HOW TO PROPERLY FOLD AND PACK A SUIT FOR TRAVEL: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

Most especially if you’re headed abroad for a business trip, you will need to bring a travel suit with you. You cannot always purchase a new suit in the country you are visiting every time you make a trip. So, it is important to know how to pack a suit for traveling.

In this concise guide, you’ll learn the very essential rules on how to fold a suit into a suitcase, packing them, and keeping them fresh upon arrival. This discussion seeks to cover:

– How to fold a suit coat for travel: Different folding methods

– Ways on folding your pants

– Methods on storing the accessories

– Keeping your suit fresh upon arrival at your destination

– Tips to avoid wrinkles on suits during your trip

– Get to know Baoxiniao’s catalog of travel suits

Step-By-Step Guide: Folding the Suit for Travel

There are four popular methods from where you can choose when folding your travel suit:

The Traditional Method

Start by folding your suit horizontally, then vertically – neat and smart. Specifically, with the front part facing downwards, position your jacket on a flat surface. Then, fold its left shoulder inwards, but only halfway up the back. Be sure to keep the sleeves flat, since you must fold the sleeve back to its outside edge. 

The same process applies with the right shoulder, making the jacket’s sleeves parallel and down the center of the back portion of the jacket. Then, fold the jacket in half, in such a way the bottom area meets the top, before flipping the suit over with the lapel facing toward you. In other words, your suit is folded in a square shape here, so you can pack it easily. 

The Shoulder Inside-Out Method

Now, this method is more of a folding alternative. Begin by turning the jacket inside out, which is necessary to protect the outer fabric. Then, fold one of the shoulders inside, halfway up the back, followed by folding the other so it sits on top.

Next, fold the coat in half, lengthwise, prior to bringing the bottom up to the collar. Then, you can place your jacket folded this way into your suitcase. This method is perfect when you are saving bag space, and is best for satin- or silk-lined jackets that may tend to crease if the other folding methods are used.

Folding With a Dry Cleaning Bag

A dry cleaning bag is one of the most recommended suit covers for travel. This folding method also minimizes creasing and protects the fabric better. 

When you wish to follow this method, fold the suit inside the bag in half, then from the bottom area to the collar. As you go along, ensure you push any build-up of air out from the bag. That’s it. You can put the suit in your case.

Folding for a Carry-on Bag

Lastly, you won’t always find it convenient to pack your travel suit inside a baggage to be checked in, so folding it for a carry-on bag is the way to go. Know that the folding method here will be different. 

Should you want to fold your suit for your carry-on, start by popping both shoulders of the jacket inside and out. Then, fold it in half with the lapels touching and the lining outside. Finally, in thirds, fold it once again. 

How to Fold the Suit’s Pants

Just when you think you won’t make the effort when folding your suit’s pants, there are also corresponding detailed steps to follow when dealing with these trousers.

• Ensure the trousers are cleanly pressed prior to packing to avoid creasing when you reach your destination. 
• Start by placing them on a clean, dry and flat surface. The front should be facing downwards.
• No need for iron here since you can use your bare hands to smooth the surface out by brushing. Then, fold in half lengthwise. Remember, one leg of your pants must be over the other, aligning the in-seams for a neat, organized fold. 
• Next, fold the pants in half, crosswise this time, with the waistband down to the hem. This should create a tiny shape ideal for packing. Inside your suitcase, the trousers must lie flat.  
• Feel free to place other light-only items on top of the trousers inside your bag. These may include underwear, socks, and lightweight shirts. 

Storage Methods for Accessories

Don’t forget to bring with you the travel suit’s accessories. There are various storage methods for various accessories. Learn about them as you read on.

Shoes

Even if you have brand-new and clean pair of formal shoes, they must be neatly placed inside a separate cabin in your luggage. Most travel bag brands provide this space. 

Socks

Just like when organizing them inside your at-home cabinet, roll the socks and place them inside a separate compartment in the bag, too. You may also stuff them inside the shoes to save more space.

Ties

For your ties, start with the similar procedure as the travel suit itself above. Lay your ties flat inside the suitcase to prevent wrinkling. Conserving space? Roll them tightly so they won’t lose their shape once you’ve arrived.

Cuffs

For your cufflinks, these tiny accessories require a separate small bag where to store them. You cannot afford to lose them. Better yet, just include them inside your carry-on bag. 

Belts

Roll the belts neatly and you can place them inside the compartment where you placed your shoes. 

After Arrival: Keeping Your Suit Fresh

Follow these tips to keep your suit looking nice and fresh the moment your arrive at your destination:

• Upon arriving at your house there or the hotel, take out the suit, pants, and some of the accessories like the ties and belts, hanging them using a hanger, and storing them inside the cabinet. 
• Be prepared to iron or steam them before you wear it, such as on the day of your event. Most hotels have iron or steam equipment inside the room.
• If you spot stains, address them with the use of a damp cloth. Avoid harsh rubbing.
• You may also store the suit in a well-ventilated area to take away unwanted odors that it has attracted along the trip.
• Lastly, bring with your a suit carrier for air travel or breathable garment bags to protect them from dust and potential damage when inside the hotel’s closet.

How to Get Wrinkles Out of Suit When Traveling

Wrinkling is every business traveler’s nightmare. The last thing you want to happen is to realize your suit has wrinkled and there’s no way you can do because the event is moments away. Here are tips for a wrinkle-free travel suit:

• Using a garment bag will also help protect your travel suit from wrinkles. 
• Follow your right desired folding procedure as discussed earlier. 
• Make use of a travel steamer or the in-room steamer to address winkles upon your arrive or before your event. 
• Opt to bring travel suits made with wrinkle-resistant fabrics. 

Travel Suits Manufactured by Your Friends at Baoxiniao

Baoxiniao is your one-stop manufacturer producing bespoke suits that scream with timeless class, unleashing you or your customers’ gentlemanliness and true potential. Our factories make sophisticated travel suits that can have their wearer turn heads while at their destination. Choose from the available colors of green, denim blue, and grey brown, crafted with the finest wool in the industry. View the lookbook now and contact the Baoxiniao team today.