Women Wear 28 Outfits on Holiday

According to a new study commissioned by retailer Tesco, women go holiday with as many as 28 outfits in their bags. This comes as the survey found that women will change their clothes an average of four times each day of a week-long holiday. However, one in ten say they take the time to change some seven times a day while on holiday. Despite the many times they change, eight of ten admit to not wearing everything they pack!

The research involved answers from 2,000 women, revealing that 37% like to wear different outfits throughout each day of their holiday. Fifty-eight percent said this was for practical reasons, as what they wear in the morning isn’t suitable for the evening or night. However, one in 20 women admitted to changing their clothes several times a day just to make sure they wear everything they packed in their luggage. Nearly 25% of the fashion conscious said their constant outfit changes were noticed by their travelling companion or partner, and more than one in ten admitted it caused little arguments.

The survey also found that the average suitcase for a holiday will include two pairs of jeans or trousers, three swimsuits or bikinis, three pairs of sandals or flip flops and two other pairs of shoes, four dresses, four pairs of shorts or skirts, and six tops. However, women are also very likely to buy two more items of clothing or shoes while on holiday, adding to their outfit options.

It was also discovered that the average woman will only be able to wear two-thirds of what they take with them – one in ten admitted to only wearing one-quarter of the clothes they pack. Nearly 25% also admitted that most of the things they put in their luggage go back home unworn. One in five said they pack so much that they usually go over their baggage allowance when flying abroad for their holiday.

Tesco buying director Bernadette Lusher says that an average day on holiday is unlike a typical day at home. At home, outfits usually involve work or shopping clothes. Holidays can involve several different activities, and every one needs a different outfit – shorts for walking around shops, a bikini for the pool and a chic maxi dress for a meal in the evening. This can make packing for a holiday a nightmare for women travelling by plane, as they can only carry a certain amount.

Lusher adds that the trick is to ensure clothes packing is planned ahead, instead of a whole wardrobe being thrown in to a suitcase. Packing some basic items and accessories can offer several different outfits without over-stuffing luggage.

These findings were revealed after Kelkoo reported last week that about 3.8 million airline passengers paid an estimated £186 million for extra bags last year. From this, it’s been estimated that travellers will pay almost £40 million this year, during just a six-week period over the summer.

More recently, however, it’s been reported that Hungarian carrier Wizz Air is planning to start charging passengers for hand luggage from August 1. The fee will be trialed on its Luton-Katowice route, charging £8 for a bag larger than 42cm x 32cm x 25cm – whether it fits in the overhead bin or not. Carry-ons smaller than this will be permitted for free, provided they fit under the seat in front of the passenger.