How to Pack Light


I've spent basically the past four months of my life living out of a suitcase, and here's what I've learned about packing light:

1.) You need about 1/5th the amount of clothes you think you'll need.

2.) Conversely, you need about 1.5x the amount of underwear and socks you think you'll need.

3.) Any time you are staying somewhere with a laundry machine...do some laundry. Even pay-up for the hotel's $15 laundry service if you have to. Bring stuff that can be washed and dried without shrinkage concerns.

4.) Bring only your All-Star clothes, the clothes you feel the most confident in, that clothes that are the most stylish, the most versatile, and the most durable. Traveling is not a time for your minor league items.

4.b) If you look good, no one will notice if you wear the same clothes a few days in a row. And if they do, just shrug your shoulders and say: "What can I say...I'm on the road!"

5.) A good pair of shoes can class-up just about any outfit. Dark leather loafers are the traveling man's best friend.

6.) Don't pack the suit...WEAR the suit. Men in general are far too protective of their suits. Unless it's a $5,000 custom made formal from Zegna, wear that g*ddam thing! Wear it on the plane. Wear it out for cocktails. Bring a nice pair of jeans and wear the suit jacket with just the jeans. Or bring a v-neck sweater and wear the suit bottoms with casual wear. The suit is under-utilized. They're not as delicate as you think.

7.) Always stay clean and smell good. Pretty much applies to life in general, but especially when traveling. Shower-up at every opportunity. Shave that face. Do whatever you do as part of your full grooming routine. But stay clean. Bring some good cologne and use the stuff. Your suave and debonair aroma will distract people from the fact you've been wearing the same clothes/suit for the past three days. And even if they notice, (again) just say, "Hey, I'm traveling!"

8.) Dark clothes hide stains and double as evening-wear.

9.) Learn the power of accessories. Bring two ties and two pocket squares that you can mix and match, and you've just saved yourself from having to bring an extra suit. Same with belts, shades, shoes, watch, etc. Change these things around properly and you can get away wearing the same clothes for weeks.

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