How to Pack a Business Suit for International Travel Without Wrinkles
Use a dedicated garment bag or the 'bundle wrapping' technique to keep your suit crisp. Never fold your jacket like a shirt; instead, invert one shoulder into the other to maintain the garment's structure.
- Choose the right luggage. Use a dedicated garment bag that folds once or a hardshell carry-on that is at least 22 inches long. This minimizes the number of folds your suit needs to endure.
- Use the shoulder-inversion method. Turn the jacket inside out with the lining facing out. Tuck one shoulder inside the other, aligning the shoulder pads. This allows you to fold the jacket in half vertically without creasing the structure.
- Add a protective layer. Place the folded jacket into a dry-cleaning plastic bag. The plastic reduces friction between the fabric and your other clothes, which is the primary cause of wrinkles during transit.
- Pack trousers separately. Fold trousers along the existing crease line. Lay them flat at the bottom of your suitcase, or drape them over the crossbar of a suit hanger if using a garment bag.
- Recover upon arrival. Hang your suit in the bathroom immediately upon arrival. Run a hot shower for 10 minutes to let the steam relax the fabric fibers. Use a handheld steamer for stubborn spots.
- Can I use a carry-on suitcase for a suit?
- Yes, but only if you use the shoulder-inversion method and ensure the suitcase is packed tightly enough that the suit doesn't shift around.
- What if I don't have a steamer?
- The 'steam shower' method is effective, but if that fails, hang the suit in a well-ventilated area for 24 hours; gravity will often pull out minor wrinkles.