If you frequently travel for business, you’ve probably become an expert at dressing to get through airport security quickly. Packing might be a different matter, though, and a messy suitcase can leave you with wrinkled clothes that look unprofessional. If you don’t want to spend too much time ironing once you arrive, follow the tips below to maximize your suitcase’s space and minimize wrinkles in dress shirts, pants, and coats.

A Guide to Folding Business Clothes

Dress Shirts

To fit a dress shirt neatly in your suitcase, spread it flat on a bed or table, and button the top, middle, and bottom parts. Then flip the shirt over and fold the sleeves back at the seams. Fold the sleeves up to the collar, and then fold the shirt in thirds lengthwise. Lastly, starting from the bottom, fold the shirt up twice in equal portions. Now you have a neat bundle that will only wrinkle along the fold lines.

Slacks

Your pants are much easier to pack than your shirts. Start by folding the pants along the pleat line. Ideally, you want to avoid completely folding them, so if you’re packing a garment bag, hang them at full length.

If you’re working with a tight suitcase, consider rolling your pants instead. They’ll wrinkle a little, but those lines won’t be as set as a fold.

Suit & Sport Coats

Traditionally, a garment bag has been the luggage of choice for suits, but if you’re flying with limited luggage space or just don’t feel like lugging a garment bag, there are ways to pack a suit in a carry-on. Lay the suit flat, turn the right shoulder inside out, and tuck the left shoulder into it. Fold the jacket in half lengthwise, and you have a neat bundle that won’t wrinkle excessively.

If your professional wardrobe needs an update before travel, visit the custom tailors at Hunt Club Clothiers in Cincinnati, OH. They’ll take your measurements, discuss fabric choices, and create a custom suit that fits perfectly. They also sell dress shirts, can help you arrange shoe repair, and can provide alterations and repairs. To learn more about their services, visit their website, and call (513) 721-2004 to schedule a consultation with a tailor.