Although Summer is almost over, it hasn’t quite left just yet. So if you and your fella are planning on a late escape to the sun, or maybe even a quick staycation, you should print this off and stick it to the fridge (unless he gets his Mammy to pack for him, in which case you should print off an eviction notice for him and stick THAT to the fridge). Here is our guide to the top things that every man should have in his suitcase!
First off, the smelly bag that houses his even smellier gym kit will not cut it on board Ryanair flight FR456 to Malaga. The days of backpacks through the airport with his sleeping bag on top should probably be put behind him. So a good travel bag is a must have for any man.
While they can range in price from the cheap to the ludicrous, Himself (not you, and certain not Mammy) should choose something with bit of style and invest in a piece that can last a good while too.
Ted Baker make a range of quirky numbers, but when it comes to a classic look, then leather is the way to go, like this number here for £279/€350. Canvas is another (and cheaper) option and Marks and Spencer do a great range for about €95.
A dopp kit is the technical term for a male wash bag (because the words 'wash bag' obviously carries connotations of tampax and lavender soaps lurking within). Your fella might be thrifty and opt for one of those free ones you get when buying toiletries in some shops, or he might just have a one lurking around the back of the wardrobe that Aunty Brenda gave him for his birthday last year.
But if he is on Team Hipster, the Lynx pleather version from Christmas 2009 might not cut it and his beady eye might be on something like this J-Crew Montague leather dopp mitt (from Mr. Porter, where his hipster heart can get almost anything it could want) for around €140. Don't tell Mammy about that price.
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Filling the dopp kit is the next step, and that means choosing some essential man-ny toiletries (a tub of Brylcreem and a bottle of Old Spice won't cut it). You could steer him towards something like Emporio Armani Diamond Rocks for Him (50 ml for €40) - this one came out this Summer and has a sweet scent without being overpowering. There’s a hint of tangy bergamot and apple as well as citrus and woody notes in there.
Viktor & Rolf Spicebomb (50ml for €58) is another fragrance worth checking out. It has quite a spicy kick to it with hints of chili and saffron (just don't attack him with a pair of chopsticks).
Now we know that we can suffer with Monica-esque 'it's the humidity' issues but if Himself's hair is not immune either. Layrite Super Hold Pomade (€14.99) makes the (hair)cut because it’s water soluble, meaning that it won’t leave him with a horrible sticky residue on the hands or a case of cement head when he gets in the shower.
Now, we have long been advocating the importance of a skincare regime for himself so make sure he has something like Kiehl’s Facial Fuel on his checklist.
All you need to do then is ensure that the GAA/soccer jersey gets left at home and that the sock and sandal situation is closely monitored….
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Does the man in your life pack even more than you do or does he whinge about your inclusion of five pairs of shoes for a weekend away (look, he might have a point)? Do you end up doing the packing for everyone or is it everyman for himself? What are his travel essentials? Tell us in the comments!
