Best bag/pannier for business suits?

[Bunjabi]

Good morning!

I recently took a job that requires me to wear business suits every day. I have the bike commuting bug, though, and would like to continue to commute by bike. My new workplace has a gym/shower/locker facility for me to shower and change.

My only issue is getting my suit to work without rumpling it up so much. I have an Eagle Creek PackIt folder I currently use, but that really only fits shirts and one pair of slacks. I put that in a backpack. I do not currently have a rear rack on my bike for panniers, though

Any suggestions on what size pannier I might need for a suit? Anyone have a similar situation? If so, what do you use?

Thanks!

Topic

[Steve O]

@bentbike33 148784 wrote:

I pack in undergarments .. . .each day.

The “each day” is really key here. If you are even slightly inclined to forget socks or underwear, I strongly recommend leaving a spare pair or two in your desk (or locker if you are so lucky).
😮

[VA2DC]

@Steve O 148795 wrote:

The “each day” is really key here. If you are even slightly inclined to forget socks or underwear, I strongly recommend leaving a spare pair or two in your desk (or locker if you are so lucky).
😮

And don’t forget a towel if you’re showering at work! I’ve done that before and resorted to the paper towel dry-off method, but it’s less than optimal.

[mstone]

Towel service in the locker room is a tier 1 benefit

[Emm]

@Steve O 148795 wrote:

The “each day” is really key here. If you are even slightly inclined to forget socks or underwear, I strongly recommend leaving a spare pair or two in your desk (or locker if you are so lucky).
😮

BEST ADVICE EVER. I store 2-3 sets of under garments at work in my locker for days I forget to pack them. Today I used my last emergency set, so I’ll have to stock my supply back up next week. I also store a spare outfit (as a woman this means a dress since it’s simple) for those days I just flat out forget clothes, or spill something on them in my bag. Luckily that’s only been used once in 3 years, but wow was I happy I had it that day…

[KLizotte]

I use a regular pannier with a packing cube for the clothes. A packing cube can be purchased at Amazon, REI, luggage stores, etc. Extremely light weight and helps keep stuff clean and organized. I plan my outfit the night before but don’t pack it till the last minute to keep wrinkles at bay. I keep suit jackets and dress shoes at work as well as emergency undergarments and socks. My biggest problem isn’t clothes, it’s helmet hair! Sweat and humidity are the bane of my existence. I have also been known to go to meetings with helmet indentation marks on my forehead; fortunately most everyone I work with is an engineer so they barely notice.

I’m thinking of sticking some 3M hooks in the handicapped stall at work though. Would make changing quicker.

[huskerdont]

I’m relieved to see I’m not the only one who has to keep stocks of socks and underwear at work. I began this years ago after having to go commando one day. I figured it was just me–my entire life is full of little OC systems designed to compensate for being forgetful and not too bright.

[Steve O]

@huskerdont 148824 wrote:

I began this years ago after having to go commando one day. I figured it was just me–my entire life is full of little OC systems designed to compensate for being forgetful and not too bright.

Only one day! If you’re not so bright, I wonder what the means about me?

[Alcova cyclist]

I use the same transit garment bag mentioned back on page 1. It’s not “survive a steady rain” waterproof, but it manages to keep stuff mostly dry in a light shower or w/ road spray. Keeping the dry cleaning bag on helps.

Also an upvote for keeping suits, ties, and shoes at the office and just swapping out shirts. With 3-4 suits/dress slacks in rotation I can usually bring in a new one and take home the oldest one one each time I haul in a load of shirts.

I have found that shirt done at the cleaners w/ medium starch stay a lot more wrinkle free than anything I try to do myself (or maybe the ones I do myself just start out more wrinkled to begin with). I bring in 5 or so shirts at a time just once a week because I much prefer to use my trunk rack than the garment bag pannier.

[huskerdont]

@Steve O 148857 wrote:

Only one day! If you’re not so bright, I wonder what the means about me?

Just today I forgot my undershirt. Luckily, the spare was there to bail me out. Systems in place to make up for stupidity for the win.

Don’t get me started on the machinations I go through to keep from losing my keys after finally finding them once hours later in the refrigerator next to the beer, which I had grabbed straight after coming in the door.

[Author]

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