Finding the ideal Travel Sport Coat has been a personal odyssey spanning many years and various experiences. This search has evolved alongside changes in travel itself, fashion trends, and the ease of online shopping. Dress codes have shifted too, becoming more relaxed in some settings while remaining formal in others. Interestingly, this quest began long before the internet existed, yet it was the internet that ultimately led to the discovery of the perfect travel companion for any dining occasion: the right travel sport coat.
Years ago, LL Bean was a staple for household purchases. Similar to how Sears was a dominant retailer in previous generations, LL Bean, alongside Williams & Sonoma, defined a significant part of our consumer world. LL Bean, operating primarily through mail order before the internet boom, built a reputation on quality and customer satisfaction. As our family began to travel more, LL Bean became the go-to source for luggage and travel gear. This led to the LL Bean Travel Blazer, a polyester garment so durable it felt like it could withstand almost anything. While incredibly wrinkle-resistant and long-lasting, it was unfortunately not breathable, making it uncomfortably warm in many climates. Though it served its purpose for less formal travel situations for years, it was eventually retired, donated to veterans.
The ScottEvest travel vest emerged as a solution when the decision was made to travel exclusively with carry-on luggage. After years of baggage handling without incident, consecutive trips brought the frustration of lost luggage. The ScottEvest, with its numerous pockets, offered a way to carry a significant amount of items, proving useful for several years. However, the zippers eventually became a point of failure, and after going through multiple vests, a switch was made to a fit-under-the-seat backpack, prioritizing legroom. While the ScottEvest was practical on planes and excursions, situations requiring business or formal attire still necessitated bringing a suit, sport coat, or tuxedo.
The Perfect Travel Blazer
With the ScottEvest no longer in use and replaced by a TUMI backpack, the need for a presentable evening option for cruise ship dining rooms or upscale restaurants remained. For a long time, a Christian Dior suit, acquired when the children were young and adapted over the years to changing styles and sizes, had been the default choice. However, the formality and bulk of a full suit became increasingly undesirable, especially as cruise line dress codes began to relax and airline baggage fees escalated. The days of traveling with excessive luggage were over. TravelSmith, a well-known travel apparel retailer, was briefly considered. However, limited size availability, slow shipping, and restricted styles made it less appealing in the age of instant online access. By this time, Amazon Prime had become the preferred shopping destination, offering a vast selection reminiscent of the Sears catalog of the past, but with unparalleled speed and convenience.
Amazon Prime became the next logical step in the search. Within minutes, a promising option appeared: the Haggar Men’s Travel Stretch Slim Fit 2-Button Side Vent Solid Blazer. The goal was to move away from the traditional suit while maintaining a level of style suitable for diverse travel dining scenarios. The Haggar blazer seemed to fit the criteria and arrived promptly, fitting well except for the sleeve length, which was easily adjusted with a minor alteration. The Haggar travel sport coat performed as expected. However, it had a couple of drawbacks. Being dry clean only, it required professional cleaning after each use. Aesthetically, it also fell slightly short of being appropriate for all dining situations. There was still room for improvement. Nevertheless, Amazon Prime remained the primary starting point for most purchases due to its convenience and selection.
The Perfect Travel Blazer
The ultimate solution, the Bluffworks Travel Sport Coat, was discovered somewhat serendipitously through a Kickstarter campaign. Intrigued by the Kickstarter platform, which had captured attention in a similar way to Groupon’s early days, a compelling project emerged. It was the story of Stefan Loble, a professional seeking to create clothing that bridged the gap between the office and adventure. This endeavor resulted in the Bluffworks Travel Sport Coat, which proved to be the standout garment in this long search.
The Bluffworks Travel Sport Coat offered everything desired in travel apparel. Its features address the needs of a modern traveler seeking both practicality and style:
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Thoughtful Pocket Design: The Bluffworks Travel Sport Coat features ten pockets, a practical number that provides ample storage without being overwhelming. Unlike the ScottEvest’s excessive 26 pockets, which often led to searching for items, ten pockets offer sufficient organization without becoming cumbersome.
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Secure Zippered Storage: A crucial feature for international travel is a zippered pocket, essential for safeguarding a passport. Losing a passport while traveling is a major inconvenience, and this secure pocket provides peace of mind.
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Hidden Valuables Pocket: In addition to the passport pocket, a hidden pocket for cash and credit cards adds another layer of security. Keeping these valuable items in a consistent, discreet location is vital for travel safety and organization.
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Machine Washable Convenience: The fact that the Bluffworks Travel Sport Coat is machine washable is a significant advantage. The idea of machine washing a garment that looks and feels like a high-quality blazer was initially met with skepticism, especially after years of dry-cleaning suits. However, this feature greatly simplifies garment care while traveling.
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Durable Yet Comfortable Fabric: The “100% technical, breathable, mechanical stretch” fabric is a key element of the Bluffworks blazer. While technically polyester, the fabric performs exceptionally well, offering durability, breathability, and stretch, making it far superior to basic polyester garments. It avoids the discomfort of less breathable materials, particularly in warmer climates or during travel days.
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Stylish and Well-Fitted: The Bluffworks Travel Sport Coat is available in both ‘classic’ and ‘slim’ fits, catering to different style preferences. This is a significant step up in style compared to more utilitarian travel blazers. The unlined sleeves and perforated back lining enhance breathability and contribute to a more refined appearance, leaving behind the less stylish, hotter designs of the past.
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Packable and Wrinkle-Resistant: The blazer is designed for easy packing. Whether folded in a suitcase, placed in a backpack, or even loosely packed in an overhead bin, the Bluffworks Travel Sport Coat resists wrinkles, maintaining a presentable appearance directly out of luggage.
The Perfect Travel Blazer
The Bluffworks Travel Sport Coat effectively combines the elegance of a high-end garment with the practicality needed for travel. Ordering online is straightforward, with a helpful fitting guide that ensures accurate sizing. While priced higher than some alternatives at $295, the value proposition is strong for those prioritizing quality, versatility, and travel-friendliness. For anyone seeking a top-tier travel sport coat, the Bluffworks option stands out as an excellent choice. Time will tell its long-term durability, but initial impressions are overwhelmingly positive.
Bonus: Bluffworks also demonstrates strong social engagement and customer interaction.
Potential Extra Bonus: They offer travel pants as well, complementing the blazer for a complete travel wardrobe.
