Travel Tips from TopShelf Apparel
Did you make a resolution to travel more in the new year? Explore new cities? Go on more weekend getaways? Our experts at Top Shelf Apparel have put together a guide to help you pack smarter, so you can take the stress out of travel preparations, and avoid a bag full of wrinkles when you arrive at your final destination. Browse our selection of exquisite duffle bags, day bags, toiletry bags and more, and find the perfect outfits, shoes, and accessories to perfectly complement your 2018 adventures.
Find Your Perfect Bag
When shopping for your perfect bag, here are a few things to consider:
Size: How much do you need to bring? Are you packing for a day of sightseeing, an overnighter, a weekend, or longer? Will you need to bring layers or extra shoes? How about formal attire for a nice dinner or event? Choose a bag that will fit your shoes, clothes, toiletries, electronics, camera, and everything else you need without it being stuffed. You need to be able to reach in and find what you need, without having to undo your perfectly packed possessions. Everything you need for a few days away will fit in a large weekender duffle bag, while this Dionigi Gray-Brown Leather Travel Bag is the perfect size for a daytime excursion when all you need are a few essentials like a camera, cell phone, wallet, and umbrella.
Comfort: How long will you need to carry your bag? Whether you’re loading your bag in the car for a road trip, or carrying it through the airport, be sure to find something that’s comfortable to carry, even when it’s full. You might only need to carry it a few minutes at a time, or you could end up hauling it around an airport with you, waiting for a connecting flight. For the ultimate in versatility, choose something with both carrying handles and a detachable shoulder strap, like this Canali Exclusive Suede Weekender Duffle Bag .
Durability and Security: Is your luggage going to be exposed to the elements at all? Will it be sitting out in the rain as you wait for a train or taxi? Will it be checked at the airport and carried by baggage handlers, or will you have access to it the whole trip? Choose a durable bag that can withstand some bumps and scrapes along the way. It should be made from high-quality leather, fabric, or nylon, and you will always want to seal it with a water repellent and dirt protection spray. If you think your bag will get wet at all, you can line the interior with plastic to ensure your clothes stay dry. Ensure your bag has well-made handles that won’t break, and zippers made from sturdy metal. If you’re carrying something valuable or extremely important, consider purchasing a locking briefcase, or finding a bag that has a security zipper on the inside, like this Tom Ford ‘Buckley’ Brown Leather Hold-All Bag .
Packing Perfection
Packing can be stressful. Once you decide what to bring, you have to fit everything in your bag without creating wrinkles and creases in your clothes. With some clever tricks and tips, you will be able to pack like a pro, avoid wrinkles, and have plenty of room left in your bag for souvenirs.
Shoes: Use packed shoes to your advantage by rolling up socks, under garments, or belts, and storing them in your shoes. This not only adds additional space to your bag, it can also help your shoes keep their shape. Store your shoes heel to toe in a dust bag to keep them from being scuffed, and keep your clothes from getting dirty. Put shoes on the bottom off your bag, off to the side.
Sweaters/Jackets/T-shirts: Roll or fold your sweaters and jackets and place them next to your shoes in the bottom of your bag. Be sure to put items that you don’t want to wrinkle on the bottom of your luggage. Then, add rolled or folded undershirts and t-shirts on top of your sweaters and shoes.
Pants/Jeans: Next, add your pants and jeans. Fold your pants along the crease, or for pants without a crease fold them in half at the fly. Fold the bottom of the pants one-third of the way up, and then fold them over again, all the way up to the waist. Avoiding folding pants in quarters, as this will create an extra crease that will need to be removed later. Alternatively, you can fold pants on their crease and roll them, or layer them with a few other pairs of pants to create bulk, resulting in a crease-free roll.
Dress Shirts: There are a few different factors that will determine the amount of wrinkles and creases you will get in your dress shirts after they are packed. The type of fabric, how tightly your luggage is packed, and how long everything is packed. Avoid as many wrinkles as possible by ironing your shirts before packing, and then either neatly folding or roll them. Roll your shirts by laying them flat, folding in half lengthwise so the arms of the shirt are on top of each other, folding the arms down so the cuffs line up with the bottom hem of your shirt, and then rolling from the bottom all the way up to the collar. If necessary, place a neatly folded suit jacket on top with your toiletry bag , and you are ready to go!
Beyond the Luggage
You have selected a fashionable yet practical duffle bag that is packed to perfection. Your day bag contains everything you need for a worry-free adventure. But do you know what you’re going to wear for your day of travel? Be sure to wear shoes that will keep you comfortable whether you’re racing through the airport, driving up the coast, or waiting on a train platform. These Isaia Shearling Lined Leather Ankle Boots will keep you warm and comfortable all day long. Dress in layers, especially if you’re traveling somewhere with unpredictable weather. Choose pieces that can easily be taken off or put back on, like this Cruciani Dark Blue Hooded Merino Wool Sweater . Top off your travel ensemble with a watch to ensure you don’t miss your flight! This Cartier Tank Americaine watch makes the perfect travel companion.
Browse our website for everything you need to travel in style this year. Safe travels, and happy new year!
