How To Pack A Suit In A Carry-On

There's no denying that travel has gotten a little more unpredictable. There has a been a substantial increase in flight delays and cancellations, unruly passengers, and damaged or lost luggage. When traveling, there are fewer things more stressful than arriving to your destination only to realize your luggage did not make it with you. Because of this, many travelers have opted to go for a carry-on only. But what does this mean for travelers who only want to bring a carry-on but have a bulky, wrinkle-prone item to pack, like a suit? Can a suit be packed into a carry-on bag without ruining it?

There are many tips and tricks to fit a suit in a carry-on without it getting wrinkled or taking up too much space. If you need to bring a suit, whether it be for a destination wedding or a night out on the town at a Michelin-star restaurant, read on to see how you can do so without having to check a bag.

There are a few steps you can take to successfully pack a suit in your carry-on. First, the way you pack your suit can make all the difference. Instead of just throwing it in the bag, try folding it inside out. To do this, simply pop the shoulders inside out so the lining of the inner suit is on the outside. From there, fold it the way you typically would. This will help prevent wrinkles.

Another option is to roll your suit. This is a common packing method when you need to save space, and it can work just as well for suits as it can for other clothing items. Simply roll your suit as tightly as possible to avoid taking up too much space.

One of the best packing hacks out there is using compression bags. Compression bags act as vacuums that allow travelers to pack big, bulky items while taking up minimal space. This is a great option for packing a suit to save space, but note, the use of compression bags does not prevent wrinkles. If you are to take this route, make sure you have strategies to unwrinkle your suit when you arrive (like using a steamer or an iron). 

If you're still unsure about how to pack your suit and would rather use your minimal suitcase space for other items, there are more options. The easiest thing to do is simply wear your suit on the airplane. Show up looking like a million bucks when you fly! It might not be the most comfortable option, but this is a great way to ensure your suit arrives at your destination wrinkle-free. This trick is especially beneficial if your travel time is not too long.

Another option is to ask if you really need the suit at all and, if so, look into options for renting one at your final destination. The Black Tux is a rental company that can have a suit delivered right to your doorstep. Stitch & Tie is another option for suit rentals. If you have any friends or family in the area where you're traveling to, ask them if they know of a place that can help with suit rentals (or borrow a suit from them, if you are similar sizes).

If you do decide to pack your suit in your carry-on, make sure you'll have access to a steamer or iron when you arrive at your destination. Most hotels offer these, so even if your suit gets a little wrinkly en route, there are still ways to salvage it and make your looks and trip as smooth as ever.