We’ve done a few of these capsule wardrobes over the years, but I’ve never done one about my summer holidays. Manish has, but most of the time my family holidays have been covered in the ‘Holiday snaps’ series. Do look at those for more inspiration.
This capsule collection is for a family vacation such as we usually take to Portugal every year - off-duty, no tailoring required, in the proximity of a swimming pool and beach. Dealing with the heat is a priority, and suitcase space (given there are five of us) is at a premium.
The aim is efficient packing, creating a versatile wardrobe where everything can be worn together. And, providing some menswear interest in what will otherwise be a fashion-free fortnight.
Above is what I took recently - set out on the bed before we went, as I usually do in order to assess it all.
Some things I always aim to have are:
- Two or three tops and bottoms that all work with each other. You end up with up to nine outfits rather than three.
- At least one pair of trousers, no matter how hot it is. Nice to put on in the evening or going into town. Also good with bugs at night.
- One shawl-collar cardigan. It goes with everything, it’s what I put on at night when it gets chilly, and it’s my dressing gown in the morning.
The biggest thing I noticed about the capsule when I put it together was that most of the tops and shoes were neutrals - white, cream, grey, black - while the bottoms were warmer coloured ones - brown, olive, beige.
This wasn’t intentional, just a result of fiddling around with everything to make all the tops go with all the bottoms. But you can see why you’d end up with it - neutrals go with lots of things, but not necessarily each other. Browns and greens can be really great together, but if you want a range of pieces that will work, neutrals are easier.
The two shoes I wore the most - the tennis shoes and the espadrilles - are cream and black too, neutrals separated by the bottoms from the often similar tops.
The exception to this is the sandals, but that tan’s actually pretty nice with brown and green, and being the same colour as the shorts is fine.
On top, the exception is the chambray shirt, but that denim/chambray colour goes with everything.
The hardest thing was finding outerwear to go with it all, but in the end I picked my vintage jungle jacket because it was different to everything else, and I know from experience how versatile it can be. It would pretty much only be worn on the flight there and back anyway.
For headwear, my Cal cap was a nice pop of colour to brighten things up - I’ve worn Holiday Boileau ones in a similar way in the past. It is nice to stop everything being too everyday. And the hat is a straw one from Chamula - it’s soft and casual enough to look great with shorts or denim, which is not an easy thing to do.
Now, what would I have packed if I had more space?
I know readers will ask about various things I could have taken, and I know Manish would have taken far more, being (in his words) a hopeless overpacker.
I would have loved to bring:
- A smarter linen shirt and trousers
- These would have been nice for dinner time or going to restaurants, but we were staying somewhere remote and I knew there would be a maximum of two such dinners, possibly even one
- A PS Cotton Crewneck
- I love these so much, both for wearing over things and for just draping around the neck, but there just wasn’t room. With this wardrobe I think I would have taken a black one
- A lighter-weight shawl cardigan
- This old Drake’s one is a little warm, though only a little. A cotton or cotton/wool one would have been nice, but the RRL one I have is very heavy
- Some more colour
- A brighter piece that would have only gone with some things, but that’s fine because everything else already provides so many options. Perhaps a madras shirt
- Jeans
- It makes no sense, they're too hot the vast majority of the time, but I do miss them. I'd wear them for travelling and for a couple of evenings, but that's about it
Here are all the clothes in order. I’ve linked mostly to the places where they have been covered before on Permanent Style, rather than the company pages, but if you need the latter and can’t find it, let me know.
Accessories:
- ‘Cal’ cotton cap, a gift, from University of California, Berkeley
- Chamula straw hat, Clutch Cafe
- L’Ingenieur Chevallier sunglasses
Tops:
- Drake’s cashmere shawl cardigan (old model/style)
- PS Finest Polo
- Orslow chambray shirt
- PS Tapered T-shirt
- Ralph Lauren smock top
- Vintage US Army jungle jacket
Bottoms:
- Hermes swim shorts
- PS olive cotton shorts
- Vintage US Army shorts
- Anthology seersucker elasticated trousers
Shoes:
Hi Simon, an interesting post . Would cotton seersucker trousers, and indeed even a jacket add more comfort than the equivalent in linen?
Sometimes, even on a hot holiday, one has to dress up eg. ahistorical old city like say Florence, walking into a church or dining in the evening in a smart restaurant…. just examples
Yes for that kind of holiday, a seersucker suit would be nice and you could wear the trousers separately more casually.
