The Ultimate Business Trip Packing List

Packing for a work trip can be a stressful task if you’re not prepared. You’re limited by luggage space, fewer standard care tools, and dress requirements. Traditional business attire is known to get wrinkly between wears (especially after being stuffed in a suitcase for hours on end) and it isn’t known to be the most comfortable apparel. On top of that, you may want to go to the gym while you’re away, so that requires a different set of gear. Rather than trying to bring your whole closet in one suitcase, the winning strategy is to pack pieces that you can get the most use out of. Every cubic inch matters, and a few staple pieces go a long way — all of which should create a full wardrobe that’ll last you the whole visit.

To help us make sense of this packing conundrum, we’ve commissioned two writers who’ve been on plenty of business trips to help us plot out exactly what should go in your suitcase — from blazers and cardigans to dressy slacks and loafers. These items include the essentials that run the gamut of every work trip scenario (think long meetings, presentations, team outings, and networking events). See our curated list below.

Packing Checklist for a Business Trip

Clothing for Women

• Best Day-to-night Dress: Boden Joanna Cap Sleeve Wrap Dress
• Best Trousers: A Day Turn It Up Pants
• Best Skirt: Banana Republic Asymmetrical Midi Slip Skirt
• Best Blouse: Quince ​​Washable Stretch Silk Notch Collar Blouse
• Best Sleeveless Top: Amour Vert Zola Doubled Tank
• Best Cardigan: Amazon Essentials Women's Lightweight Open-Front Cardigan
• Best Blazer: Spanx The Perfect Oversized Blazer
• Best Trench Coat: Uniqlo Trench Coat

Clothing for Men

• Best Dress Shirt: Ministry of Supply Men’s AeroZero Dress Shirt
• Best Polo Shirt: Vuori Strato Tech Polo
• Best Chinos: Lululemon ABC Classic-fit Pant Warpstreme
• Best Dressy Slacks: Bonobos Weekday Warrior Dress Pants
• Best Blazer: Rhone Commuter Blazer - Slim Fit
• Best Travel Suit: Bonobos Jetsetter Stretch Wool Suit
• Best Overcoat: Mack Weldon Stormchaser Mackintosh Jacket

Shoes for Women

• Best Flats: Vionic Willa Slip-On Flat
• Best Heels: Nine West Kuna 9x9 Pointed Toe Pump
• Best Travel-day Shoes: Dr. Scholl's Shoes Women's Madison Sneaker

Shoes for Men

• Best Loafers: Tecovas The Monterrey
• Best Dress Shoes: Cole Haan Men’s Original Grand Wingtip Derby
• Best Travel-day Shoes: Koio Capri
  

Other Essentials

• Best Portable Phone Charger: Anker PowerCore Select 20k mAh Power Bank
• Best Tech Folio: Ekster Tech Case
• Best Wallet: Ridge Wallet
• Best Portable Laptop Charger: Anker Laptop Power Bank
• Best Laptop Tote: Quince Italian Leather Triple Compartment Work Tote
• Best Cosmetics Pouch: Leatherology Travel Organizer

T+L's Top Picks and Tips

Clothing for Women

“Packing for a business trip is all about functionality. A clothing piece should not be in your luggage if it isn't versatile. I often leave for three- or four-day-long business trips and only take a carry-on, so I need to be very strategic when I pack. Opt for comfortable clothing that looks the part, too — stick to classic colors, neutrals, and wrinkle-resistant fabrics that don't easily show dirt or stains.” — Dobrina Zhekova

Best Day-to-Night Dress

Boden Joanna Cap Sleeve Wrap Dress

View on Bodenusa.com

What happens when you combine two of fashion's most iconic and flattering styles? The answer is this little black wrap dress, which is on constant rotation in my work wardrobe. I can show up in it at the airport (it's stretchy and super comfortable to travel in), a business meeting, or a restaurant (I accessorize it with some sparkly evening jewelry) — it's a multitasking powerhouse. If you're worried about the V-neckline opening up, don't — it closes completely and sits flat. The dress is also available in a variety of lengths (petite, regular, and tall) and sizes (from zero to 22), and if you're into colors, then you'll love the bold prints it's available in. 

