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William Wearing Public Rec Outfit plus Public Rec Pro Weekender and Better Than Down Bomber Next to Him
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The Ultimate Guide to Travel Clothes for Men

William Barton
Expertise:

Style, Grooming, Fitness, Boots, Workwear

William has been covering men's style, grooming, and fitness topics for The Adult Man since 2018 as both a writer and photographer. Based in North Carolina, he's also the face of premier men's boots website BootSpy.com and the popular BootSpy YouTube channel. If William could only wear one outfit for the rest of his life, it'd be slim blue jeans, a green fitted oxford shirt, Chelsea boots, and a nice watch. Read full bio.


Last Updated: Jul 23, 2024
12 min read

Legend has it that if you say YOLO three times in the dark, a Spirit Airlines ticket agent will appear in the mirror and hand you a plane ticket.

I’ve been too afraid to try it, mainly because Spirit Airlines is absolutely terrible. Just like you, I’m ready to get out and stretch my legs a bit after the year we had. 

From road trips to long haul plane flights, this guide to travel clothes for guys will have you decked head to toe in the most stylish, comfortable, and secure duds. 

Ready to be the best looking dude in the cabin? I thought so. 

3 Clothing Brands Every Guy Should Know About for Travel 

model smiling wearing Cortazu mid layer jacket

Before I dive into these three amazing brands, it’s important to note that I’ve picked them all because they have modern, slim silhouettes and are fashion-forward. 

So, for instance, you’ll see that Public Rec is my choice for Comfort First. What I mean is that Public Rec is the most comfortable brand that still actually looks good and is convenient for travel. 

You could wear your silk Batman pajamas, but the pockets aren’t good for your passport and, frankly, that’s something you should keep private. Come on—we’ve talked about this before. 

But each brand here has a different specialty in addition to being incredible for travel, so keep an eye out for that. 

Comfort First: Public Rec

Best Joggers for Men Model Wearing Public Rec All Day Every Day Joggers Outside
Me rocking the Public Rec All Day Every Day Jogger on a recent trip

The kings of casual comfort, Public Rec has an array of laid back clothes that are perfect for road trips, red-eyes, and relaxing getaways. 

If comfort is your number one priority, invest in a quality pair of joggers. My favorite is the Public Rec All Day Every Day Jogger, which features a nice balance between an active aesthetic and a sweatpant feeling. 

What’s even better is the left hip has a zippered pocket, so you can keep your passport secure on an international flight, or just make sure you don’t lose anything in the hustle and bustle of travel. 

Above all, the ADED Jogger is stylish, trim, and has a much more refined look than any old sweatpant. 

Public Rec Jogger Outfits 9 1

Pair your joggers with some simple white socks and sneakers like I have above, or, if you want to take your comfort to the limit, slip on a pair of slides and become the envy of every businessman untying their oxfords in the TSA line. 

But Public Rec goes far beyond just joggers—they have a whole range of travel-friendly polos, henleys, button-downs, and even vests and bomber jackets. 

It’s easy to create an entire wardrobe from Public Rec. Their colors are versatile and pair well with each other.

And if you need a duffel for your trip, check out their Weekender Bag. It’s my go-to travel bag. I keep everything I need for my business is my Alpaka Shift Backpack, and all my clothes, toiletries, and an extra pair of shoes in the Public Rec Weekender. 

Best Mens Weekender Bags Featured Image

It’s sturdy, handsome, and has pockets in all the right places so getting things quickly is super easy (which might not seem like a big deal, but you know that feeling when you’re holding up the boarding line because you left your headphones in your bag). 

My Favorite Travel Picks from Public Rec

Public Rec All Day Every Day Pant

While its price places it at the premium end of the Leisurewear market, we think the All Day Every Day Pant justifies its price tag given its innovativeness, quality construction, and luxurious comfort.

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Public Rec Better Than Down Bomber

Made with water-repellant Thinsulate, which is proven to beat down as an insulator in study after study. What do you get when you mix science and style? Pure dopeness.

