How to Pack Linen Clothes for Travel

Discover the many benefits of linen clothes for summer travel and learn how I pack and care for them on my trips to warm destinations.

Linen clothes are fantastic for summer travel since they're lightweight and breathable. In this article, we aim to answer some of your main questions about travelling with linen clothes so that you can travel comfortably and stylishly.

Whether you're packing dresses, blazers, shirts, or pants, we'll guide you through the essentials of vacation planning with linen.

You will learn about:

1. What types of linen clothes to pack: Consider the duration of your trip, the activities you'll engage in, and whether you'll need casual or semi-formal attire. We'll address concerns about linen's tendency to wrinkle and offer tips for managing it during travel.
   

2. How to keep linen clothes organized and wrinkle-free: We'll discuss the impact of travelling to humid versus dry climates and the best packing strategies to keep your linen clothes organized and wrinkle-free.
   

3. How to create versatile outfits when traveling with linen clothes: We'll provide tips for mixing and matching your linen pieces to create versatile outfits, helping you pack lighter while still enjoying a variety of looks.

What are the Benefits of Travelling with Linen Clothes?

When you travel, all you want is to be comfortable, relaxed, and efficient without any issues with your clothes. Travelling with linen clothes, especially in the summer season, offers several benefits, including breathability, which keeps you cool in warm climates, and a lightweight nature that makes packing easier.

Linen dries quickly, which means it's convenient for washing on the go. Its durability ensures it can withstand frequent use. The fabric is comfortable, becoming softer with each wash, and feels light and comfortable on your skin. Additionally, linen is versatile enough to suit various styles and occasions.

For your upcoming vacation or trip, you should ask yourself a few key questions: What kind of weather can you expect? What activities are you planning? This will help determine whether you need casual, semi-formal, or a mix of both types of clothing.

Packing list for summer travel:

Dresses
Casual Linen Dresses: Ideal for daytime outings, beach visits, and casual dinners. These will keep you cool and comfortable while exploring.
Semi-Formal Linen Dresses: Perfect for nicer restaurants or evening events. These offer a polished look without sacrificing comfort.

Shirts
Linen Button-Down Shirts: Versatile for both casual and semi-formal settings. Great for layering or wearing on their own.
Linen T-Shirts: Easy to pair with shorts or pants for a relaxed look. Perfect for sightseeing and casual activities.

Pants
Linen Capri Pants: Comfortable yet stylish, suitable for semi-formal dinners or city tours.
Linen Pants: Offer a blend of comfort and elegance, ideal for both casual and dressy occasions.

Blazers and Jackets
Linen Blazers and Jackets: Versatile and can be dressed up or down. Pair well with trousers for a semi-formal look or with casual dresses and skirts for a more relaxed yet sophisticated outfit.

Accessories
Linen Scarves: Lightweight and stylish, perfect for adding a touch of elegance or for layering on cooler evenings.
Linen Canvas Hat: Essential for sun protection while adding a chic touch to your beachwear or sightseeing outfits.
Linen Tote: A practical and fashionable accessory for carrying essentials during day trips and excursions.

By considering these items and the activities planned, you'll be well-prepared for your vacation, ensuring you stay comfortable and stylish throughout your trip. Continue reading to discover detailed packing tips from my travelling experiences.

How to Pack Linen Clothes for Travel:

Since I started my linen clothing business seven years ago, I have found myself travelling almost every year to Europe and the Middle East to get inspiration and visit my family. Over the years, I have gained a lot of experience in how to travel with linen clothes.

Last year, I travelled to Europe and the Middle East in May, for 4 weeks. I knew that the weather could be tricky: it could still be cold in Europe, while in the Middle East, it could be very warm. Naturally, I took my linen clothing as my travel essentials because its lightweight nature makes it ideal for staying cool, fashionable, and comfortable. However, caring for linen on the go requires some extra attention. Here are some of the best ways I have found to care for my linen clothes while travelling:

Tips for Packing Linen Clothes to Minimize Wrinkles:

Roll, don't fold: Roll linen clothes tightly instead of folding them to reduce wrinkles. Pack them snugly to minimize movement.

Pack smart: Place heavier items at the bottom of your suitcase and lighter ones on top to prevent squishing and wrinkling.

Use linen or cotton bags: Protect delicate or special linen items with linen or cotton bags to keep them from getting crushed or wrinkled.

Hang upon arrival: As soon as you arrive, hang your linen clothes to let any wrinkles fall out naturally.

(see the photos)

How I Keep My Linen Clothes Fresh During Long Trips

Long trips can make it challenging to keep clothes fresh. Here are the strategies I used to keep my linen clothes looking and smelling good throughout my travels.

Air out clothes: Whenever possible, I hung my clothes outside to air out. Even just a few minutes on a balcony or near an open window made a big difference.

Fabric freshener: I carried a small spray bottle of fabric freshener. A quick spritz before wearing a garment helped it smell fresh.

