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Holiday booked? Let the (conscious) packing begin. The flights are sorted, your out-of-office on: it’s officially getaway time. But before you dive into a last-minute shopping spree, let’s pause for a second. We’ve all been there: overpacking, panic-buying, picking up pieces we wear once (if at all), only to add them to that shameful pile of fast fashion stuff we’re actually never going to wear, and racking up a far bigger bill than we meant to in the process. It’s far too easy to get swept up in the holiday hype.
With the average item of clothing only being worn 7-10 times (far from the recommended 30 minimum), our vacation wardrobe can often end up contributing to fashion waste, if done incorrectly.
But here’s the good news: you can save money, cut your waste, and still look and feel amazing on holiday, without buying a whole new wardrobe.
This guide is here to help you do just that. From rewearing and borrowing, to shopping pre-loved and making a few simple swaps, we’ll show you how to pack light, feel good, and travel more sustainably.
Cocktail on the beach? Consider it earned.
If you have the organising bug, check out how to detox your wardrobe, or how your shopping habits can impact the ocean.
Step 1: Shop Your Own Wardrobe First
We always say that before you buy something brand new, you should try to find it secondhand, and the step before that is to shop what you already own.
We’re all guilty of forgetting the things in the back of our wardrobes, especially when it comes to those holiday pieces that only come out once a year.
Before you add anything to your holiday shopping list, take a look at what you already own.
It might sound simple, but it’s the most sustainable place to start. And trust me, you’ve 100% forgotten what’s there.
Block out half an hour, stick on a vacation-vibe playlist (we’re all about making it fun), and pull out all your warm-weather clothes: swimwear, sandals, beach cover-ups, and old holiday favourites. You’ll almost definitely be surprised how many gems you’ve forgotten about.
For each item, ask yourself:
- Will I wear this more than once on this trip?
- Does it still fit and feel good?
- Can I style this in a new way this year?
Sometimes, just trying something on again is enough to realise you don’t need to buy anything new at all. And sometimes it’s the vital step that shows you that actually, your 2015 swimsuit is past its best, and it’s time to invest in a new one.
Step 2: Consider: What Do You Actually Need?
When it comes to packing, less really is more, and you’ll kick yourself for carrying around that huge suitcase full of outfits, when you end up in the same comfy oversized t-shirt for 90% of your holiday.
The secret? Align your suitcase with your actual plans, not the fantasy version of your trip.
Ask yourself:
- What will I really be doing most days? Will I be sitting on the beach in swimwear? Will I be at beach clubs and bars or will I be hiking. You don’t need to pack for every eventuality, and you probably don’t need options (just decide before you go)
- Will I actually need heels, or am I more likely to live in flipflops. I’m totally guilty of packing a pair of heels for evenings out on holiday, but if I’m honest I don’t think I’ve actually ever worn them? Cobbled streets or sandy beaches and a stiletto are not friends, even for a 5 minute walk to dinner.
- Do I need four outfits for dinner, or will one or two versatile options do the trick? Instagram has made us think that we need full influencer-worthy outfits for each day of our trip, complete with shell-studded accessories and colour-co-ordinated sunglasses. When it’s warm weather, you know you want to be comfy, so be honest with yourself: are you actually more likely to just wear one thing the whole time?
Avoid packing ‘aspirational’ outfits that might look good in theory but never leave your suitcase. That shell-sequinned skirt you can’t sit down in? The swimsuit that always rides up? The maxi dress that’s beyond creased even before it goes in the suitcase?
Not only do they take up space, they also add to your carbon footprint. (Yep, the heavier your luggage, the higher the impact of your flight.)
Trip Type
What to Pack
City Break
- Comfy trainers
- Light layers
- Day-to-night outfits
Beach Trip
- Swimsuits (max two!)
