A man’s guide to building a travel wardrobe for different destinations, balancing comfort with style.
Vacations provide a welcome escape from the everyday, yet packing can often feel daunting, especially when your wardrobe is designed for a single season. You may find your closet overflowing with work attire and an excess of casual tees and shorts, but does it have what it takes for cooler climates or rugged adventures?
Fear not; numerous brands offer the ideal mix of style, warmth, and functionality, all without breaking the bank.
Living in Singapore’s perpetual warmth, many underestimate the chill of sub-15-degree weather, which can catch even the hardiest traveller off guard. It’s crucial to prepare adequately to enjoy a winter holiday without the setback of falling ill.
Coldwear, with five locations across Singapore, specialises in attire for cold climates and is adept at advising its customers on managing various levels of cold. Whether planning a mid-year trip to Australia or heading to the frosty environments of Iceland and Canada towards the year’s end, investing in the right apparel is essential for staying warm.
Science can help, and layering is the best way to tackle the cold countries particularly in temperatures below 12 degrees Celsius. This technique traps air between layers, acting as an insulator for your body heat. It also allows for easy adjustment when transitioning between outdoors and indoors.
Follow the layering suggestions on Coldwear’s website, which even includes recommendations for specific temperatures. Start with a thermal set as your base layer, add a trendy zip sweater and top it off with a waterproof jacket to seal in the warmth. For ultra-snugness, add light yet exceptionally warm cashmere items. Don’t forget accessories such as gloves and muffs to protect your hands and ears in places with temperatures of 5 degrees Celsius and below.
If you’re hesitant to purchase a jacket for a one-time trip, Coldwear also offers rental services.
Outside specialises in active gear that blends functional utility with a robust, masculine aesthetic. It carries a variety of popular brands, including the playful charms of Japan’s Chums and the minimalist style of Sweden’s Fjällräven.
Gear up for extensive camping in New Zealand with the Moha Fleece Jacket, or navigate the South Korean countryside in the Karaka Cargo Pants. Complete your outfit with Keen shoes or sandals for superior terrain performance — all the while looking chic with pieces that add personality.
For local flavour, delve into its house brand led by Paul Khor, founder of Outside and fashion-and-lifestyle store Actually. Feel like a boy again with the Smileyworld series, featuring oversized tees and camping gear adorned with cheeky smiley faces.
Traveling to countries with climates similar to Singapore like Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia, doesn’t necessarily require a wardrobe overhaul. However, it presents a perfect opportunity to enhance your style especially for memorable photos at Instagram-worthy locations.
Arcade, a homegrown brand, excels in curating easy-to-match pieces that instantly elevate your masculine style for those vacation snaps, while ensuring comfort in tropical settings.
Take for instance its Tristan Satin Camp Collar Shirt. Made from satin, it is lightweight and comfortable with a subtle sheen that adds a touch of luxury. Pair it with the Bowie Wide-fit Elastic Waist Trousers. Crafted from Tencel, these trousers are soft to the touch and feature a roomy K-style cut ideal for humid climates, ensuring they don’t cling to your skin.
Arcade’s designs, which cater to the Asian build and climate, favour flattering — not flamboyant — understated boxy silhouettes and smart colour additions, perfect for city exploration. To round off your look, bring a light varsity jacket, adding a stylish layer for those special evening outings.
When traveling to countries with diverse landscapes and shifting climates like China or Japan — especially in seasons with fluctuating temperatures such as Spring or Autumn — adaptable clothing is essential. For example, Sapporo might experience a daytime high of 16 degrees Celsius in October, which can drop to 7 degrees or lower at night.
MUJI is renowned for its focus on functional and comfortable materials. Its lightweight and breathable fabrics make it easy to layer pieces without feeling cumbersome. The Quick Dry Zip Up Hoodie is great for the day, but swap to the Kapok Blended Jacket, made from organic plant material, for soft yet effective insulation for cooler evenings. Pair these with the Darted Wide-fit Easy Pants, whose wrinkle-resistant material is travel-friendly.
Moreover, MUJI’s collection, characterised by classic cuts and earthy tones, not only integrates well with existing wardrobe pieces, but also enhances the urban explorer’s attire with a timeless, effortless chic.
Whether you’re attending a classical concert in Hong Kong or a 3-Michelin-starred dinner in France, a suave and dapper suit is essential. Best known for its impeccable range of classic shirts, pants, and suits, Benjamin Barker offers a sophisticated range perfectly suited for formal travel occasions.
Start with the Eaton Easycare White Twill, which integrates Lycra with cotton for added stretch and comfort, ensuring you stay at ease throughout your event. Pair it with the Satoshi Black Suit Pants for a timeless monochromatic look. The ensemble’s suit jacket completes the outfit, offering a handsome silhouette.
For versatility, consider the brand’s Suit Bundle, which offers two full suits and an additional pair of shorts or pants at a cost-effective price, compared to purchasing each item separately. Make the investment pay off after your holiday by wearing the set as a work outfit without the jacket, or dressing down with the blazer over a tee and jeans. Regardless of how you style it, Benjamin Barker’s sharp tailoring ensures a sleek, masculine appearance every time.
Many will be familiar with Decathlon, the go-to retailer for sportswear that’s both functional and budget-friendly. Whether hiking in Malaysia or whitewater rafting in the Philippines, you’ll find gear tailored for every male explorer.
Consider breathable tops like Kiprun’s anti-UV tee for trail or tropical adventures, and Forclaz’s lightweight merino top for cooler weather. Forclaz also offers versatile modular pants, which can be unzipped at the knees to become shorts — ideal for changing conditions. For water-based activities, an Olaian rash guard provides warmth in cold waters.
Accessories are equally essential, so don’t forget to kit up with durable hiking shoes (these from Quechua drain water off easily if you’re crossing waterways), and ergonomic backpacks for effective weight distribution. Depending on the climate, choose a sturdy parka to protect against sudden tropical rains, and a windbreaker to shield against drafts in mountainous areas.
Sometimes, your wardrobe just needs that one specific item — be it boardshorts for a beach club outing at Phuket, or edgy pants that mesh with the street fashion of Melbourne. For these and more, SHEIN is your go-to source.
Known for its incredible value and extensive range, this online clothing giant offers everything you could need to mix and match to your heart’s content. Whether it’s bold, fashion forward pieces or highly functional attire, a holiday is the perfect time to experiment with your style freely. SHEIN also caters to larger sizes, ensuring everyone can find their perfect fit.
HomeTeamNS members have an added advantage — you can enjoy 18% off all apparel, footwear and accessories, with no minimum spend required. This discount, combined with SHEIN’s already attractive prices, makes gearing up for your next holiday even more exciting.
Focus more on your wardrobe and less on travel hiccups. Activate your complimentary 1-Year Singlife Travel insurance, and be compensated with up to $400 for delayed baggage and departures, and other unexpected travel incidents.
Like our stories? Subscribe to our Frontline Digital newsletters now! Simply download the HomeTeamNS Mobile App and update your communication preference to ‘Receive Digital Frontline Magazine’, through the App Settings.
