With global business travel on the rise, UK professionals are frequently heading abroad for work. In fact, around 6.3 million UK residents took international business trips last year.
While these trips present exciting opportunities, they can also come with logistical challenges, including how to transport your best suit for that important meeting – without damage.
To help ensure your business attire remains in top condition throughout your travels, Nicola Barker, Head of Buying at Suit Direct, shares her expert packing tips.
Taking Your Suit on the Plane as Part of Your Carry-On Luggage:
Nicola explains “Your suit should ideally travel with you in a hanging bag. Ensure it is secure by fastening the hanger straps correctly to prevent movement during transit. If you’re placing your suit in a carry-on suitcase, fold the bag gently in half or trifold while keeping it as loose as possible to avoid deep creases. Before traveling, always check your airline’s carry-on luggage policy.”
Nicola explains “Your suit should ideally travel with you in a hanging bag. Ensure it is secure by fastening the hanger straps correctly to prevent movement during transit. If you’re placing your suit in a carry-on suitcase, fold the bag gently in half or trifold while keeping it as loose as possible to avoid deep creases. Before traveling, always check your airline’s carry-on luggage policy.”
Packing Your Suit in Checked Luggage:
“If you’re packing your suit in a suitcase, take extra care with folding techniques. Turn the jacket inside out and pop the shoulders outward before folding in half lengthwise and then again width wise. For trousers, fold one leg over the other near the crotch, then roll them from the waist down to the cuffs to prevent creasing. Shirts should be folded vertically, sleeves tucked in, and then rolled to maximize space.”
“If you’re packing your suit in a suitcase, take extra care with folding techniques. Turn the jacket inside out and pop the shoulders outward before folding in half lengthwise and then again width wise. For trousers, fold one leg over the other near the crotch, then roll them from the waist down to the cuffs to prevent creasing. Shirts should be folded vertically, sleeves tucked in, and then rolled to maximize space.”
Protecting Your Shoes:
“Stuffing your shoes with acid-free tissue paper helps them retain their shape. This is particularly important for leather shoes, which can lose their form in transit. Place shoes in separate dust bags or wrap them in soft materials to avoid scuffing against other packed items.”
“Stuffing your shoes with acid-free tissue paper helps them retain their shape. This is particularly important for leather shoes, which can lose their form in transit. Place shoes in separate dust bags or wrap them in soft materials to avoid scuffing against other packed items.”
Packing Accessories Efficiently:
“For accessories such as cufflinks, watches, and belts, use small pouches or a compartmentalized case to keep them organized. Roll up ties and socks to save space and prevent unnecessary creases.”
“For accessories such as cufflinks, watches, and belts, use small pouches or a compartmentalized case to keep them organized. Roll up ties and socks to save space and prevent unnecessary creases.”
Unpacking and Refreshing Your Attire Upon Arrival:
“Once you reach your destination, unpack your workwear immediately and hang items to allow wrinkles to drop out. Using a steamer is preferable to ironing, as it reduces the risk of fabric damage. If you don’t have a steamer, hang your suit in the bathroom and let the steam from a hot shower work out the creases.
With these expert packing tips, UK professionals can ensure they look sharp and well-presented for any business occasion abroad.”
For more business wear inspiration, explore Suit Direct’s collection here: https://www.suitdirect.co.uk/ occasion/mens-work/suits