Travel Essentials

At this time of year I find I am in a good many conversations about packing. Customers arrive at the haberdashery with a fortnight in mind and a case they hope to keep to one, and the question — every time — is what will earn its place. These are the pieces I most often reach for, and most often recommend.

The Linen Pyjamas go in first. Ours have a button-front trouser and a soft elastic waistband at the back, so they’re just as comfortable for sleeping as they are for a slow breakfast on the balcony before the day begins. They pair beautifully with the George Cortina for Anderson & Sheppard Pony Print Slippers in Light Brown, which are wonderfully comfortable around the house or hotel and always seem to make mornings feel a little more relaxed.

The Lightweight Merino Crew Neck Sweater is never far behind. It feels incredibly soft to the touch but remains wonderfully lightweight, which makes it useful throughout the year. Whether it’s a cool morning, an over-air-conditioned flight or an evening after the sun has gone down, it’s the piece I find myself reaching for most often.

For travelling itself, I nearly always recommend one of our Travel Jackets. The Six Pocket Lightweight Cotton Travel Jacket is ideal in warmer weather, while the Fifteen Pocket Cotton Travel Jacket is particularly practical, with plenty of secure pockets for the things you want close to hand, such as a boarding pass, passport or cards. When the weather turns cooler, the Wale Cord Travel Jacket is equally at home. Alongside them, the Single Breasted Cashmere Blend Unstructured Knitted Blazer and Double Breasted Cashmere Blend Unstructured Knitted Blazer are wonderfully comfortable alternatives. Soft, lightweight and easy to wear, they’re the sort of jackets that travel remarkably well.

The last thing I always seem to add is a neckerchief. They can be styled in lots of different ways, they’re lovely for adding just a little extra warmth when you need it, and they fold neatly into a pocket without taking up any space. We currently have the Cotton Mosaic Print Neckerchief, Cotton Spotted Neckerchief, Cotton Shell Neckerchief and Paisley with Spots Neckerchief, so there’s always something to suit both the outfit and the occasion.

I’ve always found that travelling becomes much easier when everything in the case has earned its place. A few comfortable, versatile pieces that work hard throughout the trip leave more time to enjoy the places you’ve travelled to see.