How to Pack a Suit

Do you need to know how to pack a men's suit so that it arrives at your destination looking presentable? There are several different methods you can use to pack a suit, depending on the luggage that you're using. Read on to learn how to pack a suit that will look good when you unpack it.

No method of packing can totally present wrinkles, so if you have room in your luggage for a travel steamer, it will be a wise investment. If you don't have one, make sure you pack a few hangers so that you'll be able to steam your suit in the shower—many hotels have hangers that clip onto the bar in the closets, so they won't hang over a hook in the bathroom.

Step 1: Packing a Suit in a Garment Bag

Garment bags each have their own system for hanging suits. Most have special hangers, that will clip the suits in to place. A few have straps to secure your clothes.

  1. Become familiar with your bag, and use the features that have been designed into it.
  2. Placing a plastic dry cleaner's bag over both the suit jacket and the pants will help them stay looking fresh.
  3. Don't place shoes or a toiletry bag loose in the garment bag as they may move around and wrinkle the suit.

Step 2: Packing a Suit in a Suitcase

There are two schools of thought about packing the pants in a suitcase. One suggests placing the pants on a dry cleaner's bag, and rolling them up like a jelly roll. The other suggests folding the pants in half (or thirds depending on the suitcase), and aligning the edge of the pants with the edge of the suitcase. In either case, you want to make sure the suitcase is full enough that your clothes won't shift, but not overstuffed, as that will crease the clothes.

The suit jacket should be the last thing placed in the suitcase. Lay it flat over the clothes, and fold the arms across the chest. Placing it inside a drycleaner's bag may help prevent creasing.

Step 3: Packing a Suit in a Carry On

Your carry on may have very little room. In most cases, you may be better off wearing your suit instead of packing it. If you need to pack the suit, select either the jelly roll or folding method for the pants, as discussed in step 2. Fold the jacket as follows:

  1. Turn the jacket inside out.
  2. Fold it in half, placing one shoulder inside the other.
  3. Neatly align the lapels and sleeves.
  4. Place the folded jacket inside a dry cleaner's bag, and fold in half horizontally.
  5. Place the jacket in the carry on.

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