Packing for a trip to a scorching hot destination requires more than just sunscreen and a big hat. Whether you’re wandering the hot cobbles of Rome, bartering in the bustling markets of Marrakech, or simmering in the cool pools of tropical Miami, a smart packing list of breathable clothes, shoes, and accessories is crucial.
Dressing for heat and humidity takes forethought if you want to stay comfortable from morning to night; take it from me, a native Floridian who’s been dressing for staggering dew points for most of my life. When I worked on cruise ships and chased an endless summer, I spent 10-hour days wandering locales like Sydney, Florence, and Fiji. Over time, I discovered what it takes to stay comfortable all day in the heat. Wearing the wrong garments out for all-day exploring can quickly have you feeling sweaty, sunburned, and sapped of energy. This list of staples is meant to take you from dawn to dusk in the heat as comfortably as possible.
From breezy fabrics that dry quickly and don’t stick to the skin, to sandals that won’t blister after a full day of walking, to accessories that cool you down, these hot weather staples will help you prepare for steamy climes and long summer days.
The ultimate hot weather packing list:
Neutral mix-and-match shirts
A basic simple tee or tank top is the ultimate warm-weather top. Sleeved shirts protect our shoulders from the sun, but can often accentuate underarm sweat. To work against this, wear light colors like white, cream, or ecru which are better at hiding sweat (gray is the worst). Sleeveless tanks are also an everyday staple. Whether you prefer sleeves or sleeveless, lightweight tees and tanks take up little space in your suitcase, making it easy to roll them up and pack four or five of one color to use throughout the trip—no need to stop and do laundry. Light-toned colors also reflect light (and thus heat) and won’t feel as hot on the body when in direct sun, like a black shirt.
Lightweight linen
Linen is an all-natural fabric made of flax fibers spun into yarn. Compared to other fabrics, linen tends to have an open weave which makes it breathable and fantastic for hot weather—think Provence in the summer. Though linen absorbs moisture, it dries quickly. A hot-weather wardrobe should have several linen staples, from button-down shirts to loose pants and lightweight dresses. You can’t go wrong with matching linen sets, which look effortlessly pulled together.
Anti-chafing, moisture-wicking undergarments
Comfort begins with the garments closest to our skin. Underwear can make a big difference in staying comfortable on long travel days. Look for fabrics such as modal, a textile made from beech tree pulp that is more breathable than cotton. It might seem counterintuitive, but merino wool blends can also be good for hot weather. Wool is naturally temperature-regulating and antimicrobial, making it particularly good at battling odors. If your trip involves a lot of walking, you’ll want to prevent chafing. Wear underwear styles such as briefs or boy shorts which come down the thigh and aren’t as prone to riding up as you walk.
The breezy short
It might seem like a no-brainer to pack shorts for a hot trip, but the most comfortable short won’t be skin-tight. A looser style of shorts that doesn’t stick to the body will feel more comfortable; look for styles that leave some space around your leg.
Soft silk staples
Silk is a great fiber for hot days. It feels feather-light on the skin, is breathable and body temperature regulating, and dries very quickly. Because of silk’s elegant feel and look, it’s a great choice to take you from day adventures to a nice dinner reservation. I love how you can wear a silk slip dress with white sneakers for an effortless day-look, and change the entire outfit with a simple shoe change into heels. Today’s washable silks make traveling with the fabric easier and more hassle-free than it used to be. Just be sure your hotel has an in-room steamer, or you pack a small portable steamer to get a wrinkle-free look.
Blister-free sandals
If you’re walking all day on hot pavement, you’ll want sandals with a good sole and a snug heel strap. Slides and mules that flip or flop as you walk create extra points of friction on your foot—a recipe for blisters. Thin-soled sandals will feel hot against the pavement; plus, a thin sole won’t offer much cushion or support for all-day walking. Adjustable straps on sandals will come in handy as your feet swell with heat. Steer clear of sandals made of leather or suede, as these materials don’t react well with sweat and moisture and can start to smell. If you’re headed to the beach, a sandal that can be rinsed off and dried quickly will keep your feet sand-free and comfortable the rest of the day.
Comfortable sneakers and slip-ons
Sometimes a sandal just won’t cut it and you have to wear a closed-toe shoe. Whether you’re trekking through a Costa Rican rainforest or just looking for extra walking support for a full day at Disney, the right walking shoe is a core part of any packing list. For your warm-weather travels, pack woven footwear or sneakers made with mesh to help your feet breathe. A white sneaker is the choice color here for reflecting light and heat, but it’s also a neutral shoe for pairing with many outfits. Comfortable footwear is different for everyone, so the best tip for ensuring blister-free travel is to never go on a trip with a new pair of shoes—always test your walking footwear for a few days to ensure it won’t rub in the wrong places.
Cooling accessories
When the days are hot and the air is stagnant, a splash of cool water on the face or a slight breeze from a fan can bring a lot of relief. I like to carry a small, lightweight summer scarf in my bag to dampen with water (water fountains are common in Europe’s public squares). I roll it up and tie it around my neck as a makeshift cooling necktie, which feels absolutely indulgent on a summer day in Florence. The evaporation of the water provides cooling relief. A silk scarf can also be wrapped around your head—à la Audrey Hepburn or Sophia Loren—and shoulders to protect skin from direct sun. This look doubles as an easy hack to handle frizzy humid hair. Additionally, keep a small fan in your bag if you want to enjoy sidewalk dining in comfort. The collapsible one below doubles as a portable battery bank—a traveler’s best friend.
Open-weave hats
When our head gets hot, our brain gets hot—which can lead to disorientation and exhaustion. If you’re going to be out in the sun, a hat keeps direct rays off your head and face. More than just keeping you cool, a hat protects your skin from sun damage. Look for open-weave styles that won’t trap heat next to your head and allow air to circulate. Crochet and woven straw hats are great for hot climes, while a wider brim will protect your shoulders from getting hot. If you can’t find a woven hat you like, look for a linen-cotton blend or a canvas hat in a light color.
The one-and-done dress
Dresses are among the most comfortable warm-weather garments. They allow air to flow around the legs and don’t constrict you at the waist. Silk, linen, lightweight cotton, viscose, and lyocell are great fabrics for spring and summer dresses. Design features like leg slits offer extra breathability and airflow, and better maneuverability if you’re walking and climbing stairs. Bonus points always go to dresses with pockets.
Barely there sleepwear
Staying cool doesn’t stop after the sun goes down. (Some European hotels don’t have air conditioning, so dressing properly at night is just as important as it is during the day.) For a restful night’s sleep no matter the temp, look for sleep sets made of silk or modal which wick away moisture so that you don’t wake up in a damp sweat.
Small, compact day bags
You might disregard your bag as a tool to help keep you cool, but choosing the right day bag makes a difference in your comfort. Pack light when exploring all day in the heat: Opt for the smallest bag you can hold your essentials in. Ideally it will have space for a water bottle, as staying hydrated is key to staying comfortable in the heat—you’ll be sweating more, so you’ll need to drink more.