Best Trousers

Aday Turn It Up Pants

View on Thisisaday.com

This pair of ultra-stretchy pants are so comfortable that you can easily work out in them. In fact, you can do pretty much anything in them, because the Italian-made fabric was made with performance and functionality in mind. They’re made of nylon and elastane for maximum comfort. Let's not forget that they’re also wrinkle- and pill-resistant and quick drying, transforming these into the perfect pair for travel days and pretty much any climate.

The silhouette is another strong point — the high waist is flattering, while the delicate front pleats are a chic add-on. You can dress this pair up or down depending on your shoes and top: a white t-shirt and sneakers for casual outings and a silk blouse and heels for a business meeting.

Best Skirt

Banana Republic Asymmetrical Midi Slip Skirt

View on Banana Republic

With its delicate silk-like construction and flattering wrap-inspired detailing, this skirt epitomizes quiet luxury without the high price tag. It has a comfortable and work-appropriate midi length and a classic silhouette to be styled with everything from elegant evening wear tops to more casual pieces. But what makes it a really good addition to your travel wardrobe is the material — durable, long-lasting, and quick-drying polyester that feels soft, drapes, and looks like silk but doesn't require weekly runs to the dry-cleaner.

And because comfort and flexibility are everything on the road, the slip-on elastic waist delivers ease of movement without compromising the skirt's sophisticated look.

Best Blouse

Quince Washable Stretch Silk Notch Collar Blouse

$70 at Onequince.com

Nothing symbolizes the idea of versatility and timelessness more than a silk blouse. I own at least ten versions of this long-sleeve collar button-down, but I pack Quince's styles for trips because they are packable and affordable (easy to replace), and I can wear them with absolutely everything. I've paired this shirt with denim and cotton pants, as well as skirts, and the result is the same — a polished, classy, and professional look that never looks out of place.

Another pro is the fabric — yes, it is silk, but it is washable silk, which makes all the difference (namely, in your bank account because you don't have to dry clean it). Before I put it on, I hang it in my hotel bathroom for ten minutes with the hot water running because the steam fixes any mild wrinkles or creases from the trip.

Best Sleeveless Top

Amour Vert Zola Doubled Tank

View on Amourvert.com

Sleeveless tops can be tricky when worn in a business environment, but this one by sustainable San Francisco-based label Amour Vert is equally elegant and comfortable. The reason? The crew neckline and the A-line silhouette are complemented by smart tailoring, in this case, a faux "layered" look that adds coverage and a chic element. And I love the loose fit for travel days when sitting through a long flight requires comfortable clothing.

This tank could be the perfect support piece — tuck it inside pants and under a blazer, or let it assume a leading role when you style it with heels, tailored trousers, and a necklace.

Best Cardigan

Amazon Essentials Women's Lightweight Open-Front Cardigan

$28 $27 at Amazon

A beautiful, long cardigan like this one is always an excellent addition to your business travel wardrobe. There are countless occasions in which this elegant and functional piece will come in handy, from chilly aircraft cabins to air-conditioned offices to work events requiring more conservative attire.

Two things make it a winner in our book — the construction and the design. It's made from a perfectly soft and durable blend of cotton, modal, and polyester, transforming it into the ultimate travel-friendly, breathable layer that takes up almost no space when folded. And I love the open-front silhouette because I can style it with a belt for an eye-catching look. Another bonus: there are so many colors to choose from — classics like black, white (which is more ivory), and navy to bold yellow and red.

