A cruise is one of the great holiday adventures, with new destinations every morning, sundowners at sea, and a wardrobe challenge unlike any other trip. Pack too little and you are scrambling for a formal outfit on the first black-tie night. Pack too much and you are wrestling a suitcase the size of a small car. Our guide covers everything from daywear ashore to formal evenings on board, so you can focus on the part that actually matters: enjoying every moment.
A quick checklist of easy-to-forget essentials:
If you are exploring a port of call during the day, comfort and practicality are everything. Elasticated waist trousers and a casual top are a reliable starting point, and in a warmer climate, a day dress in a loose, floaty fabric keeps you cool while looking put-together. Comfortable footwear is non-negotiable: look for shoes with lumbar support and cushioned soles that will see you through a full day ashore without a blister in sight. A jacket makes an easy extra layer in case the weather turns cooler, and a cardigan or lightweight knit folds neatly into a backpack without taking up half your luggage allowance. For cooler or more changeable itineraries, pack a coat or a pac-a-mac.
Life on board is unhurried, and your wardrobe should match. Reach for cropped trousers, shorts or a maxi skirts for relaxed sea-day dressing. A dress earns its place in any cruise wardrobe: pair a sundress with cushion-walk sandals in summer, and swap to ankle boots for cooler sailings. The sea breeze is considerably stronger on the open water than at the shoreline, so pack at least one warm jumper or cardigan for time spent above deck.
Every cruise line sets its own standards, but most follow a familiar pattern. Understanding the dress codes before you pack will save you both stress and suitcase space.
Do not set sail without your swimwear sorted. Our swimwear is designed to flatter, with built-in tummy control and a supportive fit, so whether you are in the pool or stretched out on a sun lounger with a good book, you will feel completely at ease. For wandering around the deck or a late brunch at the bar, a beach cover-up is essential: our cotton beach shirts throw on over a swimsuit easily and look put-together effortlessly.
As day turns to evening, a cruise gives you the perfect excuse to dress up. Pack a couple of pieces from our occasionwear collection to cover smarter evenings: an evening dress is effortless and works dressed up or down depending on the line’s requirements, while a versatile jacket adds a polished finish and keeps you warm in air-conditioned restaurants. Do not overlook the essentials: cosy pyjamas and slippers make long nights at sea far more comfortable, and a supportive bra for everyday wear alongside a strapless or multiway option for lower-cut eveningwear will see you through the whole trip.