Destination Location? How to pack Your Suit or Formal Wear and Travel Like a Pro
Traveling with suits or formal attire can be daunting. Whether you’re heading to a wedding, a business meeting, or another event, keeping your clothes crisp and ready is key. Here’s some packing travel wisdom we share with our clients at The Clothing Coach for the best ways to ensure your formalwear looks sharp when you arrive.
1. Avoid Wearing Event Attire in Transit
The first rule for any trip involving extended travel time—whether by plane, car, or train—is to avoid wearing your formal attire en route. Sitting for hours on end in a suit or formal outfit often leads to wrinkling in all the wrong places. So, unless absolutely necessary, pack it instead. Not only will your suit stay fresh, but you’ll feel more comfortable and ready to look your best when you arrive.
2. For Short Road Trips or Minimalist Packing: Use a Garment Bag
If you’re only bringing one suit and have limited luggage, a garment bag is the way to go. Simply hang your suit, zip the garment bag, and fold it once before placing it in your suitcase or laying it flat in the backseat. The key to keeping your suit looking fresh is to minimize movement within your luggage. One fold across the middle is often all it needs; the crease should fall out naturally once the suit is hung at your destination.
3. Packing for Longer Trips or Checked Baggage Without a Hanger
For air travel or situations where you’re checking in luggage and have no garment bag, here’s the Coach’s top tip for wrinkle-free results:
- Turn it Inside Out: Begin by carefully turning your suit jacket and trousers inside out. This protects the fabric from external dirt and reduces visible wrinkles.
- Align and Straighten: Make sure the shoulders and sleeves are aligned, and the arms are straightened into a natural position.
- Roll (Don’t Fold): Gently roll the suit rather than folding it. Not too tightly, but enough to maintain its shape. This technique keeps it compact and prevents hard creases. Place it in a section of your luggage where it won’t shift around.
When you arrive, turn the suit right side out and hang it up immediately. The fabric should settle and smooth out within a few hours, leaving your suit looking sharp without the need for pressing.
4. Final Tips for Extra Assurance
- Unpack as Soon as You Arrive: Whether you’ve folded, rolled or hung your suit in a garment bag, take it out as soon as you reach your destination. Hang it up in a well-ventilated area, ideally in the bathroom with some humidity, to help any minor creases relax.
- Use a Steamer if Necessary: For stubborn wrinkles, a small travel steamer can be a lifesaver. Hold it a few inches from the fabric and let the steam relax any creases.
With these tried-and-true packing techniques, you’ll ensure that your formalwear arrives looking as polished as you do. Follow these simple steps to keep your suit fresh, neat, and ready for your next event—because every detail counts when it comes to looking your best!