How To Pack For Heat And Humidity, According To Style And Beauty Experts

Summertime means it’s hot and sticky in the South, which can be a major obstacle to looking presentable, let alone photo-ready. You have access to your entire wardrobe and beauty toolbox at home, but what about when you’re traveling to somewhere hot and sticky — elsewhere in the South, or anywhere else in the world? 

Yes, it’s a challenge. But fear not: We tapped style and beauty pros to share their top packing strategies to help you prepare for that hot and humid trip. Here’s how to pack so you look cool and collected in those vacation pics — with nary a raccoon eye or sweat stain in sight — wherever you may roam. 

Pack lightweight, breathable fabrics in lighter colors.

Fill your suitcase with clothes in fabrics that are lightweight and breathable. “My personal favorites include cotton (bonus if it’s organic), linen, micromodal, and bamboo,” says stylist Lauren Rae Levy. “Avoid fabrics like rayon and polyester in humidity, as they will stick to your skin in a humid, moist climate.”

Stick to lighter colors that don’t absorb heat from the sun too. “Although navy is a great summer color, it is dark enough to suck up extra heat from the sun and make you warmer,” Levy says. You don’t want that. “Instead, in these temps try sticking to neutrals and pastels as they won’t absorb additional heat.”

Because you’ll be sweating, you’ll need to pack even more options for light-colored clothing to keep you feeling fresh — especially basics and staples — unless you plan on doing laundry at your destination. “Keep in mind you’ll likely need more changes of T-shirts and tanks than you would need normally,” says Doni Belau, the founder of the woman-only tour company Girls’ Guide to the World who spends part of the year in New Orleans and travels frequently to hot and humid climates. “You’ll be grateful if you have a pack of V-neck white tees, as well as a few light-colored tanks and scoop necks on hand." 

Pack loose-fitting silhouettes (but don’t skip the skivvies).

Choose a vacation wardrobe full of flowy silhouettes, like skirts and maxi dresses that fit loosely. “I also advise against wearing clothes that are overly tight as sweat marks are not a good look,” Levy says. “Something that just hangs a bit off your body, but still has a nice fit, is perfect for this weather.”

Belau adds a note of practicality. “Free-flowing dresses are a must, as the breezy flow of air makes the heat more bearable,” she says. “But focus on those which do not need ironing,” she says. 

Plus, consider what you're wearing underneath your outfit. “Moisture-wicking undergarments will be your best friend to provide comfort under your clothes," Levy says.

Pack a topper or two.

Don’t forget to pack a hat to create your own shade wherever you go as a built-in respite from the heat and humidity. “Pack cotton, linen, or — my personal fave — straw hats,” Levy recommends. “These hats will be your best friend: Aside from shading you from the sun, they are breathable and have moisture-wicking capabilities.”

Belau recommends packing not just one but two hats to cover all bases in your travel itinerary. “Pack one lightweight straw hat and one light-colored baseball cap for more active days,” she says. 

Keep makeup minimal — and keep it in your carry-on.

Even if you usually wear a full face, traveling to hot and humid places can be the perfect time to “highlight your new tan and natural radiance” with only a few light, multipurpose makeup products, says Sam Kyle, creative director and makeup artist at Mirabella Beauty.

She advises that a multi-use highlight and contour palette can become a one-stop shop for bronzer, highlighter, contour, and even eyeshadow. “Choosing a single palette makes it even easier to fit your makeup bag into a carry-on luggage,” she says.

And you should definitely plan to keep makeup with you in a carry-on. “When traveling via plane to hot, humid trips, I always advise packing cosmetics in a carry-on to ensure makeup remains in temperature-controlled areas to avoid melting or overheating,” she says, “Checked bags are often left outside for extended periods of time and roughly handled in transit during travel which can lead to the discovery of melted or broken makeup upon arrival to your hotel or Airbnb.”

Use waterproof makeup and a setting spray.

Whatever makeup you do bring, make sure it’s up to the task. “Whether you plan on swimming or being near water during a hot, humid trip or just being outside for extended periods of time, waterproof mascara is another MVP makeup must-have to prevent running or smearing eye makeup through the day,” Kyle says.

And do finish your look with a makeup-setting spray. “A good makeup-setting spray is a game-changer on trips like this, especially in a travel-size that is TSA-approved,” she says. Before venturing out into hot, humid temps, mist the makeup setting spray over the face to set and secure both liquid and powder cosmetics. This will minimize melting, caking, or fading during wear.