Both seersucker and linen are nice, and comfortable. I’d say it’s more a style choice and perhaps more personal as regards comfort
Quite surprised to see a shawl collar cardigan for a holiday capsule. For me, that is strictly winter wear, given how warm they are. The Drake’s (Lockie) wool shawl is almost too warm to wear indoors with heating even during the winter, the Lockie cashmere is a bit more forgiving. But for the Mediterranean in the summer ..
Otherwise, looking good!
Thanks – as mentioned in the piece, cotton would perhaps be nicer, but I like something like that in the mornings when I get up and the evenings. I run cold rather than hot too, in general
Interesting read Simon. Do you have any recommendations for where to find a cotton shawl collar cardigan? I’ve struggled to find one. Thanks
I normally get them from Polo/RRL
Simon,
To expand on this further, if you were travelling for a longer period of time, e.g. a month, in a similarly warm climate, what else would you take? Particularly if you had the whole suitcase to yourself.
I’d take everything in the section talking about things I’d love to take, and if there were still room:
– a linen overshirt
– a smarter shirt, probably white linen
– another polo, perhaps olive
– a grey sweatshirt
–
That sounds great for flying Rich, I’d definitely do so in jeans if I could.
Thank you!
Hi Simon,
Another very useful article. I also wear a tropical jacket (The Real McCoy’s) for travelling, especially because there are so many small things to carry. One question: have you or would you wear shorts with your tropical jacket? If so which type? I haven’t so far. I ask as on the way home it’s usually hot and back into faded jeans on the way home is a bit hot, especially after getting used to shorts.
I would do and do sometimes, yes. I’d avoid the khaki ones perhaps as that combination can look a little too military.
As with the commenter above, yes there’s no easy solution to those transitions – sometimes I take my jeans in hand luggage and change when I get to the airport. Particularly if we’ve driven an hour or more to the airport, which we usually have
Thanks Simon. I agree on colour. I was thinking washed out very light beige or very dark navy and just above knee length? Another question would you go for a plain short or say cargo style?
Sounds good. If in doubt I’d go plain short. Cargo shorts can be great but it’s part of a look more with everything else
Plain, personally. There is a comment above about that
Interesting, and timely.
I’m in the early stages of planning a similar capsule for a cruise my wife and I are taking to AUS/NZ next year, at the height of southern hemisphere summer. So, hot weather, but being on a cruise ship requires more formality: more trousers, fewer shorts; at least one, and probably two, tailored jackets for the more formal dinners aboard ship, along with dressier shirts to go with them. I’m foreseeing a lot of linen, and at least some high-twist wool.
My three pair of shoes for any holiday are almost always the same: espadrilles, trainers, Sagans. Try as I might, I’m just not a sandal guy. My dad is, and I understand intellectually how they work well as holiday footwear, but they’re just not for me.
Despite my need for more formality, and more tailoring, the same principles you outline in the article still apply. To the extent that all the tops can be worn with all the bottoms I’ll have more flexibility. And of course space in the suitcase will be at a premium.
All of which is to say, at the end of the day, I’ll probably end up with something closer to Manish’s capsule than yours.
Sounds good Steven, and I’m sure I would too if this wasn’t so family and beach-oriented
If you’re cruising AUS/NZ you will surely be entering the sounds. The first tends to be accessed very early in the morning, around sunrise, and it will be absolutely freezing, so I suggest adding at least a fleece to your wardrobe.
Good to know, thanks!
Speaking of summer:
I am asking your advice on how to shop a MTM suit in a far away city. In my case Valencia, Spain. I am from Germany.
The problem is that I will be long gone when the jacket arrives for the fitting. Would you have the jacket send to you and do the fitting via video and send it back? Or would have your local tailor make the changings?
My fear is not only that I will not fit. But also I fear that if I have the changes make by someone else it might not reflect the house cut. Also there is the practical matter if the jacket is ruined in the process then the original shop would have to make a new one while I would not have any claim of return with my local tailor.
By the way, have you heard about Seligra Sastre in Valencia? Can you reccomend it?
There’s no easy solution unfortunately. To be honest I would try as much as possible to do remote fittings and have things made based on one visit somewhere. It makes care and alterations later on much harder too.
I was actually thinking of this this morning, as I received a new suit from Luca Museo that needs some alterations. If I didn’t have the blog, I’d focus heavily on people that were more accessible.
