Whether you're packing a suitcase for a business trip or need to safely transport your jacket on the way to an event, knowing how to pack it correctly can help keep you stress free.Depending on your needs, a suit jacket can be hung in a garment bag or folded.You can learn how to pack your jacket with a little practice.
Step 1: The back of your suit jacket should be facing upwards.
It's a good idea to use a table or counter in your workspace.The arms and body of the jacket should be straight after you lay it down.Leave the suit jacket unbuttoned.
Step 2: Take the right shoulder out.
Pull the arm back through the jacket to turn the right side of the suit inside out.There is a visible interior of the jacket on the righthand side.To prevent wrinkling, arrange the right arm so that it is flat.
Step 3: Take the left shoulder back and put it into the right shoulder pocket.
Take the left side and put it in the back of the jacket.When you turned the right shoulder inside out, place the left shoulder material inside the pocket.Continue smoothing out the folds of the jacket with your hands.
Step 4: Roll
If you have a suitcase, you can either place the suit jacket on top of the rest of your clothes or fold it in half.The suit jacket could be rolled from the bottom to the top to save space.Rolling may cause more wrinkling than folding the jacket would, but if your hotel has an iron, you should be able to work it out once you've arrived at your destination.
Step 5: The jacket should be hung on a sturdy hanger that won't bend under its weight.
Wooden hangers have more support along the shoulders, which helps prevent your jacket from getting misshaped, as they are most often used for suit jackets.Button the hanger up when you put it in your jacket.If you use hangers that don't extend to the end of the jacket's shoulders, it could cause them to lose their shape and have areas that are stretched out.
Step 6: If you're using a travel bag, use the internal hanger clasp.
There is a built-in hook in most travel garment bags.To secure it in place, simply hook the end of the hanger through the clasp.There isn't a built-in hook if the bag has a hole at the top.
Step 7: If you're using a light garment bag, you need to slip the hanger through the top hole.
Light garment bags are used for travel.There is a hole at the top through which you put the handle of the hanger.Both heavy-duty and light garment bags can be purchased from most department stores.You can buy simple ones that make it easy to travel light, even with a suit jacket, though many have compartments for shoes, belts, and accessories.
Step 8: When you're done, zip up the rest of your bag.
If you're packing shoes, put them in the bottom of the bag so they don't press against your jacket.Taking care to not catch fabric in the zip up bag is important.It's a good idea to hang the bag so that gravity pulls it straight up.
Step 9: The bag should be carried folded over your arm.
The garment bag can be hung from the above-door hooks in the backseat.Carrying the bag over your arm will decrease the amount of material that moves back and forth.If you're going to be flying, fold the garment bag in half and put it in the above-head bins.
Step 10: Place your jacket on the flat surface.
A clean surface includes a table, counter, or bed or floor.Make sure the top of the jacket is fastened and that the back is facing up.Take care of any visible wrinkling.Before folding and packing your suit jacket, take some time to iron it.
Step 11: The right side of the jacket should be folded.
Try to keep the folded line straight.Smooth your hands over the fabric.The middle of the collar should be aligned with the right side.
Step 12: Take the left side of the jacket and put it in the back.
Line the jacket up with the right side that you folded over by placing the left side in the middle of the collar.Make sure the folds are straight and neat.Smoothing the jacket as you go helps prevent wrinkling, and it also prevents you from folding it again.
Step 13: The front of the jacket should be facing up.
If you want the front of the jacket to be visible, bring the bottom half up to the collar and flip the material over.There should be a nice square for the jacket to be in.Carefully tuck or fold the excess side material that is poking out.If there is too much material, you may need to start the folding process over again, paying more attention to your folds.
Step 14: If you need to conserve space, roll the jacket instead of folding it.
Roll the jacket from the bottom to the top if you skip the last step.Do it gently so that the material still has room to breathe.It will help prevent wrinkling.You want the jacket to be able to stay in a roll and not fall open, but not so tight that the fabric gets stretched.
Step 15: It's a good idea to put the jacket in a dry cleaning bag to keep it clean.
Save those plastic bags for use on your suit jackets when you pick up your dry cleaning.Protect your jacket from getting wrinkled by storing it in a plastic bag.This trick can be used to store dress pants and shirts.
Step 16: The jacket can be kept in a drawer, a closet shelf, or a tote.
Keep your jackets with other jackets and dress items.Stuffing too many items into one storage space can ruin the fabric.You should air out your jackets every 6 months.