travel wardrobes: under and over
For most types of travel, it’s hard to go wrong with lightweight layers. This applies to street clothes, as well as to base layers and outerwear. Not only does relying mainly on lightweight layers save space and weight in luggage, but several lighter layers are more versatile and comfortable in changing conditions than one or two heavy ones. There’s nothing like lugging around a heavy coat for half a (warm) day to drive this home. Been there, done that.
The base layer is your friend. A base layer (or what I sometimes refer to as “underpinnings”) does many things: provides warmth, provides coverage underneath lighter or less opaque tops, and helps keep clothes cleaner longer. I continue to rave about the Eileen Fisher silk jersey tees, tanks and camisoles as base layers. (Plus options: tees | tanks & camisoles.) They are almost weightless, layer beautifully underneath other clothing, can be hand washed and will dry overnight, and wear like iron. (Some of mine are a few years old and still holding up beautifully with regular wear.)
Adea Clothing also has excellent options for all of these styles in lightweight, moisture-wicking Italian fabric, available in many colors. I usually travel with one or two of the long-sleeve, scoop neck tees for weightless warmth underneath sweaters or shirts. These are snug-fitting pieces, and I recommend sizing up by one or two sizes.
While I have not yet tried this option, many travelers swear by silk thermal underwear during cooler or transitional seasons. Those who recommend say it’s non-bulky underneath clothing, and can double as pajamas in a pinch.
Keeping clothes cleaner longer? A base layer reduces contact between street clothes and skin/perspiration, and is easily hand-laundered as needed.
Against the elements. We live in a temperate climate and rarely travel to wintry destinations except to go skiing, which has its own set of clothing requirements. So I’m not an expert on dead-of-winter clothing. I’ve found that for most other seasons a lightweight weather resistant shell (coat or longer jacket) is usually sufficient. Layer up underneath for warmth if needed. If packing light is your goal, a coat that’s functional enough for daytime activities but looks “smart casual” enough for evening is optimal, but not always easy to find. There are a lot of “packable” raincoat styles available, and these may be a good option for you. Trenches: always a classic choice, but keep in mind that many are not actually water-resistant. I’ve traveled a couple of times with a reversible Mycra Pac raincoat, which has a roomy hood that collapses down to a collar, and kept me very dry even during a 30-minute downpour deluge while we were touring the grounds at Versailles. It also packs down into a very small pouch.
Lands’ End has some very workable options, and I’ve read many recommendations for Uniqlo’s Ultra Light Down pieces, and Pocketable Parkas but have not yet tried either.
We’re getting close to our departure date. I’ll be assembling my travel wardrobe (3 weeks, 1 carry-on!) over this coming weekend, so check back early next week to see what I’ve packed!
What are your favorite base layer and outerwear choices for travel?
UNDER & OVER
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I own 2 Mycra Pac raincoats and find them very useful for spring travel. One of my travel partners swears by the down “sweater” that really is a jacket. For April/May Paris and a walking tour, the down worked really well. Both coats went to the theatre in London as well. The pouch means that if things “heat up”, the coat fits into the carry bag. Light t-shirts do cut down on laundry and everything is easily hand-washed. I just got back Saturday from 10 weeks of over 80 degrees heat with only hand-washing. If the layers are light enough, it can be done.
WinterSilks long underwear travel on most non-summer trips with me. They can wash in the washing machine, and dry quickly in a hotel room. They also come in plus sizes, and in styles for men. My husband likes them too. We each have featherweight down jackets which are packable, and can roll up and fir in a carry on or even a tote bag. Over a sweater they are warm enough with temps in the 30’s, but remain comfortable into the 50’s. But I like to travel with a warm cardigan as well: not just for the cool but not raining days, but to use as a robe in my room, and to wear on the plane which is often freezing…sometimes light layers are just not sufficient, and one great sweater is all it takes to make me happy.
My favorite is a pair of lightweight black leggings–they go under skirts/dresses long and short and under pants if it gets chilly. I got mine at Monoprix 5 years ago and they are just now getting holes. I will replace them this summer.
