For a train journey to Paris or London, choose above all clothes that stay comfortable for a long time and still look neat on arrival. Trousers with stretch and a fine-knit polo or top form a good base. Take an extra layer for the cool carriage and wear shoes you can walk in comfortably. Match your coat to the current weather forecast. Choose calm colours that combine with each other, so that you can manage with a small bag for one day. Below you can read how to build that up, with examples for men and women.
Why the train calls for different clothes than the plane
A long train journey calls above all for seating comfort and layers. You often sit in one place for four hours or longer, and there is more room for a bag, a coat and a book. After arrival you often walk straight into a city. At the end of the journey you step off and want to carry on straight away: an appointment, a museum, a lunch. So choose fabrics and fits that stay pleasant after several hours of sitting.
The basic rules for the day
- Trousers with a little stretch. You sit for a long time, and a waist that does not pinch makes a big difference.
- A top that does not crease. Fine knit and smooth fabrics recover well.
- A layer you can easily take off. A carriage is sometimes too warm, sometimes too cool.
- Shoes you can walk in. In Paris and London you walk more than you think.
- A coat for outside. In February that is a warm coat, which you can take off on the train.
For men
A polo with trousers is a practical travel combination. The Theodore in dark anthracite melange is made of 100% lyocell, feels soft and is suitable as a light base layer. Combine it with the Vincent in black, a trouser with viscose, polyamide, polyester and 6.8% elastane, among other fibres. The elastane gives extra stretch when sitting and walking. As an extra layer, the Maximilian in beige fits, a cardigan made of 100% wool, which you keep on in the train or hang over your seat. Wear a warm coat over it outside. You will find more ideas in the coats and jackets for men collection, and at the polos for men.
For women
For women, a fine-knit polo with calm trousers works well. The Josephine in black is a polo made of 79.9% viscose and 20.1% polyamide and is a soft, fine-knit base. Wear it with the Daphni in black (95% polyester, 5% elastane) and you have a simple black base. Add the cardigan Veronique in light grey, made of 100% lyocell, for a light layer on the train. If you choose a scarf, the outfit is complete and warm. You will find more travel outfits for women in the Airport collection.
A station routine that saves time
A short preparation at home prevents searching along the way. Lay out your clothes, bag and documents the evening before, check your ticket and look at the weather forecast for both cities. Check beforehand the recommended arrival time and any checks for your train. Keep documents and ticket easy to reach, and only take out your book or laptop on the train. On arrival it is handy if you know exactly where you need to go, so that you do not have to search with a heavy bag through an unfamiliar station.
What do you take for one day?
- A small bag or backpack that you can keep on your lap.
- A bottle of water, a snack and a charger.
- A passport or proof of identity, and for London the necessary travel documents.
- A small umbrella and a scarf or gloves, depending on the weather.
- A small brush or tissue for a quick freshen-up on arrival.
The day in outfits
| Moment | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Departure, morning | Theodore, Vincent, Maximilian | Josephine, Daphni, wool coat |
| On the train | Coat off, polo and trousers | Coat off, Veronique over it |
| Arrival and lunch | Coat on, shoes clean | Cardigan closed, scarf on |
| Return journey, evening | Same outfit, coat added | Same outfit, scarf added |
Shoes for a day in the city
In Paris or London you walk more than you think beforehand. Choose shoes you have already worn in. A worn-in sneaker or loafer can work both during the journey and in the city. Take a look at the loafers collection for a smart option. Make sure your socks or tights are comfortable and do not cause sore spots. Taking a few plasters can be handy.
A light layer for both directions
The temperature on a train is often different from outside and changes during the journey. A light layer that you can easily put on and take off is then handy. A fine-knit cardigan or a thin polo fits both in the carriage and under a coat. Choose layers in the same colour family, so that you can combine them at random and do not have to decide beforehand what to put on. A soft scarf can give extra warmth and takes up little space.
Practical on arrival
If you have an appointment straight after arrival, check beforehand how crease-prone your clothes are. Hang your coat up during the journey instead of under your seat, and do not put your bag on your coat. On the train, take a minute to straighten your clothes and check your hair or collar. If you have a long day, you can put on a different shirt or blouse on arrival. That fits in a small bag and gives you a fresh start. Allow enough time for the way back, so you do not have to rush with your bag and coat.
Shop the look
Theodore: polo, dark anthracite melange
Vincent: trousers, black
Maximilian: cardigan, beige
Josephine: polo, black
Daphni: trousers, black
Veronique: cardigan, light grey
Frequently asked questions
What do you wear for a train journey of several hours?
Comfortable, low-crease clothes in layers: trousers with stretch, a polo or fine-knit top and a coat or cardigan that you can easily take off.
Which shoes are best for a day in Paris or London?
Worn-in shoes you can walk in for a long time, such as a smart sneaker or loafer. Not new, and not too narrow.
How do I prevent creases along the way?
Choose relatively low-crease fabrics and store your coat during the journey so that it is not needlessly squashed.
