How to build the perfect travel capsule wardrobe

A travel capsule wardrobe lets you pack light and reduce stress. With just a few pieces, you can put together the right look for a variety of activities, from sightseeing to dining at a nice restaurant, saving time to enjoy your trip, says Laura Barker, a personal stylist focusing on helping women over the age of 40. 

Building a travel capsule wardrobe takes a little bit of planning. Consider items you already own and remember to shop sustainably, if you do need to add anything. Here’s how to get started. 

How to create a travel capsule wardrobe, step by step 

Before building a capsule wardrobe for travel, make sure the pieces you choose are easy to clean (think hotel sink), breathable, and versatile. Then, follow these steps and read on for more detail:  

• Step 1: Choose your season. It may be obvious, but your travel capsule wardrobe should work with the climate at your destination and the season (i.e., a summer capsule wardrobe vs. a winter capsule wardrobe, etc.). 
• Step 2: Invest in high-quality clothes. Capsule wardrobes can be a bit more expensive if you’re adding pieces because they’re designed to last over many trips. Invest in well-made items and timeless designs. 
• Step 3: Think about versatility. Consider how many different ways you can wear a piece of clothing before including it. 
• Step 4: Choose the right fabrics. Fabrics make all the difference when it comes to comfort and versatility during travel. Consider durable materials that are easy to care for.  

Step 1: Choose your season 

Before determining what you’ll need in your travel capsule wardrobe, check seasonal highs and lows at your destination, plus any potential changes you may experience. 

It’s also important to understand cultural/local customs. Some countries have strict rules for how men and women may dress while visiting holy sites, temples, museums, and churches. Look for pieces you can layer that are breathable and easy to carry around if you need to shed a layer or two.  

Step 2: Invest in high-quality clothes 

Classic designs and resilient fabrics will be able to withstand heavy wear while traveling throughout the seasons. Look for durable seams, a timeless fit, and simple lines. If you’re purchasing new pieces, look for ones made with sustainable fabrics and manufacturing practices that help minimize their carbon footprint.  

Step 3: Think about versatility 

Versatility is key for a minimalist travel capsule wardrobe. Experts recommend a wardrobe in a neutral palette for easier mixing and matching. If you’re going for color, choose a hue that can camouflage inevitable food stains until you can wash your clothes. Items you can layer will make it easier to adjust to changing locations and temperatures without having to carry around bulky jackets or sweaters. 

Step 4: Choose the right fabrics 

Durable and sustainably made fabrics are important for creating a capsule wardrobe that will last. Wool, cotton, cashmere, and silk adapt to a wide range of temperatures, according to stylists. Technical fabrics can make it easy to hand-wash and wear several times. Be sure to check care tags and materials for the climate at your destination.  

Packing checklist for a capsule wardrobe for travel 

Clothes  

When planning a capsule wardrobe for travel, stick to a neutral color family (black, gray, white, beige, etc.). These colors make it easier to match pieces, maximizing the number of outfits you can put together. Neutrals also keep you from standing out, according to Barker, while reducing stress. Here’s what we recommend.  

Women’s 

Buy it now at Aday

This Aday shirt is made of technical silk, nylon, and elastane that reportedly dries quickly and offers some stretch for comfort. We like the relaxed fit and high-low hemline that lets you tuck i in or leave it out, depending on whether you want a casual or polished look. It comes in a variety of neutral colors and can be washed in a hotel sink and hung over a towel bar to dry overnight.   

Buy it now at AYR

These classic straight-leg jeans are great for travel. They have a relaxed fit and a high rise at the waist, with room in the hips and thighs for long sightseeing days. The light wash lets you dress them up or down, while the tiny bit of stretch makes them comfortable enough for sitting through long train or plane rides. They come in regular and long lengths. AYR recommends machine washing and hanging them to dry.  

Buy it now at Everlane

Everlane has built a reputation for producing sustainably made knits. This sweater makes a great staple in any capsule wardrobe. It comes in cashmere or cotton, in several neutral colors. We recommend the cashmere version. It’s more expensive than cotton, but it will keep you more comfortable in different climates. 

Buy it now at Marcella

This dress has a minimalist style that works for day and night. It’s got a convenient zipper on the side and pockets, plus it’s made from ponte and cotton, so you can hand-wash it and lay it flat to dry.

Buy it now at Vuori (Top) (Bottom)

Vuori makes some of the softest loungewear in the business and their cozy sets are great for travel. According to the company, the top is made of recycled materials that are moisture wicking, and the joggers have a flattering relaxed fit with a slightly cropped leg. As someone who travels a ton for work, I have worn these for everything from overseas flights to hiking and walking.  

Buy it now at Veronica Beard

The most unique feature of this blazer is the dickey (sold separately) that attaches via a zipper. You can add a dickey for extra warmth or take it off for a more polished look. The single-button style is classic and flattering in all sizes. We love that it’s made of long-lasting wool, with a touch of elastane for stretch.   

