How to Pack a Suit for Travel: The Complete Guide to Wrinkle-Free Packing

Are you traveling and need to pack a suit or tuxedo? If you plan to travel for a few hours by car, you can hang it up in a garment bag and keep it nice and safe on a coat hook. But what if you’re planning to fly? Do you fold your suit and put it in your luggage or carry it in a garment bag?

In this article, you’ll learn how to pack a suit for travel, so you can avoid arriving and having to deal with a wrinkled suit or tuxedo!

What You'll Need to Pack Your Suit Properly

Learning how to travel with a tuxedo or a suit and keep it wrinkle-free is pretty straightforward, but it does take thoughtful care and a few essential items:

• Garment bag
• A carry-on suitcase with a zippered compartment for a suit
• A plastic dry-cleaning bag (to create a protective barrier between your outfit and the rest of your luggage)
• A portable steamer

Method 1 – Using a Garment Bag (Best Option)

One of the best ways to pack a suit without wrinkles and keep it secure is to pack it in a garment bag. Garment bags allow your suit or tuxedo to hang, which helps keep them flat. Since you’re not stuffing the suit or tuxedo into a suitcase, you can gently fold them flat to prevent wrinkles.

Packing your suit or tuxedo in a garment bag is also a great way to keep them separate from your other belongings, which can accidentally stain or damage your outfit. In a garment bag, you can better protect your suit from spills, dirty shoes, and moisture.

Garment bags are convenient and easier to stow than a suitcase. If you’re flying, you can ask the flight attendant to hang it in a closet if there’s one available. However, this depends on the airline and the aircraft, so it's always a good idea to confirm their policy in advance.

Method 2 – The Jacket Folding Technique

Another way to learn how to pack a suit for travel is via the jacket folding technique. When you learn how to pack a tuxedo or suit jacket using this technique, you can minimize wrinkles. We’ll break it down step-by-step:

• Lay the coat on a flat surface, face down
• Turn one shoulder of the jacket inside out and puff out the shoulder pad
• Tuck the other shoulder into the other one to create a protective inner lining
• Fold the jacket in half, lengthwise, and then bring the bottom up to the collar
• Fold it again horizontally, making it a compact size
• Place the folded suit jacket atop your luggage or in a protective layer in your suitcase if it has one

Method 3 – The Rolling Method

Rolling may not be the best way to pack a suit without wrinkles, but it is a good way to maximize space in your suitcase. If you want to learn how to pack a tuxedo in a suitcase and don’t mind the risk of wrinkles, check out the rolling method:

• Lay the jacket flat
• Button up the jacket
• Turn the shoulders inside out
• Tuck one side of the shoulders inside the other
• Roll the suit jacket from the bottom hem upwards

Packing Suit Pants and Trousers

Don’t forget about your pants when learning how to pack a suit for travel. Your suit pants are an essential part of your outfit, and keeping them wrinkle-free ensures you maintain a sharp and polished image.

Here’s how to pack your trousers for travel:

• Align the crease by laying the pants on a flat surface and smoothing them out
• Fold your pants lengthwise, folding one leg over the other
• Fold them into thirds (you can do this by bringing the hems up to the waistband)

For best results, place the folded suit pants at the bottom of your suitcase. Then, fill any space around the pants with other soft items, such as underwear or socks.

Packing Dress Shirts and Accessories

To maintain wrinkle-free dress shirts while traveling, fold each shirt carefully by tucking the sleeves in toward the collar. You can prevent wrinkles by placing your folded shirts in a plastic bag or a garment bag. Once folded and bagged, stack the shirts on top of your suit.

For accessories, such as pocket squares and ties, roll them up and place them in a side compartment in your suitcase. You can also put the rolled-up accessories in your shoes. Store cufflinks and jewelry in a small pouch or case. You can also put rolled-up belts along the edges inside the suitcase.

How to Refresh Your Suit After Travel

It’s a good idea to remove your suit or tuxedo as soon as you arrive at your room. You’ll want to refresh your suit after traveling. Here’s how:

• Hang it so that it can air out
• Turn on a hot shower or use a steamer if you packed one, and allow the steam to help loosen wrinkles
• Use a lint brush to remove lint and dust
• If you have a fabric spray, use it to neutralize odors

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your suit stays in top condition while traveling, here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Cramming your suitcase
• Folding your jacket, pants, and shirts incorrectly
• Forgetting to pack accessories
• Waiting to unpack your suitcase or take the suit out of the garment bag
• If using a garment bag, place it at the bottom of your suitcase

Special Considerations When Traveling with a Rental Suit

When traveling with a rental suit, be sure to understand the return policy and follow the instructions carefully. You’ll also want to rent a suit made from wrinkle-resistant materials, such as Merino wool, like those found at Generation Tux! By keeping these considerations in mind, you’ll ensure your suit looks sharp and travels well.

Ready to hit the road in style? Rent your travel-friendly suit today and arrive looking your best!