Traveling with a suit, whether for business or leisure, can be a sartorial challenge. The primary concern? Avoiding unsightly wrinkles that can detract from your professional appearance. While the ideal scenario involves transporting your suit in a garment bag, hanging freely, this isn’t always practical. So, how do you pack a suit and minimize wrinkling? Let’s explore the best methods.
Luggage Options for Suits
Stuffing a finely tailored suit into luggage can feel sacrilegious. If you’re checking a bag, consider luggage that folds over onto itself, essentially folding your suit only once. This is a preferred method for many frequent suit travelers. One option is the David King & Co. garment bag. Another choice is the Biaggi Hangeroo 2-in-1 Garment Duffel, a tri-fold design praised for its carry-on compatibility. For storage and travel within a suitcase, a lightweight garment bag is also a great choice.
For carry-on luggage, opinions vary on the best folding technique. The ideal method often depends on the suit jacket’s fabric. With softer, more pliable fabrics, lightly folding the jacket in half and placing it on top of other items in a soft-sided bag can be effective.
Suit packed in luggage
Folding Techniques for Minimal Wrinkling
Several folding techniques can help minimize wrinkles when packing a suit. The “shoulder roll” method, popularized by GQ, involves turning one shoulder inside out, tucking the other shoulder inside it, and then folding the jacket in half lengthwise. This helps protect the jacket’s structure and reduce creasing. Another option is the “flat fold,” where you button the jacket, lay it flat, fold one shoulder back, and then fold the other shoulder over it.
Man demonstrating how to pack a suit for travel
Close-up of a man folding a suit for travel
Fabric Considerations
The fabric of your suit plays a significant role in how well it travels. Wool suits, particularly those made from high-twist wools, are generally more resilient to wrinkles than linen or cotton suits. Synthetic blends often offer wrinkle resistance but may lack the breathability and drape of natural fibers. When selecting a travel suit, consider the fabric’s ability to recover from creases.
Immediate Post-Travel Care
Upon arrival, immediately unpack your suit and hang it up. High-quality fabrics often naturally recover their shape. If wrinkles persist, hang the suit in a steamy bathroom or use a garment steamer. As a last resort, contact the hotel concierge for professional steaming or pressing services. Remember that even a badly wrinkled suit will often improve overnight with proper hanging.
Additional Resources
- Business Insider: How to pack a suit for business
- GQ: How to fold and pack a suit
Conclusion
Packing a suit for travel doesn’t have to be a stressful endeavor. By selecting the right luggage, employing proper folding techniques, considering fabric properties, and taking immediate post-travel care, you can arrive at your destination with a suit that looks as sharp as you do. Safe travels!
