It's a good idea to dress in layers. If you're running around in a colder climate, you can take off a layer or two, like your jacket or an outer shell, when going into sweltering restaurant with the heat cranked up. If you're spending a holiday on a tropical beach, you can put on an extra layer, like a long-sleeve shirt or a windbreaker. You will be prepared when the sun goes down and cool winds start blowing in from the water. If you are wearing only thin clothing, or extremely thick clothing, it might become uncomfortable for you when the temperatures change.
It's always a good idea to take into account the weather where you'll be traveling. There are websites online that can give you seasonal weather patterns for locations all over the wold. The types of clothing you'll want to choose will vary with the climate. In colder climates, thicker pants, shirts and sweaters will keep you warm. In warm, humid climates, you might want lighter materials that breathe and reduce the amount of sweat. In drier climates, you'll probably want to choose hats, shirts and sunglasses with ultraviolet light protection. In wetter climates, waterproof fabrics can save you from getting soaked.
Modern materials are usually lighter and more efficient than their predecessors. Water wicking fabrics, often constructed from polyester and treated chemically, don't absorb water like old-fashioned cotton. Clothing with UV protection, made of polyester or nylon, and often mixed with an elastic material like Lycra, protect your skin from the dangerous rays of the sun. If you need fancier clothing for going out, wrinkle-resistant or wrinkle-free fabrics can save you time and money. Woven dress shirts and wrinkle-free blouses and skirts let you avoid the costs and hassles of dry cleaning and ironing.
After you've decided on your materials, the next step is picking out the individual items. Of course, you'll have to take into account how long you'll be gone and where you're heading. Keeping the concept of layers in mind, you might want to consider packing several blouses or shirts, a few pair of comfortable pants for walking, a lighter jacket and/or a waterproof shell to go over it, a sweater and a hat with a brim to protect your eyes from the sun . A pair of dress pants, or a dress or a skirt that can be worn with something underneath (for when it gets cold) might come in handy for more formal occasions. Socks and underwear are a must. Many travel stores carry undergarments that are easy to wash and dry quickly. If you're not sure how often you'll be washing your clothing, avoid white-colored clothing, and the necessity of a separate white wash.
You'll need to pack shoes. By wearing your heaviest shoes on your bus, flight or train, you'll save room for an extra pair or two in your luggage. You'll have to choose your footwear based on the local weather. Waterproof materials and materials that are easy to clean, like waterproof leather, will hold up in all kinds of conditions. If you plan on walking a lot, make sure you have comfortable shoes with strong insoles that form to the shape of your feet.
Weather conditions change, and are sometimes not what you expected. If you're missing an important item, or what you packed just isn't cutting it, take a look at what the locals are wearing. Chances are you can pick up the same types of clothing. Since they live there, they know what works best. More often than not, you can adjust your attire to suit the local climate.
