Packing a suit can seem like a daunting task, especially when you need to keep it wrinkle-free for an important event or business meeting after travel. The key to successfully packing a suit lies in the technique, ensuring it arrives in pristine condition, ready to wear. Whether you’re packing for a business trip, a wedding, or any formal event, understanding the proper way to pack a suit can save you time, stress, and potential wrinkles. This article will guide you through the steps and tips on how to pack a suit with care, preserving its form and ensuring you look your best upon arrival.
Choosing the Right Luggage
The first step in packing a suit is choosing the right type of luggage. A garment bag is ideal for suits as it allows them to be hung up, minimizing folds and wrinkles. However, if a garment bag is not an option and you must use a suitcase, opt for a hard-shell suitcase that provides enough space to accommodate the suit without excessive folding. Ensuring your suitcase is clean and dry before packing your suit is crucial to prevent any unwanted stains or moisture damage.
Preparing Your Suit for Packing
Before packing your suit, ensure it is clean and completely dry. If necessary, have it professionally cleaned and pressed to start with a crisp foundation. Button up the jacket and gently fold back the lapels to maintain their shape. Turning the trousers inside out can also help protect them from creasing. These preparatory steps can significantly impact how well your suit travels.
The Jacket: Rolling and Folding Techniques
When packing a suit jacket, there are two popular methods: rolling and folding. Rolling is less likely to cause wrinkles but requires more space. To roll your jacket, turn it inside out, fold it in half vertically, and gently roll it from the bottom up. For folding, place the jacket face down, fold one shoulder back, and tuck the other shoulder into the folded one, creating a gentle curve rather than a sharp fold. This method helps preserve the jacket’s shape and reduces stress on any one point, minimizing creases.
Packing the Trousers
Trousers are generally more forgiving than jackets but still require careful packing to avoid creases. Lay the trousers flat, fold them in half lengthwise, and then roll them from the waist down to the hem. Alternatively, you can fold them once more after the initial lengthwise fold if rolling isn’t preferred. Placing a piece of tissue paper or a dry cleaning bag between the folds can help prevent sharp creases by allowing the fabric to slide rather than press together.
Layering Your Suitcase
When packing your suitcase, place heavier items at the bottom and lighter items on top. Your rolled or folded suit should be one of the last items you pack, lying atop other clothes to avoid being crushed. If you’ve folded your suit, consider using other garments to cushion the folds, such as wrapping it in a soft sweater or placing it between layers of other clothing.
Upon Arrival: Refreshing Your Suit
Once you arrive at your destination, immediately unpack your suit. Hang the jacket and trousers up, allowing any wrinkles to fall out naturally. A steamy bathroom can help remove persistent creases; simply hang your suit in the bathroom while you shower. Avoid direct contact with water or steam, as this could damage the fabric. If necessary, use a handheld steamer, carefully avoiding any direct contact with the suit fabric.
Mastering the Art of Packing a Suit
Packing a suit doesn’t have to be a challenge. With the right preparation, techniques, and care, you can ensure your suit arrives in excellent condition, ready for any formal occasion. Remember, practice makes perfect. The more you practice these packing methods, the better you’ll become at ensuring your suit travels as well as you do, keeping you looking sharp and professional, no matter where your travels take you.
