The best way to travel with a suit is to use a high-quality garment bag, fold it carefully, and add protective layers.
Here’s a comprehensive guide on packing, carrying, and maintaining your suit’s condition for travel, whether it’s a business trip, wedding, or special event.
Why Traveling with a Suit Matters
When travelling for business or formal events, a well-maintained suit is essential for making a great impression. However, suits are notoriously tricky to keep wrinkle-free in transit, and arriving with a crumpled jacket or pants can be a hassle. This guide will help you pack, protect, and maintain your suit so you’re always ready to look your best.
Choose the Right Suit for Travel
- Fabric Choice: Opt for wrinkle-resistant fabrics like wool blends or polyester. These fabrics tend to bounce back better than linen or pure cotton, making them ideal for travel.
- Colour and Style: Classic colours like navy or charcoal travel well, hiding wrinkles better than lighter colours. Stick to streamlined, single-breasted jackets that are easier to fold than double-breasted styles.
Packing Strategies for a Wrinkle-Free Suit
Use a Garment Bag
A garment bag is the best investment to keep your suit protected. Look for lightweight options with wheels, like Travelpro or Samsonite garment bags. These are compact enough for carry-on but provide ample space to store your suit without folding.
Folding Techniques
If you don’t have a garment bag, learn the suitcase-friendly fold method:
- Jacket: Turn one shoulder inside out, then tuck the other shoulder inside, aligning the lapels. This keeps the structure intact.
- Pants: Fold along the creases, and if space permits, place them inside the jacket for additional padding.
Using a packing cube or dry-cleaning bag as a layer between folds also helps reduce wrinkles.
Layering in a Suitcase
If you must pack your suit in a suitcase, layer it on top of other items to prevent it from getting crushed. You can use different clothing to fill gaps around the suit, keeping it steady and protected.
Carry-On vs. Checked Luggage
The debate between carry-on and checked luggage depends on your travel needs:
- Carry-On: Ideal for short trips or when you need the suit immediately upon arrival. Make sure your garment bag fits within carry-on size limits.
- Checked Luggage: If you need to check your bag, ensure your suit is well-protected by using a hardside suitcase or a sturdy garment bag with interior straps to hold it in place.
Tools to Keep Your Suit Fresh on the Go
- Portable Steamer: A travel-sized steamer is invaluable for quick touch-ups. Look for compact models that are easy to use in hotel rooms.
- Wrinkle-Release Spray: This spray is a quick fix for minor creases when you don’t have access to an iron.
- Hangers and Accessories: Bring a lightweight hanger or use a hotel hangers. Accessories like tie clips and shoe bags also keep your look polished.
Recommended Garment Bags and Accessories
Best Garment Bags
- Travelpro Maxlite 5: Lightweight, durable, and has multiple compartments for additional items like shoes and accessories.
- Samsonite Aspire Xlite: Includes inline skate wheels, making it easy to transport without crumpling your suit.
Essential Accessories
- Packing Cubes: Great for organizing and keeping your suit separate from other items.
- Shoe Bags: Prevents dirt or scuffs on your suit from shoes stored in the same bag.
Pro Tips from Frequent Travelers
- Pack at the Last Minute: Packing your suit last keeps it fresher and reduces the chance of wrinkles.
- Utilize Hotel Amenities: Take advantage of hotel irons, hangers, or pressing services if needed.
- Change at Your Destination: Wait until you’ve arrived before changing into your suit. This minimizes wear and tear and ensures you’re as polished as possible.
Conclusion
By following these strategies, you’ll not only protect your suit from wrinkles but also stay prepared for any formal occasion. Investing in a good garment bag, packing with care, and using travel-friendly tools ensures that your suit remains in top condition, no matter where your journey takes you.