The Modern Man's Guide to Traveling

Whether you're heading to a board meeting in Chicago or a black-tie affair in Milan, arriving in a wrinkle-free suit isn't luck. Like most good things, all it takes is some time and preparation. In this article, we will teach you how to travel with your suits without ruining them!

Step 1: Prepping with Intention

Not all suits travel equally. Lighter-weight material suits, such as linen, have a harder time holding their shape during travel. They can easily crease on the hanger and have harsh fold lines. A medium- to heavyweight wool is going to be your best friend here. The materials hold their shape well during travel, and they're usually already wrinkle-resistant.

Step 2: The Proper Fold

There is a proper way to fold a suit to keep it as pristine as possible. It's called “The Inside Out Fold.” Turn the jacket inside out along the shoulders so one shoulder pocket nests inside the other. This protects the outer fabric and keeps the shoulder shape intact — exactly where a suit is most vulnerable. For trousers, fold along the crease and lay flat, or drape the legs over one end of the bag and fold back over your other items.

• Pack the jacket last, so it sits on top with the least compression.

• Empty jacket pockets before packing — weight causes sagging and distortion.

Step 3: Problem-Free Packing

Now that we know what to pack and how to pack it, what are we going to pack it in? Not a suitcase! A carry-on garment bag is going to be our golden standard here. Most are slim enough to fit in overhead compartments, and many airlines will hang them in a closet near the front of the cabin — simply ask a flight attendant when you board. It never hurts to ask politely. If you're on a train or in a car, hang the suit on a hook rather than folding it into luggage whenever possible. Minimizing any folding or weight on the suit will work in your favor.

Step 4: Arrival

We have arrived at our destination! This last step is the most important. Once you arrive at your destination, hang your suit immediately. It should be hung on a proper hanger, not a wire hanger. Wire hangers will harshly crease your clothes. While the suit is hanging, any remaining wrinkles in the suit will fall out. The longer they hang, the better.

• Hang trousers upside down by the cuffs overnight — gravity does the pressing.

• For stubborn wrinkles, hang the suit in the bathroom while you run a hot shower. Steam is your best friend; a dry iron is not.