Packing light is the best way to make travel affordable, whether you’re flying with just a carry-on or jumping on the Eurostar. It gives you the freedom to city-hop and explore without being weighed down with extra baggage. Natural fabrics are the secret to travelling light during every season, whether you’re exploring Italy in June, visiting the Christmas markets in Germany or perhaps visiting the seaside within the UK.
We’re passionate about all-natural fashion at Patra and hand-select our fabrics to create high-quality garments without compromising on style. Our ethos of affordable luxury influences our designs that blend timeless silhouettes with contemporary trends. Natural fabrics are at the heart of what we do at Patra and are the best friends of any travel enthusiast.
This guide shares everything you need to know about travelling light using natural fabrics with a packing list of our best-selling Patra classics.
Why You Should Travel with Natural Fabrics
Natural fabrics like bamboo, cotton, silk, linen, and wool are perfect for travel due to their versatility and lightweight design. These fabrics work in any climate, helping regulate your temperature in warmer weather and allowing your skin to breathe, by wicking away moisture to keep you feeling fresh. Natural fabrics are easy to layer, keeping you warm without leaving your outfit feeling bulky.
They’re a travel light must-have as luggage savers, helping you fit multiple days of travel into one carry-on. This travel hack is all about layering, wearing base layers to stay cool during the day and warmer in the evening. Silk base layers are great for packing, folding up into the corners of your suitcase or a small packing cube. They’re easy to wash and quick to dry if you’re taking a longer trip and need to do laundry.
Layers might sound like the wrong thing to pack if you’re heading somewhere exotic, but they’re the key to travelling light. Natural fabrics regulate your body temperature to prevent body odour – even in the scorching summer heat. Silk jersey traps a layer of air around your body, keeping you cool as temperatures rise and warm as they start to drop.
Travelling with natural fabrics means you can pack less, choosing pieces you can layer together for any type of weather. The lightweight feel of these fabrics makes them easy to pack into a small suitcase, saving you from paying excess baggage fees.
How to Pack Light for Travelling, Carry-On Edition
Are you not sure what to pack? We’re sharing our favourite best-sellers that are a staple in our suitcase for any vacation.
Silk travel socks are essential for long flights as they help with circulation and offer all-day comfort. They’ll give you extra support on days when you’re clocking up your steps exploring tourist sites or travelling.
Base layers are crucial when travelling light, keeping you comfortable in any climate. A silk thermal vest is a hero piece for your suitcase, working as a base layer or a lightweight top with its deep scoop neckline. You can layer it under a button-up shirt, dress, or jumper for extra breathability.
It’s easy to forget about base layers for your lower half. If you’re hitting the slopes or travelling in winter, you’ll want to pack silk long johns. This extra fine thermal layer sits seamlessly under trousers, letting you move freely while staying warm. Our long johns also double as loungewear for extra versatility.
Bamboo is a natural fabric you want to pack for layering under dresses or skirts to avoid chaffing. This lightweight layer has a delicate lace hemline that sits just above the knee. Style under a maxi dress in summer or layer under other trousers for a seamless look in colder climates.
Comfort is key when travelling light. If you’re packing anything from this list, make sure it’s this bamboo-cotton crop top. It’s a sports bra, top, and base layer all in one. The smooth fabric is soft against the skin for easy layering while being perfect for sleeping in if you’re visiting hotter climates.
T-shirts are a travel light essential if you’re packing into a backpack or carry-on. Every Patra collection includes t-shirts with a colour palette based on seasonal trends and classic neutrals.
T-shirts are easy to roll up into your suitcase with a relaxed fit to wear over swimsuits or as nightwear.
Swap your t-shirts out for a silk top if you want a more elevated look. The slightly longer sleeve offers a satin trim for a feminine look. You can style a silk top with a maxi skirt or printed trousers for a casual look.
A V-neck t-shirt offers a slim fit for easy layering or styling solo for a minimalist look. It’s perfect for travel days and offers endless styling options while folding into a compact size for easy packing.
Printed trousers make a subtle statement. These easy-fit cotton trousers are ideal for a stroll down the beach or enjoying al fresco dining. Style with a t-shirt for a comfortable outfit to keep you cool in the summer heat.
If you’re lucky enough to be jetting off somewhere sunny, you may wish to add an easy wearing dress, some comfortable slip-on shorts and a light weight cardigan to layer in the evenings. Team together with a lightweight bag for practicality. Our Patra Collection is carefully picked so that our colours team perfectly together so you can make your capsule wardrobe with ease.
What to Wear on a Plane or Car Journey to Stay Comfortable
Don’t forget about travel day when packing your suitcase. You want to choose an outfit you can wear later in your trip, focusing on natural fabrics that are breathable and sweat-wicking. You can wear any of the garments on our packing list for your travel journey.
Whether you’re taking a short-haul flight or catching a red eye, you may be spending hours travelling and need a breathable outfit to keep you comfortable. A lightweight summer dress is our go-to choice for flights with lace leggings for anti-chaffing. You can add a splash of colour with a chiffon scarf to keep you warm against the air conditioning. Our bamboo neck warmer doubles as a face mask during your flight.
Are you shopping for your next vacation? Natural fabrics are easy to pack, whether you’re travelling with just a carry-on or want extra space for souvenirs. Explore our new collection for even more holiday packing inspiration!
Why not send us a photo of your capsule travel looks on social media!