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Security First: Bluffworks

model walking with navy gramercy suit bluffworks covering mouth

One of my life’s biggest regrets is that I wasn’t alive back when people wore suits on planes. I mean, I guess I still could. But it’s not the same. 

People just gave up on the idea of suits for travel because they were uncomfortable. You might have missed the key word there: were. 

flatlay of navy gramercy blazer bluffworks

The Bluffworks Gramercy Blazer and Pants makes for an outstanding travel suit. And not just because it has a modern slim fit. 

The fabric can be folded, stuffed in a bag, and even thrown in the washing machine. Seriously. When was the last time you heard about a suit you could just toss in the wash? 

Bluffworks Gramercy Travel Suit

Bluffworks created an unstructured suit and it's our new favorite travel item. The relaxed blazer, paired with trousers loaded with hidden pockets and secure zippers make this suit an indispensable addition to our wardrobe.

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But what I love most about Bluffworks is their devotion to sneaky pockets. Take the Bluffworks Ascender Chino for example: on the inside of the thigh (the reverse of the front left pocket) is a secret zippered pocket where you can store extra cash for travel. 

ascender chino and meridian dress shirt in highland grey check

This pocket is even better than a money belt because no one suspects it—it’s not something any other brand does. And, it can only be accessed from the inside of the pant. So you literally have to take your pants off to get to it.

Pickpockets are bad people, but they’re not going to make you take your pants off on the bus.

Everything Bluffworks designs is made with travel in mind. Sometimes there’s nothing you can do to not look like a tourist, and when you look out of place, you easily become a target for thieves. 

bluffworks secret pocket in ascender chinos

I know it’s something I always think of when I’m traveling abroad (though I still fall for the “which cup is the ball under” trick 100% of the time). I’m more relaxed when I can feel my passport sitting against my leg. For that extra level of security while you’re busy buying your third gelato of the day, check out Bluffworks

My Favorite Travel Picks from Bluffworks

Bluffworks Gramercy Travel Suit

Bluffworks created an unstructured suit and it's our new favorite travel item. The relaxed blazer, paired with trousers loaded with hidden pockets and secure zippers make this suit an indispensable addition to our wardrobe.

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Bluffworks Ascender Chino

With their secure, hard-to-access pockets, hidden money pouch, and lightweight 5.31 oz per yard fabric, the Ascender Chino is one of our go-to travel pants.

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Rugged First: Western Rise

Western Rise Evolution Pant stretch demonstration

I’m a cosmopolitan man and all, but not every trip involves jetting off into the sunset. Some trips are quick weekend pop-offs into the mountains to get away from the noise of the city. 

And when I’m getting that feeling it’s time to escape for a moment, I put on Western Rise. While the brand has similar flattering fits like Public Rec and Bluffworks, their niche is more outdoorsy. 

Western Rise is what you’d wear if you want to pack one bag, but still have everything you need for a Saturday night dinner and Sunday morning fishing. 

model wearing western rise coat and at slim pants with sperry topsider duck boots

The brand’s pants are made with woven twill, so they’re abrasion resistant, which is basically a necessity if you’re carrying a pocket knife. 

I’ve taken plenty of spills out hiking on wet mud and loose leaves wearing my Western Rise gear, though you’d never be able to tell after a quick wash. 

My Favorite Travel Pick from Western Rise

Western Rise Evolution Pant
(Get 25%-60% off last call sale)

If you need a pair of pants that look great and you can wear it for a week straight without washing, the Evolution from Western Rise will get you there.

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What to Wear on a Long Haul Flight

model wearing blue shirt and grey public rec all day every day joggers

A long haul flight isn’t the best time to break in your raw denim and boots. If you’re getting on a plane for any longer than six hours, I recommend you wear something especially comfortable for the flight there and back. 

I know I don’t need to tell you this—it always is—but you have to consider your balls first and foremost. I’m sorry, I didn’t know how else to bring it up. 