Best Blazer

Spanx The Perfect Oversized Blazer

$168 at Nordstrom $168 $59 at Spanx $168 at Shopbop.com

It may be a personal choice, but close-fitting and body-hugging styles are not my definition of travel-friendly. Loose, well-tailored pieces provide freedom of movement, which is essential if I am on the road for hours. Case in point? This Spanx single-button blazer is a modern take on a time-tested classic that delivers the same chic looks and comfort in one easy-to-wear-and-style package. 

The length perfectly complements midi skirts, dresses, or pants, while the roomy silhouette means you can wear several layers or a sweater underneath it. And I am especially fond of the collarless design — it's an unexpected detail that elevates its look. Lastly, I love a piece that doesn't require much effort to clean. This one is machine washable (you're welcome).

Best Trench Coat

Uniqlo Trench Coat

View on Uniqlo.com

A good trench is not just a spring and fall-time necessity; it is a timeless statement of style and an essential part of business attire. While trench coats come in many shapes and sizes, this one by Uniqlo blends travel-friendly features and sophisticated design elements for a flawless look.

The silhouette is strongly influenced by the trench coats of the 20th century — think double-breasted design, wide lapels, cuffs around the wrists, and a waist bell. I like this style's pockets and slightly loose fit (size down if you're looking for a more tailored look) because I can wear it over a chunky sweater without making me feel and look like the Michelin man. The length is also perfect for travel as it balances functionality (I am always cold on planes, so I appreciate the extra coverage) with style.

Clothing for Men

“The standard protocol for work wear is a nice button-up shirt, a clean pair of slacks, and perhaps a blazer for dinner. The only issue is that brands typically use cotton or wool fabrics that aren’t very breathable and are prone to wrinkling, while performance fabrics are reserved for workout clothes. The pieces below meet in the middle, offering moisture-wicking and wrinkle-resistant fabric in silhouettes perfect for professional settings. Best of all, taking care of them is effortless as they’re a bit more durable.

I recommend always packing more pairs of boxer briefs and socks than you think you’ll need. Although it takes up more space, you never know when you may step in a puddle or have an emergency. Essentials are an item, and you certainly don’t want to have to buy extras in between important meetings.” — Joe Niehaus

Best Dress Shirt

Ministry of Supply Men’s AeroZero Dress Shirt

View on Ministryofsupply.com

Ministry of Supply’s AeroZero Dress Shirt combines the best of performance apparel and professional looks — this button up is created for travel. It’s made of a proprietary 100 percent polyester fabric that’s wrinkle resistant and lightweight, great for transitioning between warm weather. A unique ventilation area under the armpits helps you combat sweat and body odor when you don’t have a chance to shower before your next meeting. Finally, its no-warp 3D collar has built-in stays to remain in tact no matter how much movement your trip brings you. The AeroZero Dress Shirt is the world’s first carbon-neutral dress shirt and is derived from plastic bottles, milled under solar power.

Best Polo Shirt

Vuori Strato Tech Polo

View on Vuoriclothing.com

A simple, sharp, and breathable polo shirt is one of our work-trip must haves. Vuori’s best selling model fits the bill perfectly. In fact, I snagged one (in the pleasantly neutral White Sage Heather colorway) earlier this year and it has quickly become my go-to polo for most movement-heavy activities, from casual nights out to quick flights across the country. It’s insanely soft, feeling almost like pima cotton, and has a nice four-way stretch from its polyester-elastane composition. The durable odor resistance, quick-dry capability, and flattering slim fit make this a perfect all-around polo — so good that you may want to grab a few different colors.

Best Chinos

lululemon ABC Classic-fit Pant Warpstreme

$128 at Lululemon

Lululemon’s ABC pants are iconic for a reason: they blend the practicality of workout joggers with the look of chinos. So, if you’re tired of stuffy pants that can’t seem to stop wrinkling and bunching up, give these a try on your next getaway. The brand’s signature Warpstreme fabric is made to be hyper versatile and provide a full range of motion, while also helping you up your smart-casual game. This pair boasts five pockets with an extra hidden zip pocket above the back right pocket, great for stashing away extra cash or your hotel key. The ABC is available in over 10 colors and has a wide range of waist and length sizes.

