How To Take A Suit On A Plane

Ever arrived at your destination only to unpack a suit that looks like it lost a fight with a washing machine? The dreaded wrinkled suit is a common travel woe, especially for business travelers or anyone attending a formal event. A sharp, well-pressed suit is often essential for making a good impression, whether you're sealing a deal, giving a presentation, or attending a wedding. Knowing how to properly pack and transport your suit can be the difference between looking polished and professional, and looking like you slept in your clothes (even if you didn't!).

Unfortunately, simply throwing your suit into a suitcase almost guarantees creases and wrinkles. But fear not! There are proven techniques to protect your investment and ensure your suit arrives looking its best. From choosing the right luggage to mastering the folding and rolling methods, we'll explore the best practices for traveling with your suit, so you can step off the plane looking confident and ready to conquer whatever awaits.

What are the best packing methods, luggage options, and on-arrival strategies for keeping my suit pristine while traveling?

Should I fold or roll my suit jacket for air travel?

Generally, folding is the preferred method for packing a suit jacket for air travel. While rolling might seem like a good way to save space and prevent hard creases, it can actually lead to more overall wrinkling due to the multiple tight rotations. Folding, when done correctly, minimizes sharp creases and allows the jacket to retain its shape better.

When folding, focus on minimizing sharp creases. The key is to turn the jacket inside out, fold one shoulder inside the other, and then fold it in half. This method helps to protect the outer fabric and prevent harsh lines from forming. Using a garment bag inside your suitcase offers an extra layer of protection and helps the jacket maintain its shape during transit. Placing soft items like sweaters or t-shirts around the folded jacket can also cushion it and further reduce wrinkling. Ultimately, the best approach depends on the duration of the flight and how carefully you pack. For shorter trips, folding is usually sufficient. However, for longer journeys or if you're particularly concerned about wrinkles, consider asking the flight attendant if there's a closet where you can hang your suit jacket. Some airlines offer this service, which is the ideal way to transport delicate garments.

What's the best type of garment bag for flying with a suit?

For flying with a suit, the best type of garment bag is a high-quality, durable, foldable garment bag made from water-resistant material with internal straps and pockets designed to minimize wrinkles and protect the suit during transit. Look for features like padded shoulder supports, multiple zippered compartments, and sturdy handles and hooks for easy carrying and hanging.

A foldable garment bag offers several advantages. First, it allows you to neatly pack your suit and other items without taking up excessive space, conforming to most airline carry-on size restrictions when folded. Second, the internal straps and pockets secure the suit in place, preventing it from shifting and wrinkling excessively during travel. Water-resistant material protects the suit from spills or moisture, which can be especially important in overhead compartments. Consider garment bags with specialized features like foam padding or compression panels, which further minimize wrinkling. Some bags also include dedicated compartments for shoes, ties, and other accessories, keeping everything organized and accessible. Before choosing, check the garment bag's dimensions against the airline's carry-on size limits to avoid gate-checking. Ultimately, the goal is to choose a bag that prioritizes both protection and portability, so your suit arrives ready to wear.

How do I prevent wrinkles when packing a suit in your carry-on?

The best way to prevent wrinkles when packing a suit in your carry-on is to use the folding method in conjunction with garment bags and strategic placement. This involves turning the jacket inside out, folding the shoulders inward, and then folding it in half. Trousers should be folded along their creases. Using a garment bag and placing the suit on top of softer items in your carry-on will minimize creasing during travel.

Minimizing wrinkles requires a combination of proper folding and utilizing the space inside your luggage effectively. Before folding, ensure your suit is clean and wrinkle-free. Consider having it professionally cleaned and pressed before your trip. If you have a steamer at home, a light steaming before packing can also help. When folding, focus on avoiding sharp creases. Rolling the suit instead of folding can be an alternative method, but it is generally less effective than the folding technique described above.

Here are some additional tips to consider:

Can I hang my suit in the airplane's garment closet?

Generally, yes, you *can* ask a flight attendant to hang your suit in the airplane's garment closet, but it's not guaranteed. Availability depends on the aircraft, flight class, and how full the closet is with crew luggage and other passengers' items. Politely inquire upon boarding, and be prepared to have an alternative plan if the closet is unavailable.

