Remember that time you boarded a plane feeling like James Bond, ready to conquer the world… only to arrive at your destination looking like you’d just wrestled a bear? Traveling with a suit doesn’t have to be a recipe for wrinkles and stress. Whether you’re headed to a crucial business meeting in New York City or a destination wedding in the heart of Tuscany, mastering the art of suit travel is essential for any modern globetrotter.
Mastering the Suit Travel Game: Your Guide to Arriving in Style
Let’s face it, no one wants to spend their precious travel time battling creases and ironing in a cramped hotel room. Here’s how to arrive looking sharp and ready to impress:
1. Choose the Right Luggage: Your Suit’s Mobile Home
Your luggage is your suit’s first line of defense against the wrinkles of the road.
Suit Luggage Options
- Garment Bag: Investing in a quality garment bag is a no-brainer. Look for ones with padded hangers and compartments for shoes and accessories.
- Carry-On Suitcase: Opt for a hard-sided carry-on with a dedicated suit compartment. This provides extra protection and helps your suit retain its shape.
- Travel Backpack: For shorter trips or if you’re a minimalist packer, a travel backpack with a suit compartment can be a game-changer.
2. The Folding Art: Channel Your Inner Origami Master
Proper folding is key to wrinkle-free travel.
Suit Folding Techniques
- The Classic Fold: Fold your suit jacket in half lengthwise, with the lining facing outwards. Fold the trousers in half lengthwise and lay them on top of the jacket. Carefully fold the ensemble in half again.
- The Rolling Method: Some travelers swear by rolling their suits. Fold the jacket in half and roll it tightly from the bottom. Roll the trousers separately and place them inside the jacket roll.
3. Packing Hacks: Because Every Detail Matters
- Tissue Paper Power: Layer tissue paper between folds to prevent creasing and absorb moisture.
- Dry Cleaning Bags: Place your suit in a dry cleaning bag before packing. The slippery material helps reduce friction and wrinkles.
- Fill Empty Spaces: Stuff socks or underwear into shoes and use packing cubes to fill empty spaces in your luggage. This prevents your suit from shifting and wrinkling.
