My pandemic travel outfit

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Everyone who knows me knows that I’m the queen of motion sickness. Because I get motion sick very easily, I always make sure I’m as comfortable as I possibly can when I’m traveling. My airport outfits tend to look very loungewear-like; I avoid wearing anything that may cause discomforts, like turtlenecks or tight jeans. To look a bit more “put together,” I would throw on a trench coat and call it a day. One of my best friends used to always say I looked like I got ready for bed when I’d actually be on the way to the airport.

For more than 6 months, my husband and I stayed put in Manhattan since the lockdown started. In September, when COVID cases decreased and things seemed to get better in New York, we decided to go somewhere outside of the city for a weekend. We didn’t want to fly yet since we figured it was best to avoid being on a plane, so we looked for nearby destinations that are accessible via train. And we ended up booking a trip to New Haven, Connecticut since we’ve never been.

When it came to thinking about what to wear when traveling on the train, I realized for the first time, my motion sickness was no longer the priority of my concerns. Now, it’s about protecting myself in a closed environment, avoid touching public surfaces, making sure my face mask will allow me to breathe at ease throughout the entire journey.

The Waterproof Travel Jumpsuit by Marta Scarampi

At the New Haven train station, wearing the waterproof travel jumpsuit handmade by Marta Scarampi in Italy.

I was very fortunate that slow fashion brand Marta Scarampi from Italy — my client over at my marketing agency called Once Upon — had designed and launched this amazing product a few months ago: A waterproof travel jumpsuit that offers head-to-toe cover. Naturally, it was the first choice that came to mind for my train ride.

Please note that this jumpsuit cannot replace personal protective equipment (PPE).

WILL I BE TOO WARM?

Initially, I was worried about being too warm in the long-sleeve jumpsuit since it was still pretty hot that weekend. But to my surprise, even with my tank top and leggings underneath the jumpsuit, I wasn’t melting — I actually felt very comfortable. The jumpsuit is handmade with a silk-blend material that is very lightweight and extremely breathable. It actually worked in my favor when we were on the train because the AC was blasting right at us where we sat.

The jumpsuit has a hoodie and the front zipper can go all the way up to my chin. I didn’t think I would need it but it was very useful when it came to taking a snooze because it meant that my face wouldn’t be leaning directly against the leather seat or the window. Plus, it blocked the strong AC for me, too.

The suit also has a matching face mask that is made of the same waterproof material — which has the ability to repel droplets, by the way! I love the mask because the folds allow me to pull it open and cover from my nose down to my chin; it stays in place even when I talk and it’s very easy to breathe in.

It was great knowing that I didn’t need to worry about my safety or how I looked because the jumpsuit is so elegantly designed — I actually felt a lot more stylish than my former go-to (pajama-like) travel outfits!

MORE ABOUT THE JUMPSUIT + SIZING

Since I knew I wanted to have the option of wearing clothes underneath the jumpsuit, I went one size up. So usually I wear a US size 6 and the jumpsuit I have on is a US size 8. I also didn’t want it to be too tight to begin with, so that it’s roomy and comfortable. My legs are shorter so there were excess folds on the pants part of the jumpsuit, but it didn’t bother me too much. The elastic detail around the ankles (and wrists) kept everything in place.

I got the jumpsuit in a beautiful shiny navy blue but it also comes in black and taupe. Due to the high demand for a men’s version, the brand added it as well, making it their first garment designed for men! And more recently, the brand launched a 2-piece separates version for those who may prefer that option over a jumpsuit style.

HOW TO CLEAN THE JUMPSUIT + FACE MASK

Once I got to New Haven, I took off the jumpsuit and packed it in its designated dust bag (this is available as an add-on when you purchase the jumpsuit). When I shared the IGTV video on my Instagram, a lot of people sent me a DM asking me about how I clean the jumpsuit. So, on our way back, I actually took the jumpsuit out to wear again on the train. And then when we got back to the city, I took the jumpsuit to dry clean.

For the face mask, however, I hand-wash it with warm water every night and hang it to dry so that it is clean and ready to be used again the following day. This is actually also my attempt to prevent getting acne from wearing a mask.

Watch via IGTV: Travel video from NYC to New Haven

Screen Shot 2020-10-23 at 11.32.10 AM.png — The Waterproof Travel Suit, Separates Version

The slow fashion brand also offers a “separates” version of the suit. The waterproof jacket and pants can be purchased individually or together as a set. (Photo: Courtesy of Marta Scarampi.)

Check out the collection here →

SOMETHING EXTRA: DIY MASK “CHAIN”

I forgot to bring this skinny silk scarf that I have with me on the trip, but because the color matches the face mask so well, I attached it to the face mask and have been using it like a “mask chain” recently. This actually would’ve been really useful when traveling because this way you wouldn’t have to worry about losing your mask when you take it off to drink or eat. It’s also easier to keep it clean as it hangs around your neck instead of being stuffed in your back pocket or your bag.

Let me know what you think of this travel jumpsuit by leaving a comment below! Would you consider this the next time you travel? If not, what do you think will be an outfit that makes you feel safe and protected when traveling during a pandemic? I’d love to hear from you!

As always, thank you for stopping by Happily Ever Style. Stay safe!

Love,

Tricia

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