How to Fold a Suit Jacket for Travel

What You’ll Need

Suit jacket (clean and dry)
Packing cube or a clean plastic dry-cleaning bag (optional but helpful)
A flat surface, like a bed or table

Step-by-Step

Prepare the jacket: Button the jacket fully and lay it face down on a flat surface. Smooth out any wrinkles with your hands. If you have a plastic dry-cleaning bag, slip the jacket inside it—this reduces friction and helps prevent creases.
Fold one shoulder in: Take the left shoulder and fold it inward toward the center back, so the sleeve lies diagonally across the back. The shoulder pad should sit flat, not crumpled. Repeat with the right shoulder, overlapping the two folded sides slightly.
Tuck the sleeves: Fold each sleeve back along the side of the jacket so they lie parallel to the body. Tuck the cuffs slightly under the folded shoulder area to keep them from creasing.
Fold in half vertically: Fold the entire jacket in half lengthwise, bringing the bottom hem up to meet the collar. The lining should be on the outside, which helps protect the outer fabric.
Roll or fold for packing: For a compact roll, start at the bottom hem and roll the jacket toward the collar, keeping it tight. For a flat fold, simply fold the jacket in half again horizontally. Place the rolled or folded jacket into a packing cube to keep it compressed.
Pack strategically: Put the jacket on top of other clothes in your suitcase, or in a dedicated compartment. Avoid placing heavy items on top of it.

Common Mistakes

Folding right side out: Folding the jacket with the outer fabric facing out can cause the lapels and shoulders to crease more easily. Always fold inside out.
Ignoring the shoulder pads: If you crumple the shoulder area, it will leave permanent creases. Take care to keep the pads flat and smooth.
Overpacking: Stuffing the suitcase too full puts pressure on the jacket, causing deep wrinkles. Leave some breathing room.
Skipping the plastic bag: The plastic dry-cleaning bag reduces friction, which is a simple way to minimize creases. Skipping it makes wrinkles more likely.

Tips

Use a garment bag: If you have space, a garment bag is the best option. Hang the jacket in the bag and fold it once over the top of your suitcase.
Pack a small steamer: A travel steamer can quickly remove any wrinkles that do appear. If you don’t have one, hanging the jacket in a steamy bathroom can help.
Unpack immediately: As soon as you arrive, hang the jacket up to let it breathe and release any remaining creases.
Practice at home: Try the fold before your trip to get comfortable with the technique and see how it fits in your luggage.

Troubleshooting

If your jacket comes out wrinkled, don’t panic. Hang it in the bathroom while you take a hot shower—the steam will help relax the fabric. For stubborn creases, use a travel steamer or a cool iron with a pressing cloth. If the shoulders are misshapen, stuff the sleeves with socks or a small towel and hang the jacket overnight to help it regain its form.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fold a suit jacket without a packing cube?

Yes, you can fold it directly into your suitcase. Just make sure to place it on top of other items and avoid heavy pressure.

Is rolling better than folding for a suit jacket?

Rolling is more compact and can reduce creases if done tightly, but folding is easier for most people. Both work if you use the inside-out method.

How do I fold a jacket with a vest or waistcoat?

Fold the vest separately and place it inside the jacket before folding, or pack it flat in a different part of your suitcase.

Will the jacket be ruined if it gets wet?

If your jacket gets wet, let it air dry completely before folding. Never fold a damp jacket, as it can develop mildew and permanent wrinkles.

Can I use this method for a blazer or sport coat?

Yes, the same technique works for any structured jacket with shoulder pads.

How long does it take to fold a suit jacket?

Once you practice, it takes about a minute. The first time may take a few minutes to get the hang of it.

Sources: Travel + Leisure. Menus and buttons can differ slightly by version. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.