Traveling with a suit can be daunting, especially when you want to keep it looking crisp and wrinkle-free. Proper folding techniques are essential to ensure your suit arrives at your destination in pristine condition. This article will provide practical tips and tricks on how to folding suit for travel, as well as how to fold dress shirts to keep them wrinkle-free.
Content
Preparing Your Suit for Travel
Choosing the Right Suit
Selecting the right suit for travel is the first step in ensuring it remains wrinkle-free. Opt for suits made from travel-friendly fabrics such as wool blends, which are more resistant to wrinkles. Additionally, suits with wrinkle-resistant materials can withstand the rigors of travel better than those made from more delicate fabrics.
Cleaning and Pressing
Before packing your suit, make sure it is clean and properly pressed. A well-pressed suit is less likely to develop wrinkles during travel. Using a garment bag can provide an extra layer of protection, helping to maintain the suit’s shape and prevent creases.
How to Folding Suit for Travel
Folding the Suit Jacket
- Turn the Jacket Inside Out: Turn one shoulder inside out and tuck the other shoulder into it.
- Align the Shoulders: Fold the jacket so that the shoulders are aligned, with the sleeves laying flat.
- Fold in Half: Fold the jacket in half lengthwise, ensuring it is smooth and flat.
Using this method helps minimize the risk of wrinkles by keeping the jacket’s natural shape intact.
Folding the Suit Pants
- Lay Pants Flat: Lay the pants flat, making sure the crease lines are sharp and aligned.
- Fold in Half: Fold the pants in half vertically, aligning the legs and ensuring the crease is maintained.
- Fold Again: Fold the pants once more horizontally, placing them neatly in your luggage.
How to Fold Dress Shirts for Travel
Preparing Dress Shirts
Before folding, ensure your dress shirts are clean and ironed. Use collar stays to keep the collars stiff and button up the shirt to help it maintain its shape during travel.
Folding a Dress Shirt
- Lay Shirt Flat: Lay the shirt face down on a flat surface.
- Fold in the Sides: Fold one side of the shirt towards the center, then fold the sleeve back.
- Repeat on the Other Side: Fold the other side and sleeve in the same manner.
- Fold Up from the Bottom: Fold the bottom of the shirt up towards the collar in thirds.
KonMari Method for Folding Shirts
- Lay the Shirt Flat: Button up the shirt and lay it face down.
- Fold in Thirds Vertically: Fold one side in towards the center, then the other side, overlapping slightly.
- Fold in Half: Fold the shirt in half horizontally, then in half again.
This method helps keep your shirts compact and wrinkle-free.
Additional Tips for Wrinkle-Free Travel
Using Packing Aids
Packing cubes and garment folders can help organize your luggage and keep your clothes wrinkle-free. Garment bags are particularly useful for suits and dress shirts, providing extra protection during travel.
Unpacking Upon Arrival
As soon as you arrive at your destination, unpack your suit and shirts immediately. Hang them in the bathroom while you take a hot shower; the steam will help relax any minor wrinkles. This quick action can significantly reduce the need for ironing or pressing.
Conclusion
By following these tips and tricks on how to fold a suit for travel and how to fold dress shirts for travel, you can ensure that your business attire remains wrinkle-free and ready to wear. Implement these techniques on your next trip to maintain a professional appearance and reduce the stress of traveling with formal wear. Safe travels!
An avid traveler, Kirk Grover has been to over 50 countries. He has an extensive background in tourism and hospitality management, along with a degree in Hospitality Management from the University of Nevada Las Vegas. Kirk is very knowledgeable about travel-related topics – they are always up to date on the latest deals for flights, hotels, and other adventures around the world.