Article Highlights

  • Versatile Wardrobes: The best travel dress shirts and dresses offer style and comfort for business meetings and leisure activities.
  • Compression Socks on Planes: Wearing compression socks promotes circulation, reduces swelling, and helps travelers arrive refreshed.
  • Socks for Every Occasion: Choose merino wool socks for business, athletic socks for adventures, and quick-drying socks for easy care.
  • Survey Insights on Footwear: Hiking shoes and trail runners are the top choices for travelers and sneakers and walking shoes are also popular.
  • Climate Flexibility: To stay comfortable on the go, pack moisture-wicking fabrics for warm climates and insulated layers for cold weather.

 

When packing for international travel, whether for business, leisure, or a blend of both (bleisure), the right clothing choices make all the difference, especially on a plane. Packing multipurpose clothing is essential for those seeking style, comfort, and versatility. From the best travel dress shirts to breathable compression socks, selecting outfits that are comfortable, easy to pack, and quick to care for can transform your travel experience.

 

Best Airline Outfits for Comfort and Style

The best airline outfits strike a perfect balance between comfort and style. Layering is essential when traveling between climates. Lightweight sweaters, cardigans, or wrinkle-free blazers can complement travel dress shirts or dresses. Comfortable bottoms, such as stretchy chinos or tailored joggers, are perfect for flights while maintaining a professional look for arrival.

Wearing compression socks on a plane isn’t just about comfort, it’s about health. Long flights increase the risk of blood clots, and compression socks promote circulation, reduce swelling, and prevent fatigue. Many travelers, including business professionals, now swear by wearing compression socks on a plane to arrive refreshed and comfortable. Look for graduated compression designs, which offer more pressure at the ankles to support proper blood flow during flights.

 

Footwear Tips

The summer 2024 Global Rescue Travel Safety and Sentiment survey revealed that hiking or trail running shoes are the top travel footwear choices. Over half of men (54%) prefer hiking shoes or trail runners, while a third of women (34%) also favor them. Sneakers rank high among women (33%) and men (20%), and walking shoes remain popular for both genders.

If you’re on a business trip and adding a few days for leisure travel without carrying extra shoes, look for stylish footwear for meetings, comfortable for exploring, and versatile enough to keep your luggage light.

Leather sneakers offer a polished, semi-casual look that works well for meetings and sightseeing tours. Chukkas – stylish ankle boots – bridge the gap between formal and casual. Suede or leather options pair well with chinos or jeans. They’re lightweight and durable and look good in business and casual settings.

Travel loafers are slip-on, breathable, and sophisticated. They’re ideal for business meetings without being overly formal. They’re also best for office environments and social events, and they slip on and off at airport security.

The best shoes for bleisure travel are those that adapt seamlessly between business meetings and leisure activities. Opt for lightweight, packable, and versatile shoes, such as leather sneakers or loafers for business-casual occasions and hiking shoes for adventurous excursions. With smart shoe choices, you’ll be ready for a client meeting or a spontaneous weekend hike.

 

Sock Selection: Dress Socks and Beyond

Did you pack the right socks? For business meetings, opt for lightweight dress socks made from bamboo or merino wool for odor control and moisture-wicking properties. When traveling for leisure or adventure, athletic socks and hiking socks made from synthetic blends or merino wool provide durability and comfort.

Quick-drying socks are also essential. Whether for hiking trails or urban exploration, ensure you always have a fresh pair ready. Travelers on long trips can rinse these socks in hotel sinks, allowing them to dry quickly overnight.

 

Best Travel Dress Shirts and Dresses for Versatile Trips

Packing versatile dress shirts and dresses is key for seamless transitions between business meetings and leisurely activities. The best travel dress shirts are wrinkle-resistant, lightweight, and breathable, ensuring you stay polished after long flights. For women, the best dresses for European travel offer a balance of elegance and comfort—think midi dresses in soft fabrics that you can accessorize for meetings or dress down with sandals for exploring.

