Traveling Light: Packing A Suit Efficiently

Travelling with a suit can be tricky, especially if you want to travel light. The key to keeping your suit in good condition is to protect it from wrinkles, creases and damage. This can be done by using a good garment bag, or by carefully folding the suit and placing it in your luggage. In this article, we will explore the best ways to travel with a suit, so you can arrive at your destination looking sharp and ready for any business meeting or fancy event. We will also provide tips on how to choose the right fabric for your suit and how to address any travel-related issues that may arise.

Choose travel-friendly fabrics like wool and microfibre

When it comes to choosing a suit fabric that will withstand the rigours of travel, it's important to consider factors such as wrinkle resistance, breathability, and overall appearance. While wool, microfibre, cotton, and linen are all common suit fabrics, only two of these are considered ideal for travel: wool and microfibre.

Microfibre suits are known for their crease resistance, making them a top choice if you want to avoid wrinkles. However, they do have some drawbacks. Microfibre suits may not look as sophisticated as those made from premium fabrics, and they tend to trap heat, making them less suitable for travel to hot climates. If breathability is a priority, you may want to opt for a different fabric or choose your travel destination carefully. Additionally, microfibre suits are more prone to static cling, which can be a nuisance, especially in dry climates.

On the other hand, wool is a classic choice for suits and offers some wrinkle resistance. It is a durable, breathable fabric that is naturally flexible and less prone to creasing than other materials. Wool suits are ideal for travel because they can be packed without taking up too much space, and they tend to retain their shape well. Additionally, wool is an excellent insulator, making it suitable for a range of climates. If you're concerned about wrinkles, consider a wool lycra blend, which combines the benefits of wool with the flexibility and wrinkle resistance of lycra. This blend is particularly well-suited for travellers who are constantly on the move, getting in and out of cars, or navigating busy airports.

For those with a more generous budget, the ultimate fabric for a travel suit may be a blend of wool and silk produced by the Italian mill Ermenegildo Zegna. This fabric is lightweight, breathable, wrinkle-free, and waterproof, making it ideal for all seasons and weather conditions.

When selecting a suit fabric, it's also worth considering the colour. Darker colours tend to be more forgiving and can help disguise any wrinkles or creases that may occur during travel.

Use a garment bag

Garment bags are a great way to travel with suits without having to worry about wrinkles. They are designed to carry hanging clothes that would get creased if folded. They are usually made of ultra-strong fabrics like ballistic nylon and stain-resistant, water-resistant polyester, and have some give to accommodate what you pack.

If you're travelling with carry-on luggage, you can pack a suit in a garment bag with ease. First, fold the suit in half along its back so that its shoulders are touching. Then, fold one half of the jacket inside out, exposing the liner. Next, make sure both sleeves are smooth and flat, and fold the jacket in half over your forearm. Finally, place your folded suit pants on top of the jacket.

If you're travelling with multiple suits, a garment bag will make your life much easier. You can find bags with plenty of pockets so you can fit all your clothes and accessories in one bag. Look for bags with features like dual hanger hooks, interior mesh pockets, and shoe pockets.

When choosing a garment bag, consider the three most important factors: size, function, and travel style. If you're taking a short trip, choose a small but functional bag with room for a few hanging garments and other essentials. For longer trips, size up to a larger bag with more capacity. If you want to avoid carrying your bag, opt for a wheeled option.

Pack suits separately to avoid creases

Packing suits separately is a great way to avoid creases and keep them in good condition. Here are some tips to help you pack your suits without creases:

Choose the Right Suit Fabric

When purchasing a suit, consider the fabric and its wrinkle resistance. Microfibre is the least crease-prone fabric, while wool and wool-lycra blends are also good options for travel suits. These fabrics are durable, retain their shape, and are less likely to crease. Additionally, darker colours and patterned fabrics can help hide any imperfections that may occur during travel.

Use a Garment Bag

A garment bag is an excellent option for travelling with suits. It allows you to hang your suit and minimise folding, reducing the risk of creases. Place the suit inside the bag with the lapels facing you and fold the bottom hem towards the collar, creating a "taco shell". Garment bags are especially useful if you're travelling by car, as they provide ample space and help your suit arrive crease-free.

