Why the ‘best-dressed man in the lounge’ is no longer wearing a suit

Words: Gordon Scott

The profile of the business traveller has changed. Back when the earliest airport lounges first opened in the 1930s, they were invite-only affairs that catered exclusively to the buttoned-up establishment. In order to get access to the Admiral Club at LaGuardia in New York, for example, you had to be an admiral, senator or the like. As a result, lounges were patronised by the kind of men who wear a tie to the beach. While a sharp suit remains the gold standard for the boardroom or a high-stakes meeting, the modern traveller now has a wealth of more versatile options.

These days, though, things are very different. Walk into the Concorde Room at Heathrow Terminal 5 today and you’re more likely to find yourself sitting between Arsenal’s new star signing and the CFO of a Silicon Roundabout startup than a pair of four-star generals. And this new tribe of business-class and First flyers has brought with it an updated travel uniform. While traditional tailoring still has its place at the top of the corporate ladder, natty modern attire in the lounge is all about high-texture, giving fabrics, casual silhouettes and understated luxury. It’s a contemporary philosophy of dressing that Charles Tyrwhitt has championed since 1986, staying true to a simple mission: to help men look and feel good effortlessly. To help you master this updated travel uniform, British Airways Club members shopping with the brand for the first time can access an exclusive introductory offer, with shirts and polos starting from just £29.95 here.

The modern business traveller

This new generation has upped the business lounge style stakes by swapping flat, formal textiles for tactile materials seen in poplin shirts, cable-knit polos and textured blazers. This creates a look that feels fresh and sleek without the formality of a full suit. While the smart but relaxed aesthetic is certainly a reflection of modern sensibilities, it’s also underpinned by practicality. Savvy travellers have realised that knitted polo shirts emerge unrumpled after ten hours in transit in a way that structured tailoring often doesn't. Meanwhile, Ultimate Performance Suits provide a crease-resistant option for those who still prefer suiting. 

As the weather warms up, seasonal transitions become simpler with Charles Tyrwhitt’s new range of linen and knitted polos – available in stripe textures, button-through designs and classic trophy necks. For those seeking a sharper edge, lightweight cotton linen shirts provide the crisp structure of an office shirt with a breathable weight that is far more suited to spring travel than traditional heavy twill. And, crucially, these clothes are comfortable: soft, pliable fabrics make for serene journeys without compromising on appearance. Central to the appeal, of course, is their versatility. Take, for example, the proper blazer in navy blue from the Jermyn Street stalwart’s latest collection. It’s one of those endlessly adaptable wardrobe staples that can be dressed up or down according to the occasion and looks just as good paired with a breathable linen polo for a day’s sightseeing as it does buttoned up for a romantic dinner. 

A classic English outfitter

It’s precisely this kind of adaptability that has made Charles Tyrwhitt the go-to outfitter for the softly tailored look that’s taking over the airport lounge. The English brand made its name in the 1980s and 1990s with its beautifully cut shirts and suits, but these days it offers a complete wardrobe for men that ranges from five-pocket jeans to refined knitwear. Whether it’s super-soft stretch chinos or linen shirts, every piece in the collection has been considered down to the last detail and cut with the modern man in mind.

The breadth of the offering means that whether you’re heading from the lounge to a board meeting or a road trip up the Amalfi Coast, Charles Tyrwhitt makes dressing for any trip effortless. Indeed, such is its confidence that you’ll love your purchases that it offers a no quibble six-month quality guarantee, offering customers a full refund on pieces bought in that window, which guarantees total peace of mind when you are refreshing your style for the season.

The rewards start before you even board, too… If you make your purchases via the Avios Shop, you can collect 9 Avios for every £1 spent.* Best of all, British Airways Club members shopping with the brand for the first time can access an exclusive introductory offer. By using the link below, new customers can pick up shirts and polos starting from just £29.95. T&Cs apply.**

Shop the exclusive British Airways Club offer here

Make your next journey your most stylish yet. Shop the latest linen, knitwear and seasonal arrivals at Charles Tyrwhitt and enjoy a seamless look for any destination.  

*Collection rate reverts to 5 Avios per £1 spent once the offer has ended on 6 April 2026.

**Terms & Conditions 
This offer is limited to one order per household of up to nine shirts and is not valid in conjunction with any other offers or vouchers. The £29.95 special offer applies to Charles Tyrwhitt’s formal, business casual, casual, and polo shirts. It excludes Charles Tyrwhitt Custom, sale, clearance, England Rugby licensed range, Luxury 140s Twill, Liberty Fabrics shirt collection, Overshirts, shipping costs, vouchers, gift boxes, and alterations. Free standard delivery applies automatically to orders of £50 or more to UK addresses. The value of free standard delivery is £4.95. This offer is intended primarily for new customers. Existing customers may still access the offer; however, no registration or account creation is required to redeem it. Special offer prices are shown against the selling prices on www.charlestyrwhitt.com and in retail stores. Charles Tyrwhitt reserves the right to withdraw, amend, or extend this offer at any time without prior notice.