Best Dressy Slacks

Bonobos Weekday Warrior Dress Pants

View on Bonobos.com

Looking for something a bit more formal, but still want to prioritize comfort? The Weekday Warrior Dress Pants from Bonobos may be just the pair for you. The cotton-elastane blend provides a classic shine with a slight amount of stretch. Feel free to leave behind the iron — these pants can be washed in the machine and don’t require any special maintenance to get them looking crisp again. They’re available in six different fit options from classic to tailored and have a wide variety of colors to match any shirt you may want to pair them with.

Best Blazer

Rhone Commuter Blazer - Slim Fit

View on Rhone.com

Blazers are a quick and convenient way to maximize your impact in the boardroom and we recommend Rhone’s everyday-wear Commuter Blazer for its flexible four-way-stretch fabric. It has a two-button closure, three pockets in the front, and plenty of extra storage in the interior. They say “dress for the job you want, not the job you have” and this blazer will have you climbing the ranks in no time. Please note, Rhone recommends dry cleaning this piece only.

Best Travel Suit

Bonobos Jetsetter Stretch Wool Suit

View on Bonobos.com View on Belk.com

With a name like “Jetsetter,” you know this suit was made with business travel in mind. Bonobos’ tailored set is made mostly of wool, with a hint of elastane for added flexibility. It comes in slim, athletic, and standard blazer fits and even more options for the dress pants. Mix and match the top and bottom with six basic colors. Even if you don’t wear a suit everyday, you’ll appreciate the comfort and travel-focused features — like its interior passport pocket — on your next business trip.

Best Overcoat

Mack Weldon Stormchaser Mackintosh Jacket

View on Mackweldon.com

You never really know what elements you’ll come into contact with when going to a new city, and the last thing you need is to show up to an important meeting drenched in water. Modern menswear brand Mack Weldon brings hardcore technical protection to a classic silhouette with this jacket. It has a 10K waterproof rating with sealed seams on the inside and magnetic welt pockets on the outside. Though it’s made of 65 percent polyester, it still feels like soft cotton so your colleagues will never suspect its next-level durability.

Shoes for Women

“Casual elegance and versatility are the hallmarks of business footwear for travelers. Pack shoes that look professional and are in a classic or neutral color so you can take them from the boardroom to a nice restaurant. That doesn't always mean heels — a pair of loafers can do the trick, too, if you pick them with high quality and comfort in mind. As a general rule of thumb, I never travel in any laced-up shoes because nobody wants to be that person at airport security who takes forever to take off their shoes.” — Dobrina Zhekova 

Best Flats

Vionic Willa Slip On Flat

$69 at Amazon $91 at Nordstrom $130 at Zappos

Many brands have a version of this slip-on loafer, but Vionic beats the competition with what you don't see on the outside — the superior cushioning, arch support, and supple materials that make the shoes fit perfectly straight out of the box, no break in time required. 

Whether rushing to catch a train or a flight or running around town for meetings and events, this shoe has you (and your feet) covered with its simple, minimalist, but most of all comfortable — design. 

Skirts, dresses, pants, and jeans — this loafer goes with everything, and it's super compact, so you can carry it in your tote bag if you need to change into heels for a formal work event.

Best Heels

Nine West Kuna 9x9 Pointy Toe Pumps

$99 $63 at Amazon $74 at Nordstrom $75 at Zappos

Heels and travel-friendly may be words that don't belong in the same sentence, but wait until you spend a few hours in these Nine West pumps. While they look fairly classic — they have an elegant pointy-toe silhouette and slim two-inch heels — what makes them different is the memory foam cushioning that’s ideal for long periods on your feet and a pretty much non-existent break-in period.

The style is available in four beautiful and timeless hues, including beige, so whichever you choose is guaranteed to go with various outfits and pieces. Also, be advised that Nine West shoes usually run a bit large. And if your feet are a bit on the wider side, then these pumps are definitely for you.

