A holiday-ready wardrobe in a week

Short answer: If you are leaving in a week, the order is simple: check underwear and socks first, then the thin layers, and finally the things you only wear on holiday.

Underwear and socks first

These are what you wear every day, and what hurts most to be without once you arrive. Count how many pairs are whole and clean, and allow one per day, or slightly fewer if you can wash along the way. See bamboo underwear for men.

Thin layers

Two to three t-shirts and a long sleeved top cover a week if you can wash along the way. Choose colours that go together so everything can be combined, and bring something thin for cool evenings. Check that the t-shirts have not twisted or worn thin. See bamboo t-shirts for men.

What you only wear on holiday

Swimwear, sandals and a smart outfit for an evening out are rarely where anything is missing. They are often ready from last year. Get them out early in the week and try them on, so you know they still fit and the elastic in your swimwear is not slack.

Washing along the way

If you can rinse clothes in the evening at the hotel, you can halve the number of items you need to bring. A thin fabric dries quickly, and a small pouch of detergent takes up almost no room. It makes travelling with hand luggage easier. See how to wash clothes while travelling.

For women

The same advice applies for women: check your underwear first, count the pairs that are intact, and top up in good time so you do not have to shop at the last minute. Bring a few extra for hot days. See the matching pieces in bamboo underwear for women.

Packing

Roll your clothes rather than folding them, so they crease less and take up less room in the case. Put underwear and socks along the sides and heavy items at the bottom. Use a ready made list so you do not forget anything. See packing list.

Wash before you leave

Wash everything you are taking in good time, so it can dry completely. Clothes packed damp can smell musty when you open the case. Do the washing two to three days before departure, so there is time for another round if something is missing. See the washing guide.

A plan for the week

Use the first days to go through your clothes and write down what is missing. In the middle of the week, buy what needs topping up. Wash two days before departure and pack the day before. That way you do not discover the evening before that the most important things are missing.

Check the weather

Look at the forecast for your destination a few days before you leave. Evenings can be cooler than expected, and an extra thin top takes up little room. If it turns out warmer than expected, you can save space and pack fewer long sleeves.

A bag for laundry

Pack an empty bag or a small cloth bag for worn clothes. It keeps clean and dirty items apart, and when you get home it is easy to see what needs washing. It takes up almost no space and makes unpacking quicker.