Go high quality. Do not shop on Shien. You want to take a capsule collection of pieces that you can mix-and match over the year! Spend 30% extra…on 30% less stuff. That is the way to do it. I’m going to list clothing that will last you well over a year! And you’ll want it because depending on where you may end up, you might not be able to shop.
Here’s the goal of classroom clothing: You want to be comfortable and cute while being appropriate. This doesn’t mean you have to dress like a nun! You should still feel confident at school. It just means covering your boobies and butt.
I love my Spanx pants because they are work-appropriate with stretch!
And I love my Summersalt Pants
And JEGGINGS that are comfy for sitting all day
Tie-Top that goes with everything
Basic T
Comfy T for Leggings
A Classic Flannel Shirt
Comfy Sweatshirt for Leggings
Classy Sweatshirt
I love this scarf with a hidden zipper.
Every teacher needs overalls.
Waterproof Rain Jacket
Drape Front Jacket
Wrap sweater
A Classy Day-to-Night Sweater Jacket
Rain boots
Comfortable closed-toed flats
Warm winter coat or parka
(best if it’s waterproof with a hood)
A Professional Overcoat
Cozy pull-over Shawl
(that’s basically a professional snuggie)
Long-sleeve bodysuit
Thermal tops and leggings
Insulated booties
Merino Wool socks
Day to Night Bodysuit
A classic fitted shirt
A Sleep T
Jeans or lightweight jeans with stretch
A conservative and warm flowy skirt
Comfy and waterproof shoes
Comfortable closed-toe shoes
Best classroom shoes to stand on all day
Light jackets or raincoats
A cozy jumpsuit with stretch
Wrap Dress
A Flattering Wrap Dress
(size up)
Flowy Dress for the Weekends
A Must-Have Wrap skirt
Lightweight and breathable tops
T-shirt cover up to go over spaghetti strap tops or dresses
The cutest romper ever
24 hour jumpsuit
Shapewear to Wear Under a Dress
…so you don’t flash the kids.
My other favorite best undies for under-dresses
Spanx Reversible Tights for Dresses
The Only Thong Underwear I Will Wear
Comfy Bralette
Lace Bralette
Work out leggings
My favorite swimsuits
A Swimsuit you can LIVE in
Quiclity Swim bottoms
Active shorts
Jean shorts
Work out top
Plush sweatshirt
Sandals or flip-flops for after-work
Sarong
Kimono
The key to enjoying your class is to have control…without headaches. How do you control a classroom? With humor and games! Trust me. After 5 years of teaching around the world, these are the MUST HAVE classroom games and gadgets. You’ll thank me later.
👉 Slap Game – https://amzn.to/3YFfZGJ
👉 Stress balls for kids with energy issues – https://amzn.to/3qCKi4b
👉 Suction balls, the ultimate “throw at the board” learning tool – https://amzn.to/45zifBr
👉 Squeaky hammer – https://amzn.to/3QN2WBk
👉 Stickers are your secret weapon – https://amzn.to/3EnM9gN
👉 Mini speaker – https://amzn.to/3E566IX
👉 Hydration packets (for you): https://shopstyle.it/l/b0c0B
👉 Cliff bars (for you): https://shopstyle.it/l/b0c1J
1. Personal alarm or whistle: https://www.shesbirdie.com/?variant=42203727331503
2. Travel insurance: If your school doesn’t provide you with insurance, please get your own travel insurance!
👉 Go with WorldNomads if you’re a super-adventurer (like you’re going to be living off-the-grid in a tiny village.
👉 or Go with SafetyWing if you play it safer (living in a city).
3. Copies of important documents
4. Portable door lock or wedge – https://amzn.to/3P1kaIn
5. Local emergency numbers saved in your phone
6. Scarf with hidden pocket – https://amzn.to/3YFfZGJ
7. Hidden bra pouch – https://amzn.to/3QMwhMb
8. The best mini wallet with RFID blocking technology – https://amzn.to/3KMqGBD
9. Money belt – https://amzn.to/3OH5rlJ
Teacher’s tote
(that I take with me all over the world and that will last a decade)
Rolling Jewelry Organizer
Best laptop bag with zippers
Walk-around backpack
👉 Ranch packets: https://amzn.to/3QNDT0P
👉 Hot Cocoa: https://amzn.to/47EoMg2
👉 Pistachios: https://amzn.to/3OLg7zO
👉 Cliff Minis: https://amzn.to/3QMBfZl
Remember to consider the local culture and dress codes when packing your clothing items. Prioritize comfort, functionality, and respect for the local norms. Enjoy your teaching experience in Asia!
And hey, if you found this article helpful, please share this on Pinterest for other teachers to find!
Want to contribute to the blog? I love to feature the perspective of other solo female travelers.
I'm a bestselling author, hotel reviewer and pickleball player. I teach women how to travel the world solo without going broke or getting kidnapped.
In 2011, I left Seattle with just $200 in my pocket to travel the world solo. Today, I'm the founder and creator of The Solo Girl’s Travel Guide, the #1 travel guide book series for women - and the author of The One-Way Ticket Plan.