The Science of "wrinkle free" Clothing

[Steve]

OK, I've been doing some web research and I need some professional advice from someone in the garment industry - or just some down-to-earth practical advice from other’s real-world experience

I've investigated several web sites looking for clothes that will resist wrinkling when methodically and expertly packed (aka stuffed) in my travel pack. I have read about microfiber, silk and wool blends, coolmax fabric, and cotton that is designed not to wrinkle (right!)

While I have a good supply casual clothes I have purchased for my camping activities made of nylon, "terramar", coolmax, wool, etc, I need some business duds for my business activities as well including a blazer, dress shirts, and dress slacks.

Can anyone give me advice on which fabrics or blends resist wrinkles and hold up best for multiple-day wear for "business casual" attire? I'm also looking for fast-drying qualities for the times when I need to "rinse out a few things" or do some spot cleaning. Or alternatively, is it better to try to spray away the inevitable wrinkles with the "wrinkle free" spray I have seen on several sites (one more thing to have to pack!)

OK, you fashion gurus, here’s you chance to enlighten the uninformed masses!

[LHR02]

'The Travel Insider' newsletter has an article about this very thing in today's edition! Link here:

www.thetravelinsider.info/travelaccessories/wrinklefreeclothes.htm

[Nicstar]

that article mentioned something I do alllllll the time and swear by. The reducing of wrinkles by hanging them in the bathroom while you take a hot shower, getting the steam to get them out.

It works. Not on super crumpled clohtes obviously.....but I find when I haven't hung my jeans or trousers up, and want to wear them the next day, but they look a little crumpled, I hang them in the bathroom while I shower, and they look heaps better!

I've also found hanging them in the bathroom while I shower will help to remove the smokey pub/club smell from the night before, a bit. At uni, Sundays in the dorm bathrooms you'd see everyone's clothes from the night before hanging up around the place making use of the steam of everyone's showers!

Oh and a hairdryer works too. When I've found a nasty crease in something, I just spray some water on to it, and use the hairdryer to dry it while holding it in place. Although this option would only work to those who travel with hairdryers. (ME!)

[jennifer]

Yup, this is the best trick in the world! Thanks to my mom, I apply this all the time, I hhhhhhhhhhhhhhattttte an iron!

[Eagle]

STEVE, my preference as always (as mentioned in my other Posts) would be Tilley travel clothing. I've found it to be extremely good quality (my Tailor confirmed how good the quality is), durable and easy to care for when travelling.

Most of the Tilley line is designed to be washed in a Hotel room sink and be dry the next morning. In my experience this works well for the most part, although in a very humid environment some of the items might still be a bit damp in the morning (I wear them anyway).

They offer a range of fabrics including the "Adventurecloth", but also Coolmax and other fabrics. Even after being rolled and stuffed in a Backpack, the clothing seems to remain mostly wrinkle free and "smart" looking. It is a bit on the expensive side, but I'm at the point now where I'm willing to pay for good quality clothing.

I just wanted to offer another opinion on this. If you do decide to give this a try, let me know as there are a few "caveats". Good luck with sorting this out.

Cheers!!!

[me]

did this in Algeciras in '99 where the clothes seemed to never dry!

but, that was a *VERY* humid location! most places will not give you this problem.

- d

Eagle said:

Most of the Tilley line is designed to be washed in a Hotel room sink and be dry the next morning. In my experience this works well for the most part, although in a very humid environment some of the items might still be a bit damp in the morning (I wear them anyway).

[Steve]

Dustoffmom,

Thanks for the link the great article. It was right on point and had some other good
links as well.

Everyone,

Thanks for your ideas as well. I have also been known to "steam" my clothes in the
bathroom with the help of a hot shower. However, my warning to others is, if you try
this when you are not in the shower, always check to make sure the tub drain is not
closed. I failed to do this once with unexpected results!

If anyone knows of additional sites offering business casual travel clothes (particularly
offering sizes for the taller crowd) I would appreciate hearing about them.

Thanks All.

[debcsus]

To keep clothes smelling fresh I've also heard to use dryer sheets in your pack. An option my brother stumbled across the first time he went to europe and forgot to use a towel, use your tshirt from the previous day to dry off. He said it kept them smelling clean.

However, this is also the same person that washed his clothes twice in a six week trip when he only packed enough clothes for 5 days....

I liked the tip on using some water and a hair dryer. I'll definately be using that one!

[jennifer]

Ha! Ha! Ha!

Well his advice is good though, it keeps you from bringing a towel!

I still love having a smooth towel! (Don't start on this one Ging hahaha)

And for the dryer sheet, it's the best !

xoxo
Jen

[Nicstar]

ahh you know just yesterday I was wondering about the dryer sheets. I wondered out loud to someone if i put one or two in my pack my clothes would come out smelling as nice as they do out of the drier.

That one would definitely be classed as a creature comfort from home but not excessively so tip!

[Sara Beth]

This isn't so much for guys, but girls should check out matte jersey fabric. Victoria's Secret actually usually has a variety of shirt, skirts, and pants in various colors.