Dry quickly: Linen dries fast, which is a huge advantage. After washing, I laid my clothes flat on a towel, rolled them up to squeeze out excess water, and then hung them up to dry. They were usually ready to wear by the next day.

Travel detergent: I brought a small amount of travel detergent for quick hand washes

In the photos above, you can see how my suitcase looks for my travel.

Examples of Linen Outfits while Traveling

Travelling through Europe and the Middle East with linen clothes was perfect. I packed the right amount of well-coordinated outfits, ensuring everything matched perfectly.

Walking the beautiful galleries, museums and streets in Europe, I had the Bella Blazer in Caramel and Black, which I layered with the Nomi Vest, Sue Wrap Top or one of my sweaters for cool days. I paired them with my Jordan Pants in Ivory or Zohar Pants in Natural colour.

In warm weather, I mostly wore the Hayley Dress in Pink colour, the Ella Skirt in Pesto or the Jean Capri in Natural as the bottoms.

For tops, I alternated between the Jessie Top, Leah Tank Top, and Robyn Shirt.

In the evening, when I had a special event or was dining out, I wore one of the dresses that I took with me: the Nicole, Roz or the Mila Dresses. I wrapped myself with the Linen Scarf in Natural, or I wore the Ann crop Jacket or Ren Shirt as a layering item.

Linen’s natural fibres kept me warm enough during chilly times and fresh and cool in the heat. With a little care, my outfits stayed fresh and presentable.

Whether you're exploring historic cities with their cobblestone streets and stunning architecture, wandering through bustling markets, or lounging on a sun-drenched beach, linen can be your best travel companion.

How to Handle Wrinkles Without an Iron

Linen, beloved for its breathability and natural texture, often comes with the challenge of wrinkles. While many embrace these creases as part of linen's rustic charm, there are times when a more polished look is needed. If you find yourself without an iron, don't worry—there are effective ways to manage those wrinkles using common items and a bit of creativity using these techniques. 

Steam in the Shower
One of the simplest methods to smooth out linen wrinkles is to use the steam from a hot shower. Here’s how you can do it:
Hang it up: Find a secure spot in your bathroom to hang your linen garment. A hook or the shower rod works well.
Close the door: Make sure the bathroom door is fully closed to keep the steam contained.
Take a hot shower: As you shower, the steam will fill the room and help relax the fibres of your linen clothes.
Wait and check: Leave the garment hanging for about 15-20 minutes. Once you’re done showering, give it a gentle shake to let out any remaining wrinkles.
This method is not only convenient but also helps refresh the fabric, leaving it looking neater and slightly more pressed.

Use a Damp Cloth
Another handy trick involves using a damp cloth. This method is particularly useful when you need to target specific wrinkled areas. Here’s what to do:
Dampen a cloth: Take a clean washcloth and dampen it with water. It should be wet but not dripping.
Lay the garment flat: Place your linen garment on a flat surface, such as a bed or a table.
Press with the cloth: Lay the damp cloth over the wrinkled area and press down firmly with your hands. Smooth out the fabric as you press.
Let it dry: Allow the garment to air dry. You can hang it up or leave it flat, depending on the item and the available space.

Hair Dryer Magic
When you're travelling, a hair dryer can be a versatile tool for wrinkle management. Here’s how to make the most of it:
Hang your garment: Hang your linen item on a hanger in a location where you can easily access all sides.
Spritz with water: Lightly spray the garment with water. A fine mist is all you need to help release the wrinkles.
Blow dry: Use the hair dryer in a medium setting. Hold it a few inches away from the fabric and move it around to evenly distribute the heat. Be sure to keep the dryer moving to avoid overheating any one spot.
Smooth with your hands: As you blow dry, use your hands to gently pull and smooth the fabric.

Wrinkle-release spray
Carry a small bottle of wrinkle-release spray to help relax the fibres of your linen clothes and reduce wrinkles.

Enjoy the natural beauty of linen and its unique texture, knowing that you have practical solutions to manage those inevitable wrinkles.

Tips on How to Match Your Travel Wardrobe:

If you take a little time to plan a well-coordinated travel wardrobe, you will save space, reduce packing stress, and feel confident about looking great throughout your trip. Here are some tips to help you match your travel wardrobe effectively.

Choose a colour palette
Neutrals as a base: Start with neutral colours like black, ivory, gray, caramel, or beige. These are versatile and can be mixed and matched easily.
Accent colours: Add a couple of accent colours such as pink, green, and blue that complement each other and the neutrals. This will add interest to your outfits without overwhelming your wardrobe.

Layering is Key
Light Layers: Pack items that can be layered, such as cardigans, light jackets, and scarves. This allows you to adjust to different weather conditions and looks stylish. Bring a versatile outerwear piece that matches most of your outfits, like a denim jacket, trench coat, or neutral blazer.

