Adjusting the Wardrobe

Posted by Gary Mc (Salt Lake City) on 04/12/18 03:45 PM

We have visited Germany 8 times in April over the last 12 years. To me it is just about the best month. Good weather for jeans and layered choices for tops. It is one of Germany's driest months, though we have had rain and even overnight snow.

This year we have another condition for which we must prepare: heat. It has been in the 70's on some recent days and more heat is forecasted to come. The fickled nature of German weather forecasting makes planning difficult. Should I pack some lighter shirts and shorts in lieu of warm shirts and jeans. What if our second week turns seasonal?

My 18in take on roller is not bottomless and shoulder arthritis makes anything larger unwise. Hmm?!

Anyone else going with brilliant ideas?

Posted by Frank

Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA

04/12/18 04:15 PM

23242 posts

We pack nearly the same items winter, summer, rain or cold. It is all in the layers. A couple of light weight layers covers a wider range than one pair of jeans or a heavy shirt. For example - my light weight, cotton blend travel pants is good for summer, spring, and fall. For the winter trip long underwear is added. More comfortable than a pair of jeans. Same for shirts. Always three short sleeves and two long year around. For winter maybe sub a long sleeve for one of the short sleeve but a add a thermo top under a long sleeve, under the rain/wind jacket and I am fine.

Posted by celeste

North Georgia, USA

04/12/18 04:57 PM

1097 posts

I agree about the jeans. I live in them at home, but decided on our last trip that I wouldn't take jeans again. I have a couple of pairs of lighter-weight pants that are made like jeans but are a thinner stretch fabric that are a lot more practical and since they aren't "blue jeans" they look better, too. And layers. I always take a fleece pullover on the plane and pack one, plus a rain jacket. 3-4 short sleeve tshirts and 3-4 long sleeve shirts. That has gotten me through a wide range of weather conditions.
We had the same thing last June that you're experiencing in April - temps from the 40s at the beginning of the trip in Belgium to the high 90s (!!) in Alsace. And Germany, where we spend the most time, was everywhere in between! 70s is not quite shorts weather for me, being from Georgia, but if that is shorts weather for you, by all means, throw in a pair. I wished I had one more shorts and zero jeans!
Have a great trip!

Posted by Andrea

Sacramento, California U.S.A.

04/12/18 10:38 PM

10205 posts

If you wear jeans at home and are comfortable in them, by all means bring a pair. I always take jeans when I travel. You can wear a pair of jean multiple times between washing. But I also have something more comfortable if it gets warm. A pair of shorts won't take up much room in your suitcase. If you take short sleeved shirts you can always put another layer on if necessary.

Posted by Gary Mc OP

Salt Lake City

04/12/18 11:46 PM

1479 posts

It is probably too late to add travel pants to my wardrobe as I will need them shortened. I think I will go with jeans and shorts. The only light cotton pants that I have look like you have slept rough in them after a couple days wear. I will consider travel pants in the future. Thanks for suggestions.