AtlandA, I hope you did not take my post as bad as the following posters did? Never in a million years did I mean it that way.

Before you spring for the Travelsmith stuff, have a look at a place like Nordstrom-- they often have excellent microfiber raincoats, at prices that beat the catalogs. And for things like the airconditioned shirts, a place like REI or EMS will have many more options, almost all of them cheaper and better quality than the catalogs. Just a thought if you are up for some real (as opposed to virtual) shopping....

My apologies for the silly comment about, "old tarts". When I think of women like Tina Turner and her real life counterparts, I realize I was wrong.
Looks like I need to get on the stairstepper while I eat crow.

How does a silk blouse stack up for packing, wrinkling, or for wearing on a plane? Interesting thread. I went to Rome last year and rolled up my clothes and used a backpack. I was not going anywhere fancy. But, I must confess, when I walked the streets of Rome, I was definitely among the dowdiest of women on the streets. Ah well, I sighed and ambled merrily on my way. This year I'm going to Germany and Prague and intend to see some opera, so I'm actually going to take a suitcase and some nice clothes. I'm rambling, would appreciate any comments about silk. Thanks.

I just bought a very nice cardigan from TravelSmith that looks more like a quite expensive jacket--hangs beautifully. I've bought several of the microfiber shirts, and I wear them at home as well as when I travel.

FYI, L. L. Bean also has some nice knit outfits that are great for packing.

I find the TravelSmith stuuf overpriced, can't wear synthetics...having said that, I have bought their clothes at the annual warehouse sale. I love the tencel jeans but they do wear out a lot quicker than denim. I much prefer the rayon gauze separates I bought at Magellan's-they are several years old, still look good and drip dry. And the fabric breathes.

Try Eddie Bauer. I just bought one of the wrinkle free cotton shirts for work, but also because I am curious to see how it holds up after a 12 hour day.

When I first started traveling to Europe I thought I should invest in a wardrobe from Travelsmith and some of the others. When they arrived in the mail I could tell they were not at all like they were shown in the catalog. The long black travel dress looked like a shapeless synthetic tent. The long sleeved shirt with the air holes under the arms are overkill for most European cities too as well as the safari look of zippered pants. I am ashamed to admit I even bought the safari like hat.
I was on a roll.

That first trip I left them in my suitcase and bought clothes on the way.

Then I went the Chico route when they first opened their stores and they felt like saran wrap clinging to me in warm or humid weather.

This is nothing against you, Atlanta, just alternate thoughts which might save you some time and money.

I am a Shopping Queen, as any of my friends will attest. I buy almost nothing BUT travel clothing, because my first thought when I am shopping is almost always "how well will this travel?"

"Travel clothing," however, may come from Travelsmith or Chico's or Nordstrom or Marshall's. You learn to recognize what works and what doesn't for you. Some people plan on dry cleaning on their travels; others like to be able to wash things out in the hotel sink. Different requirements -- different wardrobes.

Personally, I have a lot of things from Travelsmith, all of which I have bought at either their outlet store or their big warehouse sales, i.e., at a huge discount. I have several coats and jackets that are terrific, and my packable raincoat gets used at home as well as away. One really nice feature about their things is that they almost always have a hidden, zipped pocket for valuables.

I was a sceptic about synthetic fabrics in hot weather, but several trips to SE Asia changed my mind. I wear almost entirely natural fabrics, but my synthetic zip-off pants are fantastic -- just as cool as linen, easy to hand wash, dry by morning. No, I don't take them to Italy, but I do wear them hiking at home.

Evelyn, I think some types of silk travel very well. They may wrinkle a bit, but they tend to hang out well.

As for some of these clothes looking frumpy or unfashionable, of course you have to pick the right pieces, just as you do in a shop, whether it's Marshall's or Prada.

OK, I'll shut up now. I could talk about travel clothing for a scary amount of time!

Interesting discussions.

After going to Europe (i.e. Rome, Venice & Sorrento) for the first time in 2001 we have become even more sensitive in our clothes shopping throughout the year.

Whenever hubby & I shop, we always consider how well something will wear and still look good; how long it will take to dry; how it will look after washing out without the benefit of an iron; will it work with the wardrobe we are building.

Prior to our 1st trip, my closet was actually a mishmosh of colors and the ability to mix n' match (the #1 foundational rule of building a wardrobe) was realy missing. Not anymore! Gee....travel opens your world in more ways than one. ;;)

Ok, I'm back ;)

I couldn't resist looking to see what was on this thread while I drink my coffee. (I think I'm addicted bad to this site)

When I got upset last night, it was more to this forum in general and not all about this thread or just one poster. (cigalechanta, you don't have to feel bad)

No, I never had ordered from TravelSmith (or any other travel store) before. A catalog mysteriously came addressed to me yesterday and when I looked in it, I was impressed. -So, I wanted to tell others in case they were looking for something like this. (Isn't that what this forum is supposed to be about?)