This year I am taking a very plain fitted black zip up fleece vest. I figure this can go over and under many things if it gets cold.
One year it got so cold in Paris that the Parisians pulled out their down jackets–in June! I had to wear all my own clothes plus some belonging to DH. Awful! And I tend not to bring enough for possible heat waves.
We are having so much rain this year as compared to the last five…I have kept a trench and the rain boots handy! I am sure this is a helpful post to many!
I have been waiting anxiously for your packing post as we leave Wednesday for 3weeks in the Tirol and the Loire. Can you give me any quick tips so I can make sure I have packed correctly? I have based my packing on your previous post for three weeks in a carry on so I hope I am somewhat on track. I have been watching the weather posts and it does seem very rainy which I find very frustrating but certainly is out of my control so I just want to be prepared. ANY suggestions from anyone would be very much appreciated as I have never been to France.
Hi Cheryl, last year in the Loire Valley, I found lightweight sweaters to be my go-to pieces, worn over my base layer. I wore mostly jeans, and ankle boots. On non-wet days, leather sneakers. Here’s a link to last year’s wardrobe recap, if that’s helpful: https://unefemme.net/2014/05/travel-wardrobe-recap-2.html . I suspect this year’s wardrobe will have several similar pieces.
I found your website a couple of weeks ago on Pinterest and am loving your style.
We are traveling to Ireland next month for a wedding and I was wondering if you’ve been there, and if you have some clothing advice. I already have my dress for the wedding, but we will also be going to a few semi dressy wedding related events. I would like to bring only a wheeled carry on plus a tote.
Debra, I suggest figuring out your shoe allotment first, and then chose your wardrobe based on that! As per Pseu’s guidance, dressing with classics and a few stellar accessories is a travelers best strategy!
I am bringing gray suede wedge sandals trimmed in silver for the wedding. I would rather not bring another pair of dressy shoes since we are so limited in the amount of luggage (5 of us will be traveling together in a rental car). I will bring my gray leather sneakers and a pair of black booties, but can’t afford the space for more shoes. I need an outfit for the rehearsal dinner plus a family dinner out to a fancy restaurant. Any ideas?
Silk jersey underwear – yyyeah. That stuff really packs a punch of warmth for such a lightweight. I love the sky underside of the umbrella – it’s too bad we can’t order the weather when we’re on the road and must pack for such events. You’re leaving soon, how exciting!
Great post and very timely, as we’ll be traveling to Europe this summer I’d love to see more tips on how to stretch one’s travel wardrobe. We’re doing a river cruise this time, which means that we’ll be seeing the same people for two weeks. I don’t want to look as though I’m wearing the same things over and over. Any ideas?
Wearing things over and over will allow you more room to bring home treasures. Companions who over pack will recognize your superior packing skills before the end of the trip. Don’t worry about repeating outfits, think about space saving and concentrate on the wonderful sights and experiences instead.
I am always amazed how stylish Europeans look in the rain. They use umbrellas so they don’t have to lug around rain gear. If the weather isn’t cold this might be something to consider.
I can recommend the Uniqlo Heat-tech base layers: they come in several base colours, neck styles and sleeve lengths, are lightweight and not expensive. I usually avoid all synthetics, but these seem different: silky, cosy, not the least sweat-inducing, and absolutely free from that awful synthetic static electricity that makes your hair stand on end when you take them off.
Thanks for this feedback I have looked at that Uniqlo heat-tech range and wondered if they are any good. Now I will go back ans purcasge a few pieces.
I can second that: the Heat-tech garments are great. I’m about to test out their summer fabric, base layer cami.
Nothing beats a cashmere cardigan for versatility and warmth with little weight. I always – winter or summer – travel with my black v-neck cashmere cardigan that I can wear alone, over a blouse, tee, tank and on those cold winter days under a coat. It can be dressy or casual. It’s seriously the best purchase I’ve made in decades.
