Tips on Packing for Business Travelers

Pack for Success

Give some thought to packing, and you'll look your best on the road.

Stay Solid

When putting together your shaving kit, separate solids and liquids. Provided they’re three ounces or less, liquids go in a clear, zip-top, quart-size bag. The solids, such as deodorant and lip balm, can go anywhere regardless of size.

ID, Please

Always keep your identification, such as a passport or driver’s license, as well as your cash and credit cards, on your body. If you stow these key items in your carry-on and end up having to check it at the gate, you might get yourself in a pinch.

Read the Label

Even if you know a container is holding less than three ounces of liquid, it must be labeled as such. Security standards vary from airport to airport, and screeners can reject anything they feel doesn’t fall exactly within TSA guidelines.

Keep It Clean

If you don’t have travel shoe bags handy, wrap your shoes in plastic dry-cleaner bags to keep them from soiling the rest of your clothes.

Be Prepared

Get ready for packing by deciding what you plan to wear on the plane. If it’s a dress suit and shoes, coordinate your carry-on wardrobe around that.

Label It

On the off chance that you have to check your bag at the gate, make sure that all your vital contact information is attached to—and placed inside—your bag.

Take It Out

As soon as you get to your hotel, carefully inspect your packed luggage to see if anything needs to be pressed. It’ll make getting ready the next morning hassle-free.

Cashmere/merino wool argyle sweater, $325, by Scott Barber, scottbarber.com. Argyle is always in style, and this sweater can go casual or fancy, with a jacket or without.

Silk/cashmere reversible bomber, $1,200, by Ermenegildo Zegna, zegna.com. This double-duty jacket is light as a feather, packs easily and looks brand-new right off the plane.

Compact umbrella, $28, by Nautica, nautica.com. It’s better to have an umbrella on hand than not. This one even tucks away in an average briefcase.

Leather sneakers, $295, by Zegna Sport, zegna.com. Functional enough for a light workout, stylish enough to wear with trousers.

Two ties: red striped, $195, by Luigi Borrelli, borrelliboutiques .com; brown striped, $150, by Ermenegildo Zegna, zegna.com. Easily change your look with fresh neckwear.

Tried N True dress shoes, $175, by Kenneth Cole New York, kennethcole.com. Black dress shoes are an absolute must for correct business attire.

Cotton boxer shorts, $195 for three, by Lorenzini, at Barneys New York and Louis Boston. Boxers are good for underwear, but also make comfy sleepwear.

Flexible Fit boxer briefs, by Calvin Klein Underwear and Gold hip briefs by Calvin Klein Steel, $22 each, Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s. We shouldn’t have to say it: Don’t forget your underwear!

Cotton/linen Kei jacket, $1,295, by Canali, canali.it. A light-colored spring jacket works with dark trousers or even indigo blue jeans at casual yet dressy occasions.

Two dress shirts: Blue-striped cotton/polyester shirt, by Van Heusen, Macy’s; Purple-striped Fort Rock shirt, $180, by Thomas Pink, 212-838-1928. Prepare for disaster with a duo of dress shirts.

Three pairs of socks: Cashmere striped socks, $125, by Richard James; Sea Island cotton socks and Egyptian cotton argyle socks, $45 a pair, both by Pantherella, all for British Apparel Collection, britishapparel.com. Socks take up little space, so keep several options on hand.

C9 Duo Dry T-shirt and gym shorts, $12.99 each, by Target, target.com. Don’t ditch the workout just because you’re out of town.