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Ericka Cooper is a Wyoming native who has lived most of her adult life in Southern California and welcomes the return to the Wild West. She has lived all over the United States and in Germany and loves traveling, even with her rambunctious sons.
As an older adult she has used Travel Fashion Girl to learn to travel as a plus-sized woman and looks forward to sharing what she has learned. Read on to find out how she rocks a carry-on wardrobe with her plus size packing tips!
Plus Size Packing Tips for Women
by Ericka Cooper
As a plus-sized woman I’ve always found traveling to be more difficult until I found the Travel Fashion Girl website and the book Pack Light Stylishly.
My last few trips were made with a carry-on that won’t even fit my 17 inch laptop, but with Packing Cubes and the videos from the Travel Fashion Girl website and some of my own research I was able to travel easily.
The first problem most plus-sized people encounter is the size of our clothing. Manufacturers tend to use gobs of extra cloth instead of just re-sizing patterns appropriately for plus-sized consumers.
As a larger woman I have found microfiber underclothing to be my new best friend when traveling.
High/Low Tunic Tank | V-Neck Tee
I don’t even need to worry about folding or rolling. I can plop 16 pairs of microfiber underwear in the same space I used to fit 2. They also wash out much more easily.
In the case of bras I’ve found very supportive hosiery bras take less space and don’t need special packing either. There are also no clips to catch on other pieces of clothing.
I’m a 44DD so they can be very supportive. I was once an underwire only lady, but many hosiery bras have a thicker layer just under the breast that supports them.
Find out the importance of getting a bra fitting in this post!
Tops
As for regular clothing I’ve learned to layer. Thin tanks can work as shells or as shirts during the day in warm areas. I also have some thin feminine shaped tees and I use a thin wool cardigan for evenings or in cooler areas.
Button Front Cardigan |Â Waterfall Drape Front Cardigan
I have a fleece blazer that doubles as a jacket. My rain jacket is also a thin nylon windbreaker.
All of these tops actually roll up into one and a half of my packing cubes, except for one of the jackets. I stick to four main colors so everything matches, even the patterns.
Bottoms
 Ankle Pants | Crop Jeans
For bottoms I use 1 pair pants, 2 skirts, 1 pair cropped pants, 1 pair shorts.
 Jersey Skirt | Textured Skirt
All are thin but the pants and all are in neutral colors and roll to fit in one packing cube.
The remaining part of the last packing cube is filled with underwear. I usually try to wear the heaviest items while traveling between stops.
The key to packing light is to use packing cubes to compress your clothing as shown in this video!
Toiletries
Skincare and toiletries is always an issue with the 3-1-1 liquids rule for flights. I have sensitive skin and can’t use a lot of soaps and shampoos, but if you can, use what your hotel provides.
I use a very gentle shampoo for both hair and body where 3 ounces can last a couple weeks. I’ve also found a very lightweight spray hair and skin conditioner that lasts forever at 3 ounces.
I recommend trying out some of the home-grown remedies in areas where you’re traveling which is how I have found some of my most amazing products.
I do carry the extra weight of my battery powered toothbrush, but the dollar store usually carries small hair brushes and combs that are light weight and good for traveling.
These are the best travel containers to help you downsize toiletries!
Medication
My biggest issue is medication though many people don’t have this. I carry all of my bottles along with written prescriptions and a small empty weekly pill case all in a see-through makeup bag I can pull out in one piece. I’ve never been given any trouble and I setup the pill case at my destination.
Read more about how to fill a prescription abroad!
Plus Size Travel Outfit Ideas
I have used these rules that I have gleaned from Travel Fashion Girl to travel around Wyoming, across the country in both directions and been quite comfortable without confrontations. I hope they help others too.
Do you have any plus size packing tips? Share with us below!
For more plus size fashion tips, please read:
- Plus Size Packing Carryon Only for 4 Weeks
- 6 Places to Get Deals on Cheap Plus Size Clothing for Travel
- Need Plus Size Travel Clothing Options? This Brand is Awesome
- Plus Size Travel Clothes for Women: 11 Vacation Wardrobe Essentials
Ok…I am a terribly sweaty person, so I try to avoid stretchy materials (which seem to be in everything) that seem to trap sweat in and/or increase total sweat. What materials are available, flattering and dry? I just tried some microfiber underwear and liked them, but I’m pretty sure microfiber jeans aren’t a thing.
Nice article and good advice.
A lil help about plus size hosiery bra(?). Where would I find a 42F that will give me support? Do you recommend any particular brand?
