The Fabrics You Should Pack or Pass for a Wrinkle-Free Business Trip  

At one point, even the most organized business traveler has packed a suitcase for a trip only to find her clothes completely wrinkled upon arrival. Other women have had to rush straight to a meeting from the airport in an outfit that looks slept-in. These experiences are frustrating and even borderline embarrassing; however looking disheveled on a business trip is also very avoidable. A little extra planning and knowledge about clothing textiles can make an impact on how one presents herself.

To feel confident and look polished on a business trip, pack clothing made from fabrics that are wrinkle-resistant, comfortable, and durable. 

Polyester
Polyester is naturally wrinkle-resistant, making it an uncomplicated outfit choice. Unless thrown into a suitcase with abandon, clothes made from polyester come out of the suitcase unscathed and ready to wear. A bonus to packing polyester is this prevalent material is also stain-resistant, so if a garment is soiled, the spot can be removed easily. However, when traveling to a warm and humid climate, opt out of packing attire that’s 100% polyester. The material doesn’t breathe, which can result in the traveler feeling hot and sticky and the outfit looking like a sweaty shambles. Instead, opt for better choice– clothing manufactured with polyester/cotton blend. 

Wool
Wool can be found in almost all types of clothing, and it doesn’t wrinkle easily. It’s comfortable, durable, and a great cold weather option. This fabric also stays clean for longer periods of time resulting in less laundry.  A working woman on a business trip will most certainly appreciate that luxury! While wool is an excellent outfit choice, be mindful when washing wool since it’s prone to shrink. Follow the label’s cleaning instructions to avoid any damage to the garment. 

Silk
This soft, lustrous fabric is a great fabric choice for a business trip since it generally doesn’t wrinkle and looks very professional. However, high-quality silk tends to be quite pricey. Instead of buying a trendy silk top, stick with a wardrobe staple that won’t go out of style. Silk is one of the most durable natural fibers, so a classic wardrobe staple will have longevity. While unpacking, if a silk garment shows some wrinkles, hanging it up in the bathroom while showering will help the creases fall, so ironing is not necessary. Avoid appearing unprofessional and unkempt by passing on clothing that wrinkles, is cumbersome, or irritates the skin.  

Rayon
Say no to rayon when packing for a business trip. This fabric is light and comfortable, but it would never look its best on a business trip. While wrinkles iron out easily, the garment won’t stay crisp and smooth for long especially if sitting for long periods of time.  Always check the tags! Rayon and rayon blends are commonly used in manufacturing women’s clothing due to their affordability. Both rayon and rayon blends contain soft fibers and drape nicely when worn, so at first glance, one may easily be tricked into purchasing clothing made from these fibers. Don’t be fooled! Both wrinkle very easily. Rayon and rayon blends don’t breathe well either, which isn’t conducive if traveling to balmy climates. 

Cotton
Ah, the fabric of our life! Who doesn’t love that comfy cotton feel? Despite the fact that cotton is a popular fabric in most women’s wardrobes, clothes made from natural fibers are most prone to wrinkle. Cotton is a great option for everyday wear especially in warmer months since it absorbs moisture, however, skip 100% cotton for business travel apparel.  Note that there are ways to successfully pack clothing made from cotton if necessary. Cotton/polyester blends have a low tendency to wrinkle and hold their shape well. Chemically treated cotton garments that are wrinkle-resistant are also available. However, be wary of these materials because they can irritate sensitive skin.

Linen
Similar to cotton, this natural material has a tendency to wrinkle. While it’s a great choice for hot months since it’s so breathable, the only option to get the wrinkles out would be the hotel room’s iron. Luckily, linen work wear is not a common find. If purchasing linen for other occasions or excursions on your business trip, be conscious of the washing instructions.  A dryer can break down the fibers faster than hanging the garment to dry, as can frequent ironing of the creases.

Unsure how an outfit will hold up while traveling? Implement the scrunch test by balling up a small area of the item. If the garment wrinkles and stays that way, don’t purchase it for a business trip since won’t pack well and will require require ironing.

Both novice and expert business travelers want their trips to be as hassle-free as possible. That’s why being conscious of the material used to manufacture clothing to be packed in a suitcase is so important. It makes sense to choose the travel-friendly fabrics so more time can be spent on focusing on work and less time ironing or steaming the contents of your suitcase. The extra planning is worth it!