Buy it now at Aether

The Bardo Poncho Jacket is water resistant and fortified with 60-gram Primaloft Gold insulation, a synthetic alternative to down that will keep you warm down to 40 degrees Fahrenheit, according to industry testing. You can wear it over a long-sleeve top for extra warmth, making it a great option for cold airplane cabins. Conveniently, the snaps along the side turn this jacket into a spare blanket.  

Buy it now at Vuori

Made with a performance stretch fabric, these pull-on shorts are designed to wick away moisture and take up very little space in a suitcase. Bonus: They resist wrinkles, so you don’t need an iron when you want to dress them up.  

Buy it now at Andie

You can’t go wrong with a classic one-piece that doubles as a top, paired with a skirt or jeans. Reviewers love this Andie Swim swimsuit, highlighting its comfort, classic look, and coverage. It comes in a wide range of colors and sizes. 

Men’s   

Buy it now at Outlier

Merino wool is a great fabric for a basic T-shirt. It’s breathable and has temperature-controlling properties. Outlier makes some of the best T-shirts in the business. This one has a boxier cut, so there’s a bit more room to move around, while the Cut One version comes in slimmer fits. 

Buy it now at Dearborn Denim

Dearborn Denim & Apparel is a U.S.-based company known for high-quality men’s jeans. The relaxed fit style comes in a wide range of sizes at an affordable price. They’ve got a little bit of stretch and are made with recycled polyester and sustainable indigo dye to keep the color rich, according to the company. With extra room in the seat and thighs, you can pull these on for a long walk or a night on the town. 

Buy it now at Naadam

This lightweight reversible cashmere sweater would make a nice addition to a travel capsule wardrobe. You can extend its wearability by wearing it with the seams out or in. We also appreciate that the company says it works with farmers in Mongolia to source the raw materials for its clothes. 

Buy it now at Prana (Top) (Bottom)

These pieces from outdoor apparel company Prana are solid options for touring or adventuring. The top is soft, stretchy, and moisture wicking, while the joggers feature a modern cut without sacrificing comfort. We also like that they come with pockets. 

Buy it now at Stormtech

A water-repelling “shacket” (shirt jacket) is ideal for a flexible travel wardrobe. This one has a Sherpa fleece lining and a contemporary cut. Plus, it’s made by Stormtech, a well-respected company that’s been making performance apparel since the 1970s. According to the company, this jacket will help keep you warm in temperatures as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit, while still offering plenty of breathability so you’re less likely to sweat. 

Buy it now at Aether

This jacket offers stretch in all the right places while keeping you warm down to the mid-40s, according to Aether. It’s made with PrimaLoft Bio insulation and a bonded body hem, which means it’s reinforced to last. This jacket is comfortable enough for both athletic pursuits as well as relaxed outings.  

Buy it now at Zappos

Saxx’s swim trunks double as regular shorts. They’re made with a zip fly and “hydro liner,” a type of liner designed to dry quickly. The muted colors mean they’ll work with lots of different color combos, making it easy to cut down on the amount of gear you’re traveling with.  

Buy it now at Vuori

These Vuori shorts have a clever hidden zip pocket for your valuables, while offering a tailored and classic design. With four-way stretch, they’re comfortable for hiking, walking, or just taking in the sights around a new city.  

Shoes 

At the most basic level, shoes you pack for any trip should be comfortable, sturdy, and able to withstand different surfaces. You should be able to walk on uneven cobblestone streets and dirt paths, in addition to smooth sidewalks. For a capsule wardrobe, choose footwear in neutral shades that can go with lots of different outfit combos. 

Women’s capsule shoes 

Buy it now at New Balance

New Balance makes great-looking, highly supportive sneakers that won’t break the bank. Their 574s are some of the brand’s most popular, and they come in lots of colorways.  

Buy it now at Zappos

You can’t beat a classic Chelsea style boot for a travel capsule wardrobe. This Born pair is waterproof and have a rubber sole to help prevent slipping. They come in both suede and leather.  

Buy it now at Zappos or Teva

Knowing what kind of sandals to pack depends on what you’ll be doing on your trip. With its cork sole, the Munro Pisces sandal is a great option for a comfortable, stable sandal, earning it high marks from reviewers. For more adventurous outings, Teva sandals are made with high-quality materials and are comfortable and grippy, making them a consistently popular choice for many travelers. Our favorite is the Original Universal Slim. They’re attractive and functional and come in a wide variety of colors.  

Buy it now at Aerosoles

Aerosoles are some of the most comfortable shoes on the market. We love the stacked heel for walking on wobbly cobblestones or dirt roads. And these pumps are low enough that they won’t leave your feet aching after a day of walking. Choose from patent-style or regular faux leather.  

