The 3‘Non-Negotiables’ of Packing a Suit for a Business Trip

The cost of a business suit may depend upon factors like brand, color, and fabric but its longevity has a universal cost – proper maintenance. After all, who wants to arrive at a critical client meeting with their suit all wrinkled and ‘slept in?’ 

One of the hallmarks of true professionalism is adhering to dress codes and preserving garments for a crisp and tidy look. Studies have found that a formal business suit can make people feel more confident, authoritative, and trustworthy. This can be a challenge when you need to travel thousands of miles across for a conference. 

Just imagine packing the suit somehow only to discover the horrors of creases that won’t seem to go away. We will spare you the hassle by streamlining the packing process. This article will discuss the three essentials or ‘non-negotiables’ of ensuring your professional attire stays pristine during a business trip. 

Luxury Leather Garment Duffle Bag

Were you planning on packing your business suit inside a typical suitcase? It’s time to reconsider because the main reason why suits end up wrinkled is that they’re often crammed with other items. 

Plus, the outer material of the suit will further determine how it should be packed. For instance – woolen suits are naturally wrinkle-resistant. So, you may be able to fold or roll them however you want without much concern. The same cannot be said of cotton or linen suits that require extra care while packing. 

Traditional garment bags mean you’ll have to take two bags with you at all times, if you want to carry your suit while traveling. That’s where a garment duffle bag comes in, allowing you to store the suit within the lining of the bag, and still have plenty of room for your other essentials. The Grand by Von Baer is a great option for this, made from luxurious full-grain vegetable-tanned Cuoio Superiore leather (visit their site here).

You will not only land at your destination with a perfectly sharp and clean suit but also reduce carry-on hassles during travel. As you represent your company, investments like these will go a long way in communicating professionalism and class. 

A pro tip would be to use layers of tissue or dry-cleaning bags between the jacket and trousers. This will prevent friction when the garments are jostled around in the bag, thereby keeping the suit wrinkle-free. Finally, avoid overpacking (you will know when to stop) as this may leave your suit rumpled. 

Quality Suit Hangers 

Can we talk about packing a business suit properly without mentioning quality hangers? The minute you arrive at your destination hotel, you will want to unpack your suit and have it neatly stored. This is especially true of linen, which “must be hung,” as stated by Laura Johnson, a consumer analyst at LG R&D lab. Then, it will be ready to wear for conferences and stay wrinkle-free all along. 

It is imperative to invest in high-quality wooden hangers that offer you easy access to the suit and keep it in proper shape. Do not simply grab any set of hangers you find because all must be the same. There is a thing known as bad hangers that will defeat the purpose.

The best suit hangers will have the following characteristics –

• They will protect your personal investment or business suit against wrinkles, thereby prolonging its life. 
• They will fit your clothes well, being tailor-made to suit special tastes and needs. 
• They will be carefully crafted, preferably handmade, using the finest materials. 
• They will maintain your clothes as ready-to-wear for a lasting professional look. 

Additionally, let’s talk about some crucial tips regarding packing the hangers. Avoid packing too many hangers together and use a garment box. You can also use zip ties to secure and stack them neatly. 

This way, the hangers will stay together but not end up damaged or damaging other items. 

Proper Folding Techniques  

Simply owning the right bag does not always ensure a ready-to-wear business suit upon arrival. You must ensure that you fold the suit properly. Certain techniques should keep it intact. Let’s talk about a game-changer technique called the GQ Suit Folding Technique. 

Simply follow the steps mentioned below and you should get positive results. 

Step 1 – Hold your suit jacket in front and start turning the shoulders inside out. Do not worry about being gentle since most suit fabrics are quite sturdy and can endure some folding. 

Step 2 – After turning the shoulders inside out, fold the jacket in half. Do this in a manner that the inner lining of the jacket is visible and its lapels meet. 

Step 3 – That was the first fold. In the third step, you must fold the jacket again in half. It will become compact enough to easily slip inside your bag. 

Step 4 –  Under this step, it’s time to pack the jacket carefully inside your bag. Be gentle and scrupulous to avoid causing any wrinkles. Do not place any heavier items next to it to avoid squashing it. 

In the same way, you can neatly fold the trousers and shirt to place them inside the bag. As for ties, roll them up and place them inside a cylindrical tube. 

A report by Deloitte found that corporate travel is seeing a steady rise in the US and Europe. As the new normal remains in sight and travel volume increases, high-end business deals will be made. You may find yourself networking widely and striking more hands this year. 

As this article has discussed, it’s important to do some due diligence to keep your five-figure suit in a six-figure condition. It will significantly improve your chances of bagging the seven-figure deal for which you must traverse across geographical borders.