Travelling for work, or maybe a wedding? Maybe you’re planning to be gone overnight, or the whole weekend. Or maybe, you have a late afternoon presentation and need to look your best. Learn how to fold a suit jacket for travel.
Most of us, especially tall men with especially long jackets, know it’s not easy to fit a suit jacket in a weekend duffle or carry-on without crushing it. If you don’t plan to lug around a large suitcase or garment bag, you are going to have to fold your jacket, there’s no way around it.
Thankfully, there are some strategies to help you fold and pack your jacket, so it arrives at your destination looking like it never left your closet. Just grab and go, no fuss, no failed attempts to shower steam it in a hotel bathroom.
Since your traveling, your suit jacket will not be the only thing you need to fold. Save space and keep your other pieces of clothing wrinkle free with these clothes folding guides.
Table of Contents
How To Fold A Suit Jacket
Treating your jacket gently in the first place, is key to maintaining the integrity and longevity or your garment. There are ways to fold a suit jacket that will prevent wear and tear on the fabric, and ensure it arrives crease-free.
This is the tucked shoulder fold.
This Tucked-Shoulder fold is ideal for a suit jacket that will be stowed away for longer periods of time, like an overseas flight, as it allows for an even distribution of weight and requires minimal folds. You will also follow the same first steps of this fold to do a Jacket Roll.
1. Turn shoulders inside out
Begin by turning both of the jacket’s shoulders inside out. This can be done by pinching the front collar and turning it to the back of the jacket. The two holes where your arms go should now be facing outwards. The sleeves should still be on the inside of the jacket. Finish this step by laying the jacket on a flat surface.
2. Fold the jacket in half
Fold the suit jacket in half, lengthwise. The jackets insides should now be facing outwards, and the two shoulders should now be touching.
3. Fold the jacket from the bottom
Fold the jacket from the bottom hem to the middle.
4. Fold the top of the jacket
Fold the top of the jacket downwards to the bottom. When finished, the jacket should be folded into an even square parcel.
Once completed, lay flat at the top of your Check-In Suitcase. You can also wrap the legs of your trousers around the jacket if you are bringing a full suit.
The Jacket Roll
With a smaller luggage or weekend size bag, there is not always space to neatly lay a folded jacket, and you just have to roll it up. The Jacket Roll allows you to tuck your jacket away neatly and between items to save space.
1. Turn shoulders inside out
Begin by turning both of the jacket’s shoulders inside out. This can be done by pinching the front collar and turning it to the back of the jacket. The two holes where your arms go should now be facing outwards. The sleeves should still be on the inside of the jacket. Finish this step by laying the jacket on a flat surface.
2. Fold the jacket in half
Fold the jacket in half lengthwise so that the shoulders are now touching.
3. Roll the jacket
Grab the jacket from the top/collar and begin to roll downwards towards the bottom hem. Do not apply too much pressure and roll too tightly or the jacket will end up with wrinkles in the fabric.
For proper placement in your luggage, place your jacket at the top of your bag, or tucked between other items. Just be sure not to pile heavy items on top.
The Shirt-Style Fold
Sometimes you just have to rush to catch a flight or ride to your next destination. Should you find yourself in this position, the Shirt-Style fold can help you save a few extra seconds, that might just mean the difference between catching or missing your flight.
1. Lay the suit jacket face down
Lay your jacket face down on a flat surface with the front buttons completely done up.
2. Fold in both shoulders
Fold both shoulders toward the centre of the jacket
3. Fold in half vertically
Fold the jacket in half vertically.
4. Flip over & finish
Flip over and lay flat in your bag on top.
Four easy steps on your ready to board your flight!
How to fold a suit jacket: quick tips
- Take the time to fold it right, from the start. Rushing can lead to creases and folds going unnoticed prior to packing. These creases can set in in your luggage. Though you can absolutely iron or steam them out, heat will wear down the fibers in your jacket much faster.
- Minimize the number of folds you use. If you find you need more than a couple folds, a jacket roll might be the optimal choice.
- Where possible, try to keep folds along the seams.
- Fold so that the lining is facing out. Should your jacket meet the unfortunate fate of a scuff, stain or tear in transport, it won’t be visible when you are wearing it. At a later date, you can have the lining repaired or replaced. Damage to the outside of a jacket however, can ruin it.
- Avoid packing items on top of your jacket or stowing heavy items on top of your luggage.
Will Folding A Suit Ruin It?
No, folding a suit jacket will not ruin it if you hang it up as soon as possible.
A suit is a big investment, not matter what you do, you want to treat it with care. Traveling with a garment bag in tow is not always a practical option, which can make learning to fold a suit properly, well worth the time.
With a few tips in mind, and a little practice, there should be no risk to folding your suit for travel. Though, the longer a suit sits folded, the more likely a crease can set in. Always remember to unpack your suit upon arrival to keep it looking its best.
If your suit is extremely wrinkled, beyond your ability to fix it, take it to a dry cleaners. A dry cleaner does not take too long and the cost of dry cleaning is reasonable.
FAQ
The best way to fold your suit jacket is to do the Tuck-Shoulder fold. This is a 4 step fold that will allow you to pack your jacket for long overseas trip and have it coming out looking fresh as possible.
There is no 100% way to fold and pack your suit that will not allow a fold out two to occur. The best way to travel or move your suit jacket without allowing it to get a wrinkle is to put it into a garment bag and let the airline steward hang it up for you.
The Jacket-Roll is the best way to keep your jacket as wrinkle-free as possible when travelling, and is the only version of packing that includes rolls and folds combined.
