We (Brad and I) were talking about custom made travel jackets once. The idea has never left my mind. So here are some ideas.

A combination of good looks and practicality. The inspiration was the Voyageur Jacket:
http://www.voyageurjacket.com/

I think the Ventile/Etaproof material will look very nice. It is breathable and nearly waterproof 100% cotton and rather lightweight. It would not be entirely crumple free nor stain resistant. For that you have to get the poly-stuff.

How could this be made even better? For example, this one has a feature where I can button up the lapels and maybe even have a throat flap on the inside. Perhaps one could add even a very thin hood (think goretex) that hides under the collar? There'd also be a sturdy hanger loop for when clothes hangers are not around.

How would you position the exterior and interior pockets? A pen pocket would be good, too. Even normal suits have those. I was thinking of moleskine lining for the main pockets. Add a D-ring in each main pocket. The breast pocket could have a pen compartment and a zipper.

I also like two vents in the back instead of one. But one should be able to close them. A fine zip would work. Personally, I'd opt for the classic European three button single breasted with four buttoned through holes on the sleeves. Just a tad wider and longer than usual is what they say and I'd agree. It should be possible to wear a sweater under it.

The underside of the collar/lapel could take a reflective stripe as seen on sportswear.

One feature I would love to have is shoulder pads that can withstand the pressure of a shoulder strap. If you use a heavy shoulder bag on a normal suit you can easily ruin the shoulder pad within minutes.

Now the trousers:

I'd definitely want spill proof pockets. They should start from the side seams, as that is more elegant. The left main pocket should have a zippered second pocket integrated; kind of a secret pocket for a passport or spare CC. The pocket on the right side could have a small D-ring to affix keys or a knife. The left back pocket could be buttoned but the right one should be zippered. French fly goes without saying. It would also be good to have an elastic comfort waist. The waistband could have one of these rubber applications that keep your shirt tugged in. It should also have 7 belt loops instead of five that are placed in a way where the pants will still hold up alright when only five are used. Lining made of anti-microbial material going down to just above the knee. For the jacket normal Bemberg would probably do but anti-microbial might still be nice.

As with the jacket, the trousers should provide enough "leg room" as to still feel comfortable when sitting for long periods.

Both pieces should have an easily visible embroidered name tag. This makes it easier to claim and find them in case hotel laundry loses them. And it would be a matter of pride, of course.

Well, those are my ideas. What would you do differently? Anything else that would be smart to integrate?

Till

Till, your attention to detail is absolutely amazing!

I would only add the obvious. Shoes that slip on and off easily with no laces make it quicker to get through airline security. And, of course, they should be comfortable for walking long distances.

Thanks, Kris. Since shoes are not part of the suit directly, I didn't mention that here. It took me a long time to find the "right" airport shoes. I settled on a pair of black Cole Haan Air Jackson. They fulfill all your criteria. Can be worn with any suit or with jeans. Very comfortable and good looking. I actually bought a second pair as back-up. And I might buy a third pair; this time in brown.

I only once had a screener run them through the explosives test. I don't know whether this was just a hap hazard extra screening or whether it is because of the hollow air space in the heel. There is no metal in the shoes.

By the way, on many things I am outright sloppy and careless. :)

I have had good success with Travel Smith World Class Microfiber garmets (jacket/pants). On a couple of trips I compared them to my Jos. A Bank traveler suit/pants and Travelsmith fared better in no wrinkle departement. (both puth through "red eye sleep test" and crumpled into sky train) Travelsmith is a bit warmer for hot climates although.

Good tips to consider. Thanks. How would you rate them for pocket layout, feel of the cloth and style? Any links for us?

Consider a superfine wool instead of cotton - much greater wrinkle resistance, comfortable in hot or cold and doesn't freeze you if it gets wet. Also faster to dry. I'd add a touch of stretch to both pants and jacket for ultimate comfort and shape retention and large interior pockets at the bottom of both fronts (big enough for a paperback - or netbook like an eeePC) and across the back that could take a travel-folder type soft bundle as an instant inbuilt lumbar-cushion cum emergency clothes stash..

Can you tell I've thought long and hard about a similar outfit for myself?

In the UK I found the Envoy jacket and trousers by Rohan are brilliant with excellent pockets, and technical material to cope with spills and different climates. www.rohan.co.uk

Barbvee, excellent ideas. I can tell you have thought about this as much as I did. Wanna go in together and have one tailored to our specs? :) In fact, the rear lumbar pocket is an excellent idea and we were talking about this elsewhere on these pages regarding travel vests.

Roy, most brilliant suit in the category I've seen so for. This is at least as good as the Ventile suit. I love it. Do you know if the jacket has double vents in the rear. I searched and searched but couldn't find anything. Since it is British it should have double vents. I can't really stand single vents. Very un-elegant. Even no vent is better. Since the Envoy seems to be quite narrow in the waist I don't mind the two-button configuration. Pockets, interior and material as well as cloth selection and the fitting pants would all be good.

Do you own one? How is it? I read a couple of very positive opinions but nothing in-depth.

Thanks for your help guys (and girls). Keep it coming please.

The jacket has no vents which I believe is its one downside to cut it the most formal of settings but as a suit to cover the majority of situations and to look as good at the end of the day as the beginning it is great. The material has a lot of give so is comfortable throughout the day and offers some forgiveness of you have had too many business business dinners during your trip.

The lining of the jacket is part mesh which assists greatly in hotter climates.

The security offered by both the jacket and trousers is excellent with a number of hidden and zipped pockets in addition to the usual you would expect and one of the inside jacket pockets is extra large allowing it to cope with most documents you would need for travel.

I have also found the ink colour can also be used as an occaisional blazer matching it with chinos or grey trousers avoiding the need to take more than a single jacket.

I am a complete Rohan fan, they offer a great selection of both formal clothes plus those suitable for holidaying and treking and partnered up with Eagle Creek luggage which they seem to linked with put together some excellent one bag solutions.