With business travel forecasted to reach $1.4 trillion in 2024, business pros are rethinking their travel wear, shifting from bulky suits and the hassle of ironing in hotel rooms to more versatile and comfortable options.
59% of travel buyers expect the number of business trips at their company to increase in 2024 compared to 2023 (Global Business Travel Association)
This change reflects a broader trend towards efficiency and practicality, emphasizing clothes that look sharp for client meetings yet are comfortable for long flights. The shift from large travel bags to agile, multifunctional pieces reflects a broader change in work and travel habits.
Today, men value clothing that serves multiple purposes—outfits that are as appropriate for boardroom presentations as for navigating airports or unwinding at social events.
The Rise of Athleisure in Business
Athleisure wear is essential for navigating the demands of business travel and daily commutes. Trust me, it’s all I wear, and I commute daily.
The top athleisure brands like Bluffworks, Western Rise, Public Rec, Cuts Clothing, and Vuori are leading this shift. They offer clothes crafted from advanced fabrics that support freedom of movement without sacrificing a polished look.
For business pros constantly on the move or working in dynamic environments, this means fewer outfit changes and a more streamlined packing strategy. You know exactly what I’m talking about if you’re on the road often.
Athleisure travel wear withstands the rigors of daily travel and work, ensuring men look sharp and comfortable no matter where their business takes them.
Key Features of Quality Travel Wear
Certain specifications prove paramount when curating a versatile travel wardrobe. Foremost is an emphasis on flexibility and performance. Fabrics like Merino wool or spandex allow natural movement while resisting odor and moisture.
- Merino Wool: A fine, soft, high-quality wool from Merino sheep. Merino wool has special properties that make it excellent as a clothing fabric, including:
- Exceptional warmth: Merino wool provides effective insulation while still being breathable and moisture-wicking. It keeps you warm in the cold yet cool in the heat.
- Lightweight: Despite its warming capabilities, merino wool has a fine fiber diameter, resulting in a lightweight feel and high comfort.
- Odor resistance: Merino wool contains lanolin, which makes it naturally odor-resistant. Garments can be worn multiple times without retaining unpleasant scents.
- Wrinkle resistance: The fibers have a natural elasticity that allows garments to retain shape well and avoid wrinkles during travel wear.
- Softness and comfort: The fineness of the merino wool fiber results in a smooth, soft hand feel. Non-itchy and comfortable, even against sensitive skin.
Quality athleisure offers comfort, style, and functionality, perfect for frequent business travelers seeking confidence and ease.
Top Picks for Travel Pants and Joggers
Everyone has their own style, but some features set top-notch travelwear pants apart. The fabric and material must be tough against wrinkles and stretch enough to move comfortably in tight spaces. Durable tech treatments also make them a breeze to clean and protect against the weather, spillage, and whatever other chaos comes your way.
Table: Athleisure brands and product features
| Brand | Product Type | Features | Use Cases | Other Pieces |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Western Rise | Evolution Pant | 4-way stretch, durable, water-resistant | Business travel, outdoor activities | Merino tee, softshell jacket |
| Public Rec | All Day Every Day Jogger | Lightweight, zippered pockets, stylish | Casual trips, daily travel wear | Waffle Henley, windbreaker |
| Cuts Clothing | Stretch Traveler Pant | Flexible, moisture-wicking, slim fit profile | Commuting, weekend getaways | Collared shirt, merino sweater |
| Vuori | Tradewind Pant | Breathable, quick-dry, gusseted construction | Warm weather adventures, daily commute | Performance polo, Windshell jacket |
Joggers: The Ultimate Travel Wear Companion
A dependable pair of joggers can make or break a business trip. However, finding a pair that excels in comfort and packability can be challenging. Enter the Public Rec All Day Every Day Jogger, a premium option that stands out.
They are made from lightweight, four-way stretch fabrics and have integrated zippered pockets, providing secure storage for your essentials.
Choosing the Right Travel Wear Pants
While joggers can suit less formal business adventures, sometimes travelwear demands sharper attire. Fortunately, innovative fabrics provide stretch and moisture-wicking material that works.