Hi Bobbi, thank you for reaching out. Have a look at this article for some of our readers suggestions for bras and in particular their favorite brands: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/best-wireless-bra/. I would also highly recommend that you join our TFG facebook group and post your question there about what to do during the day: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelfashiongirls/ Its a fabulous community of helpful female travelers that have the best advice and recommendations to share. Hope this helps. ?
I’m going on a 18 day European vacation and every site including yours talks about skirts, dresses and leggings. I don’t wear these items in my everyday life. I’m certainly not going to take them on my vacation. Any suggestions for packing 3 to 4 pairs of pants and still have enough room for the rest of the clothes.
Hi Rebecca, here is a helpful guide that explains more about how to use our guides: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/how-to-use-the-travel-fashion-girl-packing-lists-and-guides/ The product images shown in the packing lists are simply to provide you with ideas that you can use, then because every woman has unique needs and style preferences, you can then apply the principles we have shared and adapt the items to suit your own needs.
For example, if you see thermal leggings shown and replace them with linen pants, that probably won’t work. The idea is to take what the item represents and find something suitable. In this case, thermal leggings would mean you need a warm layer for your legs. If you don’t like leggings find an equivalent such as yoga pants, jeggings, or fleece lined trousers. You have to choose what works best for you, your style, and your body type. Hope this helps. Have an amazing time traveling in Europe! 🙂
I switched to microfibre underwear last year because of this post. It saves so much space!
Hi Trista, thank you so much for sharing your travel packing experiences with us, glad you found the post helpful! 🙂
Good travel info for us older, plus size gals, thank you!
Do you have any suggestions or a packing list for traveling for work. I generally have to try to fit a couple of suit jackets and dress pants, and have a challenge making it all fit. I’m a fan of Downey wrinkle releaser and Febreeze to be able to re wear a few items during the trip. I’m hoping that you can help me refine my packing skills a bit more.
Hi Sarah try this: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/business-travel/
Hi Alex,
I am so happy for you that you really energized me to travel even though I am on a plus side.
I am from India and was planning to travel to U.S which is basically a 20 hours journey, and I was apprehensive before, but not any more though.
Thanks
Wow Susanne, that’s amazing, enjoy your travels!
It’s a great article. I travel a lot domestic and international so I am always looking for new ideas or suggestions to fine tune my travel wardrobe.
I’m glad you found it useful!
Thank you for this article! There are too few posts anywhere on the internet that truly help plus sized people for traveling. This has helped immensely for a 2 week trip to Korea in Summer for me. I run at a solid size 18 womens, and was concerned about having to buy more packing cubes than most. I’m a state worker, so my budget is extremely limited. Trying to be practical while frugal is important to me, so I don’t want to over/under pack and then realize I don’t have what I need at my destination.
Glad you found it useful! It’s so important that we have packing tips for as many people as possible 🙂 Have an awesome time on your trip!
Very glad to see packing tips for plus sized travelers! Now if I can only figure out a way to compact my multiple pairs of shoes! Clothes I will wear again and again but shoes need to be rotated, no matter how comfy.
Hi Lesley, glad you like the post! Yes, 100% agree on rotating shoes. My feet get SO swollen especially in the heat so having at least two pairs of shoes to rotate interchangeably is essential. Have you see this post? https://travelfashiongirl.com/best-shoes-for-travel-dont-buy-another-pair-until-you-read-this/
Super helpful stuff here! Would love to see the travel shoe article – Can you repost the link? It’s not working for some reason. Thank you!
Thanks Kimberly! Are you looking for this article: https://travelfashiongirl.com/20-comfortable-and-cute-walking-shoes-for-travel/
As a plus-size woman currently traveling for five weeks, I LOVED LOVED LOVED reading these tips! Thank you! I also relate to having sensitive skin and not being able to use hotel soaps and shampoos.
Glad you liked them!
Thanks so much for this! I’m so tired of seeing posts about how you can fit 22 pieces of clothing into an tiny carry-on … probably works fine if you’re a size 2, but I’m a 5 ft 9′ size 18-20 who doesn’t typically wear skirts and has to carry a LOT of medications. I’ve found that Johnson’s baby shampoo can work for hair, body and laundry… I’m going to Germany in December this year and will rely on my old standard (you covered it well) of using merino wool (plus alpaca & cashmere) layers.
