Travel better with the right clothes
A Kickstarter Trend
If you’ve ever funded a project on Kickstarter and enjoy travelling, you’ve probably seen the latest trend in clothing - travel clothes. That is to say, clothes designed with the traveller in mind. It seems that those infected with wanderlust have become a significant target group or enough travellers have found that traditional clothes just don’t do the trick.
From clothes lined with merino wool to others infused with Filium®, travel clothes are the rage on crowdfunding platforms and in boutiques around the world. We put a few products to the test to see how good they really are and here our findings.
Ably Apparel
Ably was one of the first Kickstarter projects that I supported. I loved the idea of washing fewer clothes and not having to worry about them smelling. The pitch was actually that by wearing Ably products, you’d have to do less laundry and save water, detergent and energy. These qualities are what many travel clothes are marketing as their USPs.
My experience with Ably Apparel
I bought three t-shirts and a hoodie. I really like the cut and fit. I also like the colours and general branding. Furthermore, I wore the stuff on a few runs and over numerous days without washing like the video promised. I did the girlfriend smell test, and she agreed that it did not smell. That was the first while. However, after a few months of wear and wash, they did start to hold odours. However, the thing that I dislike is that I sweat more or at least feel like I sweat more with Ably. It doesn't absorb moisture and so sweat beads off your skin, making you feel wet. I do not like this. Given, I’m a person who sweats more than others, but for this reason, I would not buy the classic (first generation) Ably Apparel products. What has positively astonished me is that the company has grown and has many more options now than just t-shirts and hoodies.
What’s good about Ably Apparel?
moisture repellent
odour repellent
nice cuts and sizing
lots of selection
What are the cons of Ably Apparel?
Makes you feel wet
Odour repellent property eventually washes away
Who is Ably Apparel for?
People who do not easily sweat
Travellers wanting to pack less and who can wear the same clothes for days
Kosan Travel Dress
Before this company launched their travel dress, they had already created a popular travel bag and successfully funded it on Kickstarter. I saw their ad after having watched a YouTube video about the sexist history behind pockets in women’s clothing. Furthermore, I was looking for a good Christmas gift for my girlfriend and decided to buy this dress with the hopes that she would get it for our summer travels.
Our experience with the Kosan Travel Dress
This dress delivers on its promise. Though she received the dress later than expected, Elizabeth loves her travel dress. She first wore it on a trip to the Fête des Vignerons in Vevey, and was able to wear it for two days in two styles. She took it out again for a trip to Bosnia, where the easily adjustable length was perfect for visiting religious sites, where knees are to be covered. From the zipping pockets to the colours and fit, she loves it and looks great in it.
What’s good about the Kosan Travel Dress?
One dress, two lengths
Dries quickly
Odour repellent
Zipping pockets
Stretch fabric
Wrinkle resistant
What are the cons of the Kosan Travel Dress?
It’s only available in a summer version
Who is the Kosan Travel Dress for?
Any woman looking for a nice summer/warm-climate dress
Update:
They have a rainjacket project online now. Support it now, here.
They have also modified their travel dress and have a new shirt for women too.
Pictures copyright: Alchemy Equipment
Alchemy Equipment
Okay, these guys are not a travel clothing company per se, but their clothes are brilliant. I discovered their trousers at Kevin in the Woods, a Zurich boutique and have since bought a second pair of their tailored chinos.
My experience with Alchemy Equipment
There are few pants that look and feel great and see light enough to wear all year. These are one of them. They use a technical stretch fabric for comfort Furthermore, the fabric composition means that they stay wrinkle-free. I’ve worn these pants for several days without feeling that they needed to be washed. They are also nicely cut and look dressy enough to go into a nice restaurant on your travels. They come in a few colours and will help you pack less when travelling.
What’s good about the Alchemy Equipment Chinos?
They have a nice cut
They’re light and breathable
They have performance stretch
You can wear them in all seasons
What are the cons of Alchemy Equipment Chinos?
The pockets wear out fast
Only come in three colours
Who are Alchemy Equipment chinos for?
Urban dwellers
People who want sport functionality in a professional-looking pant
Conclusion:
Having the right clothes for travelling will make your trip more enjoyable. There are many great Kickstarter projects out there headed by people trying to solve the issues of comfort, cleaning, and of course, style. Buyer beware though, many companies have never manufactured anything. Some ideas may seem reasonable in theory but fail in practice.
Here is what we think you should look for in order from the most important to the least.
Comfort: If it doesn’t feel right, you won’t wear it, so comfort is key.
Style: Look for clothes that can be worn casually and formally if needed. There is nothing worse than feeling entirely out of place when you walk into a restaurant, hotel, museum or other venue and feeling underdressed.
Odour resistance: This means you worry less about the smell and have to wash your clothes fewer times helping them last longer and saving you time and money.
Weight: Lighter gear is easier to carry and generally packs smaller, saving you space in your suitcase.
In conclusion, travelling with the right clothes should increase your comfort - both in how you feel and how much you carry - while travelling, thereby enhancing your experience.