- Breezy cover-ups
- Walkable sandals
Family Holiday
- Practical outfits
- Rewearable evening clothes
- Sun-safe layers
Packing light for your summer holiday doesn’t mean being underprepared. It means being realistic, intentional, and ready for the trip you’re actually taking, not the 100 different potential trips you have in your head.
Step 3: Use the 5-4-3-2-1 Packing Method
This is your go-to minimal packing list. It’s simple, it’s effective and it’s the tried and tested method that our Social Media executive (and queen of organisation) Harli swears by. So take note.
Sticking to a simple formula can help you stay organised, reduce overpacking, and cut down on waste (and stress). No more rifling through that suitcase to find the thing you’re sure you probably packed. No more sitting on the suitcase while your partner tries and fails to zip it up while it overflows. Packing is about to become - dare I say it - relaxing.
Enter the 54321 method.
A smart, minimalist travel packing list designed to give you just the right amount of options without going overboard.
Here’s how it breaks down:
Item
What to Pack
5 Tops
A mix of casual t-shirts, breezy blouses, and one or two fancier options for dinner or drinks.
4 Bottoms
Comfy shorts, linen trousers, and a skirt or dress.
3 Pairs of Shoes
Walking shoes or trainers, sandals, and one smart/casual option.
2 Layers
A light jumper and an oversized shirt.
1 Statement Accessory
Add a little personality, hat, scarf, a statement belt, you do you.
Stick to a complementary colour palette, and everything can be mixed and matched easily. That means fewer clothes, more outfits, and less chance of something being worn only once.
Step 4: Prioritise Pre-Loved & Borrowed Looks
Let’s be honest, most holiday outfits don’t get much airtime. That’s why one of the best ways to travel sustainably (and stylishly) is to borrow, don’t buy.
Start by checking what’s already in your wardrobe. Then, make the most of what’s in everyone else’s. We know, it feels a little bit cheeky but it’s worth it!
Borrow from your circle
That friend with the perfect beach kaftan? The cousin with the cute walking backpack? Most people are more than happy to lend something for a trip, especially if they can borrow from you next time. You could even start your own little holiday gear-sharing circle.
This kind of thing can sometimes feel awkward, but it takes the first person to ask, and it builds a culture of community, sharing and kindness that’s not only kinder to the planet, but it helps you and the people around you be kinder to each other too.
I once reached out to a friend to borrow a summer dress for a holiday I was going on, and she ended up gifting me a whole bag of beach clothes she didn’t wear any more. I felt incredible, she did a good deed, and my holiday wardrobe was officially full - without spending a penny.
It’s a great way to save money, reduce your consumption, and keep things feeling fresh without buying new.
Shop pre-loved
Need something you don’t have?
Pre-loved holiday fashion is better for the planet and your wallet. It’s even better than buying the cheap stuff brand new - especially when you end up hating the ultra-fast fashion pieces when they arrive.
Look for quality pieces on:
- Reskinned (obviously)
- Local charity shops
- Vintage stores
- Online resale platforms
From linen shirts to breezy dresses, chances are you’ll find exactly what you need, without the fast fashion guilt.
Step 5: Choose Your Fabrics Wisely
Have you ever found the perfect summer holiday top, only to find out in horror halfway through your day trip that you have terrible sweat patches and your new top actually seems to be giving you body odour?
It’s an embarrassment we’ve all been through, and one that can easily be avoided by packing consciously, and choosing the right fabrics for the job.
Because what your clothes are made from matters just as much as how many you bring, and when the weather is hot, it’s so much more important to get the fabrics right than it is at home.
The best fabrics for hot weather and low impact:
- Organic cotton: Soft, breathable, and made without harmful pesticides.
- Linen: Lightweight, cooling, and naturally biodegradable.
- Hemp: Durable, quick-drying, and one of the most eco-friendly fabrics out there.
- Tencel: Smooth like silk, doesn’t crease, breathable like cotton, and made using a closed-loop process.
