How to Pack a Suit

We have all been in your situation. You are invited to a wedding in another city, country or continent. Maybe you are on a business trip. Or even you are planning your holidays and you want to include your favourite blazer, so you need to pack it somehow. It is the moment to learn how to pack your suit a suitcase or a carry-on.

No, this is not the way to pack a suit

Pack Your Suit in 6 seconds

Let's give the answer straight away. The best way to fold your suit is the one that GQ guys explain in this video. This system has all these advantages:

Foolproof
Avoids folding the suit like a t-shirt
Preserves the shoulder pads structure
Wrinkle-free results

Mastering the GQ Suit Folding Technique – A Step-by-Step Guide

The GQ Suit Folding Technique is a game-changer for those who frequently travel with suits. It's simple, effective, and it guarantees your suit arrives wrinkle-free and ready to wear. Here's how to do it:

Step 1: Start by holding your suit jacket in front of you. Turn the shoulders inside out. Don't worry about being too gentle; the fabric is more resilient than you think.

Step 2: Once the shoulders are inside out, fold the jacket in half. The lapels should meet, and the interior lining of the jacket should be visible.

Step 3: After the first fold, fold the jacket in half again. This makes the jacket compact and easy to fit into your suitcase or carry-on.

Step 4: Now, it's time to pack the jacket in your bag. Place it carefully to avoid any unnecessary wrinkling. Try to keep it flat and away from heavier items that could squash it.

Step 5: Upon reaching your destination, remove the jacket from your bag, and pop the shoulders back into their original position. Your suit jacket is now ready to wear and wrinkle-free!

Remember, this GQ Suit Folding Technique is a fantastic hack for maintaining the look of your suit during travel. Practice it a few times at home before your trip to master this game-changing technique.

Extra Advice to Pack Your Suit When Travelling

If you need it to be perfect, or you travel far, so your suit will be packed for many hours, try to follow this advice:

Pack your suit on a hanger without folding. You will need a big suitcase
Dry cleaners are likely to give you a roll of plastic bags to cover the suit - for free!
These plastic bags prevent the suit from wrinkling!
Pack your suit in an indestructible hard case bag
When packing your dress shoes, make sure to pack them at the bottom of the suitcase, or before the suit. If you're unsure of which men's dress shoes you should take, we recommend a pair out of the following: Derby, oxford, monk strap, or loafers.

Understanding the Importance of Packing Your Suit Properly

Whether you're a frequent business traveler or an occasional jet-setter, understanding the art of packing your suit properly is an invaluable skill. The way you pack your suit can significantly impact your appearance at your destination. An improperly packed suit can result in unwanted wrinkles and a messy, unprofessional look. Conversely, a suit packed with care, following the right techniques, can ensure you present yourself in a sharp, pristine suit, no matter how far you've traveled.

The saying, "Dress for the job you want, not the one you have," holds true here. An impeccably packed suit ensures you look the part, commanding respect and admiration in any setting. Remember, first impressions matter, and your suit can speak volumes about your personality and professionalism before you utter a single word. Hence, spending a few extra minutes packing your suit properly can make all the difference in the world. So, let's dive into the key techniques and tips to help you maintain a polished appearance, even on the go.

Key Tips for Long-Distance Suit Travel

Traveling with a suit for long distances can pose a unique set of challenges. The longer your suit is packed, the greater the risk of wrinkles and damage. However, by following some essential tips, you can ensure your suit remains fresh and ready to wear, even after a long-haul flight.

Firstly, if your suitcase is large enough, consider packing your suit on a hanger without folding. This maintains the suit's natural shape and reduces the risk of wrinkles. It's a little-known technique that can have a huge impact on the appearance of your suit.

Secondly, never underestimate the power of a simple plastic bag. Many dry cleaners offer plastic covers for suits, which can be incredibly useful when packing. The plastic creates a barrier between the suit and the rest of your luggage, preventing wrinkles and keeping your suit fresh.

Lastly, if you're serious about protecting your suit, consider investing in a hard case bag. These bags are virtually indestructible and offer superior protection compared to traditional luggage. This could be a game-changer, particularly for those regularly traveling with suits.

Packing Dress Shoes – How and Why?

Packing dress shoes can be a daunting task. Dress shoes are often bulky and take up valuable luggage space. However, when packed properly, they can arrive at your destination looking as sharp as when they left your closet. The trick is knowing how to pack them.

Firstly, place your shoes at the bottom of your suitcase. This helps distribute the weight evenly, ensuring your shoes maintain their shape during the journey. Always use a shoe bag or some kind of protective cover to prevent scuffs and scratches.

Secondly, stuff your shoes with small items like socks or ties. This helps maintain the shape of the shoes and also provides extra protection against impacts. You can also use shoe trees if you have them handy.

Remember, your shoes are an important part of your overall look, so give them the care they deserve. If you're unsure of which shoes to pack, opt for versatile classics such as Derby, oxford, monk strap, or loafers. These styles are versatile, comfortable, and appropriate for almost any occasion.

Why the Suit Jacket’s Material Matters

The suit jacket's material plays a critical role in how it should be packed and how well it travels. Different materials have different properties, and understanding these can help you pack your suit jacket more effectively.

Wool suits, for example, are naturally wrinkle-resistant. This means they can be folded or rolled without much concern for wrinkles. Cotton and linen suits, on the other hand, tend to wrinkle easily, so they require extra care when packing. Consider using a suit carrier or a plastic cover from a dry cleaner to help keep these suits wrinkle-free.

Remember, the goal is to arrive at your destination with a suit that's ready to wear. Knowing your suit's material and how it responds to packing can help you achieve this. Always test your packing method at home before your trip, to ensure your suit will travel well.

It’s that easy! Do a little effort when packing so you can have this feeling when unpacking: