There are right and wrong ways how to fold a suit jacket for luggage. If you don’t want wrinkled suits and jackets when you reach your destination, then you are in the right place. 

I just hate getting to my meetings or on vacation, and the first thing I have to do is iron. Now don’t get me wrong, I love to iron, you know, that instant gratification thing, but not when I have other things to do. 

Is A Garment A Better Idea?

A garment bag to carry on or one that is check-worthy is a great idea. But if you still want to fold that suit, here are ways to accomplish the job and arrive at your destination with a wrinkle-free jacket. 

There is definitely more than one way to accomplish this task, and all of them may be the right way. But first, is folding a suit jacket the right way, or do you need carry-on luggage for your suit?

Read Next: Best Carry On Luggage For Suits?

How To Fold A Suit Jacket For Luggage Folding Methods

It is helpful to have a video to explain each process, so I have a couple to share with you. 

Folding Method #1 – The Cleaner Bag Method

It is helpful to have a plastic covering for your jacket. A dry-cleaning bag works well because it is thin, flexible, and free. With this in mind, the first method is the most simple to accomplish with only 2 steps. 

1. Put the dry cleaner bag on the jacket (keep it on the hanger)
2. Fold it in half and put it in your suitcase. 

Method #2 – The Inside Out Method

1. Hold the jacket by the center of the collar.
2. Put your hand in the arm hole and push through until the arm (shoulder only) is inside out. Do this on both sides.
3. Fold the jacket back, so the outside shoulder seams are together
4. Lay it on a flat surface and tri-fold it, and put it in your suitcase or carry-on bag

GQ Video Of Cleaning Bag Method And Inside Out Method

 Method #3 – The Lapels Touch Method

1. Put your hands into the arm holes of the suit jacket
2. Bring your hands together toward the back of the coat (this will bring the lapels together.)
3. Match the lapels up with one hand and pull the color up with the other hand
4. Now lay it down and flat fold it in half lengthwise
5. Then fold it in half at the natural crease. 

Video By Irvin Shendow On The Lapels Touche Method

Method #4 – The Rolling Method

The rolling method is an age-old way taught by the Navy for packing clothes. It is a space-saving way as well as cuts down on travel wrinkles.

1. While holding the suit with each hand inside the shoulders, turn the left shoulder inside out. 
2. Move the right shoulder into the left shoulder to form a lengthwise fold.
3. Lay it down on a flat surface and smooth it out with your hands
4. Use a rolled T-shirt or a roll about that size and place it inside the collar area of the jacket.
5. Then using the roll as a guide, begin rolling the suit jacket to the end
6. Place it into your suitcase rolled to prevent major wrinkles. 

Video By John Chow – The Rolling Suit Method

Additionally, in his video, we also get a bonus on how to roll dress pants.

How To Fold A Suit Jacket For Luggage – Conclusion

This concludes our tutorial on folding suit jackets to prevent clothes wrinkles. All the methods are functional and will accomplish your goal, but some are more space-saving than others. Not to mention, you can also apply the same clothing maintenance process for dress shirts. 

Happy travels, my friends.