Folding Techniques

If you're packing your suit into a suitcase or carry-on bag, there are specific folding techniques to minimise creases:

• Lay the jacket on a flat surface and fold one shoulder towards the centre, with the sleeve flat along the back. Repeat on the other side, creating a "pocket".
• Place the first shoulder into the "pocket" and bring the inside-out sleeve towards the centre.
• Fold the jacket in half down the centre, and then fold the bottom towards the top.
• Place the folded jacket on top of your other packed items to avoid adding pressure.
• For the trousers, lay them out folded in half lengthwise and place the folded jacket in the middle, around knee height.
• Fold the cuffs of the trousers over the jacket, and then fold the trousers in thirds.
• Place the folded trousers into a packing cube or suitcase, ensuring they are not tightly packed to avoid creases.

Roll the Suit

Another option is to roll your suit instead of folding it. Lay the jacket flat and fold the sleeves in, then roll the jacket from the bottom up. Place the rolled jacket in the centre of the trousers and roll the trousers around it. This method helps to avoid deep creases that may be more challenging to rectify than wrinkles.

Use a Suit Bag

If you're travelling by plane, consider using a suit bag. Ask the flight attendants if you can hang the bag in the storage closet. If not, carefully place it on top of other passengers' luggage or across your lap after takeoff. While this method doesn't guarantee a crease-free suit, it can help minimise wrinkles.

By following these tips and choosing the right packing technique for your travel situation, you can effectively pack your suits separately and avoid unwanted creases during your journey.

Wear your suit during travel

If you need to bring a suit on your travels, one way to keep it in good condition is to wear it during your journey. Change into the suit at the airport and place your casual clothes into a bag. After your flight, change again, draping your suit over your shoulder on a hanger. Your slacks and blazer will be fine for a few hours without looking creased or soiled, especially if you're just sitting in your seat.

If you're on a short flight, taking your jacket off, gently folding it in half, and laying it across your lap is a smart move. This will help to prevent creases and wrinkles from forming.

If you're travelling with carry-on luggage, you can pack your suit with relative ease. Fold the suit in half along its back axis so that its shoulders are touching. The key to ensuring it stays wrinkle-free is to follow the lines of the suit, namely its seams and sleeves. Then, fold one half of the jacket inside out so that the liner is exposed. Make sure both sleeves are smooth and flat, and then fold the jacket in half again over your forearm. It will now be in a slender, rectangular package ready to be laid down in your bag. Smooth your suit trousers, fold them in half, and then fold them again before placing them on top of the jacket.

If you're travelling with a garment bag, ask the flight attendants if they'll let you hang it in the storage closet near the front of the plane. If that doesn't work, carefully slide your unfolded suit bag on top of the other passengers' roll-aboard luggage. As a last resort, after takeoff, retrieve your folded-up suit bag from the overhead bin or from under the seat and unfurl it across your lap and knees.

Use tissue paper to avoid wrinkles

Travelling with a suit can be stressful, especially if you're trying to travel light. You don't want to arrive at your destination only to find your suit is a wrinkled mess. Luckily, there are ways to avoid this. One of the best ways to keep your suit wrinkle-free is to use tissue paper when packing.

The tissue paper method works by reducing friction between layers of clothing, which is one of the main causes of wrinkles. To use this method, lay your suit jacket and trousers flat and place a sheet of tissue paper on top. Then, fold your suit as you normally would. The tissue paper will help to prevent wrinkles and creases from forming. This technique is ideal for business travellers or anyone who needs to keep their suit in top shape while on the go. It's also a great way to pack multiple outfits, as you can easily separate each outfit with a layer of tissue paper.

When packing your suit, it's important to follow the lines of the suit, meaning its seams and sleeves. First, fold the suit in half along its back axis so that the shoulders are touching. Then, fold one half of the jacket inside out so that the liner is exposed. Next, make sure both sleeves are smooth and flat, and fold the jacket in half again over your forearm. Now you can lay the jacket in your bag. Smooth your suit trousers, fold them in half, and then fold them in half again. Place the trousers on top of the jacket, and you're done!

If you want to save even more space, you can try the rolling method. To do this, make sure your suit is folded in half across all its natural seams and with its sleeves as flat as possible. Then, find something roughly tubular, like a pair of jeans, and roll the suit jacket around it. Follow this with your suit trousers. Finally, tuck everything into a t-shirt and secure it with a belt or place it in your bag.

By using tissue paper and choosing the right folding or rolling technique, you can travel with your suit without worrying about wrinkles. So, the next time you have to pack a suit, you'll be able to do so with confidence, knowing that it will arrive wrinkle-free and ready to wear.

Frequently asked questions