I agree with you, Peggy, about v-neck cardigans. I was in Italy this past February (Italian Riviera), and to round out my ten-piece travel wardrobe, I purchased a pale grey merino cardigan from LLBean. Their “Signature” line has some nice, streamlined looks (just be sure to size up, as this line is cut close-to-the-body. The sweater also comes in soft coral and pale blue. A bargain at $89. Here’s the link in case anyone is interested http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/83030?feat=503657-GN2&page=signature-merino-v-neck-cardigan
Just back from 24 days in London, Paris, Oxford and Liverpool. Your packing blog was so helpful. I wore silk underwear from KAS silks, long sleeved tops nearly every day! Silk lining gloves kept me cosy too on rainy days. Eileen fisher black crepe pants were perfect. I also took quite a few silk blouses and shirts – so light and took no room. A black cashmere cardigan and a long navy hooded cashmere cardigan were both so useful. Plus one hip length beige merino wool cardigan. My outer layer was a black mid thigh Geox travel raincoat as well as a very lightweight down Michael Kors jacket, often wore both together. As well as my sturdy walking shoes I found a little pair of black ballet flats to be very useful around hotels.
Jenniferanne, I’m so glad you found the posts helpful and that your wardrobe worked well for you! Thanks for the recap!
Another ringing endorsement for the EF crepe pants. I have hauled mine all over Asia in intense heat, and wear them a lot year-round in the upper midwestern USA. They’re perfect everywhere. They look sharp even after banging around in Jeeps for weeks, wash up in a sink, dry fast (even in wet season) and are extremely comfortable.
I’m surprised not to see anyone rant about the necessity of carrying a large cashmere shawl/pashmina. I will almost not leave the house without one, especially to fly anywhere. They’re perfect top layers in chilly weather or on planes, dress up simple outfits for Events, double as head scarves in temples, and make great pillows in a pinch. My favorite is a Nordstrom brand feather-weight piece in a bright pink that I bought over 10 years ago. It’s been around the planet who-knows-how-many times and is still like new.
You are certainly going to need a showerproof and windproof coat in the UK unless the weather here changes any time soon.
For anyone in search of a nice travel umbrella, we bought Knirps umbrellas for a recent trip abroad and can vouch for how incredibly lightweight they are. They fit easily in a small crossbody and even comfortably in the back pocket of blue jeans. (I don’t work for them–just wanted to recommend since umbrellas were part of the discussion!)
These are some excellent tips. I love silk underwear and cannot find it. So I will check out Eileen Fisher. I already looked at the raincoats of Mycra Pac… and saw a terribly nice purple one… Wouldn’t mind ordering that, but I have spent too much already. What a dilemma.
Then, at the end of your post I saw: three weeks, one carry-on!!! You are joking! I went to Italy for 4 days last month and carried two suitcases with me hahaha. Seen this post? http://www.nofearoffashion.com/2015/04/travel-clothes
Greetje
I just returned yesterday from two week trip to Rome, Florence and Venice. It was so hot in all the cities, which was quite surprising to me. The combo of mid 80 temps and high humidity made a jacket of any sort unnecessary. But a local laundromat would have been useful. The places were overrun with sweaty tourists from the entire world, so we fit right in!
I’m a big fan of Patagonia long johns. They are breathable, not silk, but are great quality. I also like and have traveled with the Patagonia W’s Nano Puff Jacket recently. It is poly fill and super light weight. I have it in the feather grey and the black is on my wish list; I like this jacket so much!
Sue, I like this new outfit post with the Equipment Sullivan cashmere cardigan. I really like the touches of blue with the navy blue sweater; it will be nice for spring. Do you own this sweater? Does it pill badly? How does the sizing run?
Susanjane, I have the sweater in black and have worn it only a couple of times. All cashmere will pill to some degree, but I haven’t noticed that this one pills easily.
I have purchased Uniglo Heattech tops here in Australia and found them very good using them as a base layer, and easy to wash and wear too.
the Mycra Pac “raincoat” is the most stylish !! For warmth , nowever, i found that layers underneath are a must. I wore mine in Paris in October and nearly froze. On our second day there, we all bought gloves, wool scarves and sweaters! Maybe we just didn’t pack right, But that Mycra pac looks GREAT!!!