Best Travel-day Shoes

Dr. Scholl's Madison Slip On Sneaker

$50 at Nordstrom $56 at Zappos $50 at Macy's

It's really hard to argue with these viral sneakers, and we're not here to do it, anyway. The truth is that these popular slip-ons are the stuff of travel dreams — easy to slip into and take off at security and comfortable to walk or run in. Their trendy looks — sports casual, is how we would describe it — is just an added bonus for business travelers. 

The sneakers are flexible, lightweight, and have padding that hugs your foot and helps with all-day comfort, regardless of where your travels take you. And it doesn't hurt that the style is available in so many colors, materials, and prints that you may end up ordering more than one pair.  

Shoes for Men

“The last thing you want on an important trip is to look sloppy and your shoes can make or break your whole outfit. Thankfully, modern styles have evolved to bring sneaker-like comfort to dressy styles — a must when you have a full day in transit or walking around a city. I like differentiating between styles: one pair for formal meetings and another pair for casual use that are still nicer than the athletic shoes I wear everyday back home. The footwear below is everything you need when you’re traveling for business.” — Joe Niehaus

Best Loafers

Tecovas The Monterrey

View on Tecovas.com

Tecovas has been crafting leather goods for almost a decade and The Monterrey is the brand’s popular slip-on. Made of high-quality bovine leather (the same type used in boots), these will only get better with time and wear. Constructed with a blake stitch, padded leather insole, and interior suede heel grip, this loafer feels like a house slipper but still has enough support for wherever your journey takes you. Available in five colors and a wide range of sizes, be sure to carefully consult the fit guide as some customers have noted sizing can be a bit inconsistent depending on your typical selection.

Best Dress Shoes

Cole Haan Men's ØriginalGrand Wingtip Oxfords

$150 at Zappos View on Colehaan.com

Coming off as traditional wingtips and padded with a supportive EVA midsole, the OriginalGrand Wingtip Oxfords are our favorite dress shoes specifically designed to keep you comfortable on the go. They have a tailored out-of-the-box fit complemented by a removable cushioned insole that adds to its already strong base. We also love the grooved rubber sole, which provides great traction both on long city strolls and short walks between meetings.

Best Travel-day shoes

Koio Capri Triple White Sneakers

View on Koio.co

I’ve tried my fair share of sneaker brands. Some were more casual athletic kicks, while others were dressier leather shoes. I have settled on the Koio Capri for all settings that don’t require proper dress shoes. I got my first pair last year and have since worn them at work conferences in Barcelona, Bangkok, Dubai, and more — if I’m getting on a plane, they’re coming with me. They’re made in Italy with full-grain leather and a rubber sole. The leather is flexible, while still being able to handle the elements, and the cushion rivals even my favorite running shoes. They’ll certainly cost you, but you won’t have to venture to find another pair of clean, simple, white travel-day sneakers.

Other Essentials

Staying organized is critical when traveling for business. Investing in accessories that keep your belongings in order and easily accessible will help you focus on your job instead of wasting time rummaging through your carry-on. Here are our other essential items to pack to keep your items sorted, secure, and fully charged.

Best Portable Phone Charger

Anker PowerCore Select 20k mAh Power Bank Dual-Port Portable Phone Charger

$45 $36 at Amazon

Running out of juice is probably the biggest work-trip hiccup, but it’s the easiest thing to prevent. Your cards, emails, and plane tickets are likely all housed on your phone, so make sure to keep it running. Anker’s PowerCore line offers your iPhone and Android devices several additional charges, ideal for a full day outside the hotel. I have a less powerful Anker model, which still has plenty of support, and couldn’t imagine leaving home without it. The PowerCore Select 20k takes about 7.5 hours to recharge and comes with a 1.9-foot cable — I recommend getting a shorter cord as the extra slack can get in the way when you’re moving.

