How to Fold a Suit for Travel

Traveling with a suit can be a bit daunting, as you want to arrive at your destination with your suit looking crisp and wrinkle-free. Properly folding and packing your suit can make all the difference. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to fold a suit for travel:

1. Gather Your Supplies:

• Before you start, make sure you have a clean, flat surface to work on. You’ll need your suit, a hanger, a garment bag (optional), tissue paper or a clean plastic dry cleaning bag, and a suitcase or travel bag.

2. Prepare the Suit:

• Empty the suit pockets and remove any items, such as wallets, phones, or accessories. Ensure the suit is clean and free of stains or odors.

3. Use Tissue Paper or Plastic Bag:

• Lay the jacket flat with the front side down. Place a sheet of tissue paper or a clean plastic dry cleaning bag over the jacket to protect the fabric.

4. Fold the Jacket Horizontally:

• Fold the jacket in half horizontally by matching the shoulders. Make sure the lapels are aligned, and the jacket is flat. This helps maintain the jacket’s shape and reduces the risk of wrinkles.

5. Place in a Garment Bag (Optional):

• If you have a garment bag, gently place the folded jacket inside. Garment bags provide extra protection and can help minimize wrinkles during travel. If you don’t have a garment bag, you can skip this step, but make sure to fold the jacket carefully.

6. Fold the Suit Trousers:

• Lay the suit trousers flat with the front side down. Smooth out any wrinkles. Fold the trousers in half lengthwise along the crease line, ensuring that the legs are aligned.

7. Arrange in the Suitcase:

• Place the folded jacket on top of the folded trousers inside your suitcase. The trousers act as a cushion to protect the more delicate jacket.

8. Roll Other Clothing Items:

• If you’re packing other clothing items in the same suitcase, consider rolling them instead of folding. Rolled clothes take up less space and are less likely to crease. Place them around the suit to create a protective layer.

9. Secure the Suitcase:

• Close your suitcase and secure it. Ensure that the suit doesn’t shift or get crushed during travel.

10. Hang Upon Arrival: – Upon reaching your destination, unpack the suit as soon as possible. Hang the jacket on a suitable hanger, and let it air out to remove any wrinkles that may have developed during travel. Use a travel-sized fabric steamer or the hotel bathroom’s steam to further eliminate wrinkles.

11. Gently Smooth Out Wrinkles: – If wrinkles persist, use a clothing brush or your hand to gently smooth them out. Avoid using an iron directly on the suit fabric, as it can damage it.

By following these steps, you can fold and pack your suit for travel in a way that minimizes wrinkles and helps maintain its professional appearance. Remember that the key to keeping your suit looking great is proper preparation and handling before and after your journey.