The Bluffworks Ascender Chino works well for more formal business trips or slightly dressier occasions. The stain—and wrinkle-resistant pants integrate subtle technical touches, from hidden snap closures to a discreet internal security pocket.
When evaluating athleisure travel pants, concentrate on multi-functional wares that provide physical performance and aesthetic sensibilities. The most useful gear multitasks, crossing contexts and occupations with ease.
Athleisure Pieces for a Complete Travelwear Wardrobe
A solid pair of joggers lays the groundwork for a travel-ready athleisure collection, but layering wisely is key to versatility. The best athleisure collections mix essential adaptability with specific benefits, ensuring you’re prepared for any situation.
Think about picking clothes that can transition quickly from the boardroom to the boarding gate. Focus on pieces that serve multiple purposes, making them invaluable in different situations. This strategy allows you to travel light while staying sharp and practical.
The Role of Sneakers in Travel Wear
Choosing the right shoes for travel is crucial. They stand between you and the ground, affecting your comfort, how well you move, and even reducing the risk of injuries.
For travel-friendly athleisure sneakers, look for those that promise comfort, support, and flexibility. Opt for designs with plush, cushioned soles and snug uppers for better shock absorption.
Brands such as On create shoes perfect for bustling airports and uneven streets, with models like the Roger Centre Court Sneakers standing out as a smart pick.
For a slightly dressier twist, consider leather low-tops from Koio or Greats. The stylish sneakers provide a refined lift while remaining walkable all day. Those regularly toggling client meetings, evening dinners, and in-between adventures require such versatility.
Versatile Quarter Zips: A Business Travel Must-Have
Quarter zips are indispensable for business travelers. Their versatility is unmatched, and with a collar that adjusts for formality or ease, they cater seamlessly to the varied settings of business travel—from formal presentations to relaxed transit moments.
Additionally, their lightweight, wrinkle-resistant fabric ensures a polished look fresh from the suitcase, essential for dealing with travel’s unpredictable climates.
The Legends Highland Quarter Zip is crafted from a mid-weight cotton knit with a rib-side panel, ensuring mobility and style. The design is polished with a neat tapered collar and a branded zipper pull, adding just the right amount of flair.
Essential Outerwear for Business Travel
Finding the right jacket that keeps you warm yet looks stylish is key for business travelers.
The TravisMathew Climate Drop Jacket from the City Cold Weather collection is a standout choice. It incorporates FiberCloud® technology within a blend of Polyester, Cotton, and Spandex, ensuring the jacket is durable and flexible enough to adapt to varying climates.
This jacket is a game-changer for cold weather. It combines FiberCloud® insulation with a soft Cloud Flannel lining for unmatched warmth and comfort. Its quilted exterior is perfect for those who want practical yet fashionable cold-weather gear.
Athleisure Travel Accessories
Athleisure backpacks that offer both flexibility and security are essential for active men. When browsing your options, focus on internal layout and anti-theft elements such as concealed passport compartments or zip closures. Choose backpacks made from robust, water-repellent materials to protect your gadgets from water and dirt.
Take the Ekster Grid Backpack as an example of a smart design that meets practical needs.
This minimalist, environmentally conscious bag is made from sturdy 600D recycled polyester, which stands up well to wear and tear and the elements. It also features an air mesh back panel for increased airflow, making it more comfortable to wear. And it looks damn good, too.
Premium backpacks like the weatherproof Ekster integrate innovative features to safeguard belongings across varied conditions and activities. The Grid’s protective padding shields electronics within its rugged, breathable frame.
Final Thoughts
The rise of travelwear for business and daily commutes marks a significant evolution in professional attire. This trend, spearheaded by leading brands with innovative fabric technologies and design, caters to the need for outfits that marry form with function.
Men now have the luxury of transitioning from high-stakes board meetings to casual social gatherings while maintaining comfort and style. The selection of travel pants, joggers, quarter zips, and sneakers signifies a shift towards a more dynamic and pragmatic approach to business wear, reflecting a deeper understanding of today’s multifaceted professional landscape.
