The Great Overpacking Debate: How to Avoid Overpacking Without Feeling Unprepared

Every so often, the internet reignites a great debate about packing, and more specifically, overpacking. The most recent? In January 2025, social media platforms, including Instagram pages like Pubity and Guff Facts, made posts about a supposed "study" conducted by "a travel insurance company". According to this report, women overpack by nearly double, bringing 60 clothing items for a week-long trip when they only need 34.

The key takeaways from this trending "study" included:

• 72% of female travelers admit to overpacking.
• 65% struggle to close their suitcases, and 58% exceed airline weight limits.
• Despite this, 42% still plan to shop for more clothes while away.
• On average, women pack 19 tops but wear only 10 and bring 16 bottoms but use only 8.

Interestingly, we've scoured the internet and can't find the actual study or the "travel insurance company" responsible. All references simply cite “a travel insurance company” or “a travel insurance website”. Of course, the internet loves a good travel controversy, but it's all very…mysterious. Still, anyone who’s ever tried to zip up an overstuffed suitcase can relate.

And if you're someone who proudly embraces the 'just in case' mentality? We see you! Overpacking isn’t a crime — it’s part of the travel adventure. In fact, we’ve made it official with our Overpacking Is Not a Dirty Word Tee, the perfect airport or road trip companion for travelers who pack with confidence.

So, how do you pack smarter without feeling unprepared? Let's dive into some practical tips to help you pack smarter, not harder.

1. Shoe Strategy

Limit yourself to 2-3 pairs. We know, easier said than done, especially when those perfect vacation heels are calling! But stick to versatile neutrals. Think comfortable sneakers for exploring (which you can wear while in transit, freeing up additional suitcase space), chic flip-flops or water shoes for poolside relaxation since they don’t take up much space, and one pair of dress shoes for evenings out.

Pro Tip: Store socks, jewelry, or small accessories inside your shoes to maximize space. Wrap them up if necessary.

 

2. Hair Products: A Non-Negotiable Reality

A common travel tip is to "just use travel-size hair products" or "buy them when you get there". Let’s be real – this advice usually comes from people with wash-and-go hair. It simply doesn’t work for people with certain lengths, textures, and routines that use up to one travel size container per section per day. It also doesn’t factor in the fact that some shampoos, conditioners, and stylers are chosen based on their ingredients and efficacy, involving a lot of trial and error. If your hair requires specific products, and you’ve found something that works, you have to stick to it; you can't just swap them out on a whim. However, you CAN opt for a low-maintenance or protective style that reduces the number of products you need. This will mean something different for each individual, and no, embracing convenience does not mean you hate your hair!

 

3. Dresses Over Separates

For the ladies, dresses take up less space than separate tops and bottoms while offering effortless style. If you prefer mix-and-match options, choose pieces that coordinate well together so you can create multiple outfits from fewer items.

Packing Idea: A versatile resortwear piece like our Le Leopard Bodycon Dress easily transitions from a casual beach day to a dinner out, making it a space-saving essential.

4. Remember Your Short List of Commonly Forgotten Essentials

Overpacking doesn’t just mean bringing too many clothes—it also means not leaving enough room for the essentials. Here are some must-haves you don’t want to overlook:

• Medications: Include “just in case” prescriptions, stomach relief, motion sickness remedies, headache/pain relievers, and vitamins, all of which can be stored in your Island Escape Travel Medicine Kit. And always remember to research the medication laws of your destination regarding original containers and legal substances.
• Comforts of Home: Pack your favorite pajamas, cozy slippers or socks, and a pillow dressing like the Le Tigre Violet satin pillowcase for a touch of luxury.
• Toothbrush: This is one of the most commonly forgotten items, and is not always convenient to replace at the last minute. You can sometimes get one from the hotel front desk, but not always. Consider storing a backup toothbrush in your suitcase on a permanent basis. This way, you can leave the one in your bathroom undisturbed and never worry about packing it.

 

5. Choose Multi-Use Items

• A scarf like our RLC Houndstooth Print Warm Fringed Scarf can double as a beach cover-up, sarong, or even a light blanket on the plane.
• A one-piece swimsuit can also function as a bodysuit under a skirt or shorts. Think the Le Tigre Violet One-Piece.

Packing efficiently doesn’t mean sacrificing style or comfort. It’s about making strategic choices that allow you to travel stress-free without lugging around an oversized suitcase. Whether you're heading to a resort, a city escape, or a weeklong adventure, focusing on versatile, high-quality pieces ensures that you’ll have everything you need without the excess baggage.

By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to packing light, traveling with ease, and looking fabulous every step of the way. And remember, a well-curated wardrobe is about quality, not quantity. Happy travels! 🌍✈️