Quick Answer
The recommended number of bags of clothes to bring to college is 3-4 bags for female students and 2-3 bags for male students. This allows for around 2 weeks worth of clothing, which can be mixed and matched for more variety.
How Many Outfits Will I Need?
Most college students aim to have around 10-14 outfits for a 2 week period. This allows you to mix and match different tops and bottoms to create more combinations. Here is a rough estimate of items needed:
- 7-10 tops (shirts, sweaters, etc.)
- 5-7 bottoms (pants, skirts, shorts)
- 5-7 sleepwear/loungewear outfits
- 1-2 exercise outfits
- 1-2 outerwear options (jacket, coat)
- 7-10 undergarment options
- 3-5 pairs of shoes
Having multiples of staple items like jeans, leggings, and basic t-shirts will allow you to mix and match to create more outfit combinations.
How Many Bags Will I Need?
The number of bags needed depends on your gender:
Females
Most female college students need around 3-4 bags for clothes and toiletries:
- 1 bag for tops
- 1 bag for bottoms
- 1 bag for sleepwear/loungewear
- 1 bag for shoes, outerwear and exercise outfits
- 1 tote/cosmetics bag for toiletries and accessories
Females generally need more outfit variety and shoes, so packing separated into categories helps keep things organized.
Males
Most male college students can pack everything into 2-3 bags:
- 1 bag for tops, bottoms and exercise outfits
- 1 bag for sleepwear, outerwear and shoes
- 1 toiletry/accessory bag
Males generally need less variety and fewer accessory items, so condensing into 2-3 bags is possible.
What Should I Pack in My Bags?
Here are some recommendations on what to pack in each type of bag:
Tops Bag
- 7-10 t-shirts, tank tops, long sleeve shirts
- 2-3 sweaters or sweatshirts
- 1-2 nicer tops for going out
Aim for versatile basics like solid color tees that can be mixed and matched easily. Bring layers like sweaters or flannels that can be worn over t-shirts.
Bottoms Bag
- 2-3 pairs of jeans or casual pants
- 2-3 pairs of leggings or exercise pants
- 2-3 skirts or casual shorts (weather dependent)
Focus on leggings, jeans, and basic pants in dark washes. Bring shorts or skirts depending on the climate of your college town.
Sleepwear Bag
- 3-5 comfortable t-shirts, tank tops or long sleeves to sleep in
- 2-3 pairs of pajama pants or shorts
- 1-2 sleep robes or gowns (optional)
Bring an assortment of soft, breathable fabrics for sleeping comfortably. Matching pajama sets are cute but not necessary.
Shoes/Outerwear Bag
- 2-3 pairs of sneakers
- 1-2 pairs of sandals, flats or boots
- 1 pair shower shoes
- 1 jacket or coat
Make sure to bring all-weather footwear like waterproof boots and sandals that can get wet. Have at least one closed toe shoe option for wearing to class.
Toiletries/Accessories Bag
- Shower caddy with bathroom supplies
- Laundry bag or hamper
- Desk/office supplies
- Electronics and chargers
- Medications
- Dorm cleaning supplies
- Face masks
- Wallet, keys, student ID
Having a separate bag just for toiletries and essential accessories will help you stay organized. Use packing cubes, bins or organizers to keep categorize smaller items within the bag.
What Should I Avoid Packing?
Here are some tips on items to avoid overpacking:
- Avoid bringing too many pairs of jeans – they take up space and are hard to wash frequently
- Don’t overpack trendy “going out” tops – bring 2-3 versatile options
- Don’t bring too many pairs of heels or wedges – they are hard to walk in between far away classes
- Avoid bringing large bulky coats – opt for lightweight jackets and layers
- Don’t bring too many fancy accessories – they can get easily lost in dorms
Stick to basics, layers, and comfortable shoes you can walk around campus in. You don’t need fancy club outfits every day for class.
What Clothing Essentials Should I Have?
