Packing a suit for travel can be daunting. A poorly folded suit risks wrinkles and creases that require professional care to fix, making a crisp, polished appearance impossible. However, with the right techniques, you can maintain your suit’s integrity while optimizing luggage space. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to folding a suit for travel, ensuring it arrives as pristine as when you packed it.
Why Proper Folding Matters
A suit is more than just clothing; it’s an investment. Suits are crafted from delicate materials like wool, linen, or silk blends, which can easily deform under improper handling. Folding a suit correctly not only prevents wrinkles but also protects its structure, keeping the shoulders padded, the lapels sharp, and the fabric smooth.
Preparation Before Packing
Before folding your suit, ensure it is clean and dry. Any stains left untreated can set during the journey, and moisture can lead to unpleasant odors. Use a lint roller to remove surface debris, and lightly steam the suit if necessary to smooth out minor wrinkles. For added protection, consider packing your suit in a garment bag or using tissue paper to reduce friction between folds.
How to Fold the Suit Jacket
The suit jacket, being the most structured part, requires special attention. Follow these steps:
Turn One Shoulder Inside Out: Start by holding the jacket upright. Turn one shoulder (either left or right) inside out, pushing the lining out gently to avoid damaging the fabric.
Tuck the Other Shoulder In: With one shoulder inside out, tuck the other shoulder into it. The two shoulders should now fit snugly together, with the lapels aligned. This folding technique reduces bulk and helps preserve the jacket’s shape.
Fold the Jacket in Half: Lay the folded jacket flat and smooth out any wrinkles. Then, fold it horizontally in half, bringing the bottom hem up to meet the shoulders. If your suitcase is smaller, you can fold it into thirds instead of halves.
Folding the Suit Trousers
The trousers are less structured but still require care to avoid wrinkles:
Lay the Trousers Flat: Place the trousers on a flat surface, aligning the seams and ensuring the fabric is smooth.
Fold in Thirds: Fold one leg over the other, then fold the trousers in thirds to fit the length of your suitcase. Alternatively, roll them up tightly if space is limited.
Additional Tips for Packing a Suit
Use a Suit-Specific Packing Cube: Packing cubes designed for suits offer added protection and help maintain the garment’s shape.
Place Strategically in Your Luggage: Position the folded suit on top of your other belongings to minimize pressure. Avoid overpacking your suitcase, as this can lead to creases.
Utilize Tissue Paper: Insert tissue paper between folds to reduce friction and prevent hard creases.
Pack a Steamer: A travel-sized garment steamer is invaluable for touch-ups upon arrival.
Upon Arrival
Unpack your suit immediately upon reaching your destination. Hang the suit in a well-ventilated area and use a steamer to eliminate any minor wrinkles. If no steamer is available, hanging the suit in a bathroom while taking a hot shower can help release light creases thanks to the steam.
Travel-Proof Your Style
Packing a suit doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right preparation and folding techniques, your suit will remain in excellent condition throughout your journey. Mastering these skills ensures that no matter where you’re headed, you’ll always look sharp and professional.
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