Guide

How many clothes to pack for a week (or two)

For a week away, a simple rule gives you 4 tops, 8 pairs of underwear and socks, 2 pairs of pants, sleepwear, one pair of everyday shoes and a light jacket. The rule behind it: one top for every two days plus one, underwear and socks for every day plus a spare, and half as many pants as tops. Here's how it works for any trip length.

1. Tops: one per two days, plus one

   3 days: 2 tops. 7 days: 4. 10 days: 6. 14 days or more: 7.

   Tip: Pick tops that all go with the same pants.

2. Underwear: one per day, plus one

   3 days: 4 pairs. 7 days: 8. 10 days or more: 10.

   Tip: Past 10 days, plan a laundry stop instead of packing more.

3. Socks: the same as underwear

   One pair per day plus a spare, up to 10.

   Tip: Add an extra pair for hiking or rainy days.

4. Pants: half as many as tops

   3 days: 1 pair. 7 days: 2. 10 days or more: 3.

   Tip: Wear the bulkiest pair on the journey.

5. One set of sleepwear

   One is enough for most trips.

   Tip: Choose something you can also lounge in.

6. One pair of everyday shoes

   Plus whatever your plans need: hiking boots, dress shoes or flip-flops.

   Tip: Wear the heaviest pair while traveling.

7. A light jacket or layer

   Evenings are often cooler than days.

   Tip: In cold weather, swap it for a warm jacket and add a sweater. What to pack for rain

8. Clothes for your plans

   A swimsuit for the beach, a going-out outfit for dinners, a blazer for meetings.

   Tip: Each plan adds a few items. Pack only for the plans you actually have. Beach vacation packing list

9. Get the counts done for you

   Packd counts clothes for the days you're away and adds kit for each plan.

   Tip: Answer six quick questions and see the counts for your trip. Get my packing list

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Updated October 12, 2026