Hey, did you know that overpacking is the top reason for wrinkles and other issues when packing a suit, especially for airline travel? Because of those pesky weight limits, we try to cram as much as we can into each bag, and it’s not the best way to go with something as valuable and important as your best suit. Back in the day, we’d use a garment bag to carry the suit separately on the plane, but with carry-on luggage getting more and more limited, that’s not really an option anymore—you probably need more than just your suit and laptop on the plane, right?

Garment bags are still useful, especially if you’re driving. They can help keep your suit in one piece. But for flying, we recommend a good quality, sturdy suitcase. Make sure it’s big enough to fit all your stuff without squishing it. It should have a hard shell or stiff sides to protect your suit and other things from bumping around in the cargo hold. Also, make sure the suit you wear fits your suitcase well, so you don’t ruin the garment. This will make you look great when you arrive at your destination.

Rolling or Folding?

Suits are a timeless topic of discussion, not just about packing. Many travellers swear by rolling their suits to keep creases at bay. Rolling suits tightly and neatly can compress the fabric, reducing the number of folds and wrinkles. If you’re wearing a wool blend suit, it might be heavier than folding, so rolling could be a better option. When folding your suit, make sure to fold it carefully along the natural seams. To minimise creases, try the “careful fold” method—fold the pants in half, then fold the jacket along the seams. Smooth out any wrinkles as you go.

How to fold a Blazer

This method is super-efficient and makes a neat square, but it will involve the most folds since you’re packing your suit jacket both horizontally and vertically. Just keep that in mind.

Here’s how you do it:

1.Lay your jacket face down on a flat surface.

2. Fold one shoulder into the middle of the back, with the sleeve flat along the back.
3. You might need to fold the sleeve back towards the outside.
4. Mirror the other side.
5. Now you have the two sleeves parallel down the centre back of the jacket.
6. Fold the hem to just under the collar.
7. Slide your hand under the folded jacket and flip it (lapels will be up, facing you).
8. Place it on top of the rest of your packed luggage, with the lapels up to minimise damage.

You can also pack your vest this way since there are no sleeves to fold.

How to fold Suit Trousers

Your jacket is all set, now let’s pack your trousers. You can use any of the jacket folds we’ve discussed earlier for this.

• Just lay your suit pants out folded in half lengthways, with one full leg visible.
• Place the folded jacket in the middle, around knee height.
• Fold the cuffs up and over the jacket, then fold the belt section in thirds.

And there you have it! Your jacket and pants are now neatly packed in a square.

For a carry-on bag

If you have limited space, for example, when packing a suit in a backpack, or if you want to know how to fold a suit in a carry-on, this is for you.

• Pop both shoulders of the jacket inside out
• Fold it in half so the lapels touch (the lining will be on the outside)
• Fold it again, in thirds

Here are some extra tips to keep your suit looking and smelling fresh during travel.

• Use tissue paper between layers to prevent fabric from rubbing.
• Keep travel-sized wrinkle-release sprays handy for quick touch-ups.
• Add dryer sheets to give your suit a fresh scent and reduce static.

If you can fit it in your luggage, a small hand garment steamer is the best investment you can make. If not, there are some workarounds—hotels often have ironing services, or you can use some hanging time in the steam of a hot bathroom. But the ability to properly de-crease and care for your garment on the go will be invaluable to you.

Some Packing Do’s and Don’ts

Do’s

• Pack your suit well, my friend! A tired traveller will be so grateful for your thoughtfulness.
• Unpack your suit as soon as you can and hang it immediately.
• Steam your suit before you go, but make sure it dries completely.
• Consider taking a garment bag to keep your suit safe and wrinkle-free when you unpack.
• Place your suit on top of your luggage, and your shoes at the bottom.
• Throw some spare (clean) plastic bags and a dry cleaning bag into your luggage. They fold to nothing, weigh nothing, and will be useful for storage and hanging when you arrive.
• Bonus points if you can arrange for the airline to slap a “Fragile” sticker on your suitcase.

Don’ts

• Never pack a damp garment, as mould and damage can happen quickly.
• Don’t crush, tightly crease, press, or force your suit, as this can cause long-term damage.
• Don’t place items on top of it in the bag, and don’t put your shoes on top of your suit, not even your underwear!
• Don’t leave pins, cufflinks, boutonnieres, and other sharp or metallic items in packed suits, as they can snag, catch, and cause damage.
• Lastly, don’t pack valuable jewellery and accessory items in checked luggage.

Packing a suit for travel doesn’t have to be a total drag. With the right tricks, top-notch accessories, and a bit of planning, you can look sharp and ready to wow. Opt for wrinkle-resistant fabrics, pack meticulously with folders or cubes, and bring along handy tools like portable steamers. Trust me, the effort you put into your packing will pay off when you step out looking professional without any last-minute stress. Plan, invest in good gear, and practice your packing routine—your wardrobe will be so grateful!