Best Tech Folio

Ekster Tech Case

View on Ekster.com

When you have computer chargers, smartphone chargers, headphones, adapters, and more, things that get a bit overwhelming. Especially in your carry-on suitcase if you’re trying to quickly access an accessory. Ekster’s Tech Case is a clean and compact organizer that has nifty mesh pockets, elastic organization cables, and durable foam padding to tidy up and protect everything to the last detail. I switched over to this case from haphazardly jamming everything in my luggage, and the peace of mind is unbeatable. I took this on a weekend getaway recently and even left my dopp kit at home because I had some extra space for my toiletries.

Best Wallet

Ridge Wallet

$95 at Nordstrom View on Ridge.com

If you’re looking for a slim, no-fuss wallet to store only your most essential cards and ID cards, then I can’t recommend the original Ridge Wallet enough for business trips. It’s not the prettiest, but it gets the job done and is great for managing just a few items, compared to being at home when you may be carrying more cards. It’s available in a wide range of materials, colors, and designs, but the classic aluminum models offer simple durability and you can choose between a cash strap or money clip add-on. Ridge offers a 99-day risk-free trial and a lifetime warranty — if anything happens when you’re on the go, just send it in for a replacement.

Best Portable Laptop Charger

Anker Laptop Power Bank

$144 at Amazon $129 at Walmart View on Anker

I rarely run out of battery on my phone as I always travel with a mini iWalk phone charger. However, I have run out of battery on my laptop several times, which was a major inconvenience. That's why I invested in this Anker power bank, which charges my Macbook Pro in a couple of hours. But its best feature, in my opinion, is that, unlike some other power banks of this caliber, this one is pretty compact and fits in my travel tote. It is also compatible with other brands and types of devices, so it can easily replace your go-to, high-powered travel charger.

Best Laptop Tote

Quince Italian Leather Triple Compartment Work Tote

View on Quince.com

Traveling with a separate laptop bag is not an option for me, because it only makes me more stressed out about forgetting it at a train station or the airport. At the same time, I am not a fan of the classic "laptop bag" aesthetic that tends to be sportier and lacking in style. But this gorgeous Quince tote is none of these things. In fact, I doubt that anyone would be able to guess you're carrying a laptop inside unless you have to take it out at airport security. The reason? The padded laptop pocket remains hidden between two other compartments, adding to the tote's storage and organizational capacity. I appreciate the duo of longer shoulder handles that make carrying it a breeze even through a few bulky winter layers.

Best Cosmetics Pouch

Leatherology Large Travel Organizer

$130 at Amazon View on Leatherology.com

I always travel with bottles filled with my favorite face cream, serum, and cleanser, in addition to a hand cream, sunscreen, and a few beauty essentials that I like to have in one place. I love this Leatherology organizer, because it comes in multiple sizes, so you can purchase the one that fits your needs, but it also has an excellent interior organization with elastic straps stitched to the bottom panel where bottles can fit. The top has a mesh zippered pocket for beauty tools or other toiletries, and everything remains visible and easily accessible. Lastly, the pouch has a handle, so it's easy to carry around. 

I am a huge fan of Leatherology's high-quality materials, and this pouch is made from beautiful pebbled leather that will develop a gorgeous patina over time.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Joe Niehaus is a T+L contributor who has been traveling for work for almost a decade. Whether it’s to Atlanta or Asia, Joe has honed in on his travel essentials. This list consists of items he has extensively used on trips both domestically and internationally, in addition to goods our broader T+L team has tested in our New York City lab and on their adventures.

T+L contributor Dobrina Zhekova is a lifestyle journalist based in Alexandria, Virginia, with over a decade of editorial experience in print and digital media in Europe and the U.S. Dobrina has extensively written about travel-friendly fashion and shopping. For this story, she gathered insight from online product reviews and item descriptions and included products that she has tested herself during her business trips that span over a decade.

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