Skip to content
WARDROBE

What to Pack for a Business Trip

Business travel has one requirement the others do not: arriving unwrinkled. Fabric choice does more for that than any folding technique.

Packing1 min readPublished Priya Nair

In short

  • Choose fabrics that recover. Wool and wool blends drop their creases hanging overnight.
  • One suit, two shirts, worn differently. A two-day trip needs one suit.
  • Hang it up on arrival. The first thing out of the bag goes on a hanger in the bathroom while you shower.

Business travel has one requirement the others do not: arriving unwrinkled. Fabric choice does more for that than any folding technique.

Choose fabrics that recover

Wool and wool blends drop their creases hanging overnight. Linen and cotton do not, and no amount of careful packing changes it.

One suit, two shirts, worn differently

A two-day trip needs one suit. Changing the shirt and tie changes the outfit enough for anyone who is looking.

Hang it up on arrival

The first thing out of the bag goes on a hanger in the bathroom while you shower. Steam removes most travel creases for free.

A two-day business trip list

A two-day business trip list

  • 1 suit, worn on the journey if possible
  • 2 shirts
  • 1 pair of smart shoes, worn
  • 1 casual outfit for the evening
  • A tie or equivalent if the setting needs it
  • A garment bag or a suit folded along the shoulder seam
  • Chargers and adapters
  • A steamer or the shower-steam trick

Frequently asked questions

How do I pack a suit without creasing it?

Fold the jacket inside out along the shoulder seam, so the lining is outside, and lay it flat on top of everything else. Then hang it immediately on arrival.

Can I do a business trip in hand luggage?

For two or three days, comfortably — wear the suit and the shoes, and pack only shirts and a casual outfit.

Related reading

Capsule Wardrobe

The Capsule Wardrobe Guide

Everything the capsule method involves — what it is, how many pieces you need, how to choose them, and how to keep one running through the seasons.

Read Article
Wardrobe Essentials

The Wardrobe Essentials Guide

The specific garments that do the most work in a wardrobe, how to judge whether a piece earns a place in yours, and which lists to ignore.

Read Article
Packing

How to Travel with Hand Luggage Only

Travelling with hand luggage only is mostly a decision, not a technique. Once the bigger bag is not an option, the packing solves itself.

Read Article

Read next

Capsule WardrobeThe Capsule Wardrobe GuideEverything the capsule method involves — what it is, how many pieces you need, how to choose them, and how to keep one running through the seasons.Read Article

Get new guides by email

New guides, calculators and checklists, once a week. Unsubscribe in one click.