Packing Tips for Plus-Size Travellers

While we all tend to pack a little bit too much for a vacation, plus-size people are usually even more prone to this problem. Not only is plus-size clothing bigger due to extra material, but you might also choose to pack extra options to cover-up which leads to a bunch of unnecessary extra luggage. However, everyone can travel light today! Here are a few tips for plus-size travellers who want to leave their huge suitcases at home and opt for a light carryon.

Start with a good suitcase

Since your clothing contains more fabric, you will simply need a little more space in your luggage to accommodate all your items. You want a suitcase that’s light-weight and compartmentalized. This will allow you to keep your luggage organized and practical no matter how many things you manage to stuff inside.

Pick a good travel outfit

Before you start packing your suitcase, think about the outfit you’ll wear while travelling. You can dress light or grab your comfiest sweatpants, but that’s not a good use of your travel outfit! Instead, choose something that’s structural, has more fabrics and can be worn a few times on your trip. This way, you’ll save a lot of space in your suitcase and not freeze at the airport (these are often unnecessarily cold).

Get your priorities straight

Items you can’t find in stores at your destination need to be your priority when packing. Think quality denim, dresses and fitting underwear. Also, pack a bathing suit no matter where you go. Even if you hit Australia in the middle of winter, there will be hotel pools, hot tubs and spas that will call your name. Luckily, you can grab fitting plus size swimwear in Australia but not every destination will be suitable for plus-size shoppers like Oz.

Roll your clothes

Rolling your clothes is an old trick but so useful. If you grab your underwear, roll it up and secure with a pair of socks, you’ll have little ready-to-go clothing burrito. You can also grab your pants, pair them with a shirt and roll them together for complete outfits you can just throw on in the morning. You’ll be surprised how much space you’ll save in your suitcase using this technique.

Think light fabrics

Light fabrics not only have less material, but they also keep you cool which is great if you get sweaty easily. Additionally, if you need to wash a piece of clothing at your destination, light fabrics will dry much faster (no need to struggle with unfamiliar washers and dryers of Europe and Asia).

Choose outfits that can be elevated

Pieces that can easily be improved with a single accessory are perfect for light travel. For instance, you can pack a universal sweater dress or a pair of great jeans and a tee. Depending on the occasion, both your sweater dress and your jeans can look either very casual or quite formal. If you combine your jeans with an elegant pair of loafers, a blouse and a bold piece of jewellery, you’ll look amazing no matter the occasion. You can also spice up your plain coat with a belt and make it look new, chic and expensive. Plus, these looks are both sharp and comfortable and that’s all you need from your travel outfit!

Use all storage available

If you’re an amateur light traveller, there will always be spots that you overlook when travelling. For instance, you can pack your socks, tights and accessories tightly and stuff them inside your shoes or in the cups of your bra. Bras are notoriously hard to pack, but if you fold them in, the concave space left in your cups will hold enough room for a tank top or some underwear. This bundle will keep your cups from getting squished and allow you to use your luggage space better—it’s a win-win situation.

Don’t forget some anti-chaffing products

Almost every plus-size woman knows just how horribly thick thighs tend to chafe, especially in hot environments. Luckily, you can pack some Vaseline and rub it on your thighs or bring baby powder. Another great idea is to grab a pair of cheap men’s cotton boxer briefs that will protect your thighs under dresses.

No matter your size, you deserve to travel light and stress-free. So, keep these tips in mind before you start packing for your next trip and you’ll manage to travel smoother than ever!