Travel Capsule Wardrobe: 15 Clothing Essentials

Going on a trip, whether it’s for pleasure or for business, is a blast. However, packing for that trip is anything but. Luggage space is limited, and with airline baggage fees increasing every year, bringing all the travel clothing you’ll need can be tough.

That’s where a travel capsule wardrobe comes in. A capsule wardrobe is a small collection of clothes you can mix and match into multiple outfits. A travel capsule wardrobe takes that concept and compresses it into a suitcase, giving you options without taking you over the weight limit.

So, what should you pack? These 15 travel wardrobe packing list staples will help you look and feel good—wherever you’re headed.

The Foundation: Basic Tees and Tops

When you start packing, start with your tops, reaching for pieces you can wear with just about any pant or jacket.

1. The Casual Tee

The humble t-shirt is the base layer of your capsule wardrobe, so consider adding four or five of your favorite tees to your suitcase. Some go-to choices might include:

• An oversized white t-shirt
• A fitted black tee
• A solid color tee
• A tee with a subtle pattern
• A muted graphic tee

2. The Short-Sleeve Button-Up

Because they can lean casual or formal, button-ups are some of the most versatile tops around. A shirt like this pinstripe short sleeve button-up can be worn alone, layered over a white tee, or tucked under a sweater with the collar showing.

3. The Basic Long Sleeve

Even on a tropical vacation, you need a long sleeve option—especially for those air-conditioned airport days. Something along the lines of this every day thermal L/S tee in washed olive can pair with jeans or trousers and act as a warm base layer for sunrise hikes and evening walks.

Bottoms: Jeans, Trousers, and Shorts

Next up are your bottoms. Because they take up a lot of luggage space, pants usually have to be limited to one or two options. With that in mind, here’s what you should bring.

4. The Everyday Jeans

In terms of desert island pants that go with everything, you can’t beat black jeans. These slim stacked denim jeans can pass as “dressy” pants for those dinner reservations but are just as welcome at the café or the club.

If you’re a denim fan and have room for a second pair, keep things versatile with some baggy blue denim.

5. The Casual Trousers

Aside from jeans, bring along a pair of khaki baggy trouser pants. These neutral bottoms will keep you comfortable on the plane, and they’re easy to match with all your tops. Plus, this type of lightweight pant fits in at the beach, the bar, and beyond.

6. The Multipurpose Shorts

Unless you’re heading somewhere hot, you can probably get away with a single pair of shorts. So, aim for a style that works as well for the streets as it does for the hotel gym.

Keeping it simple with these black summer shorts means you can basically get dressed in the dark—any top you bring will work well.

Layering Essentials: Jackets and Sweaters

Putting together a travel wardrobe is all about layering. Instead of packing your puffiest parka, there are different types of men’s jackets and outerwear clothing to mix and match. These travel essentials can be worn alone or together for extra warmth.

7. The Simple Sweater

Every suitcase should include at least one neutral sweater. On its own, a piece like this cream mesh knit sweater can keep you cozy on those AC-cranked car rides and accompany you for cocktails in the lobby. At the same time, it pairs nicely with an outer layer.

8. The Bomber Jacket

And that brings us to the layered bomber jacket. A bomber is the ultimate capsule wardrobe piece: It expertly straddles the line between formal and elevated casual attire.

Some bomber jackets even repel water. Seek those out—they can double as a rain jacket during the inevitable surprise shower.

Footwear: Sneakers and Versatile Shoes

The right footwear can make or break your vacation. You need something that’ll mesh with what you’ve packed yet won’t leave you in the hotel room with foot pain. These are our suggestions.

9. The All-in-One Sneaker

If the only walking shoes you can bring are the ones you wear on the plane, your goal is versatility. A nice pair of black sneakers fits the bill. They’re comfortable enough to explore in, supportive enough to run in, and neutral enough for dinner plans.

10. The Secondary Shoe

Depending on your destination, you may want to throw a second set of footwear in your bag. Your travel plans will help you decide which of these secondary shoes you need to bring:

• Hiking shoes
• Low-cut boots
• Running shoes
• “Formal” footwear
• Sandals

Accessories: Hats, Belts, and Sunglasses

Accessories are the stars of a travel capsule wardrobe because they offer bang for your buck—they complete your outfit combinations without taking up much room. Cram a few of these accessories in an outer pouch, and you’ll be set for your whole trip.

11. The Functional, Fashionable Hat

Whether it’s sunny or raining, a trusty hat comes in handy. As always, look for something that complements every component of your capsule wardrobe. For example, with this black active hat in your backpack, you’ll stay cool in more ways than one.

12. The Stylish Sunglasses

For sunny spots, your sunnies are a must. However, sunglasses don’t just protect your eyes—they also complete your look. 

As you pick out your sunglass style, think about the rest of your travel wardrobe. Is it leaning sporty or casual? Let your travel clothes inform your choice, and your glasses will gel with everything you bring.

13. The Eye-Catching Belt

Like hats, belts give you fashion and function. Consider bringing along a black leather belt—like this metal cross studded belt—that you can either show off with a tucked-in shirt or hide under your sweater to keep your jeans up.

One or Two Statement Pieces

Capsule wardrobes tend to stick with muted, match-with-everything colors that make creating outfits a breeze. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have some fun. A couple of statement clothing items can really crank your travel looks up a notch. 

14. The Standout Jacket

Outerwear is one category where you can easily play with texture and color. A void lightweight jacket in mustard yellow, for example, will elevate all the neutrals in your suitcase.

If you don’t have room for a statement jacket in your carry-on, just wear it on the plane. The extra bulk will be worth it—and you’ll be the best dressed at the airport.

15. The Detail-Oriented Denim

Instead of packing two pairs of classic jeans, switch one of them out for some zipper flare pants. You’ll still have bottoms to wear with all your tees, but with a more dressed-up option.

Build Your Capsule Wardrobe with mnml

When you’re on a vacation or a work trip, a few staples go a long way. A travel capsule wardrobe, complete with quality tees, trousers, and layering pieces, allows you to put together dozens of outfits—without paying the oversized baggage fees.

Before you start packing, check out the mnml collection. Our mix of everyday essentials and statement clothing items will help you round out your travel capsule wardrobe and look your best.