The Rise & Fall Travel Edit

The Considered Travel Uniform

First, build your ‘travel uniform’. It is a simple foundation: well-fitting trousers, a versatile top (like a comfortable cotton T-shirt), and an adaptable outer layer (like a cashmere wrap or merino wool jumper). 

Choose versatile pieces you can wear in multiple ways. This will save space and weight in your luggage while keeping you stylish and comfortable. 

Explore our Women's Trousers & Shorts, Women’s Tops & T-Shirts or Men’s T-Shirts and Men’s Trousers & Shorts to find your foundation pieces, then choose everything else to work with them.

We recommend neutral colours such as black, grey, cream, navy, white and earthy tones. You can wear tops and bottoms in these colours in multiple ways, while a bright colour works best as an outer layer or as part of a special outfit for your trip, rather than your everyday travel uniform.

Travel Essentials For Women

Simple tops and T-shirts make a useful starting point for repeat outfits. Our Classic Cotton Crew Neck T-shirt is made from 100% organic cotton, in a 175gsm jersey. Its relaxed, straight cut sits easily under knitwear, while the simple neckline works just as well worn alone.

Pair your chosen top with your favourite bottoms. The Women’s Merino Cotton Tapered Knit Trouser is great for long travel days, especially when it is cool. Knitted from 70% cotton and 30% Merino wool, these have a relaxed tapered shape, an elasticated waistband and functional pockets. 

Alternatively, the Easy-Silk Pleat Trouser has a five-star rating, with one reviewer noting that the washed black colour is versatile and matches almost everything. Or, for something smarter yet still comfortable, the Women's Corduroy Wide Leg Trouser in Black is a great travel piece.

Or, for a sunny trip, our Women’s Linen Wide Leg Trouser makes a perfect foundational piece. This blend combines 55% European Flax linen with 45% viscose, pairing linen’s texture with a fluid drape. The breathable blend and generous leg suit warmer days, while a flat front and concealed side zip keep the finish clean.

Layers That Earn Their Place

The Silk-Cotton Cardigan, made from 55% silk and 45% cotton, adds a lightweight, breathable layer. Wear it open while travelling, then button it over the same T-shirt for a more defined silhouette. Its fine knit is ideal when a heavier jumper feels like too much.

For extra warmth, keep the Oversized Finest Cashmere Wrap within reach. Made from 100% A-grade Mongolian cashmere, it measures 70 × 200cm. Its generous shape lets it work as a scarf, shoulder layer, or light travel blanket.

Explore our finest cashmere and merino wool for more top layer ideas.

One Wardrobe, Three Moments

• For the journey: wear the cotton T-shirt with the tapered knit trousers (or one of the alternatives, depending on your style), an open cardigan, and comfortable shoes. Add the wrap over your shoulders when you need a third layer.

• For exploring: leave the wrap behind when the weather allows. Lightly tuck the front of the T-shirt to define the waist and wear the cardigan open or buttoned as temperatures change.

• For dinner on the first night of your trip: keep the same foundation, button the cardigan and drape the wrap over your shoulders. Add simple earrings and, if your plans call for it, a pair of different shoes. 

Men’s Travel Essentials

Our men’s work wardrobe collection is a useful starting point for smart-casual combinations that move between travelling, exploring and dinner. 

Dark trousers, a light T-shirt, an Oxford shirt and a graphite jumper make a dependable combination.

For a men’s foundation outfit, we recommend combining our Men’s Classic Cotton Crew Neck T-shirt with our Men’s All-Rounder Cotton Trousers.

Considered Layering

The Men’s Cotton Oxford Shirt is 100% cotton with a relaxed fit. Wear it open over a T-shirt for a casual extra layer, or button it up for dinner. Try it under your jumper before packing to ensure enough room through the shoulders and sleeves.

Or for something more casual and warm, our Men’s Fine Merino Crew Neck Jumper is perfect. Made from 100% Merino wool, its fine knit adds lightweight warmth over a T-shirt or shirt. The regular fit and raglan sleeves keep the shape easy to wear.

One Wardrobe, Three Moments

• For the journey: combine the cotton trousers and T-shirt with the Oxford shirt open. Add the Merino jumper over both when you need three layers.

• For exploring: wear the T-shirt and jumper with the same trousers. Leave the shirt to air for the evening.

• For dinner: button the Oxford shirt and wear it beneath the jumper, or alone in warmer surroundings. Keep the trouser hems neat and finish with clean trainers or loafers.

Your Packing Checklist

For a short break in mild conditions, use these as starting lists, counting what you wear on departure day.

