Luxury Travel Packing Tips

As the European summer beckons, so too does the allure of long lunches by the coast, balmy evenings under striped umbrellas, and mornings spent wandering cobblestone streets. Travel offers a time to slow down, to enjoy, and to savour the small things. But to fully embrace that freedom, your suitcase should be a source of ease, not stress. 

Packing for a luxury holiday is an art: finding the perfect balance between elegance and practicality, options and simplicity. Here, we share our best luxury travel packing tips so that your wardrobe can move with you effortlessly, wrinkle-free, and ready for every sun-drenched moment. 

Pictured: Nettie Maxi Dress, Lara Bag, Tiana Kitten Heel

Curate, Don’t Cram: How Much to Pack 

Before you reach for your suitcase, pause and consider your itinerary. Will you be lounging seaside, attending dinners, exploring markets, or all of the above? Begin with a sense of how your days will be spent, and then build a capsule collection around it. 

Aim to pack around 8-12 core pieces for a two-week summer trip. Choose lightweight garments that breathe and travel well—natural fibres like linen, cotton, and silk are ideal. The goal is to bring pieces that can be worn multiple ways, across different settings, with minimal fuss. 

Start with a neutral base (ivory, sand, olive, black) and then layer in pieces that bring texture or personality—a printed silk dress, a hand-embroidered blouse, a bold earring. Versatility is key: pieces that can go from a morning market to an aperitivo by the water. 

Remember: leave a little room. Whether it’s a vintage linen caftan you discover at a hidden boutique or artisan-made jewellery from a local stall, you’ll want space in your suitcase for the treasures you find along the way. 

Pictured: Nettie Maxi Dress, Lara Bag

What to Pack: Elegant Staples with Endless Potential 

Luxury travel dressing isn’t about having more—it’s about having what works. Pack pieces that can be styled in multiple ways, layered, and dressed up or down. 

Your Travel Wardrobe Might Include: 

• Silk Slip Dress: Day to night in an instant. Pair with sandals and a wide-brim hat by day, or elevate with earrings and strappy heels at night. 
  
• Linen Shirt Dress: Easy to throw on over swimwear or wear buttoned up with leather slides for sightseeing. 
  
• Tailored Shorts: A polished alternative to denim, and more breathable in summer heat. Wear with a tucked-in blouse or an oversized tee.
• Camisole and Wide-Leg Pants: Monochrome looks work beautifully in summer. A silk cami and linen pants offer elegance and ease.
• Lightweight Knit or Jacket: Even in summer, cool evenings or breezy flights call for a layer. Choose something soft and structured.
• Swimwear + Cover-up: A classic one-piece and a cotton or gauze throwover. Refined and effortless.
• Accessories: A pair of statement earrings, silk scarf, sunhat, and one structured handbag for dinners. Keep shoes simple—flats, sandals, and one elegant heel. 

Find the perfect pieces for your luxury holiday in our travel edit, each piece is designed to travel with you and be worn endlessly. 

Pictured: Tiana Kitten Heel, Aude Jacket, Jazz Short Sleeve Shirt, Lara Belt, Jazz Frill Short, Lara Slide, Nettie Maxi Dress, Lara Bag, Primrose Scarf

The Art of Folding (or Rolling) 

Luxury fabrics like silk and linen need extra care to travel well. Here’s how to make the most of your suitcase space while avoiding creases: 

• Roll knitwear and cottons: Tightly rolled cotton pieces take up less space and help prevent lines. 
  
• Fold delicate items with tissue paper: For silk, lay a sheet of tissue between each fold to prevent creasing. Fold items gently—never too tight. 
  
• Pack heavier pieces at the bottom: Let weight anchor the suitcase, leaving lighter items towards the top where they’re less likely to be crushed. 
  
• Use packing cubes: These help separate outfits, simplify unpacking, and keep garments neatly in place. 

When you arrive at your destination, unpack immediately. Hang silk and linen pieces to let them breathe and naturally release travel creases. A light steam or hanging them in a steamy bathroom will do wonders. 

Caring for Luxury Clothes While Travelling 

Even when you're away, a little care goes a long way in preserving the integrity of your wardrobe.

• Bring a fabric-safe travel spray: These help freshen up garments between wears, especially silk or linen pieces that can be aired and worn again. 
  
• Address spills immediately: Dab gently with cold water and a clean cloth. Avoid rubbing. For silk, blot and let it air dry flat.
• Avoid over-washing: Not every piece needs to be washed after one wear. Linen, in particular, benefits from breathing space between washes.
• Use a laundry bag for delicates: If you plan to use hotel laundry services, always place your silks and knits in a mesh laundry bag to prevent damage. 
  
• Steam instead of iron: Most hotels have a steamer available on request. Steam is far gentler on natural fibres and helps garments maintain their shape. 

Packing Mindfully, Living Fully 

The best travel wardrobes are the ones that let you live in the moment. You shouldn’t be worrying about what to wear, or whether your dress will survive the flight. Packing with care, curating your looks in advance, and choosing quality over quantity ensures your wardrobe supports your experience. 

A well-packed suitcase leaves space: space for spontaneity, space for beauty, and space for the memories you’ll gather along the way. Whether you’re dancing barefoot in Positano, dining under the stars in the Greek isles, or watching the sun set over the hills of Provence, your FLANNEL pieces are designed to move with you, to wear beautifully, and to remind you that ease and elegance can always coexist. 

This summer, travel light in spirit and in luggage. Let every piece you pack bring you closer to the feeling of freedom and the joy of living slowly, thoughtfully, and beautifully. 

Enjoy your travels... X