Packing and storing suits correctly is essential for maintaining their quality and extending their lifespan. Whether you own a dark navy blue suit, a black suit, or a double breasted suit, proper care can make a significant difference. Here’s a detailed guide on how to pack a suit and store it to keep it looking sharp and pristine.
How to Pack and Store Suits Correctly ？
Preparing Your Suit for Packing
Before you start packing your mens suit, ensure it’s clean and pressed. A wrinkled or dirty suit will be more difficult to manage, and wrinkles can set in if not handled properly.
Dry Cleaning: If your suit is not freshly cleaned, take it to a professional dry cleaner. This is especially important for a navy blue suit or any other suit that may be prone to staining.
Pressing: A fresh press will help your suit maintain its shape and minimize wrinkles. Make sure to use a pressing cloth to protect the fabric from direct heat.
Choosing the Right Packing Method
There are a few methods to consider when packing your business suit or casual suit. Each has its benefits depending on the length of storage and travel distance.
Using a Suit Bag
A suit bag is ideal for both travel and storage. Here’s how to pack a suit using a suit bag:
Lay Flat: Start by laying your suit jacket and trousers flat on a clean surface. Ensure that the jacket is unbuttoned and the trousers are neatly folded.
Fold the Jacket: Gently fold the jacket in half along the back seam, making sure not to crease the shoulders. The jacket should be folded so that the sleeves are inside.
Fold the Trousers: Fold the trousers along the creases. If you’re traveling, place them inside a protective layer or pouch to prevent wrinkling.
Place in Suit Bag: Place the jacket and trousers in the suit bag, ensuring they fit comfortably. Avoid overpacking to prevent pressing or stretching the fabric.
Using a Garment Bag
A garment bag provides an extra layer of protection. Follow these steps for how to pack a suit using a garment bag:
Place your suit on a sturdy hanger. Ensure the hanger is wide enough to support the shoulders without causing any deformation.
Slide the suit into the garment bag. Make sure the bag is long enough to cover the suit completely and is not too tight. If possible, use a padded shoulder cover to maintain the suit’s shape.
Storing Your Suit
Proper storage is crucial to keeping your prom suit or suit dress in top condition. Here’s how to store your suit correctly:
Hanging
For everyday storage, hanging your suit is the best option:
Use a Wide Hanger: Choose a hanger that supports the width of the shoulders. A wooden hanger is ideal as it helps retain the shape of the suit.
Avoid Plastic Hangers: Plastic hangers can cause the fabric to lose its shape and may leave indentations.
Allow Breathing Room: Ensure that the suit has enough space in the closet to avoid crushing or wrinkling.
Avoiding Moth Damage
To protect your double-breasted suit from moths, place mothballs or cedar blocks in your closet to deter moths. Cedar blocks also help absorb moisture, which can prevent mildew.
Keep Your Closet Dry: Ensure the closet is well-ventilated and dry. Excess moisture can damage the fabric over time.
Avoiding Direct Light and Heat
Keep your suit away from direct sunlight and heat sources:
Store in a Dark, Cool Place: Sunlight can fade the color of your dark navy blue suit, while heat can cause the fabric to weaken. Store your suit in a cool, dark area of your closet.
Avoid Overheating: Don’t store your suit near heaters or vents. Excessive heat can cause fabric deterioration and shrinkage.
Travel Tips for Suits
When traveling with your business suit or casual suit, you should follow some tips. A travel-specific suit bag offers extra protection and often includes features like a padded shoulder area and additional pockets.
For shorter trips, you might opt for the rolling method. Fold the trousers as mentioned earlier and then gently roll the jacket, placing it inside the travel bag. This method minimizes creases but is less effective for longer trips.
Proper packing and storage of your suits are essential to keep them looking their best. Whether you’re packing for a trip or storing your suit for the season, following these guidelines will ensure your suit remains in top condition. Use the right methods for packing, store your suit in a suitable environment, and maintain it regularly to enjoy its longevity and elegance.
