Travel-Friendly Fashion

Ever since the Wright brothers first got their plane off the ground, fashion-conscious men the world over have been trying to grapple with traveling stylishly. It's a well-known fact of life that very few outfits do survive the average red-eye without ending up looking like something the cat dragged in. But there are certain segments of men's fashion that travel well; from there, it's all a matter of putting them together in a smart way.

Jet Set Style Pieces
Wrinkles and creases are the worst enemies of any dressed up traveler, and it's a common issue with most articles of clothing. Some guys choose to wear a more casual outfit on the plane, one that can bear being crumpled. If you're going straight to a meeting from the tarmac, though, a more strategic way to address the problem is to use pieces that can bear or even look better once they've seen a little wrinkling and scrunching.

Knits are a traveler's best friend, and they make the perfect substitutes for cottons and silk on any long commute. Not only can they withstand extended periods of bearing your heft against an airplane seat, but some pieces get added character from being a little worn in. Instead of a vest on a three-piece suit, for example, you could swap the tailored vest out for a sweater vest to make for a cozier layered that requires less fuss.

Are you wearing just one layer under your blazer? Instead of a cotton shirt that'll just get wrinkled up in transit, consider a cashmere turtleneck that's just as sleek as a shirt but has less propensity for scrunching up. Do you plan to wear a necktie with your business shirt? Try a knit necktie instead of a silk one; knit ties are stylish even if you scrunch them up and stuff them in a shoe. Just straighten them out and they'll be good to go again.

Linen is an equally strategic fabric to use for long travel. Heck, you could sleep, roll out of bed and go straight to a meeting as long as you're wearing linen. Nowadays, countless men's suits are being made in linen; a gray one is a very versatile choice, especially if you frequent warmer regions. Linen shirts and slacks are a common item in men's fashion boutiques, and are great things to wear for that trans-Atlantic flight.

Fast Fashion Fixes
Unless you're dressed up entirely in linen, knits and wrinkle-free fabrics, it's inevitable that your outfit gets wrinkled and scrunched up one way or another during the flight. All is not lost, however; there are still a couple of quick fixes you could use to spruce up and arrive just in time, and all in style, for your next meeting.

Pack a sweater vest or a knit turtleneck in your carry-on, just to keep the option open. Should you get too badly wrinkled up during your six-hour flight in Economy, you could always throw on your knit piece and cover up the worst of the damage. If your outfit ends up too bulky with the knit on, leave it on and simply shuck your jacket.

You probably won't get the opportunity to ask for laundry services once you get to your destination, so you'll have to deal with any wrinkles yourself. Some hotels can lend you a steamer for you to give your wrinkled clothes a quick once-over. In case the option isn't available at your hotel, though, hang the wrinkled items up in the bathroom and take a warm shower. The steam should be enough to knock out the worst of the wrinkling.

Travel and fashion are two aspects of life that rarely intersect or agree; most men have to pick just one or the other. For them, it's either you travel comfortably or you get to your destination in style. Once you learn how to travel with the right fashion pieces, however, your linens and knits can get you through even the worst 14-hour flight on Coach.

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