Women’s packing list:

1. Two cotton T-shirts
2. One pair of versatile trousers
3. One oversized cashmere wrap
4. Linen trousers or a skirt as an optional alternative
5. Cotton pyjama set
6. Walking shoes
7. Secondary shoes for the evening
8. Underwear
9. One cardigan

Men’s packing list:

1. Two cotton T-shirts and one polo
2. One or two pairs of cotton trousers
3. One cotton Oxford shirt or an oversized shirt
4. One fine Merino or cashmere jumper
5. Cotton pyjama top and bottoms
6. Walking shoes
7. Secondary shoes for the evening
8. Underwear

These are your essentials. A considered travel wardrobe like this leaves room for the things you actually want to do. An unplanned walk. A longer lunch. An evening that carries on.

Use the 5-4-3-2-1 method to build on the everyday, versatile travel uniform for longer trips. Pack 5 tops, 4 bottoms, 3 pairs of shoes, 2 layers, and 1 special item to create dozens of outfits without overpacking. 

We also recommend bringing an empty laundry bag to put any dirty pieces in during your trip. 

Add to the checklist as needed, but check that every additional piece works with at least two things already inside. The just-in-case outfit can usually stay at home, as over-packing is far more common than underpacking. Plus, it’s always nice to have a little extra room in your bag so you can shop during your trip.

How To Pack and Store Your Clothes

Try everything on before it goes into the case. Sit down in the trousers. Button the cardigan over your top. Check that sleeves move comfortably beneath your coat. Your travel outfit should feel as good several hours into the journey as it does in front of the mirror.

Decide what you’ll wear when travelling. Wearing your bulkiest items, like your coat or junky knitwear, will save space in your bags. Plus, they'll keep you warm on long (air conditioned) journeys.

Once you’ve confirmed exactly what you want to pack, ensure that every item is clean. Wash any items that require it before packing.

You can roll casual and synthetic clothing items into compact spaces. Fold more structured pieces and those made from natural fabrics, such as our pieces at Rise & Fall. Packing cubes are a great way to organise your clothes.

How to fold shirts to prevent creasing:

1. Fasten all or every other button to keep the fabric aligned and prevent shifting.

2. Lay the shirt face down on a flat surface, like a bed or table.

3. Fold the sleeves by bringing each sleeve straight back or diagonally across the back, creating a crisp crease at the shoulder.

4. Fold each side toward the centre to form a neat vertical rectangle.

5. Lift the bottom hem up in one or two horizontal folds until it meets the collar.

6. Protect the collar. One good method is to coil a clean leather belt and drop it inside the collar band to keep it from crushing.

7. Add tissue paper. Place a sheet of tissue paper between the folds to reduce friction between fabrics.

Unpack when you arrive. Hang the shirts and lay knitwear flat, giving each piece space to air between wears.

How To Care For Your Clothes Abroad

Whether you do laundry abroad depends on your trip length and the weight allowance you have. For example, if you’re allowed 20 kilograms for a two-week trip, you may be able to pack enough without needing to wash. If you’re just going on a weekend getaway with a carry-on, you can also get away with returning without doing laundry. Bring a designated laundry bag for dirty clothes to wash when you get back. 

If you choose to do laundry while abroad, make sure you read the care instructions for each item. Many travellers also choose to go to a laundrette whilst abroad or wash garments in the sink.

Each piece at Rise & Fall has its own separate care advice. Our silk-cotton cardigan, for example, requires a cold hand wash and flat drying; the women’s Merino-cotton trousers also specify cold hand washing or dry cleaning.

The men’s cotton trousers allow a cold machine wash, while the Oxford shirt specifies 30°C washing and no tumble drying. For the Merino jumper, use the wool cycle and wool detergent as directed; reshape while damp, then dry flat away from direct heat. Always follow the label on your garment.

Travel Edit FAQs

1. How can I pack lighter?

Pack neutral items you can layer and repeat across different outfits. For example, two different tops, two different bottoms and a shawl can be customised into over five styles. 

2. What are the top three must have items when packing for a trip?

Pack a versatile, comfortable pair of trousers or shorts, an everyday T-shirt, and a warm layer, like a cardigan or jacket, depending on the season. You can reuse these three essentials in different outfits; for example, swap out the bottoms or top, or wear the cardigan/jacket over a completely different outfit (such as a dress). 

3. What are the best materials for a travel wardrobe?

Natural fibres offer exceptional comfort and effortless versatility when you are on the move. Merino wool and cotton make for premier base layers because they naturally regulate temperature and resist odours, keeping you comfortable across varying climates without needing frequent washes. 

For chilly transit days or cooler destinations, cashmere provides lightweight warmth and a soft, luxurious feel that layers beautifully over thinner pieces without adding bulk to your luggage. 

In warmer weather, linen offers unmatched breathability and cooling airflow, while lightweight cotton ensures familiar, soft comfort against the skin for casual daily wear. While these natural fabrics may wrinkle more easily than synthetics and lack high-performance wicking, their superior breathability, easy layering, and comfort make them excellent choices for an adaptable travel wardrobe.

4. What are the best gifts for frequent travellers? 

Check out our Gift Guide for Frequent Travellers.