If you’re not going back to Valencia, yes I would do the fitting over video and then send it back.
No I don’t know that tailor I’m afraid
Thank you very much for your answer.
I’m on holiday almost every year in Valencia. So I will be coming back which is an advantage. But, of course, I don’t want to wait one year for small changes and not being able to wear it inbetween.
There seems to be no easy answer to this. Did you not have a jacket made in Neaples? How did you do it?
It’s rare I have things made with people that don’t come to London, and when I do it’s often for the sake of the blog – reviewing someone that I know others have access to.
Pretty much all the Neapolitans I use visit London
Hi Simon,
Brilliant article and timely. Recently back from Cornwall I wasn’t quite happy with what I packed. Always something you didn’t really use or wish you’d brought instead!
Regarding linen shirts, do you find the same colours as with dress shirts or Oxfords the most useful, namely white and light blue? I found it was missing these on holiday too and could do with a few.
Generally, yes, but it is nice to have a stripe, perhaps a bolder stripe than for a dress shirt.
I’d probably go for denim/chambray, white linen, and a blue or other bold stripe
Hey Eric – there is a comment and answer about that above
Hi Simon., really helpful article and I never thought I would see a capsule from you that doesn’t include tailoring or leather shoes!
I think I remember you saying in another post (that I can’t find) that you avoid wearing shorts and short sleeve tops, is that correct and what is your reason behind it? I feel like it doesn’t work a lot of the time but struggling to rationalise it, it does feel a bit square if that makes sense.
Thanks,
Henry
Ha, good point!
Yes that’s right, generally wearing long sleeves with shorts (or short sleeves with trousers) is a good way to avoid the ‘schoolboy’ look that you easily get with both being short. It can be done well, but having one longer works better most of the time. And of course you can roll up the sleeves of the top.
Could this ‘one long, one short’ principle be an addition to the ‘Rules and How to Break Them’ series? I’ve been fascinated to observe this in action in London during some unusually hot spells. I’m also always curious when it comes to “this works but I somehow can’t figure out how or why.”
While I don’t have ‘schoolboy’ associations with ‘double short item’ look, I wonder if it’s a proportionality/balance thing? Or perhaps more cultural in that it’s been ‘socially acceptable’ for longer for men to show ‘show skin’ on the upper body instead of the lower?
As always, appreciate the insights!
Sure Rob, interesting idea
Hi Simon,
What made you pick the vintage RL shorts over your PS shorts?
They’re not vintage Ralph, they’re vintage military. Basically because it was a slightly different look as well as being a different colour – the army ones are rougher, heavier, more rugged
Nice capsule wardrobe, Simon. Are those Doek the same ones you featured in ‘How Great Things Age,’ or did you get a new pair after those got too worn out?
A new pair, though I still like the old ones with their really thrashed look too
Nice article. I like the idea of clarity by placing all items/combinations together for assessment – I sadly suffer from Manish’s trait of overpacking.
On a related note, what do you make of these B&L stride loafers? I can’t decide if they would be a great summer shoe or if I don’t like the contrast sole as it makes them look gimmicky/infantile:
https://baudoinlange.com/products/stride-penny-loafers-in-dark-brown-moorland-calf-with-natural-sole-copy
I’m not a big fan to be honest, I think the sole is too much of a contrast yes
Hi Sean,
I have a stride loafer in dark brown suede, and I quite like it. The contrast is not so strong since it is suede, but it exists still.
In terms of style, I like it quite a lot and use even in autumn and spring. And the light sole make it quite easy to pait with jeans .
Only one comment: the fit of the stride is quite different to the Sagan’s , at least when I bought them 2 years ago. The size probably won’t be different, but you might have different feeling how you like the shoes to hold on your feet
Hi Tamaki,
Thanks for this, very helpful. I’m concerned that the attraction of such as sizeable discount is clouding my judgment!
A great article just before i am packing for holidays. Simon have you ever thought of making a ps cap for summer ? It would be a really great addition
We have actually. Never quite got round to it but would like to do one at some stage
Which watch(es?) did you elect to bring?
My GMT and the fun little Casio
is that an eastpak???
