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People all over the world face a daily commute. Whether it’s making your way to work, to campus, to the gym or to a coffee shop to meet friends, everyone’s daily commute looks different.

But that’s the beauty behind it, right? No two commutes are the same! And somewhere in that movement, what you choose to wear becomes part of the experience.

That’s why, here at Cable & Co., we aim to stock premium footwear and apparel that is not only made for fashion, but which plays a role in making people’s daily journeys much more comfortable.

Different Commutes Across The Globe

In simple terms, a commute refers to the regular journey that occurs between your home and your workplace or school.

Sounds pretty standard, right? But the interesting part lies in learning about how people from different regions plan their commutes, and also how this time is more than just a trip.

1. Japan
Japan is notorious for its efficient train services, making this the primary form of travel. It’s not because the Japanese don’t like cars, because of course they do! However, in their culture, punctuality and safety are prioritised, and train travel provides the most convenient way to transport large numbers of people to and from different cities.

Since trains are heavily relied upon, they can often become quite congested during peak hours. Thus, Japanese culture has unwritten rules that are followed to ensure that everyone remains comfortable.

For example, people are mindful of noise and will refrain from taking phone calls on the train and listening to videos or music without headphones.

Apart from train rides, people’s daily commute will also entail a lot of walking, as people make their way to different bus stations throughout the day.

2. Netherlands

Amsterdam, in the Netherlands, is known as the bicycle capital of the world, and the history behind this mode of transport is truly fascinating.

In the 1800s, trains only really transported people from one city to the next. Therefore, the best way to explore the compacted cities is to bike around town. Now, the Netherlands wasn’t immune to the automobile movement that arose post-war; however, thanks to the “Stop de Kindermoord” movement (founded as a way to rise against automobile accidents), people began to notice how much better the country functioned without cars. Further political reasons, such as the oil crisis, pushed the investment in biking infrastructure, which facilitated this mode of transport to thrive today.

3. Bolivia

Bolivia’s sky wire, Mi Teleférico, is the cable car urban transit system connecting La Paz with the centre of El Alto.

As a fairly new form of transportation, this is known as the largest commuter cable car system in the world. But this system wasn’t merely created as a tourism spectacle. Due to the mountainous terrain and high altitude of the region. Travelling between the two cities by road often became heavily congested, with trips taking up to 2 hours.

The cable system, however, has been reported to have reduced this trip to as little as 10 minutes!

Today, the Mi Teleférico is used by tourists and locals daily. Strict passenger limits are maintained per car for safety reasons, but the spectacular panoramic view has completely transformed the way people travel.

The South African Commute

In South Africa, while a lot of people tend to travel in private vehicles, there is still a significant number of people who require public transport daily.

However, due to insufficient public transport systems and the need for commutes to suburbs from townships, minibus taxis became a popular form of transport.

Carrying up to 15 people (and sometimes even more), these minibuses are no regular form of public transport: every corner becomes a taxi stop, the speed designation is more of a suggestion (to them anyway), and don’t even think about dozing off, because you might miss your stop!

Dressing For Your Commute

Something all these commuters have in common: they need a full outfit that can keep up with a busy lifestyle.

Here are our top picks that every commuter must invest in this season:

1. A lightweight jacket: Commuting is all about layers! Because the temperature when you leave your home will most certainly not be the same as you go on through the course of the day. Having a lightweight jacket, like our Foundation FZ Polar Fleece, that you can easily take off and store away, is the key.

2. Comfortable shoes: For those required to wear formal shoes to the office, don’t worry, we have an option that will have you looking smart without the annoying blisters! Our selection of Rockport Footwear promises athletic footwear technologies, all inside a formal shell - what more could you need?

3. A lightweight backpack: Trust us on this one, a backpack is a wise choice to ensure you’re staying organised, especially when using public transport. Our selection of Caterpillar bags offers something for everyone; whether you like something trendy, sporty, or a bit more formal, the choice is yours.

Share Your Journey With Us

From train platforms in Japan, to cycling lanes in Amsterdam, to taxi stops in South Africa, the world moves in different ways, but always forward.

And in every direction, there’s a shared need for clothing and footwear that keeps up with life in motion.

At Cable & Co., we’re here for every step, every ride, and every journey in between. Show us where yours takes you, and how you wear it.