Mix and Match Pieces
Tops and Bottoms: Pack tops and bottoms that can be mixed and matched. Aim for each top to go with multiple bottoms and vice versa.
Dresses, Skirts and Jumpsuits: These can be standalone outfits but also paired with jackets or sweaters to change the look.
Accessories: Linen Scarves, Hats, and Jewelry: Accessories can change the look of an outfit without taking up much space. Scarves can also keep you warm or be used as a beach cover-up. Take a scarf that can turn into a shawl. A good belt can transform a dress or add shape to a top.

Shoes
Comfortable and Stylish: Choose comfortable yet stylish shoes that can be worn for different occasions. Ideally, pack no more than three pairs: a pair of walking shoes, dressier shoes, and sandals or flip-flops. Stick to neutral-coloured shoes that match all your outfits.

Personal Style
Stay true to yourself: While it's important to be practical, make sure your travel wardrobe reflects your personal style so you feel comfortable and confident in your outfits.

For your next trip, explore Nomi's Linen Collection featuring natural colours like Caramel, Ivory, Natural, and Black.

When you travel, you want to be minimalist but still fashionable with your wardrobe choices. Black and Ivory, classic matching colours, are always a winning choice. Start by packing one or two items in Black—this timeless, elegant colour exudes sophistication for any occasion. Ivory, with its classic and clean appeal, is perfect for a sense of purity and freshness.

In the photo below, you'll see the Ella Skirt in Black and Ivory, paired with the Sophie Top in the same colours. These outfits are perfect for any trip as they can be mixed and matched with different pieces and colours, ensuring a cohesive and stylish look.

A monochrome outfit in Caramel colour features warm, inviting shades that add a touch of richness to your travel wardrobe. The Zohar Pants and the Sophi Top in caramel are must-pack items, effortlessly combining comfort and style.

Finally, the Bella Blazer in Natural or Ivory is a versatile addition to your suitcase. Both colours can be paired with a wide range of other hues, making this linen blazer a handy piece for any outfit combination.

Here are some more ideas from Nomi's linen collection with matching colourful items in the shades of Pink, Ocean, and Pesto:

When you travel, it's important to add some life and interest to your wardrobe. I recommend incorporating vibrant colours like Pesto, Pink, and Ocean. These beautiful shades can be paired together or with your natural-coloured garments to create a dynamic and stylish look.

In the first photo from the left, you can see an outfit in the shade of Pesto. It features the Nomi Vest paired with Jordan Pants. You can wear this outfit as it is or add a Natural Scarf or the Ann Jacket in Ocean or Black for various activities.
The Mila Dress in Pink is versatile and suitable for many occasions, such as a morning walk on the beach, browsing local markets, or going out for a nice breakfast. It can also be dressed up for dining out or attending special events in the evening.

The Ocean colour is perfect for any trip. The Carmen Dress is especially ideal for warm weather with its cool and airy feel, making it a standout vacation essential. Its stylish yet comfortable design ensures you look and feel great whether you're sightseeing, relaxing by the beach, or exploring new places day or night

You can always mix and match your Nomi's Linen Clothes with your favourite tank top and jeans. In the photo in the center, you can see the Robyn Shirt in Pesto and Natural paired with a tank top and jeans, or with Zohar Pants in Ivory. These outfits are so comfortable and can be perfect for a long day of walking on the streets or even for a short hike in nature.

Linen Scarves, Totes, Hats:

For any trip, a good hat that protects you from the sun is essential. Our Canvas Hats in Black and Ivory are ideal for any activity. They are easy to pack in your travel bags, lightweight, and highly effective.

Linen Tote Bag dyed in Indigo. This bag is the perfect size for a day outdoors, whether you're at the beach, packing your essentials or enjoying a day out of the city. There's always room for new treasures you collect while travelling or shopping. The bag folds up very small and doesn't take up much space in your suitcase

Linen Scarf dyed in Indigo is the perfect accessory for your next trip. It serves multiple functions in one item: cover your shoulders when the sun is too bright, keep you warm on chilly evenings, protect your head when you don’t have a hat, or stylishly cover your neck. You can even wear it as a wrap skirt for a beach walk, or use it as a makeshift beach towel on sandy shores. This versatile scarf is a must-have travel essential.

If you are looking for more outfit ideas and inspiration, check out our Look Books page.

Travel with Confidence in Linen Clothing this Summer

Linen clothes is a smart choice for summer travel because it is lightweight and breathable, keeping you cool in warm climates. It also dries quickly when washed which makes it easy to keep your wardrobe clean and fresh when away from home. Despite its tendency to wrinkle, following my packing and care strategies can help maintain a neat appearance.

From sightseeing to dining out, Nomi Designs offers versatile options for a variety of activities. Now that you've learned my pro tips on how to pack and coordinate a linen travel wardrobe, shop our collection so you can travel comfortably and confidently, wherever you go!

Have a wonderful and safe trip!