I know I’m getting into a heated debate, but how many t-shirts is reasonable to pack for a trip? Checking reddit and other online forums, a common answer is a t-shirt for each day you’ll be traveling plus one or two extras just in case. 

But if you are going on a long trip like a week or more, that can be a lot of t-shirts, making your luggage bulkier and heavier. If you want to travel lighter with just one bag or just a carry-on, you can drastically cut down on the amount of clothes you pack and still enjoy your trip. 

In this post, we focus specifically on t-shirts. We’ll share some tips on how to travel with just 2 or 3 t-shirts, even for longer trips. If you also want to pack fewer underwear and socks, we have a post with some great tips.   

How Many T-Shirts Do You Need for A Trip?

Exactly how many shirts you pack depends on the kind of trip, where you are going and your preferences. But generally most people pack a shirt for each day of their trip, with a max of 7-10. If the trip is longer than that, you do laundry. 

But you could do with a lot fewer t-shirts than that. Ultralight and one bag travelers pride themselves on traveling with just 2-4 tops. It’s definitely possible especially if you make plans for laundry. 

For longer trips, 5-7 shirts should be enough and you can make do with even fewer if you plan well. 

Many people pack a lot of t-shirts because they assume they don't take up much space. But once you factor in the t-shirts, pants, underwear and all other stuff, your luggage can get bulky fast. Learning how to travel with fewer clothes will make your trips a lot easier and cheaper. 

How to Travel With Fewer T-Shirts

Traveling with fewer clothes is easier than you think. The first step is to get rid of the ‘what if’ and ‘just in case’ mentality. Many people pack a lot of things they ultimately end up not using because of this. 

If you have a clothes-related emergency when traveling, there are plenty of ways to deal with it. In any case, these emergencies usually don't happen.  

T-shirts are a great place to start. Here are some tips on how to travel with fewer t-shirts and tops without inconveniencing yourself. 

1. Plan for Laundry 

Doing laundry on your trip is the easiest way to manage with fewer t-shirts and other clothes. You can rotate between 2 or 3 t-shirts throughout your trip.  

Before you protest, laundry doesn't always mean you have to wash clothes in the hotel sink, though that’s one of the options. There’s probably a laundromat or laundry service near you. Many hotels also have laundry services. If you plan to stay at an Airbnb, you can book one with a washing machine and dryer. 

If you are outdoors camping or overlanding, pack environmental-friendly detergent and a collapsible bucket. There are also some portable washing machines — both manual and electric — that are perfect for washing small items like t-shirts. 

2. Pack a Variety of Shirts

The other secret to packing fewer shirts is variety. Pack two to three types of shirts when traveling: a short-sleeve t-shirt, a long-sleeved t-shirt and a button down shirt. You can also throw in a tank top. 

Having a variety of shirts means you have something to wear in different kinds of occasions and weather. You can also completely change your outfit from one day to another without having to pack a lot of clothes. 

3. Wear the Same T-Shirt More Than Once 

As long as you are not outdoors hiking or running, and you don't sweat too much, you could easily wear the same t-shirt twice. You can do a week-long trip with just three shirts. 

We recommend packing dark-colored shirts that don’t show dirt. Having an inner vest can also help keep your shirt cleaner and fresher. In the evening, hang it to let it air out.  

4. Get No-laundry Shirts 

If you are worried about smelling funky when you repeat shirts, get one of Hercleon’s no-laundry HercShirts. They have antimicrobial treatment that actively kills odor-causing bacteria