Almost three quarters (73 percent) of the US consumers: inside out for your holiday wardrobe every year (around 185 euros), a Civicscience survey. According to respondents, the main reasons for the purchase of new clothing instead of the use of existing pieces are the ‘update of the wardrobe’ (45 percent of those surveyed), ‘for a vacation or a trip’ (27 percent) and for about a quarter (26 percent) ‘simply for fun’.
This made me think about the considerable environmental costs of traveling and the growing amounts of thrown away clothing. According to Earth.org, around 37 kilograms of textile waste per person in the United States. In Europe, according to the European Environment Agency, it is an average of around 16 kilograms, so less, but still considerable.
‘Buying for fun’ means a high burden on the environment
In addition, the luggage is becoming larger and heavier, which causes significant costs for airlines. Because the luggage handling makes up a significant part of your total operating costs. Not to mention the increased fuel consumption, workload and maintenance. And every kilo counts, since airlines, according to Physics Stack Exchange, estimate $ 472 (around 436 euros) more fuel per flight for each A380 passenger who only carries two additional kilograms of luggage. No wonder that airlines pass on these costs to travelers who have to pay per luggage.
Therefore, it would indeed be gentle for the environment, the wallet, the wardrobe and your own ego to take as little luggage with you – also called “unebagging”. I wanted to know if it is possible to get by with the minimal luggage for three weeks – a hand luggage with the dimensions 40 x 20 x 25 centimeters. Especially with regard to the last point: Could my fashion Ego get on with less?
What makes “onbagging” successful?
After all, what did it make into your pocket and took into account all eventualities in terms of weather (warm and cooler) and terrain (mountains and city)? Jeans, two T-shirts, a sweater and a fleece jacket were a must; Likewise, two pairs of leggings and a yoga pose. A dress and a few tunics were desirable, as were a light jacket. The consideration of taking a large, warm scarf of 190 x 80 centimeters with them proved to be a clever decision, since it also served as a blanket and yoga mat. A small scarf around the neck and a hat can help with annoying drafts on the plane.
Color coordination is absolutely important. With so few options, travelers cannot afford to have clothing in colors that collide with each other or do not match. If you stick to one or two color areas, everything can be easily combined and gives the outfits a more elegant look (dark blue and olive green worked in my case, even for socks).
I was not sure if there would be an opportunity to swim, but I didn’t want to pack swimwear that I wouldn’t need in the end. So I made sure to take underwear from a rapidly drying material that could also serve as a bathing clothing. Conversely, it could also work -take swimwear with you that can go through as a leisure clothing, such as swimming shorts or tops.
Speaking of materials, it is important to pay attention to comfortable, breathable and functional materials. ‘Fashion May Kill Pain’, as the saying goes, there is no place for uncomfortable, scratchy or non -functional items of clothing if you have a limited wardrobe! In addition, every piece of clothing should “prepare” because you have to wear it again and again.
The ego is most difficult to minimize
“Travelers face three obstacles: A variety of possible future scenarios have to be tamed somehow. Consuming behavior: The scrap that you have has to be reduced to a useful selection. And comfort: We want to be prepared against the inconveniences of traveling,” explains journalist Joshua Rothman in his New York articles “Why can’t you pack a bag? ‘ from December 2024. But he adds, “there is actually a fourth obstacle: you yourself”.
It requires a certain laissez-fairle posture, a serenity with a limited wardrobe; to agree to have to repeat an outfit. Ultimately, it depends on the personality or the ego. In my case, I did an inventory. Was there Outfit-Neid when I saw other travelers (with big suitcases) in more beautiful clothes? Or was it liberating to have a limited wardrobe available because it was easier and less time -consuming?
After the trip it was a certain satisfaction to know that I hadn’t taken anything that was not used – every part was worn often. Socks and T-shirts were a little scarce, but there is also a remedy for that.
Could one reduce even further?
Absolutely! When you visit friends: especially if they are approximately the same size – there is another way to further reduce and borrow the necessary borrowing. That would make really easy travel! Or leave space to buy souvenirs or other objects that you like.
Another option is to rent or the professional compilation of clothing. Many brands or specialized companies such as Rent the Runway, Stitch Fix or Lena the Fashion Library have come onto the market with attractive subscriptions, curations or one -time rental options. However, this requires careful planning and coordination, since you have to check where the service is offered and what is offered.
Travelers may also be able to swap clothes – with friend: inside or strangers. There are now regular exchange events in many cities – exchange parties or exchange shops. Interested parties can simply bring clothes that are no longer loved or needed (but is in good condition), and exchange objects that they find at the event. Participation in clothing exchange exchanges is usually free of charge, especially if they are organized by communities, or a small participation fee can be charged to cover the costs. There are also apps that specialize in clothing exchange, such as Swapco, Douperlle and Nuw. The online platform swapstyle is only dedicated to the exchange, while Vinted and Depop also offer exchange in addition to buying and selling.
And there is always the challenge of “cerobating” – without traveling without luggage – but that includes a jacket with (many) bags.
Conclusion: Light luggage is worthwhile
Is it possible to travel with little clothing, be it on vacation or even on a business trip? Yes, with a little advance planning and coordination. This is also an opportunity to identify loved ones, proven and multifunctional pieces in your own wardrobe and to live slow fashion, that is, to rely on long -lasting clothing. Elegant (travel) clothing stamps such as TRVL DRSS, Japantky, Women by Earn, Lotta Ludwigson and others can help build an elegant travelerobe that is timeless and lasted for years.
Another advantage of onbagging is that you don’t have to carry large suitcases around. And that you have to whiz past the airport at the check-in snakes and don’t have to wait for the baggage ratio.
Last but not least, easy travel is also good for the ego. It confronts you with your own greed, which leads to excessive packs, and the return with clothing that was never worn on vacation, maybe even thrown away and thus contributes to the mountain of unwanted clothing. Restrict to expand-it is a win-win situation, so ‘yes’ for easy travel!