Anyway, sometimes threads on here just have a way of taking on a life of their own(in a way the poster never anticipated) ... but I have to admit comments on this thread were not nearly as bad as comments on other threads (not necessarily mine) - That is why I said it isn't fun anymore. I've read too many threads with unfriendly banter... but I am the first to admit I am over sensitive! I know you guys must think I have mental issues. :) I'm not that bad off - but I did go to the doctor yesterday and he changed my meds, so maybe that will help. (Is it ok if I also blame this on fibromyalgia? ;) )

Gee, some people don't like synthetics, or don't like the way the clothes hang, etc. Who cares? Wear what is comfortable for you. I have bought several items from Travelsmith and have always been pleased. I also like Chico's travelwear. These are items that I can also wear to work if I choose. I also try to find clothes at my local department stores that will work for traveling "light". I find that a cotton/poly blend works great as well as the stretchy acetate/spandex combination found at Chico's and other stores. These fabrics dry quickly and don't require ironing.

As I said, it's a personal decision. But Travelsmith, Chico's, Norm Thompson, etc., are all doing great business so there must be others out there who like their clothes.

It seems that most of the responses here are from women, most of us guys just don't have the shopping gene. Nonetheless, a scheme that is practiced by a buddy of mine with respect to travel clothes would probably never work for a woman. Whenever he goes on vacation, he brings all the clothes he's ready to get rid of and after wearing them, just leaves them at the various hotels where he stayed. He then has basically empty luggage to bring stuff home from the places he travels.

I'm in the minority in that I do have a travel wardrobe. My work clothes consist mainly of loose, baggy shirts and jeans or shorts paired with tennis shoes. Leaving the entire fashion debate aside (we know how ugly that can get!!), none of that lends well to traveling. I buy travel pieces when and where I find them. The criteria I look for are items that pack well, are usually dark in color so I can wear them more than once without washing, wash/dry easily, coordinate with more than one piece I already own, and are flattering on me.

P.S. I like the "old tart" comment. I'm a firm believer in the idea that just because they make it in your size, does not mean you should wear it.

I also like TravelSmith because it offers a wide variety of sizes--most things come in petites.

"Is it ok if I also blame this on fibromyalgia? "



Atlanta honey, if I can blame my pissy moods on the weather, the pup , the husband, you can certainly blame it on pain!
I am all too aware of the unpleasantries that are also on these boards, but here, where some of Fodors nicest posters are replying, I think we can sit back and just enjoy the atmosphere :D
((F)) Scarlett (about to blow away)

Okay, I also just got a mysterious TravelSmith catalogue in the mail. We must subscribe to some travel publication that sold them their mailing list.

I enjoy reading travel clothing catalogues just because they make me imagine packing for my next trip!

I never order anything because I A.) am way too cheap, B.) like to try things on before buying, and C.) enjoy the thill of the hunt at Marshall's, Loehman's etc.

Here's my travel clothing tip:

On a combined business/ pleasure trip to San Fran last winter, I discovered that the pants to my work suits were great travel pants (I'm a lady, by the way, who prefers pant suits because they are so easy and I hate nylons).

I love Tahari suits (which I only buy on sale at Loehman's) and the pants are perfect for travel- comfortable, wrinkle resistant, and at least sort of chic. I pack them rolled carefully around plastic cleaner bags to keep the wrinkles out.

When I travel for work, I can sit scrunched up on the plane in them, and emerge ready for a meeting.

FromAtlanta, I'm glad you are feeling better.

I must confess that on far too many trips my travel wardrobe has consisted of an almost entirely new set of clothing. It's a family failing... my mom does it too. Something happens in our brains and we think that we need all new clothes for a trip. This has resulted in some very weird choices, and stupidly has depleted funds that could have been better spent on souvenirs.
And then I end up almost always wearing pretty much the same thing every day - black pants (or a denim skirt if it's hot), a white t or tank and a black cashmere sweater if it's chilly. Shoes by Camper, my trusty Burberry raincoat and a pashmina complete my travel uniform (I mostly go in early to mid spring).
I have to have mostly natural fibres, and no rayon because I find it very hot. I've learned that a certain "crispy"-feeling cotton with a bit of lycra comes through a bathroom sink washing very well and doesn't even need ironing if it hangs to dry.

I haven't bought specific "travel" clothing from a retailer like travelsmith, but I do think that sometimes that could make sense. Like another poster said, you just have to be particular when picking the items. No one wants to looks as if they should be on an African safari while walking the streets of Paris!

I think that silk is an ideal fabric- both for travel and for life in general. Silk knits especially.

Speaking of shopping...I've liked some of the Travel Smith items but they can be pricey. I just picked up a Weatherproof label, lightweight raincoat at Costco for $30, and it seems very utilitarian and halfway stylish. They also have cute sweater sets by Shu Shu right now (about $33 for 2 pieces) that retail for $120. Costco isn't big on selection, obviously, but has some great deals, and is sometimes good for mix & match pieces. (If you're not too proud to buy clothes at a warehouse...which I'm not!)