Bamboo clothing for drivers and long drives
Short answer: Behind the wheel you sit still for many hours with your back against the seat. Seams, tight elastic and fabrics that hold moisture are what you notice first on a long drive.
Seat and back
Where your body touches the seat, moisture collects because air cannot get in. After an hour or two a cotton top sticks to your back. A fabric that moves moisture away keeps the skin drier, even without air conditioning. See bamboo T-shirts for men if you drive a lot.
Underwear
Flat seams chafe less after five hours in the same position. When you sit, the seams press into the skin, and what you do not notice in the first hour becomes annoying by the third. Choose a fit with slightly longer legs that does not ride up. See bamboo underpants for men.
Trousers
Soft trousers with an elastic waist are more comfortable than stiff jeans on long trips. Jeans pull across the stomach and knees when you sit, and a thick seam in the crotch is felt after a few hours. See bamboo sweatpants for men if you want something softer for the drive.
Socks
Your legs barely move, and your feet warm up quickly in shoes, especially in summer. A sock that moves moisture away keeps the foot drier and less hot. Avoid socks with a tight cuff that presses on the ankle. See bamboo socks for men for the range.
Layers in the cab
The temperature shifts between a warm cab and the cold outside when you unload or take a break. Two thin layers are easier to adjust than one thick jumper, and you can remove the outer one without stopping for long. See bamboo long sleeve T-shirt for men as the inner layer.
Changing along the way
A spare set of underwear and a pair of socks in your bag make a long trip noticeably better. Change at a rest stop when you are halfway, and feel the difference in the last hours. Put used clothes in a separate bag so they do not smell in the cab.
The breaks
Get out of the vehicle at every break and walk for a few minutes. It is good for your back and legs, and it gives your clothes a chance to dry a little. Many stay seated because it is cold outside, but a few minutes of movement makes it easier to sit again.
Seat heating and air conditioning
Seat heating is nice in winter, but it makes your back warm and damp on long drives. Turn it down once you are warm. Air conditioning dries the air but often blows cold on one side of the body. A thin long sleeve layer gives some protection without making you too warm.
Clothes for the whole week
If you drive many days in a row, one set per day is easiest. You do not have to wash on the road, and you always know where the clean clothes are. Pack each day's clothes in their own bag, so they are easy to find even when you are tired.
See also
Many of the same tips apply to anyone who spends a lot of time getting to and from work, whether by car, bike or train. You can read more about layers, changing and sweat on the move in the commuter wardrobe.
Frequently asked questions
What do you notice first on a long drive
Seams in your underwear and a tight waistband. Both are felt after a few hours, so flat seams and soft elastic are the first things to look for.
Why does my back get damp when I drive
Because air cannot get between your back and the seat. A fabric that moves moisture away from the skin keeps your back drier, and breaks outside the vehicle help too.
What should I bring on a long drive
A spare set of underwear, a pair of socks and a thin layer to put on and take off. Keep used clothes in a separate bag so the cab does not smell.
See our range of Copenhagen Bamboo.
