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Sandeep Gonsal es tells us why the modern-day travel jacket is a man’s best iend
The ubiquitous travel jacket was born out of the simple idea of maintaining comfort while accompanying you on your expeditions, almost like a shape-shi ing cloak. If you don’t already own this indispensable item, in its upgraded 21stcentury avatar, it’s probably the rst thing you should buy this season.
To start o with, t is always the key. If you’re at ease in a billowing silhouette (who am I to judge?), you do you. But like most business travellers, a well- tted jacket makes you preen like nothing else.
While most corporate travellers prefer dark tones, the modern day freelancer and the occasional digital nomad, opt for lighter neutral options. Today, we are spoilt for choice with countless function-based fabrics — like a high-twisted yarn or hopsack wool to keep wrinkles at bay, a high-stretch worsted wool for extra manoeuvrability or a stain-resistant fabric. In an ideal situation, a wrinkle-free, stain-resistant travel jacket is a veritable godsend, since you might not always have the time for a laundrypressing service.
ink of it — a travel jacket has to survive cramped airline seats and long day trips. Your best bet is a jacket that is unlined and somewhat unstructured. is means that it will still look awesome, even a er being cramped for nine hours in coach. Minimal padding on the shoulder and exible fabrics at the armholes are always welcome. Overall, the jacket should be lightweight and easily portable, with an attached loop for easy hanging on any jacket hook.
If, like me, you like to have your travel documents handy, opt for a jacket with personalised compartments for ease of access. I, personally, like that little added security so I choose to add internal compartments, or a zippered pocket for my passport, credit card or loose cash. Of course, I can think of a dozen ways to use these pockets — pens, stylus, headphones and business cards.
Never undermine the power of your buttons — corozo or horn — which lend a quiet elegance to the ensemble.
Given that this jacket will be your long-term travel companion, choosing a universally attering colour is a must. My recommendation is navy as it is easy to pair and accessorise, and will not easily show signs of wear.
Like all well-travelled men, I am sure you have your suitmaker on speed dial: a Savile Row tailor, a homegrown designer or even your local darji. But before you schedule your next tting, make sure you are equipped with the right sartorial intellect. Getting onto the sartorial “airport look” bandwagon has never been easier!