How to Pack Your Suit for Travel

As the world opens up again, traveling becomes a renewed option for gentlemen across the country. As they bring out their suitcases and plan what they want to bring with them on their trip, storing their suits becomes a critical question. 

For years, men have improperly stored their suits for their vacations and destination weddings, resulting in unpacking their luggage and finding their suit wrinkled. With the proper routine, you can ensure that your custom suit is ready for wear as soon as you get off the plane. 

The Hangers Matter

Many men may think that any wire hanger will suffice for their suits. However, wire hangers do not provide the necessary structure to keep the shape of your suit’s shoulders over extended periods. This dilemma becomes exponentially worse during travel, leading to an awkward-fitting suit that can hinder your appearance. 

Using a wooden or stiff plastic hanger provides your suit jacket the structure it needs to hold its shape and remain wrinkle-free. The right hanger will go a long way towards keeping your custom-tailored suit in pristine condition for your next trip. 

Don’t Go Anywhere Without A Garment Bag

If you intend to travel with your custom-made suit, folding your suit and placing it into your luggage won’t do. The best way to ensure that you protect your suit in transit — and even for hanging it in your closet at home — is with a garment bag. 

Getting the perfect garment bag means investing in the right materials. Garment bags are designed with the intention of keeping your suit away from any dust, bugs, and potential moisture that can cause havoc on the materials. A cotton canvas garment bag provides an airy environment that allows for any sweat, rain, or other forms of moisture to evaporate in between cleanings. 

Invest In A Suit Carrier

As discussed with the garment bag, finding ways to maintain the shape of your suit allows for your statement piece of your wardrobe to travel at its best. While placing your garment bag folded in your luggage might appear to give you more space, it will cause your suit more harm than good. 

Some garment bags can double as suit carriers, but you can also invest in standalone suit carriers. Depending on the build and quality of the carrier, you can carry your freshly tailored suit with you through the airport without having to worry about how you folded the jacket and finding a fix to restore its shape when you land. 

What If I Don’t Have A Garment Bag?

If you have a flight to catch and cannot get a garment bag or suit carrier in time, you still have some options to fold your suit and keep it in good condition. It all comes down to how you store the suit. 

As your suit jacket lays flat on a surface, you should follow these key steps:

1. Fold the left shoulder back.
2. Turn the right shoulder inside out and tuck the folded left shoulder into the right.
3. Fold the jacket in half lengthwise and then again horizontally.
4. Lay your pants out flat as well and place your folded jacket in the center
5. Fold the bottom of your pants over the jacket and repeat with the top.
6. Find a plastic covering — think the protective covering from your dry cleaning — and place it at the top of your bag with your folded suit inside. The plastic keeps the fabric from rubbing against itself and causing wrinkles.

If done correctly, your suit will be ready to go once you arrive at your destination. 

With the help of Commonwealth Proper, you can gain access to the finest bespoke suits in the Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Atlanta areas. We ensure that your fitting experience is as comfortable as possible and you walk confidently in the style and fit of your new suit.