While many planes do have garment closets, these are often quite small and shared amongst all passengers, especially in economy class. First class and business class passengers often have priority access, and the closets fill up quickly. Flight crews also frequently utilize these spaces for their own belongings, which takes precedence. Asking a flight attendant politely and as early in the boarding process as possible significantly increases your chances of success. If the garment closet is full, don't despair! There are several other methods for transporting your suit that can minimize wrinkles. Consider folding your suit carefully into a garment bag, using packing folders or cubes to compress it and reduce movement, or wearing the suit jacket during the flight. A quick steam in the hotel bathroom upon arrival can usually remove any minor creases that may occur during transit. Remember to pack wrinkle-release spray for touch-ups.

What's the fastest way to de-wrinkle a suit after a flight?

The quickest way to de-wrinkle a suit after a flight is to hang it in a steamy bathroom. Close the door, turn the shower on hot, and let the steam work its magic for about 15-20 minutes. The steam will relax the fibers of the fabric, allowing the wrinkles to naturally release.

While the steamy bathroom trick is fast and relatively effective, it's important to ensure the suit isn't directly exposed to water. The goal is steam, not saturation. After the steam treatment, give the suit ample time to air dry completely before wearing it. This allows the fibers to fully reset and prevents new wrinkles from forming immediately. For more stubborn wrinkles, a travel steamer is an excellent investment. They are compact, easy to use, and provide a more targeted approach to wrinkle removal. If you don’t have access to a bathroom or a steamer, you can try using a wrinkle-release spray. These sprays are available at most drugstores and travel stores. Simply spray the suit evenly and smooth out the wrinkles with your hands. Allow the suit to air dry completely. This method is less effective than steaming but can provide a decent result in a pinch. However, always test the spray on an inconspicuous area of the suit first to ensure it doesn't cause any discoloration or damage.

Are there specific suit packing methods for different fabric types?

Yes, specific suit packing methods are beneficial for different fabric types to minimize wrinkles and maintain the suit's integrity. More delicate fabrics like linen and silk require extra padding and careful rolling or folding to prevent creasing, while sturdier materials like wool can handle more structured folding techniques.

Different fabrics respond uniquely to the stresses of travel. Wool, known for its resilience, can often withstand being folded using the traditional method (inside-out, shoulder-to-shoulder) with minimal wrinkling, especially if the jacket is properly structured with padding. A garment bag is generally recommended for all suits to provide a protective barrier against abrasion and snagging during handling. However, for lighter materials like linen or lightweight cotton, rolling the suit (especially the trousers) and carefully folding the jacket with plenty of tissue paper or dry cleaner bags in between layers can help prevent sharp creases. For particularly delicate fabrics like silk or high-end blends, consider investing in a travel steamer to address any wrinkles that may occur despite your best efforts. Also, immediately unpack your suit upon arrival to allow it to air out and relax. Hanging it in a steamy bathroom can also naturally release some wrinkles. Always check the care label before attempting any wrinkle removal method to avoid damaging the fabric.

Will airport security damage my suit during inspection?

Airport security is unlikely to damage your suit during inspection, but it's not impossible. TSA officers are trained to handle belongings carefully, but the process of unpacking and repacking items can sometimes lead to minor wrinkles or creases. More significant damage is rare, but can potentially occur if you've packed liquids that leak or sharp objects that could snag the fabric.

The risk of damage can be minimized by packing your suit correctly. Ideally, use a garment bag designed for travel, which helps protect the fabric from abrasion and compression. Ensure all pockets are empty to expedite the security process and prevent anything inside from shifting and potentially damaging the suit. If you're concerned about wrinkles, consider rolling your suit instead of folding it, as this can sometimes reduce creasing. To further safeguard your suit, consider investing in a TSA-approved luggage lock. This allows security personnel to inspect your bag without damaging the zipper or lock if they deem it necessary. If you are selected for additional screening, remain polite and cooperative, and politely request that they handle your suit with care. Remember to inspect your suit immediately after clearing security to identify any issues promptly.

So there you have it! Packing a suit for a trip doesn't have to be a stressful ordeal. Follow these tips, and you'll be looking sharp and ready to impress as soon as you arrive. Thanks for reading, and happy travels! We hope you'll visit us again soon for more helpful travel hacks.