Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

A Man’s Guide on How to Dress for Winter Travel

The winter, it seems to us, is an ideal time to get away rather than hibernate. That’s why it’s so crucial you figure out exactly how to dress for winter travel. The equation is different for everyone, but for us, it involves that tricky-to-find mix of comfort, style and a polished appeal that’ll work on a plane, on a train, or … yes, in an automobile. So, we’re blending picks that are blends themselves: Of performance fabric and tailored silhouettes, of classic design and modern style. It’s that simple.

See for yourself and learn exactly how to dress for winter travel.

Recommended Videos
Naadam Mongolian Cashmere Hoodie – $295
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The first step in upgrading your winter travel ensemble? Reaching for a serious upgrade over the hooded sweatshirt you might normally wear. This cashmere hoodie is luxurious and comfortable without being overly heavy — the perfect layer for long hours in the airport or the car.

Shop Now

Duer 9-to-9 Buttondown – $89
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Comfort mixed with polish is the name of the game with the aptly titled 9-to-9 Buttondown from Duer. It’s the rare dress shirt that doesn’t feel starchy or stiff. It’s made with cotton, COOLMAX fabric, and also spandex for stretch and, again, crucial comfort.

Shop Now

Proof Rover Pants – $98
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Featuring the cut of jeans and the benefits of moisture-wicking fabric designed to stretch, the Proof Rover Pants are sure to quickly become a travel go-to. They’re much more polished than baggy sweatpants, too.

Shop Now

Allbirds Men’s Tree Topper Sneakers – $115
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Don’t think you need to lug around or wear a heavy pair of boots for winter travel. These surprisingly lightweight high-top sneakers are breathable while keeping your feet cool and pulling together your overall look with casual-yet-sharp style. Plus, we love the deep red color.

Shop Now

Darn Tough Standard Crew Light Socks – $20
Image used with permission by copyright holder

It’s the high-density stitch count that makes these socks so durable and easy to wear for travel. They look simple but sharp, they won’t slip or bunch, and they’re also anti-microbial. Get a few pairs in multiple different colors for all your winter travel needs.

Shop Now

Jack Mason Diver Watch – $315
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The reliability of a dive watch can’t be overstated when it comes to travel, regardless of the season. The dive watch, especially this sharp number from Jack Mason, stands out in style on the road and wears just as well when you get to your destination. Count on it trip after trip.

Shop Now

Stuart and Lau Monaco Weekender – $385
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The Stuart and Lau Monaco Weekender really is one-of-a-kind, thanks to the waterproof and lightweight construction. It’ll work for every trip this winter, complete with richly crafted detailing and leather accents — a stylish upgrade over your standard backpack, to be sure.

Shop Now

W&P Design Carry-On Cocktail Kit – $24
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Travel should be fun, right? Not stressful. The well-designed and compact Carry-On Cocktail Kit series from W&P Design makes sure of that. We prefer the Old Fashioned option for a little in-flight luxury.

Shop Now

If you’re looking for a winter coat to round-out this ensemble, check out our best parkas and rain jackets. You decide which one you need according to your travel destination.

Topics
Beau Hayhoe
Beau Hayhoe is a freelance men's style writer, consultant and PR pro based in Brooklyn. Beau's menswear and gear writing has…
Making sense of men’s dress shirt sizes: How to get the perfect fit
Look great no matter what your dress code requires
Man in tan dress shirt and suit

Growing up, our understanding of sizing in our clothes was quite simple. We knew from experience whether or not we were a small, medium, large, extra large, or one of the big and tall sizes. The best casual shirts are always categorized in those sizes, making it easy for us to find the right size. However, there are further complications when you get into the shirt's fit as there can be a wide range of categories from extra slim, slim, classic, modern, and even more cut types.

Once we get into the tailored wardrobes, dress shirts get a lot more complicated as they ditch the typical sizing categories and go with something different. Learning how to measure shirt size in the dress shirt world is vital to looking great. The sizing switches from letters to two vague numbers that make no sense if you are unaware of their purpose. We have the answer for you. Here is how to do it in a way that will have your dress shirts fitting great at all times.
Measuring the neck

Read more
Pompeii’s new visitor cap aims to protect history — how it affects your travel plans
Only 20,000 people will be allowed to access Pompeii each day.
Pompeii

In a move to safeguard its ancient ruins, the Roman archaeological site of Pompeii began limiting the number of daily visitors to 20,000 on November 15, 2024. This decision comes after a significant surge in tourism, with the site experiencing a record 36,000 visitors on the first Sunday of October, when entry was free. This growing influx of tourists has raised concerns about the preservation of the site, prompting the management to take action.

The park’s director, Gabriel Zuchtriegel, said that reducing the effects of visitors at Pompeii was important for both conservation and safety reasons.

Read more
80 million travelers expected this Thanksgiving — find out where they’re going and how to avoid jams
A record number of drivers are expected to hit the road this Thanksgiving.
Cars in traffic

As Thanksgiving approaches, AAA’s 2024 Travel Forecast predicts a record-breaking 79.9 million Americans will journey 50 miles or more from home during the holiday period. This figure marks a 1.7 million increase from last year and surpasses pre-pandemic travel levels by 2 million, making Thanksgiving 2024 one of the busiest in history.

“Thanksgiving is the busiest holiday for travel, and this year we’re expecting to set new records across the board, from driving to flying and cruising,” said Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel. “Americans reconnect with family and friends over Thanksgiving, and travel is a big part of that. AAA continues to see travel demand soar post-pandemic with our members looking for new adventures and memorable vacations.” 
The most popular Thanksgiving destinations

Read more