Yes, but my daughter’s rather than mine….
nothing wrong ’bout an eastpak! great style 4 sure 😉
recently came back from a 10 day summer holiday myself i found the optimal combination between versatility and space to be 1 trouser 2 shorts, 3 shirts, 2 t shirts + 1 polo. 2x swim shorts. where i tend to over pack is shoes – blue deck shoes are useful, black espadrilles and a pair of brown loafers. a linen safari jacket from the armoury hk was very useful for flights and as an outer layer the evenings. i can recommend a very light linen/chambray overshirt as the perfect top for the beach. Reg colors somehow i find various shades of blue to be the easiest choice on top. bottoms went with sage green, dark blue and white all go well with blue tops. all fit in a carry on trolly. for the man who has everything i recommend a long sleeve terry cotton top from cilento in napoli they feel so good to wear.
New Cal cap? Maybe you’ve already answered this but what’s your connection to Berkeley ? Just curious. Thought you went to Oxford…
I did. My original Cal cap was a gift from a friend in my old job, who went there. And this new one was a kind present from our reader Patrick
(Hi Patrick, if you’re out there!)
For me casual linen shirts are the summer holiday staple. Blue stripes, indigo, white, navy. You could argue a bit bland. But a good canvas for interesting sunglasses, jewellery or even shoes.
Also white t shirts with subtle (not Breton) stripes can communicate beach holiday without losing versatility.
Where did you get the US Army shorts from Simon
Korea
Not quite the answer I was hoping for, but thanks for the reply!
Hi Simon,
Coming back from holidays, i had exactly the type of shoes you have. Doek for walking and going around the city, espadrilles for walks close to the beach, summer restaurants, maybe a drink at a beach bar. The leather sandals was the issue, as i needed something to wear after swimming (sea and pool), wearing at home, sitting in the garden etc. I felt leather sandals was not an optimal solution. Still wondering what else would be appropriate 🙂
Not optimal for smartness, for water resistance, for style or for comfort?
Only for practical reasons, water resistance mainly. And maybe comfort sometimes (coming out of the shower)
OK, understood. I find leather fine for being on the beach or near the pool – you don’t want to soak it in water every time you wear them, but that proximity is fine. You could look at something like a huarache if that would be more comfortable or you liked the style more.
Good article,
I nearly always pack a warm sweater and outerwear for warm vacations and never uses them. I have a field jacket in linen from Private White. Its great with all the pockets but Irish linen is too hot for 32 centigrades (it works for trousers). The PS linen overshirt is enough for me (and its great, could maybe use one more inner pocket).
Nice to see an informal selection – comfy, practical, but still looking good!
I’m definitely onboard the recent trend (I think it’s a recent trend?) for sandals. I find they change the tone of an outfit immediately to holiday mode. Plus, it really is nice to feel some breeze on your toes.
And, despite normally verging on being a bit formal and matchy matchy, I like a bit of contrast/randomness to pool- or beachside clothes.
Great article, any tips for a similar popover like the Ralph Lauren which seems hard to get a hold of?
I don’t know any actually, any other readers that do please shout
Likely less luxe but big fan of Original Fibre linen smocks
is this close?
https://www.themerchantfox.co.uk/products/fox-heritage-plain-rugby-shirt-in-ecru
Yes not far off, good shout
Private White
Pretty sure Jake’s would do you a popover version of any of his MTM shirts – the explorer shirt has v similar pockets and collar anyhow.
Simon, how do you find the Anthology drawstring trousers?
Nice. Ideally I’d have the drawstring on the inside, and the colour is a little unusual, but the fit is pretty good and the seersucker nice and light
Simon,
Are you expecting the madras shirt fabric to be restocked this month?
Cheers,
Rand
Yes, coming in week or so. Also, the autumn update on everything shop-related is coming tomorrow
A question regarding the tan Rondini sandals: do you think a dark brown leather belt would be a good combination?
I rarely wear belts with these kinds of things in the summer, but ideally it would be a little closer in colour
By pure coincidence, a quote from an article in today’s Wall Street Journal:
What happened to the Neanderthals?
Our ancestral cousins went mysteriously extinct around 40,000 years ago, while humans did not.
The demise of one and survival of the other continues to flummox paleoanthropologists—but some researchers now think sunscreen and tailored clothing might have played a role.
Hi Simon. I always enjoy these types of article – as you have a family they always resonate and provide practical inspiration for looking good in real life.
The red cap carries too many associations for me at the moment but I prefer the more subtle effect of the Cal one anyway.
Did you just take 1 of the white tees? With kids quite easy to get that dirty on day 1.
