Yes, you can pack extra clothes in your carry-on, but in 2026, you must be increasingly mindful of strict new weight and "one-bag" enforcement policies. Many airlines, particularly in the Asian and European markets, have standardized economy cabin limits at 7 kg (approx. 15 lbs) and strictly enforce the "one-piece" rule, meaning your laptop or handbag must fit inside that single bag. To maximize space for extra clothes, travelers are using compression packing cubes or "wearable luggage" (heavy jackets with multiple pockets). While the TSA and international security agencies do not restrict clothing items, exceeding the physical dimensions of the overhead bin or the airline's weight cap will result in a mandatory gate-check fee, which has significantly increased in 2026 to discourage over-packing in the cabin.