22 clothing items is way too much for any type of travel. 10-15 pieces is a good average whether you’re traveling for 1 week, 1 month, or 1 year. These capsule wardrobe guides should help: https://travelfashiongirl.com/functional-and-fashion-packing-list/
You have nice tips on packing lightly for the plus size. As for the toiletries, you can also choose toiletries that is made all natural specially for women like you who have sensitive skin.
I’m in that weird gap between regular sizing and plus, but have found some designers/lines whose clothing works for me. Definitely lightweight layers, solid colors, all the usual.
Summer tanks under a cashmere or merino sweater are great for winter, with one long sleeved shirt for extra cold days. My entire winter wardrobe is four pieces, plus a rain jacket that spans seasons. I just layer the sweater or shirt over tanks or tees from my summer clothes, add the jeans (over leggings if super cold), and pull out the sneakers. (We’re travelling full-time, so I have one rolling bag, but three full-size packing cubes for my entire wardrobe. That’s it.)
Swimsuits are a big problem because the built in bras tend to take up so much space, but I’ve switched to board shorts and a shelf-bra swim top. (Sports bra and a tank top work as well.)
I’ve turned to UK manufacturers and they have some great bathing suits. This is why I suggest checking out locals. When I lived in Germany I found many great items I had to bring back to the US. It also makes your style yours and uniquely you.
I agree! They have extended bra sizes here in the UK and swimwear too it’s amazing!
I’ve never heard of a hosiery bra? Can you post a link to where we could find them to learn a bit more?
Hi, Spanx, Genie Bra, and No Boundaries all make hosiery bras. Sometimes they’re also called weekend or sleeping bras.
Does anyone have suggestions for busty-er girls? I am a 38F and most of the wire free bras stop at DDD. I’m even okay with an underwire, I just want something that wicks and is quick dry. Are my only options sports bras?
Hi Leah 🙂 This post on choosing bras may be of use to you http://bit.ly/2adtO5R. Also I’ll post your question on our TFG Facebook Page so other readers can share their advice!
Elomi energize is the best sports bra ever. I’m currently wearing a UK 38G. I have used it for karate, cardio kickboxing, running short distances, summer boot camp. It
Goes with me when I travel because it’s extremely supportive and my clothes look good on me. It comes in the standard nude and black as well as a nice hot pink and navy. Good luck.
Awesome tip Karen, thank you!
fabulous, thanks. I am a aize 18-20 and I do struggle with fitting everything in. For undies, I use Jockey microfiber, I do not bring many, maybe 4 pait, and wash in the sink, they will dry overnight. I fill a shampoo bottle 2-3 ounce size with laundry detergent for darks; it adds to my liquids bag but I love having the soap I use at home for the clothes. One outfit I take is a tank & capris that are bamboo which are actually pj’s, advertised as wicking for night sweats! Easy to wash in the sink & dry almost overnight. The tank is a bit revealing, but I just bought Sleevy wonders which I will try out and see if they make the packing list. I do follow the maximista list, altering it a bit; I do not bring dresses or skirts. I do bring a skort in warm weather, or 2. I consider how much each piece of clothing weighs too; I do not actually weigh it, just compare 2 items in my hands. I try to bring only 1 extra pair of shoes, sometimes I will add a lighter sandal. It is a challenge, but I have now travelled carry on only, with 1 rolling bag and a tote.
That’s incredible J! One pair of shoes especially 🙂 once you really drill down on fabrics packing light becomes a science!
I too love skorts. I live in them as much as possible. I only turn to pants when necessary and when the weather gets cold. Bamboo and silk are wonderful fibers for travelling. In winter I love silk and wool. I still wear my sleeveless tanks under lightweight cardigans in winter. Another thing I do is dress at home as I do traveling. It makes everything much more comfortable.
Gr8. Now do a Plus size for winter.
Hi Tess, you might find this useful: https://travelfashiongirl.com/best-thermal-underwear-for-women/ I know for sure Cuddle Dude offers a good range of sizes but it’s best to check individual brands. Lands End might as well.
Also, this post is a good reference guide: https://travelfashiongirl.com/how-to-pack-for-cold-weather/ The key to packing for cold weather isn’t quantity it’s quality as you can rewear clothing with particular fabrics. Thanks!
Exactly. When I travel in Wyoming in the winter, which, I’ve been doing a lot lately. I really do use the same clothes. I simply wear more at one time. I’ve made sure that even though they’re thin, they’re well made and made of good fabric. Microfiber is also both warming and cooling when you wear it in layers. I think my biggest change is a leather jacket instead of the windbreaker, pleather would also work. If it’s 40 below zero I’ll add thin wool socks (normally I wear none).