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TRAVEL TIPS
Packing and selecting business clothing for travel << Return to main library menu
One of the most frequent questions I am asked by my clients is, Ò For Business trips what clothing should I pack for the trip that is appropriate and will not wrinkle?
Before I try to answer their question I always respond with several questions of my own. First, will their trip curtail physical activity such as walking a site or getting in and out of a cab numerous times, or, will they be primarily sitting in meetings? Second, what is the weather forecast and the climate where they are going? Third, is there a possibility that the business trip could be extended? And fourth, will their business and social activities be formal, informal, or both?
There are certain fabrics and weaves that I recommend for travel. They are Worsted wool, micro fiber, and gabardine.
If you prefer to pack your suit or sport coats in a suitcase when traveling take a few steps to reduce wrinkling. Lay the garment down on the bed with the buttons facing the bed. Place a sheet of tissue on the back of the coat and inside the sleeves of the coat. Then carefully fold the coat.
Do the same with your trousers. Lay them out on the bed properly with the legs matching one on top of the other. Place tissue on the outside of the pants and properly fold the garment.
Another tip I learned from one of our customers is to save your plastic shirt laundry bags. Keep your folded shirts, ties, and other clothing items in the bags. The plastic bag will prevent the garments from rubbing against each other, which will reduce wrinkling. Another way to pack a necktie is in a Norton Ditto tie gift box - it packs flat._ Following are some specific clothing tips for traveling.
What trousers are best for traveling?
There are two major considerations when selecting trousers for traveling. First is comfort and the second is ability to resist wrinkles. As mentioned above, fabrics such as, worsted wool, micro fiber, and gabardine will hold up the best and are comfortable. Keeping the climate in mind, choose trousers that will mix and match with coats and other accessories. Darker colors will show less wear.
When traveling what kind of suit or sport coat should I pack?
The first step is to review the type of activities you will be attending. Will they be formal or informal events or meetings? If you desire to travel light I suggest a navy blue or dark gray suit. You can dress them up with white French cuff shirts or add pattern dress shirts to ease the look. When selecting a sport coat choose one with a small or muted pattern because it will be flexible and easy to accessorize. Finally you cannot go wrong with a navy blue blazer. Perhaps it is not the most fashion creative option, but it is always a safe and sound choice.
What shirt is advantageous for traveling?
Probably the best way pack your shirts is to have the laundry fold them. Unless you hand carry your hanging bag, the chances of your shirts arriving neatly pressed is slim. If you choose to carry your shirts on hangers, keep the laundry's plastic cover around them. In fact a plastic cover for each hanging shirt is recommended. Also, button the shirt buttons. If you fold your own shirts for the suitcase then use plastic the same as tissue is used for suits mentioned above. If you fold your own shirts for the suitcase then use plastic the same as tissue is used for suits mentioned above. A shirt manufacture named Eton of Sweden makes a cotton shirt that resists wrinkles (Please ask one of our sales people to show you the shirt). Sport shirts made from TencelTM (made from tree bark) do a great job of maintaining the Òpressed lookÓ.
What accessories should I pack for a trip?
Always take an extra tie and shirt, and keep an extra pair of cuff links in your briefcase or dopp kit. Do not forget your collar stays and extra handkerchiefs. You will find it handy to take a small sewing kit (Hotels sometime supply them.) and collect some extra shirt, trouser, and coat buttons. When you come into the store please ask and I will put together a little package for you. Even if the buttons don't exactly match at the time, it will get you through an emergency. If you have trousers that require a black or brown belt please take both belts. Do not try to force the look.
Last minute tips
¥ Don't forget your passport and a photo ID in these days of e-tickets.
¥ If you need to check your luggage, always wear a sport coat/blazer, and wear/take a pair of dress shoes, in case your luggage does not reach your destination the same time you do.
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