Packing Clothes

Packing Clothes for Europe – Theory versus Reality

NOTE:  This is a discussion from a man’s point of view about what to wear during your European vacation.  This is from the perspective of a 40-something man with a professional background who doesn’t take himself too seriously.  My men's packing list summary can be found here.  Here are all the clothes a man needs to pack for Europe:

Theory #1:  You want a versatile and comprehensive wardrobe for multiple weather and social situations, all in carry-on luggage.

Reality #1:  You’re going to end up with one or two favorite outfits from all of the clothing you will pack, even if you pack lightly.  You will wear these two favorite outfits at every stop on your trip, figuring that the locals didn’t see you wearing them in the last city you visited – and the people with whom you’re traveling either love you and won’t care or you will likely never see them again because you were part of a tour group.  Cold?  Just throw a jacket on top and a t-shirt underneath and you’re set.  Add a third shirt and a third pair of pants, each of which coordinates with your favorite separates, and you’ll be ready to go.  No need to bring any other top shirts or pants – you won’t wear them anyway. 

 My Experienced Reality #1:  I indeed have two favorite outfits, or, more precisely, two favorite shirts and two favorite pairs of pants.  My first favorite shirt is an inexpensive long-sleeved t-shirt by Jerzees in a medium blue.  It almost looks like a light sweater and can be layered with a t-shirt underneath and a jacket on top in cooler weather.  In warmer weather the sleeves offer sun protection and the fabric, cotton, is breathable.  The shirt is fairly thin and dries pretty quickly when hand washed.  I typically pair this shirt with either my khaki Ex-Officio Nomad lightweight pants or my pair of brown canvas jeans (these are my two favorite pairs of pants.)  My other favorite shirt is an Ex-Officio Airstrip Lite plaid shirt – it is comfortable, has pockets for extra stuff, and, as a collared shirt, is good enough for nearly every restaurant you’re likely to visit. 

Theory #2:  You want a sport coat and tie for a nice evening out.

Reality #2:  a decent collared long-sleeved shirt, clean pants (not jeans) and decent shoes will get you through the door of all but the more exclusive venues and restaurants.  This is especially true in the summer months.  A clean shave and a couple of run-throughs with the comb will complement your look. 

 My Experienced Reality #2:  I normally travel solo and don’t usually partake in a “fancy night out.”  I’ve had outstanding meals and great times at fancier restaurants during lunchtime, when the meals are usually much cheaper but virtually the same as their evening counterparts.  And I’ve done it with nary a sideways look from others while wearing my favorite clothes.  I also find that more moderately-priced venues are more authentic to the place you’re visiting – these are the venues the locals patronize on a regular basis.  I haven’t been denied entry to any place I’ve wanted to visit.

Theory #3:  Shoes make the man.

Reality #3:  This is true, but I wouldn’t bring a pair of “dress” shoes.  Get good walking shoes in brown and black styles (one pair of each).  By walking shoes I don’t mean sneakers-trainers-tennis shoes, nor do I mean hiking boots (unless you’re planning on a lot of “off-roading.”)  You can get good-looking walking shoes with nice leather uppers that nonetheless have comfortable insoles and great walking treads. 

 My Experienced Reality #3:  I’ve had great success with walking shoes from Clark’s.  They look good and can dress up well, but are insanely comfortable for walking everywhere on your European vacation.  I have literally walked a dozen miles a day in these shoes and I’ve never had a blister.  Your feet will still feel a little sore at the end of the day – thanks to the cobblestones that never end – but your feet will survive and revive before the next day’s travels.  Make sure to break in your shoes for at least a month before your trip.

Theory #4:  Underclothes for every day of the week.

Reality #4:  You’re kidding yourself if you think you should bring more than three pair of underwear, three t-shirts or three pairs of socks.  Whether your trip is a week or a month, if you’re carrying-on your luggage, you won’t have room for more than a few pair of each. 

 My Experienced Reality #4:  My trips usually last about two weeks. On my most recent trip I downgraded from four pairs of each (underwear, socks and t-shirts) to three pairs of each.  I didn’t miss the fourth pairs and I appreciated the extra luggage room for souvenirs on the return trip.  Every third or fourth day of your trip (hey, we’re guys – sometimes we stretch our undergarments for an extra day …) you will do a load of hand washing – a few packets of travel laundry soap take up much less room in your bag and your clothes will be fresher.    I am a particular fan of Ex-Officio’s Give-n-Go boxer briefs – very comfortable, lightweight, quick-drying and the waistband never folds or rolls.  Don’t go cheap on your socks, either.  Get thick-soled hiking or athletic socks.

Sections:

• Researching your Trip – Where – When – Budgeting
• Finding Cheap Airfare
• Hotels – Location, then Price
• European Train Travel – Spoke-and-Wheel vs. Point-to-Point
• Packing– clothing – Theory and Reality
• Packing– electronics – Theory and Reality
• Packing– accessories – Theory and Reality
• Packing– A Men’s Packing List for Europe
• Trip Preparation Timeline
• Staying Connected While Abroad – Blogging – Facebook – Twitter – Phone
• Travel Websites and Apps