Pack a holiday in your hand luggage

How to stay below the 10kg limit —without scrimping on style

2022-06-23 - By Amy Kester

NOTHING fades that holiday glow faster than a missing suitcase. So photos of lost luggage piled high at Heathrow last week sent shudders down our spine. But there is a way to stay stylish while ensuring you and your essentials are not parted: hand luggage. The only problem? Trying to cram a week’s worth of clothes and accessories into one carry-on with a 10kg maximum weight. But Femail’s fashion team has your back with this forensic guide to packing light. Each item has been weighed and chosen to keep you cool and ahead of the fashion (and airport) crowd.

And, for the ultimate cheat, we’ve not included cosmetics or toiletries. Instead, get your miniatures once you are airside. From dresses that won’t wrinkle to the lightest-weight wedges on the market, here’s the only packing list you need...

A light suitcase with room for luxuries

Cabin case, £159, antler.co.uk, 2.8kg AlwAyS check the weight of your suitcase before purchasing. luxury British brand Antler have stylish polycarbonate suitcases that are both strong and light. Roll-up hat and foldable sunglasses Hat, Rae Feather, £70, 90g; sunglasses, Ray-Ban at Sunglass Hut, £137, 40g

RAE FEATHER’S woven hat designs can be easily rolled up and pop back into shape. As for sunglasses, ditch the case and take these nifty foldable wayfarers.

Flip-flops as fancy as sandals

Flip-flops, Havaianas, £22, 290g wHIcH to pick — beach casual or nicer sandals for the evening? you can have both with these metallic Havaianas. Silky scarf can be worn as a top

Silk scarf, L.K. Bennett, £199, 96g

THIS silk scarf could double as a beach top if you tie two corners as a halterneck and two behind your back.

Pyjamas from bed to beach

Pyjama set, Honna London, £115, 200g wEAR this cotton lounge set for breakfast on the terrace, or pop the shorts on over a swimsuit.

Reversible swimsuit

Reversible swimsuit, Benetton, £59.95, 85g

A REvERSIBlE swimsuit will save you pennies and room. This halterneck is made from regenerated ocean and landfill waste.

Linen shirt

Boyfriend shirt, WNU, £100, 210g lINEN is your go-to for hot days.

This shirt can be worn open over swimwear or loose over trousers. Skirt that can double as a dress Maxi skirt, Me+Em, £95, 356g SHIRRED top means this works as a strapless dress, too.

Easy throw-on dress

Crepe kaftan, H&M, £29.99, 235g; Dip-dye maxi (launching July 7), phase-eight.com, £110, 330g wEAR loose over swimwear or tie at the waist with a belt for more of a structured silhouette. Swim-proof jewellery

Ring, £36, and necklaces, from £44, Hey Harper, — total 40g HEy HARpER create waterproof jewels that won’t tarnish when swimming or applying sun cream.

Beach bag

Straw shopper, H&M, £24.99, 437g THIS large straw shopper can be squashed into your case and is big enough to fit your towel.

Lightweight T-shirts

Organic cotton T-shirt, The White Company, £35, 200g

A SImplE white T-shirt is always a failsafe.

Anything but denim shorts

Linen shorts, Boden, £60, 185g DENIm tends to be weightier than cotton and linen — and less comfy in hot weather — so swap for a lighter alternative. Lightweight beach cover-up Silk kimono, Paolita, £390, 140g THIS beautiful kimono features bell sleeves and a tassel waist tie. Holiday friendly shoes

Canvas espadrille wedges, Castaner, £85, approx 600g

ON cOBBlED streets, heels aren’t always practical. These

wedges are made from durable canvas. Quick-dry towel

Beach towel, Dock & Bay at John Lewis, £20, 380g

TOWeLs can be bulky, but not all hotels provide them. Dock & Bay’s towel is lightweight and comes in a pouch. Lightweight loose trousers

Wide-leg trousers, Zara, £25.99, 233g THese have natural creases, so if they gain a few, they won’t look out of place.

Evening bag

Clutch, Accessorize, £11, 90g CUrrenCy, phone, lipstick — there’s not much else you need. This lemon slice purse is slim and easy to pack. Underwear

Bundle pack of 5 knickers, Modibodi, £47.60, 184g

MODIBODI have a great range of moisture-wicking styles to ensure you stay fresh and cool.

Bra

Non-wired bralette, M&S, £12, 56g DITCH your pesky underwires in the heat and opt for a bralette (unless strong support is essential). This features Flexifit technology, meaning it moves with you for comfort.