How To Travel With A Suit

Ever arrived at a crucial business meeting or a sophisticated social event, only to unpack your meticulously chosen suit and find it looking like it wrestled a badger in your luggage? Traveling with a suit can be a sartorial minefield. Whether you're a seasoned jet-setter or a first-time flyer, ensuring your suit arrives wrinkle-free and ready to impress is a skill that can significantly impact your professional image and personal confidence. A well-preserved suit conveys attention to detail and respect, not just for your appearance, but also for the people and opportunities you're meeting.

A crumpled suit can instantly undermine your presence, regardless of the time and effort you invested in choosing the right fabric and fit. Mastering the art of packing and transporting a suit efficiently not only saves you from potential embarrassment, but also eliminates the need for last-minute ironing or dry-cleaning scrambles, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: the meeting, the presentation, or the event itself. From choosing the right garment bag to employing clever folding techniques, there are several proven strategies to keep your suit looking sharp on the go.

What are the best methods for packing, protecting, and maintaining a suit while traveling?

What's the best way to pack a suit to avoid wrinkles?

The best way to pack a suit to minimize wrinkles is to carefully fold it inside out, utilizing the shoulders of the jacket as a protective shell, and then placing it inside a garment bag. This method, often called the "inside-out fold," reduces friction and pressure points that cause creases.

This technique involves turning the suit jacket inside out, focusing on the shoulders. By nesting one shoulder inside the other, you create a rounded form that prevents sharp folds. Gently fold the sleeves along the body of the jacket. For the trousers, lay them flat and fold them in half lengthwise, aligning the legs. Then, drape the trousers over the folded jacket. Finally, place the entire ensemble inside a garment bag – ideally one made of breathable material like cotton or linen. If using a suitcase, position the garment bag on top of other soft items, acting as a buffer. Alternatively, a dedicated suit carrier or a rolling garment bag offers even better protection. These bags are designed to keep the suit hanging flat, which is the ultimate wrinkle-prevention strategy. If flying, consider asking the flight attendant if there is space to hang your suit in the aircraft's wardrobe. Regardless of your packing method, unpacking and hanging the suit immediately upon arrival will allow any minor wrinkles to naturally release. A steamy shower in the bathroom with the suit hanging nearby can also help.

Should I carry-on or check my suit when flying?

Generally, you should carry on your suit whenever possible. Carrying on minimizes the risk of loss or damage and gives you control over how it's packed, ensuring it arrives in the best possible condition. Checking your suit should be reserved for situations where carrying it on is simply not feasible due to luggage restrictions or travel circumstances.

Carrying on your suit allows you to use garment bags designed to protect your clothing from wrinkles and damage. These bags typically fit in overhead compartments or can be carefully folded and placed on top of other carry-on items. If you check your suit, it's subject to rough handling and potential delays, increasing the chances of wrinkles, stains, or even loss. While airlines try their best, checked baggage inevitably experiences more wear and tear than items you personally manage. If you absolutely must check your suit, invest in a high-quality, hard-sided suitcase and ensure the suit is properly folded and protected within a garment bag or wrapped in layers of clothing. Consider having it professionally pressed upon arrival to restore its sharp appearance. Regardless of your choice, always be prepared with a backup plan, such as knowing the location of dry cleaners at your destination.

What type of garment bag is recommended for suit travel?

For suit travel, a high-quality garment bag with features like a padded interior, sturdy hanger, and water-resistant exterior is highly recommended. Choose between a hanging garment bag or a foldable garment bag depending on your travel style and the length of your trip, prioritizing wrinkle prevention and ease of transport.

A hanging garment bag allows your suit to remain hanging throughout your journey, minimizing creases and wrinkles. Look for one with internal straps or compression panels to secure the suit and prevent it from shifting during transit. Some higher-end models even feature dedicated shoe pockets and accessory compartments, keeping everything organized. These are generally best for air travel or longer trips where checked baggage isn't an issue.

Foldable garment bags, on the other hand, are designed to be carried or stowed in overhead compartments, making them ideal for carry-on travel. They typically involve folding the suit once or twice, so wrinkle-resistant fabric is particularly beneficial. When selecting a foldable bag, prioritize those with features that secure the suit in place and prevent excessive movement, such as internal straps or buckles. Regardless of the style chosen, make sure the bag is constructed from durable materials capable of withstanding the rigors of travel and protecting your suit from damage.

Consider these features when selecting your garment bag:

How do I properly fold a suit jacket for travel?

The key to folding a suit jacket for travel is minimizing creases and bulk. A common method involves turning the jacket inside out, folding one shoulder inside the other, and then folding the jacket in half or thirds, depending on your bag's size. This protects the outer fabric and reduces harsh fold lines.

