How to Fold Suits for Traveling

Learning how to fold your men’s suit for traveling ensures it stays wrinkle-free and ready to wear.

When it comes to business trips or formal events away from home, protecting your suit during travel is of the utmost importance. At Carpe Diem Men, we always recommend using a high-quality garment bag and carrying your suit separately. 

However,  sometimes circumstances necessitate folding your suit and packing it in a suitcase. This might be due to airline restrictions, limited luggage space, or personal preference for consolidated packing. 

While not ideal, there are ways to fold a suit that minimizes damage and wrinkling.

So, if you decide to fold your suit for travel, here's the right way to do it. 

This guide will walk you through the process of folding your suit to minimize wrinkles and maintain its shape during transit. 

Whether you're packing a carry-on or checking a bag, these techniques will help ensure your suit arrives in wearable condition.

Why Proper Suit Folding Matters

Before we dive into the folding techniques, it's important to understand why proper suit folding is important:

1. Wrinkle Prevention: Correct folding minimizes creases and wrinkles, keeping your suit presentable upon arrival.

2. Space Efficiency: A well-folded suit takes up less space in your luggage, allowing room for other essentials.

3. Shape Retention: Proper folding helps maintain the suit's structure, particularly in the shoulders and lapels.

4. Fabric Protection: Careful folding reduces stress on the fabric, prolonging the life of your suit.

Essential Tools To Help Fold Your Suit

To fold your suit effectively, you'll need:

• A clean, flat surface

• Tissue paper or plastic dry-cleaning bags

• A garment bag (optional but recommended)

Step-by-Step Guide to Folding a Suit Jacket

1. Prepare the Jacket

• Button the jacket completely

• Empty all pockets to avoid bulges

• Smooth out any existing wrinkles

2. Turn the Jacket Inside Out

• This step protects the outer fabric and reduces visible creasing

3. Fold One Shoulder

• Fold one shoulder back, tucking the sleeve inside the jacket

• The fold should be at the center of the back, running from collar to hem

4. Fold the Other Shoulder

• Repeat the process with the other shoulder

• Both sleeves should now be tucked inside the jacket

5. Fold in Half Lengthwise

• Fold the jacket in half lengthwise, bringing the bottom hem up to meet the collar

• Smooth out any wrinkles as you go

6. Final Fold

• Fold the jacket in half or thirds widthwise, depending on your luggage size

• Use tissue paper between folds to prevent creasing

Folding Suit Trousers for Travel

1. Align the Creases

• Hang the trousers and align the creases

• Smooth out any wrinkles

2. Fold in Half Lengthwise

• Fold the trousers in half lengthwise, matching the inseams

3. Fold in Half Again

• Fold the trousers in half horizontally, bringing the cuffs up to the waistband

4. Final Fold

• Fold the trousers in half or thirds, depending on your luggage size

• Place tissue paper between folds to prevent creasing

Alternative Techniques for Folding a Travel Suit

The Roll Method

For those who prefer rolling clothes to save space, here's how to roll a suit:

1. Lay the jacket flat, face down

2. Fold in the shoulders and sleeves

3. Roll tightly from the bottom up

4. Repeat the process with the trousers

While this method saves space, it may result in more wrinkles than careful folding.

The Bundle Wrapping Technique

This method involves wrapping your suit around other clothing:

1. Lay out a large, flat item like a dress shirt

2. Place the suit jacket face down on top

3. Add the trousers and other clothing items

4. Wrap everything into a tight bundle

This technique can be effective but requires practice to perfect.

Tips for Packing a Folded Suit

Once you've mastered how to fold your suit for travel, consider these packing tips:

1. Use a garment bag: This adds an extra layer of protection against wrinkles and dirt

2. Pack heavier items at the bottom of your suitcase: This prevents crushing your carefully folded suit

3. Consider vacuum-sealed bags: These can compress your suit without adding wrinkles

4. Pack shoes separately: This prevents them from damaging or dirtying your suit

Caring for Your Travel Suit Upon Arrival

Unpack, hang it up, and use a steamer to remove any wrinkles.

Even with careful folding, your suit may need some attention when you reach your destination:

1. Unpack immediately: Hang your suit as soon as you arrive to allow wrinkles to release

2. Use a steamer: A portable steamer can quickly remove any persistent wrinkles

3. Hang in the bathroom: The steam from a hot shower can help relax fabric and release wrinkles

4. Use a wrinkle-release spray: These products can be effective for minor creases

Choosing the Right Suit for Travel

Choosing the right material for men's suits will ensure comfort, durability, and a polished look.

When selecting a men’s suit for frequent travel, consider:

1. Fabric: Opt for wrinkle-resistant materials like wool blends or high-twist wools

2. Color: Darker colors show fewer wrinkles and stains

3. Construction: Look for suits with minimal lining for easier folding and less wrinkling

Wearing Your Suit While Traveling As An Alternative

Choosing to wear your suit while traveling can keep it looking sharp and wrinkle-free upon arrival.

If folding your suit seems too risky, consider wearing it during travel:

1. Reduces the need for folding

2. Keeps the suit in its natural shape

3. Ensures you have a presentable outfit upon arrival

However, this method may not be comfortable for long journeys and can lead to wrinkles from sitting.

The Future of Travel Suits

As business travel evolves, so do travel suits.

Some innovations to watch for include:

1. Wrinkle-free fabrics: Advanced materials that resist creasing

2. Built-in garment bags: Suits designed with integrated protective covers

3. Smart suits: Fabrics with temperature regulation and odor control

These advancements may eventually make the art of folding a suit for travel obsolete, but for now, mastering this skill remains crucial for the frequent traveler.

Conclusion

Learning how to fold a suit for travel is an invaluable skill for any business traveler or frequent flyer. By following these steps and tips, you can ensure your suit arrives at your destination in wearable condition, ready for whatever occasion awaits. 

Remember, practice makes perfect – the more you fold your suit for travel, the better you'll become at preserving its shape and appearance. 

With these techniques in your arsenal, you can confidently pack your suit for any journey, knowing it will be ready to wear when you need it most.