When you think about packing for a Key West vacation, I doubt you think about taking your cue from President Harry S. Truman’s wardrobe. If you’re like most people, you probably think that it was more Jimmy Buffett in the 1970’s who made flowered shirts, khaki shorts and flip-flops synonymous with the Key West. But truth is, from 1946 – 1948, Truman was the original tropical trendsetter. For President Truman,
working vacations at The Little Truman Whitehouse, called for daily wear of lightweight brightly patterned sport shirts referred to by the press as “spiffy,” “dizzy,” and “wild.”
It’s interesting that both Truman and Buffett came to the same fashion conclusions about the Key West lifestyle, coming from completely different decades and cultural points of reference. But regardless of where you find your fashion inspiration, when you pack for Key West, think ‘Tropical Island’ before you start loading up your suitcase. Keep it light and fun, and enjoy the casual laid back opportunity to dress as colorfully and flamboyantly as you wish.
Key West is a casual island in the tropics, and it gets hot. There is no dress code, so do yourself (
and the airline bag handlers) a big favor and pack light. Most people tend to over-pack for Key West, because they don’t realize how little they’ll actually need when they’re here. Even for a winter trip to the island, the most you’ll use is a sweater, light jacket or windbreaker and some closed toe shoes.
Key West is a walking town, so comfortable shoes and sandals are a must. There are some very nice sandal shops in downtown Old Town, comparably priced to any good shoe store. If you donÂ’t have favorite sandals buy them when you when you get here.
Pack your favorite bathing suit(s), light weight shorts, T-shirts, loose fitting tops, and good polarized sun glasses - think “Beach.” Your vacation rental will have beach towels to use at the pool and the beach.
Because the town is so casual, don’t worry about dress clothes. A couple of sundresses for the ladies and light slacks and a collar polo type shirt for going out to dinner for the guys is all you’ll need.
The sun is intense at this latitude, so sunscreen is a must. There are several convenience stores plus major brand pharmacies with comparable prices on the island where you can purchase most incidentals you’ll need like sunscreen, insect repellent, and hand sanitizer. Pack RX medication you need, an extra pair of prescription glasses, and toiletries you use everyday.
Bring a camera or get a disposable camera, or plan to use your iPhone to capture the inspiring nature, people watching, and historic photo opts. Bring your laptop or iPad if you want to, but plan to lock it up! You wonÂ’t have a problem finding an internet connection, but donÂ’t be surprised if you have some connection problems. Key West is an island 150 miles out to sea.
If you have special snorkeling equipment bring it, but you can rent water-sport equipment at dive shops. Light tropical showers cool the island on some afternoons, so a roll up rain jacket or compact umbrella can be handy for touring around.
Key West has some wonderful tropical clothing stores and boutiques to fit all body types at all price points. You wonÂ’t need many clothes while youÂ’re here, and you can conveniently purchase what you need in Old Town. So you may want to plan to buy your little island wardrobe, including sunglasses, when you arrive.
That brings us to costumes. Key West loves a party and if youÂ’re coming for an event like Fantasy Fest or Pirates in Paradise, and plan to bring a costume, make sure your itÂ’s made of light weight fabric so you donÂ’t roast. Or Â… you could get your body painted.
Remember, Key West is a tiny island with a free spirit far away from big city life. Take the time to slow down, relax, enjoy the tropics … and wear less clothing!
When you think about packing for a Key West vacation, I doubt you think about taking your cue from President Harry S. Truman’s wardrobe. If you’re like most people, you probably think that it was more Jimmy Buffett in the 1970’s who made flowered shirts, khaki shorts and flip-flops synonymous with the Key West. But truth is, from 1946 – 1948, Truman was the original tropical trendsetter. For President Truman, working vacations at The Little Truman Whitehouse, called for daily wear of lightweight brightly patterned sport shirts referred to by the press as “spiffy,” “dizzy,” and “wild.”
