Packing for a week in hand luggage only
Short answer: Five thin layers in bamboo viscose take up less space than two thick ones. Wash as you go in the sink, and one bag covers seven days.
Choose thin over thick
Thin layers can be combined and take up less space. Two thin tops handle more than one thick sweater, because you can wear them separately or together depending on weather and occasion, without wasting space in the bag. See bamboo t-shirt for women.
Underwear for the whole week takes up nothing
Seven sets of underwear in thin bamboo viscose take up less space than a pair of shoes, and it is often the easiest item for many people to pack. Prioritize it first in the bag, so you know how much room is left for the rest. See bamboo underwear for women.
Wash in the sink
Rinse one set every evening. Bamboo viscose dries faster than thick cotton and is ready by morning, so you can genuinely cover a week with fewer items than you probably thought was possible.
Solid colors make everything easier
When everything can be combined, you need fewer pieces. Pick two or three base colors that match each other, so every combination of top and bottom looks put together without planning an outfit for each day. See bamboo clothing for women.
Roll clothes instead of folding
Rolled clothes take up less space in the bag and crease less than folded ones, especially in a soft material like bamboo viscose. It also makes it easier to see what you have packed once the bag is filled to the edge.
Plan by destination, not by day
Think in activities rather than dates. If you have two work days and five days off, pack for that split instead of packing a whole new outfit for every single day of the week.
A layer for cooler evenings
Even at warm destinations, evenings often turn cooler than the day. A single thin extra layer covers that need, without you having to pack a whole extra wardrobe for the hours after the sun goes down.
Shoes take up the most space, pack few
Two pairs of shoes cover most trips, one practical and one slightly dressier. Shoes are often what takes up the most space in a carry-on bag, so cutting down here frees up the most room for everything else.
Check carry-on rules before you pack
Size and weight limits vary between airlines, so check them before you pack. It is easier to adjust the amount of clothing beforehand than to sort items out at the airport because the bag does not fit.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
How much clothing do you need for a week in carry-on?
Three tops, two bottoms, seven sets of underwear and one layer for the evening. Combine the colors so everything works together across the days.
Does bamboo clothing dry fast enough for washing on the go?
Yes, if you roll it in a towel first and hang it up loosely. It is often dry by morning after an evening wash.
Does bamboo clothing crease in a small bag?
Less than woven fabric. Roll it instead of folding it, so the clothing keeps its shape better throughout the trip.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