True! I did but they’re fairly controllable. Another white one or a black would both be good options
When referring to a linen shirt in this article for smarter wear, can one allow for both a long and short sleeve linen shirt here?
Usually no, a long sleeve is easier and more elegant, perhaps with a soft collar and the sleeves rolled up
Great, many thanks for that
Hi Simon,
I would be absolutely aligned with your selection.
Something I usually add though, is a very light rainproof coat, Italian do that well (Kired for instance if I may call out a brand more or less randomnly). It is quite useful in the plane or in the evenings if it gets colder, or surely if you faces some rains which may not be scarce indeed in the Portuguese summer.
Enjoy your holidays.
I’ll never understand people who can afford to travel several times a year but get stingy about paying for an extra suitcase. To each their own, I guess….
It’s not paying for the extra suitcase, VG, it’s lugging everyone’s cases around everywhere, particularly as I do most of the lugging!
Do you ever look for locally made stuff? We mainly holiday in SE Asia (currently I’m in Laos as I write this) and the streets are packed with local tailors, weavers, leather goods makers etc. They look nice and I have bought quite a few items that have served me well, and the prices are ridiculously cheap (I enquired in a tailor shop about making me a linen casual suit and was quoted £150). I have no idea how the quality of this type of product would stand up to the branded items you tend to write about though.
In particular this is one shirt maker I have used, they also seem to sell online internationally at far higher prices than I have paid at their workshop in Luang Prabang.
I do, yes, though more commonly local crafts such as tile work in Portugal, and textiles. We commissioned a Portuguese artist to do a set of tiles around our oven for example.
Not usually clothes as the quality isn’t that great. I’ve made cheap suits like that in the past, in Hong Kong mostly – I don’t think you’ll be that impressed! Maybe trousers could be OK though
Yes I was specifically talking about clothes – and sorry but I forgot to paste the link to the particular textile / shirt maker I was mentioning …https://www.ockpoptok.com/
I am by no means an expert on determining the quality of clothing, particularly things like shirts which, at the end of the day, are just shirts (a tailor once used those exact words to me once). But I would love to know how to tell from inspecting a piece how well it is likely to become something I cherish and want to wear for years to come, as opposed to something that will turn into a rag after a few wears.
Hi Simon
Long time follower here. This is such great timing as I was trying to find an appropriate article to comment on to ask you a question relating to this topic.
Where do you stand on wearing shorts to dinner on holiday (in hot climates) in less formal settings such as a hotel restaurant at an all inclusive?
We holiday in Greece or Turkey in August and I have always been a stickler for wearing trousers (cotton or linen) to dinner. However, I am literally the *only* person in the hotel who does. Hotels used to require trousers for dinner but 99.99% now say smart shorts are fine.
The other factor is that the heat in Turkey is still 28-30 degrees at night with high humidity . Even in linen trousers, I had sweat running down my legs. As much as it goes against my principles I’m thinking of caving in this year (smart shorts of course (RL Purple Label) with nice shoes such as some Sagan’s and a long-sleeve rolled shirt). But then I don’t know whether I need to adhere to my own standards.
I think I have a very romanticised view of “resort-wear” based on all my Slim Aarons books but the reality is society is no longer like that. I often wonder how many of us of similar mindset are holding on to a set of ideals that, frankly, no longer apply (rightly or wrongly).
Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
Certainly agree with the last point Ross.
I’d still wear trousers to dinner in a setting like that, but certainly not because it was required, just because it wouldn’t probably look strange and I’d really enjoy doing it. It’s a nice ritual changing for dinner, even to that limited extent.
I’d wear tailored trousers, a lightweight shirt or polo, and sagans or espadrilles with no socks. I’d be pretty much as cool in that as I would be in shorts. I’d even untuck the shirt before swapping to shorts I think.
The one thing I’ve always wondered about with capsule wardrobes, is the amount of washing that gets done. For me, only taking three tops means you’re only going for three days, especially somewhere hot where you’re going to be sweating into stuff during the day. So my question is are you getting multiple days out of each item, or are you doing washing a couple of times in a week?
Other than that, very useful and I’ll be trying to apply some of this for a trip to Italy in a couple of weeks, depending on the level of side-eye I get off my wife for trying to cross match my clothes!
Well, give we’re a family of five, yes we’re definitely washing clothes every three or four days. Some of these I would certainly get more than one day out of though, such as the Finest Polo and the Ralph popover.
