City break or beach escape: wherever you’re heading, a smartly packed suitcase filled with essential summer staples is an absolute game changer. Not because you’re out to win “Best Dressed” at the airport (though you easily could), but because it saves you from that daily holiday dilemma: what do I wear today? Pack smart, and you’ll be ready for whatever your summer escape throws your way, without fuss or overthinking. So, what to pack for a summer holiday? We at SANVT have crafted a smart, minimalist packing list featuring sustainable summer essentials that have style and purpose.
Let’s face it: most of us don’t love packing. It’s either a last-minute scramble or an overstuffed suitcase full of clothes that never see daylight. But here’s the trick: packing smart isn’t about squeezing in as much as possible, it’s about choosing the right pieces that are minimalist, versatile and functional. Enter: the smart suitcase. With just a few well-chosen summer essentials, you can create endless, effortless looks that are both considered and easygoing.
What to Pack a Your Summer Holiday: Tops
T-Shirts
An obvious hero piece in a suitcase for the summer holiday is a high-quality, breathable cotton t-shirt. And not just one, pack a small selection in fresh summer tones. SANVT’s perfect t-shirt is crafted from 100% extra-long staple (ELS) cotton, one of the rarest cotton types in the world, making up less than 1% of the global market. This North American cotton is the secret behind its silky softness and impressive durability. Our top colour picks for summer? Dust Blue, Dust Grey and classic White: versatile shades that pair effortlessly with almost any palette.
And if you want to add a dash of Mediterranean flair, then pack a striped t-shirt as well to bring that understated, nautical vibe. Think Riviera cool. SANVT’s striped t-shirt is crafted from heavyweight 235 gsm organic cotton, making it a solid choice for balmy evenings and cooler summer days. Despite its weight, the innovative knit keeps it surprisingly breathable. In short, it keeps you cosy without turning up the heat.
Lightweight T-Shirts
If you’re heading somewhere where the temperature doesn’t dare drop below 30°C, you’ll want a lightweight t-shirt in your line-up. Handcrafted from a premium cotton-Lyocell blend, SANVT’s summer t-shirt weighs in at a breezy 160 gsm, offering top-tier breathability and airflow. The ultra-fine texture feels almost cool on the body and adds an extra bonus to the comfort. Go for the summer-perfect shades of sage green and off white.
Polo Shirts
For evenings that call for something sharper, like dinner dates or fancy rooftop drinks, the perfect polo is a no-brainer. In classy white or timeless light blue, the polo easily walks the line between sporty and sophisticated, depending on how you style it. Crafted from a 220 gsm pique knit, it offers both softness and superb temperature control, plus a durability that can handle whatever your travels throw at it.
What to Pack for a Summer Holiday: Bottoms
Shorts
When it comes to summer essentials, the right pair of shorts is non-negotiable. They’ll serve you well from city strolls to beach days, all while delivering supreme comfort. Made from a refined mix of organic cotton (97%) and a hint of elastane (3%), SANVT’s smart shorts offer the perfect blend of minimal design and movement-friendly comfort. Olive green is a particularly smart pick for summer, as it pairs seamlessly with off white, sage green, white, and olive grey tees.
Chinos
No suitcase is complete without the perfect pair of chinos. No matter if you’re packing for your summer holidays or a business trip. They’re the sweet spot between smart and casual, cut from a technical fabric that breathes and moves with you. Details like high-end metal cord tips elevate the look, while the dedicated smartphone pocket and cleverly hidden back pockets make them as practical as they are stylish. Beige or ivory chinos work brilliantly in light, tonal outfits, but don’t forget to pack a navy pair too, which combines perfectly for smarter looks with a crisp white or blue polo or a dust blue tee.
Jeans
Unless you’re jetting off to the tropics, a light blue pair of jeans should definitely make the cut into your smart suitcase. They might not scream ‘summer’, but they’re surprisingly versatile for hikes, spontaneous festivals, or laid-back evening drinks. SANVT’s perfect jeans feature a straight, universally flattering cut and a premium denim made in Italy from 24% post-consumer recycled cotton and 76% Blue Seed organic cotton. This innovative cotton is longer-fibred, softer, more durable, and significantly more sustainable, using less water and zero toxic chemicals. For the ultimate no-effort summer look, pair them with a tucked-in white tee and Birkenstocks. Simple. Cool. Sorted.
By the way, you can find out how to wear jeans in summer here.
Smart Packing: The Takeaway
As you can see, you don’t need to haul your entire wardrobe around the globe. A small, well-curated selection of versatile essentials can be mixed and matched for a variety of occasions and weather conditions. The secret? Minimalist, timeless designs that are as functional as they are stylish. With the right basics, you can travel light and still dress smart every day. Now, all you need is your sunscreen, a slick pair of sunnies, and a good book. Bon voyage.