Travel Uniform

Uniform. Wardrobe. Potaytoe, pohtahtoe. That image looks remarkably like the 54321 method of Wardrobe planning that has been around for a few years. Whatever works for you. I use something vaguely similar, concentrating on items that can be mixed and matched using coordinating colours, and changed according to type of trip and season.

Not a fan. Travel uniform sounds like travel nightmare and a bit like Catholic school.

In over 50 years of travel it’s been about comfort. I dress for me, no one else.

Lastly I only travel carry on!

I was paid to wear a uniform for more than two decades. It’s easy to remember what to put on but I’m no fan.

Years ago when I had to wear a “uniform” I once had a woman summarily direct me to get her bags as I got off a train in a big U.S. train station. Of course seeing that the woman was “important” I dutifully fetched her bags. We got to the concourse of the station, out came her purse and I cheerfully said “You can thank the “U.S. Air Force”. The color drained from her face and I sauntered away. (this was before “Thank you for your service” became so trendy)

For business travel or pleasure now I get more concerned about having a swim suit in the luggage than anything else. In the end clothes are just background “noise” on a trip that I might turn up or down when packing. But….enjoy your trip whatever else you do!

I had to laugh at the 'uniform' term because that's what I've been calling my retirement clothing. My wife asks me what I'm wearing to dinner, I respond that I'm wearing my retirement uniform. She asks what I'm packing and she gets the same answer; my retirement uniform. My number one rule for packing is nothing that needs ironing. Shirts and pants are all First Ascent from Eddie Bauer, the key feature is they all have multiple pockets. Shirts are all light weight golf shirts or button up from Tommy Bahama. T shirts are all moisture wicking from Under Armour that can be layered underneath my shirts or a couple of warmer pullovers from Eddie Bauer. My retirement uniform primarily from the stores; Eddie Bauer, Tommy Bahama and Under Armour. Shorts/pants are black, grey or blue, shirts are usually bright colours.

I put together my husband’s travel uniform mostly from Untuck It stores. He’s not allowed to wear those items at home.
I have certain items I always bring and just add a different scarf or top.

My standard pack is not quite as extensive as that. I concentrate on about a week of clothes, but expect pants I can wear 2 or more times before washing, and some shirts more than once. So besides what I am wearing, that's 2-3 pairs of pants, and 4 shirts. They do all match, but I do not go as monotone as "Just blue tones" or "all earth tones". Shorts, swim suit, and extreme weather cloths are all per the specific trip. Everything is lightweight and wrinkle free.

I've posted before the excellent advice received long ago here on the Forum, which is to pack for one week regardless of how many you need. If longer than three weeks, you'll likely need to do some laundry, but I can go for 3+ by wearing 3-4 tops/bottoms 3-4 times.
I like to use a fabric spray- I turn bottom/tops inside out and spray and hang overnight. In colder weather it's easier to wear a sink washable undershirt to extend wearing of whatever goes over.
Over the years I have collected a little set of clothes that work well that I save for travel. It's kind of like old friends coming on the journey :)

I chuckled at Barbara's post.I also have purchased my husband's travel wardrobe--easily washed and dried shirts, convertible pants, etc.--and he is not allowed to wear them at home. I think it's part of the pleasure of travel to have a few special things that are not worn at home, especially when daily chores can be hard on clothes. We do tend toward a "uniform" but it's not what we wear at home.

I do something similar to CJean with a base color, a coordinating color and a neutral. Multiple combinations mix-and-match for daily casual wear with a few pieces planned for sharp-casual dressing for dinner. So my “uniform” is pants+tee+layer (fleece, cardigan, long-sleeve shirt) suited to the weather. Hmmmm, about the way I dress everyday…

I no longer pack carry-on (just don’t want the hassle, can’t lift much over my head anyway) but still keep the weight down by limiting myself to 3 pants, 5 or 6 tees, 2-4 layers.

Honestly if I would not wear it at home it does not go on vacation with me. For example since today is my "in office day" I am wearing a skirt I was thinking about taking to Europe soon to see if it really works for me (I honestly can't recall the last time I wore this so...)

I just stick to two colors that go together. And since as my friend says "I am always ready for a funeral" most of the wardrobe is black. Makes it easy

People who see our European trip photos think I only have one shirt when I go to Europe but in fact they are multiple gradations of blue, polo shirt style.