How to pack a suit in a carry on for traveling without ruining it
If you have ever had to deal with a creased suit, then you certainly understand the outcomes of poor packing. For the modern traveler, the world is getting smaller since it is now easier than ever to fly to far-flung corners of the world. Figuring out how to pack a suit into a small case or worse, your carry-on bag, can be a nightmare.
Source: Original
Whether you are traveling for business or heading to a summer wedding, you do not want your delicately woven masterpiece of tailoring to get stuffed into a duffel bag and end up creased or damaged. This simple guide will help you figure out how to pack a suit without getting it all creased.
How to pack a suit using simple methods
Here are some relatively easy, well-detailed methods one can use to pack a suit.
1. The Inside-out fold
This is a relatively simple technique that results in a squarish folded suit jacket. This method is more straightforward when holding the coat rather than laying it flat on a hard surface.
- The first step is to turn the coat inside out.
- Fold the left shoulder back, so that the lining is on the outside.
- Turn the right shoulder inside out, then tuck the left shoulder into the right. Folding your coat this way should help you avoid dealing with the awkwardness of the inward-facing shoulder pads.
- Finally, fold the coat in lengthwise and then fold horizontally. This should create a square shape that fits easily in a suitcase.
- For added safety, you can always put the coat inside a plastic bag.
2. The rolling technique
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Wondering how to pack a suit jacket when you are low on space? The rolling technique is ideal for space-saving when packing luggage. It is derived from a Japanese packing technique and saves on space while reducing the occurrence of creases.
- Fasten the top button of the jacket and lay it face down
- Push the left sleeve and shoulder pad inside-out
- Fold the right shoulder outwards towards the inside-out left shoulder. The coat's two lapels should cross over a little
- Place your quarter-sized folded trousers on the top end of the folded jacket
- Don’t stuff too much in there or the roll will not hold properly
- Roll from the top and continue rolling into a neat bundle
3. Packing a suit using the easy jacket fold
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This simple technique is ideal for beginners. Here is a look at how to fold a suit jacket using this relatively quick method that will have your jacket neatly done at the end. It is advisable to place the suit at the bottom of a flat suitcase to keep the wrinkles at bay.
- Lay the jacket face down on a flat surface
- Fold the left sleeve back so that the jacket is three-quarters of its width.
- Now fold the right sleeve back, so the shoulders are slightly overlapping.
- Fold the bottom half of the jacket up and tuck the bottom hem under the collar.
4. How to pack a suit in a carry on
Source: UGC
If you are wondering how to travel with a suit in a relatively small carry-on, check out the steps below.
- Hold the suit jacket with the liner facing you and turn one sleeve inside-out
- Fold the jacket in half lengthwise, lining up the shoulders and lapels
- Fold it over on itself horizontally
- Fold the trouser bottoms over the jacket and repeat with the top of the trousers
- Unpack everything immediately when you arrive at your destination, and if there are any minor creases, hang the suit in the bathroom and run a hot shower. The steam will remove the wrinkles, eliminating the need for a portable steamer.
5. How to fold a suit for travel using the Henry Herbert method
This method comes directly from Henry Herbert and is one of the most concise methods of packing a suit.
- Lie the coat flat, buttoned-up, facing you on a table
- Flip the coat over so it’s facing down and brush away any creases
- Now fold each side of the coat inwards so that a quarter of the jacket is facing inwards on either side
- Fold the trousers in half twice, so they’re a quarter of their size.
- Place the trousers on the top part of the coat.
- Fold the remaining part of the coat over the trousers so now you have the bottoms inside the folded coat.
- Remove any creases and flip over again, so the front of the coat and its lapels are facing you.
6. How to pack a suit in a suitcase using the wraparound method
This alternative approach describes how to fold suit jacket and trousers with an effective wraparound technique. This works for suitcases or even carrying your suit in a duffel bag.
- Lay the suit jacket flat and face down
- Take the left shoulder and fold it back.
- Turn the right shoulder inside out and tuck the left shoulder into the right.
- Fold in half lengthwise and then fold the jacket over horizontally.
- Place the folded jacket in the centre of outstretched trousers.
- Fold the trouser bottoms over the jacket.
- Repeat with the top of trousers to make a bundle
Can you iron a suit?
The answer is yes. To do this:
- Place the wrinkled area of the suit on an ironing board.
- Heat the iron to medium-high and place a lightweight linen or cotton square cloth over the wrinkle.
- Spray a light mist of water over the cloth and then press the heated iron on the cloth for no more than five seconds.
- Repeat the process until wrinkle is gone.
The linen/cotton cloth acts as a protective covering for the fabric. The water will steam the wrinkle out, and the iron provides the heat and weight to smooth the fabric.
If you have been trying to figure out how to pack a suit without getting it creased, the options mentioned above will undoubtedly have you covered. You do not need to worry anymore about showing up to an overseas business meeting with a wrinkled suit.
Source: Legit.ng
