What to wear under your clothes at a long conference
Short answer: A long conference means many hours of sitting, changing rooms and warm coffee breaks. Thin, adjustable layers and a soft vest under the shirt make the day easier to get through.
Many hours in changing rooms
At a conference you go from a cool auditorium to an overheated meeting room and on to a warm dining hall. The temperature swings, and you cannot always control it. Your clothes therefore have to keep up. Three thin layers work better than one thick one. You can take the jacket off, roll up your sleeves and put it back on if you were cold in the next hall.
The vest under the shirt
A thin vest under the shirt is a quiet helper on a long day. It takes up moisture so the shirt stays fresh, and it can be swapped if you stay overnight. See bamboo shirt for men if you want a shirt that sits softly and does not crease too badly after a day in a chair. Choose a vest in a colour that does not show through and that lies flat under the shirt.
Sitting well and moving
Many hours in a chair can cause sore shoulders and a stiff back. Sit with your feet flat on the floor and your shoulders relaxed. Stand up every hour and take a short walk. The clothes should allow movement: trousers with a little room and a shirt that does not pull across the back when you lean forward to take notes. Small breaks help you keep your concentration for longer.
Feet and shoes
Conference days can involve a lot of walking between halls and stands. Choose shoes you have worn before and that you can walk in all day. Thin socks in a breathable fabric help against damp feet. Bring an extra pair of socks so you can change midday. See the full bamboo range for men for basic pieces that suit both conferences and everyday life. Avoid brand new shoes on days with a lot of walking.
Food, coffee and energy
Conferences often overflow with coffee, cake and sandwiches, and that can cause swings in energy. Drink water between cups and eat something filling. A light meal at midday is better than a heavy lunch, which can make you tired. Keep a small snack in your bag for the long afternoons. If you get warm after the meal, you can take off the jacket or undo the top button.
Care and spare clothes
If the conference lasts several days, you may need several sets. Wash viscose from bamboo at 30 to 40 degrees, preferably inside out, and let it dry on a hanger. A thin layer dries quickly if you wash it in the evening at the hotel. See the sale for men if you want to add extra basic pieces. Pack the clothes in a bag and roll them so they do not crease in the suitcase.
Frequently asked questions
What should I wear under my shirt at a conference
A thin, soft vest that takes up moisture and lies flat. Pack an extra one to change into.
How do I cope with changing temperatures
Use several thin layers that you can put on and take off. Take the jacket off in warm rooms and put it on again if you are cold.
How do I avoid a stiff back
Stand up every hour and take a short walk. Sit with your feet flat and your shoulders relaxed.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
