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Welcome to Day 6 of 30 Days to Packing a Better Bag.
When developing your packing list, choosing your travel clothing can get tricky because we want to have clothing to match all our travel activities. But packing for being active, being hot, being cold and just needing to look nice once in a while can take up a LOT of space!
Here’s an insider tip: Layers always work best.
If you’re a bit intimidated by layering your clothes, then this article will put you at ease. Layering is so easy, you just need to know the fundamentals!
Minimize Your Luggage with Layers
Layers are a great way to prepare for all weather and activity options while packing light. So obviously, we love them! Here are two examples of how dressing in layers can actually make packing light easier.
Example 1: Did you happen to add 2 bulky sweaters to your packing list for your travels? Drop that list!
Instead, why not take a merino wool tank or tee layered with a lighter long-sleeved top in place of one (or both) of those bulky sweaters? Not only does this combination provide a similar level of warmth, but the pieces also work on their own in warmer climates.
See what we did there?
Example 2: Add variation and color by layering tank tops. Let’s say you have a solid color v-neck top as part of a minimalist wardrobe. To give that top a bit of pop, why not get some bright tank tops to wear underneath?
I love this tactic because tanks take up so much less space than multiple tops while also being a clothing option on their own. AND… if you have a tank top next to your skin, the other top is going to stay cleaner longer. Tanks are much easier to hand wash than a larger item.
They also make great pajama tops!
See, layers always work best. In fact, using layers to their fullest is what sets a smart packer apart from a packing nightmare.
Start with your basic base layers and build off that so each piece is more usable and packable.
Layering Fundamentals
If you are layering for warmth, there are three different types of layers:
- Base layer: This one regulates your body temperature and wicks moisture away from your body.
- Insulation layer: This one keeps you warm and traps the heat from your body like a fleece or down jacket.
- Shell layer: This layer protects you from the elements and keeps you dry from snow and rain.
You don’t only have to wear one of each layer. If it’s very cold, you might want two base layers or two insulation layers. If it’s cold but clear with no wind chill you might want to skip the shell layer.
Layering thin pieces is more versatile than layering thick, bulky pieces and means as you heat up, you can simply remove a layer.
Not only will layering allow you to create the optimal warmth level but you can also use layers to create different outfit looks from a minimal wardrobe! If this is the case, your insulation layer will be more of a presentation layer for adding interest to your outfit. This could be a tunic, thin sweater, or cardigan.
Basic Layers
Jeans: A good pair of jeans can go a long way in terms of layers. If you’re traveling in winter, layer a pair of leggings underneath for additional warmth. In the summer time, wear jeans with a tank top and a light scarf.
Tank tops or camisole: Long tank tops can be worn under most shirts and are another good base layer for warmth, taking up very little room. Try one made from wool to help regulate body heat and manage moisture. You can also wear them under more sheer tops for modesty.
Dress: A simple dress is ideal for summer and you can layer jewelry, a denim jacket, or a cardigan on top of it at night. The right pair of leggings can take a simple dress from summer to winter ready in no time.
Sweater: A basic sweater can be great for layering over a tank top on a chilly flight and is also resistant to wrinkling. We recommend going for a thinner sweater, perhaps made of merino wool for ultimate warmth and versatility in a small package.
Multi-Purpose Items
Leggings: As mentioned earlier, leggings (a female traveler necessity) can be used in any climate, particularly to cover up in more conservative cultures. Try wearing them under a dress or tunic or under your pants if you’re spending the winter abroad. They also make good pajamas!
Blazer: A simple black packable blazer can be worn dozens of ways, from casual over a t-shirt and jeans to more formal with a black pencil skirt.
Scarf: Packing a versatile travel scarf is an easy way to dress up an outfit, not to mention building warmth. It can be used as a sarong, a head covering while you’re in a church or to cover your shoulders over your little black dress.
Seasonal Additions
Coat: If you’re traveling in winter, you’ll definitely need a coat, but pick something versatile that matches many outfits. For example, a calf-length coat with a funky houndstooth print can be nice because it doesn’t look silly over dresses but can also be worn with pants and boots.
