The Maximista Packing List
For an updated version of this packing list, please refer to the Spring 2013 15 Piece Maximista Packing List.
How to know if this packing list is for you:
This generous packing list is ideal for travelers that find it difficult to pack light; need a variety of clothing for multi-season trips; or want the most clothing possible without packing their entire closets. Consisting of just 15 pieces of clothing, each item is chosen specifically to provide you with optimal function while also maximizing your travel outfit options.
The Maximista Packing List also makes an ideal Round the World Packing List!
To learn more about customizing TFG’s Packing Lists to meet your needs, please read this guide.
Where are you traveling?
This list is equally perfect if you’re studying abroad, going on a two week vacation, or if you’re going on a round-the-world backpacking trip. It’s all about choosing the right clothing pieces to fit the needs of your travels, and making sure that you can mix and match each item.
Varied travel clothing options give you the ability to apply this guide in different settings. You can layer your pieces in colder climates and you’ll have plenty to mix and match in warmer climates. Adjust the items indicated below to your ideal weather scenario.
Laundry:
Hand washing your clothing is not necessary if you pack this amount of clothes. It is important not to exceed suggested quantities or take “just in case” items. Also, make sure to pack items that will wash well over time and won’t fall apart after just one wash. It’s normal to have to or want to replace items after you’re on the road for a while but you don’t want this to happen immediately.
However, if you want to hand wash to save cash on the road, you might also want to get a few additional items like a universal rubber sink plug
Guidelines to choose appropriate items:
This list is for you if you find it difficult to leave your closet at home. It offers you 16 items: 4 basic + 4 essential pieces plus 8 more items of your choice. You should be careful not to pack more than this guide outlines. You can always buy a few extra pieces on the road to enhance your travel wardrobe. Remember, the key is to pack travel clothing items that you feel great wearing.
As with all the lists, it is important to select clothing items that work well together and can be used interchangeably.
- Color: 1-2 Color Stories. Mostly solids, patterns andf prints good within same color stories
- Fabric: Durable, quick dry, synthetics preferred but with this clothing quantity, cotton fabrics are okay
- Cut: Good Fit, classic styles that match with everything
- Style: Appropriate in various settings: Beach, Temples, Villages, Cities, Treks, etc. Items should be multi-purpose but you have a bit more flexibility with each individual piece.
- Travel Bag: 40-60 Liter Backpack suggested or carryon or medium size suitcase. Packing cubes help squeeze many clothing items into a smaller space.
For a complete guide to choosing your perfect wardrobe, sign up for the free Maximista Packing Guide e-book.
16 Piece Maximista Packing List
6 Tops + 6 Bottoms + 3 Dresses + 1 Additional Item
Three Tank Tops/Short Sleeve Tops in the heat and Three Long Sleeves for Cooler Climates – Synthetic fabric, quick dry, solid colors or simple prints. Classic cuts that can be worn under dress or button up shirt to match and provide extra coverage if needed. Tunics are versatile and can be worn in more than ways than regular length tops.
One Long Sleeve Button Up Shirt – Light Fabric, Synthetics, polyester, or silk blend. Able to layer over other tops and dresses as a light jacket or cover up
Four-Five Pants/Shorts- Travel Pants, Jeans, and leggings are all good options for travel. Light cargo pants are good and have multiple uses. Water Resistant properties encouraged but quick dry fabrics are important due to the minimal amount of clothing. Jeans work well on shorter vacations, trips to metropolitan cities, or cool climates. Remember, jeans may be heavy but they hardly have to be washed. You can never go wrong with a pair of denim shorts.
One-Two Skirts – Maxi skirts work well in a variety of settings and are both fashionable and conservative
Two-Three Travel Dresses – Light Fabric, Solid Vibrant Color/Print or Neutral Khaki or Little Black Dress. A sun dress is idea that can be worn casually during the day and dressed up at night. Convertible dress/skirts are ideal and this Little Black Travel Dress can go from day to night with a few quick tugs.
Outerwear – One Fleece/Hoodie/Cardigan and /or Water Resistant Jacket/Coat depending on weather
One – Two Bathing Suit - Reversible bathing suits allow you to mix and match. Choose one that has a neutral shade on one side so it can easily double up as a bra under your tops
Two Bras – one neutral color like nude that matches with all your tops plus additional. Read about choosing the best bras for travel.
One Sports Bra – if you plan on doing activities or have long bumpy transportation journeys
Seven -Ten Pairs of Travel Underwear - quick dry, avoid 100% cotton and mesh
Three pairs of shoes – One Pair of Flip Flops/Sandals/Flats and One Pair of Trainers/Hiking Hybrids. If you have space for a third pair, pack something to dress up your travel outfits. Read more about finding fashionable and comfortable travel shoes.
One belt that can be worn with pants and dress for practical style
One-two complete sets of costume jewelry – one of each: earrings, ring, necklace, bracelet
Multi-use Stick (check out the Nars Multiple Stick) and standard makeup items
For the latest edition of the Maximista Packing List, check out the Spring 2013 version.
If you want to pack light but need more than a handful of clothing items, check out the other Universal Packing Listsand to shop functional and stylish travel gear, check out the Travel Fashion Girl Shop.
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