But you know what I mean: you take a seat and the seam of your jeans is splitting your beans down the middle. It’s not so bad for the first hour, but a little excessive turbulence can put your ability to have children at risk. And a long haul flight is not the time you want to be sitting for twelve hours with discomfort around your Gumby and Friends region. 

Down Below

That’s why I opt for the Public Rec All Day Every Day Joggers. They’ve got the secure zipper pocket so I can keep my passport safe, plus deep pockets for everything else I need. That gets me through the airport and to my seat with the essentials. From there, the comfort takes over and I don’t need to adjust myself every 15 minutes. 


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I always recommend taking a light jacket with you, too. Airplanes are cold. Maybe it’s because you’re closer to space? I don’t know, I’m not a scientist. 

But even in the dead-heat of summer, having a light jacket with you is a good idea for not just the plane ride, but also when you’re at your destination. Thunder storms and breezy cool summer nights happen. 

Something simple like the Public Rec Crosstown Bomber is all you need to keep errant breeze and moisture off, plus give you that bit of extra warmth when the flight attendant refuses to bring you one of those tiny blankets. 

Public Rec Crosstown Bomber

A tech-focused version of a classic jacket. Public Rec keeps the design simple, the lines clean, and the look fresh with their Crosstown Bomber.

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On the Feet

model wearing Greats royale sneaker

For shoes, I always go with a comfortable pair of sneakers—and I usually tie them loose so I can slip them on and off in the airport. I don’t like to wear slides to the airport because they become dead-weight when I’m actually traveling. 

A pair of minimalist sneakers like the GREATS Royale does the trick for me. They’re comfortable, but they also go well with everything, so they’re awesome travel companions when you have limited wardrobe options. 

GREATS The Royale

The GREATS Royale is a decent sneaker, but I believe the quality has dropped since the brand was acquired by Steven Madden. I find myself reaching for my KOIO and Oliver Cabell sneakers more often because of their slimmer design and better quality leather. Guys with wide feet will like the roomier, more bulbous toe of the GREATS. The perforations and larger style are a bit reminiscent of Jordan basketball sneakers, which is a bit more casual than I prefer when slipping on a sneaker.

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Globetrotter Outfit Inspiration

The planning stage is almost done. Maybe you’ve picked out your destination. You know which brands you’re going to shop. But what should you actually pick up? 

Here are some stylish globe-trotting, travel-friendly outfits to help you get the creative juices flowing. 

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Get Outside

There’s nothing like a little adventure to refresh the spirits, am I right? 

But as we both know, travel is a little sweeter when you’re decked head to toe in clothes you’re proud to own. 

When it comes to long haul flights and running through the airport in style, our top brand is Public Rec. Their joggers are the kind of thing that makes sitting in a cramped seat with your legs folded into your chest seem comfortable. 

If you’re trekking through crowded touristy areas, having a few secret pockets doesn’t hurt, and the most stylish brand making travel-ready, sneaky-pocketed clothes is Bluffworks.

Of course, if your idea of vacation is waking up at dawn and setting a pot of water on a burning log to make your coffee and looking over your shoulder to make sure a bear isn’t watching, Western Rise has the rugged durability you need. 

Safe travels, brother. 

FAQs

What should men wear on a road trip?

When you go on a road trip, you need a balance of style and comfort. For the longer stretches of driving, wear something like the Public Rec ADED Jogger. It’s soft and stretchy, but it also looks really stylish so you can impress people at the gas station.

Should I wear jeans on a long flight?

We don’t recommend wearing jeans on a long haul flight. It’s not bad per se, but jeans can become uncomfortable quickly. Performance fabric joggers are much more comfortable but still look stylish.

What should you not wear when traveling?

You shouldn’t wear cargo shorts when traveling, but then again, you should never wear cargo shorts in general. Wherever you go, you’re probably going to look like a tourist, but don’t try to look like one. Graphic tees, cargo shorts, sandals and socks—these are the main clothes you should avoid when traveling.

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