If you spend more time in business class than you do on your own couch, you know sweat pants just aren't going to cut it.

The average business traveler takes around twelve trips per year. That means about one week of every month is spent living out of a suitcase!

If you find yourself amongst this group then you know how important it is to have a go-to travel kit that means business.

With comfort, ease of care, and wrinkle resistance at the forefront of travel-savvy consumers' needs, clothing manufacturers have responded. 

And while the true jet-setting fashions of yesterday are all but gone, today's business traveler has more than enough options for wrinkle-free travel clothes. 

Merino Wool

When we think of wool clothing we tend to think of thick, chunky, itchy sweaters, but merino wool couldn't be further from that idea!

How can it be so different you ask?

Well, merino wool comes from the Merino sheep which live primarily in Australia and New Zealand. The wool fibers they produce are much finer than the wool you might be more familiar with like lambswool or shetland. 

Merino wool is Mother Nature's gift to those in search of natural fabrics that don't wrinkle. It's long-staple fibers lend a great deal to its overall comfort, breathability, wicking ability, and wrinkle resistance.

Generally worn as a base layer, it regulates the body's temperature keeping you warm in the winter and cool in the summer.  The wool fibers wick moisture away from the body keeping you dry.  It's also anti-microbial, which translates to anti-stink.

Merino wool is great for travel because it can be worn several days in a row without needing a wash. And if you do need to wash it, it's quick-drying and will be ready for more use in a short amount of time.

A fine merino wool shirt such as those produced by Viyella, worn under a sport coat creates a business casual look that transfers from the plane, into the office, and out to dinner. 

Synthetic Fabrics Used in Wrinkle-Free Travel Clothes

When searching for wrinkle-free fabric, look for a blended material that contains some of these synthetic fibers. They are usually blended with cotton for crisp comfort, or a small percentage of Spandex for a little stretch. Whether traveling for business or for pleasure, these are a sure bet.

Polyester

Polyester is the pillar of wrinkle-resistant fabric. It is surprisingly soft for a synthetic fabric and is durable, affordable, and quick-drying. 

Polyester can feel a little clammy in hot weather because of its tight weave and innate ability to resist moisture.  

Nylon

Another fabric that does not easily absorb moisture is nylon. It is this resistance to moisture absorption that gives it the ability to resist wrinkles.

Usually found in our swim trunks or shorts, nylon can be used in a blended fabric to offer a great deal or wrinkly resistance. 

Lycra

Lycra is more commonly known as Spandex, the latter being a trade-name. You usually won't find 100% lycra clothing in the men's section (yoga pants are not acceptable office attire) but you will find a small percentage mixed into a wrinkle-resistant fabric. 

Keep in mind that dress shirts containing lycra are usually more fitted, so if you prefer some extra room its best to go up a size. 

Rayon

Rayon is another great option for wrinkle-free travel clothes. This can also be found under the name Lyocell, Tencel, or Viscose. 

These are usually looser and free-flowing fabrics that help keep you cool in warmer climates. 

The Meaning of "Wrinkle-Free" 

Clothes that are advertised as "wrinkle-free" undergo strict testing before they earn that bragging right. 

Wrinkle-free travel clothing usually contains a blend of synthetic and natural fibers that lend themselves to wrinkle resistance.

Be aware that "wrinkle-free" usually means wrinkle-resistant and sometimes clothes may need light ironing to be truly free of wrinkles.

If you are unsure whether or not something is wrinkle-free or not try this test: crush a corner of the shirt in your fist for thirty seconds. If it doesn't wrinkle or can be easily restored to a smooth finish, then you've found yourself some wrinkle-resistant fabric.

Non-Iron

Fabrics touted as non-iron are typically the most resistant to wrinkles. The difference between non-iron and wrinkle-free is that wrinkle-free fabrics get their wrinkle resistance properties from the fibers themselves. Whereas non-iron clothing is heavily treated with harsh chemicals to constantly maintain a smooth crisp finish.

It's worth noting that the main chemical on non-iron fabrics is formaldehyde, and is a skin irritant and a known cancer-causing substance. 

With all of the other great fabrics that don't wrinkle out there, this one doesn't seem like its worth the risk. 

Proprietary Wrinkle-Resistant Fabrics

There are two main options to consider: SafeCotton and Workcloth. 

SafeCotton

A great alternative to traditional non-iron clothing treated with formaldehyde, SafeCotton is non-iron and formaldehyde-free. This is made from two-ply cotton twill, giving you the comfort only cotton can provide. 

It has to be some of the best wrinkle-resistant fabric for travel on the market right now.

Workcloth

Used in a few brands of pants, this nylon blend combines the softness of stone-washed denim with the breathability and wrinkle resistance needed for travel.

The only downside is that Workcloth tends to be uncomfortably tight at first. Size up for more room and be patient as they break in for a comfortable, yet slim fit.

Paired with a blazer, this fabric can be dressed up for a cool look.  

Ready for Take-Off?

Now that you have a good idea of what's what when it comes to wrinkle-free travel clothes for men, try a few options to see what works best for you.

Stocking up on fabrics that don't wrinkle will make travel easier, and you won't have to worry about looking like a slob when you arrive at your meeting. 

Take a look at some of our other posts for inspiration and if you have any questions, give us a call - we are happy to help!