For those who are traveling in and out of cold climates on an extended trip, the best bet is to trade in a chunky, puffy coat for a few good layers combined with warm hats, gloves, socks, and leggings.
If you’re looking to see the Northern Lights in Lapland, we’re sorry, but you will probably need to pack a chunky coat. It’s just too cold there!
Choosing Your Materials
Cotton: Cotton isn’t the best fabric for traveling because it doesn’t wick moisture very well, wrinkles easily, and takes long to dry, but there are some exceptions to this like jeans!
Wicking or Nylon: Choose layers that will handle sweat and heat, especially if you’ll be doing more activities like hiking or mountain biking.
Wool or Fleece: You only need one or two of these layers for additional warmth. They generally come with a price but are well worth the investment. We love merino wool because it is thermoregulating and moisture-wicking.
We’ll talk more about technical travel clothing tomorrow and how those can offer durable clothing options to suit your specific travel needs. Technical clothing can be quick drying, offer sun protection, or just offer warmth with minimal space usage.
Build Your Layering Travel Closet
If you’re in the market to update your travel wardrobe by packing in layers, then we have got you covered.
Layering is personal. Ultimately, the type of layers you choose depends on your travel style and destination. Analyze your packing list and find where layers would work best for your trip. Start with the basics and build from there. And remember, this isn’t an exact science, play around until your layers feel right for you.
Base Layers
These are the layers touching your skin. Keep an eye out for materials that are moisture-wicking, temperature-regulating, and breathable.
The Icebreaker Merino Thermal Top is naturally odor-resistant, regulates your body temperature, and is breathable. Perfect for a base layer! Icebreaker also makes a tank top style for warmer weather.
The Wool& Merino Leggings will keep you warm without the bulkiness. Plus they are temperature-regulating, wrinkle-resistant, odor-resistant, breathable, and quick-drying.
The SCOTTeVEST Dorothy Dress is lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying. A great choice for a warm day or layer with leggings and a cardigan if it is cooler.
The Patagonia Capilene Daily Shirt is perfect for a range of conditions from cool to hot. It is quick-drying, moisture-wicking, and controls odor.
Insulation or Presentation Layers
These are the layers that keep you warm, or simply add some interest to your outfit.
The Patagonia Fleece Pullover is perfect for warmth and comfort. Plus it’s quick-drying.
This Wool& Shirt Tunic is made from merino wool making it temperature-regulating, wrinkle-resistant, odor-resistant, breathable, and quick-drying. It’s a perfect travel piece because it is so versatile. Wear it over your bathing suit on hot days or layer it over a base layer on a cooler day.
The WoolX Merino Cardigan is temperature-regulating, quick-drying, moisture-wicking, odor-destroying, and breathable. Layer over a tank top on a warm day or use as one of many layers on a cooler day.
A travel scarf, like the pashmina pictured above, is a layering essential. On warm days use it to cover up your arms for churches and on cooler days use it to keep nice and toasty. Plus if you get hot it’s small enough to fit in your travel purse. You could also use a versatile sarong instead.
Shell Layers
These are the outer layers that protect you from the elements.
The sleek Eddie Bauer Trench Coat is a great addition to your minimalist packing list. It’s waterproof and has a durable water repellent (DWR) finish that sheds water. The hood is adjustable and removable adding to the versatility of the piece.
For warmer destinations, you might want to choose a denim jacket as your shell layer. The warm sherpa lining on this Levi’s Denim Jacket adds an extra layer of warmth.
The all-weather, all-purpose North Face Triclimate Jacket is perfect for any outdoor activity. It is breathable and waterproof. They make different versions of this jacket for different weather conditions. Read more in our North Face Women’s Triclimate Jacket Review blog post.
The down insulation of the Patagonia Parka is sure to keep you warm in winter destinations. The parka has a durable water repellent (DWR) finish and the hood is insulated and removable.
Do you already wear layers when you travel, or is this something you want to start doing? Let us know in the comments below.
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