Traveling is full of exciting adventures and new experiences, but it can also present unique challenges, especially when it comes to staying fresh and odor-free. There's nothing worse than feeling self-conscious about your hygiene when you're away from the comforts of home. Fear not! We've compiled a list of handy hacks to help you keep your clothes smelling clean and fresh throughout your journey.
1. Consider fabrics wisely
Your choice of fabrics can significantly impact your freshness while traveling. Fabrics like spandex, nylon, acrylic, and polyester are known for being less breathable and more likely to trap heat and odors. If you have clothing items with these materials, try to keep them as outer layers and wear them in areas where you sweat less. Scarves and gloves made from these materials can work well for areas like your neck and hands that may not sweat much.
L to R: 1. Quince modal tank, 2. allbirds lyocell and merino wool bra, 3. Quince linen collared short sleeve shirt
L to R: 1. allbirds cotton tee, 2. Quince mongolian cashmere tee, 3. allbirds lyocell and wool long-sleeved tee with odor-repellent technology
L to R: 1. Quince merino wool quarter-zip long sleeve, 2. allbirds cotton, hemp, and lyocell sweatshirt, 3. Quince baby alpaca wool cardigan
2. Choose breathability
Packing a capsule wardrobe is key for having outfits that are interchangeable. While coordinating your capsule, fabrics that don't carry odor and thus don't require washing after every use are worth investing in. Woolen, cashmere, bamboo, and other natural fabrics are breathable, long-lasting, and stay refreshed. Use these as much as possible or at least in your innermost layers, and in the places you sweat the most.
L to R: 1. allbirds lyocell and merino wool brief, 2. Quince linen wide legs, 3. allbirds cotton, hemp, and lyocell shorts
L to R: 1. Quince modal jogger, 2. Uniqlo AIRism joggers , 3. H&M rayon and linen wide legs
L to R: 1. Uniqlo linen jumpsuit, 2. Quince linen mini dress, 3. allbirds merino wool runner shoe with water-repellent shield
3. Pack cedar spray
A travel-sized cedar spray can be your best friend when it comes to keeping woolen and cashmere fabrics fresh after each wear. Cedar not only neutralizes odors but also acts as a natural repellent against dust mites and moths. If you can't find a cedar spray, you can make your own with this recipe:
Here's a homemade recipe:
- travel-sized spray bottle
- 20 drops cedar essential oil
- 1 part rubbing alcohol
- 2 parts water
- spritz and sniff to see if you can smell the cedar, add more drops if needed
L to R: 1. French chic living spray, 2. Cedar wood sachets for packing, 3. Now cedarwood essential oil, 4. 2 oz. glass spray bottle, 5. Isopropyl alcohol
4. Pack bacteria killing spray and detergent
For fabrics that aren't woolen, a sanitizing and bacteria-killing spray can extend the time between washes and help your clothes last longer. You may need to transfer it to a travel-sized bottle. Look for products by searching antibacterial fabric or fabric sanitizer to keep your garments fresh and odor-free. In case you still need to wash things, like your underwear, use this travel-sized laundry detergent for hand washing in the sink.
L to R: 1. Tide antibacterial fabric spray, 2. Clorox fabric sanitizer, 3. Tide travel sized laundry detergent for handwashing
Check out the Building a Capsule Wardrobe workbook for more fabric, care, and wardrobe-building ideas. Share your favorite travel hacks in the comments!
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