours can make just a handful of clothes become a week’s worth of holiday outfits.
Your shoes should also be comfortable for running around – lightweight, breathable, and comfortable. Aim for something easily packable, like canvas shoes or runners. A rucksack is an ideal bag choice, as it allows you to be hands-free when on the move.
An adventure holiday
A 3-day adventure holiday:
- 2x long sleeved t-shirt
- A linen shirt
- Cargo shorts
- A bucket hat
- Fabric strap watch
- Rucksack
- Insect spray
- Birkenstocks
If you’re going to be getting up close and personal with The Great Outdoors, practicality matters. Besides bug spray and a suitable hat, long-sleeved shirts are ideal as they can protect your arms from sunburn or insect bites.
If you’re not doing anything too strenuous that would require hiking boots, then opt for comfortable footwear that you can walk around in. Pick out shoes that will provide a good level of support, like Birkenstocks. Not only will they give your feet a chance to breathe, but these sandals have high durability properties, made to last for years to come.
