by John Mitchell, Owner of John Isaac’s Clothing
John Mitchell, owner of John Isaac’s Clothing, provides everything from casual to fully custom-tailored garments to many of Gainesville’s most successful businessmen. Here, he shares his top 10 packing tips to keep business travelers – both male and female – looking as sharp on the road as they do at home.
1. Always keep a pair of navy, silk knot cufflinks in your dopp (i.e. toiletry) kit.
2. Try on your outfits before the trip so you can coordinate the least number of shoes and also to make sure they all fit the way you like.
3. On a two- or three-day trip, pack a suit and a sport coat and use them interchangeably.
4. Wear jeans, your blazer and a pair of dress shoes on the plane.
5. If traveling for an extended trip, try folding your outfits and putting them in 2-gallon Ziploc bags. It keeps them from wrinkling and makes it easy to live out of your suitcase.
6. Try folding your suit jacket like a fitted sheet and packing it in a smaller suitcase instead of a hanging bag. It works great!
7. Pack your ties rolled up in a small box instead of a flat zipper case. This will keep them from getting squished and damaged.
8. Pack one pair of shoe trees. You can put in that day’s pair of shoes instead of taking a pair for each shoe.
9. Always pack a spare pair of undergarments, toothbrush and any meds in your briefcase in case you lose your luggage.
10. Always wear your best outfit on the first day.