For a journey by train, tram or metro, it is mainly important that your outfit can handle temperature changes and movement. Layers you can easily take off, trousers you can sit in comfortably and shoes you can walk in pleasantly are more practical than one fixed material rule. An outfit does not need to be crease-free after a journey to arrive looking polished.
Why public transport has its own requirements
A journey by public transport consists of many small pieces: walking to the stop, waiting on a draughty platform, a full, warm train, changing and the last stretch to the office. You sit, you stand, you carry your bag and you keep switching temperature. Clothing that looks perfect in front of the mirror at home can be creased, sweaty or shifted after an hour of travelling. A few smart choices prevent that.
What works and why
| Item | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Top | Knitted polo or blouse in a supple fabric | Comfortable as a base layer and easy to combine |
| Layer | Fine-knit cardigan or thin sweater | Easy to take off and carry |
| Trousers | Trousers with enough room to move | Comfortable when sitting, standing and climbing stairs |
| Shoes | Loafers or leather sneakers with a comfortable sole | You walk more than you think |
| Bag | A bag that suits what you carry | Comfortable to carry without damaging your clothing |
| Coat | Light coat that fits over your arm | On the train a thick coat is too warm |
Layers: the secret of a good travel outfit
Temperature can change strongly along the way. A thin base layer with a cardigan or light knit on top therefore gives more flexibility than one heavy garment. Above all, choose a second layer you can easily take off without disturbing the rest of your outfit.
Outfits for Women
- Office day. The navy Liorah is a slim-fit cable-knit polo and combines with the high-waist slim-straight Arabelli. The tone-on-tone combination is calm and the trousers have an elasticated waistband. Choose shoes you can comfortably handle the walking part of your journey in.
- A day of appointments. A blouse with the Veronique cardigan in light blue. Veronique is slim-fit, so try on blouse and cardigan together to check whether the sleeves have enough room.
Outfits for Men
- Office day. The blue Montgomery polo with the black Frederick trousers. Montgomery is slim-fit and currently comes with the size advice to go one size up from your usual; Frederick is listed as slim-straight and has a brushed inside.
- Polished casual. The olive green Edmund is a regular-fit fine-knit polo with a quarter zip. The zip makes regulating temperature along the way easy. Combine it with navy or grey trousers and shoes that suit your walking distance.
You will find more work outfits in the Office and Office for Men collections.
How to arrive fresh
- Leave a few minutes earlier. Rushing for the train is the fastest route to a sweaty back.
- Take your coat off on the train. Even if it is only twenty minutes. Otherwise your body heats up quickly.
- Choose a base layer you like. Modal and lyocell can feel soft and supple, but how warm or cool a garment is also depends on thickness and construction.
- Watch your bag. A heavy or rough strap can put strain on fine knitwear in one spot or cause it to pill.
Shoes: walk or change?
Many commuters walk a good distance each day between home, station and office. So choose shoes that have both walking comfort and style: loafers with a soft insole, leather sneakers in a calm colour or flat ankle boots. If you would rather wear a more formal shoe at the office, leave a pair under your desk. That way you do not have to choose between travelling comfortably and attending meetings looking polished.
Rain and wind
In rain, check above all that coat, shoes and trouser length suit the conditions. Ankle-length or shorter trousers often stay cleaner on a wet platform than a hem that comes close to the ground.
Cycling to the station
If you combine public transport with cycling, choose clothing in which you can move freely and adjust your layers to the temperature. A pannier can be practical if you want to avoid a backpack on your clothing.
A spare set at the office
If you travel by public transport every day, a small stock at work is useful: an extra top, a pair of smart shoes, a small lint roller and a cardigan. If things go wrong along the way because of rain, spilled coffee or a packed train, you are polished again in two minutes. Also take a look at our knitwear for a cardigan that can stay at the office.
Shop the look
Liorah: cable-knit polo, navy
Arabelli: high-waist trousers with pleats, navy
Veronique: fine-knit lyocell cardigan, light blue
Montgomery: modal polo, blue
Frederick: trousers with brushed inside, black
Edmund: lyocell polo with quarter zip, olive green melange
Frequently asked questions
What do you wear when you take the train to work?
Layers you can easily take off, such as a polo or blouse with a light cardigan, trousers with some stretch and comfortable shoes. That way you stay polished through every temperature change.
Which fabrics crease the least on public transport?
That depends strongly on weave, knit structure and fibre blend. Fine knitwear often shows less sharp seat creases than some woven fabrics, but no material always stays crease-free.
How do I prevent sweating on a full train?
Adjust your layers as soon as you get warm and choose clothing in which you can move comfortably. Pace, ventilation and outside temperature play a part too.
Which bag is best for commuters?
Choose a bag that carries comfortably and does not constantly rub against delicate knitwear. A backpack, handbag or shoulder bag can all work.
