This blog is for both guys and gals. Whether you are new to the RV lifestyle or are a seasoned pro, it can still be tough to figure out clothing essentials to take with you, because news flash! You have limited space.

So, if you want to know how to make living in a camper easier, you must choose wisely.

Luckily, we’re here to help. Minimizing your stuff is a huge part of a successful RV life, and a lot of people get stuck in this area, so you’re not alone. Here’s your full-time RV clothing list (for guys and gals).

Create a Capsule Wardrobe for RV Living

What the heck is a capsule wardrobe, you may ask? Well, it’s simple: It is an abbreviated version of a regular wardrobe with the intent on minimalism, while also giving yourself plenty of wardrobe options. When you create your capsule wardrobe, choose your favorite base color (typically black, navy, grey, or brown) for items such as jackets, pants, and shoes.

Then add some complimentary color with tops and accessories. Try to keep your color options to about 2-3. This makes it easy to mix and match most items. To help you choose these pieces, focus on your day-to-day RV lifestyle.

Chances are, you won’t need a suit to go into the office. But do bring 1-2 nice outfits for special occasions and again, try to mix and match them for versatility. Then focus on what you envision yourself wearing during a typical week of casual wear.

Go With Layers

One of the top tricks for RV living is to dress in layers! Being an outdoor lifestyle, you need to be prepared for all kinds of weather, even in a single day. Think about the climate you plan to spend the majority of the year in and stock your RV closet accordingly.

For those of you who like to follow the warm weather, you will rarely if ever need a heavy coat. Go with windbreakers and lightweight jackets. And for those chilly mornings, a sweater, leggings or sweatpants, and a light jacket will do just fine.

Keep Your Shoe Collection Small

Generally speaking, we like to keep 6 pair (or less) of shoes per person:

Pro storage tip: Use a back-of-door shoe holder to store your shoes. This frees up a ton of space in your RV closet or drawers. If you can pair this down to 3 or 4, go for it!

The Laundry Conundrum

The main message here is to not be afraid to re-wear some items before washing them. Jeans, sweaters, and outer layers can be worn several times before they get dirty.

Having said that, even if your RV has a washer/dryer, chances are it’s small and not practical for washing clothes for a family of four. Sometimes you’ll have to make use of the RV resort laundromat, or the local one in the nearest town.

The rule of thumb is, check to see if every item is really dirty enough to warrant a washing. You may be able to wear it another time or two before you need to wash it. This will reduce the number of wash loads per week.  Items such as socks and underwear can easily be handwashed in the sink and hung up to dry in a pinch.