Joe Brancatelli is a gem. His advice is always witty and wise. Joe on dressing for checkpoint success:
“I’ve found that the fastest way through security is to go plastic. I switched the brass buttons on my blue blazer for plastic ones. I bought a plastic Swatch watch specifically for road trips. I’ve even gotten rid of my belt. Needless to say, I wear only slip-on shoes, and I check my socks for holes before I leave home.
“I won’t argue that this all sounds a bit unstylish. If you want to don jewelry, sport your favorite chunky metal watch, and wear your lucky running shoes, and if you really need a belt, do what I do: Stow these possessions in your carry-on bag, then put them on once you clear security. And here’s an incredibly useful tip: Stash potentially problematic items in zip-top plastic bags. Before you reach the checkpoint, dump everything-keys, jewelry, pens, handheld computers, cell phones, loose change-into a bag and place it in an exterior pocket of your carry-on. When you escape the clutches of the T.S.A., fish out the zip-top bag and return everything to your person.” - washingtonpost.com
More tips from Joe on minimizing your sartorial load:
- Limit your color palette so your clothes match easily - maximizing their utility
- Accessorize - create the illusion of more outfits with different ties, scarves, etc.
- Buy clothing on the road
- Use hotel laundry services - “Lugging around dirty laundry is, needless to say, counterproductive.” (I might add that the non-business traveler can easily wash their own clothes in-room, provided you’ve chosen the right clothing)