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There’s plenty to deal with when planning a trip; your packing list doesn’t need to be one of them. If you wear men’s clothing, it’s relatively easy to build a travel wardrobe that can take you just about anywhere — be it a business trip or a seaside retreat. Ahead is a brief guide on how to build a travel wardrobe, and an example of a lean, mean (and affordable) 10-piece packing list to fill any gaps in your current setup.
How to Build a Travel Wardrobe
Excluding underwear, socks, and accessories, men’s wardrobes really boil down to four categories: shoes, bottoms, tops, and layers. If you’re trying to keep your suitcase as light as possible, there are only a couple of pieces within those categories that you’ll need to be ready for anything.
Shoes: Two pairs of shoes will be enough for most trips. In my opinion, that’s loafers and sneakers. Loafers obviously satisfy any dressier adventures, but they’re mellow enough to wear casually too. Sneakers are necessary for walking, and the right pair won’t look out of place in vacation settings around sandals.
Bottoms: Unless you need a full suit, jeans, chinos, and shorts will be enough for almost any trip. Jeans and chinos can be dressed up or down, and shorts are always good to have in case the weather warms up.
Tops: Shirting should be the most abundant section of your suitcase. A flexible but minimal setup for most trips can be a dress shirt, a casual button-up, a polo, and a T-shirt. That will satisfy all levels of dress codes, and (more importantly) keep you comfortable.
Layers: Outerwear, sweaters, and jackets are the most variable part of a travel wardrobe, depending on the weather at your destination. But the two things you’ll usually want to bring are a blazer or sport coat and a sweater. Add a big coat and more sweaters for chilly trips.
Travel Wardrobe Essentials from Men’s Wearhouse
Ahead, I’ve created a sample suitcase using 10 travel-ready pieces from one retailer: Men’s Wearhouse. Although best known for its suits, the always dependable retailer has some great travel pieces, too (and they’re all very affordable).
Jeans
Joseph Abboud Straight Fit Stretch Jeans
Comfy jeans are a must for any travel. And, if they’re comfy enough, you can wear them on the plane, too. This pair from Joseph Abboud is one of those, featuring a slightly stretchy denim for flying, walking, sitting at restaurants, and anything else. Plus, they’re pulled-together enough to dress up, if need be.
Chinos
Joseph Abboud Comfort Stretch Chinos
Chinos are always good to bring, in addition to jeans. You can wear them with loafers and sport coat for business trips, or with no shoes and a tee around the beach resort.
Shorts
Joseph Abboud Comfort Stretch Chino Shorts
Shorts are obviously weather-dependent, but usually good to have. We like this slightly stretchy pair (also from Joseph Abboud), which work for lounging, golfing, or cruising around.
Loafers
Dockers Colleague Penny Loafers
Penny loafers are the most versatile dress shoe, since they work with full suits or shorts. Luckily, they’re also the most trendy shoes at the moment.
Sneakers
Gola Court Sneakers
Travel sneakers should be as classic as possible. These Gola Court sneakers fit the bill, and they’ll blend in just about anywhere, with any outfit.
T-Shirt
Awearness Kenneth Cole Performance Tee
These performance tees from Kenneth Cole feature the brand’s CHILLFLEX technology for maximum stretch, temperature control, and moisture-wicking powers. Grab it in a few colors before your next excursion.
Polo
Joseph Abboud Luxe Cotton Polo
Polos are another wardrobe Swiss Army knife. A good one, like this, can be rocked under a blazer or with swim trunks.
Button-Up
Joseph Abboud Seersucker Stripe Shirt
You’ll also want something between a polo and a dress shirt, if only to switch up looks. This seersucker stripe shirt is a great option.
Dress Shirt
Pronto Uomo Modern Fit Dress Shirt
If your trip will involve getting dressed up, toss in a real dress shirt. White is always the best bet, and this one is wrinkle-resistant for a fresher look when you arrive.
Blazer
Joseph Abboud Classic Fit Premium Wool Blend Blazer
If you don’t want to bring a full suit, a good blazer or sport coat will do. This one is as classic as they come, and will look good with the jeans, chinos, and any of the shirts above.
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