Here are some recommended clothing essentials to pack for college:
| Clothing Item | Recommended Quantity |
|---|---|
| T-shirts | 7-10 |
| Long sleeve shirts | 3-5 |
| Jeans | 2-3 |
| Leggings or casual pants | 3-5 |
| Sleep shirts | 3-5 |
| Sleep pants | 2-3 |
| Sweatshirts | 2-3 |
| Jacket or coat | 1-2 |
| Sneakers | 2-3 |
| Sandals | 1-2 |
| Shower shoes | 1 |
Focus on versatile basics in easy to match colors like black, grey, olive green, navy and white. Having multiples of key items will give you mixing and matching options.
How Should I Organize My Clothes in the Dorm?
Here are some tips for staying organized in a small dorm room:
- Use stacking plastic bins or storage cubes to store clothing categorically
- Use fabric cubbies, over the door hangers or clothing racks to maximize vertical storage
- Designate drawers for specific clothing types like socks, underwear, t-shirts
- Use bed risers to store bins and baskets underneath your bed
- Hang pants, dresses and outerwear in your closet to reduce wrinkles
- Invest in closet organizers and space saving hangers
- Use a shoe rack or over the door shoe organizers to store shoes
- Keep laundry essentials (detergent, dryer sheets, stain remover) in a separate bin
The aim is to utilize all possible storage space, including under the bed, over the door, and going vertically with stacks of bins and cubbies.
How Often Should I Plan to Do Laundry?
Most students aim to do laundry every 1-2 weeks. Here are some tips:
- Bring enough socks and underwear for 10-14 days
- Bring detergent pods or powder and dryer sheets from home
- If your dorm doesn’t have free laundry, budget for laundry expenses
- Find out your dorm’s laundry room hours and be strategic about timing
- Try to do laundry during less busy times like weekday mornings
- Check your loads promptly so others can use the machines
- Set reminders on your phone when loads will be done
Coordinate with any roommates you share machines with. Do laundry as needed when clothes start piling up or smelling. Having enough basics will ensure you don’t run out of essentials before laundry day.
What If I Need More Clothes During the Year?
If you find you need more clothes during the school year, here are some options:
- Ask parents to send essentials you missed
- Order online from affordable retailers for fast shipping
- Check local thrift or consignment stores near campus
- Split an order with roommates to save on shipping
- See if your campus has a free clothing donation program
- Swap or borrow clothes with dorm friends around your size
Before buying anything new, see what you can obtain secondhand or for free on campus. Many colleges have clothing drives and free student clothing resources.
What Clothing Should I Bring According to Season?
Pack clothing appropriate for the season you’ll be starting college:
Fall Semester
- Light jackets, hoodies, flannels
- Long sleeve shirts
- Jeans, leggings, casual pants
- Boots, sneakers
Winter Semester
- Heavy coats, puffer jackets
- Sweaters, sweatshirts, turtlenecks
- Scarves, gloves, hats
- Jeans, fleece leggings
- Snow boots, warm socks
Spring Semester
- Light jackets, denim jackets
- Short sleeve shirts, tank tops
- Skirts, shorts, dresses
- Sandals, slip on sneakers
Check the average seasonal temperatures at your college to help decide what to pack. You can always buy additional seasonally appropriate clothing once you arrive on campus.
Tips for Packing According to Weather
Here are some tips for packing clothes according to your college’s weather:
- Check monthly temperature and rainfall averages to see usual ranges
- Pack clothes in breathable fabrics like cotton if summers are hot
- Bring a waterproof rain jacket and umbrella if frequent rain
- Pack an assortment of shorts if you will experience warm winters
- Bring layers like light sweaters and flannels for cooler springtime temps
- Consider thermal leggings and base layers if winters get very cold
- Don’t forget sun protective clothing like hats if strong sun
Your wardrobe needs will vary depending on whether you’re in a warm, four-season, or wintery climate. Check forecasts during move in week to finalize what to unpack first.
Conclusion
Packing the optimal number of clothes for college means bringing enough variety for 2 weeks without overpacking. Most students can fit everything into 3-4 bags for females and 2-3 bags for males. Use organizational tools like bins and hanging closet organizers to maximize storage in dorms. Do laundry every 1-2 weeks and buy additional essentials as needed for your climate. With some planning and creativity, you can pack just what you need to stay styled, comfortable and ready to take on college life!