As well as feeling better in the heat, natural fabrics are often a lot longer-lasting than cheap manmade alternatives, meaning you can rewear them year after year.
Our partners, Seasalt Cornwall make some of the perfect summer pieces in natural fabrics.
What to avoid:
Try to skip polyester-heavy pieces, especially cheap fast fashion. They’re just not breathable, they shed microplastics in the wash, and they’re made using fossil fuels.
If you want to opt for performance-fabrics for a more active holiday, then check out our pre-loved Tala for more sustainable pieces, and Sweaty Betty for high quality that doesn’t feel icky.
Step 6: Build a Versatile Capsule Wardrobe
If your suitcase is bursting but you’ve still got nothing to wear, it’s time to simplify.
A travel capsule wardrobe for summer means fewer pieces, more options, and less waste.
Tips to build yours:
- Stick to a cohesive colour palette so everything mixes and matches. I like to go for white as a base, and pops of colour to feel summery.
- Focus on multi-functional items that work across occasions:
- An oversized shirt that can be worn as a beach cover-up, sun layer, or evening layer.
- A lightweight dress that you can dress down for day and up for dinner.
- A one-piece swimsuit, it doubles as a bodysuit under shorts.
- An oversized shirt that can be worn as a beach cover-up, sun layer, or evening layer.
Avoid packing pieces that only go with one thing, or outfits that you will only wear once. When you add a few accessories to a more simple dress or shirt, it’ll feel totally transformed.
Step 7: Rethink Your Toiletries Bag
Your suitcase isn’t the only place to cut waste on holiday. Make sure your toiletries bag isn’t adding unnecessary waste, with some easy swaps.
Our favourite zero waste travel toiletries:
- Solid shampoo + conditioner bars. They’re compact, plastic-free, and long-lasting. These Lush ones are the best I’ve found for getting a good lather, and they smell amazing.
- Refillable skincare containers. Decant your favourites into reusable bottles, which you can use year and year again. You’ll save on plastic waste, and can stick to the products you love and avoid dodgy hotel soaps.
- Reusable makeup pads. Ditch the disposables to avoid the waste. Rinse in the sink between uses and leave in the sunshine to dry.
- Reef-safe sunscreen. Did you know that normal sunscreen can cause coral bleaching and damage to marine life? Choose a reef-safe option so you don’t cause harm when you swim.
And skip the minis.
They might be cute, but most travel-size products can’t be recycled due to their size, meaning they go straight to landfill. If you’ve got some left over from last year, you can reuse them as containers for your products.
Step 8: Everyday Swaps for a Low-Waste Trip
The best kind of holiday essentials are the ones that help you say no to single-use without overthinking it. Here are a few of our travel must-haves for lowering your impact, wherever you are.
Easy zero waste travel tips:
- Reusable water bottle. Bring a filter version for peace of mind abroad, and you can drink water from anywhere.
- Cutlery, straws and lunchboxes. Ideal for day trips or street food stops, so you can store leftovers and avoid plastic waste.
- Cloth tote or beach bag. Perfect for markets, shopping, or the pool, and easy to fold up small and store in a bag or pocket when not in use.
Bonus tip: Use an app like Refill to find refill stations near you wherever you’re travelling.
Step 9: The Holiday Shopping Litmus Test
We know how easy it is to fall for that impulse-buy shopping trip right before you go away.
Next time, ask these questions before you head to the checkout, to make sure you’re not wasting your money, and ending up with stuff you won’t use.
3 questions to reduce holiday shopping waste:
- Will I wear this at least 10 times, on holiday or back home?
- Could I borrow it from someone instead?
- Is there a pre-loved version I could buy instead?
The small changes make a big impact.
You don’t need to be perfect to travel more sustainably. It’s actually far more important to do whatever you can - the impact all adds up.
Every little shift or change - from borrowing from a friend, to investing in a solid shampoo - adds up to a lighter footprint.
Pack light, pack pre-loved, and avoid the throwaway mindset.