Travelling with a suit can be tricky. Arriving at your destination only to find it crumpled and creased is far from ideal, but something all too many of us have experienced. Not to worry though – with the right approach, you can keep it looking sharp. There’s just a few key points to keep in mind, from picking the right suit, packing it properly, and knowing how to spruce it up once you’ve arrived at your place of stay.
We’re used to handling suits that make journeys all over the place, be it across the UK or even internationally, and with that experience comes a few tips we’ve learnt to help your menswear look pristine and professional no matter where you’re going.
Choosing The Right Suit For Travel
Not all suits are made equal, especially when it comes to travel. If you’re frequently on the move, opting for a suit made from wrinkle-resistant fabrics like wool blends or high-twist wool will save you time and effort. These materials recover well from creases and keep their shape better than delicate fabrics like linen or pure cotton.
A travel-friendly suit should also be lightweight and breathable, particularly if you’re heading somewhere warm for a destination wedding. Unstructured or half-canvassed options tend to be less bulky and more comfortable for long journeys, and many people prefer a plain suit over some more elaborate design options. Darker colours, such as navy or charcoal, are also a safe bet, as they disguise small marks and creases better than lighter shades.
Lastly, consider a suit with some stretch. A small amount of elastane blended with wool provides flexibility, making it easier to move and sit for long periods without feeling restricted. A well-chosen travel suit can make all the difference in how you look and feel when you arrive at your destination.
Packing Your Suit Properly
Packing a suit correctly prevents it from emerging from your bag in a wrinkled mess. The two main approaches are folding it strategically or using a suit bag. If you’re tight on space, the rolling method is a great option.
Start by turning the jacket inside out, folding the shoulders together, and rolling it loosely to avoid sharp creases. Trousers should be folded along their natural crease before rolling them.
If you have the space, a garment bag is the easiest way to keep a suit pristine. Hanging your suit inside a breathable garment bag and folding it gently in half minimises wrinkles and protects it from dust and moisture.
Some carry-on suit bags even have built-in compartments to hold shirts and accessories, keeping everything organised. For added protection, consider layering tissue paper between folds to prevent deep creases.
If your suitcase has compression straps, use them carefully to hold everything in place without squashing your suit. The key is to minimise friction and pressure on the fabric, ensuring it arrives looking fresh and sharp.
Carrying Your Suit On A Plane
Flying with a suit requires a bit of planning. If you want to keep it in top condition, carrying it in a garment bag and hanging it in the airline’s coat closet is the best option. Most long-haul flights have hanging space, though it’s always worth checking with the airline in advance.
If a garment bag isn’t practical, placing your folded suit in a hard-shell carry-on provides decent protection. Avoid overpacking, as a stuffed bag can create extra pressure that leads to wrinkles. Some premium brands offer travel suits designed to withstand compression, which can be a good investment if you fly frequently.
If you need a visual on how to fold your suits for long-distance travel, @_bchanism has you covered:
@_bchanism Replying to @cuffington_ my go-to way to pack my suit when I only have a carry-on. Never had any issues with wrinkles! #howto #packingtips #traveltips #luggagehack #classicmenswear #suiting #packingasuitcase #styleguide IB: @Vincenzo Fazzari
For short flights, wearing your suit can be a convenient option. It might not be the most comfortable outfit for a long-haul journey, but if the flight is only a couple of hours, wearing it ensures it stays in perfect shape. Just remove your jacket before sitting down to prevent creases forming across the back.
Keeping Your Suit Wrinkle-Free On Arrival
Even with careful packing, some creasing is inevitable. The quickest way to refresh a suit after travel is to hang it in the bathroom while you take a hot shower. The steam helps release wrinkles without the risk of heat damage from an iron. For deeper creases, a handheld garment steamer is a worthwhile travel companion.
A good travel hack is to carry a wrinkle-release spray. A light mist followed by a gentle tug at the fabric can work wonders for minor creases, and pairing this with the steaming is a dream team for a fresh look.
If you’re staying in a hotel, there should be a provided ironing board to use. You can always ask reception when in doubt, but make sure to use this on a low heat setting with a pressing cloth to smooth out any stubborn wrinkles. As always, avoid using high heat directly on wool suits, as this can make the fabric shiny or damage the fibres.
Storing Your Suit While Travelling
When you’re not wearing your suit, storing it correctly keeps it looking sharp. A quality hanger with broad shoulders prevents your jacket from sagging or creasing. If your hotel provides thin wire hangers, swapping them out for a wooden or padded option is a small but effective improvement.
If your accommodation lacks wardrobe space, keeping your suit in a breathable garment bag on a hook is a good alternative. Avoid cramming it into a packed suitcase when not in use, as this undoes all the effort of keeping it wrinkle-free. Instead, find a spot to hang it, whether that’s on the back of a door or even on a curtain rail.
For longer stays, airing your suit overnight before storing it helps maintain freshness. Giving it a quick brush with a lint roller or suit brush removes dust and keeps the fabric looking polished. Proper storage ensures your suit stays in top condition, ready to wear at a moment’s notice.
Cleaning And Refreshing Your Suit After Travel
Finally, everything is finished, and the return journey is over. You’re back home, and now means no more worrying about your suit, right? Well, not quite: after a trip, your suit may need a refresh before its next outing.
If you’ve hired your suit, you don’t have to worry at all, but if you own the suit there’s a few steps we’d recommend taking before putting it away – This doesn’t have to be an involved process though, and can be as simple as three easy tasks:
- A light brush-down with a fabric brush removes surface dirt and lint
- Spot cleaning small marks with a damp cloth is usually enough to keep it looking presentable
- Airing it out overnight on a hanger in a well-ventilated space, or outside on a dry day, to help remove any odors
If something happened that means a deeper clean is needed, though, a professional dry cleaner is the safest option. However, over-cleaning can wear down the fibres, so it’s best to dry clean only when necessary. If your suit is lightly used, a steam treatment and a press at home can help extend its lifespan between professional cleanings.
Travelling with a suit doesn’t have to be a hassle. Choosing the right suit, packing it properly, and taking a few key precautions will help ensure it looks sharp when you arrive.
Carrying a garment bag, using a proper folding method, and refreshing your suit with steam or a steamer will prevent wrinkles, while storing it correctly while travelling and giving it a quick clean after your trip will keep it in great condition for future use.
With the right approach, you can travel in style without worrying about creases or damage, and focus on looking great.