When I was single I couldn’t understand why anyone would wash clothes while on holidays. Now that I have a family (also five of us) I couldn’t imagine coming back from holidays with two weeks worth of washing for five people!
I find that there are ways to reduce the amount of washing though. For example, I have a loose fitting shirt reserved solely for going to/from the pool/beach. This doesn’t get sweaty as I’m only wearing it for a short time and it’s a colour that doesn’t stain from sunscreen, I can wear it for a few days in a row before it needs washing. I have a couple of shirts for wearing in the evening on rotation. Given that I’ll have washed the day’s sweat and sunscreen off when I put them on, and they’ll only be worn in the cooler hours of the day, they don’t really get smelly and so I can get a couple of wears out of each. On days that I’m sightseeing or doing other activities I just accept that I’ll have to wash that top after wearing it once.
Hi Simon, this is a tad off-topic but not altogether so.
SUNCREAM!!
My recommendation is Nivea Sun Sensitive which is a factor 30 and is not as greasy as those horrible oils of yesteryear with an equally horrible scent. If you like a spritz of Cologne/Aftershave, this will not interfere!
It’s unscented, I forgot to add.
Interesting selection and I’ve followed a lot of your advice, Simon. Castagner espadrilles have been a great recommendation
Possibly I’m more of a long trouser wearer but I find an unstructured linen/cotton or hopsack navy jacket works with many things. Even better if slightly bashed up. And mildly formal for some places
A blue Zegna Techmerino zip up is my go to. Seems to work well in hot and cold weather and slips under the jacket and over a t shirt for a decent look as needed if cold
Cheaney pebbled loafers with Dainite soles somehow also seem to work as needed and work very well for city walking
Simon why do you keep clashing warm and cool tones together? Can you explain the appeal of these combinations? Why not just wear cool tones that suit your complexion? What is the meaning of this?
I don’t find it’s a clash Ojas. The warmest thing there is the swim shorts and they look great with the coolest thing there, the chambray shirt. I think you’re probably being a little too narrow in your use of the two
I have that hat but it can’t be rolled and a hat box seems so antiquated and is half a suitcase. Also a faff to wear or stow on the plane, what did you do?
I pack it in the suitcase, with clothes inside the crown and then all around it
Cheers mate. I think it can live with a bit of wear so maybe I should give that a go.
Simon – what are your thoughts on loopwheel sweat shorts (e.g. RMC) as a very casual option short?
Yeah they’re nice, though a little sloppy – I have a pair I love but I find I don’t wear that anywhere near as much as canvas ones
Hi Simon,
Very nice—thanks for sharing! That family photo looks like it was taken in Prague. Was it?
Stas
No, Guimaraes, Portugal
Hi Simon, A little off-topic but I was wondering you have any more London events (cocktail evenings, guest speakers) planned in the near future. I am looking to schedule a trip down and would very much like to tie it in with a PS event if I can!
Not currently Scott I’m afraid, but we will get round to a proper schedule again once things in the showroom and with the magazine calm down a bit
Simon you just need to wait for your daughters to be old enough to wheel their own luggage. Just back from two weeks in Spain/France and I had a large case all to myself – bliss.
Ludwig Reiter makes a very nice suede espadrille as does Manebi though on a cost per use basis they might not compare well to castaner for holiday wear. A light vintage Italian army fatigue jacket is good travel wear as it is cheap, quite stylish and has many pockets with smaps and if your legs are ok then shorts on a plane ought not to be a problem. I used to travel regularly in cutoffs with a gold button blazer and button down with loafers on feet and often received compliments from the cabin staff..and all that gear is holiday proofed. Orlebar brown swim shorts can also be worn as holiday shorts since they sport side tabs, proper pockets and fly zips ie look tailored. They can be beachclub wear in the day and bar wear at night in places like Capri with a polo or even a more dressy short.
I hope you had/have a great break and downtime with the family – these occasions are sadly fleeting.
Only a few rules for family holidays:
(1) If you take sweaters/rainwear, it will stay hot and dry; if not, it will rain and be 10 degrees cooler than expected;
(2) It is always better to give up some suitcase space for that special toy/inflatable/board game;
(3) Don’t overthink it – not everything needs to match etc.;
(4) A place with a washing machine is vital.
Having said that, I would have taken a couple of extra t-shirts for sunscreen stickiness, and a second pair of swimming trunks/shorts as it is unpleasant getting into a wet pair.
