Packing the Right Clothes for Summer Vacation

June 09, 2010, By Jeffrey Weeks 0 comments

As summer travel season approaches, we must figure out a way to travel light and still look good. A few choice pieces can go a long way in your travel wardrobe.

Several new fabrics have come to our rescue. We now have the option of fabrics that not only travel well and look great, but also can protect us from UV rays and even bugs.

These pieces are inexpensive when compared with more stylish brands. When you combine the wrinkle-resistant features for tight packing, the reusability without a trip to the dry cleaners and the water/sun/bug resistance, you can easily sacrifice the big brand names.

Travel Slacks

Wash and go. Clearly the best choice for pants that are comfortable and low maintenance are the ExOfficio Nomad pants. The Nomad line is designed to be as mobile as we are. With their Teflon finish, these pants are UV resistant to protect you from the sun, are water resistant and quick drying, and remain virtually wrinkle free. They have a peach finish and every part is practically indestructible, including the button. You can pack just one pair, keep them washed in the sink, and look casual for your entire trip. The best price out there for the Nomad pants right now is on Amazon.com in all sizes, most under $50.

Insect free. If you are the outdoors type and more interested in complete insect protection than the wrinkle-free effect, then you want the ExOfficio Insect Shield converter pants. These are treated with an odorless insect repellent and protect you from everything from mosquitoes to ants. Not quite as quick drying or wrinkle resistant as the Nomad line, they are still pretty hard to wrinkle but wash better in the machine than the sink. The Insect Shield pants also have decent UPF 30 sun protection, and for an added bonus you can rip them off at the knee and turn them into shorts. You can get them for about $40 at Sierra Trading Post.

Casual dress. If you are willing to pack an iron after all, you can just take a nice pair of wrinkle-free dress slacks for your dinner date or casual-dress event. Note these pants are to be hung up and not stashed in the suitcase like the Nomad or Insect Shield pants. That said, they are still very wrinkle-resistant choices compared with regular dress slacks. Two good choices are from TravelSmith: Traveler's Twills at $65 and Comfortsizer Tropical Microfiber Travel Trousers at $79.

Travel Shorts

In hot weather good shorts are essential. Take a look at the 8 Days a Week Travel Shorts, $49 from TravelSmith. Shorts can't get much easier than these. That's because they're made of a fabric that wicks moisture away from your skin faster than cotton. These pants are treated by "Freshguard" technology so repeated wears before washing won't give you away.

You might also like these Island Palms Quick-Dry Swim Shorts at $39, also from TravelSmith. These are the shorts to wear if you are bold enough to take a dip in the pool and go straight to the picnic, without benefit of swim trunks. The lightweight shorts dry fast and feature a security pocket for your room key or credit card.

Lightweight Travel Tees

A couple of good tees and lightweight shirts are needed to look sharp and prepared for the adventure ahead. The ExOfficio V-Neck Tee at $36.50 and Short Sleeve CoolMax Pique Pocket Tee, $39, are solid, low-priced choices. The CoolMax Resort Shirt at $49 gives you that dressy look while remaining cool and comfortable.

A Good Hat

Yes, most of the summer your favorite baseball cap will work, but if you are looking for a little more flare or coverage, look no further than the TechStraw All-In-One Fedora, $59 from TravelSmith. The TechStraw Fedora makes for low-maintenance travel, whether your plan is fishing, a long hike, or just walking around town. It's water resistant, flexible, breathable and crushable. The TechStraw Fedora can be closely packed and springs right back to its original shape out of your bag.

Whatever your plans, whatever your budget, you have several stylish choices for your summer travel wardrobe this year.