Fashion Blogs

Did you know that over 50% of business travelers have had to attend an important meeting in a wrinkled suit due to improper packing?

Knowing how to properly pack a suit in a suitcase is an essential skill for any frequent business traveler or individual who needs to look polishaed and professional while on the road.

This comprehensive guide will teach you step-by-step techniques to pack your suit in a way that minimizes wrinkles, protects the fabric, and maximizes space in your suitcase.

Why Properly Packing a Suit is Important

Suits are often made from delicate fabrics like wool or silk that can easily become damaged, stretched, or misshapen if packed incorrectly. Proper packing methods help maintain the suit's structure and prevent permanent creases or fabric pilling.

No one wants to show up to an important business meeting or event looking disheveled. Carefully packing your suit helps minimize wrinkles, ensuring you look polished and put-together.

When traveling with a suit, space in your suitcase is at a premium. Learning the right techniques allows you to pack everything you need without overstuffing your luggage.

Pre-Packing Preparations

For packing suits, consider a larger suitcase made from durable materials like polycarbonate or aluminum, which offer better protection. Look for suitcases with built-in garment bags, suit hangers, and multiple compartments to separate your suit from other items.

An excellent option is the Mixi Hardside Luggage, which features a durable polycarbonate body, integrated garment bag, and multiple compartments ideal for suit packing. The aluminum frame and sleek design also make it a stylish and long-lasting choice.

Use a breathable garment bag to protect your suit from dirt, moisture, and creases during travel. Pack your suit jacket and pants in separate plastic dry-cleaning bags or use acid-free tissue paper for added protection. Have a lint roller, shoe bags, and any other supplies you need to keep your suit and accessories in top condition.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Pack a Suit

Step 1: Preparing the Suit Cleaning and Pressing

Before packing, ensure your suit is freshly cleaned and carefully pressed to remove any existing wrinkles. Lay the jacket flat, button it up, and fold it lengthwise with the sleeves tucked in. This minimizes creases. Fold the pants lengthwise, then fold them in half or roll them gently to fit in your suitcase.

Step 2: Using a Garment Bag Placing the Suit in the Bag

Carefully place the folded jacket and pants into the garment bag, ensuring the jacket's shoulders maintain their shape. Once the suit is in the bag, fold or roll the garment bag to fit it into your suitcase's designated compartment or section.

Place the folded garment bag at the bottom of your suitcase, then layer other clothing items on top, being careful not to overstuff. Use any built-in straps or compression systems to hold the suit securely in place and prevent shifting during travel.

Alternative Methods

Some travelers prefer to roll their suits instead of folding them. To do this, button up the jacket and lay it flat, then roll it tightly from the shoulder down, tucking in the sleeves as you go. Roll the pants separately. Rolling can help minimize creases but may take up more space and potentially misshape the jacket's shoulders.

Lay the jacket and pants flat, then fold them together and wrap them tightly in a large piece of plastic wrap or dry-cleaning film. This method compresses the suit and prevents wrinkles. It's also great for saving space but can be time-consuming.

Tips for Reducing Wrinkles and Keeping the Suit Fresh

As soon as you arrive at your destination, remove the suit from your suitcase and hang it up to allow any creases or wrinkles to release.

If needed, use a steamer or carefully iron your suit to remove any remaining wrinkles. Most hotels provide irons upon request.

Pack a small travel steamer or wrinkle-releasing spray for touch-ups. You can also hang your suit in the bathroom while taking a hot shower to help release wrinkles from the steam.

Packing Other Suit Accessories

Pack dress shirts by folding them neatly or rolling them and placing them in a separate compartment or plastic bag.

To prevent creases, roll ties and pocket squares and pack them in a small, crush-proof case or box.

Always pack shoes in their own dust bags or shoe bags to keep them separate from clothing and prevent scuffs or stains on your suit.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Trying to stuff too many items into your suitcase can crush and wrinkle your suit. Leave some breathing room.

Always use a garment bag or plastic covering to protect your suit from dirt, moisture, and friction during travel.

Folding a suit jacket or pants incorrectly can cause permanent creases or damage the fabric over time. Follow proper folding methods.

Wrap Up

Packing a suit correctly involves selecting the right suitcase, using garment bags or bundle wrapping, implementing specific folding techniques, and taking steps to minimize wrinkles before and after travel.

With a little practice, you'll become a pro at packing suits for travel. The key is to plan ahead, use the proper supplies, and handle your suit with care.

Share your own suit packing tips or experiences in the comments below! We'd love to hear from fellow frequent travelers.