Pro Tip: Neutral colors and wrinkle-free fabrics are ideal for mix-and-match outfits that work in various settings.

 

Warm and Cold Climate Essentials: Packable and Care-Free Clothing

Choose versatile, easy-to-pack clothing, which is crucial when traveling to destinations with varying climates. For warm climates, opt for moisture-wicking fabrics like linen and cotton. Pack lightweight, insulated jackets or layers made from merino wool in colder regions. These pieces are not only warm but also breathable and odor-resistant. Quick-drying fabrics are beneficial, as they reduce the need for frequent laundry and ensure you’re always prepared, whether catching a meeting or heading out for a scenic hike.

 

Pack It Up

Need help planning a versatile, efficient clothing packing list for carry-on luggage for a 7-day bleisure trip? Check out this list. It ensures you have business attire, comfortable leisure wear, and essentials to cover different activities and climates.

For Men

Business Wear (Four Days):

  • 2 Dress Shirts (easy-iron or wrinkle-resistant)
  • 1 Blazer (versatile and neutral color)
  • 2 Pairs of Dress Pants (one dark, one light)
  • 2 Ties or Pocket Squares (optional for formal events)
  • 1 Pair of Loafers or Slip-On Dress Shoes

Leisure Wear (Three Days):

  • 2 Polos or Henley Shirts (for semi-casual dinners)
  • 1 Pair of Casual Pants (chinos or jeans)
  • 1 Pair of Shorts (for warm climates or leisure outings)
  • 1 Lightweight Jacket or Sweater (for cooler evenings)
  • 1 Pair of Sneakers (for exploring)

Accessories and Extras:

  • 1 Pack of Compression Socks
  • Dress Socks + Walking Socks (quick-dry materials)
  • 1 Lightweight Belt
  • Swimwear (if leisure plans include swimming)
  • Athletic Wear (if you plan to hit the gym)
  • Undergarments (7 pairs)
  • Sleepwear

 

For Women

Business Wear (Four Days):

  • 2 Dresses
  • 1 Blazer or Cardigan (neutral color)
  • 2 Blouses or Button-Down Shirts (business appropriate)
  • 1 Pair of Dress Pants or Skirt
  • 1 Pair of Loafers or Flats

Leisure Wear (Three Days):

  • 1 Sundress or Maxi Dress (for casual outings)
  • 1 Pair of Comfortable Jeans or Linen Pants
  • 2 Casual Tops (T-shirts or tank tops)
  • 1 Pair of Sandals or Casual Sneakers (for walking)
  • 1 Lightweight Jacket or Wrap (for varying temperatures)

Accessories and Extras:

  • Compression Socks
  • Dress Socks + Athletic Socks (quick-drying)
  • Swimwear (if needed)
  • Undergarments (7 pairs)
  • Sleepwear

 

Packing Tips:

  • Use packing cubes for business vs. leisure separation.
  • Roll clothes to save space and prevent wrinkles.
  • Wear bulkier items (like jackets or blazers) on the plane to save space.
  • Plan to do laundry halfway if needed.

 

Remember To Pack a Global Rescue Membership

This packing list ensures a balanced wardrobe for business and leisure, minimizes bulk, and prioritizes comfort and style for meetings, leisure activities, and travel days. Always include a Global Rescue membership on your packing list for international travel. It takes up zero room in your luggage yet provides services for emergency field rescue from the point of illness or injury, medical advisory, traveler assistance, destination reports, event alerts, and medical evacuation transport home and (for applicable memberships) virtual healthcare access and security services.

You can access Global Rescue services directly from your smartphone using the My Global Rescue Mobile App. Browse destination reports and alerts, activate emergency assistance, schedule real-time virtual health visits, and keep track of the people you care about with GPS tracking and messaging. Download the My Global Rescue App for Apple devices or Android devices.