Your Last-Minute Suitcase Essentials

Travelling can be one of the greatest joys in life but a successful holiday depends on how well you pack for it. Properly packing everything you need for your getaway is a difficult task that even the most frequent travellers struggle to pull off. From an endless list of toiletries, figuring out the correct travel adapter or counting the exact amount of underwear to bring, it’s almost inevitable that you’ll forget something. Often, the default solution is to overpack in a hurried panic, but that’s an unnecessary stress when relaxation is the name of the game.

Luckily, we’ve devised a failsafe guide for last-minute suitcase essentials so you’ll dodge those overweight luggage fines whilst remaining prepared for any scenario you may encounter at your destination.

Accessories can make or break an outfit. A belt may be the most trustworthy travel item that delivers in both fashion and function. Although it may be one of the most essential items in your wardrobe, when it comes to packing your holiday suitcase, a belt is often the easiest to forget. For something versatile, our classic suit belt, made from 100% leather and available in black, tan and tobacco brown is guaranteed to compliment any clothing combination you’ve packed in your suitcase. Alternatively, choose our patterned gaucho belt, crafted in Spain using artisanal techniques, to spice up your holiday attire with an international flare.

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Whether you’re heading on a quick business trip, jet setting to a beach destination or globetrotting from one cultural city to the next, it’s certain you’ll need a bag (or three). A capacious and durable bag is a must-have when you’re travelling – but don’t make the mistake of bringing just your carry-on.

Our selection of sustainably made luggage, created in partnership with London-based bag makers Troubadour, offers a range of options suitable for all travelling scenarios. The stylish and practical Embark Compact Duffle provides the space and padding perfect for the digital nomad or anyone off on a short business trip. For something smaller, the pocket-size Caboodle Crossbody is an elegant and compact compartment to sling over your shoulder that keeps your phone, passport and all the essentials together in one accessible place.

Perhaps one of the biggest bugbears of travelling is figuring out what electronic adapter to bring. If you’re a tech-head with multiple electronic devices, an adapter should be a top priority on your packing list. A quick online search will reveal which one is correct for your given destination, but to be safe, invest in a universal travel plug so you’re covered no matter where in the world you’re heading to. But of course, a seasoned traveller like yourself already knows that.

The most effortless way to appear smart and stylish whilst you’re abroad is to come prepared with a shirt. Depending on how much luggage space you have, it’s best to bring two or three options so you’re not stuck for choice. For the perfect holiday shirt, it’s all about the material. If you’re heading somewhere hot and sunny then linen is the secret to feeling and looking cool. Try out our Plain Linen Slub shirts, made from 100% linen and woven in Italy, which provides the look of a classic white button down but made of a more breathable fabric than the usual cotton.

Elsewhere, a chillier destination calls for layers. In this instance, our overshirts – crafted from artisanal twill woven in Japan – are internally lined and can be worn over a T-shirt for a smart-casual look.

A holiday is all about relaxation, but it’s also a time to keep your brain ticking. It’s always wise to bring a good book with you whilst you’re away, be it a riveting beach read or a thrilling page-turner to keep you occupied on a long haul flight. Airports don’t exactly provide the best selection of books to choose from, so it’s better to be safe and pack your own. Perhaps there’s a novel on your bookshelf that you’re yet to crack open? Or maybe there’s a non-fiction must-read you’ve been intending to sink your teeth into? If you’re stuck for options, we recommend sifting through some bestseller lists to find a book that’s just right for you.

When it comes to packing a suitcase, it’s tempting to prioritise the more frivolous items in your wardrobe, but be sure not to overlook the bare necessities such as underwear. It may seem obvious, but we’ve all forgotten to bring enough underwear on holiday more times than we may care to admit.

The trick is to pack a pair for each day you’re away and always be sure to chuck in a few extras (in case of emergencies). A holiday is an excuse to luxuriate, so why not treat yourself to a premium pair of pants? Our cotton boxers are a classic comfort fit, or you can even match your underwear to your shirt with a striped pattern that features on both our best-selling button-ups and our boxer shorts.

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