Things You'll Need:
- Carry-on Bags
- Garment Bags
- Luggage Sets
- Travel Clothes
- Walking Shoes
- Backpacks
- Duffel Bags
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Step 1
Check the weather forecast for your intended dates of travel. Chicago winters are the fiercest in the country. The wind chill can drop temperatures deep into the negative. The summers can be hot and humid.
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Step 2
Pack business attire appropriate to your line of work. Choose lighter-weight materials for the summer months. Women wear hose with suits - despite the summer heat - and tights for warmth in the winter.
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Step 3
Think casual for taking in the sights and sounds of the city. Jeans and khakis are appropriate for winter; shorts befit the summer months. T-shirts are a staple.
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Step 4
Pack a very heavy winter coat, long underwear, sweaters, boots, socks, gloves, a scarf and a hat if you plan to be there between December and March. Wear rubber-soled shoes to avoid slipping on ice and snow.
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Step 5
Choose lightweight fabrics such as cotton and linen for summer visits, as these natural fibers will breathe in the heat. Pair summer attire with comfortable walking shoes or sandals.
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Step 6
Remember black will hide dirt and absorb heat; white and ivory will betray dirt but keep you cool.
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Step 7
Stash a swimsuit in your bag in case you have the opportunity to take a dip in Lake Michigan during the summer months.
Comments
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 This is more of a general travel tip, but I was doing some shopping on Michigan Avenue the other day, and saw a man in a Hawaiian shirt, cargo shorts, and A STRAW HAT. Chicagoans wear jeans year round because they're pretty good protection no matter what happens (because the weather CAN and DOES change drastically every few minutes, especially in the summer), and they're even great at keeping the humidity off your legs in the summer. Also, if you're here in the summer, you will get sweat marks on your t-shirts. No one will notice. We don't carry antiperspirant around with us all day either.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 In addition to the cold, cold winters and sweaty hot summers, here's another thing to keep in mind: Chicago isn't called the Windy City because of its breezes, the downtown high-rises do create a wind tunnel effect, which means some streets are gusty while others can have calm winds. If you're going to Chicagoland, but not downtown, these winds can make a huge difference in temperature. The lake effect means slightly colder temperatures downtown in the summer, say, at O'Hare.
Anonymous said
on 7/18/2007 It really depends on what season you're going. In the fall, pack long pants, long sleeved t-shirts, sweatshirts, a light jacket, and short sleeved t-shirts. In the winter, stick to HEAVY clothes and jackets. For spring, it's long pants, T-shirts, and basically the same as fall attire. In the summer, bring shorts, a sweatshirt, short sleeved t-shirts, and long sleeved t-shirts.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 I live in Chicago, and work outdoors year round. Checking the weather is a good starting point, but wind, dew point, and other factors can make a huge difference. I have worn a winter coat as early as mid-September and as late as early June. Your best bet is to pack a little of everything and don't forget your credit card just in case. The stores on State Street have lots of good deals for the confused traveler.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 DO NOT wear anything that is made of leather or satin/silk or a similar material. I went to Chicago right in the middle of February wearing khakis, a t-shirt and a leather jacket (lined with satin). The weather made my clothes so cold and when they touched my skin, it was more than enough to make me shiver. So wear something like wool, cotton, and other materials. I am surprised that I am still alive after being lost in Chicago for 8 hours.