Clothes for the long car holiday
Short answer: In the car you sit still for many hours with your back against the seat. Soft fabrics without hard seams and thin layers you can adjust make the journey more comfortable, and a set of clean clothes at the top of the bag makes stops and arrival easier.
Your back against the seat
Moisture builds up between your back and the seat, because air cannot circulate. After a few hours a T-shirt can feel clammy, even if the car is not warm. A soft layer that moves moisture away from the skin makes a noticeable difference on a long drive. See bamboo T-shirts for men.
Soft trousers
Jeans with hard seams and a stiff waistband make themselves felt after five hours in the same position. Soft trousers with an elastic waistband give room when you sit and do not pull across the stomach or knees. They are also easier to move in when you stretch your legs at a stop. See bamboo sweatpants for men.
Layers
The temperature in the car changes with the sun, the air conditioning and the weather outside. Two thin layers are easier to adjust than one thick jumper. Take the outer layer off when the sun shines through the window, and put it back on when you stop in the wind.
Socks
Your legs barely move, and your feet get warm in your shoes. Socks that move moisture away and have no tight cuffs are more pleasant on a long trip. Many people take their shoes off in the car, and then the socks have to keep the feet dry. See all bamboo socks for men.
Breaks along the way
Stop regularly and walk around for a few minutes. It feels good to stretch your legs and get fresh air, and it gives your clothes a chance to dry a little. Put on a layer when you get out, as it is often a different temperature outside. Soft clothes make it easier to move freely.
A change on arrival
A set of clean clothes at the top of the bag makes arrival easier. After a whole day in the car it is nice to change before you unpack, go out to eat or greet the people you are visiting. Pack the set so you can reach it without emptying the boot.
For women
The same applies for women. Soft trousers with an elastic waistband, a layer that moves moisture away from your back, and thin layers to adjust make the drive more comfortable. Choose a fit that does not pinch after many hours of sitting. See the matching items in bamboo sweatpants for women.
Packing
Roll clothes rather than folding them. They take up less room, crease less, and you can see each item when you open the bag. Keep a small bag for the journey and a larger one for the rest. For longer trips, there are more tips in our packing list.
A change along the way
A set of underwear and a pair of socks at the top of the bag make a stop along the way noticeably better. Especially on warm days or after a long stretch, it is nice to change into something dry. It takes up almost no space. See bamboo underwear for men.
Frequently asked questions
What do you notice first on a long drive?
Hard seams in your trousers and a damp back against the seat. Soft trousers and a layer that moves moisture away from the skin make the many hours more comfortable.
What should be at the top of the bag?
A set of clean clothes for arrival, and ideally underwear and socks for a stop along the way. Then you do not have to empty the boot to change.
Why two layers?
Because the temperature in the car changes with the sun, the air conditioning and the weather outside. Two thin layers are easier to adjust than one thick jumper.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
