Packing for isn’t hard. People just make it hard. The trick is knowing what earns a place in your suitcase and what doesn’t. Summer travel demands a sense of control: warm‑weather clothes that don’t crease immediately, shoes that go the distance, and a bag that doesn’t fall apart at the carousel. Think modular. Interchangeable. You want to look like a functioning adult who knows how to dress, even when it’s 34 degrees and you’re living out of a suitcase. Consider this your complete packing list for vacation.
Luggage
The suitcase
Hard‑shell. Four wheels. Size depends on the length of trip, but err on the smaller side – constraints help you pack better. Stick to matte black or dark grey to play it safe, or go for something a bit more playful if you want to be able to pick it out on the carousel from afar.
The holdall
A classic weekend bag you can throw into the boot of a cab or overhead locker without fuss. Canvas or weathered leather gives it character. A proper holdall suggests you travel often, and well. If it’s your only bag, make sure it's big enough. If it’s your second, make it soft enough to squash into tight spaces.
The backpack
For carry‑ons, day trips or airport commutes. You want clean lines, discreet zips and a lack of logos. A low‑key backpack holds your essentials – book, sunglasses, battery pack, passport – and still lets you move through crowds without taking people out at the knees.
The carry‑on
A mini capsule wardrobe in case your checked bag ends up in the wrong hemisphere. Inside: a change of clothes, toothbrush, swim shorts, deodorant and anything else you don’t want to be without for 24 hours. Don’t overpack it. You still have to get it through security.
Clothing
The overshirt
Lightweight and low‑maintenance. Works as a light jacket on cool evenings or a shirt when layered over a tee. Choose one in cotton twill or linen, unlined, with just enough structure to feel smart but not so much it looks stiff. Great on the plane, better at dinner, and folds down into nothing.
The linen long‑sleeve
If you’ve never owned one, now is the time. Breathable, easy to wear, and works in places where short sleeves feel too casual. Roll the cuffs and leave it slightly untucked. It should make you feel vaguely artistic, in a good way. White or pale blue are classic; anything louder risks cruise-ship energy.
The camp‑collar
The shirt equivalent of a Negroni. Relaxed, slightly louche, and best enjoyed on a warm evening. Unstructured and open‑necked, it’s ideal for days that start at breakfast and end after midnight. Pick one in a soft cotton or Tencel blend – plain or gently patterned – and let it do the talking.
The T‑shirt
Crisp, boxy, and breathable. You’ll wear a T-shirt every day, so bring at least three. Stick to neutral shades – white, navy, grey – and avoid logos. Cotton is fine, but a linen blend makes more sense in 30‑degree heat.
The linen shorts
Tailored, mid‑thigh, elasticated at the waist if you must – though drawstrings should be discreet. They’re the only thing you’ll want to wear after 1 pm. Choose navy, olive or ecru, and keep the fit loose but clean. Pair with everything from T‑shirts to long sleeves to nothing at all.
The linen tailored trousers
Perfect for civilised evenings or cities where shorts feel inappropriate. The right pair is soft, slightly rumpled and cut just above the ankle. Wear with loafers, slides, or bare feet if you’re by the sea. Avoid linen blends that look shiny – you want something lived‑in, not polyester pretending to be posh.
The swim shorts
Forget boardshorts. You’re not twelve. Mid‑thigh is the sweet spot. Long enough to feel adult, short enough to dry quickly. Choose something in a block colour or subtle pattern. A drawstring waistband is fine, mesh lining is optional. Bonus if they double as daywear.
Footwear
The everyday sneaker
Something clean, understated, and wearable with everything else in your case. White leather sneakers always works, but canvas is better for sand. Needs to be comfortable enough for a day of walking but smart enough to hold its own at lunch. Avoid chunky soles or anything branded like a Formula 1 car.
The loafer
No laces, no fuss, just elegance. Think suede or unlined leather. Something you can slip on after the beach and wear into the evening without changing. Looks sharp with tailored trousers and surprisingly good with shorts – if you’ve got the confidence. Go sockless, or wear those invisible ones that never stay on.
The leather sandal
Not the shouty, overly complicated ones. Just a quiet, well‑made sandal in brown or black leather – the kind of thing a man might wear in Sicily with a cigarette and a linen shirt. Buy them early and wear them in before the holiday starts. Your feet will thank you.
The slide
Strictly functional. Designed for the pool, spa or hotel corridor. Not to be worn to dinner. Not to be worn on a walking tour. And absolutely not to be worn with tube socks.
Accessories
The sunglasses
One great pair. Tortoiseshell or black acetate, classic lenses, and frames that suit your face. Think classic mid-century, not Oakley knock-offs from a garage forecourt. Wear them constantly, except indoors or at night. You’re on holiday, not in a band.
The watch
Reliable, relaxed and versatile. A field watch, diver or casual dress piece on a fabric or rubber strap will do the job.
The socks
You won’t need many, but the ones you bring should be breathable and plain. Cotton or merino, no visible branding. Stick to white, navy or grey. Mainly for the plane or dinner in your loafers.
The belt
A leather belt is a must. You’ll wear it more than you think, especially if you’re relying on drawstring shorts or trousers with side tabs. Leather is fine, just keep it subtle.
The baseball cap
Function first. Shields your eyes, hides bad hair, makes you look vaguely purposeful. Go for something in canvas or cotton twill, ideally without a big logo.
The wash bag
Neat, compact, wipe‑clean. Should fit everything from toothbrush to SPF without bulging. No need for a dopp kit the size of a shoebox. If your razor has its own power cable, you’ve packed too much.
Next up: The best carry-on luggage for every type of traveller.
