Traveling with a suit can be a daunting task. Whether it’s for a crucial business meeting, a destination wedding, or a special event, you want to ensure your suit arrives looking sharp and ready to wear. This guide, crafted by travel experts, will provide you with the essential techniques and tips on How To Pack A Suit For Travel without ending up with a wrinkled mess.
Preparation: The Key to Wrinkle-Free Travel
The secret to successfully traveling with a suit lies in the preparation. Avoid overpacking, which is a major cause of wrinkles. While garment bags were once the go-to solution, modern travel with strict carry-on limitations requires a more strategic approach.
Choosing the Right Luggage
Invest in high-quality, sturdy luggage. A hard-shell suitcase or one with reinforced sides offers the best protection for your suit. Ensure your luggage has ample space to accommodate your items without cramming them together. A well-fitting suit within your luggage is key to avoiding damage.
The Power of a Garment Steamer
If possible, pack a portable garment steamer. This is a game-changer for quickly removing any wrinkles that may occur during transit. If a steamer isn’t feasible, inquire about ironing services at your hotel, or utilize the steam from a hot shower to relax the fabric.
Double-Check Your Essentials
Before you even begin packing, meticulously check that you have every component of your suit and accompanying accessories. It’s surprisingly easy to forget crucial items in the rush. Create a checklist encompassing the jacket, trousers, dress shirt, belt (or braces/cummerbund), shoes, socks, cufflinks, pocket squares, tie (or bow tie), and any other planned accessories. Tick each item off as you pack to ensure nothing is left behind.
Mastering the Art of Suit Packing
A close-up shot of a suit
Now that you’re prepared, let’s dive into the techniques for packing your suit effectively. If space is severely limited, consider wearing your suit on the plane. While this carries the risk of spills or creases, it guarantees its arrival. Remember to use your steamer upon arrival to freshen it up.
Understanding Your Suit Jacket
The jacket is the most challenging piece to pack due to its structure and fabric. Examine your jacket’s construction. The type of canvas (full or half) and the suiting fabric will influence how it folds and resists wrinkles. Knowing these factors will help you choose the best packing method.
Rolling vs. Creasing: A Gentle Approach
The key to preventing wrinkles is to roll your garments rather than sharply creasing them. Avoid creating hard, flat folds that leave deep lines. Instead, aim for gentle, loose rolls that minimize the risk of creases.
Packing Methods for Suit Jackets
Here are several methods to pack your suit jacket, each with its own advantages:
The Classic Fold
This method creates a compact square but involves multiple folds.
- Lay the jacket face down on a flat surface.
- Fold one shoulder towards the center, with the sleeve lying flat along the back. Adjust the sleeve as needed.
- Repeat on the other side, mirroring the fold.
- Fold the hem up to just below the collar.
- Slide your hand under the folded jacket, flip it over (lapels facing up), and place it on top of your luggage.
The Dry Cleaning Bag Method
This method provides better fabric protection but results in a larger fold.
- Hang the suit in a dry cleaning bag or garment bag.
- Fold the bottom hem up to the collar, creating a “taco shell” shape with the lapels and front of the jacket inside.
The Inside-Out Shoulder Technique
Ideal for satin- or silk-lined jackets, this method minimizes creasing.
- Lay the jacket flat, lapels down.
- Fold one shoulder to the center, with the sleeve back.
- Turn the other shoulder inside out.
- Insert the first shoulder into the “pocket” created by the inside-out shoulder.
- Bring the inside-out sleeve towards the center.
- Fold the jacket in half down the center, then fold the bottom to the top.
- Optional: Encase the folded jacket in a dry-cleaning bag. Place it on top of your luggage.
The Carry-On Fold
Perfect for maximizing space in a carry-on bag or backpack.
- Turn both shoulders of the jacket inside out.
- Fold it in half so the lapels touch (lining will be on the outside).
- Fold it again, in thirds. This method is demonstrated visually in this helpful video.
Packing Suit Trousers
You can use any of the jacket-folding methods for your trousers. A simple approach involves:
- Laying the trousers flat, folded in half lengthwise.
- Placing the folded jacket in the middle, around knee height.
- Folding the cuffs up and over the jacket, then folding the belt section up in thirds. This creates a neat, compact package.
Packing Dress Shirts
Ivory Cotton Twil Shirt by Oliver Wicks
Alt: A crisp, ivory cotton twill shirt, showcasing its texture and classic design.
Before packing your dress shirts, remove collar stays, boutonnieres, and collar pins.
- Lay the shirt face down on a flat surface, buttoned up.
- Fold the sleeves towards the center, overlapping in the middle.
- Fold the cuff straight up the back on both sides to meet the collar.
- Fold the shoulder of each side to the centerline.
- Fold the hem up to the collar. A video tutorial can be found here.
Packing Shoes, Belts, and Accessories
Invest in drawstring shoe bags to protect your shoes and other items in your luggage. Place the shoes individually in bags at the bottom of your bag. Roll up socks, ties, belts, and pocket squares and place them inside the shoes to save space.
For valuable jewelry and accessories like cufflinks and watches, pack them in a small, secure bag in your carry-on luggage to avoid theft. Consider using a jewelry roll or a soft pouch to prevent scratches.
Suit Packing: Dos and Don’ts
Lava red striped navy silk tie by Oliver Wicks
Alt: A sophisticated lava red striped navy silk tie, demonstrating a blend of classic and contemporary style.
Follow these dos and don’ts to ensure your suit arrives in top condition:
Dos
- Take your time packing properly.
- Steam your garment before you leave, ensuring it’s completely dry.
- Bring a garment bag to hang your suit upon arrival.
- Unpack and hang your suit as soon as possible.
- Place your suit on top of your luggage and shoes at the bottom.
- Pack spare plastic bags and a dry-cleaning bag for storage and hanging.
- Request a “Fragile” sticker for your suitcase at the airline check-in.
Don’ts
- Never pack a damp garment.
- Don’t crush, tightly crease, or force your suit.
- Avoid placing heavy items on top of your suit.
- Never place shoes directly on top of garments.
- Remove all sharp or metallic items from your suit before packing.
- Never pack valuable jewelry and accessories in checked luggage.
Conclusion: Travel with Confidence
While minor wrinkling may be unavoidable, following these steps will significantly reduce the problem. Having a plan for dealing with minor creases upon arrival is always a good idea. With these expert tips, you’ll be prepared to travel with your suit confidently, knowing it will arrive looking its best.