I’m curious what you (or others here) do in terms of the number of wears for a shirt before laundering it. I’m usually a one wear before washing guy, although when traveling, I might do two for a polo shirt or a wrinkle resistant ‘button-down” if they’re in good shape after the first wear.
To answer your question.
I wear a shirt once or twice, depending on how much I sweat (activity, temperature, i.e. only once in summer, once or twice when it is colder).
But, I nearly always wear a sleeved undershirt. Without undershirt, I would wear my shirt only once in any circumstances, I believe.
I find the biggest occupant of space in my luggage is always my gym gear. I’ve recently decided to start wearing the running shoes on the plane. All the running shoes seem to have expanded greatly in recent years with all the foam and carbon plates, etc. Do you skip the gym while traveling or on holiday or do you have a different solution for fitting gym clothes in the luggage?
I had the same problem came up with a few fixes – started working out in a short that can double as swimwear, Lululemon have good ones they don’t fade and cheap to buy on sale. next is working out in tank tops takes much less space. Shoes I changed to vivo barefoots, they take less space and apparently better for you long term. Last is a wash my kit every day so I only need one Need to make sure you buy material that dries fast. Uniqlo airsism is excellent unbeatable price and extremely durable.
“I love how this keeps things simple without sacrificing style. Having a few mix-and-match pieces really takes the stress out of packing—and still leaves room for cute outfits every day!”
I read this article before heading to Puglia and still massively overpacked. On my last day here, I’ve reviewed what I wore and what I’d actually bring again.
Colours were mostly white, navy, olive and brown. Swimwear: two Orlebar Brown shorts (solid red and solid brown). Shorts: olive green Papa Nui casuals and Casatlantic smart white Tangiers. Linen shirts: Bryceland’s cabana in solid white and solid navy. Hats: Papa Nui olive cap and red bucket hat (don’t judge, it keeps the sun off the neck). Beach layers: 2 x towel shirts – an OAS red-pattern and a Bryceland’s brown-and-white pattern. Trousers: white light cotton, high-waisted from Stan Lee — a great Jamie Ferguson tip from his Substack.
Shoes: dark brown huaraches and tan leather Rondini sandals (a Simon recommendation from above). Sandals did beach and villa duty; huaraches worked for dinners, walking and driving. I might even go black next time for the huaraches.
Jacket – vintage olive jungle for travel only and I could probably have done without it.
Jumper – 1 x Bryceland’s cable knit cashmere crew. Great with shorts and trousers at night or in air con on its own with a bandana tucked under the collar to tie in the shorts or draped over the shoulders (again; don’t judge) as a ‘just in case’.
Accessories: white, blue, olive and red bandanas to work with everything, one pair of Cutler & Gross sunglasses, and one watch — a 1970s diver-style Dan Henry on three different (olive green, blue, red) nylon NATOs. It’s waterproof, takes scratches without drama, and with the strap swaps, goes from pool to dinner. White boxers – obvs.
What I wouldn’t pack again: jeans, t-shirts and polos (too hot — loose cabana shirts win day and night), smarter shoes, casual flip flops, smarter hats), more trousers, this time I bought 2 vintage watches – black strap Tag, blue NATO on a white Omega – ok for the evening but not for the beach. Socks.
Next time I think I could get this in a pretty small bag depending on what I travel in.
Wonderful! Thank you for sharing, James 🙂
You might try some lightweight cotton/linen blend jeans. I have some from Lucky in light blue and light gray. They’re great for summer travel. Perfect for planes. Very soft.
Such a helpful guide! Easy, breezy, and chic for summer travels
Hey Simon,
I was wondering you have possibly have the product code for the Ralph Lauren popover? The reason I ask is because I’ve been querying with RL if they possibly still stock this or may in the future and they asked for the code
I don’t, sorry Morris
Could fatigue pants be worn in a similar way as linen drawstring pants, ie with espadrilles and a guayabara or camp-collar shirt?
As an aside, do you have recommendations for linen drawstring pants with a bit of a straighter cut?
The taper on the anthology version seems quite substantial!
Yes, absolutely.
It is, and no I don’t off the top of my head I’m afraid. I’d like to find some others too so let me know what you discover!
Hiya Simon,
Do you know if your vintage US army shorts are a particular model or from a particular era? I’m trying to find something similar but it’s proving difficult
There’s no label so I don’t George, but have a look at today’s article for something directly inspired by them….
Ha, brilliant timing – ordered!