The standard regulation carry-on luggage fits roughly two pairs of jeans, three sweaters, two dresses, and five shirts. If you can, choose knits, wools, and cottons because these fabrics tend to resist wrinkles and be versatile (some garments can do double duty, like yoga pants that moonlight as pajamas).

The number of outfits you can fit in a suitcase depends heavily on your packing strategy and the climate of your destination. In a standard 22-inch carry-on, a traveler using compression packing cubes can typically fit 7 to 10 days worth of summer clothing (lightweight shirts and shorts) or about 4 to 5 days of bulky winter gear. In 2026, the "Capsule Wardrobe" trend is the gold standard for efficiency; by choosing a single color palette and pieces that layer well, you can create up to 15 distinct outfits from just 10 individual items of clothing. If you are using a large 28-inch checked suitcase, you can comfortably fit 20 to 30 outfits, which is often more than enough for a three-week trip. Always remember to wear your bulkiest items—like boots and heavy jackets—on the plane to save maximum internal space.