Over the years, I’ve refined my packing list down to a flexible system that works almost anywhere: enough clothes for about five days, with a plan to hit a laundromat or booking a hotel with laundry facilities halfway through a 10-day trip. This approach has yet to fail me. Doing laundry on the road doesn’t mean sitting around all day waiting for clothes, either. I’ll usually find a nearby bar or café, grab a drink or a bite to eat, and relax while the machines do their thing. It’s actually a nice way to slow down and break up a long day of exploring.
The Capsule Wardrobe Mindset
My travel wardrobe follows a simple rule: everything should mix and match. I choose neutral colors and timeless styles so that every shirt pairs with every pair of pants, and layers can be added or removed depending on the weather. This way, I can create a week’s worth of different looks out of just a few core pieces. The capsule approach gives the most flexibility and keeps things simple.
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What I Wear on the Plane
When it comes to long travel days, my outfit has one job: keep me comfortable without making me look like I just rolled out of bed. These pieces make up my in-flight uniform: soft, functional, and polished, with just enough structure to feel put-together without sacrificing an ounce of comfort. It’s the kind of outfit that makes a long travel day feel a little smoother from takeoff to touchdown.
Short Sleeve Ponto Performance Tee
These tees are slightly thicker than your average travel shirt, which gives them a premium feel without being heavy. The fabric is super soft and looks clean. It’s the perfect base for long flights because it holds its shape, breathes well, and feels good no matter how many hours you’re sitting.
Lululemon Engineered Warmth Long Sleeve Crew
For warmth, this has become my must-have layer because it delivers hoodie-level comfort without the bulk. It folds down small enough to shove into my bag without taking over the entire space. It keeps me warm in chilly cabins but stays low-profile enough that I don’t feel over-layered.
Lululemon ABC Pants
My go-to travel staple is a pair of Lululemon ABC pants. If you know, you know. They look polished enough to pass for “real pants,” but they’re incredibly soft, stretchy, and forgiving—basically elevated sweatpants in disguise. The four-way stretch makes airport sprints painless, and the lightweight fabric keeps me comfortable whether the cabin is freezing or oddly warm. They move with you, not against you, which is exactly what you want at 37,000 feet.
Bombas Compression Socks
Underneath it all: Bombas compression socks. Not the flashiest piece, but easily one of the most important. Compression socks help promote blood circulation during long stretches of sitting, which reduces swelling, prevents that heavy leg feeling, and generally keeps you more comfortable when movement is limited.
On Roger Sneakers
For footwear, I always reach for my On Roger sneakers. They’re lightweight, supportive, and comfortable —major win. The cushioning is just right for airport miles, and they strike that clean, minimalist look that works just as well for boarding a flight as it does for heading straight into exploring after landing.
SHOP: T-Shirt, Long Sleeve, Pants, Shoes, Compression Socks, Belt Bag
The Travel Staples
No matter where I’m headed, there’s a set of essentials that always earns a spot in my pack. These are the pieces that consistently make it into my bag, beyond whatever I’m already wearing on the plane, they form the backbone of my travel wardrobe. While some come from brands I personally love, the real key is finding what feels good on you and building your own system around that. Everything else shifts with the season and the destination.
T-Shirts
I bring a rotation of about five neutral, easy-to-pair tees, and usually a couple of them are the Short Sleeve Ponto Performance Tee in different colors.
Collared Shirt
A collared shirt gives me the option to instantly elevate an outfit. It layers well, looks sharp without trying too hard, and works for dinners or anything where I want to look a bit more put-together.
Pair of Jeans
A durable, reliable pair of jeans always comes along. They’re versatile enough for city exploring, cooler evenings, or destinations where I want something sturdier than travel pants.
Pair of Do-Everything Shoes
For my main pair of packed shoes, I go with the Allbird Tree Dashers in the summer. They’re lightweight, incredibly comfortable for all-day walking, and pack down surprisingly well. If the weather isn’t expected to be great, I will opt for the Cole Haan GrandPrø Rally Sneakers since they offer more protection against rain.
Underwear and Socks
Simple and always necessary, I usually pack six to seven pairs, enough (plus one extra) to get to my laundry day.
Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket
My go-to outer layer. It’s warm, ultralight, and ridiculously packable—perfect for unpredictable weather or chilly nights. It disappears into my pack until the moment I need it.
SHOP: Vuori T-Shirts, Lululemon T-Shirts, Madewell Polo, Vuori Polo, Lululemon Long Sleeve, Vuori Long Sleeve, Nano Puff Jacket, Vuori 3/4 Zip, Levi 511 Jeans, Allbird Shoes, Cole Haan Shoes
Adjusting for Weather
My core setup stays pretty consistent, but I always tweak the details depending on the climate and destination.
For warmer destinations, I swap in lighter fabrics, more breathable shirts, and add two pairs of shorts to keep things comfortable in the heat.
For colder trips, I layer up. I’ll add thermal base layers and depending on where I’m headed a proper winter jacket. Layering is always the strategy: it’s easier to peel things off when things warm up than to wish you’d packed a little more warmth once you’re already there.
These small adjustments keep my packing flexible without over complicating the setup.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, my travel wardrobe is all about simplicity, comfort, and being prepared without over-packing. These pieces let me move easily, adapt to different climates, and feel put-together no matter where I land. The gear changes slightly with each trip, but the philosophy stays the same: pack intentionally, choose things that make you feel good, and build a setup that lets you focus less on your clothes and more on the adventure.
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