Going on holiday is always exciting, but one thing many travelers struggle with is how to keep their clothes looking fresh and wrinkle-free while traveling. Whether you’re off on a business trip or a tropical getaway, how you store your clothes during the journey can make all the difference. From preventing wrinkles to maintaining the quality of your garments, proper storage techniques will help you travel in style and arrive at your destination looking your best.
When you’re traveling, your clothes are often packed in tight spaces like suitcases or carry-ons, which can cause them to wrinkle, crease, or even get damaged. This is especially true for more formal pieces like a suit or a dress, which can lose their shape if not stored correctly. Proper storage not only helps maintain the appearance of your garments but also ensures they last longer.
Without proper care, clothes may emerge from your suitcase looking less than their best, leaving you with limited options at your destination, especially if you don’t have access to an iron or steamer. To avoid this, you’ll want to plan ahead and store your clothing items in a way that minimizes the risk of wrinkles and damage.
One of the first steps to storing your clothes properly is choosing the right luggage. Hard-sided suitcases are a great option because they offer more protection for your clothes, especially for items like suits that you don’t want crushed or wrinkled. Soft-sided bags, on the other hand, tend to compress more easily, which can lead to creasing.
Look for luggage that has built-in garment sections or compartments for better organization. Some suitcases even come with garment bags or straps specifically designed to keep your clothes in place during travel.
Packing cubes are an excellent way to organize your clothes within your suitcase while keeping them wrinkle-free. These handy tools help compress your clothes without crushing them, allowing you to separate different types of clothing and reduce the chances of wrinkles.
One of the most common packing tips you’ll hear is to roll your clothes instead of folding them. Rolling clothes can indeed help prevent wrinkles for casual items like t-shirts and jeans, and it’s also a great way to save space in your luggage. However, for more structured items like suits, rolling may not be the best option.
For suits and other formal wear, folding carefully is key. Fold your suit jacket by turning it inside out (to protect the outer fabric) and folding it in half vertically, then lay it flat on top of your other clothes. For trousers, fold them along the crease and lay them flat as well. This method reduces the chances of deep creases forming during transit.
Another tip for keeping your clothes wrinkle-free while traveling is to layer them properly. Start by placing heavier items like shoes or toiletries at the bottom of your suitcase. Then, lay more structured items like suits on top. If possible, place a layer of tissue paper or a dry-cleaning bag between items to reduce friction, which can cause wrinkles.
Suits are one of the trickiest items to pack because they can wrinkle easily and lose their shape. If you’re traveling with a suit, take extra care to store it properly. Here’s how:
If you often travel with suits or other formal attire, investing in a portable steamer is a great idea. A steamer helps release wrinkles without the need for an iron or ironing board, which may not always be available at your destination.
Using a steamer on your suit will not only remove wrinkles but also freshen up the fabric, keeping it crisp and ready to wear.
Shoes can be one of the dirtiest items in your luggage, so always pack them separately from your clothes. Use a shoe bag or wrap them in a plastic bag to avoid any dirt or debris transferring onto your clothing.
For suits, it’s especially important to keep shoes in a different compartment, as the fabric of your suit could easily pick up dust or stains from your shoes.
While it’s tempting to stuff as much as possible into your suitcase, overpacking can cause your clothes to wrinkle more easily. Try to pack only what you need and leave a little breathing room for your clothes. This reduces the pressure inside your luggage and helps keep your garments wrinkle-free.
If you’re traveling with formal wear like suits, consider carrying a second bag or garment carrier to give them more space!
Traveling in style doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the condition of your clothes. By following these simple storage tips, you can keep your clothes—including your suits—looking fresh, wrinkle-free, and ready to wear as soon as you arrive at your destination. From using garment bags to unpacking immediately, proper care while traveling ensures that you look your best, no matter where your journey takes you.
