Whether you’re attending a destination wedding, heading overseas for a business trip, or preparing for a formal event abroad, packing a suit is one of those things that requires a little extra care. Unlike casualwear, a suit isn’t something you can simply roll and stuff into your case. Do it wrong, and you’ll be spending your first morning frantically searching for an iron — or worse, a dry cleaner.
To help you avoid any wardrobe mishaps, we spoke with Declyn Cooper, Head of Tailoring at Slater Menswear. With years of experience fitting grooms, executives, and special occasion guests, he knows exactly what it takes to keep a suit looking sharp from suitcase to event.
Why do suits get creased when packed?
Suits are structured garments, designed to hold shape across the shoulders, chest, and trouser legs. That’s what gives them their tailored edge, but it also makes them prone to creasing when packed poorly.
“Suits crease because they’re built differently from casual clothes,” says Declyn. “They’re made to fit and drape in a certain way. When you fold or compress that structure, especially under other items in a suitcase, those clean lines can quickly turn into hard-to-remove wrinkles.”
Certain fabrics — like linen or cotton — are more prone to creasing, while wool and blended materials tend to bounce back slightly better. But regardless of the fabric, it’s how you prepare, fold, and store your suit that determines how it looks when you reach your destination.
When should you pack a suit instead of wearing it?
If you’re heading straight from the airport to an event, it can be tempting to wear your suit while travelling. But unless you’re on a short, direct journey with minimal sitting down, that could backfire.
“Wearing a suit in transit increases the risk of creasing, stretching, and accidental stains. It’s much safer to pack it properly and change when you arrive — even a small coffee spill on your lapel can put a dampener on your day!” says Declyn.
Save your suit for the big moment, and travel in something more relaxed.
10 expert tips for packing a suit
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Prepare your suit properly
Start by giving your suit a once-over. Check for any loose threads, marks, missing buttons, or areas that need attention. If your suit hasn’t been worn in a while, try it on to make sure everything still fits comfortably.
“Give your suit a light press with a cool iron or a handheld steamer before packing,” says Declyn. “It’s best to start with a fresh, smooth base — creases only get worse if they’re already there before you start folding.”
Choose a suit from a travel-friendly fabric. Wool blends, textured weaves, and mid-weight materials are great options that resist wrinkling better than ultra-lightweight cloths.
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Invest in a high-quality garment bag
If you travel often, or if this trip is a big one, it’s worth investing in a good-quality garment bag.
“Garment bags are ideal for keeping suits protected,” Declyn explains. “They provide structure, keep dust and moisture out, and reduce the need for heavy folding. Look for one with breathable fabric, strong zips, and padded shoulders to maintain the suit’s shape.”
Many suit carriers now come with clever features like foldable panels, carry-on handles, and internal compartments for shirts and accessories, making them perfect for formalwear on the go.
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Choose the right suitcase
“If a garment bag isn’t an option, your choice of suitcase becomes even more important. A hard-shell suitcase is your best bet,” says Declyn. “It protects the contents from being crushed, and many models come with internal straps or flat compartments made specifically for suits.”
If you’re using a soft-sided suitcase, aim to pack your suit on the very top, away from shoes, toiletries, or anything heavy that could flatten the fabric or leave an indentation.
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Fold your suit jacket with care
Folding your jacket properly is key. Declyn recommends this method for a minimal-crease result:
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Lay the jacket face down on a clean, flat surface.
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Turn one shoulder inside out and tuck the opposite shoulder into it, so the lapels are touching.
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Gently fold the jacket in half lengthways, making sure it’s smooth and symmetrical.
“This fold protects the shoulder structure and reduces the chance of awkward creases across the front or sleeves,” he explains.
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Fold the trousers neatly
Your trousers deserve just as much care as any other part of your suit. Declyn advises:
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Lay them flat, crease to crease, with the legs aligned.
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Fold them in half at the knees, and then once more if needed to fit in your case.
“Always keep the natural creases intact and avoid overfolding. Two folds at most is ideal; any more and you risk creating deep lines in the fabric.”
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Pack the suit separately in a garment bag
If you’re not travelling with a full suit carrier, place the folded jacket and trousers into a protective layer before adding them to your suitcase.
“A dry-cleaning bag or garment cover will reduce friction and shield your suit from other items. Try to place it last in your case so it stays as flat as possible,” says Declyn.
And if the suit is important — say, for your wedding or a job interview — consider carrying it as hand luggage for maximum peace of mind.
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Don’t roll your dress shirts
While rolling works for casual shirts, your formal ones need a bit more structure.
“Fasten the top and bottom buttons, fold the sleeves in neatly, and keep them flat,” Declyn advises.
Avoid placing shirts under heavy items as they’ll crease faster than you think.
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Use tissue paper between layers
A secret weapon used by tailors and stylists alike — tissue paper.
“Layering tissue paper between folds helps reduce friction and prevents sharp creases from forming. It’s especially useful with delicate fabrics or detailed pieces like waistcoats,” says Declyn.
Dry-cleaning bags also work in a similar way, acting as a slip layer between garments.
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Keep shoes separate (and covered)
“Shoes should never touch your suit or shirt,” says Declyn. “Use a proper shoe bag, or even a cotton tote, so dirt and polish don’t transfer onto your clothing.”
Where possible, store shoes in a separate compartment or at the bottom of your case, away from your formalwear.
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Unpack and hang immediately
As soon as you reach your destination, find a hanger.
“Unpack your shirt and suit and hang them straight away, ideally on a broad-shoulder hanger,” says Declyn. “If there are light creases, hang it in the bathroom while the shower’s running — the steam will help them drop out naturally.”
If you’ve brought a steamer, now is the time to give it a quick refresh. And always check if your hotel offers a pressing service; it can really help, especially before a big event.
Other handy travel tips for suit-wearers
While packing your suit properly is essential, a few additional tips can help you maintain your appearance throughout your travels.
Sometimes, it’s the little things that make a big difference when you’re away from home.
Pack a lint roller
A lint roller might seem like a small item to pack, but it’s incredibly handy when you need to freshen up your suit. Especially useful for darker-coloured fabrics, a quick once-over with a lint roller can remove any unwanted fuzz, lint, or even pet hair, helping you look neat and polished, no matter how long your journey.
Bring a mini sewing kit
When travelling with a suit, you never know when you might need to make a quick repair. A loose button, fraying hem, or small tear can happen at the most inconvenient times, and that’s where a mini sewing kit can come in handy.
“A small sewing kit with thread, needles, and a few spare buttons can be a lifesaver,” says Declyn. “It takes just a few minutes to fix a button or reattach a cuff if needed.”
Choose a compact kit that includes neutral-coloured threads (think black, white and navy) to match most of your suits. It doesn’t have to be an all-in-one tailoring kit, just something basic that can help make quick repairs on the go.
Use travel-sized wrinkle release spray
While you might not always have access to a steamer or ironing facilities, a travel-sized wrinkle release spray can be a real time-saver.
These handy sprays are designed to relax fabric fibres, smoothing out minor creases and wrinkles without the need for an iron. Simply spray it onto the wrinkled areas, gently tug the fabric to smooth it out, and let it dry for a few minutes.
It’s not quite a substitute for a proper steam or iron, but it can definitely help when you’re in a rush, especially for minor creases that can form during long flights or in cramped luggage.
Learn how to pack properly with Slater Menswear
Packing a suit for travel doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By following a few key steps and using the right tools, you can ensure that your suit arrives at your destination looking as sharp and polished as when you packed it.
For more tips, style advice and expert knowledge, head over to our style inspiration hub.