A gentler, though slightly more involved, method utilizes the natural structure of the jacket. First, lay the jacket face down on a flat surface. Take one shoulder and turn it inside out, allowing the sleeve to drape naturally. Then, insert the other shoulder into the inverted one, essentially nesting them together. This helps maintain the jacket's shape and prevents deep creases in the shoulder area, a critical aspect for a well-fitting suit. From there, fold the jacket either in half or thirds. Folding in half is preferable if you have enough space, as it creates fewer creases. If space is limited, folding into thirds is acceptable. When folding, pay attention to the lapels; try to keep them aligned and flat to avoid unwanted wrinkles. Once folded, place the jacket inside a garment bag or wrapped in a plastic dry cleaning bag to further protect it from abrasion and other luggage. Upon arrival, hang the jacket immediately to allow any minor wrinkles to release naturally.

What are the best fabrics for suits when traveling?

The best fabrics for suits when traveling prioritize wrinkle resistance, breathability, and durability. Look for suits made from lightweight wool blends, particularly those incorporating synthetics like polyester or nylon, or consider linen blends for warmer climates, understanding they will wrinkle more easily but offer superior breathability. Seersucker is another excellent warm-weather option that embraces its naturally textured, wrinkle-resistant nature.

Lightweight wool blends, often marketed as "travel wool," offer an excellent balance of sophistication and practicality. These blends retain wool's drape and breathability while significantly reducing wrinkling compared to 100% wool suits. The addition of synthetic fibers makes them more resilient and easier to care for on the road. When selecting a wool blend, pay attention to the percentage of each fiber; a higher percentage of wool typically indicates a more luxurious feel, while a higher percentage of synthetics enhances wrinkle resistance.

For warmer climates, linen blends are a viable option, though they require a different approach to packing and care. While linen is prone to wrinkling, it's exceptionally breathable and comfortable in hot weather. Opt for linen blends with cotton or rayon to mitigate some of the wrinkling. When traveling with linen, consider rolling your suit instead of folding it to minimize harsh creases, and be prepared to steam or iron it upon arrival if necessary. Seersucker offers a unique advantage: its puckered texture makes wrinkles less noticeable, making it a stylish and practical choice for summer travel.

How can I freshen up a suit after traveling?

The best way to freshen up a suit after traveling is to hang it in a steamy bathroom. The steam will help release wrinkles and eliminate odors. After the steam treatment, allow the suit to air dry completely in a well-ventilated area.

To maximize the effectiveness of the steamy bathroom trick, ensure the bathroom is genuinely steamy. Close the door and run a hot shower for about 10-15 minutes. Hang the suit on a wide, sturdy hanger (preferably wood or padded to maintain the garment's shape) inside the bathroom, but away from direct water spray. Once the steam has subsided, leave the suit hanging in the bathroom with the door slightly ajar to allow for air circulation. This will prevent mildew or musty smells from developing. If the steamy bathroom isn't sufficient, or if you need a faster solution, consider a travel-sized steamer. These are readily available and can quickly remove wrinkles. Alternatively, a light ironing using the appropriate heat setting for the fabric of your suit can also work wonders. Always test a small, inconspicuous area of the suit first to ensure the heat doesn't damage the material. For lingering odors, a fabric refresher spray, applied sparingly, can provide a final touch of freshness.

Are there portable steamers or irons good for travel suits?

Yes, there are both portable steamers and travel irons specifically designed for smoothing wrinkles out of suits while traveling. They are generally smaller, lighter, and often dual-voltage, making them suitable for international use and packing in a suitcase.

Portable steamers are often preferred for suits because they use gentle steam to relax the fibers without the direct heat of an iron, reducing the risk of scorching or damage, especially to delicate fabrics like wool or linen. They're effective at removing wrinkles and refreshing the suit after being packed. Look for models with a decent water tank capacity to avoid frequent refills, a quick heat-up time, and a compact design. Some come with fabric brush attachments to help lift the fibers and remove debris. Travel irons, while less gentle, can be useful for more stubborn wrinkles or when you need a crisper finish. Choose one with adjustable temperature settings to cater to different fabric types. A non-stick soleplate is crucial to prevent damage. Opt for a dual-voltage model if you're traveling internationally, and be aware that even with dual voltage, you might need a plug adapter for the specific country you're visiting. Consider the following factors when selecting a travel steamer or iron: size and weight, water tank capacity (for steamers), heat-up time, temperature control, voltage compatibility, and included accessories (like fabric brushes or travel bags). Also, read reviews from other travelers to get an idea of the product's performance and durability in real-world travel conditions.

So there you have it! Hopefully, these tips have taken some of the stress out of traveling with your suit. Now go forth, look sharp, and enjoy your trip! Thanks for reading, and we hope you'll visit us again soon for more travel wisdom.