Clothing for life in the city
Short answer: City life means short distances, many changes between outdoors and indoors, and small homes with little room for clothes. A few well chosen basics that can be worn again and again make the day simpler.
Many changes in a single day
In the city you move from bike or bus to office, café and flat, and the temperature keeps shifting. Heated rooms, cold stairwells and wind between buildings mean that one thick layer rarely suits the whole day. Thin layers can be taken off and put on again and take up little room in a bag. That matters most in winter, when you are warm indoors and cold outside, and when a damp inner layer quickly becomes uncomfortable.
The undershirt as a steady base
A smooth undershirt beneath a shirt is one of the simplest habits for anyone who is out and about a lot. Viscose from bamboo is soft and lets moisture escape, so it copes when you run for the train or sit in a warm room. See bamboo undershirt for men. It sits close and does not show as lumps under thin fabric. Many people own several identical ones so that a clean one is always ready for the working week.
Space is a scarce resource
Small flats have few cupboards and no box room, so the wardrobe has to stay easy to survey. A fixed set of clothes that you know go together takes up less space than many single items that need particular combinations. Fold clothes instead of hanging them, and use vacuum bags for things you only wear by the season. Matching clothes also make packing easier when the weekend brings a trip out of town.
Home clothes and morning routines
When the day is over, it is pleasant to change into something loose, especially in a small flat without a garden or a hallway to separate work from leisure. A soft night set draws a clear line between day and evening. See night pants for men. In the morning a light dressing gown can keep you warm while the coffee brews, without you having to look for a jumper.
The dressing gown in a small home
In a city with many neighbours and thin walls, a dressing gown is practical for the first minutes before you are dressed. Choose one that is light enough to hang on a hook without taking up space and that dries quickly after washing. See bamboo dressing gown for men. Many people also wear it after a shower, because it absorbs moisture and does not feel heavy on the shoulders.
Care without a tumble dryer
Many city dwellers have no room for a tumble dryer, so air drying is the daily habit. Viscose from bamboo dries fairly quickly on a clothes rack if you shake the pieces out and hang them loosely. Wash at 30 to 40 degrees and skip fabric softener, as it can make the fabric less breathable. Hang the laundry up while it is still slightly damp, and it smooths itself out and needs no ironing.
Frequently asked questions
What should I wear for a bike ride to work
Wear a thin undershirt, add a shirt or jumper and bring a windproof jacket. Then you can adjust when you arrive warm at the office.
How do I save space in a small wardrobe
Choose basics in a few colours, fold rather than hang, and keep seasonal clothes in bags under the bed or in a box.
Does bamboo clothing need ironing
Normally not. Hang it up while it is slightly damp and iron only lightly on a low setting if you want it completely smooth.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