Men’s capsule shoes 

Buy it now at Cabela’s

These sneakers by Columbia are lightweight, cushiony soft, and waterproof. They offer a secure heel fit for longer walks or trail running, as well as grip for wet or dry conditions.  

Buy it now at Red Wing Shoes

Red Wing boots are classics. Iron Rangers are popular because they offer style and comfort thanks to Vibram outsoles. They come in a wide variety of sizes, widths, and colors too.  

Buy it now at Teva

If you’re looking for sandals that you can hike all day in, even in the rain, the Hurricane XLT2s may work for you. They’re made with webbing designed to dry quickly and a supportive midsole that can help prevent tired feet; plus, they offer great traction in wet conditions, according to the company. 

Accessories 

Beyond clothing for the perfect travel capsule wardrobe, accessories can help add variety, especially for dressing up casual pieces. Here are a few ideas to get you started. 

Women’s 

Buy it now at REI

I’ve traveled with this topper throughout Peru and Europe. It has a UPF50+ sun protection rating and comes in two sizes (a rarity for many hats). You can crush it down for easy packing and reshape the wire brim, plus the chin strap adjusts for extra security on windy days. 

Buy it now on Amazon

There’s a reason I’ve been a fan of Rayban Justin sunglasses for nearly 20 years. These lightweight, polarized lenses make glaringly bright days bearable without distorting your vision. The Justin is slightly larger than traditional Wayfarers, which gives better coverage. These are also available with prescription lenses. 

Buy it now at White & Warren

This cashmere wrap from White & Warren has been a staple in my travel wardrobe for more than 10 years. I love that it can be worn as a scarf or as a wrap over a fancy dress—a key asset in a travel capsule wardrobe. 

Buy it now at Cuyana

This saddle bag’s hidden pockets and secure closure make it a great addition to your travel capsule wardrobe. Three flaps with different sections plus an internal pocket offer plenty of room for your passport, phone, wallet, and sunglasses. It’s especially handy when you need to pull out your documents during long travel days with multiple connections. After traveling with it to more than 20 countries, I can attest that the leather holds up to scuffs and scratches. It also comes in a compact belt bag version. 

Men’s  

Buy it now at Backcountry

Water-resistant, ventilating, and good-looking, this Filson hat gets high marks for travel. Plus, it packs down flat, saving tons of room in your luggage.   

Buy it now at Zappos

Spy Optic’s Discord is one of the company’s classic designs. They’re wide, offering full coverage, and come with different lens types. “Happy,” according to the company, “boosts mood and alertness while enhancing color and contrast.” The polarized version helps minimize visual distortion. 

Buy it now at White & Warren

We loved this scarf for women, but it also works for men. Its versatility makes it a great option for any travel capsule wardrobe. Wrap it around your face while sleeping on a plane, or drape across your shoulders for chilly passeggiatas in stylish Milan. 

Buy it now at Ridge

This slim wallet holds up to 12 cards and is built with RFID blocking technology to help prevent identity theft. We love that the screws and elastic band for holding your cash are replaceable.  

Top capsule wardrobe brands 

Vuori is an athletic apparel company that makes some of the softest and most versatile clothing that’s great for travel. Many of their products come with convenient features (like zippered pockets) and are offered in various neutral colors, making them ideal staples for capsule wardrobes. 

Aether is an adventure clothing line known for making functional, unique, and good-looking clothing. I’ve worn their jackets for many years and can affirm that they hold up over time. They’re especially great for long trips when you need to pack light. The neutral colorways across their product line are perfect for capsule wardrobes. 

Everlane offers well-made clothing for men and women at an affordable price. You can find everything from cashmere basics to classic blazers and comfortable pants that travel well and feel great on. We also appreciate that the company aims to be transparent in its manufacturing. 

Aday is a women’s clothing brand that makes thoughtful products with quality materials that work well for life on the road. Bonus: Every piece resists wrinkles and can be layered. 

Travel capsule wardrobe questions answered  

What is the 5-4-3-2-1 packing rule? 

The 5-4-3-2-1 packing method aims to keep you focused on packing only the capsule wardrobe items you need. For women, that means packing five tops, four bottoms, three dresses and three pairs of shoes, two swimsuits and two bags, and one of each accessory you think you’ll need. Men should pack five tops, four bottoms, three blazers or jackets and three pairs of shoes, two swimsuits, and one of each accessory. Consider the time of year, length of your trip, and the dress code for where you’re going.  

How many pieces are in a travel capsule wardrobe? 

Choosing how many items to pack in your travel capsule wardrobe depends on the length of your trip and the destination. It also depends on how lightly you want to pack and how comfortable you are rewearing items, washing them in hotel sinks, or having them cleaned while you’re traveling.   

How do you plan a travel capsule wardrobe? 

To plan a travel capsule wardrobe, make sure you are going to be comfortable in your destination and that you’ll be dressed appropriately for the local culture. Those details will inform which items to pull from your closet for the best outcome.