How to Pack a Suit For Your Next Trip

You’ve got an exciting trip coming up, and you know that you’ll be required to wear a suit for one (or more!) of your scheduled activities. You’ve likely started thinking about how to pack your bags before you take off. If you’ve never traveled with a suit before, you may be scratching your head and wondering, how do I fit this thing in my bag?

Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, there is a certain finesse to packing a suit without ruining it. There’s no need to panic – it’s totally possible to pack your suit in a suitcase – and you don’t need to scrunch it up into a big mess. In this article, we’re sharing exactly how to do it. Read on!

How to Pack Suit in a Suitcase

Most people don’t travel with garment bags anymore, forgoing the bulkiness (plus, if you’re traveling by air there isn’t anywhere to hang it!) for a standard carry-on bag. Carry-ons are especially convenient if you’re leaving on a quick trip and don’t want to waste any precious time checking a bag.

The good news is, there are a few different ways to pack a suit in a suitcase. You likely will need to iron or steam it a bit when you arrive at your destination, but you won’t need to worry about finding a dry cleaner in an unfamiliar place!

Here are a few essential points to remember as you pack:

  • The less you fold it, the better
  • Opt to place your suit on top of your other clothing to avoid squishing it
  • Use a high-quality garment hanger
  • Invest in a hard-shell suitcase for added protection from wrinkles

 

How to Fold a Suit

There are a few different methods for folding a suit that you should be aware of as you start packing.

Technique 1: Place your suit on a hanger, then put it in a garment bag for added protection. Working from top to bottom, fold the suit jacket (plus the sleeves) in half. Lay the suit on top of your other clothes before closing your case. This is by far the quickest and easiest method! 

Technique 2: Lay the suit jacket with the back facing up on a flat surface, like your bed. Fold the left shoulder back, then, turn the left shoulder inside out, tucking the left shoulder into the right. Fold the jacket in half lengthwise and then again horizontally. You can then place the folded jacket on top of the pants, which should be folded in half and laid onto the flat surface horizontally. Fold the trousers around the suit jacket and place them in your suitcase. 

Technique 3: Pop both shoulders of your suit jacket inside-out, without turning the full sleeve. Fold the jacket in half so that the lapels are touching. Then, fold the jacket into thirds, similarly to the way that you may fold a large towel. Place it on top of the other items in your bag. If you’re working with a very small carry-on, this is the ideal way to fold a suit.

Tips on How to Pack a Suit for Travel

Below are some bonus tips on how to pack a suit for your upcoming trips. You’ll want to save this list for your next packing emergency:

  1. As soon as you arrive at your destination, get that suit out of your bag. The less time it stays folded, the less wrinkled it will become.
  2. When ironing your suit, make sure that you place a cotton sheet under it. The way you iron is also important. Inside of gliding the iron across the fabric, gently press down and work section-by-section. It can make a big difference!
  3. If you’re uncomfortable with an iron, hang your suit in the bathroom and then take a hot shower. The steam will help get any marks or wrinkles out!

The ultimate hack for packing a suit for travel is to simply wear your suit on the plane. But, this isn’t the best option for long journeys. No matter how comfortable you are in a suit, sitting in one for hours at a time just isn’t fun. Follow the advice above and you can’t go wrong!

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