Underwear for the summer holiday, what to pack

Short answer: Pack one pair per day for up to seven days. If the trip is longer, you can manage with four pairs and hand washing along the way. Thin styles take up the least space and dry overnight.

Hot days mean more changes

In thirty degree heat, many people change twice a day because the fabric gets damp quickly. A clean pair after the beach or before dinner makes a real difference to how the evening feels. So pack two or three extra pairs on top of the usual number. Thin styles from bamboo panties take up almost no room.

Hand washing keeps the bag small

With hand washing every other day, four pairs last a whole week. Wash in the sink in the evening with a little mild detergent, rinse well and wring gently. Roll the garment in a towel and press the water out before hanging it up. Thin styles and a light bamboo slip dry fast enough.

Colours for the holiday wardrobe

Summer clothes are often light and thin, and dark underwear shows through. Bring some pieces in a tone close to your skin for white and pale dresses, and black for the rest. Two colours are enough for a whole holiday. See the colours in bamboo boxers and the women's styles.

Thin styles take the least space

In a suitcase or backpack with limited room, every piece counts. Thin underwear rolls up into almost nothing and fits in shoes or side pockets. Thick styles take more room, dry slower and are rarely needed in the heat. Pick the lightest you have and leave the heavy ones at home.

Pack smart

Put your underwear in a small pouch or packing cube so it is easy to find and kept apart from shoes and toiletries. Pack an empty bag for worn pieces so clean and used do not mix. If you have hand luggage, keep a change of clothes in it in case your suitcase is delayed.

Underwear for long travel days

The travel day is often the longest, with queues, flights or trains and many hours in the same clothes. Wear a soft pair with flat seams and a soft waistband that day. A spare in your hand luggage lets you change on arrival, before you reach the hotel.

Dresses and skirts in the heat

Under a dress or skirt, the thighs can rub together on hot days with a lot of walking. A light slip or short shorts under the dress can take the friction and keep the skin dry. That makes city walks and long strolls more comfortable, without showing on the outside.

Wash when you get home

Holiday underwear has often met sunscreen, sand, salt water and chlorine. Wash it as soon as you get home at 40 degrees with the pieces turned inside out. Sunscreen can leave marks, so rinse the most affected pieces in cold water first. Let them air dry so the waistband keeps its shape.

Frequently asked questions

How many pairs for two weeks

Seven plus hand washing along the way, or fourteen if you do not want to wash. Add two extra for the hottest days, when you might change more than once.

Does underwear dry in a humid climate

More slowly than at home. Hang it in a draught, in the shade on the balcony or under the air conditioning, and thin pieces usually still dry overnight.

What about swimwear and underwear

Keep them apart in your bag. Damp swimwear makes everything else damp, so pack it in a separate bag and let it dry fully before it goes in with other clothes.