By Hendrik Pohl
Traveling is so easy nowadays. Plane tickets can be purchased instantly on the Internet, and airports are never more than an hour away. If you are a frequent business traveler, one of the first things you will have to learn about this high-flying lifestyle is how to keep all your clothes looking professional and presentable. Here is a quick guide to bringing your wardrobe from the longest red-eye flight to the most glamorous red carpet event.
Packing Like a Pro
When you are traveling and you need your clothes presentable as soon as you land, it simply wont do to just chuck your wardrobe into the nearest accessible carryall. An overstuffed bag is one of the worst conditions you could create for your clothes. You should either be practical and cut down on what you are bringing, or consider getting a larger bag and then just checking it in.
It doesnt stop with a large enough bag, though. There is a certain way of packing your clothes into your luggage so as to minimize wrinkles and creases while you are in transit. Your most delicate items: Your suit, your fine dress shirts and your silk ties should all be as far away from the edges as possible. A lot of pressure is exerted on the edges of a bag, whereas the middle gets some cushioning from the surrounding articles of clothing.
Place tees, undershirts, underwear and other not-so-fine items at the bottom of your bag. The middle layer should then be occupied by the finer, more delicate articles like your shirts and ties. Finish off your packing with a topmost layer occupied by another set of not-so-delicate items like coats and casual jackets.
The Right Stuff
Consider getting specialty containers for your more delicate pieces of clothing. Garment bags, for example, are a good idea if you are bringing a full suit or a few dress shirts. Not only will the bag keep dust and moisture at bay, but it will also make the entire package easier to handle. A box or a hard cylinder would be great for your silk ties so that there is something to protect them from physical pressure once they are in your bag.
It is not very difficult to procure either item. Both should be available at department stores, clothing retailers and even dollar stores.
Upon Arrival
As soon as you get to your hotel room, it is imperative that you unpack all your bags. This is gives your clothes the opportunity to breathe from the confinement of the bag and un-wrinkle themselves. Hang your suits, shirts and neckties right away, as they will need the most time to smooth down. Call up the hotels laundry service and send out your clothes ASAP, if necessary.
If you need to un-wrinkle shirts, ties or suits in a jiffy, you could ask housekeeping for a steam iron and then steam down your clothes yourself. Make sure to do it at the lowest heat setting to keep from damaging yours stuff. A long, hot shower can also work just as well; just hang your clothes up in the bathroom before turning on the tap. Your clothes should be presentable and wrinkle-free once you finish your bath.
Pohl is a regular author on mens fashion. He is also the owner of Ties-necktie.com - A site specializing in fine mens fashion accessories such as silk ties, pocket silks, and cufflink sets. Pohl also invites you to visit his mens fashion blog.
