Ask Angie: Travel clothes questions.

Fun50's

Hi, Can you give some suggestions for some v neck long sleeve merino wool sweaters that work for travel? I'm looking for a piece I can wear with just a tank or a long sleeve t shirt to add warmth. Also, any suggestions for a 3/4 length pack able light down coat for travel. Have you ever tried the Uniqlo brand down jackets? I know I reada post for what you wear on the plane for long trips but I can't locate it anywhere. Thanks so much for your help.

11 years ago

Shopping

11 replies

Latest reply was from shiny

shiny

Veteran

Not Angie but the Uniglo packable puffers are awesome -- unless you are petite. I'm 5'0 and the fit lengthwise just doesn't work for me, otherwise I'd be stocking up.

I like Bernardo packable puffers -- because they come in petite -- they look quite sharp. Only problem is that they shed feathers like crazy. I also like Michael Kors -- no shedding.

For merino sweaters, try BR. That's my go-to place for merino sweaters. That said, it may be difficult right now because pickings may be slim as we are moving into spring. Worth a shot.

11 years ago

Olivegreen

Active Member

My best down buys come from REI (Recreational Equipment Incorporated) or a similar specialized sports store. I look in the mens for the lightweight packables, as I have wide shoulders and dislike bright Barbie colours on me. They will cover your bum and a thick sweater, weigh nothing. Not inexpensive, but the sports gear looks like the fashion gear, except it lasts longer. Lots of sales right now.
Have had great luck with Lands End for down packables for self and husband, also.
Smartwool in tops, socks, and thin hats and gloves that pack easily in a pocket or daypack, is quite good stuff, I get it a little oversized if I may need to sleep in it. It layers easily, hand washes in hotels.
Silk long undie leggings work well in winter airports amd parking lots, freezing rental cars
I would love to see a Uniqlo store, they look right up my alley. Please post if you get one of their products? I would buy online with a good recommendation. Have a lot of fun!

11 years ago

Inge

(website)

Moderator

Hi Fun50's,

Angie is in Hong Kong for the next fortnight, so she won't be able to chime on the forum.
I don't have personal experience with the Uniqlo jackets, but have heard good things about them.

Here are a few posts in which Angie talks about travel style, perhaps they will be useful:
http://youlookfab.com/2012/05/.....-to-japan/

http://youlookfab.com/2011/03/.....g-outfits/

http://youlookfab.com/2007/06/.....g-flights/

http://youlookfab.com/2014/05/.....ith-boden/

I personally love J.Crew's merino wool sweaters, and they are usually available in a wide array of colours.

11 years ago

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

I got two nice merino v necks (lavender and magenta) from Uniqlo this winter. They are thin and layer well under blazers.

11 years ago

Daria

Active Member

Hi Fun50's,
Not quite a v neck, but I own a merino cardigan from Uniqlo; it's thin and warm and I would travel very well.
And I second the recommendation to check out Landsend oackable jackets. If you order online however, keep in mind that the brand runs very big.

11 years ago

JayS

Veteran

I love Uniqlo's ultra light down. I have the jacket here: http://tinyurl.com/m22ns67 and 2 of their vests. I'm usually a S and take M at Uniqlo. I've bought several things there and love them all. Great quality for the price!
Oh, and I have a mid-thigh length Michael Kors packable puffer. Love it. It is a petite size and fits perfectly.

11 years ago

Sadie

Active Member

I got the Patagonia nano-puff jacket http://www.patagonia.com/us/pr..... 
It is extremely light weight and very warm (felt fine in snow in Boston last year). Packs small enough to fit in a hand bag! It's even pretty stylish!

I also second the BR v-neck merinos (I have 2).

11 years ago

Fun50's

Active Member

I happened to find a packable jacket from Guess on sale today. It fit great so I got that one. I'm going to check out the sweaters and I will let you know if I find anything.

11 years ago

old chic

Active Member

Can anybody chime in on how warm those Uniqlo ultra-light down pieces are? We have a store near us, and they look great, but I am wondering just how much outerwear they can stand in for. Are they warm as a big old sweater? Or approaching a wool coat?

11 years ago

JayS

Veteran

They are not as warm as a coat..I have the jacket, mind you. It hits at the hip. What I do like about it is that it cuts wind. I'm in the Houston area, and this works all winter for me. Plus, if you aren't sure what the weather will be, it can be put in it's pouch and deployed when needed. The pouch, btw, can be hung from the little loop at the collar..always there when you want to pack it up.
One other thing, since they compact, I find that I can wear the vest under a fairly tight fitting leather jacket. It just compresses and adds an extra layer of warmth.

11 years ago

shiny

Veteran

I don't own a uniglo packable, but I have tried them on in the store (not scaled vertically for a petite frame). I have other packable puffers that are comparable and they are fairly warm, especially if you can layer underneath. But they don't work as well for temps 20 degrees & below. I'll still wear my packable puffer in such temps if we're driving and won't be outside that much, but if it's 20 & below and we'll be walking outside a lot, or I'm wearing thin layers, then I need to drag out the "real" puffer... the marshmallow man one.

Also the ones I have don't work all that great in heavy rain. Get soggy. Dry snow - okay. But not rain.

11 years ago

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